CPS Topology Reconfiguration for Adaptive Field Unit Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyber-physical systems with dynamically changing topologies face challenges in efficiently adapting their configuration and communication topologies, leading to high implementation efforts, resource wastage, and security risks due to the need for manual configuration and the installation of unnecessary functional modules on all possible field units.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically adapts the configuration of field units and communication topologies in cyber-physical systems by continuously monitoring topology changes, dynamically updating functional modules and communication networks, and optimizing the storage and execution of functional modules based on current system requirements, using a central topology detection unit and management unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration is used to establish communication connections between field units, then data exchange between physically adjacent stations can be achieved, but implementation effort increases significantly and static topology images must be stored for all possible topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic configuration where field units autonomously detect topology changes and establish communication connections without manual intervention. The configuration management unit automatically updates communication topology based on detected physical system changes, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining reliable data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the physical system topology and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust communication configurations. When topology changes are detected, the system automatically updates communication paths and connections, ensuring data exchange reliability adapts to current system state rather than relying on pre-stored static topology images.
2Reliability
If all possible topology configurations are stored in advance, then data exchange problems during topology changes can be prevented, but memory resources are wasted and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing static topology images in advance, the system dynamically detects and adapts to topology changes in real-time. The configuration management unit continuously updates communication configurations based on current physical system state, ensuring reliability without requiring memory storage of all possible topology configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary communication configuration information from detected topology changes rather than storing all possible configurations. By monitoring actual system state and updating communications accordingly, the system maintains data exchange continuity while using minimal memory resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional modules are installed on all field units for all possible applications, then any field unit can handle any application scenario, but resource consumption increases and security risks arise from unnecessary communication channels
Solution Approach 1:
Functional modules are selectively installed and activated on specific field units based on their actual application requirements and detected topology. Rather than universally installing all possible modules on every field unit, the system configures each field unit with only the necessary functionality, reducing resource consumption while maintaining adaptability through targeted module deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses virtualization or software-defined networking approaches where functional capabilities can be dynamically allocated and copied to field units as needed rather than permanently installed. This allows any field unit to handle any application scenario through dynamic module assignment while maintaining low resource consumption when modules are not actively used.
4Ease of manufacture
If static topology images are stored in applications, then communication paths are predetermined, but the system cannot adapt to dynamically changing physical system topologies without significant reconfiguration effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static topology images with dynamic topology detection and adaptation mechanisms. Field units continuously monitor physical system changes and automatically adjust communication configurations in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to changing topologies without manual reconfiguration while maintaining initial configuration simplicity through automated processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for changing the configuration in a so-called cyber-physical system (CPS). Such a system (SPC) comprises at least one physical system (PS) (e.g., power supply network, manufacturing/production plant, building complex, etc.) and a communication network (CN) via which data is exchanged between the units of the physical system (PS) and their associated field units (FD1, FD2, FD3, FD4). The communication network (CN) has a communication topology independent of the topology of the physical system (PS). Functional modules are stored or installed on the field units (FD1, FD2, FD3, FD4) according to their respective functionality (e.g., sensor, measurement, data processing, control, and/or regulation unit), and the communication topology of the communication network (CN) is used by the field units (FD1, FD2, FD3, FD4) for data exchange according to their respective functionality.If a change in the topology of the physical system (PS) is detected during ongoing monitoring (1), the function modules stored on the respective field units (FD1, FD2, FD3, FD4) are adapted to the changed topology of the physical system (PS) based on configuration specifications (2, 4). Furthermore, based on the changed topology of the physical system (PS), the communication topology of the communication network (CN) is reconfigured (3, 5) so that data can be processed and transmitted by the respective field units (FD1, FD2, FD3, FD4) according to the currently adapted function modules stored on the respective field units (FD1, FD2, FD3, FD4).