Distributed Execution System Nodes for Automation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation and control systems face scalability issues and complexity in highly distributed environments due to latency in communication between central control devices and remote devices, requiring frequent modifications in software programs to accommodate changes in device numbers, locations, and network connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Distributed Execution System (DES) where program instructions are stored and distributed electronically, allowing each DES node to operate in discovery and execution modes to identify and execute semantic statements relevant to its associated devices, enabling dynamic adaptation to changes in device configurations without modifying the software code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single head of control is used to manage all automation devices, then centralized control decisions can be made, but communication latency increases and scalability deteriorates in highly distributed environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monolithic head of control into multiple distributed DES nodes, each responsible for a specific subset of automation devices. This segmentation reduces communication latency by enabling local decision-making at each node while maintaining centralized coordination for overall system control, thus resolving the contradiction between centralized reliability and distributed speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the control architecture, organizing DES nodes into multiple levels (head DES node, intermediate DES nodes, and local DES nodes). This dimensional organization allows control decisions to be made at the appropriate level, reducing latency for local devices while maintaining centralized oversight for system-wide coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the software program is modified to accommodate changes in device numbers, locations, and network connections, then system adaptability improves, but system complexity and modification frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic configuration where DES nodes automatically detect and adapt to changes in device topology, network connections, and device locations without requiring manual software modification. The discovery mode enables nodes to dynamically identify applicable semantic statements and adjust their behavior based on current system state, reducing software complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Each DES node performs self-configuration and self-adaptation by automatically evaluating program instructions in discovery mode to identify applicable semantic statements for its associated devices. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual software modifications when devices are added, removed, or relocated, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If program instructions are distributed to multiple DES nodes, then system scalability improves, but code distribution and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal code distribution mechanism where a single program instruction set is distributed to all DES nodes in standardized format. Each node universally evaluates the same program instructions locally to identify applicable semantic statements, eliminating the need for custom code modifications at each node and simplifying code distribution management while enabling scalable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses semantic code copying where the same program instructions are copied and distributed to multiple DES nodes in read-only format. Each node independently evaluates the copied code against its local device context to determine applicable semantic statements, enabling scalable deployment without increasing code management complexity since the source code remains unchanged and centrally maintained.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for distributing and executing software code. In some embodiments, a method may include storing program instructions configured to invoke interactions with one or more of a plurality of automation devices, the plurality of automation devices divided into sets of one or more automation devices, each set of one or more automation devices associated with a respective Distributed Execution System (DES) node. The method may also include distributing the program instructions to each DES node, each DES node configured to operate in a discovery mode to evaluate the program instructions and identify one or more semantic statements that are applicable to its associated set of one or more automation devices, each DES node configured to operate in an execution mode subsequently to the discovery mode to execute the identified one or more semantic statements with respect to that DES node's associated set of one or more automation devices.