Network Edge Data Translation for Remote Asset Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil and gas production assets often lack reliable data retrieval and control due to remote locations and insufficient network infrastructure, making it challenging to monitor and manage operational assets effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular network edge device is introduced to provide local intelligence and facilitate communication between operational assets and backend networks, using asset templates to configure protocols and formats, enabling autonomous real-time control and data processing while minimizing network latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If operational assets are deployed in remote locations, then coverage area is expanded, but network infrastructure becomes insufficient and data retrieval becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network edge device as an intermediary component deployed at remote locations between operational assets and backend networks. This edge device performs local data processing, caching, and protocol translation, enabling reliable data retrieval from operational assets in remote areas without requiring continuous robust network infrastructure. The edge device mediates communication by buffering data locally and transmitting it when network connectivity is available.
2Ease of manufacture
If network infrastructure is limited in remote areas, then deployment cost is reduced, but control and monitoring capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control architecture into distributed edge computing nodes. Each network edge device operates autonomously at the edge, performing local data processing, analysis, and control decisions. This segmentation allows the system to function with minimal network infrastructure while maintaining full control and monitoring capabilities locally, reducing deployment costs in remote areas without sacrificing operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network edge device performs preliminary data processing, filtering, and analysis locally before transmission to backend networks. By pre-processing data at the edge, the system reduces the amount of data requiring network transmission and enables immediate local control actions without waiting for backend network responses, maintaining operational capability despite limited network infrastructure.
3Extent of automation
If data processing is performed at backend network, then centralization is achieved, but network latency increases and real-time control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the data processing architecture by distributing processing capabilities from a single centralized backend to multiple edge locations closer to operational assets. This dimensional change enables parallel processing at the edge, reducing the physical distance data must travel and minimizing network latency while maintaining automated control capabilities.
4Device complexity
If operational assets have no local intelligence, then device complexity is reduced, but autonomy and real-time decision-making capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network edge device serves as an intermediary that provides intelligence and autonomous decision-making capabilities without requiring modification of existing operational assets. The edge device locally processes data from simple operational assets, performs analysis, and executes control decisions autonomously, enabling real-time responses while keeping the operational assets themselves simple and unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for communicating between an operational asset and a backend network that include the actions of receiving first data from an operational asset through a first communication interface that is configured to communicate with an operational asset, and where the first data is formatted according to a first data format that is specific to the operational asset. Processing the first data according to an asset template to generate second data, where the second data includes the first data and being formatted according to a second data format that is specific to the backend network. Causing the second data to be transmitted to the backend network by a second communication interface that is configured to communicate with a backend network.