Edge Node Application Alignment for Stable Process Control Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems face challenges in efficiently updating and integrating new software without jeopardizing system stability, as new functions must adhere to the same technology as the underlying system and have a tightly coupled lifecycle, leading to customer reluctance to upgrade.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an edge node application investigator with an information model to compare and align applications with application objects, allowing for updating and changing applications to match the information model, including patching or replacing software modules, while maintaining system stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new software is installed and integrated into the process control system, then new functions are added to the system, but the stability of the control system is jeopardized due to tight coupling with the core control system lifecycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the process control system into a core control system and separate edge nodes that can run applications independently. This segmentation allows new software to be added at the edge node level without affecting the stability of the core control system, as each edge node operates as an isolated unit that can be updated or replaced without jeopardizing overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the core control system and applications, using edge nodes as mediators. These edge nodes act as isolated environments that host applications, allowing software updates and function additions at the edge level without direct impact on the core control system, thus maintaining stability while enabling adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lifecycle of new functions is tightly coupled with the core control system, then integration is simplified, but customer willingness to upgrade is reduced due to the risk of jeopardizing control stability
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into core control components and independent edge nodes, the patent enables independent lifecycle management. Applications can be developed, updated, and replaced at the edge node level without requiring changes to the core control system, giving customers flexibility to upgrade software functions without jeopardizing control stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic architecture where edge nodes can be independently updated, added, or removed without affecting the core control system. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing requirements and enable customers to upgrade software functions flexibly while maintaining control stability through the isolated edge node design.
3Reliability
If applications are updated to comply with the same software technology as the underlying system, then compatibility is maintained, but the complexity of updating and integrating new software increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses edge nodes as intermediary platforms that provide a standardized interface between applications and the core control system. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of technology compliance, allowing applications to be developed with modern technologies while the edge node ensures compatibility with the core control system, thus reducing update and integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform at the edge node level that can host various applications with different technologies. The edge node provides standardized communication and integration capabilities, allowing diverse applications to be updated and integrated without requiring each application to comply with specific underlying system technologies, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, edge node application investigator, computer program and computer program product for for updating an edge node of a process control system using an information model for the edge node, where the information model representing the edge node as an object to which one or more application objects are linked, which application objects represent applications that are provided for being run by the edge node as well as to a process control system including such an edge node application investigator. The edge node application investigator compares applications of the edge node with the application objects in the information model and changes the applications of the edge node, if there is a deviation between the applications of the edge node and the application objects of the information model, so that the applications of the edge node correspond to the application objects of the information model.