Edge Node Digital Object Updates Without Core System Instability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial process control systems, updating digital objects with new functions is challenging due to the need for compatibility with the underlying software technology, which can jeopardize system stability and leads to customer reluctance in upgrading or installing new software.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow digital objects to be updated by obtaining a copy of an original object from a process control server, converting it into a second data format accessible externally, giving applications access to the modified object, and receiving updates, including new data models, while maintaining the stability of the core control system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new software functions are installed in the core process control system, then system functionality is improved, but system stability deteriorates due to compatibility issues and potential flaws

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the process control system into two separate segments: a core process control system that maintains stability and an edge node that enables flexible updates. The digital object is also segmented into a first instance in the core system and a second instance in the edge node, allowing independent evolution of each segment without compromising overall system stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge node acts as an intermediary between external applications and the core process control system. It receives updates from applications, converts them to the appropriate format, and applies them to the digital object instance in the edge node, thereby mediating between new functionality requirements and core system stability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the core process control system is kept in a closed environment, then system stability is maintained, but adaptability to new functions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidability to integrate new functions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the system architecture by adding a new dimension - the edge node operating in parallel to the core system. This allows the core system to remain closed and stable while the edge node provides an open interface for new functions, effectively solving the contradiction by operating in another architectural dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A copy of the digital object is created and maintained in the edge node, which is based on the original digital object from the core system. This copy can be freely updated with new functions and data models without affecting the original object in the closed core system, thereby enabling adaptability while preserving stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If digital objects are updated with new data models from external applications, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of compromising core system stability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedigital object flexibilityVSAvoidcore system stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the digital object instance from the core process control system and places it in the edge node for updating. External applications can add new data models to this extracted instance without directly modifying the core system, thereby taking out the potential source of instability from the core system while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The edge node serves as a cushioning layer that absorbs and isolates potential stability risks from external updates. By preprocessing updates in the edge node and only applying them to the copied digital object instance, the system creates a protective buffer that prevents direct transmission of potential instability to the core system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12197177B2Updating a digital object representing a real-world object

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A method, computer program and computer program product for allowing update of digital objects as well as to an edge node and process control system including an edge node. The edge node obtains a copy of an original digital object from a process control server, the original object having a number of aspects and being provided according to a first process control data format, provides the copy as a modified object in a second data format that is open for applications external to the process control system, in which second data format the modified object compromises a number of data models receive an update of the modified object from the application, where the update includes a new data model.