Embedding Custom Metadata in Industrial Automation Project Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial automation systems face inefficiencies in managing and synchronizing data within project files and external systems, leading to potential version mismatches and increased complexity in data management, particularly when dealing with bulk instantiation and version control of industrial automation components.
Innovation Solution
A design management component that embeds custom metadata and data within project files, allowing for centralized management and synchronization of data, enabling efficient library management, version control, and data exchange, while ensuring secure access and persistence of custom data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is managed externally to project files in conventional industrial automation systems, then data exchange between systems is enabled, but version mismatches and synchronization complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds custom metadata directly within project files, merging previously separate data storage locations into a unified structure. This eliminates the need for external data management systems while maintaining data exchange capabilities through standardized embedded formats, thereby reducing synchronization complexity and version mismatch issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized metadata embedding mechanism that acts as an intermediary between project files and external systems. This mediator enables data exchange while keeping the project file as the authoritative source, eliminating version conflicts that arise from separate external data stores.
2Device complexity
If custom metadata is embedded within project files, then data synchronization is simplified, but data management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments metadata into standardized, discrete elements that can be independently managed within the project file. This segmentation allows for systematic handling of custom data without overwhelming complexity, enabling users to manage specific metadata fields independently while maintaining overall synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal metadata embedding framework that handles multiple data types and purposes through a single standardized mechanism. This multi-functional approach simplifies data management by providing consistent operations for diverse metadata, reducing the need for separate management procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple data sources are managed separately, then data flexibility is maintained, but version control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary embedding of custom metadata within project files during the design phase, establishing a single authoritative data source before deployment. This preliminary action prevents version control issues by ensuring that the project file contains the definitive version of all data, eliminating subsequent synchronization conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized copying mechanisms to embed data from external sources into project files, creating faithful replicas that maintain the original data's integrity while establishing the project file as the master copy. This copying approach preserves data flexibility while ensuring version control reliability through a single source of truth.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed subject matter comprises a design management component that facilitates managing and storing information, including respective customized information of respective entities and/or relating to objects, projects, controllers, or industrial automation systems within a project file or controller. The design management component facilitates enabling custom data, including custom metadata, to be injected by object into a project file or in a controller associated with the project file. The design management component operates with a data management component that can allow respective entities to view, edit, or delete their respective data on objects associated with a project file or controller in accordance with their respective rules. The design management component facilitates desired library management, version management, virtualization of a system for emulation and testing, data exchange between application, and application development and management in relation to controllers, devices, or components, in connection with control of industrial automation systems.