Engineering Database Access via Decoupled Order Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process automation systems face challenges in allowing access to engineering data using diverse operating devices and adapting process flows for search or processing requests during productive operation, especially with constant system adjustments and heterogeneous user groups accessing system data.
Innovation Solution
A method where components of the industrial process automation system are represented as computer-based objects in an engineering database, managed within a hierarchical structure, with services provided via a uniform service interface through a gateway, allowing client-specific access and decoupling the engineering and order databases to adapt process flows without direct access to productive data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If engineering data is accessed using diverse operating devices, then accessibility and versatility are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal service interface that enables diverse operating devices (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, desktops) to access engineering data through a common protocol. The server system provides platform-independent access by translating device-specific requests into standardized data operations, allowing one system to serve multiple device types without requiring separate access paths for each device category.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary between diverse operating devices and the engineering database. It receives requests from various devices, processes them through a unified service interface, and returns results without exposing the underlying database complexity. This mediator layer shields clients from system complexity while maintaining broad accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If process flows are adapted for search or processing requests during productive operation, then operational flexibility is improved, but data integrity risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the engineering database (storing productive data) from the order database (storing process flow definitions). This segmentation allows process flows to be adapted and modified in the order database without directly accessing or risking the integrity of the engineering database. The two databases interact through controlled interfaces, isolating modification risks.
Solution Approach 2:
Process flows are defined and validated in advance through the order database before executing operations on engineering data. The system prepares search and processing requests by matching them against pre-defined process flow templates, ensuring that data operations follow validated patterns before actual modification occurs.
3Productivity
If multiple users process data in parallel, then productivity is improved, but conflict management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic conflict detection and resolution mechanisms that operate without manual intervention. When multiple users modify the same engineering objects, the server automatically detects conflicts, coordinates between users, and manages version control. This self-service approach to conflict management reduces the perceived complexity for users while enabling parallel processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an engineering system for an industrial process automation system, components of the industrial process automation system are each represented by a computer-based object within the engineering system and are persistently stored in an engineering database (152). Functions of the engineering system are made available as services (131-133) via a standard service interface (130). Process sequences and states for retrieving or processing objects stored in the engineering database (152) are stored in an order database (151) which is separate from the engineering database (152). Access to process sequences and states which are stored in the order database (151) takes place via an order interface (120) which is separate from the standard service interface (130).