Field Device Transformation Functions for Semantic Data Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coexistence of varying information models and communication protocols in industrial systems leads to semantic incompatibility, hindering seamless communication and data exchange, and introduces security risks, with existing manual gateway solutions incurring additional costs and delays.
Innovation Solution
An automated transformation method where field devices receive support from edge or cloud entities to execute transformation functions in-situ, enabling seamless data exchange by determining and executing transformation functions locally, reducing dependency on hardware capabilities and resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual gateway devices are used to translate and forward data information, then semantic incompatibility between different information models can be addressed, but additional communication costs and delays are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the transformation logic from centralized gateway devices and embeds it directly into field devices through downloadable transformation functions. This eliminates the need for data to traverse through gateway devices, thereby removing communication delays while maintaining semantic compatibility between different information models
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transformation function as an intermediary software component that mediates between different information models. This transformation function is downloaded to field devices and executed locally to perform data transformation, replacing the physical gateway device intermediary with a software-based solution that incurs no communication overhead
2Adaptability or versatility
If gateway devices are used for data translation, then data exchange between different protocols is enabled, but system complexity and hardware resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates software copies of transformation functions that can be downloaded and executed on field devices. Instead of requiring complex hardware gateways, the system replicates transformation capabilities across multiple field devices through software distribution, significantly reducing system complexity and hardware requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal transformation functions that can handle multiple information models and protocols through a single software component. These multi-functional transformation functions replace the need for multiple specialized gateway devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining broad protocol compatibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If transformation functions are executed remotely via edge or cloud devices, then field devices with limited resources can achieve data transformation, but dependency on external entities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by downloading transformation functions to field devices in advance. The transformation functions are prepared and transferred to field devices before actual data transformation is needed, enabling autonomous execution without real-time external dependency while maintaining the ability to update transformation capabilities as needed
4Adaptability or versatility
If new information models are introduced to existing systems, then system capability is enhanced, but backwards incompatibility is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through downloadable transformation functions that can be updated and installed on field devices as needed. When new information models are introduced, corresponding transformation functions are made available for download, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to new models while maintaining compatibility with existing devices through optional updates rather than mandatory changes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method (100) for an automated transformation of data information (10) for at least a field device (50), comprising: - receiving (102), by the field device (50), the data information (10) sent by an entity device (52); - sending (106), by the at least one field device (50), a transformation request (15) containing at least the received data information (10) to a transformation device (70), - determining (108), by the transformation device (70), a corresponding transformation function (20) based on the received data information (10), wherein the transformation function (20) is able to transform the received data information (10) from a first information format (12) into a target and second information format (14) that can be processed by the requesting and at least one field device (50); - providing (110), by the transformation device (70), the determined transformation function (20) to the requesting and at least one field device (50); - executing (112), by the at least one field device (50), the received transformation function (20) to transform the received data information (10) into the second information format (14) that can be processed by the at least one field device (50 ).