Gateway Device for Remote PLC Management via Cloud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current management systems for Factory Automation (FA) and Process Automation (PA) cannot manage individual Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) unitarily via cloud computing, limiting remote management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A management system comprising a gateway device connected to a controller and a server device that receives management execution requests, generates designation information, and establishes a session with the controller to execute management processes remotely, enabling remote management of PLCs through a mobile terminal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control program creating software is used to convert 1-to-1 connection into Ethernet connection, then Ethernet connection is achieved, but individual PLCs cannot be managed unitarily by cloud computing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the PLC and the cloud computing system. This gateway device enables Ethernet connection for remote management while maintaining the ability to manage multiple PLCs unitarily through cloud computing services. The gateway acts as a mediator that bridges the local control system and the remote cloud environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal management architecture where the cloud computing system can access and manage multiple different types of PLCs through standardized interfaces. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including monitoring, control program creation, and unified management of distributed PLCs across different locations.
2Ease of operation
If control system is managed on site with control terminal, then direct control is maintained, but remote management capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the management dimension from local on-site control to remote cloud-based control. By implementing Ethernet connection and cloud computing integration, the system enables management operations to be performed from distant locations, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the control architecture while maintaining real-time responsiveness through networked communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway transmits a communication switch request to a communication control unit by HTTP communication. The communication switch request serves to switch connection with a data center from HTTP communication to WebSocket communication. The communication control unit, when the communication switch request is received from the gateway, switches communication with the gateway device to WebSocket communication. A mobile terminal transmits a management execution request requesting execution of a management process of a PLC, to the data center. The communication control unit transmits a session establishing request requesting establishment of a session with the PLC, to the gateway by WebSocket communication based on the received management execution request.