Industrial Automation IoT Configuration via Cloud Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems are complex and prone to logical errors due to human programming mistakes, leading to delays and potential fatal consequences, and there is a need for remote access to these systems for monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer program that configure industrial automation systems for internet-of-things accessibility by enabling communication between devices and user terminal devices through a cloud service provider, allowing remote monitoring and control via a user-friendly interface, using functional, cloud, and user terminal objects within a configuration program.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extensive PLC programming is used to control complex industrial automation systems, then the system functionality and control capability are improved, but the risk of logical errors and human mistakes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical function block diagrams as visual copies or representations of the PLC control logic. Instead of working directly with complex text-based ladder diagrams or structured text, the system creates graphical representations that are easier to understand and less prone to errors. These graphical blocks serve as intermediaries between the control engineer's intent and the actual PLC programming, reducing the risk of logical mistakes while maintaining full system functionality.
2Productivity
If more devices and automation technologies are added to increase automation level, then the production efficiency and product quality are improved, but the system complexity and difficulty of configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex industrial automation system into modular functional blocks that can be independently configured and managed. Each device or control function is represented as a separate graphical block with defined inputs and outputs. This segmentation allows engineers to configure complex systems by assembling pre-defined functional blocks rather than programming entire systems from scratch, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining high automation levels and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical function block diagram approach provides a universal configuration method that can be applied across different device types and automation technologies. The same graphical interface and block-based configuration paradigm works for various PLCs, sensors, actuators, and control devices, creating a multi-functional configuration system that reduces the learning curve and configuration complexity despite the diversity of devices in the automated system.
3Ease of operation
If traditional PLC programming methods are used, then the control logic can be implemented, but remote access and monitoring capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based intermediary platform that connects the local industrial automation system with remote user terminals. The graphical function block diagrams and system configuration data serve as intermediaries that can be exported, shared, and accessed remotely through web browsers or mobile devices. This intermediary layer enables remote monitoring and configuration capabilities without requiring direct physical access to the PLC or control devices, thereby improving ease of operation and preventing loss of system information accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (400) for configuring an industrial automation system (1) for internet-of-things accessibility involves a computing device (101) which a) receives (410) a first user input indicative of a functional object (70) representing one or more low-level devices (10) and/or automation devices (20) and/or supervising and production control devices (30). The computing device (101) also b) receives (420) a second user input indicative of a cloud object (72) representing a cloud service provider (3) being external to the industrial automation system (1). The computing device (101) further c) receives (430) a third user input indicative of a user terminal object (74) representing a user terminal device (4) being external to the industrial automation system (1). The computing device (101) then d) causes (440) the cloud service provider (3) to enable communication between the user terminal device (4) and at least one (2) of the devices (10, 20, 30) in the industrial automation system (1) as represented by the functional object (70) via the cloud service provider (3).