Layered Map Presentation for Industrial Data Search
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently searching and managing diverse data sources across multiple platforms, leading to delays in maintenance and operational issues due to the segregation of information and the need for physical proximity to access data sources.
Innovation Solution
A multi-platform industrial search system that unifies plant-wide control system information under a common namespace, using a federated data model to index and search data from various sources, presenting results in a layered map presentation, allowing users to navigate through hierarchical views and launch relevant applications remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is segregated across multiple platforms and physical access is required, then data source reliability is maintained, but accessibility and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web server as an intermediary that receives search requests from client devices, queries the search index database containing federated industrial data, and delivers results back to clients. This mediator enables remote access to segregated data sources without requiring physical proximity, while the web server manages the complexity of integrating multiple data platforms through a standardized HTTP interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the industrial data environment through a search index database that mirrors the structure and content of the federated data sources. This indexed copy allows users to search and access data remotely without physically accessing the original segregated data sources, maintaining data reliability while improving accessibility
2Loss of time
If physical access to data sources is required, then data security is maintained, but maintenance time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The web server acts as a secure intermediary that handles all data access requests through standardized web protocols. This eliminates the need for physical access to data sources while maintaining security through controlled remote access, thereby reducing maintenance time without compromising data security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical access to data sources with an electronic/web-based access system. Users can remotely query and access industrial data through web browsers without physically traveling to or accessing the original data sources, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining security through controlled remote access
3Productivity
If diverse data sources are integrated under a common namespace, then information retrieval efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of integrating diverse data sources into manageable components: a search index database that organizes data by common namespaces, a web server that handles access requests, and client devices that interact with the system. This segmentation allows efficient information retrieval through standardized queries while distributing system complexity across separate, specialized components
4Productivity
If remote access to industrial data is enabled, then operational efficiency is improved, but system security requirements become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The web server provides universal access to diverse industrial data sources through a single, standardized interface that works across different platforms and data types. This multi-functional approach enables remote access to all federated data sources through one system, improving operational efficiency while consolidating security management into a single access control point rather than requiring separate security mechanisms for each data source
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-platform industrial search system facilitates indexing and searching of plant-wide data residing on multiple different data platforms. The industrial search system automatically inventories industrial devices and other data sources located throughout a plant, and identifies available data items on each data source. The search system indexes the discovered data items in a federated data model that can subsequently be searched to locate data items or tags of interest. The federated data model records references to data items found on different types of data sources, including but not limited to industrial controller programs, human-machine interface applications, data historians, device documentation stores, inventory tracking systems, and other such data sources. The search system can present search results as a layered map presentation that graphically depicts the search results on multiple view-specific layers that can be viewed individually or combined into composite layered presentations.