Object-Oriented Framework for Legacy Automation Porting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy process automation systems present challenges in modernization due to disparate obsolescence rates of subsystems, lack of uniform integration paths with modern enterprise systems, and high costs associated with upgrades, leading to inefficient and costly ad-hoc replacements.
Innovation Solution
An object-oriented framework that determines configuration information for target automation subsystems by using extensible interfaces to translate legacy system requirements into parameters for configuration, enabling seamless integration and incremental updates while minimizing engineering costs and downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy automation systems are modernized piece by piece, then system integration benefits are improved, but engineering costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal translation framework that can handle multiple legacy automation systems and translate them to various target systems through a common intermediate representation. This framework provides multi-functionality by supporting different source systems (e.g., control systems, batch systems, operator interfaces) and different target systems through standardized translation processes, thereby achieving system integration benefits while managing engineering complexity through reuse of common translation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation framework that acts as a mediator between legacy automation systems and modern target systems. This framework includes translation services that convert legacy system representations into target system configurations, enabling incremental modernization without direct point-to-point integration between diverse systems, thus reducing engineering complexity while maintaining integration benefits.
2Reliability
If more of the legacy system is replaced, then system reliability is improved, but downtime and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by enabling translation and integration of specific subsystems or modules from legacy systems independently. This allows organizations to modernize individual components (e.g., replacing only the operator interface or batch management system) rather than requiring complete system replacement, thereby improving reliability incrementally while minimizing downtime and expense through phased implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables partial action by allowing translation of only the necessary portions of legacy systems that require modernization. Organizations can selectively translate and integrate specific subsystems based on their priorities and resource constraints, replacing just enough of the legacy system to achieve desired reliability improvements without incurring the costs and downtime associated with complete system replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc replacement tools are used, then specific integration needs are met, but lack of uniform integration path increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal translation framework that provides a uniform integration path for diverse legacy systems. This framework includes standardized translation services and a common intermediate representation that can handle various source systems and target systems, eliminating the need for multiple ad-hoc integration tools while maintaining the ability to meet specific integration needs through configuration rather than custom development.
Data Source
AI summary
An extensible, object-oriented framework describes various generic elements of legacy automation systems. That framework is used as a basis for porting one or more of those elements to another (“target”) automation system. Objects in the framework, known as “extensions,” adapt information from the legacy system to a corresponding, generic representation. Compilers express those representations in the target system. The framework thus translates the “old” automation configuration for use in a “new” automation system. The scheme can be extended to accommodate arbitrary control systems (i.e., other manufacturers and product lines), new sub-domains within the automation domain (e.g. operator interfaces, batch control etc.) and new target systems without altering the core framework.