Message Distributor Architecture for Automation Network Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex automation systems face challenges in efficient data communication and processing, leading to increased computing demands on control units, which can impair the automation process and require substantial effort for network management.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an external data infrastructure with a message distributor module to define communication networks, identify and manage communication participants, and facilitate data communication between control units, thereby outsourcing control processes and data analysis to reduce computing loads on control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data communication and processing are handled directly by control units in complex automation systems, then control functionality is maintained, but computing loads increase and impair the automation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts data communication and processing functions from the control units and relocates them to a separate message distributor module in an external data infrastructure. This allows control units to focus on control tasks while the message distributor handles communication overhead, reducing computing loads on control units and preventing impairment of the automation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The message distributor module acts as an intermediary between control units, field devices, and other communication participants. It mediates data exchange, manages communication networks, and handles message routing, thereby reducing the communication burden on control units and improving overall system efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control units communicate directly with each other in complex automation systems, then data exchange is achieved, but network management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The message distributor module provides universal communication services to all control units and field devices. It handles message routing, network management, and data exchange protocols centrally, allowing diverse communication participants to interact through a unified interface. This multi-functional approach simplifies network management while maintaining high adaptability for different communication scenarios.
3Productivity
If control units process all incoming and outgoing data, then data communication is maintained, but control effectiveness decreases due to computing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automation system into distinct functional components: control units responsible for control decisions, a message distributor module for communication management, and field devices for data acquisition and actuation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its core function, with the message distributor handling data processing tasks that would otherwise consume valuable computing capacity in control units, thereby improving control effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods (200) for operating an automation system (100) that has a first control unit (101) and a second control unit (103), and an external data infrastructure (300), that has a message distribution module (301), the methods comprising: defining a first communication network (109) and identifying the first control unit (101) and the second control unit (103) as being first communication subscribers (111) of the first communication network (109) by means of the message distribution module (301) in a first identification step (201); transmitting a first network message by means of the first control unit (101) to the message distribution module (301) of the external data infrastructure (300) in a first transmission step (203); identifying, by means of the message distribution module (301), the second control unit (103) of the first communication network (109) as being the first communication subscriber (111) addressed by the first control unit (101) in a second identification step (205); forwarding the first network message, transmitted by the first control unit (101), to the second control unit (103) by means of the message distribution module (301) in a forwarding step; and receiving the forwarded first network message by means of the second control unit (103) in a receiving step (209). The invention further relates to a data infrastructure (300).