Mobile Server for Secure Remote Process Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed process control systems lack the ability for real-time, secure access to process data outside the plant premises, limiting operators' situational awareness and leading to discontinuities during shift changes, which can impact product quality, efficiency, and safety.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables secure, real-time communication of process data from a process control system to remote computing devices via a mobile server, allowing users to select and filter batch data, display real-time values, and receive alarms, using a graphical user interface on mobile devices without direct connection to the plant network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If process data is made accessible outside the plant premises, then operators gain real-time situational awareness, but system security and network protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server positioned between the process control network and external access points. This server receives process data from the control system and makes it available to remote devices without allowing direct network access. The server acts as a secure intermediary that enables information access while maintaining network isolation and security boundaries.
2Ease of operation
If direct network connection is provided to mobile devices, then real-time data access is enabled, but network complexity and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data access function from the core control network by implementing a separate server system. Mobile devices connect to this external server rather than directly to the control network, separating the access infrastructure from the control infrastructure. This reduces network complexity and eliminates security vulnerabilities associated with direct mobile device connections.
3Productivity
If batch data is made available remotely, then operational continuity during shift changes improves, but data transmission complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal server platform that handles multiple functions: data collection from the control system, data storage, data processing, and distribution to various remote devices. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to implementing separate specialized systems for each function, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing batch process data from a process control system of a process plant to a remote computing device includes receiving a request to create a list of batch data to be provided to the remote computing device, presenting a selection interface to facilitate selection of batch data to be provided, and receiving, via the selection interface, a selection of a batch executive from which to provide the batch process data. The method also includes receiving, via the selection interface, one or more filter criteria, applying the filter criteria to data available from the batch executive to determine a set of data to be included on the list of batch data to be provided to the remote computing device, and transmitting to a mobile server an indication of the set of data associated with the list of batch data to be provided to the mobile device.