Model Integration Component for Information Model Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of internal information models with exposed information models in applications is a complex and error-prone manual process, requiring significant programming efforts and lacking a method to migrate legacy data models into network-exposed models, especially for OPC UA-based systems.

Innovation Solution

A computer system with an information model server, application component, and model integration component that uses mapping descriptions to automatically register, map, and synchronize internal and exposed information model elements, enabling bidirectional synchronization and reducing manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If manual integration of internal information models with exposed information models is performed, then developers can implement integration, but the process becomes complex and error-prone requiring significant programming efforts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of integrationVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component that automatically generates integration code between internal information models and exposed information models. This intermediary translates and maps data models automatically, eliminating the need for developers to manually write complex integration code and reducing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the integration framework to automatically perform model mapping and code generation without requiring developers to have deep knowledge of the underlying integration mechanisms. The framework serves itself by managing the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to developers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual synchronization of information model changes is performed, then changes can be transferred, but interruptions in application execution occur and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization reliabilityVSAvoidsynchronization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous synchronization mechanisms that operate without interrupting application execution. Changes in information models are propagated automatically and continuously, ensuring that the internal model remains synchronized with the exposed model without stopping the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring change propagation rules and automatic synchronization mechanisms before runtime. When changes occur, the pre-established mappings and transformation rules are immediately applied, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing synchronization time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If developers use existing tools and SDKs for information model definition, then models can be created, but migration of legacy data models into network-exposed models lacks a concept and requires detailed knowledge of multiple technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel migration capabilityVSAvoidease of model migration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal migration framework that can handle multiple legacy data model formats and convert them to network-exposed models through a unified process. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for developers to learn multiple specialized tools and provides a single interface for migrating various types of legacy models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11422777B2System and methods with reduced complexity in the integration of exposed information models with applications

Publication Date: 2022.08.23 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A computer system for automated model integration of an information model with a corresponding application includes: an information model server for exposing an information model to a consumer, the exposed information model including model-elements for exposing types or classes, and for exposing instances of types or classes and their member-values; an application component for providing application code augmented with mapping descriptions defining how an internal information model of the application is mapped to the exposed information model; and a model integration component that: registers internal information model-elements to be exposed; maps the registered internal information model-elements to exposed information model-elements in accordance with the mapping descriptions; and updates an information model-element by: detecting a change of an internal or exposed information model-element; determining a synchronization direction; and performing match-making to determine a model-element corresponding to the changed model-element by using signatures of the corresponding information model-elements.