On-Site Field Data Processing for Real-Time SCADA Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial SCADA systems, field data processing is delayed due to the need for long-distance transmission from field apparatuses to central servers, leading to untimely processing and potential security risks from unauthorized data access.

Innovation Solution

A field data processing apparatus is deployed on the industrial site to receive, process, and output field data locally, with configuration and authentication mechanisms to ensure secure and timely processing, including sending permission requests to a central server and converting data protocols for efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If field data is transmitted from field apparatus to central server for processing, then centralized control and monitoring are achieved, but data processing is delayed and real-time responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing timeVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized data processing function into distributed processing nodes deployed at different locations (field apparatus, edge servers, central server). Each node processes data locally when possible, segmenting the monolithic centralized processing architecture into hierarchical distributed processing units that operate autonomously at appropriate levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a spatial dimension to data processing by deploying processing capabilities across multiple physical locations and network layers (field level, edge level, cloud level). This transforms the traditional single-dimension centralized processing model into a multi-dimensional distributed processing architecture that adds geographical and hierarchical dimensions to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If field data processing apparatus is deployed on industrial site, then real-time data processing is achieved, but system complexity and authentication requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal authentication and configuration framework that serves multiple processing nodes across different locations and levels. The server provides centralized authentication, configuration distribution, and permission management that works uniformly for all field data processing apparatus, whether at field level, edge level, or cloud level, eliminating the need for separate authentication systems at each node.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a central server as an intermediary that mediates between field apparatus and distributed processing nodes. This intermediary handles authentication, configuration distribution, and coordination, allowing processing nodes to operate autonomously while maintaining system-wide coherence through the mediating server's centralized control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If field data processing apparatus acquires data directly from field apparatus, then data acquisition speed improves, but security risks from unauthorized access increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata acquisition speedVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary authentication and permission verification before data acquisition occurs. The field data processing apparatus must obtain authentication tokens and access permissions from the central server before it can acquire data from field apparatus. This preliminary security check ensures that only authorized processing nodes can access field data, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining fast data acquisition speeds for authenticated nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3570128B1Field data processing method, apparatus, and system
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3570128B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3570128B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3570128B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of industrial data processing, and in particular relates to a field data processing method, apparatus and system, which are used to realize the timely processing of field data. In the embodiments of the present invention, a field data processing apparatus located on an industrial site of an industrial system receives field data from at least a field apparatus on said industrial site, processes the received field data and provides the processing result of the field data. In this way, untimely processing of field data can be avoided.