OPC UA Server Configuration Module for Cloud Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no straightforward method for users to access granular cloud data via an OPC UA system, limiting the ability to retrieve and utilize structured information from cloud-capable databases.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an OPC UA client and server with a configuration module that creates and loads user-specific information models, interacts with a database API to query and convert data into OPC UA-compliant structural data for transmission to the client, ensuring user-defined access and standardization of information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cloud-enabled databases are used to store industrial plant data, then data storage capacity and accessibility are improved, but the ability to access granular data through standardized protocols like OPC UA deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the cloud database and OPC UA clients that enables standardized access. This intermediary translates generic database queries into OPC UA-compliant information models, allowing cloud-stored data to be accessed through standard industrial protocols without requiring protocol-specific modifications at the database level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the data access architecture into distinct layers: the cloud database layer for bulk storage, an intermediary translation layer for protocol conversion, and the OPC UA client layer for standardized access. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with optimized functions, maintaining data accessibility while enabling granular access through standard protocols.
2Measurement precision
If user-specific information models are created for each user, then data access precision and relevance are improved, but system complexity and configuration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic information models that can be configured and adapted at runtime based on user needs. Rather than requiring static pre-configuration for each user, the system allows information models to be dynamically created, modified, and loaded, enabling precise data access while reducing configuration overhead through on-demand model generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to self-configure their information models without requiring complex system administrator intervention. Users can define their own data access requirements and have information models automatically generated or selected based on their needs, reducing the burden of system configuration while maintaining high data access precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data is converted into OPC UA-compliant structural data, then data standardization and interoperability are improved, but data processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary conversion of cloud database schemas into OPC UA information model templates during system setup or data ingestion phases. This preliminary action prepares the data structure in advance, so that when OPC UA clients request data, the conversion to compliant structural data requires minimal additional processing time, as the framework and mappings are already established.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention comprises a method for obtaining user-specific information, comprising: - creating and loading a user-specific information model (IM) onto the OPC UA server (SE) using the configuration module (KM), wherein the user-specific information model (IM) defines at least one piece of information or a plurality of pieces of information to be queried from the database (DB); - querying the information defined in the user-specific information model (IM) from the database (DB) using the application programming interface (API) and transferring the information from the application programming interface (API) to the OPC UA server (SE); - converting the queried information into OPC UA-compliant structured data;and - transmitting the structural data from the OPC UA server (SE) to the OPC UA client (CL), whereby, during the creation of the user-specific information module (IM), the availability of at least one of the information items (IN) to be queried on the database (DB) is checked by means of a request telegram sent to the database (DB) via the application programming interface (API).