OT Workflow Conversion for IT-Based Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in allowing easy data collection and process control in the Operational Technology (OT) domain using IT devices, as existing low-code development tools are often geared towards IoT scenarios and are difficult for OT engineers and junior IT engineers to understand.
Innovation Solution
A device control method and platform that enables the generation of micro-services from OT domain low-code development tools, allowing parameter configuration through IT domain code development platforms, thereby creating a second workflow that controls OT devices connected to working units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing low-code development tools are used for OT domain, then development efficiency is improved, but the tools are difficult for OT engineers and junior IT engineers to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a workflow conversion mechanism that acts as an intermediary between IT domain low-code tools and OT domain requirements. The system converts IT-domain workflows into OT-domain executable workflows through parameter mapping and device binding, enabling OT engineers to use familiar IT tools while achieving OT domain control objectives without directly understanding complex OT protocols
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring OT engineers to learn IT low-code tool paradigms, the patent inverts the approach by making IT tools adapt to OT domain semantics. The conversion mechanism translates IT workflow concepts into OT domain operations, reversing the traditional learning curve direction and allowing IT engineers to control OT devices using their existing skills
2Ease of operation
If IT low code development tools are used for OT domain, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to OT domain scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically mapping IT domain parameters to OT domain parameters through configurable parameter mappings. The system allows parameter value transformations, type conversions, and semantic alignments between different domains, enabling IT low-code tools to adapt to diverse OT scenarios without sacrificing ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow conversion mechanism provides universal adaptability by supporting multiple OT device types and protocols through a unified conversion framework. The system can handle different working units, device categories, and communication protocols while maintaining a consistent IT-domain operation interface, achieving multi-functionality without complicating the user experience
3Manufacturing precision
If direct OT domain programming is used, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex OT domain programming requirements from the user's direct interaction and encapsulates them within the workflow conversion mechanism. The system separates high-level IT domain workflow definitions from low-level OT device control details, allowing users to achieve precise OT control without directly programming complex OT protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an abstracted copy of the OT domain workflow in IT domain terms. Instead of directly programming OT devices with complex protocols, the patent generates IT-domain workflow representations that are then converted into executable OT commands, maintaining control precision while reducing programming complexity through the copying and transformation process
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a device control method. An example includes: receiving a first workflow generated by an OT domain low code development tool; generating a micro-service corresponding to the first workflow used for defining an operation to be performed by one working unit in the OT domain; receiving a parameter value of the micro-service configured by an IT domain code development platform; and generating a second workflow based at least in part on the parameter value of the micro-service configured by the IT domain code development platform, so each OT device connected to the working unit performs an operation according to the second workflow.