OT Workflow Translation Into Function Blocks for Workcell Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enterprises face challenges in collecting data from and controlling Operational Technology (OT) domain processes in a user-friendly manner, as existing low-code development tools are often geared towards IT engineers and are not well-suited for the OT domain.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves generating a workflow in the OT domain using a common information model, converting it into a function block program in a domain-specific language, and deploying it to the runtime of a main controller for execution, allowing direct control of OT devices without requiring additional software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing low-code development tools are used, then IT engineers can efficiently develop applications, but OT engineers and junior IT engineers find it difficult to understand and use the tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts high-level workflow definitions into low-level function block programs. This mediator (the conversion mechanism) allows OT engineers to work with intuitive workflows while the system automatically handles the complex function block generation, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the development process into two distinct layers: a high-level workflow definition layer for OT engineers and a low-level function block implementation layer. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with appropriate complexity levels, making the tool accessible to OT engineers while maintaining robust implementation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If domain-specific low-code tools for IT are used, then IT domain development is efficient, but they are not well suited for the OT domain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal development platform that serves both IT and OT domains through a common information model. The system can handle diverse OT devices and protocols while maintaining a unified workflow definition approach, enabling the same tool to be effective across different domains without sacrificing development efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the common information model to adapt to different OT domain requirements. By configuring the information model parameters according to specific OT protocols and device types, the system maintains high adaptability while preserving the efficiency of the low-code development approach.
3Adaptability or versatility
If OT devices require additional software for control, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol-specific implementation details from the user-facing workflow definition and embeds them directly into the generated function block programs. This extraction eliminates the need for separate additional software layers, as the compatibility handling is integrated into the core control logic generated by the system.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include an information processing method. An example method includes: generating a workflow in an OT domain described by using a common information model based on an instruction input by a user, wherein the workflow defines an operation to be performed by a workcell in the OT domain; converting the workflow into a function block program described in a domain specific language; and deploying the function block program described in the domain specific language to runtime of a main controller of the workcell for execution, to control an OT device in the workcell to perform, based on the workflow, the operation.