Remote Automation Access via Conference Server Virtual Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing automation systems for maintenance, diagnostics, and commissioning are hindered by the high dependency on specific versions of engineering software, leading to significant administrative and cost burdens for service organizations, including the need for multiple software versions, installation efforts, and delayed availability of configuration data.
Innovation Solution
Establishing an indirect connection via a conference server that accesses virtual machines with engineering software in a data center, allowing remote execution and configuration of automation systems, thereby relocating the installation site of engineering software to a central data center and enabling secure, virtual connections for data transfer and screen sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If service personnel bring multiple versions of engineering software to the automation system location, then compatibility with different configuration data sets is improved, but administrative effort and preparation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A server system acts as an intermediary between service personnel and the automation system, hosting multiple versions of engineering software. Instead of service personnel carrying multiple software versions, they access the appropriate version remotely through the server, which manages and provides the correct software version based on the automation system's requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple versions of engineering software are installed and maintained on the server system rather than being physically transported. The server creates and manages copies of different software versions, allowing service personnel to access the appropriate version remotely without carrying physical media or installing software locally.
2Ease of manufacture
If engineering software is distributed on installation media, then software delivery is simplified, but installation time and customer support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The physical distribution method using installation media (CDs, DVDs) is replaced with electronic distribution through a server system. Software is delivered and installed remotely over a network, eliminating the need for physical media shipping, manual installation by customers, and on-site support for installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Engineering software is pre-installed and configured on the server system before service personnel arrive at the automation system location. The appropriate software version is prepared in advance on the server, so that when service personnel connect remotely, the software is already ready for immediate use without requiring local installation.
3Ease of operation
If virtual machine images are stored on the programming device, then software availability on-site is improved, but data storage requirements and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing virtual machine images locally on programming devices, a server system acts as an intermediary that hosts the virtual machine images. Service personnel access the virtual machines remotely through the server, which manages the storage and provisioning of virtual machine environments, eliminating the need for large local storage capacity on portable devices.
4Reliability
If service organizations prepare software assignments in advance, then software compatibility is ensured, but preparation effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server system automatically manages software version selection and provisioning based on the automation system's identification and configuration data. Instead of service personnel manually preparing and selecting the correct software version, the system enables automatic or semi-automatic matching and deployment of the appropriate software version, reducing manual preparation effort while maintaining compatibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and a corresponding system for accessing an automation system (10) with a programming device (24) are specified, wherein an indirect connection is established between the programming device (24) and at least one automation device (14) included in the automation system (10) via a conference server (26) located spatially remote from the automation system (10) and from the location of the programming device (24), wherein the conference server (26) has access to at least one virtual machine (28-32) with engineering software (34), allows the remote execution of a virtual machine (28-32) by the programming device (24), and transmits at least screen outputs of the respective virtual machine (28-32) to the programming device (24), and wherein the conference server (26) transmits engineering data (36) to the at least one automation device (14) depending on operator actions on the programming device (24).