Remote Software Module Activation for Turbomachine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial control systems face prolonged downtimes and increased costs due to the cycle of software upgrades, which require machine shutdowns for installation, necessitating a more efficient control software management solution.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for remote activation of software modules within industrial control systems, allowing seamless integration and activation of software modules using activation codes sent from a remote server, enabling or disabling modules based on user subscription policies, thus eliminating the need for time-consuming and costly deployment and upgrade cycles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If software upgrades or installations are performed using traditional deployment cycles, then software functionality is updated, but machine downtime increases and installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidmachine downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by downloading and preparing software packages in advance at the site before they are needed. The system pre-fetches software updates to local storage, so when an upgrade is required, the software is already available and can be installed immediately without machine downtime. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the software functionality update beforehand, eliminating the time loss during actual installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through automated software installation that requires no technician intervention. The system automatically installs software updates locally on the machine, eliminating the need for qualified technicians to perform manual installation. This resolves the contradiction by making the software update process self-executing, thereby reducing both time loss and installation costs associated with human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If software upgrades are performed using traditional deployment cycles, then software functionality is updated, but installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a local server or edge device as an intermediary between the central server and the industrial machine. This intermediary downloads and caches software updates locally, managing the installation process automatically without requiring external technician involvement. This resolves the contradiction by introducing an automated intermediary system that handles software deployment, reducing installation costs while maintaining functionality updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple software modules are provided separately, then software functionality is modular and flexible, but installation time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware modularityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by consolidating multiple separate software modules into a single integrated software package that is downloaded and installed together. Instead of installing each module individually, the system bundles them into one unified package, dramatically reducing installation time while preserving the modular functionality. This resolves the contradiction by combining multiple modules into a single deployment unit, maintaining adaptability while improving installation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling complete software packages with all necessary modules bundled together before download. The system prepares the entire software suite in advance, so that when installation is needed, all modules are already packaged and ready for simultaneous installation. This resolves the contradiction by performing the bundling action beforehand, maintaining software modularity while eliminating the time-consuming sequential installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3403147B1Industrial control system management

Publication Date: 2022.08.03 NUOVO PIGNONE TECH SRL

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AI summary

There are provided methods, systems, and computer-readable media for industrial control software execution management. For example, there is provided a method for enabling a software module included in a plurality of software modules of an application package installed on a computing device configured to control a turbomachine of an industrial plant. The method can comprise receiving, by a processor of the computing device, a request for executing the software module 502. The method can comprise generating and sending an activation request to a remote server 504. The method can comprise generating, by the remote server, an activation code if a verification protocol is successfully completed508. The method can comprise forwarding the activation code to the computing device. The method can comprise activating the software module when the activation code is received by the processor 510.