Software-Defined Automation Control Plane for Centralized Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automation systems are inflexible, complex, and lack centralized management, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and vulnerability to security risks and disasters, with rigid architectures that hinder dynamic changes and holistic system optimization.
Innovation Solution
The Software-defined Automation (SDA) technology introduces a flexible, 'flatter' architecture that uses fog platforms and private clouds to manage automation systems, enabling centralized management of compute, network, and security resources, with smart connected devices and Software Defined Networking (SDN) to facilitate dynamic configuration and real-time control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional automation systems are used, then control functions can be performed, but the system architecture becomes complex and inflexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automation system into distinct functional layers: a control plane for management and configuration, and a data plane for execution. This separation allows independent optimization of each layer, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility. The control plane manages the software-defined automation functions, while the data plane handles real-time control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal software-defined automation platform that can perform multiple control functions across different devices and protocols. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized systems, reducing architecture complexity while providing adaptable control capabilities for diverse automation scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If traditional automation systems are used, then control operations can be executed, but centralized management is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control plane as an intermediary layer between the management system and the control devices. This mediator provides centralized management capabilities by abstracting device-specific complexities and presenting a unified interface for configuration, monitoring, and control, thereby simplifying operations without adding visible complexity to the management workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual representations (copies) of physical control devices in the software-defined automation platform. These virtual models enable centralized management through software without requiring direct physical access or device-specific interfaces, simplifying operational tasks while the underlying physical complexity remains managed through the virtualization layer.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid automation system architecture is used, then system stability is maintained, but dynamic changes are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities through the software-defined automation platform, allowing control logic, device mappings, and system parameters to be modified at runtime without physical reconfiguration. The control plane manages these dynamic changes while maintaining system stability through controlled deployment and validation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a software configuration dimension to the traditional hardware-based automation system. By separating control functionality into a software layer that can be dynamically adjusted without changing physical architecture, the system achieves adaptability while the underlying hardware stability is preserved. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of stability and flexibility.
4Reliability
If distributed automation devices are used, then control coverage is improved, but system vulnerability to security risks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges security management functions into the centralized control plane, consolidating what would otherwise be distributed security configurations across multiple devices. This unified approach maintains comprehensive security coverage for all distributed devices while reducing security management complexity through centralized policy enforcement and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the control plane that continuously monitor the security state of distributed devices and automatically adjust security policies. This closed-loop security management maintains high security standards across distributed devices while reducing manual configuration complexity through automated response to security events and anomalies.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of system and methods for providing centralized management of a software defined automation ("SDA") system are disclosed. The SDA system comprises of a collection of controller nodes and logically centralized and yet physically distributed collection of compute nodes by monitoring activities of the compute nodes. In accordance with some embodiments, one or more components of the system monitor execution, network and security environments of the system to detect an event in a first environment. In response to the detected event, at least one component in the first environment is remediated, the remediation of the first environment creating a trigger to cause remediation of at least one component in each of a second and third environments.