Signal Rule Annotation for Assembly Data Across Unreliable Networks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for data analysis in digital plants face challenges such as limited algorithm capabilities, dependency on manual operations, and network issues affecting data transmission, leading to incomplete or delayed analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining data obtaining logic based on assembly model information, identifying physical signals, and applying signal rules to annotate data using a semantic ontology module, ensuring data context and consistency across networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data is transmitted through networks with varying transmission capabilities, then data can be collected from remote sensors, but network issues cause transmission delays and incomplete data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission adaptabilityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by downloading analysis algorithms locally to edge devices before data transmission is needed. This allows data to be processed at the source even when network transmission is unreliable or delayed, ensuring continuous analysis capability independent of network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (edge computing devices/gateways) between sensors and cloud centers. This intermediary performs local data processing and analysis, mediating between data collection and cloud-based analysis, thereby reducing dependency on stable network transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If analysis algorithms are downloaded locally to enable offline analysis, then data can be analyzed without network dependency, but algorithms are limited to specific data types and cannot perform complex system-wide analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoffline analysis capabilityVSAvoidalgorithm applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts algorithm deployment based on data types and analysis requirements. Simple, frequent analysis tasks use locally deployed algorithms for immediate processing, while complex, system-wide analysis tasks utilize cloud-based algorithms when network conditions permit, creating a flexible, multi-level processing architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The analysis system is segmented into multiple levels: edge devices handle local, real-time analysis with specialized algorithms, while cloud centers perform comprehensive, system-wide analysis with advanced algorithms. This segmentation allows each layer to use algorithms optimized for its specific requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If historical data is used for analysis, then analysis can continue without online services, but online services cannot be provided during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis continuityVSAvoidonline service availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where local analysis results are continuously compared with historical patterns and cloud-based insights. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain productive online services by learning from historical data while still providing real-time analysis capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If expert operators manually analyze on-site automated systems, then complex analysis can be performed, but the process is too dependent on manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidmanual operation dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service capabilities through automated analysis algorithms that independently process data, identify patterns, and generate insights without requiring manual expert intervention. The system serves itself by continuously learning from data and improving its analysis capabilities autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11353862B2Method, apparatus and system for determining signal rules of data for data annotation
Publication Date: 2022.06.07 SIEMENS AG
  • US11353862B2 patent drawing
  • US11353862B2 patent drawing
  • US11353862B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and system are for determining signal rules and annotating data. The method, according to an embodiment, includes: determining data obtaining logic based on assembly model information corresponding to the assembly; wherein the data obtaining logic includes a to-be-obtained data object and an obtaining rule; determining at least one physical signal corresponding to the data obtaining logic; and determining, based on the data obtaining logic and the at least one physical signal corresponding to the data obtaining logic, a signal rule corresponding to the obtaining rule. By annotating the running data of an assembly, the context of the data may be indicated, so that the running data of the assembly can be made more consistent, easier to maintain, and/or applied to a new environment. Moreover, since the annotation information of data can adopt a common format, it may be more suitable for information migration and system configuration.