Software-Defined Automation Architecture for Centralized Control
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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, due to their rigid architecture and fragmented device networks.
Innovation Solution
The Software-defined Automation (SDA) technology transforms traditional automation systems into a flexible, 'flatter' architecture by using a software-defined approach, enabling centralized management of compute, network, and security resources, with a fog platform or private cloud, and integrating smart connected devices for real-time control and data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional automation systems use rigid hierarchical architecture with distributed device networks, then device control and monitoring can be achieved, but the system becomes inflexible, complex, and vulnerable to security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously distributed automation functions (control, management, security) into a centralized cloud-based platform. This consolidation reduces architectural fragmentation and simplifies the system structure while maintaining enhanced security through centralized policy enforcement and unified resource management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based automation platform as an intermediary layer between field devices and enterprise systems. This intermediary centralizes management functions, security policies, and resource allocation, reducing the complexity of direct device-to-device communication and enabling unified control while improving system resilience.
2Ease of operation
If traditional automation systems use distributed device networks, then real-time control can be achieved, but centralized management and resource optimization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the centralized cloud platform continuously monitors device status, resource utilization, and operational data. This feedback enables dynamic resource allocation, automated optimization, and centralized management decisions based on real-time system state, improving both ease of operation and resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static distributed architecture into a dynamic centralized system where resource allocation, control strategies, and management policies can be adjusted in real-time based on system conditions. This dynamic capability enables optimized resource utilization while maintaining centralized control and ease of management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional automation systems use rigid architecture, then system stability can be maintained, but adaptability to changing requirements and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves automation management from the physical device level to the cloud dimension, creating a hierarchical structure where strategic management and tactical control are separated from operational execution. This dimensional shift enables greater adaptability and scalability at the management layer while maintaining stability at the device level through standardized interfaces and protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a software defined automation system that provides a reference architecture for designing, managing and maintaining a highly available, scalable and flexible automation system. In some embodiments, an SDA system can include a localized subsystem including a system controller node and multiple compute nodes. The multiple compute nodes can be communicatively coupled to the system controller node via a first communication network. The system controller node can manage the multiple compute nodes and virtualization of a control system on a compute node via the first communication network. The virtualized control system includes virtualized control system elements connected to a virtual network that is connected to a second communication network to enable the virtualized control system elements to control a physical control system element via the second communication network connected to the virtual network.