Software-Defined Automation Architecture for Flexible Control Orchestration
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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 introduces a flexible, 'flatter' architecture that uses fog platforms or private clouds to manage automation systems, enabling centralized management of compute, network, and security resources, with smart distributed systems, communication backbones, and smart connected devices, allowing for dynamic configuration and orchestration of automation functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional automation systems use rigid hierarchical architecture with distributed device networks, then device control and monitoring can be achieved, but system flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software-defined automation layer as an intermediary between the control plane and device network. This software layer abstracts and simplifies the complex hierarchical architecture by providing a unified interface for device management, thereby improving system flexibility without adding physical complexity to the device network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/rigid hierarchical architecture with a software-defined control system. By substituting physical architecture constraints with software-based control, the system gains flexibility and adaptability while reducing the complexity of physical device connections and configurations.
2Reliability
If traditional automation systems implement centralized management, then system coordination improves, but system vulnerability to security risks and disasters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automation system into multiple independent functional units, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation reduces vulnerability to security risks and disasters by isolating failures to specific segments rather than affecting the entire system, thereby improving fault tolerance without requiring full centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundancy and failover mechanisms as beforehand cushioning against security risks and disasters. By pre-configuring backup systems and recovery procedures, the system can withstand attacks or failures without complete shutdown, improving reliability while maintaining distributed architecture to limit the spread of harmful factors.
3Productivity
If traditional automation systems use rigid architecture, then system stability is maintained, but operational efficiency and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid static architecture into a dynamic software-defined system where control configurations can be changed without physical reconfiguration. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing operational requirements in real-time, improving productivity while the software abstraction layer manages the complexity of dynamic configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables operational efficiency improvements through software-based parameter changes rather than physical reconfiguration. By allowing system parameters to be modified through software commands, the system can rapidly respond to market conditions and operational needs without the complexity of physical device reconfiguration.
4Extent of automation
If traditional automation systems deploy multiple controllers and devices, then automation functions can be achieved, but system costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple distributed controllers into a unified software-defined automation system. By consolidating control functions into a software layer that manages multiple devices through a single interface, the system achieves the same automation capability with reduced device complexity and fewer physical controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal software-defined automation platform that can manage diverse devices and control functions through a single system. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized controllers, reducing the number of devices required while maintaining comprehensive automation capability across different device types.
Data Source
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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.