Virtual Device Layer for Managing Analog Environment Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial environments face inefficiencies due to the lack of integration of non-communicative analog environment devices into management systems, leading to unmanaged states and separate manual management systems.
Innovation Solution
Generation of virtual devices that represent analog environment devices, enabling data normalization and integration into management systems, allowing automated condition detection and response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If analog environment devices are excluded from management systems, then system complexity is reduced, but device management efficiency deteriorates and devices remain in unmanaged states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual device representations that copy the essential attributes and behaviors of analog environment devices. These virtual devices enable digital tracking and management without requiring physical modification of the analog devices themselves, thus maintaining simplicity while improving manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual devices as intermediary entities between analog environment devices and the management system. This intermediary layer enables communication and management functionality without directly integrating complex hardware into the management infrastructure
2Device complexity
If manual tracking systems are used for analog devices, then integration complexity is reduced, but information accuracy deteriorates and data loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual device representations create digital copies of analog device states and operational data. This copying mechanism ensures accurate tracking of device locations, conditions, and maintenance requirements without relying on error-prone manual recording
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes feedback loops where virtual device data is continuously updated and reflected in the management system. This enables real-time monitoring and automated responses based on device conditions, eliminating information loss associated with manual tracking
3Productivity
If analog devices are integrated into management systems, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases requiring digital communication capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making analog devices digital, the patent inverts the approach by creating digital representations of analog devices. This allows analog devices to remain simple while their virtual counterparts handle all digital communication and management functions
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual device copies serve as the digital interface to the management system, allowing analog devices to maintain their simplicity while still benefiting from integrated management through their digital representations
4Device complexity
If separate manual management systems are used for analog devices, then system integration is simplified, but maintenance responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual device implementation establishes automated feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor device conditions and trigger maintenance workflows. This eliminates the delayed response inherent in manual inspection and reporting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying maintenance needs through virtual device monitoring before actual device failures occur. This enables scheduled maintenance and prevents breakdowns rather than reacting to them
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes a method of automated environment management using an analog environment device. The method involves generating a virtual device that represents the analog environment device by mapping a template to a digital form configured to receive manual input related to the device's attributes. Data received from the digital form is interpreted as coming from the virtual device and is normalized into a common format for system management. Based on the normalized data, the system determines if a defined condition exists in the environment related to the analog device or the environment itself. If such a condition is detected, the system triggers an automated action to address it.