Industrial Automation XML Encoding for Binary Data Interpretation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interpreting and utilizing industrial data across disparate protocols remains difficult due to the lack of standardization and optional attributes, making it challenging for users without extensive knowledge to understand and utilize the data without extensive documentation.
Innovation Solution
Encoding binary data streams into XML payloads for communication over industrial automation protocols like DeviceNet, ControlNet, and CIP, which can be compressed and transmitted with security measures, allowing for discoverable data through graphical user interfaces and enabling data programming and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If binary data streams are used for industrial automation communication, then bandwidth efficiency is improved, but data interpretability and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces XML as an intermediary format that sits between the binary data stream and the human user. The binary data is encoded into XML payloads that provide structured, human-readable representation while maintaining the efficiency of binary transmission. This intermediary layer allows users to interpret data meaning without requiring extensive knowledge of the underlying binary classification schemes.
2Measurement precision
If extensive documentation and knowledge of classification schemes are required, then data precision and correctness are improved, but ease of operation and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated attachment of public attributes to data requests. The system automatically provides necessary classification information and context through XML metadata, eliminating the need for users to separately consult extensive documentation. The data structure itself contains the information needed for interpretation, making the system self-documenting.
3Ease of operation
If XML encoding is applied to binary data streams, then data interpretability and accessibility are improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selectively encoding only portions of the binary data stream into XML format. Rather than encoding entire data streams, the system encodes specific segments or attributes that require human interpretation, leaving other portions in efficient binary format. This selective approach maintains interpretability where needed while preserving bandwidth efficiency elsewhere.
4Ease of operation
If new classification schemes or protocols are developed to improve data discoverability, then data accessibility is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using XML, a widely adopted and standardized format, rather than developing a proprietary classification scheme. XML's universal applicability across different platforms and protocols allows industrial automation data to be represented in a familiar, interpretable format without requiring new classification systems. This leverages existing universal knowledge of XML structure and semantics.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial automation device comprises a reception component that receives a request for data resident within the industrial automation device. An encoding component communicatively coupled to the reception component that receives a binary bit stream associated with the request and encodes a payload of the bit stream as XML data, the encoding component further communicates the encoded payload by way of an industrial automation protocol. Furthermore, the industrial automation device can include a compression component that compresses the XML data.