US20150372865A1 - System and method for autonomous dynamic provisioning - Google Patents

System and method for autonomous dynamic provisioning Download PDF

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Publication number
US20150372865A1
US20150372865A1 US14/739,665 US201514739665A US2015372865A1 US 20150372865 A1 US20150372865 A1 US 20150372865A1 US 201514739665 A US201514739665 A US 201514739665A US 2015372865 A1 US2015372865 A1 US 2015372865A1
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industrial automation
cloud
gateway
industrial
communication interface
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US14/739,665
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Paul D. Schmirler
Timothy S. Biernat
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Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc
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Rockwell Automation Technologies Inc
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/32—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
    • H04L9/3263—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials involving certificates, e.g. public key certificate [PKC] or attribute certificate [AC]; Public key infrastructure [PKI] arrangements
    • H04L9/3265—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials involving certificates, e.g. public key certificate [PKC] or attribute certificate [AC]; Public key infrastructure [PKI] arrangements using certificate chains, trees or paths; Hierarchical trust model
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/06—Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • H04L41/08—Configuration management of networks or network elements
    • H04L41/0803—Configuration setting
    • H04L41/0813—Configuration setting characterised by the conditions triggering a change of settings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/10—Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H04L67/125—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/32—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials
    • H04L9/3263—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system or for message authentication, e.g. authorization, entity authentication, data integrity or data verification, non-repudiation, key authentication or verification of credentials involving certificates, e.g. public key certificate [PKC] or attribute certificate [AC]; Public key infrastructure [PKI] arrangements

Definitions

  • Industrial automation is used to control machines and processes in manufacturing. Automated machines commonly control the handling of components, sub-components, and raw materials, perform fabrication processes, testing, product handling, packaging, and shipping. Industrial automation enables precise control of industrial processes, achievement of smaller tolerances and better quality products, higher production outputs, and increased worker safety and productivity.
  • Industrial automation installations comprise multiple computerized devices that control industrial machines and industrial processes.
  • the components of an industrial automation installation must work together in a coordinated fashion, performing operations such as exchanging data, controlling the timing and scheduling of processes, providing information to operators or technicians, and receiving operator inputs.
  • industrial automation systems Because of the large number of system variables that must be monitored and controlled, industrial automation systems often generate vast amounts of data. In addition to production statistics, data relating to machine health, alarm status, operator feedback, electrical or mechanical load, and the like are often monitored. The data is generated by the many industrial devices that can make up a given automation system, including industrial controllers and associated I/O, telemetry devices, motion control devices, valves, conveyors, raw material handling systems, product handling systems, visualization applications, traceability systems, and the like. Moreover, such industrial facilities can operate on a twenty-four hour basis, wherein automation systems can generate a vast amount of data.
  • industrial automation monitoring has evolved from monitoring devices in an industrial plant to include monitoring devices at remote sites, such as mobile or temporary facilities.
  • Industrial automation monitoring can be used for drilling, mining, and other resource extraction operations.
  • Industrial automation monitoring can be used in monitoring water treatment facilities or in monitoring of environmental conditions.
  • Industrial automation monitoring can be used to monitor the health and operation of industrial automation devices including field equipment.
  • Industrial automation devices can generate industrial automation data at multiple, geographically disparate locations.
  • the industrial automation data can be collected via the cloud, wherein industrial automation data can be accumulated and made available to a user or users via the cloud.
  • the cloud advantageously provides a facility for accessing data from multiple, distributed industrial automation devices.
  • an industrial automation gateway for autonomous dynamic provisioning includes a cloud communication interface coupled with, and configured for communication with, a cloud automation facility, and a processor coupled with the cloud communication interface.
  • the processor is configured to determine a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and request a configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface.
  • the processor is also configured to receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, and implement the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
  • a method for autonomous dynamic provisioning within an industrial automation gateway includes determining a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and requesting a configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a cloud communication interface. The method also includes receiving the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, and implementing the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
  • one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon program instructions to facilitate autonomous dynamic provisioning within an industrial automation gateway is provided.
  • the program instructions when executed by a computing system, direct the computing system to at least determine a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and request a configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a cloud communication interface.
  • the program instructions also direct the computing system to receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, and implement the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary industrial automation system.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system configured to operate as an industrial automation gateway.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway in another example.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway in further example.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway in still another example.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exemplary industrial automation node 110 .
  • Industrial automation node 110 is part of an industrial automation system 100 , with the industrial automation system 100 further including cloud 140 and cloud automation facility 150 .
  • Industrial automation node 110 is in communication with cloud 140 .
  • Industrial automation node 110 communicates continuously, periodically, or intermittently with cloud 140 .
  • Industrial automation node 110 communicates with cloud 140 via a wired or wireless communication channel.
  • Industrial automation node 110 in some examples communicates with cloud 140 via a cellular communication link and exchanges communications with cloud 140 via a cellular telephone communication protocol. In such an example, industrial automation node 110 has an account with a cellular provider.
  • Industrial automation node 110 in some examples is located in a manufacturing plant or other industrial facility. Alternatively, in other examples industrial automation node 110 is remotely located and comprises a small facility, a temporary facility, a mobile facility, or other self-contained facility. In other examples, industrial automation node 110 is substantially stationary or is fixed in location.
  • Industrial automation node 110 performs some manner of industrial automation operation or operations. Industrial automation node 110 generates and/or gathers industrial automation data. Industrial automation data can include timestamps that indicate when data portions were generated or collected. Industrial automation node 110 transfers the industrial automation data to cloud 140 for storage, analysis, and other uses. Industrial automation node 110 further transfers operational information to cloud 140 in some examples, including operational status and operational characteristic. Industrial automation node 110 in some examples receives information from cloud 140 , including programming, measurement values or other information needed for operation of industrial automation node 110 , requests for operational status and operational characteristics from industrial automation node 110 , and other information.
  • Industrial automation node 110 relays industrial automation data to cloud automation facility 150 .
  • Industrial automation node 110 may also accumulate, process, filter, compress, or otherwise modify the industrial automation data before relaying it to cloud automation facility 150 .
  • industrial automation node 110 may periodically transfer a heartbeat message to cloud automation facility 150 .
  • Cloud 140 comprises a network or association of connected computer devices and digital electronic resources that can be used to perform processing and to relay communications.
  • the term “cloud” is a shorthand reference to cloud computing infrastructure.
  • the cloud includes one or more communication networks, such as the Internet, for example, and can further include portions of an industrial communications network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN).
  • LAN local area network
  • WAN wide area network
  • a computing process may run on one or many connected cloud computers at the same time.
  • the cloud can host and run an application anywhere in the world. Further, cloud 140 enables access to the application from anywhere.
  • Cloud 140 includes one or more data storage facilities for storing received industrial automation data in some examples.
  • Cloud 140 receives industrial automation data from industrial automation node 110 and accumulates and stores the industrial automation data.
  • Cloud 140 in some examples processes and/or analyzes the industrial automation data.
  • Cloud automation facility 150 is configured to communicate with industrial automation node 110 via cloud 140 and provide cloud services to industrial automation node 110 .
  • Cloud services can include, but are not limited to, data storage, data analysis, control applications, visualization applications such as cloud-based Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), reporting applications, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications, notification services, or other such applications.
  • HMIs Human-Machine Interfaces
  • ERP Enterprise Resource Planning
  • Cloud automation facility 150 is configured to obtain industrial automation data of industrial automation node 110 via cloud 140 .
  • cloud automation facility 150 stores and provides configuration information to industrial automation node 110 .
  • Cloud automation facility 150 includes configuration library 152 that stores configuration information for one or more industrial automation nodes 110 .
  • Configuration library 152 is used to configure industrial automation nodes 110 .
  • Configuration library 152 can be used to configure a large variety of industrial automation devices 130 - 134 .
  • Configuration library 152 in some examples stores configuration information for each industrial automation device 130 - 134 of industrial automation node 110 .
  • configuration library 152 stores configuration information for all possible industrial automation devices 130 - 134 that could be used by industrial automation node 110 .
  • Configuration library 152 stores multiple versions of each configuration information item in some examples.
  • Configuration library 152 receives updates of configuration information and provides the updated configuration information to industrial automation nodes 110 .
  • Industrial automation node 110 in the example shown includes one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 and industrial automation gateway 120 coupled to the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 .
  • the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 perform industrial automation operations.
  • the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 can be selected and included in industrial automation node 110 to perform specific automation tasks.
  • Industrial automation node 110 interacts with cloud-based computing services that are hosted by cloud 140 .
  • the cloud platform comprises infrastructure that allows shared computing services to be accessed and utilized by cloud-capable devices.
  • the cloud platform can be a public cloud that is accessible via the Internet by devices having Internet connectivity and appropriate authorizations to utilize commercially-available communication services. In some examples, access to the cloud platform and associated services can be provided to customers as subscription services.
  • Cloud-based storage can be easily scaled to accommodate the large quantities of data that can be generated daily by an industrial automation enterprise.
  • multiple industrial automation facilities at different geographical locations can migrate their respective automation data to the cloud 140 for aggregation, collation, collective analysis, and enterprise-level reporting without the need to establish a private network between the facilities.
  • Cloud-based diagnostic applications can monitor the health of respective automation systems or their associated industrial devices across an entire plant, or across multiple industrial automation facilities.
  • Cloud-based control applications can be used to track a unit of product (or a unit or units of raw materials) through stages of production, collecting data for each unit at each stage.
  • Industrial automation node 110 can accept a number of and variety of industrial automation devices 130 - 134 .
  • the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 can be installed to and removed from industrial automation node 110 in some examples.
  • the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 in some examples comprise batch control systems, continuous control systems, or discrete control systems.
  • the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 can include devices such as industrial controllers (e.g., programmable logic controllers or other types of programmable automation controllers), field devices such as sensors, meters, valves, motor drives, actuators, HMIs, industrial robots, barcode markers and readers, vision system devices, welders, or other such industrial devices.
  • industrial controllers e.g., programmable logic controllers or other types of programmable automation controllers
  • field devices such as sensors, meters, valves, motor drives, actuators, HMIs, industrial robots, barcode markers and readers, vision system devices, welders, or other such industrial devices.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 includes cloud communication interface 122 and industrial communication interface 124 .
  • Cloud communication interface 122 is configured to communicate with cloud 140 .
  • Industrial communication interface 124 is configured to communicate with the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 .
  • Industrial communication interface 124 facilitates monitoring and control of a process or processes.
  • Industrial communication interface 124 exchanges data with the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 using a communication system such as native hardwired I/O or via a plant network such as Ethernet/IP, Data Highway Plus, ControlNet, Devicenet, or the like.
  • Industrial communication interface 124 typically receives any combination of digital or analog signals from the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 indicating a current state of the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 and associated processes.
  • Cloud communication interface 122 comprises a communication interface that exchanges communications with cloud 140 .
  • Cloud communication interface 122 uses any suitable communication protocol.
  • Cloud communication interface 122 performs wired and/or wireless communications with cloud 140 , as needed.
  • Cloud communication interface 122 can employ one or more different types of communications modules to connect with mobile-phone carriers, Wi-Fi providers, and other communications-services providers from locations in which wireless service can be obtained.
  • Cloud communication interface 122 in some examples performs wireless communications with cloud 140 using a cellular communications protocol, including cellular communications protocols such as 2G (second generation)/CDMA, 3G/LTE, 4G, 5G, or any other suitable cellular telephone communication protocol.
  • cloud communication interface 122 uses other suitable wireless communication protocols.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 can transfer substantially real-time industrial automation data to cloud 140 . However, if industrial automation gateway 120 determines that communications are not possible, or if industrial automation gateway 120 determines that it is not time for an industrial automation data upload, industrial automation gateway 120 can transfer bulk industrial automation data to cloud 140 . In such a situation, industrial automation gateway 120 enters a store-and-forward mode, wherein industrial automation node 110 accumulates industrial automation data and transfers the accumulated industrial automation data to cloud 140 at predetermined time periods.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes multiple communication ports. Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes wired and wireless communication ports. Consequently, industrial automation gateway 120 may be able to communicate with cloud 140 in various ways and using more than one communication protocol or scheme.
  • industrial automation gateway 120 provides security.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 can provide access control, screening or limiting communications.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 can encrypt the industrial automation data being transferred to cloud 140 .
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples is a small footprint device, such as the netbiterTM remote communication gateway, available from HMS Industrial Networks.
  • the netbiterTM remote communication gateway includes GSM/GPRS cellular communication capability and includes Ethernet wired communication capability.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples has a small physical size, uses a low amount of electrical energy, performs as little processing or communicating as needed, adds minimal latency to data transfers or operations in industrial automation node 110 , or a combination of these factors, for example.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 comprises a fixed hardware and software in some examples.
  • industrial automation gateway 120 comprises a communication card or other communication device that can be installed into and removed from industrial automation node 110 .
  • Corresponding gateway software can be obtained by industrial automation node 110 for a current gateway device or for a current gateway device format/protocol.
  • the software for industrial automation gateway 120 is configurable, such as by cloud 140 or by cloud automation facility 150 . Further, the gateway software can be dynamically updated or modified.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 obtains and loads suitable data plug-ins or configurations for the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 .
  • the data plug-ins or configurations comprise plug-ins for receiving industrial automation data from the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 .
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 may acquire one or more data plug-in or configuration for each industrial automation device 130 - 134 .
  • the data plug-ins or configurations operate to receive the industrial automation data in a format of the corresponding industrial automation device 130 - 134 .
  • the data plug-ins can process or condition the industrial automation data.
  • the data plug-ins can transform the industrial automation data.
  • Other uses for the data plug-ins are contemplated and are within the scope of the description and claims. However, the data plug-ins do not generate the industrial automation data.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples stores a set, subset, or sets of plug-ins or configurations that are anticipated to be needed in industrial automation node 110 .
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 may store more plug-ins and configurations than needed, including plug-ins and configurations that may be needed for future devices or future operations.
  • industrial automation gateway 120 obtains and installs only the needed data plug-ins and configurations, wherein unneeded data plug-ins and configurations are not present in industrial automation node 110 .
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes configuration information in messages or data that is sent to cloud 140 . Further, cloud 140 (or cloud automation facility 150 ) in some examples sends available configuration version information to industrial automation gateway 120 . As a result, industrial automation gateway 120 can determine that a newer configuration version is available and can subsequently request the newer configuration version from cloud 140 or from cloud automation facility 150 .
  • industrial automation gateway 120 is configured to request a configuration update from cloud 140 or cloud automation facility 150 , with the request including information including a current configuration 126 (and can include other information such as information about the one or more installed industrial automation devices 130 - 134 ), receive a configuration update 128 in response, if a configuration update 128 is needed or warranted, and implement the received configuration update 128 .
  • industrial automation node 110 comprises one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 configured to generate industrial automation and an industrial automation gateway 120 in communication with the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 and in communication with a cloud automation facility 150 , with industrial automation gateway 120 configured to determine a current configuration 126 of the gateway 120 , transfer the current configuration 126 to cloud automation facility 150 , and receive and implement a configuration update 128 from cloud automation facility 150 .
  • industrial automation node 110 performs a configuration update without any operator inputs.
  • the configuration information comprises communication parameters, data collection parameters, and data conditioning parameters.
  • the communication parameters define communications characteristics for industrial automation node 110 , such as communication times/intervals, communication types/protocols, a number of stored messages per upload package, a maximum upload frequency and/or bandwidth limits, and a size or time limit for storing industrial automation data in a disconnected state, for example.
  • the data collection parameters define data collection parameters for the one or more industrial automation devices 130 - 134 of industrial automation node 110 , such as data to be collected and tags or alarms to be collected from specific industrial automation devices 130 - 134 , and how often data is to be collected, for example.
  • the data conditioning parameters define data conditioning operations to be performed, such as filtering, compression, transformation, etc. It should be understood that additional communication parameters, data collection parameters, and data conditioning parameters are contemplated and are within the scope of the description and claims.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 120 .
  • industrial automation gateway 120 determines a current configuration 126 of industrial automation gateway 120 , (operation 200 ).
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 then requests a configuration update from cloud automation facility 150 through cloud communication interface 122 and the cloud 140 , (operation 202 ).
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 receives configuration update 128 from cloud automation facility 150 through the cloud 140 and cloud communication interface 122 , (operation 204 ). Industrial automation gateway 120 implements configuration update 128 within industrial automation gateway 120 , (operation 206 ).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system configured to operate as an industrial automation gateway 300 , such as industrial automation gateway 120 from FIG. 1 .
  • Industrial automation node 300 includes cloud communication interface 304 , industrial communication interface 306 , processor 308 coupled to cloud communication interface 304 and to industrial communication interface 306 , and a hardware memory 310 coupled to processor 308 .
  • Memory 310 can be separate from or included in processor 308 .
  • the hardware memory 310 in the example shown includes software 312 .
  • software 312 comprises operating instructions that configure the industrial automation gateway 300 , when executed by the industrial automation gateway 300 in general or processor 308 in particular, to direct industrial automation gateway 300 to perform industrial automation node operations.
  • Other data, such as operational data, may also be stored in hardware memory 310 .
  • the software 312 in one example comprises at least a configuration update module 314 and a configuration monitoring module 316 .
  • the configuration update module 314 performs configuration updates of the industrial automation gateway 300 in some examples.
  • the configuration monitoring module performs event monitoring in the industrial automation devices 330 - 336 in some examples.
  • Processor 308 may comprise a microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes software 312 from hardware memory 310 .
  • Processor 308 may be implemented within a single processing device, but may also be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate in executing program instructions. Examples of processor 308 include general purpose central processing units, application specific processors, and logic devices, as well as any other type of processing device, combinations, or variations.
  • Hardware memory 310 may comprise any computer readable storage media readable by processor 308 and capable of storing software 312 .
  • Hardware memory 310 may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
  • Hardware memory 310 may be independent from or integrated into processor 308 .
  • Hardware memory 310 can comprise additional elements, such as a memory controller, capable of communicating with processor 308 .
  • Examples of storage media include random access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memory, virtual memory and non-virtual memory, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other suitable storage media. In no case is the storage media a propagated signal.
  • hardware memory 310 may also include communication media over which software 312 may be communicated internally or externally.
  • Hardware memory 310 may be implemented as a single storage device but may also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systems co-located or distributed relative to each other.
  • Hardware memory 310 may comprise additional elements capable of communicating with processor 308 or possibly other systems.
  • Software 312 may be implemented in program instructions and among other functions and may, when executed by processor 308 , direct processor 308 to operate as described herein.
  • the program instructions may include various components or modules that cooperate or otherwise interact to implement at least a portion of industrial automation gateway 300 .
  • the various components or modules may be embodied in compiled or interpreted instructions or in some other variation or combination of instructions.
  • the various components or modules may be executed in a synchronous or asynchronous manner, in a serial or in parallel, in a single threaded environment or multi-threaded, or in accordance with any other suitable execution paradigm, variation, or combination thereof.
  • Software 312 in the examples comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions.
  • Software 312 may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, virtual machines, or some other type of software.
  • Software 312 may include additional processes, programs, or components, such as operating system software or other application software.
  • Software 312 may also comprise firmware or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions executable by processor 308 .
  • software 312 when loaded into processor 308 and executed, may transform a suitable apparatus, system, or device from a general-purpose computing system into a special-purpose computing system customized to perform a configuration update or perform event monitoring, among other operations.
  • encoding software 312 on the memory 310 may transform the physical structure of the memory 310 .
  • the specific transformation of the physical structure may depend on various factors in different implementations of this description. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to the technology used to implement the storage media of the memory 310 and whether the computer-storage media are characterized as primary or secondary storage, as well as other factors.
  • memory 310 comprises dynamic software container 318 that allows new software components with additional functionality to be downloaded when the cloud application detects a new configuration. Operation of dynamic software container 318 is further illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 4 . These new gateway components are bound into the currently running system so as to dynamically enhance its operation without interruption. In this way, industrial automation gateway 300 can automatically extend its capabilities to speak new protocols and connect new industrial automation devices 330 - 336 added by the industrial customer on premises. This operation of industrial automation gateway 300 is further illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 6 .
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 can be configured to wake up and discover any industrial automation devices 330 - 336 located on its local LAN network. In this way, devices may not only be discovered, but by using CIP messages industrial automation gateway 300 can query the exact product identification and its configuration. This map of local devices 330 - 336 and their configuration can then be communicated by industrial automation gateway 300 to cloud automation facility 150 to update the cloud model for these devices 330 - 336 . This model is then used to construct dashboards, reports, and analytics that will consume real-time operational data conveyed from these devices 330 - 336 to the cloud 140 by industrial automation gateway 300 .
  • Cloud communication interface 304 may include communication connections and devices that allow for communication with other computing systems over a communication network or collection of networks. Cloud communication interface 304 may include user input and output devices for being controlled by a user.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 comprises a network card, network interface, port, or interface circuitry that allows industrial automation gateway 300 to communicate over a network or networks.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 may also include a memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other device.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 can use any suitable communication protocol to exchange communications.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 may include components that communicate over communication links, such as network cards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, or other communication components. Cloud communication interface 304 may be configured to communicate over electrically conductive, wireless, optical, or other links.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 can further include components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and user communications and to present media and/or information. These components typically include a keyboard, display, indicator lights, speakers, touch pads, microphone, buttons, mouse, or other user input/output apparatus, including combinations thereof.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 may include communication connections and devices that allow for communication with other computing systems over a communication network or collection of networks. Industrial communication interface 306 may include user input and output devices for being controlled by a user.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 comprises a network card, network interface, port, or interface circuitry that allows industrial automation gateway 300 to communicate over a network or networks.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 may also include a memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other device.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 can use any suitable communication protocol to exchange communications.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 may include components that communicate over communication links, such as network cards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, or other communication components. Industrial communication interface 306 may be configured to communicate over electrically conductive, wireless, optical, or other links.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 can further include components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and user communications and to present media and/or information. These components typically include a keyboard, display, indicator lights, speakers, touch pads, microphone, buttons, mouse, or other user input/output apparatus, including combinations thereof.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 300 in another example.
  • industrial automation gateway 300 receives configuration update 322 within dynamic software container 318 , (operation 400 ).
  • Dynamic software container 318 stores configuration update 322 within hardware memory 310 (operation 402 ).
  • Dynamic software container 318 binds the new software components into currently running systems within industrial automation gateway 300 without interrupting the currently running systems, (operation 404 ).
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 300 in further example.
  • industrial automation gateway 300 determines a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices 330 - 336 coupled with industrial automation gateway 300 through industrial communication interface 306 , (operation 500 ).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 requests a configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices 330 - 336 from cloud automation facility 150 , (operation 502 ).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 receives the configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices 330 - 336 from cloud automation facility 150 , (operation 504 ).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 implements the configuration update within the one or more industrial automation devices 330 - 336 , (operation 506 ).
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 300 in still another example.
  • industrial automation gateway 300 determines a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices 330 - 336 coupled with industrial automation gateway 300 through industrial communication interface 306 , (operation 600 ).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 detects the addition of an industrial automation device 330 - 336 to the one or more industrial automation devices 330 - 336 , (operation 602 ). Industrial automation gateway 300 queries the added industrial automation device 330 - 336 to determine its identity and configuration, (operation 604 ).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 requests a configuration update for industrial automation gateway 300 regarding the added industrial automation device based on its identity and configuration from cloud automation facility 150 , (operation 606 ). Industrial automation gateway 300 then transfers configuration update 322 to dynamic software container 318 to bind the new software components into the currently running systems within industrial automation gateway 300 without interrupting the currently running systems, (operation 608 ).

Abstract

An industrial automation gateway for autonomous dynamic provisioning is provided. The industrial automation gateway includes a cloud communication interface coupled with, and configured for communication with, a cloud automation facility, and a processor coupled with the cloud communication interface. The processor is configured to determine a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and request a configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface. The processor is also configured to receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, and implement the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application hereby claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,005, titled “INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION NODE AND METHOD”, filed on Jun. 23, 2014 and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
    • TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
  • Industrial automation is used to control machines and processes in manufacturing. Automated machines commonly control the handling of components, sub-components, and raw materials, perform fabrication processes, testing, product handling, packaging, and shipping. Industrial automation enables precise control of industrial processes, achievement of smaller tolerances and better quality products, higher production outputs, and increased worker safety and productivity.
  • Industrial automation installations comprise multiple computerized devices that control industrial machines and industrial processes. The components of an industrial automation installation must work together in a coordinated fashion, performing operations such as exchanging data, controlling the timing and scheduling of processes, providing information to operators or technicians, and receiving operator inputs.
  • Because of the large number of system variables that must be monitored and controlled, industrial automation systems often generate vast amounts of data. In addition to production statistics, data relating to machine health, alarm status, operator feedback, electrical or mechanical load, and the like are often monitored. The data is generated by the many industrial devices that can make up a given automation system, including industrial controllers and associated I/O, telemetry devices, motion control devices, valves, conveyors, raw material handling systems, product handling systems, visualization applications, traceability systems, and the like. Moreover, such industrial facilities can operate on a twenty-four hour basis, wherein automation systems can generate a vast amount of data.
  • In addition, industrial automation monitoring has evolved from monitoring devices in an industrial plant to include monitoring devices at remote sites, such as mobile or temporary facilities. Industrial automation monitoring can be used for drilling, mining, and other resource extraction operations. Industrial automation monitoring can be used in monitoring water treatment facilities or in monitoring of environmental conditions. Industrial automation monitoring can be used to monitor the health and operation of industrial automation devices including field equipment.
  • Industrial automation devices can generate industrial automation data at multiple, geographically disparate locations. The industrial automation data can be collected via the cloud, wherein industrial automation data can be accumulated and made available to a user or users via the cloud. Where the industrial automation devices are distributed geographically, the cloud advantageously provides a facility for accessing data from multiple, distributed industrial automation devices.
    • Overview
  • In an embodiment, an industrial automation gateway for autonomous dynamic provisioning is provided. The industrial automation gateway includes a cloud communication interface coupled with, and configured for communication with, a cloud automation facility, and a processor coupled with the cloud communication interface. The processor is configured to determine a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and request a configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface. The processor is also configured to receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, and implement the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
  • In another embodiment, a method for autonomous dynamic provisioning within an industrial automation gateway is provided. The method includes determining a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and requesting a configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a cloud communication interface. The method also includes receiving the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, and implementing the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
  • In a further embodiment, one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon program instructions to facilitate autonomous dynamic provisioning within an industrial automation gateway is provided. The program instructions, when executed by a computing system, direct the computing system to at least determine a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway, and request a configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a cloud communication interface. The program instructions also direct the computing system to receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, and implement the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
  • This Overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Technical Disclosure. It should be understood that this Overview is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary industrial automation system.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system configured to operate as an industrial automation gateway.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway in another example.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway in further example.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of an industrial automation gateway in still another example.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The following description and associated drawings teach the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects of the best mode may be simplified or omitted. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from the best mode that fall within the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described below can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific examples described below, but only by claims and their equivalents.
  • FIG. 1 shows an exemplary industrial automation node 110. Industrial automation node 110 is part of an industrial automation system 100, with the industrial automation system 100 further including cloud 140 and cloud automation facility 150. Industrial automation node 110 is in communication with cloud 140. Industrial automation node 110 communicates continuously, periodically, or intermittently with cloud 140. Industrial automation node 110 communicates with cloud 140 via a wired or wireless communication channel. Industrial automation node 110 in some examples communicates with cloud 140 via a cellular communication link and exchanges communications with cloud 140 via a cellular telephone communication protocol. In such an example, industrial automation node 110 has an account with a cellular provider.
  • Industrial automation node 110 in some examples is located in a manufacturing plant or other industrial facility. Alternatively, in other examples industrial automation node 110 is remotely located and comprises a small facility, a temporary facility, a mobile facility, or other self-contained facility. In other examples, industrial automation node 110 is substantially stationary or is fixed in location.
  • Industrial automation node 110 performs some manner of industrial automation operation or operations. Industrial automation node 110 generates and/or gathers industrial automation data. Industrial automation data can include timestamps that indicate when data portions were generated or collected. Industrial automation node 110 transfers the industrial automation data to cloud 140 for storage, analysis, and other uses. Industrial automation node 110 further transfers operational information to cloud 140 in some examples, including operational status and operational characteristic. Industrial automation node 110 in some examples receives information from cloud 140, including programming, measurement values or other information needed for operation of industrial automation node 110, requests for operational status and operational characteristics from industrial automation node 110, and other information.
  • Industrial automation node 110 relays industrial automation data to cloud automation facility 150. Industrial automation node 110 may also accumulate, process, filter, compress, or otherwise modify the industrial automation data before relaying it to cloud automation facility 150. In addition, industrial automation node 110 may periodically transfer a heartbeat message to cloud automation facility 150.
  • Cloud 140 comprises a network or association of connected computer devices and digital electronic resources that can be used to perform processing and to relay communications. The term “cloud” is a shorthand reference to cloud computing infrastructure. The cloud includes one or more communication networks, such as the Internet, for example, and can further include portions of an industrial communications network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). In cloud computing, a computing process may run on one or many connected cloud computers at the same time. In cloud computing, the cloud can host and run an application anywhere in the world. Further, cloud 140 enables access to the application from anywhere.
  • Cloud 140 includes one or more data storage facilities for storing received industrial automation data in some examples. Cloud 140 receives industrial automation data from industrial automation node 110 and accumulates and stores the industrial automation data. Cloud 140 in some examples processes and/or analyzes the industrial automation data.
  • Cloud automation facility 150 is configured to communicate with industrial automation node 110 via cloud 140 and provide cloud services to industrial automation node 110. Cloud services can include, but are not limited to, data storage, data analysis, control applications, visualization applications such as cloud-based Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), reporting applications, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications, notification services, or other such applications.
  • Cloud automation facility 150 is configured to obtain industrial automation data of industrial automation node 110 via cloud 140. In addition, cloud automation facility 150 stores and provides configuration information to industrial automation node 110. Cloud automation facility 150 includes configuration library 152 that stores configuration information for one or more industrial automation nodes 110. Configuration library 152 is used to configure industrial automation nodes 110. Configuration library 152 can be used to configure a large variety of industrial automation devices 130-134. Configuration library 152 in some examples stores configuration information for each industrial automation device 130-134 of industrial automation node 110. Alternatively, in other examples configuration library 152 stores configuration information for all possible industrial automation devices 130-134 that could be used by industrial automation node 110. Configuration library 152 stores multiple versions of each configuration information item in some examples. Configuration library 152 receives updates of configuration information and provides the updated configuration information to industrial automation nodes 110.
  • Industrial automation node 110 in the example shown includes one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 and industrial automation gateway 120 coupled to the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134. The one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 perform industrial automation operations. The one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 can be selected and included in industrial automation node 110 to perform specific automation tasks.
  • Industrial automation node 110 interacts with cloud-based computing services that are hosted by cloud 140. The cloud platform comprises infrastructure that allows shared computing services to be accessed and utilized by cloud-capable devices. The cloud platform can be a public cloud that is accessible via the Internet by devices having Internet connectivity and appropriate authorizations to utilize commercially-available communication services. In some examples, access to the cloud platform and associated services can be provided to customers as subscription services.
  • Providing the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 with cloud capability can offer a number of advantages. Cloud-based storage can be easily scaled to accommodate the large quantities of data that can be generated daily by an industrial automation enterprise. Moreover, multiple industrial automation facilities at different geographical locations can migrate their respective automation data to the cloud 140 for aggregation, collation, collective analysis, and enterprise-level reporting without the need to establish a private network between the facilities.
  • Cloud-based diagnostic applications can monitor the health of respective automation systems or their associated industrial devices across an entire plant, or across multiple industrial automation facilities. Cloud-based control applications can be used to track a unit of product (or a unit or units of raw materials) through stages of production, collecting data for each unit at each stage.
  • Industrial automation node 110 can accept a number of and variety of industrial automation devices 130-134. The one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 can be installed to and removed from industrial automation node 110 in some examples. The one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 in some examples comprise batch control systems, continuous control systems, or discrete control systems. The one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 can include devices such as industrial controllers (e.g., programmable logic controllers or other types of programmable automation controllers), field devices such as sensors, meters, valves, motor drives, actuators, HMIs, industrial robots, barcode markers and readers, vision system devices, welders, or other such industrial devices.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 includes cloud communication interface 122 and industrial communication interface 124. Cloud communication interface 122 is configured to communicate with cloud 140. Industrial communication interface 124 is configured to communicate with the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134.
  • Industrial communication interface 124 facilitates monitoring and control of a process or processes. Industrial communication interface 124 exchanges data with the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 using a communication system such as native hardwired I/O or via a plant network such as Ethernet/IP, Data Highway Plus, ControlNet, Devicenet, or the like. Industrial communication interface 124 typically receives any combination of digital or analog signals from the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 indicating a current state of the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 and associated processes.
  • Cloud communication interface 122 comprises a communication interface that exchanges communications with cloud 140. Cloud communication interface 122 uses any suitable communication protocol. Cloud communication interface 122 performs wired and/or wireless communications with cloud 140, as needed. Cloud communication interface 122 can employ one or more different types of communications modules to connect with mobile-phone carriers, Wi-Fi providers, and other communications-services providers from locations in which wireless service can be obtained. Cloud communication interface 122 in some examples performs wireless communications with cloud 140 using a cellular communications protocol, including cellular communications protocols such as 2G (second generation)/CDMA, 3G/LTE, 4G, 5G, or any other suitable cellular telephone communication protocol. Alternatively, cloud communication interface 122 uses other suitable wireless communication protocols. By employing cloud communication interface 122, cloud-computing services can be extended into many different, geographically dispersed areas and to a variety of technologies and uses for which traditional wireless-service subscriptions would not be economically feasible.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 can transfer substantially real-time industrial automation data to cloud 140. However, if industrial automation gateway 120 determines that communications are not possible, or if industrial automation gateway 120 determines that it is not time for an industrial automation data upload, industrial automation gateway 120 can transfer bulk industrial automation data to cloud 140. In such a situation, industrial automation gateway 120 enters a store-and-forward mode, wherein industrial automation node 110 accumulates industrial automation data and transfers the accumulated industrial automation data to cloud 140 at predetermined time periods.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes multiple communication ports. Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes wired and wireless communication ports. Consequently, industrial automation gateway 120 may be able to communicate with cloud 140 in various ways and using more than one communication protocol or scheme.
  • In some examples, industrial automation gateway 120 provides security. Industrial automation gateway 120 can provide access control, screening or limiting communications. Industrial automation gateway 120 can encrypt the industrial automation data being transferred to cloud 140.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples is a small footprint device, such as the netbiter™ remote communication gateway, available from HMS Industrial Networks. The netbiter™ remote communication gateway includes GSM/GPRS cellular communication capability and includes Ethernet wired communication capability. Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples has a small physical size, uses a low amount of electrical energy, performs as little processing or communicating as needed, adds minimal latency to data transfers or operations in industrial automation node 110, or a combination of these factors, for example.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 comprises a fixed hardware and software in some examples. Alternatively, industrial automation gateway 120 comprises a communication card or other communication device that can be installed into and removed from industrial automation node 110. Corresponding gateway software can be obtained by industrial automation node 110 for a current gateway device or for a current gateway device format/protocol.
  • In some examples, the software for industrial automation gateway 120 is configurable, such as by cloud 140 or by cloud automation facility 150. Further, the gateway software can be dynamically updated or modified.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 obtains and loads suitable data plug-ins or configurations for the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134. The data plug-ins or configurations comprise plug-ins for receiving industrial automation data from the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134. Industrial automation gateway 120 may acquire one or more data plug-in or configuration for each industrial automation device 130-134. The data plug-ins or configurations operate to receive the industrial automation data in a format of the corresponding industrial automation device 130-134. The data plug-ins can process or condition the industrial automation data. The data plug-ins can transform the industrial automation data. Other uses for the data plug-ins are contemplated and are within the scope of the description and claims. However, the data plug-ins do not generate the industrial automation data.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples stores a set, subset, or sets of plug-ins or configurations that are anticipated to be needed in industrial automation node 110. Industrial automation gateway 120 may store more plug-ins and configurations than needed, including plug-ins and configurations that may be needed for future devices or future operations. Alternatively, in other examples, industrial automation gateway 120 obtains and installs only the needed data plug-ins and configurations, wherein unneeded data plug-ins and configurations are not present in industrial automation node 110.
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 in some examples includes configuration information in messages or data that is sent to cloud 140. Further, cloud 140 (or cloud automation facility 150) in some examples sends available configuration version information to industrial automation gateway 120. As a result, industrial automation gateway 120 can determine that a newer configuration version is available and can subsequently request the newer configuration version from cloud 140 or from cloud automation facility 150.
  • In some examples, industrial automation gateway 120 is configured to request a configuration update from cloud 140 or cloud automation facility 150, with the request including information including a current configuration 126 (and can include other information such as information about the one or more installed industrial automation devices 130-134), receive a configuration update 128 in response, if a configuration update 128 is needed or warranted, and implement the received configuration update 128.
  • In some examples, industrial automation node 110 comprises one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 configured to generate industrial automation and an industrial automation gateway 120 in communication with the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 and in communication with a cloud automation facility 150, with industrial automation gateway 120 configured to determine a current configuration 126 of the gateway 120, transfer the current configuration 126 to cloud automation facility 150, and receive and implement a configuration update 128 from cloud automation facility 150. In some examples, industrial automation node 110 performs a configuration update without any operator inputs.
  • In some examples, the configuration information comprises communication parameters, data collection parameters, and data conditioning parameters. The communication parameters define communications characteristics for industrial automation node 110, such as communication times/intervals, communication types/protocols, a number of stored messages per upload package, a maximum upload frequency and/or bandwidth limits, and a size or time limit for storing industrial automation data in a disconnected state, for example. The data collection parameters define data collection parameters for the one or more industrial automation devices 130-134 of industrial automation node 110, such as data to be collected and tags or alarms to be collected from specific industrial automation devices 130-134, and how often data is to be collected, for example. The data conditioning parameters define data conditioning operations to be performed, such as filtering, compression, transformation, etc. It should be understood that additional communication parameters, data collection parameters, and data conditioning parameters are contemplated and are within the scope of the description and claims.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 120. In this example, industrial automation gateway 120 determines a current configuration 126 of industrial automation gateway 120, (operation 200). Industrial automation gateway 120 then requests a configuration update from cloud automation facility 150 through cloud communication interface 122 and the cloud 140, (operation 202).
  • Industrial automation gateway 120 receives configuration update 128 from cloud automation facility 150 through the cloud 140 and cloud communication interface 122, (operation 204). Industrial automation gateway 120 implements configuration update 128 within industrial automation gateway 120, (operation 206).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a computer system configured to operate as an industrial automation gateway 300, such as industrial automation gateway 120 from FIG. 1.
  • Industrial automation node 300 includes cloud communication interface 304, industrial communication interface 306, processor 308 coupled to cloud communication interface 304 and to industrial communication interface 306, and a hardware memory 310 coupled to processor 308. Memory 310 can be separate from or included in processor 308.
  • The hardware memory 310 in the example shown includes software 312. In some examples, software 312 comprises operating instructions that configure the industrial automation gateway 300, when executed by the industrial automation gateway 300 in general or processor 308 in particular, to direct industrial automation gateway 300 to perform industrial automation node operations. Other data, such as operational data, may also be stored in hardware memory 310. The software 312 in one example comprises at least a configuration update module 314 and a configuration monitoring module 316. The configuration update module 314 performs configuration updates of the industrial automation gateway 300 in some examples. The configuration monitoring module performs event monitoring in the industrial automation devices 330-336 in some examples.
  • Processor 308 may comprise a microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes software 312 from hardware memory 310. Processor 308 may be implemented within a single processing device, but may also be distributed across multiple processing devices or sub-systems that cooperate in executing program instructions. Examples of processor 308 include general purpose central processing units, application specific processors, and logic devices, as well as any other type of processing device, combinations, or variations.
  • Hardware memory 310 may comprise any computer readable storage media readable by processor 308 and capable of storing software 312. Hardware memory 310 may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Hardware memory 310 may be independent from or integrated into processor 308. Hardware memory 310 can comprise additional elements, such as a memory controller, capable of communicating with processor 308. Examples of storage media include random access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, flash memory, virtual memory and non-virtual memory, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other suitable storage media. In no case is the storage media a propagated signal.
  • In addition to storage media, in some implementations hardware memory 310 may also include communication media over which software 312 may be communicated internally or externally. Hardware memory 310 may be implemented as a single storage device but may also be implemented across multiple storage devices or sub-systems co-located or distributed relative to each other. Hardware memory 310 may comprise additional elements capable of communicating with processor 308 or possibly other systems.
  • Software 312 may be implemented in program instructions and among other functions and may, when executed by processor 308, direct processor 308 to operate as described herein. In particular, the program instructions may include various components or modules that cooperate or otherwise interact to implement at least a portion of industrial automation gateway 300. The various components or modules may be embodied in compiled or interpreted instructions or in some other variation or combination of instructions. The various components or modules may be executed in a synchronous or asynchronous manner, in a serial or in parallel, in a single threaded environment or multi-threaded, or in accordance with any other suitable execution paradigm, variation, or combination thereof. Software 312 in the examples comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions. Software 312 may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, virtual machines, or some other type of software. Software 312 may include additional processes, programs, or components, such as operating system software or other application software. Software 312 may also comprise firmware or some other form of machine-readable processing instructions executable by processor 308.
  • In general, software 312, when loaded into processor 308 and executed, may transform a suitable apparatus, system, or device from a general-purpose computing system into a special-purpose computing system customized to perform a configuration update or perform event monitoring, among other operations. Indeed, encoding software 312 on the memory 310 may transform the physical structure of the memory 310. The specific transformation of the physical structure may depend on various factors in different implementations of this description. Examples of such factors may include, but are not limited to the technology used to implement the storage media of the memory 310 and whether the computer-storage media are characterized as primary or secondary storage, as well as other factors.
  • In addition to software 312, memory 310 comprises dynamic software container 318 that allows new software components with additional functionality to be downloaded when the cloud application detects a new configuration. Operation of dynamic software container 318 is further illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 4. These new gateway components are bound into the currently running system so as to dynamically enhance its operation without interruption. In this way, industrial automation gateway 300 can automatically extend its capabilities to speak new protocols and connect new industrial automation devices 330-336 added by the industrial customer on premises. This operation of industrial automation gateway 300 is further illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 6.
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 can be configured to wake up and discover any industrial automation devices 330-336 located on its local LAN network. In this way, devices may not only be discovered, but by using CIP messages industrial automation gateway 300 can query the exact product identification and its configuration. This map of local devices 330-336 and their configuration can then be communicated by industrial automation gateway 300 to cloud automation facility 150 to update the cloud model for these devices 330-336. This model is then used to construct dashboards, reports, and analytics that will consume real-time operational data conveyed from these devices 330-336 to the cloud 140 by industrial automation gateway 300.
  • In the same way, periodic checks of local devices 330-336 can discover newly deployed devices 330-336 and their configuration, and update the cloud model automatically. Cloud service users are then notified of model changes so that they can update dashboards, reports, and analytics as required. This operation of industrial automation gateway 300 is further illustrated by the flowchart of FIG. 5.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 may include communication connections and devices that allow for communication with other computing systems over a communication network or collection of networks. Cloud communication interface 304 may include user input and output devices for being controlled by a user.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 comprises a network card, network interface, port, or interface circuitry that allows industrial automation gateway 300 to communicate over a network or networks. Cloud communication interface 304 may also include a memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other device. Cloud communication interface 304 can use any suitable communication protocol to exchange communications.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 may include components that communicate over communication links, such as network cards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, or other communication components. Cloud communication interface 304 may be configured to communicate over electrically conductive, wireless, optical, or other links.
  • Cloud communication interface 304 can further include components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and user communications and to present media and/or information. These components typically include a keyboard, display, indicator lights, speakers, touch pads, microphone, buttons, mouse, or other user input/output apparatus, including combinations thereof.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 may include communication connections and devices that allow for communication with other computing systems over a communication network or collection of networks. Industrial communication interface 306 may include user input and output devices for being controlled by a user.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 comprises a network card, network interface, port, or interface circuitry that allows industrial automation gateway 300 to communicate over a network or networks. Industrial communication interface 306 may also include a memory device, software, processing circuitry, or some other device. Industrial communication interface 306 can use any suitable communication protocol to exchange communications.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 may include components that communicate over communication links, such as network cards, ports, RF transceivers, processing circuitry and software, or other communication components. Industrial communication interface 306 may be configured to communicate over electrically conductive, wireless, optical, or other links.
  • Industrial communication interface 306 can further include components that interact with a user to receive user inputs and user communications and to present media and/or information. These components typically include a keyboard, display, indicator lights, speakers, touch pads, microphone, buttons, mouse, or other user input/output apparatus, including combinations thereof.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 300 in another example. In this example, industrial automation gateway 300 receives configuration update 322 within dynamic software container 318, (operation 400). Dynamic software container 318 stores configuration update 322 within hardware memory 310 (operation 402). Dynamic software container 318 binds the new software components into currently running systems within industrial automation gateway 300 without interrupting the currently running systems, (operation 404).
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 300 in further example. In this example, industrial automation gateway 300 determines a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices 330-336 coupled with industrial automation gateway 300 through industrial communication interface 306, (operation 500).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 requests a configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices 330-336 from cloud automation facility 150, (operation 502). Industrial automation gateway 300 receives the configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices 330-336 from cloud automation facility 150, (operation 504). Industrial automation gateway 300 implements the configuration update within the one or more industrial automation devices 330-336, (operation 506).
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart for the operation of industrial automation gateway 300 in still another example. In this example, industrial automation gateway 300 determines a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices 330-336 coupled with industrial automation gateway 300 through industrial communication interface 306, (operation 600).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 detects the addition of an industrial automation device 330-336 to the one or more industrial automation devices 330-336, (operation 602). Industrial automation gateway 300 queries the added industrial automation device 330-336 to determine its identity and configuration, (operation 604).
  • Industrial automation gateway 300 requests a configuration update for industrial automation gateway 300 regarding the added industrial automation device based on its identity and configuration from cloud automation facility 150, (operation 606). Industrial automation gateway 300 then transfers configuration update 322 to dynamic software container 318 to bind the new software components into the currently running systems within industrial automation gateway 300 without interrupting the currently running systems, (operation 608).
  • The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of the invention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
1. An industrial automation gateway for autonomous dynamic provisioning comprising:
a cloud communication interface coupled with, and configured for communication with, a cloud automation facility; and
a processor coupled with the cloud communication interface, configured to:
determine a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway;
request a configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface;
receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface; and
implement the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
2. The industrial automation gateway of claim 1, further comprising:
a dynamic software container coupled with the processor, configured to:
receive the configuration update, wherein the configuration update comprises new software components with additional functionality for the industrial automation gateway;
store the configuration update in a memory; and
bind the new software components into currently running systems within the industrial automation gateway without interruption of the currently running systems.
3. The industrial automation gateway of claim 2, further comprising:
an industrial communication interface coupled with, and configured for communication with, one or more industrial automation devices.
4. The industrial automation gateway of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to:
determine a current configuration of the one or more industrial automation devices;
detect an addition of an industrial automation device to the one or more industrial automation devices;
query the added industrial automation device to determine its identity and configuration;
request a configuration update for the industrial automation gateway regarding the added industrial automation device based on its identity and configuration from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, the configuration update comprising new software components with additional functionality to allow the industrial automation gateway to communicate with, and control, the added industrial automation device; and
transfer the configuration update to the dynamic software container to bind the new software components into the currently running systems within the industrial automation gateway without interruption of the currently running systems.
5. The industrial automation gateway of claim 4, wherein the processor is further configured to:
transfer the identity and configuration of the added industrial automation device to the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface to update cloud service users with information about the added industrial automation device.
6. The industrial automation gateway of claim 4, wherein the configuration update comprises one or more of: communication parameters, data collection parameters, or data conditioning parameters.
7. The industrial automation gateway of claim 1, further comprising:
an industrial communication interface coupled with, and configured for communication with, one or more industrial automation devices.
8. The industrial automation gateway of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to:
determine a current configuration of at least one of the one or more industrial automation devices;
request a configuration update for the at least one of the one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface;
receive the configuration update for the at least one of the one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface; and
implement the configuration update within the at least one of the one or more industrial automation devices through the industrial communication interface.
9. A method for autonomous dynamic provisioning within an industrial automation gateway comprising:
determining a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway;
requesting a configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a cloud communication interface;
receiving the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface; and
implementing the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
receiving the configuration update within a dynamic software container, wherein the configuration update comprises new software components with additional functionality for the industrial automation gateway;
storing the configuration update in a hardware memory; and
binding the new software components into currently running systems within the industrial automation gateway without interrupting the currently running systems.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:
determining a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices coupled with the industrial automation gateway through an industrial communication interface;
detecting an addition of an industrial automation device to the one or more industrial automation devices;
querying the added industrial automation device to determine its identity and configuration;
requesting a configuration update for the industrial automation gateway regarding the added industrial automation device based on its identity and configuration from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, the configuration update comprising new software components with additional functionality to allow the industrial automation gateway to communicate with, and control, the added industrial automation device; and
transferring the configuration update to the dynamic software container to bind the new software components into the currently running systems within the industrial automation gateway without interrupting the currently running systems.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising:
transferring the identity and configuration of the added industrial automation device to the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface to update cloud service users with information about the added industrial automation device.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the configuration update comprises one or more of:
communication parameters, data collection parameters, or data conditioning parameters.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising:
determining a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices coupled with the industrial automation gateway through an industrial communication interface;
requesting a configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface;
receiving the configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface; and
implementing the configuration update within the one or more industrial automation devices through the industrial communication interface.
15. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media having stored thereon program instructions to facilitate autonomous dynamic provisioning within an industrial automation gateway, wherein the program instructions, when executed by a computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
determine a current configuration of the industrial automation gateway;
request a configuration update from a cloud automation facility through a cloud communication interface;
receive the configuration update from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface; and
implement the configuration update within the industrial automation gateway.
16. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
receive the configuration update within a dynamic software container, wherein the configuration update comprises new software components with additional functionality for the industrial automation gateway;
store the configuration update in a hardware memory; and
bind the new software components into currently running systems within the industrial automation system without interruption of the currently running systems.
17. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 16, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
determine a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices coupled with the industrial automation gateway through an industrial communication interface;
detect an addition of an industrial automation device to the one or more industrial automation devices;
query the added industrial automation device to determine its identity and configuration;
request a configuration update for the industrial automation gateway regarding the added industrial automation device based on its identity and configuration from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface, the configuration update comprising new software components with additional functionality to allow the industrial automation gateway to communicate with, and control, the added industrial automation device; and
transfer the configuration update to the dynamic software container to bind the new software components into the currently running systems within the industrial automation gateway without interruption of the currently running systems.
18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
transfer the identity and configuration of the added industrial automation device to the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface to update cloud service users with information about the added industrial automation device.
19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 17, wherein the configuration update comprises one or more of: communication parameters, data collection parameters, or data conditioning parameters.
20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 15, further comprising program instructions, which when executed by the computing system, direct the computing system to at least:
determine a current configuration of one or more industrial automation devices coupled with the industrial automation gateway through an industrial communication interface;
request a configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface;
receive the configuration update for the one or more industrial automation devices from the cloud automation facility through the cloud communication interface; and
implement the configuration update within the one or more industrial automation devices through the industrial communication interface.
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US20150372823A1 (en) 2015-12-24

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