RU2796808C2 - Method and system for industrial automation with a system for embedding web application into surrounding web application - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: industrial automation.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method and system for industrial automation. The technical result of the claimed solution is to reduce the amount of data transfer in the communication device. The technical result is achieved by the fact that the claimed solution provides an embedded web application, which is provided by at least two web servers, and at least one criterion is determined on the basis of which the web server is determined, the embedded web application of which is embedded in the surrounding web application, wherein the embedded web application and at least two said web servers are communicatively connected to each other via a communication device, and the criterion relates to communication in the communication device, wherein the criterion is to reduce data transmission in the communication device between at least two web servers, while providing functionality in the framework of the industrial automation system due to the use of web applications.

EFFECT: reducing the amount of data transfer in the communication device.

9 cl, 2 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a method and system for industrial automation with a system for embedding an embedded WEB application in a surrounding WEB application in accordance with paragraph.

Industrial automation systems are used to control, control and regulate production processes, in particular in the automation of production processes, industrial processes and buildings, as well as to enable the operation of control devices, sensors, machines and industrial plants independently and independently of human intervention. Due to the ever-increasing importance of information technology for automation systems that include multiple networked control or computer units, it has become increasingly important to provide ways to reliably provide functions distributed throughout the automation system to provide monitoring, control and regulation functions.

It is already known from EP 2 902 857 B1 that the functions of an industrial automation system are made available by means of WEB applications that are assembled into interconnected WEB applications on the client side during the sequence of the control program or at runtime (Runtime) and provided to the user interface on the side client. The WEB application includes, respectively, at least one application component for which the component structure is generated. Preferably, the client side user interface includes a web browser.

In the case of a WEB application, we are talking about an application program based on a client-server model (see, for example, Wikipedia: "WEB application", https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Webanwendung, November 17, 2018 .).

From EP 3 151 503 A1, a method and system is known for embedding an embedded WEB application in a surrounding WEB application, wherein the surrounding first WEB application is executed in a browser, and the embedded second WEB application is provided in a separate execution and display area for the surrounding first WEB to run. -applications, wherein the surrounding first WEB application is provided by the first WEB server, and the second embedded WEB application is provided by the second WEB server.

From US 2007/0005689 A1, a content distribution system is known in which the basic HTML document of a web page is provided by a content provider server, while the data objects embedded in this web page (image files, audio and video files) are provided by other servers, which are preferably located in close proximity to customers. In this way, the contents are distributed across a set of servers, optimizing memory usage and avoiding server overload.

US 2010 /0042724 A1 also discloses a content distribution system in which data objects (image files, audio and video files) are embedded on a content provider's WEB page. In this case, the embedded data objects are provided, depending on the location of the client, either with the help of a WEB server providing the WEB page, or with the help of another server.

In the case of US 2007/0005689 A1 and US 2010/0042724 A1, only data objects are embedded in a WEB page, not application programs.

In the case of distributed services, the service components of which are provided by several different control or computer units to implement the functions of the automation system, high demands are placed on the communication infrastructure of the automation system. On the one hand, real-time communication requirements must usually be met; on the other hand, different communication protocols should be able to be used as transparently as possible for distributed services. A poorly performing communications infrastructure can compromise error-free service delivery and adversely affect system stability and availability.

When accessing linked data services and measured values in an industrial automation system, there are also often high demands in terms of availability and quality of service.

In addition, for reasons of operational safety, reduction of complexity and protection of know-how, there are often restrictions on the rights of own personnel or third parties to access services, data or measured values of the automation system or the system or object that is being automated.

As a rule, these requirements become more important the larger the automated system or the system or object that is being automated. Therefore, they apply in particular to large and complex process control systems, such as those used for monitoring, control and regulation systems in the process industry (eg chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgy, oil and gas, paper).

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to propose a method and system for industrial automation with which these requirements, in particular in the case of large process control systems, can be fulfilled even better than before.

The solution to this problem is achieved using the method according to claim 1 and the industrial automation system according to claim 5. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In the method proposed according to the invention for embedding an embedded WEB application in a surrounding WEB application, wherein the embedded WEB application is provided for execution in a separate execution and display area of the surrounding WEB application, the embedded WEB application is provided by at least two WEB servers. The surrounding WEB application preferably runs in a browser.

By providing the same embedded WEB application by at least two WEB servers, if one of the two WEB servers fails, the provision of the WEB application and the function provided by it will still be available. Particularly in the case of complex systems with many services or functions, data sources and many persons having access to services or functions for command and control, this also offers additional flexibility in separating services or functions, data sources, collecting and storing data on different subsystems and according to their assigned servers. This can be used to increase redundancy, controllability and availability and therefore reliability, to reduce complexity, reduce data transfer, and to obtain better access control options for personnel.

According to the invention, at least one criterion is determined, on the basis of which, preferably automatically, at least one of the two WEB servers is determined whose provided embedded WEB application is embedded in the surrounding WEB application. The criterion can also be implicitly set, for example, on the basis of assignments of WEB applications to WEB servers stored on the WEB server (for example, in the context of designing a server system).

According to the invention, an embedded or embedded WEB application and at least two WEB servers are communicatively connected to each other via a communication device and the criterion refers to communication in the communication device. In this case, the criterion is the reduction of data transmission in the communication device between at least two WEB servers.

According to a further preferred embodiment, a WEB server is defined that provides the surrounding WEB application, and one of the at least two WEB servers whose provided embedded WEB application is embedded in the surrounding WEB application.

The WEB server that provides the surrounding WEB application may then inform the defined WEB server of the surrounding WEB application when it is executed, so that it then embeds the WEB application of that determined WEB server into the surrounding WEB application.

The WEB server that provides the surrounding WEB application may further inform the surrounding WEB application when it is executed by another WEB server(s) that provides(s) the embedded WEB application. In the event of failure of the embedded WEB application, then without much delay, switching to another WEB server and embedding the WEB application of this Web server can be carried out.

Alternatively, the WEB server that provides the surrounding WEB application may also provide only at least one criteria for determining the WEB server for the embedded application, and then this may be used elsewhere to determine the WEB server of the embedded application. For example, the surrounding application or other service may then independently determine this WEB server based on at least one criterion.

Preferably, there is a data interface between WEB applications. This allows web applications to interact with each other. In this way, related services or functions can be flexibly integrated into the automation system.

According to the invention, the method is used in an industrial automation system, in particular in a process control system, i.e. WEB applications provide functions in an industrial automation system.

In accordance with the invention, an industrial automation system, in particular a process control system, with a system for embedding an embedded WEB application in a surrounding WEB application, wherein the embedded WEB application is provided for execution in a separate execution area and display of the surrounding WEB application, contains at least two WEB servers that provide an embedded WEB application (ie, provide the same WEB application). Preferably, the system includes a browser for executing a surrounding WEB application.

According to the invention, the system is configured to determine, using at least one criterion, which of the at least two WEB servers, the embedded WEB application to be provided is embedded in the surrounding WEB application.

The WEB application and the at least two WEB servers are in this case communicatively connected to each other via a communication device, the criterion being related to communication in the communication device.

The criterion here relates to the reduction of data transmission in the communication device between said at least two WEB servers.

The WEB server that provides the surrounding WEB application is preferably configured such that, based on a criterion that determines which of the at least two WEB servers, the provided embedded WEB application is embedded in the surrounding WEB application.

The WEB server that provides the surrounding WEB application is preferably configured to notify the specific WEB server of the surrounding WEB application when it is executed.

The WEB server that provides the surrounding WEB application is configured to further inform the surrounding WEB application when it is executed by other WEB servers that provide the embedded WEB application.

Alternatively, the criteria can only be provided by the WEB server that provides the surrounding WEB application and used elsewhere to determine the WEB server of the embedded WEB application.

Preferably, a data interface is provided between the WEB applications.

The said advantages of the method according to the invention and its preferred improvements to said advantages also apply to the industrial automation system according to the invention and its preferred improvements.

The invention and other advantageous improvements of the invention in accordance with the features of the dependent claims are explained in more detail below based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Shown:

Fig. 1 is a simplified representation of the basic structure of the system according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows the sequence of steps of the method according to the invention.

In FIG. 1 shows a simplified representation of an industrial plant 1 with an industrial automation system 2. Such systems 1 are used in various industries, for example, in the processing industry (eg, chemical, pharmaceutical, metallurgy, oil and gas, paper), in the distributed industrial production and in the electric power industry. The actual industry process 3, such as the process of production or energy generation, is controlled and/or regulated and monitored by the automation system 2. For this, the automation system 2 comprises one or more industrial controllers (in this case control elements 4) and two or more automation servers 5, 6, which are often also referred to as "Application-Server" or "operator system server".

Each of the controls 4 then controls the operation of the sub-process 3a or 3b in the process 3 depending on its operating states. To do this, the process 3 includes actuators 7, which can be controlled using the control elements 4. In this case, we can talk about actuators (eg motor, pump, valve, switch) or groups of such actuators or entire plant sections. The process also includes sensors 8 that provide the controls 4 with the actual values of the process variables (eg, temperature, pressure, speed). Here, the automation server 5 is assigned to the sub-process 3a, and the automation server 6 is assigned to the sub-process 3b. An automation system 2 without field devices (ie without actuators 5 and sensors 6) is often referred to as a "process control system".

The communication network of the plant 1 comprises, at a higher level, a plant network 10, preferably in the form of a bus, by means of which the automation servers 5, 6 are in communication with two command and control stations 11, 12, often referred to as "operator stations", and implemented , preferably in the form of a bus, the control network 10, through which the control elements 4 are in communication connection with each other and with the automation servers 5, 6. The connection of control elements 4 with actuators 7 and with sensors 8 can be carried out through discrete signal lines 13 or via field bus 15. "installation network" or "installation bus".

The automation servers 5, 6 store one or more application programs for a specific plant, which are executed during the operation of the plant 1. They serve, for example, to configure the controls 4 in the plant 1, receive and perform active actions of the operator at the stations 11, 12 control and monitoring (for example, exhibiting or changing the target values of process variables), or to generate messages for plant personnel and display them at the stations 11, 12 control and monitoring. In a process control system, control and monitoring stations 11, 12 are usually located in the control room 1.

The automation system 2 also includes additional servers, such as a maintenance server 13 and an engineering server 14, which are also connected to the installation network 10 .

The servers 5, 6, 13, 14 respectively include the WEB server 5', 6', 13' and 14', which provides the WEB application 24.

The WEB browser (browser for short) 22 running on it is displayed on the display 21 of the command and control station 11 which is communicatively connected or capable of establishing a communicative connection with the WEB servers 5', 6', 13' and 14' through the network 10.

The browser 22 runs the first WEB application 23, which should also be hereinafter referred to as the "surrounding WEB application" and which is at least partially supported ("hosted") by the WEB server 5'; similarly, the second WEB application 24, hereinafter referred to as the "embedded WEB application", is at least partially supported ("hosted") by one of the WEB servers 5', 6', 13' and 14'. Embedded WEB application 24 is designed to run in a separate execution and display area 25, which is designed as an "embedded frame" or "iframe" in the surrounding WEB application 23. Between the separate execution and display area 25 and the surrounding WEB application 23 is an interface 26 integrations for exchanging notifications or messages. Next, communication channels are established between the WEB applications 23, 24 and their respectively assigned WEB servers.

According to the invention, the embedded WEB application 24 is provided by at least two WEB servers, in this case even by all WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14'. In other words, all WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14 provide the same WEB application 24. By providing the embedded WEB application 24 with multiple WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14' , the WEB application 24 and the functions provided by it continue to be available if one of the WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14' fails. Particularly in the case of large complex systems with many services or functions, data sources, and a large number of people who access services or functions in a track or control mode, this provides additional flexibility in separating services or functions, data sources, as well as collection and storage of data in different subsystems, here, for example, in two subprocesses 3a, 3b of process 3, and respectively assigned servers, here, for example, server 5 assigned to subprocess 3a and server 6 assigned to subprocess 3b.

This can be used to increase redundancy, controllability and availability and therefore reliability, to reduce complexity, reduce data transfer, and to obtain better access control options for personnel.

The system containing WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14', WEB applications 23, 24 and a separate execution and display area 25 is designated 100 here.

Advantageously, at least one criterion K is determined, on the basis of which the WEB server 5' providing the surrounding WEB application 23 automatically determines the WEB server 5', 6', 13', 14' provided by the WEB application 24 of which is embedded in the surrounding WEB application 23. The criterion can, for example, also be implicitly set on the basis of the fixed assignments of the WEB applications 24 to the WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14' stored on the WEB server 5'.

The criterion preferably relates to communication in the installation network 10, in particular to the reduction of data transmission in the installation network 10, and here in particular between the WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14'. This is especially important when data or visualizations of process 3 or automation system 2 are initially available only on one of the servers 5, 6, 13, 14. For example, process value data from sub-process 3b is initially available only on server 6. But if The WEB application 24 of the WEB server 5' is embedded in the surrounding WEB application 23, this data must be transferred from the server 6 via the installation network 10 to the server 5. Thus, a cross-transmission of data occurs between the servers 5, 6, which leads to unwanted network load 10 installation.

Criterion K (or, if necessary, criteria) is stored on servers 5, 6, 13, 14 or WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14'.

Now together with figure 2 the preferred sequence of the process is explained:

It is assumed, for example, that the criterion K is the reduction of data transmission in the installation network 10, and that the WEB application 24 requires data from the sub-process 3b.

The WEB server 5', which provides the surrounding WEB application 23, determines in the first step 101 which WEB servers in the automation system 2 provide the WEB application 24. In this case, the WEB server 5', for example, by querying all servers, will define WEB server 5', 6', 13', 14'. Alternatively, this information may also already be stored on the WEB server 5', for example as part of the design of the automation system 2 .

In the second step 102, the WEB server 5' uses the stored criterion K (here abbreviation for data transfer) to determine which of the WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14' provided WEB application 24 of which is to be embedded in the environment. WEB application 23. In the above example, this is the WEB server 6'. As already noted above, the criterion can, for example, be implicitly set on the basis of fixed assignments of WEB applications 24 stored on the WEB server 5' to WEB servers 5', 6', 13', 14' (for example, within the framework of designing an automation system 2 ).

Then, in the next step 103, the WEB server 5' informs the determined WEB server 6' of the surrounding WEB application 23 when it is executed, so that it then embeds the WEB application 24 of the determined WEB server 6' into the surrounding WEB application 23.

The WEB server 5' that provides the surrounding WEB application 23 additionally also informs the surrounding WEB application 23, when it is executed in step 104, of the other WEB servers 5', 13', 14' that provide the embedded WEB application 24. In the event of an error of the WEB application 24 of the WEB server 6', the surrounding WEB application 23 can switch to another of the WEB servers 5', 13', 14' without significant delay, that is, establishes a communication channel with this WEB server, and embeds the WEB application 24 of this WEB server.

Alternatively, the WEB server 5' that provides the surrounding WEB application 23 can also only provide the criterion K "data reduction". It can then be used elsewhere to determine the WEB server of the embedded WEB application 24. For example, the surrounding WEB application 23 or another service can then determine the WEB server for the embedded WEB application 24 based on the criteria.

Claims (9)

1. A method for embedding an embedded web application (24) into a surrounding web application (23), wherein the embedded web application (24) is provided for execution in a separate execution area (25) and display of the surrounding web application (24), characterized in that that the embedded web application (24) is provided by at least two web servers (5', 6'), wherein at least one criterion (K) is determined based on which one of the at least two web servers ( 5', 6'), the provided embedded web application (24) of which is embedded in the surrounding web application (23), wherein the embedded web application (24) and the at least two webB servers (5', 6') mentioned are communicatively connected to each other via the communication device (10), and the criterion (K) refers to communication in the communication device (10), while the criterion (K) is the reduction of data transmission in the communication device (10) between said at least two web servers (5', 6'), while using web applications (24) provide functions in the industrial automation system (2), and the automation system (2) controls and / or regulates and monitors the technological process (3), and when this criterion refers to the reduction in data transfer that occurs when transferring process values (3) between web servers (5', 6'). 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the web server (5'), which provides the surrounding web application (23), based on the criterion (K) determines which of at least the two web servers (5', 6 ') provided embeddable web application (24) which is embedded in the surrounding web application (23). 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the web server (5') that provides the surrounding web application (23) informs the specific web server (6') of the surrounding web application (23) when it is executed. 4. The method according to claim 3, in which the web server (5'), which provides the surrounding web application (23), informs the surrounding web application (23) when it is executed additionally other web servers (5', 13' , 14') that provide an embedded web application (24). 5. The method according to claim 1, in which the said technological process is a process of production or generation of energy and includes actuators (7), which are controlled by means of control elements (4) of the industrial automation system (2), and / or sensors ( 8) which provide said control elements (4) with the actual values of process variables such as temperature, pressure, speed. 6. Industrial automation system (2), in particular a process control system, with a system (100) for embedding an embedded web application (24) into a surrounding web application (23), wherein the embedded web application (24) is provided for execution in a separate area (25) for executing and displaying the surrounding web application (24), characterized by at least two web servers (5', 6') providing an embedded web application (24), the system being designed to using at least one criterion (K) to determine which of said at least two web servers (5', 6') provided by the embedded web application (24) which is embedded in the surrounding web application (23), and at the same time the embedded web application (24) and at least two web servers (5', 6') are communicatively connected to each other via a communication device (10), and the criterion (K) refers to the reduction of data transmission in the device (10) communication between said at least two web servers (5', 6'), while the web applications (24) provide functions in the industrial automation system (2), and the automation system (2) controls and/or regulates and monitors the technological process (3), wherein the criterion refers to the reduction in data transfer that occurs when transferring process values (3) between web servers (5', 6'). 7. Industrial automation system (2) according to claim 6, wherein the web server (5') that provides the surrounding web application (23) is configured to determine, based on the criterion (K), one of the at least mentioned at least two web servers (5', 6') provided by an embedded web application (24) which is embedded in the surrounding web application (23). 8. Industrial automation system (2) according to claim 7, in which the web server (5') that provides the surrounding web application (23) is configured to inform the specific web server (6') of the surrounding web application (23) during its implementation. 9. Industrial automation system (2) according to claim 8, in which the web server (5') that provides the surrounding web application (23) is designed to additionally inform the surrounding web application (23) when it is executing other web servers (5', 13', 14') that provide an embedded web application (24).

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