US 10,852,716 B2 · Secure models for model-based control and optimization

Abstract

In certain embodiments, a control/optimization system includes an instantiated model object stored in memory on a model server. The model object includes a model of a plant or process being controlled. The model object comprises an interface that precludes the transmission of proprietary information via the interface. The control/optimization system also includes a decision engine software module stored in memory on a decision support server. The decision engine software module is configured to request information from the model object through a communication network via a communication protocol that precludes the transmission of proprietary information, and to receive the requested information from the model object through the communication network via the communication protocol.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A control system configured to control operation of one or more actuators to facilitate performance of an industrial automation process, wherein:

the control system comprises:
a first portion configured to:
store a model that models performance of the industrial automation process based at least in part on protected information;
and
determine an approximation of the model that does not include the protected information;
and
a second portion communicatively coupled to the first portion of the control system, wherein the second portion of the control system comprises a decision engine configured to determine a control command to be implemented by the one or more actuators at least in part by executing a model-based optimization based at least in part on operating information determined by one or more sensors and the approximation of the model that does not include the protected information;
and
the control system is configured to control performance of the industrial automation process at least in part by instructing the one or more actuators to perform the control command determined by the decision engine.

6 more elements

A tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by one or more processors of a control system, wherein the instructions comprise instructions to:

determine, using the one or more processors, an approximation of a model that models performance of an industrial automation process based at least in part on protected information, wherein the approximation of the model does not include the protected information;
perform, using the one or more processors, a model-based optimization based at least in part on operating information related to performance of the industrial automation process measured by one or more sensors and the approximation of the model that does not include the protected information to determine a control command to be implemented by an actuator that operates in the industrial automation process;
and
instruct, using the one or more processors, the actuator to implement the control command to facilitate performance of the industrial automation process.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Secure models for model-based control and optimization

Life of this patent

Secure models for model-based control and optimization

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20