US 2019/0377310 A1 · DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING IN A PROCESS CONTROL ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

High availability and data migration in a distributed process control computing environment. Allocation algorithms distribute data and applications among available compute nodes, such as controllers in a process control system. In the process control system, an input/output device, such as a fieldbus module, can be used by any controller. Databases store critical execution information for immediate takeover by a backup compute element. The compute nodes are configured to execute algorithms for mitigating dead time in the distributed computing environment.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An apparatus for controlling a process, comprising:

an electronic data communication channel;
a plurality of compute nodes each connected to the communication channel, wherein at least one compute node implements a process control application;
a sensor connected to the communication channel for providing electronic data representative of a physical value of the process;
an actuator connected to the communication channel for receiving electronic data representative of a manipulation of a physical value of the process;
and
an executive node connected to the communication channel for initiating a transfer of at least a subset of the process control application among one or more other compute nodes via the communication channel.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

16/549,264Filed 23 Aug 2019

Priority

28 Apr 2015

Published

12 Dec 2019

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification19 codes

G05B 19/042
Program control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers: using digital processors
G05B 9/03
Electric: with multiple-channel loop, i.e. redundant control systems
G05B 19/4185
Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible…:…
G06F 9/5055
The resource being a machine, e.g. CPUs, Servers, Terminals: considering software capabilities, i.e. software resources associated or available to…

Distributed computing in a process control environment

Life of this patent

Distributed computing in a process control environment

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19