Programmable hardware proxy for assessment of control logic

Inventors

Robinson, Philip

Assignees

McKesson Corp

Abstract

Technologies are provided for a programmable hardware proxy (PHP) for assessment of control logic. A control sequence that controls execution of an automation task within a physical automation system can be accessed to generate a virtual representation of physical control connections among sensor devices and a control device associated with an automation subsystem. The virtual representation constitutes a realistic virtual control interface that can be exposed to the automation subsystem in virtual domain. The virtual control interface can replace the control device in virtual domain, while preserving the functionality of the control device. The virtual control interface constitutes the PHP for the sensors devices and the control device. The PHP can be used to assess control logic for the automation subsystem, without reliance on hardware present in the automation subsystems.

Core Innovation

The invention relates to a programmable hardware proxy (PHP) architecture that assesses automation control logic without relying on physical automation-subsystem hardware. An automation system includes one or more sensor devices functionally coupled to an automation subsystem, and a control sequence directs execution of an automation task in a virtual domain.

The control sequence generates virtual connections for the one or more sensor devices to provide a virtual control interface while the automation subsystem is emulated. A control sequence is executed to generate first data representing output signal from at least one sensor device, and the first data is formatted according to an automation bus protocol for the automation system.

The formatted control data is routed or exposed to a second control sequence that directs operation of the automation subsystem in an emulated or virtual automation subsystem context. The architecture supports synchronized execution of a proxy control sequence and an emulator/test control sequence, and includes evaluation logic that produces performance outcomes based on generated control data and log records, including a message or score.

Multiple concurrent PHP instances can evaluate multiple conveyance subsystems or tasks, using configuration data and control sequences to generate virtual connections and pass formatted control data between the control sequences.

Claims Coverage

The independent claims set out a computing system, a computer-implemented method, and a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium that implement the same core workflow using a control sequence, virtual connections for sensor devices, generation of first data representing sensor output, and passing the first data to a second control sequence that directs operation of an automation subsystem. Across these independent claims, the inventive features focus on virtual connections, sensor-output first data generation, and control-data passing to direct operation of the automation subsystem.

Across the independent claims, the claim coverage centers on a control sequence-driven workflow that generates respective virtual connections for sensor devices, produces first data representing sensor output, and passes the first data to a second control sequence that directs operation of an automation subsystem. Dependent refinements further specify bus-protocol formatting, routing to particular virtual connections, and storage or production of additional data and evaluation outputs.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications