Information modeling for middleware in automation

Abstract

Middleware in automation serves the connection of hardware and software components of applications in automation-like control or human-machine interfaces.To cope with today's flexibility requirements, there is an urgent demand to not only communicate data but to describe the semantics of the distinct elements of the distributed information space. Therefore, middleware in automation needs to provide some means for information modeling. To derive general concepts and recommendations on how to implement information models on middleware in automation, we discuss several relevant standards that provide partial information models. We then identify the fundamental information modeling constructs of these partial models and derive general requirements for the information modeling capabilities of middleware in automation.

Framework for a model-based, cross-domain system interconnection in automation technology

“…Middleware as the so-called glue for automation [16] supports a large variety of services and hence provides a basis to combine, realize and run the interconnection concepts mentioned before on. [17] [18].…”

Testbed to Verify Interoperability among Heterogeneous Devices with OPC UA

“…The defined node is integrated as a hierarchical structure in the address space of OPC UA [5] [6]. OPC UA supports communication of the information defined as a hierarchical structure between OPC UA server and OPC UA client, using the defined core functions.…”

Automatisierung von Prozessmodulen

“…Denkbar ist beispielsweise die Übertragung eines formalen Anlagenmodells mit Sensorwerten und sonstigen Daten über OPC UA [14]. Eine wesentliche Voraussetzung hierfür wäre es, ein standardisiertes Informationsmodell [15] zu entwickeln, das Planungsdaten, beispielsweise auf Basis von PandIX [10], und Steuerungsdaten, zum Beispiel auf Basis des OPC UA Modells für IEC 61131 [16], integriert darstellt.…”