Distributed autonomous process interface systems based on data distribution service middleware

Abstract

A collaborative automation platform includes a control server connected to a local area control network, and a plurality of distributed autonomous process interface systems. Each distributed autonomous process interface system is configured to receive measurement data from one or more field instruments and forward converted measurement data via an uplink to subscribers. Each distributed autonomous process interface system includes a standalone data distribution system-enabled input/output system and associated hardware for connection to the one or more field instruments. The collaborative automation platform also includes real-time DDS middleware configured to interconnect process control applications of the control server with the plurality of distributed autonomous process interface systems. The collaborative automation platform is configured with circuitry to determine unmeasured process properties required for higher level process control applications, publish changed values of the converted measurement data to the subscribers, and publish the unmeasured process properties to the subscribers.