Artificial intelligence‐based module type package‐compatible smart sensors in the process industry

Abstract

Image analysis presents a set of powerful methods to receive additional information about multiphase processes. It enables the development of advanced applications for process monitoring and optimization or, so-called, soft sensors. However, the integration of advanced smart sensor systems based on image analysis into the process control system presents a complex task. To address this challenge, a modular automation concept offers a standardized interface to integrate modules. This paper presents an integration profile as a service specification that allows a plug-and-measure integration of smart visual sensors into modular plants. To verify the concept, we applied it to three different use cases. At the end, we discuss open challenges in the integration of complex analysis systems with multidimensional data streams into modular plants.