Adaptive Scheduling for Field Device Resource Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional field device networks either operate resource-intensive functions continuously at high rates, consuming power and bandwidth unnecessarily during low demand periods, or require recommissioning, which consumes power and can result in packet loss.

Innovation Solution

A field device assembly with a processor that implements an adaptive schedule for resource-intensive activities, allowing varying rates based on time and sensed events, eliminating the need for recommissioning and optimizing power and bandwidth usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If resource-intensive functions are operated continuously at high rates, then productivity is improved, but power consumption and bandwidth usage increase unnecessarily during low demand periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction execution rateVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The field device dynamically adjusts its operation mode between high-rate continuous operation and low-rate duty-cycled operation based on real-time assessment of process needs, transforming a static operational mode into a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes both productivity and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device implements duty-cycled operation where resource-intensive functions are performed periodically at lower rates during normal operation, and only switches to continuous high-rate operation when process conditions require it, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining necessary productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If field devices are recommissioned from a central server to adjust function rates, then adaptability is improved, but power consumption and bandwidth usage increase, and packet loss may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunction rate adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnetwork stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The field device autonomously determines when high-rate operation is needed by locally assessing process conditions and autonomously switching between operational modes, eliminating the need for centralized recommissioning and thereby improving network reliability while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses local process feedback to trigger mode transitions, where sensed process parameters directly influence operational decisions, enabling adaptive behavior without requiring continuous network communication or centralized control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2972615B1Resource optimization in a field device

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 ROSEMOUNT INC

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AI summary

A field device assembly comprises a first process sensor, a wireless transceiver, and a processor. The first process sensor is disposed to sense a first process parameter. The wireless transceiver is configured to communicate wirelessly with a network manager. The processor is configured to process the sensed first process parameter, and to command the wireless transceiver and first process sensor to perform a first resource-intensive activity according to a first commissioned adaptive schedule whereby rates of the resource-intensive activity vary over time and/or based on sensed events.