Automation Module Data Mapping for Flexible Measured Value Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measurement modules in industrial process automation are limited by fixed data structures and protocols, making it difficult for users to retrieve and configure the specific measured values needed for their applications, as they often require a large number of parameters and variables with varying requirements.
Innovation Solution
The module employs user-defined data structures and assignment tables with identifiers, allowing for customizable data configuration through a configuration tool, using a conversion rule to map measured values into a process map memory, and supports OPC UA communication for acyclical data transmission, enabling flexible addressing of measured values according to user-specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional measurement modules use fixed data structures and protocols, then the device structure is simple and standardized, but the adaptability to different user requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configurability by allowing users to define custom data structures through configuration files that map measured values to user-specific parameters. The system transitions from fixed static data structures to dynamic user-definable structures, enabling adaptation to different application requirements while maintaining a standardized underlying hardware interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables parameter changes by introducing configuration files that define mapping relationships between measured values and user parameters. Users can modify data structures by changing configuration parameters without hardware modifications, allowing the system to adapt to different measurement requirements through parameter reconfiguration rather than structural changes.
2Loss of information
If all measured values are made accessible, then the information completeness is improved, but the complexity of configuring and accessing the data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and presents only the relevant measured values to users through configuration files that define which measured values map to which user parameters. Instead of exposing all raw measured values, the system extracts and presents only the configured subset, reducing information overload while maintaining access to complete data through the configuration mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration file acts as an intermediary layer between the raw measured values and the user application. This intermediary defines mapping relationships that simplify data access by translating standardized measured value identifiers into user-specific parameter names and data structures, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining information completeness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed transport protocols are used for data retrieval, then the communication protocol is simple and standardized, but the flexibility to retrieve specific measured values is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining mapping relationships in configuration files between measured values and user parameters. This preliminary configuration allows the system to efficiently retrieve and present only the required data without requiring complex runtime protocol negotiations, as the data retrieval paths are predetermined through configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and module for industrial process automation for acquiring measured values, wherein the measured value datasets have an identifier for each measured value, and an assignment table for cyclical data and an assignment table for acyclical data are present, which have a user-defined data structure created by a configurer via a configuration tool.