Child Device Objects for Multi-Variable Parameter Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process control systems face difficulties in configuring and accessing subsequent parameters of multi-variable devices due to limitations in communication protocols, which complicates the configuration and operation of process control systems.
Innovation Solution
The system generates new device objects within the process control system to facilitate access to secondary or subsequent parameters of multi-variable devices, allowing these parameters to be identified by unique tags and configured more simply, by creating child device objects associated with the multi-variable device objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multi-variable devices generate multiple output variable values, then the information capability of the device is improved, but the complexity of configuring and accessing subsequent parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-variable device parameters by creating separate device objects for each subsequent parameter. Instead of accessing parameters through a complex hierarchical structure, the system generates individual device objects (child objects) for each subsequent parameter, making them accessible through simple unique tags without requiring knowledge of the parent-child relationship or parameter hierarchy.
2Ease of operation
If subsequent parameters are accessed through device objects with primary parameters, then the protocol compatibility is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates child device objects that are copies or representations of the subsequent parameters from the parent multi-variable device. These child objects contain the essential information (unique tags, parameter values) needed for easy access, while the actual parameter data remains in the parent device. This copying approach allows simple referencing without exposing the underlying complexity of the multi-variable device structure.
3Productivity
If unique tags are assigned to subsequent parameters, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the subsequent parameters from the parent multi-variable device and creates separate child device objects for each. Each child object is assigned a unique tag that can be used independently for configuration and access. This extraction process removes the complexity of navigating the parent device's parameter structure, allowing operators to work with simple, uniquely-identified objects while maintaining the ability to access all parameter data through the parent-child relationship when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of configuring process control systems for operating process plants including multi-variable devices are disclosed herein. Multi-variable devices generate data associated with primary parameters and subsequent parameters. To facilitate configuration and use of subsequent parameters within process control systems, new device objects may be generated to represent the subsequent parameters. The new device objects may be generated as child device objects of parent device objects representing the multi-variable devices. Each child device object may also have a unique tag to identify the new device object within the process control system. The subsequent parameters of the multi-variable devices may thus be used within the process control system by reference to the tags of the corresponding child device objects.