Communication Device Autonomous Network Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing and maintaining network communication between field devices and higher-level units in industrial automation systems using FDT frame applications is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process requiring direct user interaction and manual setup.
Innovation Solution
A method and communication device that automatically reset and configure the operating system, initiate the FDT frame application, integrate communication applications, and scan the network to determine identification information, allowing for autonomous setup and maintenance of network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual setup and configuration is used for FDT frame applications, then network communication can be established, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The communication device automatically performs system reset, configuration file loading, FDT frame application startup, and network scanning without operator intervention. The device serves itself by executing the script program autonomously to establish network communication and integrate communication applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically resetting the operating system and loading configuration files before the FDT frame application needs to run. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for manual setup during actual operation, speeding up the overall process.
2Extent of automation
If automatic system reset and configuration is implemented, then operator intervention is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A script program acts as an intermediary between the operating system and the FDT frame application. The script automatically performs configuration tasks, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simple automatic setup interface to operators. The script coordinates system reset, configuration loading, application startup, and network scanning sequences.
3Reliability
If manual configuration and error handling is performed, then system reliability can be maintained, but error handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic monitoring and feedback mechanisms where the FDT frame application continuously scans the network and detects communication status. When errors or disruptions are detected, the system automatically responds by resetting and re-establishing connections, providing continuous feedback on system health without operator intervention.
4Productivity
If comprehensive network scanning and integration is performed automatically, then communication setup is faster, but processing resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs comprehensive network scanning and communication application integration automatically during initial setup and when needed, rather than continuously. This partial action approach - performing full scans only when necessary - reduces processing resource consumption during normal operation while maintaining fast setup capability when required.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for establishing a network communication between at least one network participant (FG1, FG2, FG3, GW) and a communication device (KV) in an automation system (AN). The communication device (KV) carries out the following steps: - resetting the operating system (BS) of the communication device (KV) using mapping files which can be found on the communication device (KV) after switching on or restarting the communication device (KV); - starting the operating system (BS) on the basis of the mapping files; and - running a script, whereby the script initiates or controls the following actions: i. starting a first frame application (RA1); ii. integrating at least one communication application (KA) into the first frame application (RA1); and iii. running a scan of the first communication network (KN1) using the communication application (KA) and ascertaining identification information on all of the network participants (FG1, FG2, FG3, GW) involved in a first communication network (KN1), which is connected to the communication device. The invention also relates to communication device (KV) for carrying out the method according to the invention.