Distributed Field Device Operation Across Multiple Wireless Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in industrial automation often require servicing on devices with limited display sizes or under challenging environmental conditions, where users face difficulties in accessing all necessary display elements and operating functions due to size constraints and environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
A method that establishes a wireless communication connection between operating devices to extend the display elements and operating functions, allowing for the transmission of display elements and functionalities to other compatible devices, enabling seamless servicing of field devices across multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, and other mobile or wearable devices using protocols like Bluetooth LE or WiFi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If display elements are shown on a mobile end device with limited display size, then the device is portable and easy to use, but not all display elements can be displayed simultaneously requiring scrolling
Solution Approach 1:
The operating functionality is segmented across multiple operating devices. The first operating device displays certain elements while the second operating device displays other elements, dividing the complete set of display elements among multiple devices to avoid scrolling while maintaining portability of individual devices
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-device display approach to a multi-device distributed display approach, adding the dimension of spatial distribution across multiple devices. This allows all display elements to be simultaneously accessible across different devices rather than requiring vertical scrolling on one device
2Loss of information
If a larger device like a tablet is used to display all elements, then all display elements are visible, but the device becomes heavier and less practical
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large heavy device to display all elements, the display elements are segmented and distributed across multiple lighter devices. Each device displays a subset of elements, achieving complete information visibility without requiring any single device to be large and heavy
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple lightweight devices are merged into a unified operating system where the first and second operating devices work together to provide complete field device servicing functionality. The combined display capacity of multiple light devices equals or exceeds that of a single large device while maintaining portability
3Ease of operation
If smart glasses are used for hands-free operation, then portability is maximized, but positioning gestures correctly and selecting options becomes difficult under difficult light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A second operating device serves as an intermediary between the smart glasses (first operating device) and the field device. The smart glasses can focus on hands-free operation while the second device handles precise gesture recognition and selection, compensating for the limitations of smart glasses under difficult light conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extending the operating functionality of a field device from one operating device to another includes establishing a wireless communication connection between the operating device and the field device via a first communication interface, wherein the operating device executes at least one operating program having a plurality of display elements and operating functions via which the field device is serviced. The method includes initiating a search via a communication interface for an operating device. Where at least one other operating device is found, a wireless communication connection between the operating devices via one of the communication interfaces is established. The method also includes transmitting part of the display elements and/or operating functions to the other operating program of the other operating device and servicing the field device by means of the other operating device via the display elements and operating functions transmitted to the other operating program.