Embedding Device Type Manager for Automatic Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently managing and updating configuration information for devices, particularly when devices are replaced or upgraded, due to limitations in existing machine-readable representations and network message sizes, leading to cumbersome configuration processes and potential functional discrepancies.
Innovation Solution
The system employs machine-readable representations like Device Type Manager (DTM) and Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) to automatically create data structures within controllers and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs, utilizing a Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) File Object for device configuration, and implements a fragmentation protocol to handle large configuration files, ensuring up-to-date control and configuration information is maintained across devices and controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If configuration information is stored externally (on CDs, websites, or separate files), then the device can be replaced physically, but the configuration cannot be automatically restored without external software tools and internet access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the Device Type Manager (DTM) and configuration files directly into the device's firmware before deployment. This preliminary action ensures that when a device is replaced, the configuration information is already present and can be automatically restored without requiring external software tools, CDs, or internet access. The configuration is prepared in advance and stored within the device itself, making restoration as simple as connecting the replaced device to the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the configuration information and embeds it within the device's firmware. Instead of relying on external storage media or separate configuration files, the essential configuration data is copied into the device itself, ensuring that the device contains all necessary information for automatic reconfiguration upon replacement.
2Reliability
If the DTM is updated via firmware upgrade in the field, then the device can receive updates, but access to the Internet is required which may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows the DTM to be updated in advance when internet access is available, and the updated version is stored in the device's firmware. This preliminary update action ensures that when the device is deployed to field locations without internet access, it already contains the latest DTM version and can operate with updated configuration information without requiring real-time internet connectivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual user configuration is performed for each device instance, then customization is possible, but time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic device reconfiguration by embedding the DTM within the device firmware. When a device is replaced or connected to the network, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate configuration information from the embedded DTM, eliminating the need for manual user configuration. This self-service approach maintains adaptability while dramatically reducing configuration time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures the device with embedded DTM information that contains all necessary configuration data. This preliminary configuration action allows the device to be automatically configured upon connection without requiring manual user input, thereby maintaining customization capabilities while eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If configuration files are transferred using standard network protocols, then compatibility is maintained, but large configuration files exceed message size limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments large configuration files into smaller data packets that can be transmitted using standard network protocols without exceeding message size limits. The embedded DTM and configuration information are divided into multiple manageable segments during transfer, allowing large configuration files to be communicated over networks with size constraints while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial automation system comprising a processor with an updating component coupled to automation devices via a network. The updating component reads control information from machine readable representations of the devices and populates a data structure with the control information. The updating component also updates configuration information of a device from data stored in a file object and/or the data structure, further allowing this transfer to be fragmented into a plurality of messages if the configuration information exceeds a threshold. As well, a vendor deployment methodology is provided that embeds devices and firmware for devices with a Device Type Manager (DTM) prior to deployment and can optionally allow post deployment updates to the DTM.