Dynamic Host Profiles for Fieldbus Communication Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automation and control systems require different communications interfaces and firmware for various environments, leading to increased development effort and resource costs due to lack of commonality among products.
Innovation Solution
A communications device that can interact with multiple fieldbus networks using a downloadable host profile image, allowing it to map data objects between different host devices without firmware changes, enabling support for various products and networks without additional development for each new host type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different communications interfaces and firmware are used for various fieldbus networks, then communication compatibility with different host devices is improved, but device complexity and development effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communications device that can interface with multiple fieldbus networks (DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profibus) through a single multi-functional unit. The device includes a processing device that can execute different communication protocols and a memory device that stores multiple profile images, allowing one device to perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized devices and firmware versions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic profile images that can be downloaded and loaded into the communications device to change its communication behavior. Instead of hard-coded static firmware for each protocol, the system uses dynamic configuration where profile images contain mapping information that allows the device to adapt its data object mapping and communication protocol based on the specific host device it needs to interface with.
2Reliability
If separate firmware images are developed for each product, then product-specific communication requirements are met, but development time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses profile images as copyable configuration templates that define data object mappings for different host devices. Instead of developing separate firmware images for each product, the system creates reusable profile images that can be copied and downloaded to the communications device. These profile images contain the mapping information needed to interface with specific host devices, eliminating the need to rewrite firmware for each new product integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications device is designed to automatically configure itself by downloading the appropriate profile image for the target host device. The system enables self-service configuration where the device retrieves its own communication profile from a server or host device, reducing the need for manual firmware flashing and configuration by developers or technicians.
3Reliability
If hard-coded communication support is used for each host type, then communication stability is improved, but adaptability to new host types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hard-coded static communication support with dynamic profile images that can be updated and downloaded. The communications device maintains stable communication through proven profile images while simultaneously gaining adaptability to new host types through the ability to download new profiles. This dynamic approach allows the system to evolve without requiring hardware changes or firmware reflashings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces profile images as an intermediary layer between the communications device and host devices. Instead of direct hard-coded connections to each host type, the profile image acts as a mediator that translates and maps data objects between the communications device and various host protocols. This intermediary approach maintains stability through standardized mapping while enabling adaptability through new profile creation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the invention support different products having a host device and a communications device. The host device may interact with the communications device to exchange messages containing data objects over a fieldbus network for transporting messages containing data objects. Read/write requests to the fieldbus data objects may be answered locally in the communications device, or the fieldbus data object may be mapped to host data when host access is required. The communications device stores a profile image associated with a designated host type, so that the communications device may map the data object to host data for the host device and then exchange the host data with the host device. The communications device may subsequently interact with a different host type if a corresponding profile image is downloaded to the memory device.