Dynamic Mapping for Industrial End Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial monitoring and control systems are incompatible with certain end devices, such as flow meter end devices, due to incompatibilities between the control system and the end device, requiring costly and time-consuming reprogramming of controllers to support new or unknown end device models.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dynamic mapping system at the end device level that allows the end device to emulate the static mapping of other models or brands, enabling communication with controllers without reprogramming, and providing customizable data type and format conversions with error checking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static mapping system is used in control systems, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different end devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mapping system where the mapping configuration can be modified at runtime based on the connected end device. The system automatically detects the end device type and loads the appropriate mapping profile, enabling adaptability without requiring complex manual configuration or reprogramming of the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple mapping profiles in the system, each corresponding to a specific end device type. When an end device is connected, the system automatically selects and applies the pre-prepared mapping profile, eliminating the need for runtime analysis or manual configuration and maintaining system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If controller reprogramming is performed to support new end devices, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates and stores mapping profiles that copy the communication characteristics of different end device types. When a new end device is connected, the system selects the appropriate copied profile rather than reprogramming the controller, enabling rapid adaptation without time-consuming reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal mapping system that can handle multiple end device types through a single controller. The system maintains a library of mapping profiles and automatically selects the appropriate one based on the connected device, making the controller universally compatible without requiring specific reprogramming for each device type.
3Loss of information
If data is stored in non-contiguous memory spaces, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information and data efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes memory allocation parameters based on the active mapping profile. When a mapping profile is loaded, the system configures contiguous memory spaces for data storage according to that profile's requirements, optimizing data efficiency without requiring complex manual memory management.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to end devices (e.g., meters, sensors, pumps, etc.) of an industrial monitoring system or an industrial control system. A system includes an end device having processing circuitry configured to execute instructions stored in at least one memory device to enable the end device to collect and store a plurality of measurements of operational parameters of a monitored system in the at least one memory device according to a dynamic mapping that is updatable.