Custom Alarm Configuration for Field Device Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field device protocols, such as FOUNDATION Fieldbus, lack the ability to effectively utilize and present diagnostic information to operators, leading to inadequate alarm options and underutilization of diagnostic parameters, especially for older devices that do not comply with updated protocols.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves providing users with the ability to select and customize alarm conditions by identifying device-specific parameters and bits associated with field devices, allowing for the creation of custom diagnostic alarms that can be monitored and prioritized, which are then saved and implemented in the system to generate appropriate alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized field device protocols are used, then device compatibility and communication are ensured, but alarm options and diagnostic information utilization are inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alarm configuration into multiple selectable parameters and bits, allowing users to individually choose which diagnostic parameters to monitor. This segmentation enables customization of alarm conditions without requiring changes to the standardized protocol itself, thus maintaining compatibility while extracting more diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically generates alarm conditions based on user selections of specific parameters and bits from field devices. The alarm configuration is not fixed but can be adapted by selecting different parameter combinations, enabling the system to optimize diagnostic monitoring for different device types and protocols while maintaining standard compliance.
2Ease of operation
If conventional alarm options are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but alarm customization and diagnostic monitoring capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by presenting users with pre-identified parameters and bits from the field device. Users can select their desired alarm conditions from these pre-prepared options before runtime, combining ease of operation with customization capability without requiring complex real-time configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates custom alarm conditions that copy and combine specific parameter and bit combinations from the field device. These copied configurations can be saved and reused, maintaining system simplicity through template-based approaches while enabling extensive customization of alarm monitoring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device-specific parameters are made selectable, then alarm customization is improved, but system complexity and configuration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing customization at the specific parameter and bit level rather than requiring global configuration changes. Users can selectively enable or disable individual parameters and bits within the alarm system, achieving fine-grained customization without overwhelming system-wide complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to select only the specific parameters and bits needed for their alarm conditions rather than requiring configuration of all available parameters. This partial action approach reduces configuration effort while still providing access to extensive customization options when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes providing an identification of multiple device-specific parameters to a user, where the device-specific parameters are associated with a field device. The method also includes receiving a selection of at least one of the device-specific parameters from the user. The method further includes, upon receipt of the selection of the at least one device-specific parameter, providing an identification of multiple bits associated with the at least one selected device-specific parameter to the user. The method also includes receiving a selection of at least one of the bits from the user. The method further includes saving the at least one selected device-specific parameter and the at least one selected bit as a custom alarm condition. A selected criticality option or a selected priority option can be saved as part of the custom alarm condition. The custom alarm condition can be loaded into a controller of a process control system.