Custody Transfer Field Device Blocking Groups for Flexible Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices for custody transfer lack flexibility in configuring parameters and functions, leading to inflexible protection mechanisms that hinder subsequent changes, making it difficult to adapt to varying application requirements while ensuring measurement integrity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of blocking groups allows for selective assignment and blocking of parameters and functions, enabling a more flexible configuration by categorizing them into areas like display, sensor, I/O interfaces, and safety functionalities, with a defined blocking state ensuring secure protection against manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all parameters and functions are blocked after configuration to prevent manipulation, then measurement integrity and protection against falsification are improved, but flexibility for subsequent changes and adaptability to varying application requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments parameters and functions into different blocking groups (first blocking group, second blocking group, etc.), allowing selective blocking of specific groups while leaving others unblocked. This enables partial protection of critical parameters while maintaining flexibility for non-critical parameters, resolving the contradiction between measurement integrity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic configuration approach where the blocking state can be changed from unblocked to blocked through controlled access procedures. A computing unit manages the transition between states, allowing parameters to be blocked after configuration to prevent manipulation, while still permitting authorized changes when needed, thus balancing reliability and adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If calibration parameters are blocked to prevent overwriting and manipulation, then protection against falsification is improved, but ability to configure and adapt field device to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary blocking of calibration parameters through blocking groups that are activated after configuration. Critical parameters are pre-identified and placed in blocking groups that can be activated to prevent manipulation, while non-critical parameters remain accessible for configuration, thus protecting against harmful factors while maintaining ease of operation for necessary changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different blocking states to different parameters based on their criticality. Calibration parameters and critical measurement parameters are placed in blocked groups for protection, while non-critical parameters and configuration parameters remain unblocked for easy modification, achieving localized protection that balances security and operability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If blocking groups are implemented for selective protection, then flexibility in configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal blocking group structure that can accommodate multiple parameters and functions across different applications. The same blocking group mechanism serves both protection functions and configuration management functions, reducing the need for separate complex systems and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite enhanced flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by controlling the number and organization of blocking groups rather than creating individual blocking mechanisms for each parameter. By organizing parameters into a limited number of blocking groups with clear definitions, the system achieves flexibility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Shown and described is a method (1) for configuring a field device (2) for use in custody transfer and such a field device, the field device (2) having a computing unit (3) and a memory (4), wherein in the memory (4) parameters (5) and/or functions (6) are stored, the parameters (5) and/or functions (6) being at least partially configurable. A more flexible configuration of the field device intended for custody transfer is achieved in that at least two blocking groups (8) are provided, each blocking group (8) having at least one parameter (5) and/or at least one function (6) of the field device (2) comprises that at least one blocking group (8) is selected, that the selected blocking groups (9) are evaluated by the processing unit (3) and that the processing unit (3) contains the parameters (5) contained in the selected blocking groups (9) and/or Functions (6) locked for later modification.