Object-Based Configuration System for Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of updated device objects into object-oriented configuration systems for field devices in automation technology is cumbersome, requiring significant test efforts and system adaptations, as existing methods either necessitate testing all device objects or alter the modular structure of the configuration system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two main objects, with an intermediate layer between the frame application and the main objects, allows for the selection and instantiation of updated device objects without disrupting the modular structure, thereby simplifying the integration of updated device objects and reducing testing and adaptation efforts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a main object including multiple device objects is used to simplify administration, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases when updating device objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic main object into multiple individual device objects, each representing a specific field device type. This segmentation allows updates to be applied to individual device objects without requiring updates and testing of the entire main object, thereby reducing testing effort while maintaining ease of administration through the object-oriented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer (device object repository) between the frame application and the device objects. This intermediary manages the instantiation and selection of device objects, allowing the system to maintain a centralized management structure while enabling independent updates of individual device objects without affecting the entire system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If updated device objects are integrated into the configuration system, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to structural changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic device object repository that can load, store, and manage multiple versions of device objects. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to updated device objects without requiring structural changes to the configuration system itself, as the repository can accommodate new device object versions while maintaining the existing modular architecture.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing of all device objects is performed during updates, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing requirement from the entire main object and applies it only to the specific device object being updated. By isolating the update scope to individual device objects rather than the complete main object, the system maintains reliability through targeted testing while significantly reducing the time required compared to comprehensive system-wide testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an object-based configuration system CS for field devices of automation technology, with a frame application FA, which serves for managing and instantiating a plurality of objects, wherein, to individual groups of device objects, field device types are assigned, which enable, as device managers, a configuration of the corresponding field device type. A first main object MO-1 is provided, which makes available a first object set OS-1 with device objects for a plurality of device types and instantiates, with the help of a first control engine, via an identifier ID, device objects of the first object set, in order to produce device managers for these field device types. Besides the first main object MO-1, a second main object MO-2 is provided, which has a second object set OS-2, wherein individual device objects of the second object set OS-2 are updated device objects of the first object set OS 1. Between the frame application FA and the main object(s) MO-1, MO-2, respectively, an intermediate layer I is provided, which selects, via a second control engine, that main object, which makes available the updated device objects for the selected device type, and which, following selection of the device type, transfers to the corresponding main object the identifier ID, in order to instantiate the updated device object.