Field Device Control Frontend Using Companion-Based Interface Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently controlling and managing field devices due to reliance on error-prone and cumbersome ad-hoc solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method are introduced that provide a controlling frontend for field devices, utilizing an operational frame based on a companion specification to generate structured display elements connected to the field device's operating elements, leveraging a database for field device specifications and an aggregating service for improved usability and standardization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ad-hoc solutions are used to control field devices, then flexibility in device interaction is maintained, but error rate increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the interaction mode from ad-hoc manual control to automated control by changing the operational parameters. The controlling frontend automatically reads field device specifications from databases and generates structured control commands, eliminating manual intervention errors while maintaining operational flexibility through configurable parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the controlling frontend autonomously manages field device interactions. The automated generation of control commands based on stored specifications allows the system to service itself without requiring operator intervention, reducing both error rates and operational complexity.
2Productivity
If manual control methods are used for field devices, then device-specific customization is possible, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing field device specifications in databases before actual control operations. The controlling frontend retrieves these pre-prepared specifications and automatically generates control commands, eliminating the need for manual configuration during operation and significantly reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by replicating field device specifications from centralized databases to the controlling frontend. Instead of manually creating control configurations each time, the system copies proven specifications and generates control commands automatically, improving productivity while maintaining device-specific customization through accurate specification replication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized control interfaces are implemented, then interoperability improves, but adaptability to device-specific requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through the controlling frontend, which can handle multiple types of field devices using a single standardized interface. The system reads device-specific specifications from databases and adapts the generic control commands accordingly, enabling one interface to serve multiple device types without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling frontend acts as an intermediary between the standardized control interface and device-specific requirements. It translates generic control commands into device-specific instructions by referencing stored specifications, thereby maintaining interface simplicity while achieving full adaptability to various field devices through the mediating translation layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a controlling frontend for an operating device configured for operating a field device includes providing an operational frame, wherein the operational frame serves as a generic user interface and is based on a companion specification; reading a field device specification from a database, wherein the field device specification comprises a structured set of field device attributes, which are related to the operating elements; and generating, based on the field device specification and the operational frame, a structured set of display elements for the controlling frontend, wherein at least some of the display elements of the controlling frontend are connected to the operating elements of the field device.