Field Device Identifier Automation for Cloud-Based Industrial Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industry Ethernet bus systems require manual configuration of device identifiers for field devices, leading to inefficient and inflexible management, relying on specialized hardware and manual operations, which hinders automated communication connections between field devices and cloud servers.

Innovation Solution

The industry Internet operating system enables field devices to autonomously receive device identifier configuration strategies from cloud servers, establish communication connections, and send device information lists, allowing for automatic identifier generation and management without manual intervention, thereby simplifying operations and enhancing intelligent control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration of device identifiers is used, then device identification can be achieved, but operation efficiency deteriorates and management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice configuration operationVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The slave device automatically generates its own device identifier and sends it to the master device without requiring manual configuration. The device performs self-service by autonomously completing the identifier assignment process that previously required user intervention, thereby improving operation ease and reducing configuration time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The slave device pre-generates a device identifier before communication with the master device is established. This preliminary action allows the device to be ready for communication immediately upon power-on, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing setup time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If specialized hardware like toggle switches is used for configuration, then device identifier assignment is possible, but device design flexibility deteriorates and selection range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice design flexibilityVSAvoiddevice selection range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical configuration methods (toggle switches) with electronic/software-based automatic identifier generation. The slave device uses its MAC address or other electronic identifiers to automatically generate device identifiers, eliminating the need for physical hardware configuration components and thereby improving design flexibility and expanding device selection range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If manual configuration and import operations are required, then communication connection can be established, but automation level deteriorates and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication connection establishmentVSAvoidconfiguration process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slave device automatically generates its device identifier and autonomously sends it to the master device for registration. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration and file import operations, thereby increasing automation level while simplifying the overall configuration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automatic identifier generation mechanism as an intermediary between the slave device and the configuration process. This intermediary automatically handles the identifier assignment and transmission, replacing complex manual operations and reducing process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3361707B1Method and apparatus for controlling and managing a field device using an industry internet operating system
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 KYLAND TECH CO LTD
  • EP3361707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3361707B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3361707B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The application relates to a method and apparatus for controlling and managing a field device using an industry Internet operating system, in this method, an industry cloud server sends a device identifier configuration strategy to an industry field device, so that the industry field device establishes a communication connection with the industry cloud server, generates the identifier of the industry field device, and further generates a list of device information; and the industry cloud server monitors and manages the industry field device over a cloud according to the list of device information sent by the industry field device on its own initiative. In this way, the industry field device can obtain the device identifier automatically without relying upon any specialized hardware device, and report the device information to the industry cloud server on its own initiative.