Field Device Position Logging via Mobile Terminal Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing position information in field devices are either time-consuming, error-prone, or require continuous connectivity to inventory systems, and position determination units like GNSS can be costly and unreliable in certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A system using a mobile terminal with a position determination unit to transmit position information to a field device via a communication interface, allowing the field device to store this information in its memory, eliminating the need for onboard position determination units and enabling efficient storage and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a GNSS position determination unit is equipped in the field device, then position information can be determined autonomously, but the cost increases and reliability decreases in environments with limited satellite signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile terminal acts as an intermediary between the field device and position determination. The mobile terminal contains a position determination unit that determines position information and transmits it to the field device via a communication interface, eliminating the need for the field device to have its own GNSS receiver while ensuring position information is available even when satellite signals are weak or unavailable
2Loss of information
If manual position storage in an inventory system is performed, then position information can be stored, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal automatically determines position information using its position determination unit and transmits it directly to the field device without requiring manual entry. This self-service approach eliminates human error and significantly reduces the time required to store position information compared to manual inventory system entry
Solution Approach 2:
Position information is determined and stored in the field device during the initial setup or parameterization phase using the mobile terminal. This preliminary action ensures position information is available before the field device begins operation, eliminating the need for later manual updates
3Loss of information
If continuous connection to the inventory system is maintained, then position information can be accessed, but the system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Position information is extracted from the mobile terminal and stored locally in the field device's memory during setup. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous connection to external inventory systems, reducing system complexity and energy consumption while maintaining position information accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A system for storing position information in a field device comprises at least a field device and a mobile terminal. The field device has at least one sensor for detecting a physical variable and field device electronics to actuate the at least one sensor and including at least a control unit, a communication interface and a memory. A position determination unit in the mobile terminal is designed to determine position information for describing the position of the mobile terminal in a space. Communication interfaces of the mobile terminal and field device mutually exchange data, preferably short range, and transmit position information from the mobile terminal to the field device. The control unit of the field device stores position information determined by the mobile terminal and received via the communication interface in the memory. A corresponding field device and a corresponding method are also disclosed.