Field Device Object Integration via Physical Storage Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration and maintenance of device-type managers (DTMs) for field devices in automation technology are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring extensive installation procedures, multiple tests, and system changes, which hinder fast configuration and servicing of field devices.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves storing updated device objects on a physical storage medium, connecting it to a control/display unit with a predetermined operating system, and activating a program to make the updated device objects accessible, allowing direct access and servicing of field devices without the need for time-consuming re-installations or system changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If device-type managers are integrated using traditional installation procedures, then comprehensive servicing of field devices is achieved, but installation time and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device-type manager library into individual device objects that can be selectively loaded. Instead of installing entire DTM libraries requiring hours of installation time, the system loads only specific device objects needed for particular field devices, reducing installation time from hours to minutes while maintaining comprehensive servicing capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring device objects with all necessary device-specific data, functions, and operational rules before runtime. The FDT frame application is pre-configured to automatically load and integrate device objects when connected to field devices, eliminating time-consuming installation procedures while ensuring comprehensive servicing capabilities are ready in advance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete DTM libraries are installed for all field device types, then all field devices can be serviced, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic device object loading mechanism where the FDT frame application automatically determines which device objects to load based on the connected field device. Instead of having all device objects permanently installed, the system dynamically loads only the necessary device objects at runtime, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability to serve any field device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The FDT frame application serves as a universal platform that can handle multiple field device types through a standardized interface. Instead of requiring separate installation procedures for each device type, the universal FDT framework loads appropriate device objects based on the field device being serviced, maintaining broad compatibility while simplifying the overall system structure.
3Reliability
If device objects are updated in the DTM library, then updated functions and interfaces are available, but re-installation procedures are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a copying mechanism where updated device objects are copied from external storage media to the FDT frame application's working directory. Instead of performing time-consuming re-installation procedures, the system simply copies the updated device object files, making them immediately available while maintaining the original installation structure and avoiding disruption to the operating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The FDT frame application implements self-service by automatically detecting and loading updated device objects from connected storage media without requiring user intervention for installation procedures. The system autonomously integrates updated device objects into its runtime environment, maintaining updated device management capabilities while preserving rapid configuration speed.
4Ease of operation
If device objects are stored on external storage media, then immediate access is possible, but access control and data protection become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The FDT frame application serves as an intermediary layer between external storage media and the field device servicing operations. It manages access to device objects stored on external media by automatically loading, validating, and integrating them into the runtime environment, simplifying access control while maintaining fast access speeds through the standardized FDT interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for integration of device-objects in an object-based management system for field devices in automation technology, wherein the device-objects are used for servicing the field devices. Updated device objects or an updated version of a device-objects library, are/is stored on a physical storage medium, wherein the physical storage medium is connected with a control/display unit, on which a predetermined operating system is running, into which a frame application for the device objects is bound. A program is activated, which makes the updated device objects stored on the physical storage medium at least partially accessible on a display unit, as soon as the storage medium is connected with the control/display unit, and wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects, and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects, service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices.