Field Device Replacement Configuration Using Semantic Parameter Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of new field devices in industrial plants is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when replacing existing devices, as it often requires manual intervention and lacks automation, particularly when the replacement device is not identical to the original.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically configures a new field device by detecting its connection to the network, obtaining driver information, matching it with the previous device's configuration, and provisioning it with the necessary parameters, including determining semantic meanings of configuration parameters to ensure seamless functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration method is used for new field devices, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but configuration time and productivity are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies configuration data from the old field device to the new field device. The configuration data is extracted from the old device, stored in a data structure, and then transferred to the new device, eliminating manual reconfiguration while preserving accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by backing up configuration data from the old field device before replacement occurs. The configuration data is pre-processed and stored in a standardized format, ready for immediate transfer to the new device, reducing overall configuration time.
2Productivity
If automatic configuration is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration data structure that can handle multiple field device types and manufacturers. The standardized data model and mapping mechanisms allow the same automatic configuration system to work across different device families, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration data structure and mapping layer between the old and new field devices. This intermediary handles the complexity of parameter mapping and data transformation, simplifying the overall configuration process while maintaining accuracy.
3Loss of time
If configuration data is copied from old device, then configuration time is reduced, but adaptability to different device types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter mapping mechanisms that automatically adapt configuration data to different device types. The system identifies corresponding parameters between old and new devices using mapping rules, allowing the same configuration data structure to work across different device families while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter mapping that adapts to different device types during the configuration process. The mapping relationships are determined at runtime based on the specific device being configured, allowing the system to handle various device types with a single unified approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer-implemented method (100) for configuring a new field device (3) in an industrial plant (1), comprising the steps of: • detecting (110) that the new field device (3) is connected to a network (1a) of the industrial plant (1); • obtaining (120) driver information and/or software (3a) that allows communication with the new field device (3) and indicates configuration parameters (3b) of the new field device (3); • determining (130) the previously used field device (2) which is to be replaced by the new field device (3); • determining (140) whether the driver information and/or software (3a) for the new field device (3) matches the previously used driver information and/or software (2a) for the previously used field device (2); and • in case of a match, provisioning (150) the new field device (3) with the previously used configuration parameters (2b) for the previously used field device (2), and • in case of no match, provisioning the new field device (3) with new configuration parameters (3b) by: ∘ creating (160), from device description information of the new field device (3), an instance (3c) of a configuration for the new field device (3); ∘ determining (170) semantic meanings (3b*) of new configuration parameters (3b) in the instance (3c) of the configuration; ∘ determining (180) semantic meanings (2b*) of previously used configuration parameters (2b) for the previously used field device (2); ∘ setting (190) values of new configuration parameters (3b) whose semantic meanings (3b*) match semantic meanings (2b*) of previously used configuration parameters (2b) to the values of these previously used configuration parameters (2b); and ∘ provisioning (200) the new field device (3) with the instance (3c) of the configuration.