Standardizing Field Device Parameters via Semantic Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and non-uniform designation of field device parameters across different manufacturers in automation systems lead to time-consuming and error-prone integration processes, as users must interpret varying parameter designations to integrate field devices effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method where a central control unit performs semantic analysis to identify physically identical parameters across different field devices, assigning a standardized identifier to these parameters, allowing for automatic recognition and processing, thereby standardizing designations and reducing misinterpretation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If field devices from different manufacturers are integrated into an automation system, then the system can utilize diverse equipment and suppliers, but the non-uniform designation of parameters increases complexity and integration time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to integrate field devices from different manufacturersVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a standardized parameter designation system that acts as an intermediary layer between field devices from different manufacturers and the automation system. This standardized designation serves as a mediator that translates manufacturer-specific parameter names into uniform identifiers, enabling seamless integration without direct complexity exposure to the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms parameter designations from manufacturer-specific variable names to standardized identifiers through a systematic mapping process. This parameter transformation approach converts the varying parameter names from different manufacturers into a unified parameter space, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If manufacturer-specific parameter designations are used, then each manufacturer can optimize their device naming conventions, but users must interpret varying designations which increases integration time and error probability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturer flexibility in parameter namingVSAvoidtime for parameter interpretation and integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary standardization of parameter designations during the device commissioning phase. By pre-establishing standardized parameter identifiers and creating mapping relationships before actual system operation, the integration process is accelerated and errors are minimized. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming interpretation during system deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a standardized copy or representation of manufacturer-specific parameter names through unified identifiers. Instead of directly using diverse manufacturer parameter names, the system works with standardized copies that represent the same physical parameters, enabling consistent processing without losing manufacturer-specific optimization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of field device parameters are managed, then comprehensive device functionality is achieved, but the quantity and inconsistent designation of parameters becomes confusing and time-consuming to integrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive device functionalityVSAvoidease of parameter integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal parameter designation system that can handle parameters from multiple manufacturers and device types through a single standardized interface. This universal approach allows the same parameter identification methodology to work across diverse field devices, maintaining comprehensive functionality while simplifying the integration process through consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2523059B1Method and device for systematic naming of identical parameters of different field devices of an automation system
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2523059B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The method involves connecting different field devices (2a,2b) with respect to a central control unit (4) through a communication network (3). Semantic analysis of the unlike titles is performed using the central control unit. An identifier is attached to the unlike title after semantic analysis. The field device is a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a position sensor, a flow meter, a voltage meter, a power meter or a current meter. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) device for standardization of unlike titles of physically identical parameters of different field devices; and (2) computer program product for standardization of unlike titles of physically identical parameters of different field devices.