Field Device Position-Based Radio Network Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices face challenges in selecting the optimal radio communication network for mobile applications, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and connectivity issues due to the absence of specific radio standards in different locations.
Innovation Solution
A field device equipped with at least two different radio communication devices and operating modes, along with a position determination device that selects the optimal radio communication network based on geographical or relative position, availability, and quality of the network, allowing for efficient data transmission and energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple radio communication devices are integrated into the field device to ensure connectivity in different locations, then the reliability of communication is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device determines its position in advance using a position determination device (GPS, cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning) before attempting communication. Based on the determined position, the control device pre-selects the most appropriate radio communication device from the plurality of integrated devices, avoiding the need to attempt communication with all devices and thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
2Reliability
If the field device continuously scans for available radio networks to ensure optimal connectivity, then the communication quality is improved, but the energy consumption and operational runtime are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The field device determines its position in advance and uses this position information to pre-select the optimal radio communication device before communication is needed. This eliminates the need for continuous scanning of radio networks, as the position-based selection provides sufficient guidance for choosing the appropriate communication channel, thereby extending operational runtime while maintaining communication quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device autonomously selects the appropriate radio communication device based on position information without requiring continuous external network scanning or manual intervention. The field device serves itself by using its own position determination capabilities to make intelligent communication decisions, reducing energy expenditure on continuous network discovery while maintaining optimal communication quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If position determination is performed frequently to optimize radio network selection, then the adaptability to location changes is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device performs position determination periodically or at specific trigger events (such as when movement is detected or when communication is initiated) rather than continuously. The control device uses these periodic position updates to select the appropriate radio communication device, achieving adequate adaptability to location changes while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding excessive position determination operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A field device having radio communication devices for different radio networks and/or protocols and/or a radio communication device having different operating modes, a control device, and a position determining device. The control device activates one of the radio communication devices and/or an operating mode of the radio communication device according to position. The disclosed method of operation comprises switching on or activating the field device, determining a position a position of the field device, determining radio communication networks available at the position on the basis of the determined position of the field device, activating one of the radio communication devices and/or an operating mode of the radio communication device according to the determined position, transmitting and/or receiving data via the radio communication device, and switching off or deactivating the radio communication device and/or the field device.