Field Device Setting via Direct Terminal Relay Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting field devices in large-scale field control systems are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring complex procedures and coordination between operators in the field and control rooms, and often result in reduced communication speed due to the reliance on specific communication paths and hardware.
Innovation Solution
A setting method and system that utilize a portable terminal device as a relay to connect the field device and connection terminal device through a second communication path, allowing for parallel data input and updates to the device management database without relying on the primary communication path, thereby reducing the burden of the setting process and enabling cooperation between operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connection terminal device performs setting for the field device through the communication path via the field controller and multiplexer, then the setting operation can be performed, but the communication speed is lowered and the setting process requires a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the setting operation into two independent parallel paths: (1) the field controller communication path for field control, and (2) a direct communication path between the connection terminal device and field device for setting operations. This segmentation allows setting data to be transmitted directly without passing through the field controller, thereby improving communication speed while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct communication link as an intermediary channel between the connection terminal device and the field device. This intermediary path bypasses the field controller and multiplexer for setting operations, enabling faster data transmission while the original communication path continues to handle field control tasks.
2Ease of operation
If the connection terminal device specifies the communication path by setting connection ports of the field controller and multiplexer, then access to the field device is enabled, but the procedure becomes complicated when the scale of the field control system is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication path specification requirement from the setting operation. By establishing a direct communication path between the connection terminal device and field device, the complex procedure of specifying connection ports through field controllers and multiplexers is eliminated. The system automatically manages the communication path, reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of access.
3Ease of operation
If a portable terminal device is directly connected to the field device for setting operation, then the setting can be performed in the field, but it is difficult to access the connection terminal device and data input to the device management database requires separate operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the portable terminal device and the connection terminal device. The connection terminal device is equipped with both a receiving unit for field setting operations and a database management function. This allows operators to perform setting operations in the field while simultaneously accessing and updating the device management database through the same terminal device, eliminating the need for separate operations and reducing coordination complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A setting system of field devices may include a first communication path, a terminal device, a relay device, and a second communication path. The terminal device may include a receiving unit that receives an input operation of information, a first setting unit that performs the first setting for each of the field devices by transmitting information necessary for the first setting from the terminal device to each of the field devices through the second communication path in response to the input operation received by the receiving unit, and a second setting unit that performs a second setting for the terminal device, the second setting being necessary with the first setting for each of the field devices in response to the input operation received by the receiving unit.