Field Device Software Packaging for Native Function Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field devices require complete software updates to support new functionalities, leading to inflexibility and inefficient resource usage, as they often have generic software that is not tailored to specific customer needs, and the implementation of virtual machines results in efficiency losses.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows field devices to be expanded by additional functionalities without using virtual machines or complex operating systems, by transmitting a configuration to a cloud-enabled database, selecting and creating an installation package using a tool chain, and executing it to install further application programs, enabling hardware-independent software extensions on new hardware platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete software update is performed to add new functionalities to a field device, then the field device can support new types of sensors or actuators, but the update process is time-consuming and requires complete reinstallation of the software
Solution Approach 1:
The software is divided into a basic program (firmware) and separate application programs. The basic program remains on the field device while application programs are stored externally and can be selectively transferred and executed, allowing functionality expansion without complete software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
Application programs are pre-compiled into installation packages that can be stored on external devices or servers. When new functionality is needed, the pre-prepared installation package is simply transferred and executed, eliminating the need for time-consuming compilation and complete software updates.
2Ease of manufacture
If generic software is used to cover many industries and applications, then development work is reduced for the manufacturer, but the software contains controls that are not relevant to many customers, reducing productivity and increasing the risk of faulty operation
Solution Approach 1:
The software is segmented into a core basic program and optional application programs. The basic program provides essential field device functionality, while application programs contain industry-specific or application-specific controls. Customers can select and install only the application programs relevant to their needs, eliminating irrelevant controls and improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are used to achieve hardware independence for software extensions, then existing software extensions can be used on new hardware platforms, but efficiency losses occur compared to native execution
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using virtual machines that emulate hardware, the system compiles application programs directly for the target hardware platform. The installation package contains pre-compiled code optimized for the specific hardware, achieving native execution efficiency while maintaining hardware independence through platform-specific compilation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a method for adapting functionalities of a field device, including a step of transmitting a configuration of the field device to a database. Further application programs, including additional functionality for the field device and basic programs for various field devices are stored on the database. The configuration of the field device has information about the basic program of the field device, any application programs already on the field device, the type of field device or the hardware of the field device. The method also includes a step of selecting a further application program. An installation package is created containing the further application program using a tool chain selected based on the configuration. The tool chain creates the installation package in a format executable on the field device. The installation packet is executed on the field device, thus transferring the further application program to the field device.