Distributed Field Device Operation Across Multiple Wireless Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in industrial plants often face challenges in operation due to limited display sizes on operating devices and difficult environmental conditions, which can lead to cumbersome navigation and error-prone interactions.
Innovation Solution
A procedure that allows the transfer of display elements and operating functions from one operating device to another via wireless communication, enabling the use of multiple devices to expand the display area and improve usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If display elements are shown on a mobile device with limited screen size, then the device is portable and easy to carry, but the display area is insufficient and navigation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the display from a single 2D screen to multiple devices simultaneously, creating a distributed display system that effectively increases the display area by utilizing spatial distribution across different devices rather than expanding a single screen
2Loss of information
If all display elements are shown on one screen, then complete information is available, but the user must scroll across multiple screens and rearrange elements constantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display elements and operating functions into segments that can be distributed across multiple devices. Each device displays a portion of the total display elements, allowing users to access complete information without scrolling by switching between devices or having elements arranged optimally on each device's screen
3Ease of operation
If gesture control is used with data glasses, then hands-free operation is enabled, but correct positioning of gestures becomes difficult under difficult lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile device or tablet) that serves as a mediator between the data glasses and the field device. The intermediary provides a reliable input interface that is not affected by lighting conditions, while the data glasses continue to provide hands-free display and basic interaction capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for extending the operating functionality of a field device (FG) in the field of automation technology from one operating device (BG1) to at least one other operating device (BG2), comprising the steps of establishing a wireless communication link between the operating device (BG1) and the field device (FG) via a first communication interface (KS1) of the operating device (BG1), wherein the operating device (BG1) executes at least one operating programme with a plurality of display elements (AE1, AE2) and operating functions (BF), via which the field device (FG) is operated; initiating a search for other operating devices located in the area and known to the operating device (BG1) via the first communication interface (KS1) or a second communication interface (KS2); in the event that at least one other operating device (BG2) that is known to the operating device (BG1) is found, establishing a wireless communication link between the operating device (BG1) and the other operating device (BG2) via the first communication interface (KS1) or the second communication interface (KS2), wherein another operating programme is run on the other operating device (BG2); transferring at least one portion of the display elements (AE1, AE2) and/or operating functions (BF) to the other operating programme of the other operating device (BG2); and operating the field device (FG) by means of the other operating device (BG2) via the display elements (AE1, AE2) and operating functions (BF) transferred to the other operating programme.