Field Device Software Change Using Presence Code Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling field devices via mobile end devices like smartphones or tablets are prone to errors due to incorrect inputs when operators face multiple similar devices or move away, leading to potential misassignment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a presence device code detection using a mobile end device, requiring physical proximity, followed by a two-step identification and verification process to ensure secure data transmission to field devices, including optical, acoustic, or inductive codes, and verification signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators use mobile end devices to control field devices without presence verification, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to mistakes and incorrect inputs when facing multiple similar field devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a presence device code as an intermediary verification mechanism between the operator and the field device. The mobile end device detects this code to confirm physical proximity, ensuring that the operator is actually present at the specific field device before allowing data changes. This mediator resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of remote operation while preventing incorrect inputs through proximity verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical identification methods (manual device selection, physical tags) with optical or electromagnetic detection systems. The presence device code is detected optically or electromagnetically by the mobile end device, substituting manual verification processes with automated detection, thereby improving reliability without compromising ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If operators move away to process data for field devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as assignment to the respective field device is possibly lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the field device's identification (presence device code) that can be detected by the mobile end device. This code serves as a unique identifier that maintains the assignment information even when the operator moves away from the physical device, preventing loss of assignment information while allowing flexible data processing.
3Reliability
If presence device code detection is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional identification and verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal presence device code that can be detected by various mobile end devices using standard optical or electromagnetic detection capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows the same verification mechanism to work across different device types and scenarios, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the underlying detection technology remains consistent.
4Reliability
If device code is applied to housing behind wall or cover, then reliability is improved through secure detection, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced direct access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical access to the device code with remote optical or electromagnetic detection. The mobile end device can detect the presence device code through walls or covers without physical contact, maintaining security while improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for direct access to protected areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances data security and accuracy by ensuring correct data transmission to field devices, particularly in complex systems with multiple identical components, reducing the risk of errors and misassignment.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a presence device code detection using a mobile end device... including optical, acoustic, or inductive codes
Implementation Method 2
A method involving a presence device code detection using a mobile end device... including optical, acoustic, or inductive codes
Implementation Method 3
A method involving a presence device code detection using a mobile end device... including optical, acoustic, or inductive codes
Data Source
AI summary
A method for changing software data of a field device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the field device has, in or on a housing, a device code that can be optically detected using a mobile device. An embodiment of the method includes detecting a first device code with a reader unit of the mobile device, accessing primary device data of the field device by the mobile device, and converting the primary device data to secondary device data. The embodiment further includes detecting a second device code and subsequently transmitting the secondary device data to the field device. The second device code may be the same as or different from the first device code. The disclosed embodiments furthermore comprise an associated system.