Fieldbus Data Transmission Object with Dynamic Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fieldbus systems require frequent modifications to device description files to accommodate new variables and software versions, leading to increased complexity and maintenance efforts, as the association of variables with transmission berths is typically managed by the device description file.

Innovation Solution

A flexibly configurable data transmission object is introduced, where a data mapping structure within the field device associates variables with transmission berths, allowing for dynamic adaptation to new requirements without modifying the device description file, thus separating the variable mapping from the basic structure defined by the device description file.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device description file manages the association of variables with transmission berths, then the data transmission structure is well-defined, but the system requires frequent modifications to accommodate new variables and software versions, increasing complexity and maintenance efforts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to new variablesVSAvoidcomplexity of device description file

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data transmission configuration into two independent parts: the device description file (containing the basic structure and transmission berths) and the data mapping structure (containing variable-to-berth associations). This segmentation allows the device description file to remain stable while the data mapping structure adapts to new requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the variable-to-berth association functionality from the device description file and places it in a separate data mapping structure. This extraction allows the device description file to remain unchanged and simple, while the data mapping structure handles adaptation to new variables, thus reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device description file is modified frequently to accommodate new requirements, then new variables can be transmitted, but the maintenance effort and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to new requirementsVSAvoidease of maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the configuration into a stable device description file and a flexible data mapping structure, the patent enables easy maintenance. The device description file requires no modifications for new variables, while the data mapping structure can be updated independently, significantly reducing maintenance effort while preserving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes the data mapping structure in advance as the mechanism for handling variable associations. This preliminary action ensures that future adaptations can be made by simply updating the data mapping structure rather than modifying the device description file, thereby easing maintenance while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the device description file contains the variable mapping, then the basic structure is well-defined, but changes in software versions or modules require continual adaptation of the device description file

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of device description fileVSAvoidadaptability to software versions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the system into a stable device description file and an adaptable data mapping structure. The device description file maintains its basic structure without changes across software versions, while the data mapping structure adapts to new software versions and modules, thus maintaining stability while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The data mapping structure acts as an intermediary between the stable device description file and the varying software versions or modules. It absorbs the adaptations required for different software versions, allowing the device description file to remain unchanged while the system remains adaptable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8880197B2Flexibly configurable, data transmission object

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG

AI summary

A field device for connection to a fieldbus, wherein the field device is designed to exchange via the fieldbus a data transmission object with a host computer or with an additional field device, wherein the data transmission object has a plurality of freely loadable, transmission berths, and wherein the field device includes a data mapping structure, which establishes an association between variables to be transmitted and transmission berths of the data transmission object.