Fieldbus Diagnostic Device for Real-Time Error Trend Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fieldbus systems face challenges in real-time data analysis and error detection due to high data volumes and the need for detailed protocol knowledge, which is often unavailable to operators, leading to incomplete error interpretation and difficulty in reproducing issues without disrupting system operations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented diagnostic method that performs continuous, real-time status analysis of fieldbus data traffic by recording and analyzing data packets in context with field device states, using protocol knowledge to derive updated states and maintain a status vector for comprehensive system monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If data packets are recorded and stored for later analysis, then complete data is captured, but real-time analysis capability is lost and large data volumes accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata completenessVSAvoidreal-time analysis delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data analysis process into two parts: a filtering stage that processes data in real-time to extract relevant information, and a detailed analysis stage for stored data. This allows simultaneous real-time monitoring and complete data archiving without the bottleneck of analyzing all data in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by implementing selective filtering of data packets based on relevance criteria. Only data meeting specific criteria undergo detailed real-time analysis, while other data is archived for later processing. This reduces the real-time processing load while preserving complete data for comprehensive analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If all data packets are analyzed in detail, then complete error detection is achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection accuracyVSAvoiddata processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by implementing different analysis depths for different data packets. High-priority or suspicious packets receive detailed analysis with full protocol knowledge, while normal packets receive only basic filtering. This differential approach maintains error detection accuracy for critical issues while improving overall processing throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If protocol knowledge is integrated into the diagnostic device, then accurate error interpretation is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror interpretation capabilityVSAvoidprotocol knowledge integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces protocol knowledge as an intermediary layer between raw data packets and diagnostic output. This protocol knowledge module translates complex protocol-specific data into standardized diagnostic information, enabling accurate error interpretation without requiring the entire system to be complex. The intermediary handles protocol complexity locally while presenting simplified information to the rest of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the diagnostic device actively sends data packets, then system state information can be requested, but passive observation capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive querying capabilityVSAvoidactive participation in data traffic
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic diagnostic device that can switch between passive observation and active querying modes based on diagnostic needs. The device adapts its behavior dynamically: it passively monitors normal operation to minimize system impact, but can actively send test packets when specific diagnostic information is required and cannot be obtained through passive observation alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1919132B1Diagnostic method and device for a field bus system
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 SOFTING
  • EP1919132B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1919132B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP1919132B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented diagnostic method for a fieldbus system in which bus participants exchange data via a fieldbus according to a predefined communication protocol, wherein the data exchange takes place in the form of data packets, comprising the following method steps: (a) recording the states of the bus participants; (b) capturing a data packet transmitted between the bus participants via the fieldbus; (c) analyzing the data packet and deriving an updated state of the bus participants depending on the previous state of the bus participants and the content of the data packet; (d) recording the updated states of the bus participants; (e) repeating steps (b) to (d) to continuously capture the current states of the bus participants.