Fieldbus Access Software Display Mode Switching Across Drivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing device access software for fieldbus systems lacks the ability to seamlessly switch between different display modes in response to external conditions or user input, making it inconvenient for adapting to changing environmental and operational requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows the device access software to switch between display modes by changing parameters via an interface between the framework application and driver or user software components, enabling coordinated mode changes even in a heterogeneous software environment, allowing adaptation to touch or non-touch modes, and other display settings based on user preferences or environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If device access software integrates multiple driver and application software components from different manufacturers, then the software can access diverse fieldbus system components, but the complexity of coordinating display mode switching across heterogeneous components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to access diverse fieldbus componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of coordinating display mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal interface standard that enables all driver and application software components from different manufacturers to support the same display modes (graphical, text, touch). This universal interface allows the framework application to switch display modes across the entire heterogeneous software environment without requiring manufacturer-specific coordination mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and coordination complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter-based control where the framework application changes display mode parameters through the standardized interface to switch between different display modes. By representing display mode as a configurable parameter that can be set and retrieved through the universal interface, the system achieves coordinated switching across heterogeneous components without increasing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the framework application switches display mode, then the user interface adapts to different input methods and conditions, but the drivers must also be informed and switch their display mode accordingly to maintain consistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different input methodsVSAvoidcoordination overhead between framework and drivers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the framework application sends display mode switching commands to drivers through the standardized interface, and drivers confirm their display mode status. This feedback loop ensures that all components remain synchronized without requiring complex coordination protocols, as each driver independently reports its capability and status back to the framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized interface acts as an intermediary between the framework application and the diverse driver components. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of direct driver-framework communication, allowing the framework to switch display modes without needing to understand the internal implementation details of each driver, thus reducing coordination overhead

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If display mode switching requires restarting the application, then driver display modes can be properly reinitialized, but user convenience and productivity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper driver reinitializationVSAvoiduser convenience during mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having drivers pre-register their supported display modes and capabilities during initialization. The framework application stores this capability information and uses it to perform smooth transitions between display modes without restarting. The drivers are already prepared to switch modes when commanded, eliminating the need for application restart while maintaining proper reinitialization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the display mode switching dynamic and runtime-adjustable rather than static and restart-dependent. The standardized interface enables hot-swapping of display mode parameters during application execution, allowing the system to adapt to changing user needs and environmental conditions without interrupting operation. This dynamic approach maintains reliability through proper parameter propagation while significantly improving user convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3449344B1Device access software with switchable display mode
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 ENDRESS HAUSER PROCESS SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP3449344B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3449344B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3449344B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for changing the display mode of a device access software by means of which components of a fieldbus system can be accessed. The device access software comprises a framework application and at least one driver or use software component integrated into the framework application. A respective interface is provided between the framework application and the at least one driver or use software component. The method has the steps of switching the framework application from a first display mode to a second display mode which differs from the first display mode and changing at least one parameter in at least one part of the driver or use software component via the respective interface. The change of the at least one parameter produces a switchover of the display mode from the first display mode to the second display mode in at least one driver or use software component of the part of the driver or use software component.