Gate Device Protocol Translation for Mobile Field Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication methods between mobile operating units and field devices in process automation are complex and not user-friendly, often requiring different devices and protocols, which complicates operations in harsh industrial environments and lacks the simplicity of consumer electronics.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a user program loaded onto the mobile operating unit for data communication with field devices, utilizing a data communication device and a gate device to facilitate bi-directional data transmission, with different data protocols used for wireless and industrial communication, allowing for intuitive interaction and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fieldbus protocols and specialized handheld devices are used for data communication between mobile operating units and field devices, then reliable industrial communication is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary that translates between industrial fieldbus protocols (Profibus, Modbus, HART) and standard consumer electronics communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB). This mediator enables mobile devices like smartphones to communicate with field devices without requiring specialized industrial handhelds, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through protocol translation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables universal communication by allowing standard consumer electronics devices to perform multiple functions - acting as both mobile operating units and communication interfaces for various field devices. The gateway device supports multiple industrial protocols simultaneously, making a single mobile device capable of communicating with different types of field devices without requiring device-specific specialized equipment
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized handheld devices with different protocols are used to access different field devices, then compatibility with various field devices is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device provides universal adaptability by supporting multiple industrial communication protocols (Profibus DP/PA, Modbus RTU/TCP, HART) simultaneously, allowing a single mobile device to communicate with various types of field devices. This eliminates the need for operators to switch between multiple specialized handheld devices, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining broad field device compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as a protocol translator that mediates between standard consumer electronics protocols and diverse industrial fieldbus protocols. This intermediary function allows mobile devices to access different field devices using familiar interfaces without requiring operators to learn multiple specialized protocols, thus maintaining versatility while simplifying operation
3Ease of operation
If consumer electronics devices are used as mobile operating units, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability to industrial communication protocols worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as a protocol translation intermediary that bridges consumer electronics devices and industrial field devices. It receives data from mobile devices using standard protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB) and automatically translates it to the appropriate industrial protocol (Profibus, Modbus, HART) for the target field device, thus maintaining ease of operation with familiar interfaces while ensuring adaptability to diverse industrial communication standards
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device provides universal protocol support by implementing multiple industrial communication protocols simultaneously. This allows any consumer electronics device with basic communication capabilities to function as a mobile operating unit for various field devices, maintaining ease of operation while achieving broad industrial protocol adaptability through the gateway's multi-protocol translation capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A communication arrangement, a gate device and method for data communication between a mobile operating unit and a field device provides a certain ease in handling. The method involves a user program being loaded onto or activated on the mobile operating unit. Furthermore, data from the mobile operating unit is transmitted to a data communication device and from the data communication device to a gate device and from the gate device to a transmitting device of the field device and/or is transmitted in the opposite direction.