Handheld Communicator Cloud Interface for Device Configuration Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Instrument technicians face challenges in accessing and utilizing configuration data from centralized databases while performing on-site configurations with handheld communicators, due to limitations in data format and processing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for sharing process control device configuration data between multiple handheld devices over a plant network or public data store, allowing technicians to connect, generate configuration profiles, assign relational identifiers, and download relevant configurations for installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If handheld communicators store configuration data locally in onboard memory, then data accessibility is improved, but data sharing and replication capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based configuration management system that serves as an intermediary between handheld communicators and configuration databases. This cloud intermediary enables technicians to access, share, and replicate configuration data across multiple devices and locations, resolving the contradiction between local data accessibility and data sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-device local storage model to a multi-dimensional cloud-based architecture where configuration data exists in the cloud and can be accessed by multiple handheld devices simultaneously. This dimensional shift from local-to-remote storage enables both local accessibility and broad sharing capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If technicians manually configure process control devices on-site, then configuration accuracy is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables technicians to copy existing configuration profiles from the cloud database to handheld devices, and replicate these configurations across multiple process control devices. This copying mechanism preserves configuration accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required to configure devices compared to manual on-site configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows configuration profiles to be prepared, validated, and stored in the cloud database in advance. When a technician needs to configure a device, the pre-prepared configuration can be quickly retrieved and applied, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site manual configuration while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If centralized configuration databases are used, then data management efficiency is improved, but on-site accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cloud-based configuration management system that serves multiple functions: centralized data storage, cloud database management, handheld device communication, and on-site configuration capabilities. This multi-functional system resolves the contradiction by enabling both centralized management efficiency and on-site accessibility through a single unified platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sharing plant device configuration data collected by handheld communicators during monitoring and servicing activities. Plant device configuration data is assigned relational identifiers such as equipment identifiers that provide additional information relevant to the configuration data for a plant device. Additional plant process identifiers may also be assigned to distinguish configuration profiles for various equipment sets. The relational data may be used to retrieve the configuration profiles for application in various efforts to replicate configurations across plants.