Message Router for Automated Hierarchical Structure Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current asset management systems in distributed process control systems require manual and time-consuming entry of hierarchical structure information for new field equipment, necessitating a shutdown to update the database, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A message router system that analyzes messages between a data acquisition system and remote process controllers to determine the hierarchical structure and automatically forward this information to an asset management system, eliminating the need for manual entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual entry of hierarchical structure information is used for new field equipment, then the asset management system database can be updated, but the process requires complete shutdown and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The message router automatically discovers new field equipment and extracts hierarchical structure information from communication messages without human intervention. The system self-updates the asset management database by monitoring message traffic patterns and identifying new devices, eliminating the need for manual database entry and system shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
The message router acts as an intermediary between field equipment and the asset management system. It intercepts communication messages, analyzes them to extract hierarchical information about new equipment, and automatically provides this information to update the database, serving as a mediator that enables automated equipment integration.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual entry of hierarchical structure information is used, then complete control over database updates is maintained, but the operation is tedious and requires system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The message router performs automated discovery and information extraction, making the equipment addition process self-service oriented. When new field equipment connects, the router automatically monitors communication messages, identifies the equipment hierarchy, and updates the database without requiring operator intervention or system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated discovery and information extraction in advance of any manual database update needs. By continuously monitoring message traffic and pre-identifying new equipment hierarchies, the system prepares database update information automatically before any operator action is required.
3Productivity
If automated message routing is implemented, then hierarchical structure information can be gathered efficiently, but additional system components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The message router is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication routing device and an automated discovery system. It performs standard message routing between field equipment and control systems while simultaneously monitoring message patterns to extract hierarchical structure information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated discovery hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the message routing function with the hierarchical structure discovery function into a single integrated system. The message router merges communication mediation and automated equipment identification capabilities, reducing system complexity by consolidating functions that could have been separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Determining a hierarchical structure, possibly for delivery to an asset management system. Some exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising receiving a message originated by a data acquisition system and destined for a remote process controller (the receiving by a message router), using content of the message to determine a hierarchical structure of a system between the data acquisition system and the remote process controller, forwarding the message by the message router, and passing information related to the hierarchical structure to an asset management system.