Mobile Operator Device Multicast Discovery for Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face challenges in efficiently and quickly connecting to field devices with various interfaces in industrial automation systems, as they need to manage different communication technologies and protocols, leading to increased time and potential errors due to the complexity of IP-based and non-IP-based connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize multicast messages to transmit connection information and meta-data across an IP-based network, allowing a mobile operator device to select and connect to field devices within both IP-based and non-IP-based networks, using a combination of encryption and authentication for secure data transfer, and sorting devices by proximity for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually manage different communication technologies and protocols to connect to field devices, then connection capability is achieved, but operator time increases and errors occur due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising a server and mobile device that mediates between the operator and multiple field devices. The server receives connection requests, identifies appropriate field devices, and establishes connections automatically, eliminating the need for operators to manually manage different communication protocols and reducing connection time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the server automatically performs device identification, connection establishment, and protocol selection without operator intervention. The system serves itself by managing the complexity of multiple communication technologies internally while presenting a simplified interface to operators
2Reliability
If operators manually manage different communication technologies and protocols to connect to field devices, then connection capability is achieved, but error rate increases due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intelligent intermediary that centralizes the management of communication complexity. It automatically selects appropriate protocols, validates connection parameters, and establishes connections to the correct field devices, thereby reducing operator errors while maintaining support for multiple communication technologies
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates and manages connection templates or profiles for different field devices and communication protocols. These copied connection configurations are stored and reused, ensuring consistency and accuracy while eliminating manual reconfiguration errors
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple field devices with various interfaces are supported, then system versatility is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server is designed as a universal platform that can communicate with multiple types of field devices through various interfaces (HART, Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, wireless protocols, etc.). It performs multiple functions including device discovery, connection establishment, data transmission, and protocol conversion, thereby supporting diverse interfaces without increasing operational complexity for users
Solution Approach 2:
The server mediates between the uniform mobile device interface and the diverse field device interfaces. It translates between different communication protocols and presents a consistent interface to operators, allowing versatile support for multiple device types without exposing the underlying complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a specific field device from a first group and a second group of field devices, wherein the first group exchanges data in an IP-based network, and the second group communicates at least via a non-IP-based connection, the method includes the following: transmitting multicast messages having an item of connection information via at least one portion of the field devices of the first group; integrating the operator device into the IP-based network; initiating a connection establishment with a field device of the second group; receiving the transmitted multicast messages by the operator unit so that the connection information is made available to the operator unit; generating a list of all field devices of the first group and the second group; selecting the specific field device using generated list; initiating a specific connection establishment with the specific selected field device; and operating of the specific selected field device with the mobile operator unit.