Process Automation Display for Address-Free Ethernet Device Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing addressing and data acquisition methods in process automation networks, particularly in two-wire Ethernet networks, are cumbersome and limited, making it difficult to efficiently display data from subscriber devices.
Innovation Solution
A display device is introduced that can detect and display data from subscriber devices in a two-wire Ethernet network without prior knowledge of their addresses, using a specified physical layer and higher-layer network protocols, allowing it to operate autonomously or integrated with a field switch, and supporting various protocols like APL, Profinet, and OPC-UA, with capabilities for real-time visualization and communication in potentially explosive environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional addressing methods (DIP switch or software configuration) are used to identify subscriber devices, then device identification is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display device automatically detects and identifies subscriber devices without requiring manual configuration through DIP switches or software. The system performs self-service by autonomously scanning the network, detecting device addresses, and displaying their data, thereby eliminating the cumbersome manual addressing process while maintaining device identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The display device performs preliminary scanning and detection of subscriber devices before data display is required. By pre-detecting device addresses and storing this information, the system eliminates the need for manual addressing at the time of data acquisition, simplifying the operation while maintaining complete device identification
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display device scans all devices in the network to detect subscriber devices, then complete data accessibility is achieved, but the data acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display device performs a preliminary scan of all subscriber devices in the network during initialization or idle periods, storing their addresses and data in memory. When data display is subsequently requested, the pre-acquired information is immediately available, achieving complete data accessibility without time loss during actual data retrieval operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its scanning behavior based on operational context. During normal operation, it uses stored device information for rapid data access. When devices are added or changed, it performs selective re-scanning to update only the necessary portions of its device database, balancing completeness with time efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the display device is placed in potentially explosive areas for on-site visualization, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display device extracts and isolates the visualization function from the potentially explosive environment by placing it in a safe location while maintaining network connectivity. This allows real-time monitoring capability to be achieved through remote display, eliminating the safety risk of having display equipment in explosive areas while preserving on-site visualization access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a safe display device as an intermediary between the explosive environment where subscriber devices operate and the user. This intermediary can be positioned in a safe location yet maintains communication with devices in explosive zones through the industrial network, enabling real-time monitoring without compromising safety
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a display device (100) for displaying data in an Ethernet network (150) of process automation with a specified physical layer and one or more different network protocols of the higher layers, wherein the display device (100) is configured to detect one or more subscriber devices (102) of the network (150) and to display measured values of one or more subscriber devices (102).