Remote Indicator NFC Pairing for Process Instrument Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The configuration of remote indicators in industrial process control systems is often error-prone and requires significant technical knowledge, potentially disrupting ongoing process control functions and is complicated by the inaccessibility of field devices.
Innovation Solution
The integration of near field communication (NFC) technology allows for automatic configuration of remote indicators by enabling them to communicate with field devices and receive necessary configuration information, eliminating the need for manual pairing and reducing human error, even when field devices are operating in process control environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used for remote indicators, then configuration can be performed with existing technology, but the process is error-prone and requires significant technical knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The remote indicator automatically configures itself by receiving configuration data from the field device through NFC communication. The device performs self-configuration without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating human errors and reducing the technical knowledge needed for configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual configuration operations with automatic wireless communication. NFC technology enables data transfer without physical connection or manual input, substituting the mechanical/manual configuration process with an automated electromagnetic communication system.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration is performed on field devices, then configuration information can be set, but ongoing process control functions may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The field device stores configuration data in advance, and the remote indicator retrieves this pre-stored data through NFC communication. This preliminary preparation of configuration data allows the remote indicator to be configured without requiring the field device to be accessed or modified during operation, thus maintaining process control continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote indicators are placed in inaccessible locations to display process variables, then monitoring coverage is improved, but configuration becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NFC wireless communication to replace physical access requirements for configuration. The remote indicator can be configured wirelessly by bringing a configuration device into proximity, eliminating the need for physical access to inaccessible locations and enabling configuration regardless of the device's mounting position.
4Ease of operation
If automatic configuration via NFC is implemented, then configuration errors are reduced and accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field device and remote indicator both possess NFC capabilities that serve multiple functions: automatic configuration, device identification, and data exchange. This multi-functionality of the NFC interface reduces the need for separate dedicated configuration hardware, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the configuration process, reduces errors, and allows remote indicators to display process variable information without interrupting ongoing process control functions, even when field devices are in inaccessible locations, by using NFC to automatically pair and configure devices within proximity.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC tag has a processor, an onboard memory, and an antenna. The onboard memory stores data received from the field device to be communicated to a radio frequency identification reader. Power for the processor and the onboard memory is to be drawn from control system power provided to the field device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (300) of automatically configuring a remote indicator (100) is provided. The method (300) includes placing (302) the remote indicator (100) within near field communication range of an operating field device (50). Configuration information is wirelessly exchanged (304) between the remote indicator (100) and the field device (50). The remote indicator (100) is coupled to receive process information (308). Process information is received through the coupling and displayed (310) on a display (103) of the remote indicator (100). A field device (400,500) and remote indicator are also provided.