Field Device Configuration via Semantic Identifier Mapping Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of field devices in industrial plants is labor-intensive and prone to errors, as it requires establishing mappings between semantic identifiers and field device parameters, which can be time-consuming and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automates the mapping of semantic identifiers to field device parameters by using driver information and software to determine parameter associations, allowing for the reuse of existing associations and reducing manual work, even without a physical instance of the new field device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual configuration method is used to establish mappings between semantic identifiers and field device parameters, then configuration accuracy can be maintained through human review, but configuration time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies existing mapping configurations from previously configured field devices of the same type to the new field device. By retrieving and reusing parameter mappings from existing devices through the DCS, the system eliminates manual configuration work while maintaining consistency and accuracy across identical device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by automatically populating field device parameters with mappings based on device type and existing configurations before the user needs to use them. This advance preparation reduces configuration time significantly while maintaining accuracy through predefined, validated mapping sets.
2Reliability
If manual mapping configuration is performed, then configuration accuracy can be ensured through careful review, but labor intensity and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically retrieving device parameters, identifying applicable semantic identifiers, and establishing mappings without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its own stored configuration data and device information to complete the configuration process autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from existing configuration data and device type information to automatically determine appropriate mappings. By analyzing previously successful configurations and device specifications, the system makes informed mapping decisions that maintain reliability while reducing manual effort.
3Productivity
If automated configuration is implemented using driver information and software, then configuration speed and productivity improve, but complexity of the configuration system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal configuration approach that works across multiple field device types by using common semantic identifiers and parameter structures. The same configuration process and data retrieval mechanisms are applied regardless of the specific field device type, reducing the need for device-specific configuration logic and managing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating configuration information for a new field device includes obtaining driver information that allows communication with the new field device and comprises new parameter information that identifies a parameter in the context of the new field device, obtaining a list of one or more semantic identifiers, determine existing field device parameters with which the semantic identifier is already associated in the industrial plant, obtain existing parameter information, evaluate to which extent existing parameter information matches new parameter information with respect to a parameter of the new field device, and based on this evaluated extent, associate the semantic identifier with the parameter of the new field device as part of the sought configuration information for the new field device.