Universal Device Type Manager for Field Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of maintaining and configuring intelligent field devices in industrial process control systems, such as transmitters and positioners, requires extensive knowledge and leads to vendor-specific user interfaces, making universal management challenging.
Innovation Solution
A universal device type manager (DTM) utility is developed, which provides on-demand customizable user interfaces for various field device types using standardized device descriptions and templates, facilitating access to parameters and information like manufacturer instructions and maintenance documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific device type managers are used for each field device type, then device-specific functionality and parameters can be accessed, but the system complexity increases and universal management becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal device type manager that can dynamically adapt to different field device types through standardized interfaces. The system uses a common framework that supports multiple device protocols (HART, Fieldbus, 4-20mA) without requiring separate dedicated software for each device type, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining device-specific functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user interface and the diverse field devices. This universal device type manager acts as a mediator that translates standardized user requests into device-specific commands, allowing uniform management of different device types while preserving their unique capabilities.
2Reliability
If extensive knowledge of specific field devices is required for configuration and maintenance, then precise device management can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal device type manager implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting field device types and configuring appropriate communication protocols and parameters. The system performs self-diagnosis and adaptive configuration without requiring users to have extensive knowledge of specific device types, thereby maintaining management precision while improving operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vendor-specific interfaces are used for different field device types, then device-specific parameters can be accessed, but the time required for configuration and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device management functionality into a universal framework and device-specific modules. The universal device type manager handles common tasks across all device types, while device-specific adapters handle type-specific operations. This segmentation allows parallel processing and reduces the time required for configuration and maintenance by eliminating redundant operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring communication protocols and parameters based on automatic device type detection. The universal device type manager prepares the communication interface in advance before actual device interaction, reducing the time required for configuration and setup of new field devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal device type manager (DTM) utility is described herein including a generalized architecture facilitating defining and generating user interfaces associated with a variety of field device types. The utility includes a device description data store interface that provides access to a device description store wherein standard device descriptions (DD files) for a variety of field device types are maintained. No specialized customization is done to the device descriptions by the device or tool vendors. A device type template store interface provides access to a set of device type manager definitions. A device type manager engine renders, on-demand, a device type manager user interface providing user access to parameters and other information for a field device type/instance based upon: (1) a device description and (2) a device type manager definition.