Visual Instantiation Facility for Industrial Function Block Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring and programming multiple devices in industrial control systems, such as those with function blocks, is complex and time-consuming due to the need for manual calculation and error-prone processes, especially when devices from different manufacturers are involved.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a visual instantiation facility to read device definition files, display instantiation information, and enable users to instantiate function blocks in field devices, providing feedback on instantiation limits and allowing for efficient configuration and re-configuration of devices before actual connection to the industrial process control system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration and programming of function blocks in multiple devices is performed, then flexibility in device selection from different manufacturers is maintained, but configuration complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration approach where a single device definition file format can describe function blocks from multiple manufacturers. The system provides a unified visual interface that works across different device types and manufacturers, eliminating the need for separate configuration procedures for each device. This multi-functionality allows the configuration system to handle diverse devices through a common methodology, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses device definition files that contain standardized templates or copies of function block configurations. Instead of manually creating each function block from scratch, the system reads pre-defined function block descriptions from DD files and instantiates them automatically. This copying mechanism allows rapid deployment of standardized function blocks across multiple devices while maintaining the ability to customize specific parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual calculation and configuration of function blocks is performed, then device-specific customization is possible, but error rates increase and configuration time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic validation and consistency checking mechanisms. The configuration software automatically verifies that the instantiated function blocks are consistent with the device definition files and system requirements. This self-validation process reduces human error while maintaining customization capability, as the system itself checks for errors rather than relying solely on manual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the configuration system provides real-time validation feedback during the configuration process. The system checks whether the selected function blocks are compatible with the target devices and whether the configuration parameters are valid. This immediate feedback allows operators to correct errors before finalizing the configuration, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining customization flexibility.
3Loss of time
If comprehensive device configuration is performed before field device connection, then system preparation time is reduced, but the complexity of managing configuration data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary configuration actions by allowing users to define and validate device configurations using device definition files before actual field devices are connected. The system reads DD files and instantiates function blocks in advance, preparing the control system configuration ahead of time. This preliminary action reduces on-site configuration time and allows for thorough validation before deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses device definition files as an intermediary between the configuration software and the actual field devices. These DD files serve as a medium that contains all necessary function block definitions and device parameters, allowing the configuration system to work with standardized data structures. This intermediary layer simplifies configuration management by providing a uniform interface while handling the complexity of device-specific details within the DD files.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for block instantiation are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a processor and a visual instantiation facility executable by the processor. The visual instantiation facility is configured to read a device definition (DD) file including at least one function block and to visually display function block instantiation information of the at least one function block in a visual display. The visual instantiation facility is further configured to instantiate the at least one function block in a field device.