Wireless Field Device Location via AoA Distance and Direction Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Locating a specific field device with a wireless interface in a large industrial area can be difficult and time-consuming, increasing the risk of accidentally accessing the wrong device, which may lead to malfunctions and safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves transmitting identification information including distance and direction from the field device, which is received and displayed on an operator device, using technologies like BLUETOOTH Angle of Arrival (AoA) or real-time localization (RTLS), to simplify and improve the location process, and automatically establishing a communication link when within a predefined proximity, enhancing safety and reducing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If field devices with wireless interfaces are used in large numbers, then communication flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but locating a specific field device becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication flexibilityVSAvoidtime to locate field device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The field device preliminarily transmits identification information containing distance and direction data before the operator needs to locate it. This preliminary action enables the operator device to display location guidance information in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual searching when the operator arrives at the site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary identification information system is introduced between the field device and the operator. This intermediary carries distance and direction data that mediates the communication, allowing the operator device to calculate and display precise location guidance without requiring direct visual contact or manual device identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual location methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of accidentally accessing the wrong device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation system complexityVSAvoiddevice selection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by displaying real-time distance and direction information on the operator device. This feedback mechanism continuously updates the operator with accurate location data, reducing the risk of selecting the wrong device while maintaining relatively simple manual operation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of physically searching for and identifying field devices is substituted with an automated information display system. The operator device electronically presents identification information with distance and direction data, replacing the need for manual device hunting while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If distance and direction information is transmitted, then location precision is improved, but data transmission requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation precisionVSAvoiddata transmission overhead

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of the transmitted information by including specifically calculated distance and direction values derived from wireless signal characteristics. This parameter transformation enables precise location determination while the data remains compact enough for efficient wireless transmission without excessive overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method simplifies the location of field devices, reduces the likelihood of accessing the wrong device, enhances operator safety, and improves operational efficiency by providing precise guidance and secure communication link establishment.

Implementation Method 1

transmitting, from the field device, identification information... using technologies like BLUETOOTH Angle of Arrival (AoA) or real-time localization (RTLS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11856486B2Method for locating a field device with a wireless interface

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO

AI summary

A method for locating a field device having a wireless interface is provided, the method including the following steps: transmitting, from the field device, identification information including distance information and direction information; receiving, by an operator device, the identification information; and displaying, by the operator device, based on the identification information, a distance, and a direction of the field device with respect to the operator device.