Wireless Field Device Search System with Radio Wave Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field device search systems in plants rely on human memory and drawings, which are unreliable, especially in complex environments with wireless communication gaps, making it difficult to accurately locate and access devices for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A field device search system equipped with an information terminal featuring a radio wave receiver, CPU, display, memory, and identification capabilities, which displays radio wave strength and guides the user to the target device by estimating its position and providing a route, while connected to a distributed control system for ID signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a worker uses a drawing or human memory to search for a field device, then the worker can attempt to locate the device, but the search becomes unreliable and inefficient in complex plant environments with widely installed devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual system of using drawings and human memory with an automated electronic system. The information terminal with radio wave receiver automatically detects field devices and provides navigation guidance, eliminating the need for workers to manually interpret drawings or rely on memory, thereby improving reliability and reducing search time
Solution Approach 2:
The information terminal acts as an intermediary between the worker and the field devices. It receives radio waves from field devices, processes the signals, and provides navigation guidance to the worker, serving as a mediating system that bridges the gap between the worker's search intent and the actual device location
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used to locate field devices, then the search process can be automated, but gaps in radio wave service range prevent obtaining information from devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays information about multiple field devices simultaneously, showing both detected devices and potentially undetected devices in the vicinity. This partial information display allows workers to identify areas where radio wave detection may be incomplete and adjust their search strategy accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the worker by displaying the current position, detected field devices, and navigation guidance. This feedback loop allows the worker to understand the detection status and take appropriate actions when radio wave signals are weak or absent
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 system enhances work efficiency by reliably accessing and locating field devices, ensuring accurate navigation and monitoring through improved radio wave detection and position management, even in complex plant environments.
Implementation Method 1
an information terminal having a receiving capability to receive radio waves from the plurality of field devices
Data Source
AI summary
The field device search system is composed of a plurality of field devices having a wireless transmitting/receiving capability and an information terminal having a receiving capability to receive radio waves from a field device, wherein the information terminal includes a radio wave receiver, a CPU (arithmetic means), a display part, a memory, and member for identifying one of the plurality of field devices.