WO2021155935A1 - Process device - Google Patents

Process device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021155935A1
WO2021155935A1 PCT/EP2020/053027 EP2020053027W WO2021155935A1 WO 2021155935 A1 WO2021155935 A1 WO 2021155935A1 EP 2020053027 W EP2020053027 W EP 2020053027W WO 2021155935 A1 WO2021155935 A1 WO 2021155935A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
process device
software module
sensor
module
firmware
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/053027
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Philipp Bauer
Roland Braun
Francisco Mendoza
Original Assignee
Abb Schweiz Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Abb Schweiz Ag filed Critical Abb Schweiz Ag
Priority to PCT/EP2020/053027 priority Critical patent/WO2021155935A1/en
Publication of WO2021155935A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021155935A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
    • G05B19/0426—Programming the control sequence
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F9/00—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units
    • G06F9/06—Arrangements for program control, e.g. control units using stored programs, i.e. using an internal store of processing equipment to receive or retain programs
    • G06F9/44—Arrangements for executing specific programs
    • G06F9/4401—Bootstrapping
    • G06F9/4416—Network booting; Remote initial program loading [RIPL]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20—Pc systems
    • G05B2219/23—Pc programming
    • G05B2219/23299—Remote load of program, through fieldbus
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20—Pc systems
    • G05B2219/25—Pc structure of the system
    • G05B2219/25062—Detect physical location of field device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20—Pc systems
    • G05B2219/25—Pc structure of the system
    • G05B2219/25428—Field device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a process device, a process network, and a method of configuring a process device.
  • a process device comprising: an input unit; a processing unit; and an output unit.
  • the process device is configured to be installed within a process system.
  • the input unit is configured to receive at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system.
  • the processing unit is configured to determine at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter.
  • the output unit is configured to transmit at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement.
  • the input unit is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement.
  • the processing unit is configured to implement the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
  • the process device is not required to have pre-installed software and/or firmware, but downloads the required software and/or firmware relating to the specific functions that the process device will be required to carry out.
  • this information can be provided to the process device, and the process device can receive the appropriate software modules and/or firmware modules enabling the process device to carry out the required functions within the process system.
  • a minimum of software is needed to enable the device to execute the download function, however the software that is not pre installed is on application level, relating to sensing7actuation functions etc.
  • the process device could connect to a number of different sensors and/or actuators of different manufacturers with different wiring configurations, with sensor and/or actuator data to be acquired in specific manners for the different sensors and/or actuators, such as different time periods and over different ranges.
  • Actuators may need specific parameters and logical functions related to attached mechanics.
  • process device This information is then provided by the process device to, for example, the vendor managed repository, and the appropriate software and/or firmware modules are provided back to the process device in order to carry out its required functions. It is to be noted that the process device could be connected to a sensor and/or actuator via a wireless connection rather than a wired connection, and both of these options apply throughout this disclosure.
  • the field of instruments can be structured in two major parts: sensors (input) and actuators (output). Their common characteristics can be their software-based, parameterize-able, configurable function logic.
  • the digital interfaces enable the communication with the devices.
  • the digital communication enables parameterizing, configuration, and transfer of process signals (I/O).
  • the direction the communication flows depends on the device class (sensor vs. actuator).
  • the sensor sends measurements.
  • the actuator receives actuating variables.
  • IP Connectivity Example OPC UA
  • devices can communicate in a more integrated sense than that enabled in current fieldbus solutions, and such communication capabilities have been utilized in the new process device.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator from which the process unit will receive and/or exchange data.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator enabling the process unit to communicate data.
  • the at least one sensor and/or actuator comprises one or more of: a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, a positioner or position actuator, a valve, a switch.
  • a positioner can control a valve pneumatically or electrically.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one wiring connection between the process device and the process system.
  • the at least one wiring connection is between the process device and the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
  • the at least one parameter comprises at least one function of the process device.
  • determination of a configuration requirement of the at least one configuration requirement comprises a correlation between a parameter of the at least one parameter with information relating to an existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
  • the process device can interrogate the existing software modules and firmware modules already implemented within process device with respect to requirements it is to undertake. Thus, it can determine that it already has the required functionality, or if it does not can request that it be provided with software and/or firmware modules in order for it to carry out its required functionality.
  • the received at least one software module and/or firmware module comprises a software module update and/or firmware module update for the existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
  • the device s functions can be flexibly modified through updating of its functionality via updating software and/or firmware modules based on the functions the process device is to carry out. Also, obsolete software is removed in case the re configuration does not make use of functions installed before.
  • the output unit is configured to transmit the at least one configuration request over a network and the input unit is configured to receive the at least one software module and/or firmware module over the network.
  • the at least one software module and/or firmware module is received from at least one data source remote from the process system.
  • the input unit is configured to receive authentication information for a data source and wherein the processing unit is configured to implement the software module and/or firmware module received from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
  • the input unit is configured to receive the software module and/or firmware module from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
  • a process network comprising: a process device according to the first aspect; a process system; and at least one data source.
  • the process device is installed in the process system.
  • the process device is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module from the at least one data source.
  • At least one sensor and/or actuator is installed in the process system, and wherein the process device is configured to receive and/or exchange data from the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
  • the process unit is enabled to communicate with the sensor and/or actuator.
  • a method of configuring a process device comprising: receiving by an input unit of the process device at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system; determining by a processing unit of the process device at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter; transmitting by an output unit of the process device at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement; receiving by the input unit at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement; and implementing by the processing unit the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a process device within a process network or environment.
  • the process device comprises an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit.
  • the process device is configured to be installed within a process system.
  • the input unit is configured to receive at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system.
  • the processing unit is configured to determine at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter.
  • the output unit is configured to transmit at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement.
  • the input unit is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement.
  • the processing unit is configured to implement the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
  • the input unit and output unit are part of a receiver/transmitter unit.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator from which the process unit will receive and/or excahnege data.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator enabling the process unit to communicate data.
  • the at least one sensor and/or actuator comprises one or more of: a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, a positioner or position actuator, a valve, a switch.
  • a positioner can control a valve pneumatically or electrically.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection between the process device and the process system.
  • the at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection is between the process device and the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
  • the at least one parameter comprises at least one function of the process device.
  • determination of a configuration requirement of the at least one configuration requirement comprises a correlation between a parameter of the at least one parameter with information relating to an existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
  • the received at least one software module and/or firmware module comprises a software module update and/or firmware module update for the existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
  • the output unit is configured to transmit the at least one configuration request over a network and the input unit is configured to receive the at least one software module and/or firmware module over the network.
  • the at least one software module and/or firmware module is received from at least one data source remote from the process system.
  • the input unit is configured to receive authentication information for a data source and wherein the processing unit is configured to implement the software module and/or firmware module received from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
  • the input unit is configured to receive the software module and/or firmware module from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
  • Fig. 1 also relates to a process network or environment.
  • the process network comprises a process device as described above, and a process system within which the process device is installed.
  • the process network also has at least one data source, such as a vendor managed repository.
  • the process device is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module from the at least one data source.
  • At least one sensor and/or actuator is installed in the process system, and wherein the process device is configured to receive and/or exchange data from the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
  • the process unit is enabled to communicate with the sensor and/or actuator.
  • Fig. 1 also relates to a method of configuring a process device, wherein the process device is installed within a process system, the method comprising: receiving by an input unit of the process device at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system; determining by a processing unit of the process device at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter; transmitting by an output unit of the process device at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement; receiving by the input unit at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement; and implementing by the processing unit the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator from which the process unit will receive and/or exchange data.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator enabling the process unit to communicate data.
  • the at least one sensor and/or actuator comprises one or more of: a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, a positioner or position actuator, a valve, a switch.
  • a positioner can control a valve pneumatically or electrically.
  • the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection between the process device and the process system.
  • the at least one wiring connection is between the process device and the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
  • the at least one parameters comprises at least one function of the process device.
  • determining the configuration requirement of the at least one configuration requirement comprises correlating a parameter of the at least one parameter with information relating to an existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
  • the received at least one software module and/or firmware module comprises a software module update and/or firmware module update for the existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
  • the method comprises transmitting by the output unit the at least one configuration request over a network and receiving by the input unit the at least one software module and/or firmware module over the network.
  • the at least one software module and/or firmware module is received from at least one data source remote from the process system.
  • the method comprises receiving by the input unit authentication information for a data source and the processing unit implements the software module and/or firmware module received from that data source after verification of the authentication information.
  • the at least one parameter relating comprises at least some information derived a system engineering phase in which one or more engineers implement and/or configure functions of the process system.
  • a process device that can be an IP Connected device that is enabled to load only the control-system application or applications with required functions into its firmware from for example a vendor managed, (cloud) secured data source.
  • the device matches application: needs on a 1 : 1 basis, and the device’s functions can be flexibly modified / extended according to application needs.
  • the device vendor gains more flexibility in their reaction on customer demands, and the different customer demands do not affect every device, rather it is how an actual device is installed and will be used that drives the configuration workflow.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process device. The process device comprises an input unit, a processing unit and an output unit. The process device is configured to be installed within a process system. The input unit is configured to receive at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system. The processing unit is configured to determine at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter. The output unit is configured to transmit at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement. The input unit is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement. The processing unit is configured to implement the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.

Description

PROCESS DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a process device, a process network, and a method of configuring a process device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Current field devices (instruments) accumulate, during their continuous update and different and increasing functionalities, a history of all requirements customers ever had. This results in complex parameter sets and complex device descriptions, where exhaustive conditions constrain the circumstances under which certain parameters are useful. As an example a flow transmitter comes up with set of -1500 parameters. A temperature transmitter can be connected to a multiplicity of different temperature sensors, however finally will be connected to only one of them, or possibly several. Additionally, in the customer application, only a small subset of all parameters are actually used. What customers want are devices that are tailored to their application or applications. With the established field bus solutions, the solution was to address the challenges by dividing the entire implemented device function into modules, which does not actually lower the amount of “useless” or “non-used” functions in the device.
There is a need to address these issues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it would be advantageous to have an improved system technique to configure process devices. The object of the present invention is solved with the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims. It is to be noted that the process device is described with respect to a process system, but finds utility in other situations requiring configuration of process devices.
In an aspect, there is provided a process device, comprising: an input unit; a processing unit; and an output unit.
The process device is configured to be installed within a process system. The input unit is configured to receive at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system. The processing unit is configured to determine at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter. The output unit is configured to transmit at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement. The input unit is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement. The processing unit is configured to implement the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
In this manner, the process device is not required to have pre-installed software and/or firmware, but downloads the required software and/or firmware relating to the specific functions that the process device will be required to carry out. Thus for example during the system engineering phase when one or more engineers define, implement and configure functions of the system, this information can be provided to the process device, and the process device can receive the appropriate software modules and/or firmware modules enabling the process device to carry out the required functions within the process system. It is to be noted that a minimum of software is needed to enable the device to execute the download function, however the software that is not pre installed is on application level, relating to sensing7actuation functions etc.
Thus for example, the process device could connect to a number of different sensors and/or actuators of different manufacturers with different wiring configurations, with sensor and/or actuator data to be acquired in specific manners for the different sensors and/or actuators, such as different time periods and over different ranges. Actuators may need specific parameters and logical functions related to attached mechanics.
This information is then provided by the process device to, for example, the vendor managed repository, and the appropriate software and/or firmware modules are provided back to the process device in order to carry out its required functions. It is to be noted that the process device could be connected to a sensor and/or actuator via a wireless connection rather than a wired connection, and both of these options apply throughout this disclosure.
To put this in another way, the field of instruments can be structured in two major parts: sensors (input) and actuators (output). Their common characteristics can be their software-based, parameterize-able, configurable function logic. The digital interfaces enable the communication with the devices. The digital communication enables parameterizing, configuration, and transfer of process signals (I/O). The direction the communication flows depends on the device class (sensor vs. actuator). The sensor sends measurements. The actuator receives actuating variables. However, a solution is provided where a device finds utility in the actual application it is being used for, without the need to have any unused functionality in reserve. This is facilitated as instruments move towards IP Connectivity (Example OPC UA), which means that devices can communicate in a more integrated sense than that enabled in current fieldbus solutions, and such communication capabilities have been utilized in the new process device.
In an example, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator from which the process unit will receive and/or exchange data. Thus, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator enabling the process unit to communicate data.
In an example, the at least one sensor and/or actuator comprises one or more of: a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, a positioner or position actuator, a valve, a switch. Here for example, a positioner can control a valve pneumatically or electrically.
In an example, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one wiring connection between the process device and the process system. In an example, the at least one wiring connection is between the process device and the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
In an example, the at least one parameter comprises at least one function of the process device.
In an example, determination of a configuration requirement of the at least one configuration requirement comprises a correlation between a parameter of the at least one parameter with information relating to an existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
In other words, the process device can interrogate the existing software modules and firmware modules already implemented within process device with respect to requirements it is to undertake. Thus, it can determine that it already has the required functionality, or if it does not can request that it be provided with software and/or firmware modules in order for it to carry out its required functionality.
In an example, the received at least one software module and/or firmware module comprises a software module update and/or firmware module update for the existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
In this manner, the device’s functions can be flexibly modified through updating of its functionality via updating software and/or firmware modules based on the functions the process device is to carry out. Also, obsolete software is removed in case the re configuration does not make use of functions installed before.
In an example, the output unit is configured to transmit the at least one configuration request over a network and the input unit is configured to receive the at least one software module and/or firmware module over the network.
In an example, the at least one software module and/or firmware module is received from at least one data source remote from the process system. ln an example, the input unit is configured to receive authentication information for a data source and wherein the processing unit is configured to implement the software module and/or firmware module received from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
In an example, the input unit is configured to receive the software module and/or firmware module from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
In a second aspect, there is provided a process network, comprising: a process device according to the first aspect; a process system; and at least one data source.
The process device is installed in the process system. The process device is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module from the at least one data source.
In an example, at least one sensor and/or actuator is installed in the process system, and wherein the process device is configured to receive and/or exchange data from the at least one sensor and/or actuator. Thus, the process unit is enabled to communicate with the sensor and/or actuator.
In a third aspect, there is provided a method of configuring a process device, wherein the process device is installed within a process system, the method comprising: receiving by an input unit of the process device at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system; determining by a processing unit of the process device at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter; transmitting by an output unit of the process device at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement; receiving by the input unit at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement; and implementing by the processing unit the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
The above aspects and examples will become apparent from and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments will be described in the following with reference to the following drawing:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of a process device within a process network or environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Fig. 1 relates to a process device. According to an example, the process device comprises an input unit, a processing unit, and an output unit. The process device is configured to be installed within a process system. The input unit is configured to receive at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system. The processing unit is configured to determine at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter. The output unit is configured to transmit at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement. The input unit is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement. The processing unit is configured to implement the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
In an example, the input unit and output unit are part of a receiver/transmitter unit.
According to an example, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator from which the process unit will receive and/or excahnege data. Thus, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator enabling the process unit to communicate data. According to an example, the at least one sensor and/or actuator comprises one or more of: a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, a positioner or position actuator, a valve, a switch. Here for example, a positioner can control a valve pneumatically or electrically.
According to an example, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection between the process device and the process system.
According to an example, the at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection is between the process device and the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
According to an example, the at least one parameter comprises at least one function of the process device.
According to an example, determination of a configuration requirement of the at least one configuration requirement comprises a correlation between a parameter of the at least one parameter with information relating to an existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
According to an example, the received at least one software module and/or firmware module comprises a software module update and/or firmware module update for the existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
According to an example, the output unit is configured to transmit the at least one configuration request over a network and the input unit is configured to receive the at least one software module and/or firmware module over the network.
According to an example, the at least one software module and/or firmware module is received from at least one data source remote from the process system.
According to an example, the input unit is configured to receive authentication information for a data source and wherein the processing unit is configured to implement the software module and/or firmware module received from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
According to an example, the input unit is configured to receive the software module and/or firmware module from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
Fig. 1 also relates to a process network or environment. The process network comprises a process device as described above, and a process system within which the process device is installed. The process network also has at least one data source, such as a vendor managed repository. The process device is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module from the at least one data source.
According to an example, at least one sensor and/or actuator is installed in the process system, and wherein the process device is configured to receive and/or exchange data from the at least one sensor and/or actuator. Thus, the process unit is enabled to communicate with the sensor and/or actuator.
Fig. 1 also relates to a method of configuring a process device, wherein the process device is installed within a process system, the method comprising: receiving by an input unit of the process device at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system; determining by a processing unit of the process device at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter; transmitting by an output unit of the process device at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement; receiving by the input unit at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement; and implementing by the processing unit the received at least one software module and/or firmware module. ln an example, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator from which the process unit will receive and/or exchange data. Thus, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator enabling the process unit to communicate data.
In an example, the at least one sensor and/or actuator comprises one or more of: a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, a positioner or position actuator, a valve, a switch. Here for example, a positioner can control a valve pneumatically or electrically.
In an example, the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection between the process device and the process system.
In an example, the at least one wiring connection is between the process device and the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
In an example, the at least one parameters comprises at least one function of the process device.
In an example, determining the configuration requirement of the at least one configuration requirement comprises correlating a parameter of the at least one parameter with information relating to an existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
In an example, the received at least one software module and/or firmware module comprises a software module update and/or firmware module update for the existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
In an example, the method comprises transmitting by the output unit the at least one configuration request over a network and receiving by the input unit the at least one software module and/or firmware module over the network.
In an example, the at least one software module and/or firmware module is received from at least one data source remote from the process system. In an example, the method comprises receiving by the input unit authentication information for a data source and the processing unit implements the software module and/or firmware module received from that data source after verification of the authentication information.
In an example, the at least one parameter relating comprises at least some information derived a system engineering phase in which one or more engineers implement and/or configure functions of the process system.
Thus, in the current situation it can be difficult to establish which parameters are relevant for a given application. In most cases at present, even customers are unclear at the time of buying devices as to the exact set of diagnostics they will need. The process device described here addresses this, where the process device is provided with the functionality it actually requires dependent upon where it is installed and what it will be doing.
Thus, a process device that can be an IP Connected device that is enabled to load only the control-system application or applications with required functions into its firmware from for example a vendor managed, (cloud) secured data source.
In a specific detailed embodiment, during the system engineering phase, engineers define, implement, and configure the functions of the entire system, which in turn defines the required functions inside a device (instrument). As an example the requirement relates to the type of temperature sensor and its actual electrical connections. In a first step, these basic requirements are submitted to the device, which then loads required firmware modules from a vendor managed, secured source. To protect the device and the integrity of its functions, the process device can be inhibited to push the firmware from the outside, rather the device can pull the firmware after the device has authenticated the data source such as the vendor repository and this authentication can relate to the software and firmware to be installed or implemented on the device. The device’s IP can be protected by encrypted communication between the device and the vendor managed, secured source. In a final step the device parameters can be fine tuned, which is now simpler because only the suitable parameters are available. Here, the example relates to a temperature sensor, bust as discussed above this also applies to different sensors and actuators.
Thus, the device matches application: needs on a 1 : 1 basis, and the device’s functions can be flexibly modified / extended according to application needs. The device vendor gains more flexibility in their reaction on customer demands, and the different customer demands do not affect every device, rather it is how an actual device is installed and will be used that drives the configuration workflow.

Claims

Claims
1. A process device, comprising: an input unit; a processing unit; and an output unit; wherein, the process device is configured to be installed within a process system; wherein, the input unit is configured to receive at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system; wherein, the processing unit is configured to determine at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter; wherein, the output unit is configured to transmit at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement; wherein, the input unit is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement; and wherein, the processing unit is configured to implement the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
2. Process device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one sensor and/or actuator from which the process unit will receive and/or exchange data.
3. Process device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one sensor or actuator comprises one or more of: a flow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a level sensor, a humidity sensor, a positioner or position actuator, a valve, a switch.
4. Process device according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one parameter comprises an identification of at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection between the process device and the process system.
5. Process device according to claim 4 when dependent on any of claims 2-3, wherein the at least one wiring connection and/or wireless connection is between the process device and the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
6. Process device according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one parameters comprises at least one function of the process device.
7. Process device according to any of claims 1-6, wherein determination of a configuration requirement of the at least one configuration requirement comprises a correlation between a parameter of the at least one parameter with information relating to an existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
8. Process device according to claim 7, wherein the received at least one software module and/or firmware module comprises a software module update and/or firmware module update for the existing software module and/or firmware module implemented on the process device.
9. Process device according to any of claims 1-8, wherein the output unit is configured to transmit the at least one configuration request over a network and the input unit is configured to receive the at least one software module and/or firmware module over the network.
10. Process device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the at least one software module and/or firmware module is received from at least one data source remote from the process system.
11. Process device according to claim 10, wherein the input unit is configured to receive authentication information for a data source and wherein the processing unit is configured to implement the software module and/or firmware module received from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
12. Process device according to claim 11 , wherein the input unit is configured to receive the software module and/or firmware module from the data source after verification of the authentication information.
13. A process network, comprising: a process device according to any of claims 1-12; a process system; and at least one data source; wherein, the process device is installed in the process system; and wherein, the process device is configured to receive at least one software module and/or firmware module from the at least one data source.
14. Process network according to claim 13, wherein at least one sensor and/or actuator is installed in the process system, and wherein the process device is configured to receive and/or exchange data from the at least one sensor and/or actuator.
15. A method of configuring a process device, wherein the process device is installed within a process system, the method comprising: receiving by an input unit of the process device at least one parameter relating to installation of the process device within the process system; determining by a processing unit of the process device at least one configuration requirement for the process device comprising utilization of the at least one parameter; transmitting by an output unit of the process device at least one configuration request based on the at least one configuration requirement; receiving by the input unit at least one software module and/or firmware module based on the transmitted at least one configuration requirement; and implementing by the processing unit the received at least one software module and/or firmware module.
PCT/EP2020/053027 2020-02-06 2020-02-06 Process device WO2021155935A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160094382A1 (en) * 2014-09-30 2016-03-31 Schneider Electric It Corporation One button configuration of embedded electronic devices
WO2017114610A1 (en) * 2015-12-30 2017-07-06 Robert Bosch Gmbh Methods and systems for configuring a device using a firmware configuration block
US20190294135A1 (en) * 2018-03-22 2019-09-26 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Content delivery to vehicle via charging station

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160094382A1 (en) * 2014-09-30 2016-03-31 Schneider Electric It Corporation One button configuration of embedded electronic devices
WO2017114610A1 (en) * 2015-12-30 2017-07-06 Robert Bosch Gmbh Methods and systems for configuring a device using a firmware configuration block
US20190294135A1 (en) * 2018-03-22 2019-09-26 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Content delivery to vehicle via charging station

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