Title of Invention	PROCEDURE FOR THE INTEGRATION DEVICE OBJECTS INTO AN OBJECT-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR FIELD DEVICES
Abstract	The invention relates to a method for integration of device-objects (DTMl, DTM2,...) in an object-based management system (WSl, WS2, 5U) for field devices (Fl, F2, ...) in automation technology, wherein the device-objects (DTMl, DTM2,...) are used for servicing the field devices, wherein, as the case may be, updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) or an updated version of a device-objects library (DoLnew), are/is stored on a physical storage medium (SM), wherein the physical storage medium (SM) is connected with a control/display unit (WSl, WS2, SU), on which a predetermined operating system (OS) is running, into which a frame application (FDT - FRAME) for the device objects (DTMl, DTM2, ...) is bound, wherein a program (P) is activated, which makes the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) stored on the physical storage medium (SM) at least partially accessible on a display unit (GUI), as soon as the storage medium (SM) is connected with the control/display unit (WSl/ WS2, SU), and wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects (DTMl, DTM2, ...), and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects. (DTMl, DTM2, ...), service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, (Fl, F2,...).

Title of Invention

PROCEDURE FOR THE INTEGRATION DEVICE OBJECTS INTO AN OBJECT-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR FIELD DEVICES

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for integration of device-objects (DTMl, DTM2,...) in an object-based management system (WSl, WS2, 5U) for field devices (Fl, F2, ...) in automation technology, wherein the device-objects (DTMl, DTM2,...) are used for servicing the field devices, wherein, as the case may be, updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) or an updated version of a device-objects library (DoLnew), are/is stored on a physical storage medium (SM), wherein the physical storage medium (SM) is connected with a control/display unit (WSl, WS2, SU), on which a predetermined operating system (OS) is running, into which a frame application (FDT - FRAME) for the device objects (DTMl, DTM2, ...) is bound, wherein a program (P) is activated, which makes the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) stored on the physical storage medium (SM) at least partially accessible on a display unit (GUI), as soon as the storage medium (SM) is connected with the control/display unit (WSl/ WS2, SU), and wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects (DTMl, DTM2, ...), and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects. (DTMl, DTM2, ...), service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, (Fl, F2,...).

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENT ACT 1970 (39 of 1970) The Patents Rules, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION See Section 10, and rule 13 1. TITLE OF INVENTION PROCEDURE FOR THE INTEGRATION OF EQUIPMENT OBJECTS INTO A OBJECT-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR FIELD DEVICES IN THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL ENGINEERING 2. APPLICANT(S a) Name b) Nationality c) Address CODE WRIGHTS GMBH GERMAN Company AM STADTGARTEN 1, D-76137 KARLSRUHE, GERMANY PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed : - The present invention relates to a method for integrating device-objects or device managers into an object-based management-system/ or configuration-system, for field devices in automation technology. In process, as well as manufacturing, automation technology, field devices are often applied for registering and/or influencing process variables. Serving for registering process variables are measuring devices, such as, for example, fill-level measuring devices, flow measuring devices, pressure- and temperature-measuring devices, pH-measuring devices, conductivity measuring devices, etc., which register corresponding process variables, fill-level, flow, pressure, temperature, pH-value and conductivity, respectively. Serving for influencing process variables axe actuates, such as, fe example, valves or pumps, via wbicb. e.g. flow of a liquid in a pipeline or fill-level of a medium in a container is changed. Field devices include, in principle, all devices, which are applied near to the process and which deliver, or process, process-relevant information. A large number of such field devices are available from the members of the firm, Endress + Hauser. In modern industrial plants, field devices are, as a rule, connected via bus systems with at least one superordinated unit. Examples of suitable bus systems include the Profibus®, Foundation Fieldbus® and HART® bus systems. Normally, the superordinated unit is a control system or a control unit, such as, for example, a programmable logic controller, i.e. a PLC. The superordinated unit serves for process control, process visualization, and process monitoring, as well as for start-up and servicing of the field devices. Programs, which run independently on superordinated units, include, for example, the operating, or servicing, tools, FieldCare of Endress+Hauser, Pactware, AMS of Fisher-Rosemount, and PDM of Siemens. Operating, or servicing, tools integrated in control-system applications include PCS7 of Siemens,' Symphony of ABB and Delta V of Emerson. 2 Integration of field devices into object-based configuration, or management, systems is accomplished via device descriptions, which enable the superordinated units to recognize and interpret data delivered from the field devices. Device manufacturers provide the device descriptions for each of their field device types, or for each of their field device types in different applications. In order that the field devices can be integrated into different fieldbus systems, furthermore, attention must be paid to the fact that different device descriptions need to be created for the different field bus systems. Thus, there are e.g. HART-, Fieldbus Foundation- and Profibus-device-descriptions. In order to create a universal description for field devices, Fieldbus Foundation (FF), HART Communication Foundation (HCF) and Profibus Nutzerorganization (User Organization) (acronym PNO) have defined a universal electronic device description (Electronic Device Description EDD); this is defined in the standard IEC 61804-2. For comprehensive servicing of field devices, recently, special device descriptions, so-called DTMs (Device Type Managers, or device managers) have become available. These meet the FDT (Field Device Tool) specifications. The FDT specification, serving as an industrial standard, was developed by PNO, in cooperation with ZVEI (Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektroindustrie, or, in English, German Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association). The up-to-date FDT specification can be obtained from ZVEI, PNO, or the FDT Group. Many field device manufacturers deliver, along with their field devices, the relevant DTMs. The DTMs include all device-specific data, functions and operational rules, such as e.g. device structure, existing communication options, 3 and a graphical user interface, or GUI, for the particular field device, or for a particular family of field devices. As run-time environment, DTMs require a frame application, this being, here, the FDT frame. The frame application and the relevant DTMs allow for very comfortable accessing of field devices, e.g. access to device parameters, measured values, diagnostic information, status information, etc., as well as enabling invoking of special functions made available by the particular DTMs. Frame application and DTMs form, together, an object-, or component-, based, management, or configuration, system for field devices. In order that the DTMs of different manufacturers can function correctly in the frame application, the interfaces to the frame application and to the various DTMs must be clearly defined. This matter of interfaces is an FDT concern. The FDT technology unifies the communication interface between field devices and superordinated unit. A special attraction of this technology is that it functions independently of applied communication protocol, software environment, field device, and superordinated unit. FDT technology makes it possible to create a functioning whole out of any combination of field devices, superordinated systems, and protocols. A known FDT frame application is, as already mentioned, FieldCare, a product of the firm, Endress+Hauser. If a manufacturer has a large number of field device types, particularly field device types for various applications, in its product portfolio, then the DTMs can accumulate to form a significant DTM-library. Usually, these DTM-Iibraries are so extensive, that the contained data must be stored on a plurality of CDs. With this are associated some essential disadvantages: 1. In order, in the case of a new issue of the library, to load the DTMs onto an FDT frame application, usually installation times up to several hours are required. 4 2. In order, then, to integrate the new edition of the DTM-library into an FDT frame application, likewise time-consuming installation procedures are necessary, since, first, the already existing DTMs must be deleted and replaced by the improved, new version. If the new installation does not work, then the original version must be re-installed, with much time consumed. 3. Developers of DTM-libraries must, preliminary to an installation, usually perform a plurality of tests with intermediate versions of the DTMs. Also, here, the time-consuming installations are disadvantageous. 4. Usually, in the case of every installation of the DTM-library, changes are performed on the operating system, on which the frame application and the DTM library are stored. These changes remain, even after deinstallation. 5. A fast configuration of the field devices is not possible, since, always, first the DTM-library must be installed. This is especially disadvantageous, when a user would like to implement only one new field device in its plant and must perform the required parametering for the correct operation of the field device. The time for loading the updated DTM-library exceeds, by a number of times, the time for parametering the field device. An object of the invention is to provide a method, by which integration or installation of a DTM-library, containing a plurality of device-objects, into an object-based management system is significantly simplified. The object is achieved by a method, which includes the following method steps: storing, as the case may be, updated device objects, or an updated version of a device-objects library, on a physical, storage medium; 5 connecting the physical storage medium with a control/display unit, on which a predetermined operating system is running, into which a frame application for the device objects has been bound; activating a program, which makes updated device objects stored on the physical storage medium at least partially accessible on the display unit, as soon as the storage medium is connected with the control/display unit; and automatically or manually starting a dialog, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects, service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices. An essential advantage of the method of the invention is to be seen in the fact that, for installation of device-object libraries, for integration of updated device-objects into an existing device-object library, and, subsequently, for maintaining the field devices, for which always the updated version of a device object should be available, much time is saved. While, in the case of the known solutions of the state the art, always, with much time consumed, a re-recording of the device-object library, and, on occasion, earlier, a deleting of already present device objects on a computer, must occur, the user can, in the case of application of the method of the invention, without time delay, directly access the updated device objects and directly service the corresponding field device, via the appropriate, updated device object. To be understood as included under the term 'servicing' is, especially, a parametering, or a calibrating, of the field device. In general, it can be said, that the user is provided, via the method of the invention, quasi, with a virtual hard disk containing the updated device-objects. Other advantages of the method of the invention include the following: (=> The version of the device-objects library stored in the superordinated unit, in the form, for example, of a servicing, tool, such as EieldCare, or in the 6 form of a control system, must no longer be replaced in the case of every new version; B it becomes feasible, preliminarily, during the creation of new device-objects, to test newly created device objects in the frame application during runtime; and csi no changes are made on the operating system. In an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided that, in the case of a first installation of the updated device objects, or the device-objects library, in an object-based management system, a predetermined communication device object is invoked, or is invokable, as soon as the physical storage medium is connected with the control/display unit. The communication-device object is either stored on a storage medium of the control/display unit or on a separate storage medium connectable with the control/display unit and is preferably automatically activated, as soon as the storage medium is connected with the control/ display unit. Furthermore, it is provided, that, in the case of an already accomplished first-installation of the device objects, or the device-objects library, in the control/display unit, for purposes of a re-installation of a device-objects library containing, at least partially, updated and/ or supplemented device-objects, the corresponding non-updated device objects stored in the control/display unit are deleted, or otherwise unbound, and the operating system, for the purpose of servicing at least one selected field device, accesses the updated or supplemented device object stored on the external storage medium. An advantageous embodiment provides, that, after terminating a servicing procedure, or servicing procedures, the external physical storage medium., is removed from the control/display unit. 7 Preferably, the device-object library with the updated device-objects is stored on a USB flash-drive, a hard disk, a field device or a communication-hardware, or generally/ on a non-volatile memory element. The above-mentioned storage media, which are forms of bulk memory, are connected, for example, via a USB-port, such as is generally present on computers. USB-equipped components can be connected together during operation, and the connected components and their properties are recognized by the computer automatically. Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, it is provided, that the updated device objects are stored, for example, in the form of binary files or memory dumps. Viewed as especially advantageous in connection with the present invention is the case in which the frame application is an FDT frame application. As already mentioned, FDT unifies the communication interface between field devices and superordinated systems. A special attraction of this technology is that it functions independently of applied communication protocol, software environment, field device, and superordinated unit. FDT technology makes it possible to access and service field devices via any superordinated systems using any protocols. Preferably, a Windows runtime environment is used as operating system in connection with the method of the invention. It is understood, however, that the method of the invention is not limited by explicitly named embodiments. In an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided, that a plurality of versions of device-object libraries are stored on the external storage medium, wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a desired version of the device-object libraries, and wherein, via the updated device object, or the updated device objects, of the selected version of device-object libraries, the corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, is/are serviced. 8 On the basis of this embodiment, it is possible to jump back and forth between different versions of device-object libraries, without a need for time-consuming installation- and deinstallation-processes. Furthermore, it is then possible, without extra effort, to perform tests with intermediate versions during the developmental phase. In such tests, a comparison is regularly made, whether and how the behavior of the field devices has changed, as between the old and the updated versions of the device objects. Without problem, in the case of malfunction, again, the old version of a device object can be accessed. The user has further, or alternatively, also the opportunity of keeping the new versions of device-objects or removing the old ones. The invention will now be explained in greater detail on the basis of the drawing, the figures of which show as follows: Fig. 1 a schematic drawing of a communication network in automation technology; Fig. 2 a schematic drawing of a communication network for interacting with field devices via a servicing program; Fig. 3 a schematic drawing of individual components suitable for performing the method of the invention; and Fig. 4 a schematic drawing of how, according to an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, different versions of device-object libraries can be accessed. Fig. 1 shows, schematically, a communication network KN, such as is applied for process automation. Connected to a data bus Dl are a number of computer units (workstations, host-computer) WS1, WS2. These computer units WS1, WS2 serve 9 as superordinated units (control system, control unit, servicing station, or unit, SU) for process visualizing, process monitoring and for engineering, as well as also for servicing and monitoring of field devices Fl/ F2,.... Data bus Dl works e.g. according to the Profibus® DP-standard, the HSE (High Speed Ethernet)-standard of Foundation® Fieldbus1, the HART-standard, or one of the known standards usable in automation technology. Via a gateway Gl, which is also referred to as a linking device or a segment coupler, data bus Dl is connected with a fieldbus segment SMI. Fieldbus segment SMI is composed of a plurality of field devices Fl, F2, which are connected with one another via a fieldbus FB. The field devices Fl, F2,... are sensors and/or actuators. A portable computer unit SU, e.g. a laptop, can also be temporarily connected with the fieldbus FB for providing e.g. operating personnel access to individual field devices Fl, F2,.... Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a servicing program, which can run on one of the computer units WS1, WS2 or on the service unit SU. The servicing program can be e.g. the servicing software PACTware of the PACTware Consortium e.V. or FieldCare® of the firm, Endress + Hauser®. Both require, as operating system, Microsoft 98NT, 2000. The frame application, FDT-Frame is responsible, especially, for managing the device managers DTM1, DTM2, ... in a project database, for bus system communication #nd for managing the device catalog or the device-objects library DoL. Integrated in the frame-application, FDT frame, are device objects DTM1, DTM2, or device drivers, for a plurality of different field devices Fl, F2, .... For the purpose of avoiding clutter, only two device objects, namely the device objects DTM1 and DTM2, as well as a communication-DTM/ CommDTM, are shown in Fig. 2. As already stated, the device object, or the device manager, DTM1 encapsulates, for instance, all information for the servicing of field device Fl. 10 With the help of the device managers DTM1, DTM2, a device- and manufacturer-independent servicing of the field devices Fl, F2, as well as the establishing of a communication connection CommDTM between the computer unit WSl and the field devices Fl, F2, become possible. For example, a manufacturer-specific, graphical user interface GUI facilitates the accessing by the user of this information. As regards hardware, the connection is established to field device Fl via the bus adapter BA, the data bus Dl, the gateway Gl and the fieldbus FB. Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of individual components needed for performing the method of the invention for installation or integration of updated device-objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... in an object-based, management system WSl, WS2, SU for field devices Fl, F2, ... in automation technology. The object-based, management system is, for example, the FieldCare servicing tool, which runs on a computer, preferably a laptop. Accessing and servicing of the field devices Fl, F2, ... is accomplished via the device objects DTM1, DTM2, ... or via the device managers. The, in each case, updated device objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... or the updated version of a device-objects library DoLnew, are/is stored on a physical storage medium SM. The physical storage medium SM is connected with the control/display unit WSl, WS2, SU, on which a predetermined operating system OS is running, in which a frame application, FDT-FRAME, for the device objects DTM1, DTM2, ... is bound. As soon as the physical storage medium SM is connected with the control/display unit WSl, WS2, SU, a program P is activated, which makes the updated device objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... stored on the physical storage medium SM at least partially accessible on the display unit GUI. Automatically, or manually, then there is started, on the control/display unit WSl, WS2, SU, a dialog, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects, DTMlnew, DTM2new, ..., invoke and service the corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, Fl, F2, .... If there is stored on the control/display 11 unit Wl, WS2, SU already an old version DTMloId, DTM2old, ... of a corresponding device object, then, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention for servicing of the field device Fl, F2, ..., in each case, the old version DTMloId, DTM2old, ... of the device object is deleted, or otherwise unbound, and the new version DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... of the device object is accessed. If a first installation of the updated device objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ..., or the device-objects library DoLnew, is made into the object-based, management system, or into the control/display unit, WS1, WS2, SU, then a predetermined communication device object DTMCOM is invoked, as soon as the physical storage medium SM is connected with the control/display unit WS1, WS2, SU. In turn, the desired field devices Fl, F2, ... are accessed via the associated device objects or device managers DTM1, DTM2,...; the servicing of the field devices Fl, F2, ... is accomplished according to the invention via the updated version of the device-manager, or the device object, DTM1, DTM2,.... If the storage medium SM, which is preferably a USB flash-memory, is removed from the control/display unit WS1, WS2, SU, no traces thereof are left in the operating system OS of the control/display unit WS1, WS2, SU. Fig. 4 shows a schematic drawing of how, according to an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, different versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2 can be accessed. A plurality of versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2 are stored on an external storage medium SM. Accessing of the different versions DoLl, DoL2 is accomplished via a manager, which is associated with the service unit SU. The frame application, FDT frame, is installed on the service unit SU. 12 This embodiment permits accessing of different versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2, DoL3, without the need for performing time-consuming installations. Furthermore, operating personnel can choose between different versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2, DoL3 or device-objects DTMlnew, DTMlold. Via the selected device object DTMlnew of the device-object library DoL3, access is then made to the corresponding field device Fl. In this way, version management of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2 or device-objects DTMlnew, DTMlold is greatly simplified. 13 WE CLAIM: 1. Method for integrating device-objects (DTM1, DTM2, ...) into an object- based, management system (WS1, WS2, SU) for field devices (Fl, F2,...) in automation technology, wherein the device objects (DTM1, DTM2, ...) are used for servicing the field devices, comprising method steps as follows: storing, as the case may be, updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new/ ...), or an updated version of a device-objects library (DoLnew), on a physical storage medium (SM); connecting the physical storage medium (SM) with a control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU), on which a predetermined operating system (OS) is running, into which a frame application (FDT-FRAME) for the device objects (DTM1, DTM2,...) has been bound; activating a program (P), which makes the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) stored on the physical storage medium (SM) at least partially accessible on the display unit (GUI), as soon as the storage medium (SM) is connected with the control/ display unit (WS1, WS2, SU); and automatically or manually starting a dialog, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of updated device-objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) and, via the updated device object, or the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... ), can service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices (Fl, F2,...). 2. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in a first installation of the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new,...), or the device-objects library (DoLnew), into an object-based management system (WS1, WS2, SU), a predetermined communication device object (DTMCoM) is invokable, as soon as the physical storage medium (SM) is connected with the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU). 14 Method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communication device object (DTMCoM) is stored on a storage medium (SM) of the control/display unit (VVS1, WS2, SU) or on a separate storage medium (SM) connectable with the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU). Method as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein, in an already accomplished, first-installation of the device objects (DTMlold, DTM2old, ...), or the device-objects library (DoLold), in the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU), for purposes of a re-installation of a device-objects library (DoLnew) with at least partially updated and/or supplemented device-objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...), the corresponding, non-updated device objects (DTMlold, DTM2oId, ...) stored in the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU) are deleted or otherwise unbound, and wherein the operating system (OS), for the purpose of servicing of at least one selected field device (Fl; F2;...), accesses the updated or supplemented device object (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) stored on the external storage medium (SM). Method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, after terminating a desired servicing procedure, or desired servicing procedures, the external storage medium (SM) is removed from the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU). Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the updated device objects (DTM1, DTM2,...) are stored on a USB flash-memory, a hard disk, a field device (Fl, F2, ...) or a communication-hardware (CommDTM). 15 7. Method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) are stored as binary files or memory dumps. 8. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein an FDT frame application (FDT-Frame) is applied as frame application. 9. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Windows runtime environment is applied as operating system (OS). 10. Method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of versions of device-object libraries (DoLl, DoL2) are stored on the external storage medium (SM), wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a desired version of the device-object libraries (DoLl), and wherein, via the updated device object, or the updated device objects, (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) of the selected version of device-object libraries, a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, (Fl, F2, ...) is/are serviced. Dated this 4th day of December, 2008 HIRAL CHANDRAKANT JOSHI AGENT FOR CODE WRIGHTS GMBH 16

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970 (39 of 1970)
The Patents Rules, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION See Section 10, and rule 13
1. TITLE OF INVENTION
PROCEDURE FOR THE INTEGRATION OF EQUIPMENT OBJECTS INTO A OBJECT-BASED MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR FIELD DEVICES IN THE AUTOMATIC CONTROL ENGINEERING

2. APPLICANT(S
a) Name
b) Nationality
c) Address

CODE WRIGHTS GMBH GERMAN Company AM STADTGARTEN 1, D-76137 KARLSRUHE, GERMANY

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed : -

The present invention relates to a method for integrating device-objects or device managers into an object-based management-system/ or configuration-system, for field devices in automation technology.
In process, as well as manufacturing, automation technology, field devices are often applied for registering and/or influencing process variables. Serving for registering process variables are measuring devices, such as, for example, fill-level measuring devices, flow measuring devices, pressure- and temperature-measuring devices, pH-measuring devices, conductivity measuring devices, etc., which register corresponding process variables, fill-level, flow, pressure, temperature, pH-value and conductivity, respectively. Serving for influencing process variables axe actuates, such as, fe example, valves or pumps, via wbicb. e.g. flow of a liquid in a pipeline or fill-level of a medium in a container is changed. Field devices include, in principle, all devices, which are applied near to the process and which deliver, or process, process-relevant information. A large number of such field devices are available from the members of the firm, Endress + Hauser.
In modern industrial plants, field devices are, as a rule, connected via bus systems with at least one superordinated unit. Examples of suitable bus systems include the Profibus®, Foundation Fieldbus® and HART® bus systems. Normally, the superordinated unit is a control system or a control unit, such as, for example, a programmable logic controller, i.e. a PLC. The superordinated unit serves for process control, process visualization, and process monitoring, as well as for start-up and servicing of the field devices. Programs, which run independently on superordinated units, include, for example, the operating, or servicing, tools, FieldCare of Endress+Hauser, Pactware, AMS of Fisher-Rosemount, and PDM of Siemens. Operating, or servicing, tools integrated in control-system applications include PCS7 of Siemens,' Symphony of ABB and Delta V of Emerson.
2

Integration of field devices into object-based configuration, or management, systems is accomplished via device descriptions, which enable the superordinated units to recognize and interpret data delivered from the field devices. Device manufacturers provide the device descriptions for each of their field device types, or for each of their field device types in different applications. In order that the field devices can be integrated into different fieldbus systems, furthermore, attention must be paid to the fact that different device descriptions need to be created for the different field bus systems. Thus, there are e.g. HART-, Fieldbus Foundation- and Profibus-device-descriptions.
In order to create a universal description for field devices, Fieldbus Foundation (FF), HART Communication Foundation (HCF) and Profibus Nutzerorganization (User Organization) (acronym PNO) have defined a universal electronic device description (Electronic Device Description EDD); this is defined in the standard IEC 61804-2.
For comprehensive servicing of field devices, recently, special device descriptions, so-called DTMs (Device Type Managers, or device managers) have become available. These meet the FDT (Field Device Tool) specifications. The FDT specification, serving as an industrial standard, was developed by PNO, in cooperation with ZVEI (Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektroindustrie, or, in English, German Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers' Association). The up-to-date FDT specification can be obtained from ZVEI, PNO, or the FDT Group.
Many field device manufacturers deliver, along with their field devices, the relevant DTMs. The DTMs include all device-specific data, functions and operational rules, such as e.g. device structure, existing communication options,
3

and a graphical user interface, or GUI, for the particular field device, or for a particular family of field devices.
As run-time environment, DTMs require a frame application, this being, here, the FDT frame. The frame application and the relevant DTMs allow for very comfortable accessing of field devices, e.g. access to device parameters, measured values, diagnostic information, status information, etc., as well as enabling invoking of special functions made available by the particular DTMs. Frame application and DTMs form, together, an object-, or component-, based, management, or configuration, system for field devices. In order that the DTMs of different manufacturers can function correctly in the frame application, the interfaces to the frame application and to the various DTMs must be clearly defined. This matter of interfaces is an FDT concern. The FDT technology unifies the communication interface between field devices and superordinated unit. A special attraction of this technology is that it functions independently of applied communication protocol, software environment, field device, and superordinated unit. FDT technology makes it possible to create a functioning whole out of any combination of field devices, superordinated systems, and protocols. A known FDT frame application is, as already mentioned, FieldCare, a product of the firm, Endress+Hauser.
If a manufacturer has a large number of field device types, particularly field device types for various applications, in its product portfolio, then the DTMs can accumulate to form a significant DTM-library. Usually, these DTM-Iibraries are so extensive, that the contained data must be stored on a plurality of CDs. With this are associated some essential disadvantages:
1. In order, in the case of a new issue of the library, to load the DTMs onto an FDT frame application, usually installation times up to several hours are required.
4

2. In order, then, to integrate the new edition of the DTM-library into an FDT frame application, likewise time-consuming installation procedures are necessary, since, first, the already existing DTMs must be deleted and replaced by the improved, new version. If the new installation does not work, then the original version must be re-installed, with much time consumed.
3. Developers of DTM-libraries must, preliminary to an installation, usually perform a plurality of tests with intermediate versions of the DTMs. Also, here, the time-consuming installations are disadvantageous.
4. Usually, in the case of every installation of the DTM-library, changes are performed on the operating system, on which the frame application and the DTM library are stored. These changes remain, even after deinstallation.
5. A fast configuration of the field devices is not possible, since, always, first the DTM-library must be installed. This is especially disadvantageous, when a user would like to implement only one new field device in its plant and must perform the required parametering for the correct operation of the field device. The time for loading the updated DTM-library exceeds, by a number of times, the time for parametering the field device.
An object of the invention is to provide a method, by which integration or installation of a DTM-library, containing a plurality of device-objects, into an object-based management system is significantly simplified.
The object is achieved by a method, which includes the following method steps: storing, as the case may be, updated device objects, or an updated version of a device-objects library, on a physical, storage medium;
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connecting the physical storage medium with a control/display unit, on which a predetermined operating system is running, into which a frame application for the device objects has been bound;
activating a program, which makes updated device objects stored on the physical storage medium at least partially accessible on the display unit, as soon as the storage medium is connected with the control/display unit; and automatically or manually starting a dialog, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects, service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices.
An essential advantage of the method of the invention is to be seen in the fact that, for installation of device-object libraries, for integration of updated device-objects into an existing device-object library, and, subsequently, for maintaining the field devices, for which always the updated version of a device object should be available, much time is saved. While, in the case of the known solutions of the state the art, always, with much time consumed, a re-recording of the device-object library, and, on occasion, earlier, a deleting of already present device objects on a computer, must occur, the user can, in the case of application of the method of the invention, without time delay, directly access the updated device objects and directly service the corresponding field device, via the appropriate, updated device object. To be understood as included under the term 'servicing' is, especially, a parametering, or a calibrating, of the field device. In general, it can be said, that the user is provided, via the method of the invention, quasi, with a virtual hard disk containing the updated device-objects.
Other advantages of the method of the invention include the following: (=> The version of the device-objects library stored in the superordinated unit, in the form, for example, of a servicing, tool, such as EieldCare, or in the
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form of a control system, must no longer be replaced in the case of every new version;
B it becomes feasible, preliminarily, during the creation of new device-objects, to test newly created device objects in the frame application during runtime; and
csi no changes are made on the operating system.
In an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided that, in the case of a first installation of the updated device objects, or the device-objects library, in an object-based management system, a predetermined communication device object is invoked, or is invokable, as soon as the physical storage medium is connected with the control/display unit. The communication-device object is either stored on a storage medium of the control/display unit or on a separate storage medium connectable with the control/display unit and is preferably automatically activated, as soon as the storage medium is connected with the control/ display unit.
Furthermore, it is provided, that, in the case of an already accomplished first-installation of the device objects, or the device-objects library, in the control/display unit, for purposes of a re-installation of a device-objects library containing, at least partially, updated and/ or supplemented device-objects, the corresponding non-updated device objects stored in the control/display unit are deleted, or otherwise unbound, and the operating system, for the purpose of servicing at least one selected field device, accesses the updated or supplemented device object stored on the external storage medium.
An advantageous embodiment provides, that, after terminating a servicing procedure, or servicing procedures, the external physical storage medium., is removed from the control/display unit.
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Preferably, the device-object library with the updated device-objects is stored on a USB flash-drive, a hard disk, a field device or a communication-hardware, or generally/ on a non-volatile memory element. The above-mentioned storage media, which are forms of bulk memory, are connected, for example, via a USB-port, such as is generally present on computers. USB-equipped components can be connected together during operation, and the connected components and their properties are recognized by the computer automatically.
Furthermore, according to an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, it is provided, that the updated device objects are stored, for example, in the form of binary files or memory dumps. Viewed as especially advantageous in connection with the present invention is the case in which the frame application is an FDT frame application. As already mentioned, FDT unifies the communication interface between field devices and superordinated systems. A special attraction of this technology is that it functions independently of applied communication protocol, software environment, field device, and superordinated unit. FDT technology makes it possible to access and service field devices via any superordinated systems using any protocols.
Preferably, a Windows runtime environment is used as operating system in connection with the method of the invention. It is understood, however, that the method of the invention is not limited by explicitly named embodiments.
In an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided, that a plurality of versions of device-object libraries are stored on the external storage medium, wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a desired version of the device-object libraries, and wherein, via the updated device object, or the updated device objects, of the selected version of device-object libraries, the corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, is/are serviced.
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On the basis of this embodiment, it is possible to jump back and forth between different versions of device-object libraries, without a need for time-consuming installation- and deinstallation-processes. Furthermore, it is then possible, without extra effort, to perform tests with intermediate versions during the developmental phase. In such tests, a comparison is regularly made, whether and how the behavior of the field devices has changed, as between the old and the updated versions of the device objects. Without problem, in the case of malfunction, again, the old version of a device object can be accessed. The user has further, or alternatively, also the opportunity of keeping the new versions of device-objects or removing the old ones.
The invention will now be explained in greater detail on the basis of the drawing, the figures of which show as follows:
Fig. 1 a schematic drawing of a communication network in automation technology;
Fig. 2 a schematic drawing of a communication network for interacting with field devices via a servicing program;
Fig. 3 a schematic drawing of individual components suitable for performing the method of the invention; and
Fig. 4 a schematic drawing of how, according to an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, different versions of device-object libraries can be accessed.
Fig. 1 shows, schematically, a communication network KN, such as is applied for process automation. Connected to a data bus Dl are a number of computer units (workstations, host-computer) WS1, WS2. These computer units WS1, WS2 serve
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as superordinated units (control system, control unit, servicing station, or unit, SU) for process visualizing, process monitoring and for engineering, as well as also for servicing and monitoring of field devices Fl/ F2,....
Data bus Dl works e.g. according to the Profibus® DP-standard, the HSE (High Speed Ethernet)-standard of Foundation® Fieldbus1, the HART-standard, or one of the known standards usable in automation technology. Via a gateway Gl, which is also referred to as a linking device or a segment coupler, data bus Dl is connected with a fieldbus segment SMI. Fieldbus segment SMI is composed of a plurality of field devices Fl, F2, which are connected with one another via a fieldbus FB. The field devices Fl, F2,... are sensors and/or actuators. A portable computer unit SU, e.g. a laptop, can also be temporarily connected with the fieldbus FB for providing e.g. operating personnel access to individual field devices Fl, F2,....
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a servicing program, which can run on one of the computer units WS1, WS2 or on the service unit SU. The servicing program can be e.g. the servicing software PACTware of the PACTware Consortium e.V. or FieldCare® of the firm, Endress + Hauser®. Both require, as operating system, Microsoft 98NT, 2000. The frame application, FDT-Frame is responsible, especially, for managing the device managers DTM1, DTM2, ... in a project database, for bus system communication #nd for managing the device catalog or the device-objects library DoL.
Integrated in the frame-application, FDT frame, are device objects DTM1, DTM2, or device drivers, for a plurality of different field devices Fl, F2, .... For the purpose of avoiding clutter, only two device objects, namely the device objects DTM1 and DTM2, as well as a communication-DTM/ CommDTM, are shown in Fig. 2. As already stated, the device object, or the device manager, DTM1 encapsulates, for instance, all information for the servicing of field device Fl.
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With the help of the device managers DTM1, DTM2, a device- and manufacturer-independent servicing of the field devices Fl, F2, as well as the establishing of a communication connection CommDTM between the computer unit WSl and the field devices Fl, F2, become possible. For example, a manufacturer-specific, graphical user interface GUI facilitates the accessing by the user of this information. As regards hardware, the connection is established to field device Fl via the bus adapter BA, the data bus Dl, the gateway Gl and the fieldbus FB.
Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of individual components needed for performing the method of the invention for installation or integration of updated device-objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... in an object-based, management system WSl, WS2, SU for field devices Fl, F2, ... in automation technology. The object-based, management system is, for example, the FieldCare servicing tool, which runs on a computer, preferably a laptop. Accessing and servicing of the field devices Fl, F2, ... is accomplished via the device objects DTM1, DTM2, ... or via the device managers. The, in each case, updated device objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... or the updated version of a device-objects library DoLnew, are/is stored on a physical storage medium SM. The physical storage medium SM is connected with the control/display unit WSl, WS2, SU, on which a predetermined operating system OS is running, in which a frame application, FDT-FRAME, for the device objects DTM1, DTM2, ... is bound. As soon as the physical storage medium SM is connected with the control/display unit WSl, WS2, SU, a program P is activated, which makes the updated device objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... stored on the physical storage medium SM at least partially accessible on the display unit GUI. Automatically, or manually, then there is started, on the control/display unit WSl, WS2, SU, a dialog, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of device-objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... and, via the updated device object, or updated device objects, DTMlnew, DTM2new, ..., invoke and service the corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, Fl, F2, .... If there is stored on the control/display
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unit Wl, WS2, SU already an old version DTMloId, DTM2old, ... of a corresponding device object, then, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention for servicing of the field device Fl, F2, ..., in each case, the old version DTMloId, DTM2old, ... of the device object is deleted, or otherwise unbound, and the new version DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... of the device object is accessed.
If a first installation of the updated device objects DTMlnew, DTM2new, ..., or the device-objects library DoLnew, is made into the object-based, management system, or into the control/display unit, WS1, WS2, SU, then a predetermined communication device object DTMCOM is invoked, as soon as the physical storage medium SM is connected with the control/display unit WS1, WS2, SU. In turn, the desired field devices Fl, F2, ... are accessed via the associated device objects or device managers DTM1, DTM2,...; the servicing of the field devices Fl, F2, ... is accomplished according to the invention via the updated version of the device-manager, or the device object, DTM1, DTM2,....
If the storage medium SM, which is preferably a USB flash-memory, is removed from the control/display unit WS1, WS2, SU, no traces thereof are left in the operating system OS of the control/display unit WS1, WS2, SU.
Fig. 4 shows a schematic drawing of how, according to an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, different versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2 can be accessed. A plurality of versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2 are stored on an external storage medium SM. Accessing of the different versions DoLl, DoL2 is accomplished via a manager, which is associated with the service unit SU. The frame application, FDT frame, is installed on the service unit SU.
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This embodiment permits accessing of different versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2, DoL3, without the need for performing time-consuming installations. Furthermore, operating personnel can choose between different versions of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2, DoL3 or device-objects DTMlnew, DTMlold. Via the selected device object DTMlnew of the device-object library DoL3, access is then made to the corresponding field device Fl. In this way, version management of device-object libraries DoLl, DoL2 or device-objects DTMlnew, DTMlold is greatly simplified.
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WE CLAIM:
1. Method for integrating device-objects (DTM1, DTM2, ...) into an object-
based, management system (WS1, WS2, SU) for field devices (Fl, F2,...) in
automation technology, wherein the device objects (DTM1, DTM2, ...) are
used for servicing the field devices, comprising method steps as follows:
storing, as the case may be, updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new/ ...), or an updated version of a device-objects library (DoLnew), on a physical storage medium (SM);
connecting the physical storage medium (SM) with a control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU), on which a predetermined operating system (OS) is running, into which a frame application (FDT-FRAME) for the device objects (DTM1, DTM2,...) has been bound; activating a program (P), which makes the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) stored on the physical storage medium (SM) at least partially accessible on the display unit (GUI), as soon as the storage medium (SM) is connected with the control/ display unit (WS1, WS2, SU); and
automatically or manually starting a dialog, with which operating personnel can invoke a selected number of updated device-objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) and, via the updated device object, or the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ... ), can service a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices (Fl, F2,...).
2. Method as claimed in claim 1,
wherein, in a first installation of the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new,...), or the device-objects library (DoLnew), into an object-based management system (WS1, WS2, SU), a predetermined communication device object (DTMCoM) is invokable, as soon as the physical storage medium (SM) is connected with the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU).
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Method as claimed in claim 2,
wherein the communication device object (DTMCoM) is stored on a storage medium (SM) of the control/display unit (VVS1, WS2, SU) or on a separate storage medium (SM) connectable with the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU).
Method as claimed in claim 1 or 3,
wherein, in an already accomplished, first-installation of the device objects (DTMlold, DTM2old, ...), or the device-objects library (DoLold), in the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU), for purposes of a re-installation of a device-objects library (DoLnew) with at least partially updated and/or supplemented device-objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...), the corresponding, non-updated device objects (DTMlold, DTM2oId, ...) stored in the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU) are deleted or otherwise unbound, and
wherein the operating system (OS), for the purpose of servicing of at least one selected field device (Fl; F2;...), accesses the updated or supplemented device object (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) stored on the external storage medium (SM).
Method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, wherein, after terminating a desired servicing procedure, or desired servicing procedures, the external storage medium (SM) is removed from the control/display unit (WS1, WS2, SU).
Method as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the updated device objects (DTM1, DTM2,...) are stored on a USB flash-memory, a hard disk, a field device (Fl, F2, ...) or a communication-hardware (CommDTM).
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7. Method as claimed in claim 6,
wherein the updated device objects (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) are stored as binary files or memory dumps.
8. Method as claimed in claim 1,
wherein an FDT frame application (FDT-Frame) is applied as frame application.
9. Method as claimed in claim 1,
wherein a Windows runtime environment is applied as operating system (OS).
10. Method as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims,
wherein a plurality of versions of device-object libraries (DoLl, DoL2) are stored on the external storage medium (SM), wherein, automatically or manually, a dialog is started, with which operating personnel can invoke a desired version of the device-object libraries (DoLl), and wherein, via the updated device object, or the updated device objects, (DTMlnew, DTM2new, ...) of the selected version of device-object libraries, a corresponding field device, or corresponding field devices, (Fl, F2, ...) is/are serviced.
Dated this 4th day of December, 2008
HIRAL CHANDRAKANT JOSHI AGENT FOR CODE WRIGHTS GMBH
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Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=Bi3S9CPU6PWA1jqF6wjnGw==&loc=vsnutRQWHdTHa1EUofPtPQ==

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Patent Number

269007

Indian Patent Application Number

2543/MUM/2008

PG Journal Number

40/2015

Publication Date

02-Oct-2015

Grant Date

28-Sep-2015

Date of Filing

05-Dec-2008

Name of Patentee

CODEWRIGHTS GMBH

Applicant Address

AM STADTGARTEN 1,D-KARLSRUHE,

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	THOMAS BEDNASCH	IFFLANDSTRASSE 12, D-68161 MANNHEIM,
2	ALEXANDER SCHWALBE	SIGFRIEDSTRASSE 62, D-75179 PFORZHEIM,

PCT International Classification Number

GO5B19/04

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	102007058606.1	2007-12-04	Germany