DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to communication system specifically in client server architecture,and more particularly, to a system, method and apparatus for dynamic configuration and distribution of parameters associated with one or more devices using a common communication link over Profibus communication link.

BACKGROUND

[002] A Process Field Bus (PROFIBUS) is a well-known standard for fieldbus communication in automation technology and an industrial communication protocol that has been internationally designated as a standard by International Electro-technical Commission (IEC) 61158. The protocolis used for the real time communication between field devices in the fields of production, automation, process control, building automation, etc. The Profibus is classified, based on applicable fields, into field message specification (FMS), Profibus decentralized periphery (DP) and Profibus process automation (PA).

[003] In a network of Profibus DP, it includes a master and a plurality of slaves for input and output of data.Master-Slave communication scheme in field environment is illustrated in figure 1 wherein the slave devices, communicates with a remotely located master device using a Profibus communication link. As shown in the figure 1 the plurality of slave devices are protection relays or any other smart electrical instruments comprising the Profibus protocol,allowingcommunication with other remote located device that includes but not limited toa master device.

[004] In such master-slave communication system, the single device such as a master device is configured to control number of remotely located devices such as slave device. Thefunctions of master may include activities such as monitoring critical parameters associated with slave devices, coordinating and controlling slave devices, taking critical decision based on information provided by slave devices, generation of log processand the like. To accomplish the function of master, monitoring of such slave device parameters is an essential activity and is achieved by not only master devices but also by involving users to achieve the same. The users can monitor the process with help of master that may include but not limited to distributed control system (DCS), programmable logic controller (PLC), and the like.

[005] In Profibus protocol, the communication between the master and the slaves is achievedby usingnetwork configuration information that requiresaGenericStationDescription (GSD) file stored in the master device. The GSD is stored in the master device and synchronized with plurality of slave device. The Profibus protocol in a master device uses the GSD fileto understand data sent by the slave device.The GSD file provides information regarding, but not limited to, the length of parameters in bytes, the information details of parameter data, the offset of parameter data, the list of total parameters.

[006] In prior art document, US20130166784 discloses a method of restoring configuration of Profibus and Profibus network system by receiving a configuration restoration command by the configuration restoration device of a Profibus network system; receiving a binary image from the master device of the Profibus network system by the configuration restoration device; creating restoration information including at least one of the configuration information of the Profibus network system, the basic information of the slave device associated with the master device, and user configuration information from the binary image by the configuration restoration device; and outputting the created restoration information. The configuration of a Profibus network may be restored from the master device by using this.

[007] In prior art document, US 8266602 B2 discloses apparatus and method for converting between device descriptions languages in a process control system. isprovided for converting a first DDL file into one or more second DDL files. The DDL files may be associated with wireless field devices that are or could be used in a process control system, such as wireless sensors or wireless actuators. The DDL files may contain information associated with parameters of the field devices, such as tunings, performance statistics, statuses, measurements, and other data of interest. The first DDL file could be associated with a non-standard DDL. The one or more second DDL files could be associated with standard DDLS, such as HART, Foundation Field bus, and Profibus DDLs.

[008] In prior art document, US20100064297 A1 discloses a method and system for providing enhanced user access to Profibus device diagnostic data and cyclic data in a distributed control system. After receiving input parameter data originating from a Profibus device message, the I/O module assembly performs steps for processing, maintaining and providing the input parameter data to a requesting control processor. The processing step includes extracting parameter values from a received Profibus device message. The extracted parameter values are then deposited in a repository on the I/O module assembly. The parameter values include both input and diagnostic parameter values. The diagnostic parameter values are provided to a workstation executing a Profibus device commissioning/configuring application in the form of data bits. The application generates a set of diagnostic text messages, based upon current values of diagnostic data bits representing diagnostic statuses of the Profibus device, by applying a configurable set of diagnostic message definitions to the diagnostic parameter data bits.

[009] However the existing mechanism fails to provide a suitable solution in an event wherein a user intends to configure the parameter of GSD file or in case any change is required in parameter mapping. In such events the existing mechanism enables generation of a new GSD file as per the requirement in one device and accordingly necessary modification is made on another device in communication parameter mapping.Such mechanism is considered to be complex and involves technical expertise, every time a slight modification of parameter is required. Also as the total size of GSD file parameters list is predefined, it can be selected by user by changing configuration in the master device before starting operation. However once master begin its operation then it cannot be changed and whole process need to be stopped in order to configure the parameter list.

[0010] Thus, in view the hitherto drawbacks there exists a dire need toprovide a mechanism that enables rapid communication of information from one device to another device wherein the information being communicated is dynamically configurable using a simple technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

[0012] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a system for dynamic configuration of parameters in master and slave devices but not over profibus communication link. Parameters are manually mapped in master and slave. Thepresent invention allows dynamic configuration of parameters without disturbing system operation.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is toprovide a system, method and apparatus for dynamic configuration of parameters and their distribution from one device to another device using a Profibus communication link.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple mechanism that enables configurable mapping of parameters as per user requirementby using a user interface.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient Profibus configurable parameter mapping.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient dynamic/ real time Profibus parameters mapping in runtime.

[0017] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient Profibus parameters mapping without changing DCS configuration.

[0018] In one implementation, the present invention provides a mechanism to change parameter mapping, only slave has to be configured using PC HMI. There is no need to change GSD in Master and this can be done when the system is still in operation. Further, the present invention can update parameter map without shutting off system operation. System can continue to work when parameter map is being updated. It also reduces efforts to update GSD file in master device for every change in parameter mapping.

[0019] Accordingly, in one implementation, a system for dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters to enable communication in at least one master device and at least one slave device is disclosed. The system comprisesthe master device having at least one general system description (GSD) file to enable communication with the slave device synchronized with the master device. The system further comprisesat least one user interface to configure the slave device to enable a dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters associated with at least one operation of the slave device based on at least one reference table generated through the user interface for mapping the parameters.

[0020] In one implementation, a system for dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters to enable communication in at least one master device and at least one slave device is disclosed. The system comprises at least one memory coupled to at least one processor. The system comprises at least one user interface configured to display at least one parameter associated with at least one operation of the slave device in a selectable dropdown menu. The processor is configured to execute at least one instructions stored in the memory, thereby enables the processor to transmit the parameters selected on the user interface to the slave device in a form of parameter references.

[0021] In one implementation, a method for dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters to enable communication in at least one master device and at least one slave device is disclosed. The method comprises:
• selecting, using at least one user interface, at least one parameter associated with at least one operation of the slave device from selectable dropdown menu displayed on the user interface;
• transmitting the parameters to the slave devices;
• storing, by the slave device, the parameters in a form of parameter references in at least one reference table;
• receiving, by the slave device, at least one request associated with the parameter references;
• scanning, by the slave device, the reference table based on the request received;
• communicating, by the slave device with the master device, if the request matched with at least one reference parameter in the reference table, the data associated with the request.

[0022] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] Figure 1 illustratesa master-slave field communication scheme with profibus communication link.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates an existing GSD file format used in master devices and new GSD file format, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0025] Figure 3 illustrates an existing method of processing GSD, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a new method of processing GSD, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates screen shot of configuration utility which can be used to map parameters as per user requirement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates an existing method of configuration process for parameter map as per prior-art.

[0029] Figure 7 illustrates an existing method of configuration process for parameter map as per prior-art.

[0030] Figure 8 illustrates new method of configuration process for parameter map, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0031] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and may have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figure may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0032] The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary.

[0033] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0034] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0035] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] By the term “substantially” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

[0037] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0038] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0039] Referring now to figure 1, in one implementation a network of Profibus is disclosed. The figure 1 includes a master and a plurality of slaves for input and output of data. Master-slave communication scheme in field environment includesslave devices that communicate with a remotely located master device using a profibus communication link. In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of slave devices includes a combination of protection relay devices.

[0040] Referring now to figure 2 illustrates an old GSD file format and a new GSD file format. In one implementation the stored GSD file in master device is synchronized with plurality of slave devices. The old GSD file structure in master device includes every parameter assigned with a fixed ExtUserPrmData number and a fixed offset, whereas in new GSD file structure the modifications are made in offset of parameters. Further, there is no fixed parameter assigned at a particular offset.

[0041] Referring now to figure 3 and figure 4 illustrates old and new methods of processing GSD, respectively. In one implementation, the existing slave code usually takes total number of parameters, length of parameter data offset of parameter andparameter reference from GSD file, whereas, in thenewmethod every slave will not take parameter reference from GSD file but it will pick up reference from reference table which may be generated through human machine interface (HMI) software for a slave device. By using the new method as disclosed in the present invention it removes much dependency on GSD file and takes information on parameters for parameter mapping from HMI.

[0042] In one exemplary embodiment the new method for processing GSD file will enable the slave devices is not dependent on the parameter reference from the GSD file and instead derives parameter reference from reference table which is generated through human machine interface (HMI) software for protection relay. This method eliminates the dependency on GSD file for configuration of parameters and takes information on parameters for parameter mapping from HMI.

[0043] Referring now to figure 4 illustrates a user interface for configuring the parameters as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In one implementation,a configuration utility comprises a user interface which enables configuring parameters mapping as per user requirements. Parameters may also be mapped in runtime/ dynamically which makes monitoring very efficient. In one exemplary embodiment, a user can select parameters from dropdown menu and click on add or delete to make parameter list as required. This parameter configuration is stored in a slave device for making parameter map internal to slave device.

[0044] In one embodiment, a GSD configuration is changed and all references apart from Input/output parameters length are removed. A slave device is loaded with default map and parameter mapping is done through default map which is loaded in the memory. All parameters is then configured and tested for different combinations. Subsequently when this attempt was successful, then HMI software is modified and parameter mapping section is introduced in it. In parameter mapping section of HMI, required parameters is selected in desired sequence. HMI is already fed with default parameter references which are internal to Slave. HMI sends these references to slave and slave store these references in a reference table. Read request from PROFIBUS is associated with Parameter reference table.

[0045] Figure 5 illustrates screen shot of configuration utility which can be used to map parameters as per user requirement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, figure 5 shows a dropdown menu containing list of all the available parameters is given. User can add and remove parameters as required. Parameter size and offset is shown in utility for convenience of user. This utility provide parameter reference table and load it in slave. Slave can use this parameter map to send parameters to master as configured by user. Parameters mapping through configuration utility requires very less time interruption in process.

[0046] Figure 6 illustrates an existing method of configuration process for parameter map as per prior-art.As shown in the figure 6, in existing method user need to modify and load GSD file in master and firmware in slave to match expected parameter mapping. Firmware and GSD file modification require an expert having knowledge of both the things. To update a master and slaves we need to shutoff communication between master and slave thus automation process under master-slave pair is halted and this is key concern which affects production.Also, this activity requiresskilled efforts and time.

[0047] Figure 7 illustrates an existing method of configuration process for parameter map as per prior-art.As shown in figure 7, in existing method after updating GSD file and modified firmware, communication between master and slave can be restored. Data will be exchange between master and slaveas per required data mapping. Process shown in Figure 6 & Figure 7 need to be repeated for every change in data mapping which plays a critical role in information processing in process automation.

[0048] Figure 8 illustrates new method of configuration process for parameter map, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.In one implementation, according to the present invention,in new method GSD file is having provision to configure parameters dynamically. User does not need to modify GSD file in master. Also, there is no need to modify firmware of the slave. Firmware is also given inbuilt provision to map parameters dynamically. User need to run configuration utility shown in Fig. 5 to configure required parameter mapping. Parameter mapping utility will pass a lookup table to slave which will hold updated information regarding required parameter map. In the process very minimum downtime is required in which mainly process automation code is modified as per required parameter map. Ideally parameter map can be modified without shutting off automation process. This activity does not need a skilled labour, rather, it can be done by any person having moderate knowledge about the system.

[0049] WORKING OF THE INVNENTION: It may be understood by the person skilled in the art that below provided example/scenario is for mere understanding purpose and shall not restrict the protections scope of the claimed invention.

In order to understand the working of the present invention, please consider the below problem statement as one of the technical problems solved by the present invention.

Problem Statement: A particular process is monitoring R-phase voltage to check healthiness of system voltage but it was found out that Y-phase voltage is often getting disturbed. In this scenario system is unable to predict healthiness of system voltage levels. We need to change list of parameters being monitored by master.

The solution with present method (prior-art techniques) of parameter configuration:
1) User need to make new GSD file by modifying parameter sequence in list shown in figure 2 (Prior Art). User also needs to be cautious about data size of a parameter and its offset so as to fit it in data module. Data module is maximum data length of a message which slave sends to master.
2) User need to make same changes in firmware as per the required mapping.
There is no definite method to map data in firmware. This process require lot of time which is typically 15-20 minute per slave.
3) User need to halt a process governed by master under consideration. Then user needs to reprogram all the slaves which consume lot of time. User also needs to modify GSD file in master and program in master which governs automation process.
4) Once a program and GSD file in master and firmware in slaves is updated as per required mapping. User can start automation process governed by that particular master.

The solution with new method, as disclosed in the present invention, of parameter configuration:
1) User does not need to modify GSD file as GSD is given provision for mapping parameters dynamically as shown in figure 2 (NEW).
2) User does not need to modify firmware of slave as firmware is also given provision for dynamic parameter mapping. User only need to configure new parameter map in slave using configuration utility shown in Fig. 5 which does not require system shutdown. This process can be done in very less time which is typically 2 to 5 minute per slave.
3) User does not need to halt a process governed by master under consideration. User just need to reconfigure all the slaves which consume minimum amount of time. User also needs to modify program in master which governs automation process.
4) Automation process is already running while a program in master and configuration in slaves is being updated as per required mapping. To modify a program in master user may choose to halt automation process but it can also be done without halting process.

It may be understood by the person skilled in the art from the above scenario that the presentinvention solves the technical problem in the above scenario as well as other technical problems as disclosed in the background above, in efficient and user friendly manner.
,CLAIMS:1. A system for dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters to enable communication in at least one master device and at least one slave device, the system comprising:
the master device having at least one general system description (GSD) file to enable communication with the slave device synchronized with the master device; wherein the system comprises:
at least one user interface to configure the slave device to enable a dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters associated with at least one operation of the slave device based on at least one reference table generated through the user interface for mapping the parameters.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one configurable parameter mapping file storing the reference table storing a pre-defined list of at least one parameter.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slave device is configured to receive the reference from reference table for mapping the parameters.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the general system description (GSD) file comprises parameters dynamically configurable for a particular offset.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the general system description (GSD) file preferably comprises reference associated with an input/output parameters length.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slave device comprises a default map and parameter mapping through a default map loaded in a memory.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface enables the selection of the parameters in a desired sequence, the parameters are selected from default parameter references pre-stored in the system.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7 is configured to transmit the selection of the parameters to the slave device, on receipt of which, the slave device is configured to store the selection in the reference table.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameters are mapped in runtime/dynamically.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the parameters are selected from dropdown menu provided on the user interface, and by clicking on a add or a delete to make parameter list.

11. A system for dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters to enable communication in at least one master device and at least one slave device, the system comprising:
at least one memory coupled to at least one processor;
at least one user interface configured to display at least one parameter associated with at least one operation of the slave device in a selectable dropdown menu; and
the processor configured to execute at least one instructions stored in the memory, thereby enables the processor to transmit the parameters selected on the user interface to the slave device in a form of parameter references.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein, on receipt of the parameters selected, the slave device is configured to store the selection in at least one reference table and uses the parameters for communication with the master.

13. A method for dynamic configuration and mapping of parameters to enable communication in at least one master device and at least one slave device, the method comprising:
selecting, using at least one user interface, at least one parameter associated with at least one operation of the slave device from selectable dropdown menu displayed on the user interface;
transmitting the parameters to the slave devices;
storing, by the slave device, the parameters in a form of parameter references in at least one reference table;
receiving, by the slave device, at least one request associated with the parameter references;
scanning, by the slave device, the reference table based on the request received;
communicating, by the slave device with the master device, if the request matched with at least one reference parameter in the reference table, the data associated with the request.