FUNCTIONALITY FOR HANDHELD FIELD MAINTENANCE TOOLS

• US 20080313559A1
• Filed: 06/13/2008
• Published: 12/18/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Mathiowetz, Brad N., Kulus, Christian J.
• Application Number:
  US12/138,720
• Publication Number:
  US 20080313559A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/771
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/409 characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panel; characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters G05B19/408, G05B19/4093 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23298 Remote load of program, through internet
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25428 Field device
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33105 Identification of type of connected module, motor, panel
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33125 System configuration, reconfiguration, customization, automatic
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

Improved functionality of handheld field maintenance tools is provided. A user may interact with the handheld field maintenance tool using a software application that communicates with the tool and with a manufacturer server. Tool information, including a unique tool identifier, is uploaded from the tool and associated with at least some user information. The user is able to view additional and/or updated functionality information relative to one or more tools with which the user is associated and obtain additional functionality electronically. The user also is provided with the ability to provide a tool name that is stored and displayed on the tool.

Claims

1. A method of expanding functionality of a handheld field maintenance tool, the method comprising:

coupling the tool for communication;

uploading tool information from the tool through the communication coupling;

comparing the tool information to currently available functionality information stored in a database; and

displaying available additional functionality to a user based upon the comparison.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the currently available additional functionality is stored in a database of a computer to which the tool is coupled.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the tool for communication includes orienting an infrared communication port of the tool with an infrared communication port of a computer system.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool information includes a unique identifier that is unique to the tool among all tools.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the unique identifier is stored in a system card of the tool.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the tool is intrinsically safe.

7. The method of claim 1, and further comprising receiving a user selection relative to available additional functionality.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the user selection is used to provide a display to the user relative to a manufacturer part number and pricing of the selected additional functionality.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein an order is placed to the manufacturer using the part number and pricing.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the order is placed using electronic commerce.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein a server is updated based upon the order, and a notification is sent to the user.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the additional functionality is downloaded to the tool after reception of the notification.

13. A method of capturing information relative to a handheld field maintenance tool, the method comprising:

coupling the tool for communication;

uploading tool information from the tool through the communication coupling;

obtaining user information; and

storing the uploaded tool information, the user information and an association between the tool information and the user information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the uploaded tool information and the user information is stored in a database of a computer system with which the tool communicates.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the uploaded tool information and the user information is stored in a database of a manufacturer server.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the tool is intrinsically safe.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the tool information includes hardware information.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the tool information includes software information.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the tool information includes license information.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the tool information includes hardware information and software information.

21. The method of claim 13, wherein the user information includes at least a username.

22. A method of assigning a user-provide name to a handheld field maintenance tool, the method comprising:

providing an interface to a user;

receiving a unit name in the form of alphanumeric text from the user; and

storing the unit name in the tool.

23. The method of claim 22, and further comprising displaying the user-assigned unit name on the tool.

24. The method of claim 22, wherein the interface is provided by the tool.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the interface is provided on a display of a computer system that is communicatively coupled to the tool.

26. The method of claim 22, wherein storing the unit name includes storing the unit name in a license file on a system card of the tool.

27. The method of claim 22, wherein the tool is intrinsically safe.