Handheld field maintenance tool with improved diagnostics

• US 9,709,973 B2
• Filed: 07/27/2011
• Issued: 07/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Toepke, Todd M., Kantzes, Christopher P., Mathiowetz, Brad N., Yang, Kun, Lund, Adam E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Terrell, Emily C
• Application Number:
  US13/191,644
• Publication Number:
  US 20120038458A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,183 Days
• CPC Class Codes: C07C 29/1518 one step being the formation of initial mixture of carbon oxides and hydrogen for synthesis
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0426 Programming the control sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/4068 Verifying part programme on screen, by drawing or other means
• 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 2219/23018 Enter parameters by combinations of keys and duration of actuation of keys
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23054 Simulate response on entered parameters and display, quicker response
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23126 Display tree structure of whole system or relevant info after function selection
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23163 Display enlarged, zoomed detail and small overall schematic, plan
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23406 Programmer device, portable, handheld detachable programmer
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23445 Real time simulation
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23446 HIL hardware in the loop, simulates equipment to which a control module is fixed
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24001 Maintenance, repair
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24012 Use camera of handheld device, head mounted display
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24028 Explosion free control, intrinsically safe
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/24056 Portable, detachable module to input test signals, read test results
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25062 Detect physical location of field device
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25428 Field device
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31121 Fielddevice, field controller, interface connected to fieldbus
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31197 Near field communication nfc
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/31475 : Zoom or pan display for flexible access to information
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32007 : Operator is assisted by expert system for advice and delegation of tasks
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32144 : Define device description using dd files
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/32226 : Computer assisted repair, maintenance of system components
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/33331 : Test, diagnostic of field device for correct device, correct parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35422 : Unit freely movable in space, detect its position, orientation by triangulation
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/35429 : Enter code number directly for function, no use of function keys
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36122 : Operator menu with submenu for each item
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/36128 : Function menu, switches, keys replaced by menu
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/50193 : Safety in general
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06315 : Needs-based resource requirements planning or analysis
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/204 : comprising interface for record bearing medium or carrier for electronic funds transfer or payment credit
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 : Electronic shopping [e-shopping]
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 40/04 : Trading; Exchange, e.g. stocks, commodities, derivatives or currency exchange
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 : Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 10/50 : Systems or methods supporting the power network operation or management, involving a certain degree of interaction with the load-side end user applications

Abstract

A handheld field maintenance tool with improved diagnostic functions is provided. The tool includes a process communication module configured to interact with a field device. A controller is coupled to the process communication module. The controller is configured to execute a number of improved diagnostic functions relative to the field device. The controller may obtain contextual information relative to a current field maintenance operation and preload at least one resource relative to a next field operation step. The controller may obtain process alarm information through a wireless communication module, and field device alert information through the process communication module and provide an indication on a display relative to both process alarm information and field device alert information. The controller may execute a sequence of field device maintenance operations on the field device in response to a signal from a user input device. The controller may obtain snapshot information in response to a signal from a user input device.

Claims

1. A handheld field maintenance tool comprising:

a wired process communication module configured to interact with a field device, wherein the wired process communication module is configured to be physically coupled to the field device to interact with the field device;

a wireless communication protocol module configured to communicatively couple the handheld field maintenance tool to a remote source;

a controller coupled to the wired process communication module and the wireless communication protocol module, the controller being configured to support a workflow mode, in which the controller is configured to;

automatically obtain contextual information relative to an unknown current step in a field maintenance operation;

identify the unknown current step being executed in the field maintenance operation based on the contextual information obtained;

identify a subsequent step of the field maintenance operation, in a workflow currently being executed, based on the identification of the unknown current step;

pre-load at least one resource based on the identified subsequent step; and

present the user with subsequent step information through a display, wherein the subsequent step information is displayed after the identified current step is completed and comprises the at least one resource and the subsequent step of the field maintenance operation.

2. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 1, wherein the handheld field maintenance tool complies with an intrinsic safety specification.

3. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 1, wherein at least some contextual information is obtained from a remote device through the wireless communication protocol module.

4. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 1, wherein the wired process communication module interacts with the field device using a HART protocol.

5. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 1, wherein the wired process communication module interacts with the field device using a FOUNDATION Fieldbus protocol.

21. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 1, wherein the contextual information comprises at least information relative to the field device and a record of communication between the handheld field maintenance tool and the field device.

22. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 1, further comprising a position detection module.

23. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 22, wherein automatically obtaining contextual information includes determining a position of the handheld field maintenance tool using the position detection module.

24. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 23, further comprising a tilt module.

6. A handheld field maintenance tool comprising:

a wired process communication module configured to interact with a field device, wherein the wired process communication module is configured to be physically coupled to the field device to interact with the field device;

a wireless communication protocol module configured to communicatively couple the handheld field maintenance tool to a remote source;

a controller coupled to the wired process communication module and the wireless communication protocol module, the controller being configured to, upon entering a workflow mode of operation;

automatically obtain contextual information relative to an unknown current step in a field maintenance operation from the field device, using the wired process communication module;

identify the unknown current step of the field maintenance operation based on the contextual information obtained from the field device;

identify a plurality of optional next steps based on the identification of the unknown current step in the field maintenance operation;

organize the plurality of optional next steps based on a statistical weight ranking, wherein the plurality of optional next steps is organized based on a probability of occurrence after the identified current step of the field maintenance operation is completed;

determine at least one resource related to a most likely next step of the organized plurality of optional next steps, wherein the at least one resource is configured to assist a technician with the most likely next step;

obtain the at least one resource from the remote source using the wireless communication protocol module prior to the completion of the identified current step of the field maintenance operation; and

present the organized plurality of optional next steps, the most likely next step and the at least one resource on a display after completion of the identified current step of the field maintenance operation.

7. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 6, wherein the handheld field maintenance tool is further configured to store a set of results corresponding to the completed current step of the field maintenance operation.

8. The handheld field maintenance tool of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to generate an operation summary.

9. The handheld field maintenance tool of clam 6, wherein the handheld field maintenance tool complies with an intrinsic safety specification.

10. A method of facilitating a field maintenance operation using a handheld field maintenance tool, the method comprising:

receiving a user input on the handheld field maintenance tool, wherein the user input indicates that the handheld field maintenance tool enter a workflow mode of operation, and upon entering the workflow mode of operation, performing the steps of;

automatically obtaining contextual information from a field device, using a wired process communication module of the handheld field maintenance tool, wherein the contextual information comprises at least information regarding an unknown current step of the field maintenance operation;

identifying the unknown current step of the field maintenance operation, using a controller of the handheld field maintenance tool, based on the contextual information received;

identifying, based on the identified current step of the field maintenance operation, a likely next step of the field maintenance operation;

obtaining a resource associated with the likely next step of the field maintenance operation from a remote source, using a wireless communication protocol module of the handheld field maintenance tool;

presenting the likely next step and the resource on a display of the handheld field maintenance tool after completion of the identified current step of the field maintenance operation; and

storing a set of results based on the completion of the identified current step.

11. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 10, further comprising:

receiving an additional user input indicating that the likely next step and the resource are not relevant; and

presenting an alternative likely next step on the display of the handheld field maintenance tool.

12. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 10, further comprising:

generating a summary after the field maintenance operation is completed, using the controller of the handheld field maintenance tool; and

storing the summary in a memory of the handheld field maintenance tool.

13. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 12, wherein the summary comprises an indication of whether the operation was completed.

14. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 12, wherein the summary comprises an indication of whether the field maintenance operation was successful.

15. The method of facilitating afield maintenance operation of claim 12, further comprising:

sending the summary to an asset management system after the summary is stored, using the wireless communication protocol module of the handheld field maintenance tool.

16. A method of facilitating a diagnostic task using a handheld field maintenance tool, the method comprising:

receiving a user input on the handheld field maintenance tool, wherein the user input indicates that the handheld field maintenance tool enter a workflow mode of operation, and upon entering the workflow mode of operation, performing the steps of;

automatically obtaining contextual information from a remote source, using a wireless communication module of the handheld field maintenance tool, wherein the contextual information comprises at least information regarding an unknown current step of the diagnostic task;

identifying the unknown current step of the diagnostic task based on the contextual information received;

identifying, based on the identified current step of the diagnostic task, a likely next step of the diagnostic task and an alternative likely next step;

obtaining a resource associated with the likely next step of the diagnostic task from the remote source, using the wireless communication protocol module of the handheld field maintenance tool;

presenting the likely next step and the resource on a display of the handheld field maintenance tool after completion of the identified current step of the diagnostic task;

receiving an additional user input indicating that the likely next step and the resource are not relevant; and

presenting the alternative likely next step on the display of the handheld field maintenance tool.

17. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 16, further comprising:

storing a set of results, in the handheld field maintenance tool, based on the completion of the identified current step of the diagnostic task.

18. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 17, wherein the set of results includes a description of the completed, identified current step of the diagnostic task.

19. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 17, wherein the set of results includes an indication of whether the identified current step was successfully completed.

20. The method of facilitating a field maintenance operation of claim 18, wherein the set of results are stored in a memory of the handheld field maintenance tool.