Self-configuring communication networks for use with process control systems
US7460865B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P90/80
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed herein are methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for configuring a communication network associated with a plurality of wireless enabled field devices. A disclosed example method of establishing a communication network for use in a process control system having a controller and a plurality of wireless enabled field devices involves identifying a plurality of wireless communication links available for routing communications between the wirless enabled field devices and the controller. Each of the wireless enabled field devices is at least one of a sensor or an actuator. The example method also involves automatically assigning at least first and second ones of the plurality of wireless communication links to a first one of the wireless enabled field devices based on at least one predetermined signal criterion. The first wireless communication link wirelessly communicatively couples the first wireless enabled field device to a second wireless device. In addition, the second wireless communication link wirelessly communicatively couples the second wireless device to the controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.