Asset tracking in process control environments

US9454744B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS, INC. · US

Inventors

• David P. Imming · Austin, US
• Peter Zornio · Austin, US
• Trevor D. Schleiss · Austin, US
• Neil J. Peterson · Austin, US
• Mark J. Nixon · Round Rock, US
• Eric D. Rotvold · West St. Paul, US
• Robert J. Karschnia · Chaska, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 2, 2011
• Grant date: Sep 27, 2016
• Expiry date: Jul 3, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04W4/33
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An asset tracking system for use in a process control environment may include one or more asset tracking devices and an asset tracking host. The asset tracking device may receive signals corresponding to a position or location of an asset to be tracked, and may communicate, using an industrial automation protocol such as wireless HART, an indication of the position to the asset tracking host. The signals may be GPS signals that are re-radiated into the process control environment. Other information, such as environmental data, may be communicated in conjunction with the position of the asset. The asset tracking host may store and/or display the data or information included in the message, and may send a different message to the asset tracking device. An asset tracking device may be included in a field device, a network device, or a portable communications device used in the process control environment.