Patent ID: 8179817
Filing Date: 2012-05-15
Classification: G05B,G06F,H04W,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for designing an, at least partly wireless, local area communication network for industrial application, the method comprising: designing, by using a computer, a 3D model of a plant and equipment in the plant, introducing, by using a computer, into the 3D model of a plant and equipment in the plant wireless communication network devices including data regarding communication characteristics of the wireless communication network devices, identifying, by using a computer, utilizing the 3D model sources of interference and attenuation of a wireless signal of the wireless communication network devices due to other equipment and structures in the existing 3D model of the plant in advance prior to installation of the local area communication network, approximating, by using a computer, placement of wireless communication network devices in the existing 3D model of the plant utilizing the data regarding the communication characteristics of the wireless communication network devices in advance prior to installation of the local area communication network, utilizing, by using a computer, the 3D model and the data regarding the communication characteristics of the wireless communication network devices in advance prior to installation of the local area communication network in testing and evaluating wireless communication devices, connections among the wireless communication devices, communication methods, communication strategy and placement and orientation of the wireless communication network devices in the local area communication network taking into account interaction between the wireless communication network devices and the possible interference and attenuation sources due to equipment and structures other than the communication network and functioning of the wireless communication network devices in the 3D model of the plant including equipment, machinery and building structures, wherein said industrial application comprises a safety critical application wherein data regarding communication characteristics comprises calculation of statistical probability of communication failure resulting in a safety integrity level (SIL) value, and if the testing and evaluating utilizing the 3D model and the data regarding the communication characteristics of the wireless communication network devices indicates a communication possibility of a particular wireless communication network device is inadequate, carrying out in advance prior to installation of the communication network at least one of changing or making adjustments to a location or distance so that a target SIL is achieved, an orientation or an operation of the particular wireless communication network device, replacing the particular wireless device with another wireless communication network device, or changing the wireless communication network device to a wired communication network device.