3D Industrial Visualization Depth Layering for Operator Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems for industrial control and SCADA systems are cluttered and difficult for operators to navigate, making it hard to focus on critical equipment states due to the overwhelming amount of numerical data presented in two-dimensional representations.
Innovation Solution
A method and control system that displays a two-dimensional image in a three-dimensional view, where objects representing industrial system elements are mapped to depth layers based on their parameter values, allowing critical changes to be visually highlighted by moving objects between depth layers, thereby drawing operator attention to deviations from accepted behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all numerical data and equipment states are displayed in a single two-dimensional process diagram, then complete information is provided to operators, but the display becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display to a three-dimensional visualization where objects can be positioned at different depth layers. This additional spatial dimension allows operators to separate critical information from background data, maintaining information completeness while improving navigability through depth-based organization and selective focus.
2Reliability
If multiple numerical displays are arranged in a single process diagram, then comprehensive system monitoring is achieved, but operators cannot easily focus on specific values or equipment states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the three-dimensional space to have different visual properties and information densities. Critical equipment states can be positioned in the near field with enhanced visual prominence, while less critical data is placed in the far field, enabling operators to focus on specific areas without losing access to comprehensive system information.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is segmented into multiple depth layers, with the near field containing critical information and the far field containing background information. This segmentation allows operators to mentally separate and focus on specific equipment states while maintaining awareness of the overall system condition through the complete three-dimensional visualization.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If parameter deviations are highlighted using contrasting colors in a two-dimensional diagram, then attention is drawn to abnormal states, but the overall overview remains cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using contrasting colors within the same two-dimensional plane, the patent uses the third dimension (depth) to separate normal and abnormal states. Objects representing equipment with parameter deviations can be positioned in the near field, creating a clear spatial distinction that highlights abnormalities without requiring color contrasts that would add visual clutter to the overall display.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying a two-dimensional image in a three-dimensional view. The two-dimensional image is formed by a plurality of objects representing elements of an industrial system. The three-dimensional view is displayed on a display of a control system of the industrial system, wherein at least one object is associated with a parameter value pertaining to a state of a corresponding element in the industrial system. The method includes determining the parameter value for the object; mapping the parameter value to a depth layer, which depth layer defines part of the three-dimensional view; and displaying the object in the depth layer. A corresponding control system is also presented herein.