Interactive Asset Model with Automatic Process Flow Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power system monitoring technologies face challenges in navigating and efficiently viewing the process flow through interconnected system components, limiting their reliability and effectiveness in monitoring system assets.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that includes a storage device for storing a model of system assets with associated images and connections, and a processor to display these images and connections, allowing users to select an asset image to view its status and automatically display process flows entering or exiting the asset, enhancing navigation and monitoring capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If virtual representations of system components are used to monitor components, then monitoring capability is improved, but user navigation efficiency and process flow viewing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical model structure where system-level views contain asset-level views, which in turn contain component-level details. Users can navigate from a high-level system overview down to specific asset details and back, similar to nested dolls. This allows comprehensive monitoring capability while maintaining navigation efficiency through progressive disclosure of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the virtual representation by displaying assets in their physical layout arrangement rather than a flat list or tree structure. Assets are positioned according to their actual spatial relationships in the facility, enabling intuitive navigation and automatic process flow visualization through spatial proximity and connection lines.
2Reliability
If detailed models of system components are created, then monitoring effectiveness is improved, but system complexity and difficulty of navigation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different levels of detail to different parts of the model based on user needs and context. The system dynamically adjusts the level of detail displayed for different assets and regions, showing comprehensive information for selected assets while maintaining simplified views for unselected areas. This local differentiation reduces overall perceived complexity while maintaining monitoring effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the system model into distinct hierarchical levels (system level, asset level, component level) and functional modules (assets, connections, process flows, alarm states). Each segment can be independently managed and displayed, reducing cognitive load and making the complex system more navigable through focused, modular information presentation.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive status information is displayed for all assets, then monitoring completeness is improved, but information overload and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective information display where only relevant status information is shown for each asset based on its current state, user selection, and operational context. Rather than displaying all possible information for all assets simultaneously, the system shows partial information by default and provides access to complete information on demand through asset selection and detailed views.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color coding and visual indicators to convey asset status information efficiently. Different colors represent different operational states (normal, alarm, warning), allowing users to quickly assess system health at a glance without reading detailed text descriptions. Visual changes provide intuitive feedback about asset conditions while maintaining information clarity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for monitoring operation of a plurality of system assets includes a storage device 126 configured to store a model 200 of a plurality of system assets 102, wherein the model includes a plurality of asset images associated with the system assets, and a plurality of component connections representative of a plurality of conduits coupled to the system assets. The device also includes a processor 124 coupled to the storage device. The processor is configured to display the plurality of asset images and to display the plurality of component connections. The processor 124 is also configured to select an asset image, display a status of a system asset 102 associated with the selected asset image, and automatically display a representation of at least one of a process flow entering the system asset and a process flow exiting the system asset when the asset image is selected.