Industrial Automation Configuration Images for Clear System Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in industrial automation systems face challenges in understanding the configuration of individual systems and their connections within the larger automation system, making it difficult to access and utilize configuration discovery tools effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates image data, such as QR Codes, representing configuration data of industrial automation systems, which can be displayed and updated, allowing for easy scanning and transmission to a cloud-based system for analysis and recommendation generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If configuration data is displayed in traditional text or table formats, then operators can access system configuration information, but the information becomes difficult to interpret and understand system connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual copies of configuration data in the form of graphical icons representing different system components and their connections. Instead of displaying raw text or table data, the system generates visual representations that operators can easily interpret, transforming abstract configuration information into intuitive graphical imagery that maintains all necessary information while improving comprehensibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions configuration data from a one-dimensional text or table format to a two-dimensional graphical display with spatial relationships. The visual layout arranges icons and connection lines in space to represent system architecture, allowing operators to grasp complex connections through spatial arrangement rather than linear text, thereby enhancing information clarity without loss.
2Loss of information
If detailed configuration data is presented to operators, then complete system information is available, but operators lack full knowledge of individual systems and their connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall system configuration into individual component icons, each representing a specific system element. The graphical display divides complex configuration data into manageable visual units that operators can understand individually while still perceiving the complete system through their interconnections, making system relationships detectable without overwhelming the operator with undifferentiated detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces graphical icons and visual connection lines as intermediaries between the raw configuration data and the operator's understanding. These visual elements mediate the information transfer, translating technical configuration parameters into intuitive graphical representations that bridge the gap between complete system data and operator comprehension of system relationships.
3Ease of operation
If operators need to access configuration discovery tools, then system configuration can be analyzed, but connecting to and using these tools becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically generating the visual configuration display without requiring operators to manually connect to or configure discovery tools. The system proactively creates and presents the graphical configuration representation, eliminating the time-consuming connection and setup steps that would otherwise be necessary before operators can access configuration information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically generating and displaying configuration visualizations without requiring operators to manually invoke or configure external discovery tools. The configuration data is autonomously processed and presented in an easily interpretable format, allowing operators to immediately view system information without the time investment required to connect to and operate complex discovery tool interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, performed by at least one processor, comprising generating a first set of images representative of configuration data associated with an industrial automation system. An electronic display may display at least one image of the first set of images. The processor may detect a change in the configuration data and retrieve updated configuration data from the industrial automation system. The processor may encode the updated configuration data into a second set of images and display at least one additional image of the second set of images on the electronic display.