Automation Context Assistant for Ranked Upgrade Recommendations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation systems rely on inefficient and costly catalog-based approaches for finding and selecting products and services, requiring expert knowledge and indirect sales channels, which are slow and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based assistant using inference algorithms and cost-performance engines to generate automation context, map installed devices to vendor catalogs, and provide ranked upgrade options based on performance and cost, reducing the need for expert knowledge and streamlining the procurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a catalog-based approach with hierarchical menus is used for finding automation products and services, then product information can be organized and displayed, but the process becomes slow and requires expert knowledge to navigate effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical navigation through hierarchical menus with an automated intelligent system that uses machine learning models and natural language processing to understand user intent and automatically retrieve relevant product information, eliminating the need for expert knowledge of menu structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of NLP models and contextual analysis systems that translate user queries into meaningful product recommendations, acting as a mediator between the user and the product catalog without requiring direct navigation through hierarchical structures
2Device complexity
If hierarchical product catalogs with vendor-specific tags are used, then product identification is standardized, but contextual understanding and informed decision-making are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the product identification approach by changing from static vendor-specific tags to dynamic contextual parameters that include application scenarios, performance requirements, and compatibility information, enabling richer product understanding without increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal product recommendation system that handles multiple product types and vendor formats through a single contextual analysis framework, making the system multi-functional in understanding both product identification and application context simultaneously
3Quantity of substance
If passive catalog browsing is used for product selection, then all available products can be displayed, but the process is inefficient and generates additional marketing expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of user requirements and system context before presenting product options, pre-filtering and ranking products based on compatibility and performance metrics, so that the most relevant products are presented first rather than requiring users to browse through all available products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system learns from user interactions and selection patterns to improve future recommendations, using reinforcement learning to optimize product presentation based on actual user behavior and conversion data
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for promoting candidate plans for upgrade in vendor provided devices or services. A context engine generates an automation context term for a target application using inference algorithms based on a retrieved ontology of the industrial automation system. A mapping engine queries a digital catalog for candidate upgrade devices or services related to the context term and maps key performance indicators related to the context term for each candidate device or service. A cost-performance engine estimates performance improvement for each of the candidate upgrade devices or services using algorithms that generate one or more simulation models for calculating the performance improvements. A ranked list of candidate plans for upgrade of devices or services is delivered with cost and performance information to one or more graphical user interfaces in the automation system for display to a one or more users.