BOP Rig HMI Control Zones for Error-Resistant Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operator errors during the operation of human machine interface (HMI) for high-reliability blow-out preventer (BOP) rigs can lead to system downtime and increased safety risks due to complexity and the difficulty in diagnosing faults in fault-tolerant and redundant systems.
Innovation Solution
A computing system with a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes non-overlapping zones such as an action zone, high-level navigation zone, interface control subzone, and system control subzone, enabling users to select and control physical offshore drilling rig components, with features like predesignated subzones for diagnostics, testing, and emergency functions, and a drag-and-drop interface for modifying rig configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fault tolerant and redundant systems are implemented in the HMI control system, then system reliability is improved, but operator understanding and diagnosis capability deteriorate due to multiple ways to perform every function
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI interface is segmented into distinct functional zones (action zone, navigation zone, information zone, system control zone) that separate different operational modes and information types. This segmentation helps operators understand the system state and available actions without being overwhelmed by the complexity of redundant systems, as each zone presents information in a organized, context-specific manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI interface acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex fault-tolerant control system. By providing standardized navigation options, contextual information display, and organized control zones, the interface mediates the complexity of redundant systems into operator-friendly presentations, enabling diagnosis and operation without requiring deep understanding of underlying system redundancy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the HMI interface provides comprehensive control options and diagnostic capabilities, then operator capability is improved, but interface complexity increases leading to more operator errors
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into distinct zones (action zone for immediate controls, navigation zone for system-wide options, information zone for diagnostic data, system control zone for configuration) that organize comprehensive functionality into manageable sections. This segmentation allows operators to access comprehensive capabilities without being overwhelmed, as each zone presents only relevant controls and information for the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the interface provide different levels and types of information and control based on local needs. The action zone provides immediate, simplified controls for critical operations, while the system control zone provides detailed configuration options. This local quality ensures operators receive appropriate complexity at each interface location, enhancing capability without uniformly increasing overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the HMI system allows selective enable and disable of automatic failover, then system flexibility is improved, but software complexity and validation efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures failover behavior and control mode options during system initialization or setup phases. Operators can selectively enable or disable automatic failover and choose different operational modes before critical operations begin. This preliminary action allows flexibility in system configuration without requiring complex real-time decision logic, reducing software complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, systems, and implementations of an HMI control system for BOP rigs are disclosed. At least some versions of the disclosed systems enable a user to configure interface settings, perform actions on a BOP stack, view diagnostics, perform testing, and observe and rectify alarms. The disclosed systems may enable a user to more efficiently navigate between different interfaces and perform HMI functions due to a control zone configuration. Additionally, the control zone configuration may reduce operator error by assigning certain control zones to particular functions and requiring the user to take affirmative steps to perform destructive functions.