Configuration Diagram Difference Detection for Automation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the field of computer-based measurement and automation systems, users face difficulties in creating and distributing custom programs across distributed systems, particularly in networked environments, due to the complexity of systems and the variety of available instruments, requiring advanced programming skills that are often beyond the expertise of engineers in these fields.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining and merging differences between configuration diagrams, allowing users to analyze and compare configuration diagrams representing different systems, identify discrepancies, and generate a merged configuration diagram, which can be used to automatically acquire missing components to bring the actual system into compliance with a desired system specification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually create and configure custom programs for distributed measurement and automation systems, then system functionality and customization are improved, but the complexity of operation and programming requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses configuration diagrams as graphical templates that can be copied and reused across different distributed systems. Instead of manually programming each system, users can replicate proven configurations, reducing programming complexity while maintaining system adaptability and customization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration diagrams as an intermediary graphical representation layer between the user and the actual distributed system. This intermediary allows users to visually configure and manage system components without needing to write complex program code, thereby reducing operational difficulty while preserving system versatility
2Reliability
If configuration diagrams are manually analyzed and compared to identify differences between systems, then system compliance can be verified, but the time and effort required for analysis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis of configuration diagrams with automated computational algorithms. The system automatically compares configuration diagrams, identifies differences, and verifies compliance, eliminating the time-consuming manual analysis process while maintaining reliable compliance verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms that systematically compare actual system configurations against desired specifications. The system provides automatic feedback on compliance status and identifies specific differences, enabling rapid verification without manual time investment while ensuring reliable compliance assessment
3Productivity
If the system automatically orders missing components to bring the actual system into compliance, then system integration efficiency is improved, but the extent of automation increases complexity in system management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically identify missing components and initiate ordering processes without human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously managing component procurement to maintain compliance, thereby improving integration efficiency while the automation manages its own complexity through self-service mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for determining and/or merging differences between configuration diagrams. First information is received regarding a first configuration diagram comprising a first plurality of nodes and graphically representing a first system, and second information is received regarding a second configuration diagram comprising a first plurality of nodes and graphically representing a second system. At least a portion of the nodes may correspond to hardware devices, programs, and/or configuration data of the respective systems, and may be interconnected. The first and second information is analyzed to determine and/or merge differences between the first configuration diagram and the second configuration diagram, e.g., differences between hardware, software, configuration, and/or connectivity, e.g., by traversing the configuration diagrams or data structures representing the diagrams. An indication of the differences and/or a merged configuration diagram may be displayed on a display device, e.g., where the differences are indicated graphically, e.g., via highlighting.