Configuration Parameter Verification via Dual Display Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring safety-critical apparatuses using standard web browsers are prone to display errors, which can compromise safety due to the reliance on presentation routines that may be error-prone, especially in networked systems where components are not guaranteed to be error-free.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates and compares two versions of a configuration parameter value, one in a standard data form (e.g., text) and another in a graphical form, to ensure accurate display and confirmation by the operator before the apparatus is configured, using a conversion program and imaging or text recognition techniques to support error-free configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard web browsers are used for configuring the apparatus, then ease of operation and user-friendliness are improved, but display errors may occur compromising safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the displayed configuration parameter value is automatically read back from the apparatus and compared with the originally set value. This closed-loop verification ensures that any display errors in the browser are detected and prevented from compromising safety, while still allowing the use of convenient standard browsers for configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically reading back the configuration parameter value from the apparatus and comparing it with the set value. This self-checking mechanism eliminates the need for manual verification by the operator, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability through automated error detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If configuration parameters are set using networked standard components, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but safety cannot be guaranteed due to potential errors in external components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback loop that reads back the configuration parameter value from the apparatus after setting. This verification step ensures that even when using external standard components and networked systems, the actual configuration is confirmed to match the intended setting, thereby maintaining safety while preserving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary verification action by reading back and comparing the configuration value before the apparatus operates with the new settings. This advance check prevents potentially erroneous configurations from being applied, ensuring safety is maintained while allowing flexible use of standard networked components.
3Loss of information
If display errors occur in the user interface, then loss of information increases, but the apparatus may be configured with incorrect values compromising safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that automatically reads back the configuration parameter value from the apparatus and compares it with the value that was set. This verification process detects any discrepancies caused by display errors or information loss, preventing incorrect configurations from being applied and thereby maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual verification (mechanical/operator-dependent process) with an automated digital verification system that programmatically reads and compares configuration values. This substitution eliminates human error in detection and ensures consistent, reliable verification of configuration parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for checking a configuration parameter value set at an electronically configurable apparatus. The apparatus has a user interface having a display device, wherein the user interface is configured to display a set configuration parameter value using a computer program, in particular a browser, for presenting data at the display device. The method comprises: displaying at least one first version of the configuration parameter value using a first presentation form of the computer program; generating a second version of the set configuration parameter value on the basis of the first version; and checking the set configuration parameter value on the basis of the first version and at least of the second version.