Context-Aware HMI Superimposing Dynamic Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) in industrial control systems are limited in their ability to provide users with relevant, situation-specific information, often requiring pre-configuration and excessive navigation, leading to inefficiencies and distractions.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically superimposes situation-specific information onto the user's current view based on factors like identity, role, location, and current task, using a context component to determine relevant data from historical and real-time sources, eliminating the need for pre-defined mappings and reducing navigation burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional HMI systems pre-configure information and require explicit user requests, then information accuracy is improved, but user interaction efficiency deteriorates due to excessive navigation and manual information seeking
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user context (location, role, current task) and proactively presents relevant information without requiring users to navigate or explicitly request it. The HMI system serves itself by autonomously determining what information the user needs based on contextual data from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes and prepares information in advance by continuously monitoring user context and pre-fetching relevant data before the user actually needs it. This allows information to be ready for immediate presentation, eliminating navigation delays while maintaining accuracy.
2Loss of information
If HMI systems provide comprehensive information through pop-ups and detailed screens, then information completeness is improved, but user distraction increases and interrupts current tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system presents information in a localized, context-relevant manner by superimposing alerts and details directly onto the relevant portions of the current display rather than forcing users to navigate to separate screens. Information is presented where and when it is most relevant to the user's current task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides just enough information to address the user's current needs based on contextual analysis, rather than presenting all available information. It selectively displays only the most relevant data points, avoiding information overload while maintaining completeness for the specific situation.
3Device complexity
If HMI systems require explicit user requests for information, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user context (location, role, current task, historical interactions) and uses this feedback to dynamically adapt information presentation. The feedback loop allows the system to understand user needs and adjust the interface accordingly without requiring complex pre-configuration for every scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI system dynamically adjusts its behavior and information presentation based on real-time contextual data. Rather than static pre-configuration, the interface adapts its complexity and content based on the user's current situation, role, and task context.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided that enable various interface applications that more efficiently communicate data to users in an industrial control system. In one aspect, an industrial automation system is provided. The system includes a base presentation component to display one or more elements of an industrial control environment. Various display items can be dynamically superimposed on the base presentation component to provide industrial control information to a user. In another aspect of the industrial automation system, a location component is provided to identify a physical or a virtual location for a user in an industrial control environment. This can include a context component to determine at least one attribute for the user in view of the physical or virtual location. A presentation component then provides information to the user based in part on the physical or virtual location and the determined attribute.