Control System GUI with Dynamic Detail Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for control system logic fail to provide a detailed and intuitive graphical representation of logic processes, making it difficult for users to analyze and troubleshoot control systems effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that processes function block diagrams with animation instructions and system data to render updated graphics, allowing for real-time visualization of logic function states and operations, enhancing the graphical representation of control system logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If existing GUIs display function block logic processes, then control system logic can be visualized, but the graphical representation lacks sufficient detail for effective analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the graphical display into multiple hierarchical levels: overview mode showing the complete function block diagram, and detailed mode showing individual logic processes within selected function blocks. This segmentation allows users to access detailed information without overwhelming the entire display, resolving the contradiction between providing detailed logic process representation and maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions between different display dimensions by allowing users to drill down from a high-level overview view into detailed logic process views. This dimensional transition enables the same interface to provide both comprehensive overview and detailed analysis without requiring separate complex systems, thus resolving the information detail versus complexity contradiction.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detailed logic process visualization is implemented, then troubleshooting capability improves, but the interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The GUI implements dynamic switching between overview and detailed views based on user interaction. When a user selects a function block, the system dynamically transitions to show detailed logic processes; when deselecting, it returns to the overview. This dynamic behavior provides comprehensive troubleshooting capability without permanently complicating the interface, resolving the contradiction between troubleshooting ease and interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary detailed view that bridges the overview and the actual logic processes. Instead of directly exposing complex logic details in the main view, the system provides an intermediate detailed display that users can access on-demand, making complex troubleshooting information more accessible without permanently increasing interface complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time system data is integrated with function block diagrams, then system analysis capability improves, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial processing by only rendering detailed graphics and processing data for selected function blocks rather than the entire system. When a user selects a specific function block, the system processes and displays detailed logic processes for that block only, while maintaining the overview of the complete system. This partial action approach enables fast real-time analysis without requiring excessive processing power for the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing enhanced detailed visualization and processing only where needed (in selected function blocks) rather than uniformly across the entire system. This localized approach to detailed processing and display enables rapid analysis of specific problem areas without the computational overhead of processing the complete system in detail, resolving the productivity versus processing power contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying a control system comprising, receiving a function block diagram file including a function block having an associated logic function, receiving an animation instruction associated with the function block, receiving system data from a system controller, receiving a first graphic associated with the logic function from a function block library, processing the first graphic and the system data according to the animation instruction to render an updated first graphic reflecting the systems data, and displaying the function block and the rendered updated first graphic associated with the logic function.