Control Panel Dynamic Screen Layout Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems in production halls face challenges in efficiently monitoring and managing complex production processes due to the need for operators to constantly be near stationary control panels, which limits their ability to monitor and adjust parameters from a distance, and lacks energy-efficient solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that automatically switches the screen display of control panels between detailed and overview layouts based on the operator's presence, using presence sensors to determine proximity and authorization, allowing operators to monitor and adjust processes from a distance while preventing unauthorized access and reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the control panel displays detailed information for close viewing, then information completeness is improved, but viewing comfort from distance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel dynamically changes its display mode based on the detected distance of the operator. When an operator is detected at a distance, the system automatically switches to a simplified overview display showing only essential process parameters. When an operator approaches, it transitions to a detailed display mode. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by providing the appropriate level of information detail according to the operator's position, ensuring both information completeness for close viewing and viewing comfort for distance monitoring.
2Loss of information
If the screen remains constantly on for detailed monitoring, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping the screen constantly on, the system employs periodic detection of operator presence using sensors (e.g., infrared, ultrasonic, or capacitive sensors). The screen is activated to display detailed information only when an operator is detected in the vicinity. When no operator is present, the screen switches to a low-power mode or turns off completely, while maintaining the ability to quickly restore the display when needed. This periodic activation based on presence detection resolves the contradiction between information availability and energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control panel provides full access to all parameters, then operational capability is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel implements local quality by providing different levels of access and information based on the operator's position and authorization. When an operator is detected at a distance, only essential monitoring functions are available. When an authorized operator approaches, full access to all parameters and control functions is granted. This spatially differentiated access control resolves the contradiction by providing full operational capability only when needed and when the operator is properly authenticated, thereby reducing security risks while maintaining versatility.
4Measurement precision
If the operator must be near the control panel for monitoring, then control precision is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a spatial dimension to the control interaction by detecting the operator's distance from the control panel and automatically adapting the display accordingly. This allows operators to effectively monitor and control processes from various distances, not just when standing directly at the panel. The system maintains control precision through automated detection and appropriate display selection, while simultaneously improving operational flexibility by allowing operators to position themselves optimally for their specific tasks, whether close for detailed work or at a distance for overview monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances operator comfort and safety by allowing remote monitoring and adjustment of production processes, reduces unnecessary screen switching, and conserves energy by providing optimized screen displays based on the operator's position and authorization, while maintaining system reliability and security.
Implementation Method 1
automatically determining the presence or absence of a person in an immediate operating area of a control panel
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a control device (2) for operating an electrically controllable technical device (1), in particular a machine, an installation, a unit or a technical process. A control panel (4) having input means (6) for issuing control commands to the technical device (1) and for inputting data to the control device (T) from an operator (7) is provided in this case. This control panel (4) also comprises a graphics-enabled output means (8) for displaying subsets of information which is available overall for an operator (7). The important factor here is to provide at least one second screen layout which is designed to display a second subset of information on the graphics-enabled output means (8) and is intended to be viewed from a relatively great distance, in particular from outside an immediate control range (9) of the control panel (4) or the technical device (1). Furthermore, the presence and/or absence of a person in the immediate control range (9) of the control panel (4) or the technical device (1) is detected automatically and automated changeover between a first screen layout and the second screen layout is effected on the basis of the determined state relating to the presence and/or absence of a person in the immediate control range (9) of the control panel (4) or the technical device (1).