Customizable Industrial Alert Presentation via Alarm Classes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The FIELDBUS FOUNDATION standard for industrial control systems does not provide parameters for customizing the presentation of alerts to operators, leading to a lack of differentiation in how alerts are displayed, which can result in operator confusion and decreased response efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of user-defined alarm classes within the industrial control system allows operators to customize the presentation of alerts using a variety of presentation attributes, enabling more effective and attention-grabbing alert displays based on the importance and type of alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the FIELDBUS FOUNDATION standard is used for alert presentation, then compatibility and standardization are improved, but alert differentiation and operator recognition are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing customizable presentation parameters (colors, sounds, text formats, repetition rates) to the alert system. These parameters modify the visual and auditory characteristics of alerts without changing the underlying FIELDBUS FOUNDATION standard compliance, enabling better operator recognition while maintaining standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the alert presentation into multiple independent customizable attributes (color, sound, text, repetition). Each attribute can be independently configured and combined to create differentiated alert presentations, allowing operators to distinguish between different types of alerts while maintaining standard compliance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized alert presentation is used, then system compatibility is improved, but operator customization and preference accommodation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making alert presentation parameters dynamically configurable. Operators can adjust colors, sounds, text formats, and repetition rates based on their preferences and situational needs. This dynamic customization layer operates above the standardized FIELDBUS FOUNDATION protocol, maintaining compatibility while enabling personalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal presentation layer that works across different alert types and devices. The same customization mechanism applies to all alerts regardless of source or type, providing a unified interface for operator customization while maintaining compatibility with various underlying alert protocols.
3Loss of information
If all alerts are presented with equal prominence, then information completeness is improved, but critical alert recognition and response efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different presentation characteristics to different alert types or priorities. Critical alerts can be configured with distinctive colors, repeated sounds, or bold text formatting, while less critical alerts use standard presentation. This localized differentiation maintains complete information delivery while enabling rapid critical alert recognition.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an industrial process control system includes a field device configured to provide an alert. The process control system also includes a graphical user interface configured to present an alarm for the alert, and an alarm server comprising a processor and configured to associate an alarm class with the alert. The alarm class includes a plurality of alarm attributes having a respective plurality of values, and the graphical user interface is configured to present the alarm for the alert based on the plurality of alarm attributes and the respective plurality of values.