Device-Configurable Icons for Automation Workstations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional systems for providing iconic representations of automation devices in industrial automation systems are inefficient and inconvenient, leading to inconsistencies and compatibility issues, requiring manual configuration and multiple software versions for different devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing intelligent, dynamic, device-configurable icons that are defined and controlled by the automation devices themselves, allowing for consistent configuration across multiple workstations and eliminating the need for preconfigured icons and manual software installation, by using a shell program to detect and communicate with automation devices and acquire necessary executable programs and documentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration of icons is performed at each workstation, then customization and control are improved, but configuration time and inconsistency across workstations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The icon configuration system performs self-service by automatically detecting automation devices on the network and generating appropriate icons without requiring manual configuration at each workstation. The system autonomously queries device information, retrieves executable programs and documentation, and populates icon properties, thereby eliminating repetitive manual configuration while maintaining consistency across all workstations.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal icon configuration approach is implemented where a single configuration method works across multiple workstations and device types. The system uses a standardized process that can handle different automation devices (PLCs, motor drives, I/O interfaces) uniformly, allowing any workstation to interact with any device through the same interface without device-specific configuration procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple software versions are used for different devices, then device compatibility is improved, but system complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different device types and software versions through automated detection and adaptive icon generation. Rather than requiring static pre-configuration for each device version, the system queries device information in real-time, determines the appropriate executable program and documentation based on detected device characteristics, and adjusts icon properties accordingly. This dynamic approach maintains compatibility across multiple device versions without requiring manual software version management.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary configuration system is introduced between the user interface and diverse automation devices. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of multiple software versions by translating various device protocols and formats into a unified icon representation. The system acts as a mediator that manages device-specific variations while presenting a consistent interface to users, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If preconfigured icons are used, then setup speed is improved, but adaptability to specific device configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting devices and preparing icon configurations before user interaction is needed. Rather than requiring users to manually configure icons during setup, the system proactively queries device information, retrieves necessary executable programs and documentation, and populates icon properties in advance. This preliminary automated configuration maintains high setup speed while enabling full adaptability to specific device configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing an icon for display by a user interface from an automation device that the icon depicts. Specifically, present embodiments are directed to methods and systems capable of detecting, with processing circuitry of an automation device, a shell program on a workstation via an automation control network. Further, embodiments are capable of providing icon configuration data to the shell program from the automation device, wherein the configuration data controls characteristics of an icon representative of the automation device for display in a visualization of the workstation.