Dynamic DDL Menu Configuration for Process Control Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process control systems, users are limited by static Device Description Language (DDL) menus provided by device manufacturers, which do not allow for customization or dynamic modification, forcing operators to navigate through multiple menus to access important information, and do not support integration of devices from different manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A DDL menu configuration system and method that enables users to dynamically create and modify DDL menus by selecting and configuring menu elements from various device descriptions, allowing for customization and integration of devices from different manufacturers, and storing these configurations on a DDL host for on-demand activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static DDL menus provided by device manufacturers are used, then device compatibility is ensured, but user customization capability is lost and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static DDL menus into dynamic, user-configurable menus. Users can selectively enable or disable menu elements based on their specific needs and preferences. The system allows dynamic modification of menu structures, enabling operators to customize the display and organization of device information without compromising device compatibility or integration capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple manufacturer device descriptions are integrated, then system versatility improves, but menu complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal menu configuration system that can accommodate device descriptions from multiple manufacturers through a standardized interface. The configuration system provides unified tools for managing diverse device types, allowing users to work with different manufacturer protocols and formats through a consistent methodology, thereby reducing the perceived complexity despite the underlying diversity of integrated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex device description information into manageable, modular menu elements that can be independently configured. By breaking down device parameters, functions, and display options into discrete selectable components, the system allows users to build customized menus incrementally rather than dealing with overwhelming monolithic configurations, thus reducing configuration difficulty while maintaining comprehensive device integration.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive device information is provided through multiple menus, then information completeness is achieved, but navigation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing users to customize different menu sections according to their specific operational needs and priorities. Frequently accessed information can be placed in prominent positions or dedicated sections, while less critical information can be organized in secondary menus. This localized optimization of information presentation reduces navigation time for routine operations while maintaining comprehensive information availability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system configures a Device Description Language (DDL) interface on a DDL-based host system in a process plant. Using a device description identification, the system and method updates the host system with the device description for a selected process control device. The device description includes menus for the selected process control device. The method and system expose the DDL menu constructs from the device description to the host system, such that the host system is able to present the DDL constructs as user-selectable elements in a configuration interface, where DDL constructs may be added, deleted and/or modified to create a DDL interface independent of the menu for the process control device as provided in the device description.