Dynamic Operator Assignment in Plant Supervisory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work assignment systems in supervisory control devices struggle to dynamically assign operators in response to unexpected events, leading to potential accidents due to pre-defined rules that cannot handle unforeseen combinations of events effectively.
Innovation Solution
A work assignment device comprising a work procedure derivation unit, scheduling unit, work assignment evaluation unit, and determination unit that dynamically assigns operators based on plant and operator conditions, using plant information, event information, and operator biometrics to evaluate and determine the most suitable operator assignments and presentation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-defined work assignment rules are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the system cannot handle unexpected combinations of events effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The work assignment system transitions from static pre-defined rules to dynamic real-time assignment. The determination unit dynamically determines work assignments based on current plant conditions and operator states, allowing the system to adapt to unexpected events while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring plant conditions and operator states (including biometric information), then using this feedback to dynamically adjust work assignments. This closed-loop approach enables the system to respond effectively to changing conditions while keeping the operator interface simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic work assignment is implemented, then the system can handle unexpected events effectively, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit serves multiple functions: it derives work procedures, determines assignments, evaluates operator states, and integrates biometric data. This multi-functional component reduces overall system complexity by consolidating diverse functions into a single intelligent unit rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own operational state and operator conditions, then making autonomous work assignment decisions without requiring complex external control systems. The determination unit independently processes plant information and operator biometrics to generate assignments, reducing the need for additional complex management layers.
3Measurement precision
If operator conditions are monitored in real-time, then work assignment accuracy improves, but the amount of information processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most relevant information from operator biometric data and plant conditions for work assignment determination. Rather than processing all available information, the determination unit identifies and utilizes key parameters (such as critical biometric indicators and essential plant state variables) to make assignment decisions, reducing information processing load while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different levels of monitoring and processing to different types of information based on their importance. Critical operator conditions and plant states receive intensive real-time monitoring and processing, while less critical parameters are monitored at lower resolutions or updated less frequently, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and information processing load.
Data Source
AI summary
An assignment of an operator in accordance with the condition of a plant is dynamically performed. A work assignment device includes a work procedure derivation unit, a scheduling unit, a work assignment evaluation unit, and a work assignment determination unit. The work procedure derivation unit derives a work procedure on the basis of plant information on the plant. The scheduling unit selects a plurality of work assignment candidates each indicating an assignment of an operator to a procedure which is a constituent of the work procedure. The work assignment evaluation unit performs evaluation on each of the plurality of work assignment candidates. The work assignment determination unit determines a work assignment from the plurality of work assignment candidates on the basis of a result of the evaluation.