Dynamic User Interface Generation via Hierarchical Data Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems face challenges due to a lack of uniformity across system/process boundaries and between controller manufacturers, software vendors, and customers, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs in automating manufacturing processes, particularly in providing adequate user interfaces for operators.
Innovation Solution
A user interface generation system that employs a hierarchically structured data model to dynamically create graphical user interfaces, allowing for the aggregation of data from multiple programmable logic controllers and the use of templates to provide a robust and customizable interface, even with legacy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc coding is used to accommodate non-uniformity across system boundaries, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a uniform data model as an intermediary layer between diverse industrial systems and the user interface. This mediator translates non-uniform data from various controllers and devices into a standardized representation, eliminating the need for ad-hoc coding while maintaining system adaptability across different manufacturers and boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The uniform data model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a common language for data exchange, enables consistent user interface generation, and works across different controller manufacturers and device types. This universal approach replaces the need for multiple specialized coding solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ad-hoc programming is employed to bridge system discrepancies, then system adaptability is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform data model is established in advance as a standardized framework before system integration begins. This preliminary structure is then used to automatically generate user interfaces, eliminating the need for time-consuming ad-hoc programming during the implementation phase and significantly improving productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional user interface generation methods are used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface generation system dynamically adapts to changing conditions by automatically interpreting the uniform data model and generating appropriate interfaces based on current system state and requirements. This dynamic approach maintains ease of manufacture through automated generation while providing adaptability to changing operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface generation system comprises a reception component that facilitates receipt of instantiated objects from within a programmable logic controller, wherein the objects conform to a hierarchically structured data model. A view generation component communicatively coupled to the reception component utilizes a subset of the objects to dynamically generate a user interface. For example, the hierarchically structured data model can be based at least in part upon one or more of ISA S95, ISA S88 and/or OMA.