Dynamic Variable Dimension Inference for Process Simulators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer programming languages and simulation software require users to manually define variable dimensions in algebraic equations, leading to tedious and error-prone processes, especially when dealing with non-standard equipment models in process simulators.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically declares variable names and infers dimensions based on user-entered equations, using logical relations to reduce the likelihood of errors and simplify the process of troubleshooting dimensional inconsistencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the user manually declares variable dimensions in algebraic equations, then the computer program can work with variables correctly, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of variable dimension definitionVSAvoidtime required to define variable dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically inferring variable dimensions from the algebraic equations themselves. The dimension inference engine analyzes the equation structure and logically determines variable dimensions without requiring manual user input, thereby eliminating the tedious declaration process while maintaining accuracy through systematic dimensional analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining standard variable dimensions from a library before the user needs them. When users enter equations, the system has already prepared dimension definitions that can be automatically matched and applied, eliminating the need for users to manually declare dimensions during the equation input process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user enters equations for non-standard equipment models, then the simulator can handle proprietary processes, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to model nonstandard equipmentVSAvoidease of entering equations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by automatically inferring variable dimensions from the equations users enter for nonstandard equipment models. This automation reduces errors in equation entry while maintaining the flexibility to model any proprietary or nonstandard process equipment, as the system adapts to user-defined equations without requiring manual dimension specification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the manual mechanical process of declaring variable dimensions with an automated intelligent system. The dimension inference engine uses logical analysis and pattern recognition to automatically determine dimensions, substituting the tedious manual declaration process with an automated computational approach that maintains adaptability to nonstandard equipment models

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the system provides interactive error messages for dimensional inconsistency, then the user can be guided to correct errors, but the user still has to search the equation extensively to determine the source of error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of dimensional errorsVSAvoidtime to locate error source in equation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by providing interactive error messages that guide users to the specific source of dimensional errors in their equations. The dimension inference engine analyzes equations, detects inconsistencies, and returns targeted feedback indicating where errors occur, eliminating the need for users to extensively search through complex algebraic equations to locate problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary dimension inference engine that acts as a mediator between the user's equation input and the simulation process. This intermediary automatically analyzes equations for dimensional consistency, identifies errors, and provides guided feedback, thereby reducing the time users spend searching for error sources while maintaining reliable error detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11532383B2Dynamically inferring variable dimensions in user-added equations

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 AVEVA SOFTWARE LLC

AI summary

A processor executable method, system, and computer-readable media expedite the process of entering equations for use in developing simulations of chemical processes. The process of entering equations is expedited by dynamically inferring the dimensions of variables. The process infers the dimensions of all variables in user-added equations, and infers the dimensions of each variable in a user-added equation sequentially. The process automatically creates variables with unassigned dimensions in response to indications, such as inputs from a user, to declare new equations. The process assigns dimensions to variables based on relations between variables, such as logical relations between the dimensions of variables.