Dynamic Web Search for Field Device Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices in process automation, such as transmitters and flue gas analysis tools, face complexity due to numerous parameters and process data distributed across multiple user interface pages, making it difficult for untrained operators to find and manage them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically generates user interfaces and search criteria within a web application, allowing for real-time searching of parameters and process data without pre-generated index files or databases, using a searchable data structure and auto-completion suggestions, and enabling semantic searches within a domain-specific language, all executed on the client side without requiring additional plugins or storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-generated index files and databases are used for searching parameters, then search functionality is provided, but the system becomes inflexible and requires additional storage space and file management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the search functionality from the traditional index file/database approach and integrates it directly into the web application's dynamic page generation process. The search now operates on the same dynamic data structures that generate the user interface pages, eliminating the need for separate index files and databases while maintaining full search capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the search function with the dynamic page generation mechanism. Both operations now use the same application description file and data structures, combining what were previously separate functions into a unified system that reduces complexity and eliminates redundant storage requirements.
2Ease of operation
If index files and databases are created for search operations, then parameters can be found, but additional storage space is required on client and field device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate index files and databases by extracting search functionality to operate directly on the dynamic data structures already present in the web application. This removes the additional storage burden while maintaining full parameter retrieval capability.
3Ease of operation
If the search is performed server-side with a web server, then comprehensive searching is possible, but the field device becomes burdened with search processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional client-server search model by implementing the search function entirely on the client side within the web browser. Instead of the server processing search queries, the client-side JavaScript code performs searching directly in the browser, eliminating the burden on the field device while maintaining comprehensive search capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If parameters are scattered across different pages and menu levels, then comprehensive parameter management is achieved, but locating parameters becomes difficult for untrained operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a search function as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between the organized multi-page parameter structure and the user's need to quickly locate specific parameters. The search feature allows users to directly query and find parameters across all pages and menu levels without needing to navigate through the complex interface structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method comprising a search program (15) and a search field (5) for searching and finding parameters (2) and/or process data (3) in a web application (4) which is intended for operating and visualizing at least one field device (1), wherein the web application for searching (4) dynamically generates the parameters (2) and/or process data (3) at runtime from a user interface (6), wherein the user interface (6) has at least one searchable data structure (7).