Dynamically Linked Graphical Messages for Process Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process control systems, manual and electronic communication methods for operators often result in lost, overlooked, or inconveniently distributed information, leading to potential safety issues and inefficiencies due to the lack of direct association between messages and process control objects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamically linked graphical messages, which are electronic sticky notes that include hyperlinks to specific process control objects, allowing automatic display near the object representation on any workstation, eliminating the need for configuration changes or downloads, and enabling centralized storage and administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual communication methods (paper logs, physical sticky notes) are used, then operators can leave messages, but the messages are easily lost, overlooked, or inconveniently distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic message system with hyperlinks as an intermediary between operators and process control objects. Instead of physical notes that must be manually distributed, the system uses digital hyperlinks that automatically link messages to specific process control objects, ensuring reliable delivery and easy access across the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical sticky notes and paper logs with an electronic communication system. This substitution eliminates the physical handling, distribution, and storage issues of manual methods while providing automated message delivery and association with process control objects through hyperlinks.
2Ease of operation
If electronic communication methods (email, electronic logbooks) are used, then messages can be distributed electronically, but they lack direct association with specific process control objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hyperlinks as an intermediary mechanism that directly connects electronic messages to specific process control objects. This ensures that messages remain contextually associated with the relevant objects, preventing loss of contextual information while maintaining electronic distribution convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal message system that can be associated with any process control object through hyperlinks. This multi-functional approach allows a single message system to serve multiple purposes: electronic distribution, contextual association, and object-specific information delivery, eliminating the trade-off between convenience and information retention.
3Productivity
If dynamically linked graphical messages are implemented, then messages are automatically displayed and consistently distributed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hyperlinks as reusable templates that can be copied and associated with multiple process control objects. Instead of creating separate message systems for each object, the same hyperlink structure can be replicated across different objects, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automated display and consistent distribution.
4Reliability
If messages are manually distributed to multiple workstations, then all operators can receive information, but operator distractions increase and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service message distribution system where messages automatically appear at relevant workstations through hyperlinks. The system serves itself by automatically routing and displaying messages without requiring operator intervention for distribution, thereby reducing operator distractions and time loss while ensuring complete information delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a feedback loop where the system automatically tracks which operators need which messages and delivers them accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures complete information distribution without manual intervention, reducing the time operators spend managing message distribution while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing dynamically linked graphical messages in a process control system are disclosed. A dynamically linked graphical message may include a hyperlink and an electronic sticky note image. At run-time of a display view, the hyperlink may be established between contents of the electronic sticky note image and a process control object, and the electronic sticky note image may be displayed proximate to a representation of the process control object. The electronic sticky note image may automatically be displayed on any display view (displayed on any computing device in communication with the process control system) that includes a representation of the process control object or corresponding sub-class object. The contents of the electronic sticky note image may be stored separately from configurations of the process control object and the display view. User interfaces for administering and displaying properties of dynamically linked graphical messages are also disclosed.