Embedded Web Browser Layout for Flexible Process HMI Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operator Human-Machine interfaces (HMIs) in industrial process control systems are challenging to design and maintain due to increased complexity and the need for custom graphics and configurations across multiple operator workstations, leading to inefficiencies and high development costs.
Innovation Solution
A graphical display configuration and usage system that includes a centralized configuration database and a user interface for creating, defining, and publishing operator HMIs. This system allows for real-time updates and customization of display views on operator workstations without requiring them to halt execution or communicate with a back-end configuration environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom graphics and configurations are implemented across multiple operator workstations to meet increased complexity requirements, then the system's adaptability and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the HMI configuration into separate, independently configurable modules including display views, faceplates, graphics, and web browser embeddings. Each module can be customized and configured separately, then assembled into complete HMI solutions. This modular approach enables custom graphics and configurations across multiple workstations without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as each segment can be developed and maintained independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables configuration engineers to create master templates and reusable HMI configurations that can be copied and deployed across multiple operator workstations. Once a custom graphic or configuration is developed at one workstation, it can be replicated system-wide through centralized configuration management, eliminating the need to independently configure each workstation and thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If traditional HMI configuration methods are used requiring communication with back-end configuration environment, then configuration consistency is maintained, but productivity and response time to changing process conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration actions by allowing operators to configure and customize HMI displays, faceplates, and web browser embeddings directly at their workstations without requiring real-time communication with the back-end configuration environment. Configuration parameters are pre-validated and stored locally, enabling immediate implementation of changes while maintaining consistency through centralized template management. This eliminates waiting time for back-end communication while preserving configuration integrity.
3Ease of operation
If operators need to customize display views independently on their workstations, then ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time for configuration updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables operators to perform self-service configuration of their own display views, faceplates, and web browser embeddings directly at their workstations. Operators can independently customize their HMI displays according to their specific needs without requiring assistance from configuration engineers or communication with central systems. Configuration changes are immediately applied and saved locally, eliminating time losses associated with centralized configuration approval and deployment processes while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for embedding a web browser in a graphical display view of a process plant include presenting a graphical display view including (i) indications of one or more process control elements, such as a control module, a function block, a process plant entity, or a process section of the process plant, and (ii) a web browser having web content from a source address. The web browser is presented according to one or several presentation parameters, such as such as a size and position of the web browser within the display view. Furthermore, the presentation parameters include restrictions on functions performed within the web browser, such as a sandbox or sandbox attributes. The presentation parameters also include a source whitelist that specifies web addresses which are allowed to be set as the source address for presenting web content.