Embedded Web Frame Restrictions for Process Plant HMI Customization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 customization needs, particularly with the expansion of process monitoring responsibilities and varying plant-specific requirements, leading to difficulties in creating and updating operator HMIs efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A graphical display configuration system that allows for the creation, definition, and publication of operator HMIs within a process plant's configuration environment, enabling real-time updates and customization without halting the display view execution, using a centralized configuration database and user interface for easy maintenance and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operator HMIs are highly customizable to meet plant-specific requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI system is segmented into independent configurable parameters and modules that can be individually customized without affecting the entire system. Each parameter (e.g., display settings, alarm thresholds, navigation structure) can be independently adjusted to meet plant-specific requirements while maintaining system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMI system implements dynamic configurability where parameters can be modified in real-time during operation without requiring system shutdown or reconfiguration. This allows the interface to adapt to different plant requirements while maintaining a manageable core structure through runtime flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent updates are made to operator HMIs, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides pre-configured HMI templates and default parameters that are prepared in advance for common plant scenarios. This preliminary configuration reduces the time required for initial setup and subsequent updates, as operators can start from validated templates rather than configuring everything from scratch during each update cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables copying of existing HMI configurations and parameters across different views or plants. When updates are needed, configurations can be replicated and modified locally rather than recreating entire systems, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining adaptability across multiple instances.
3Ease of operation
If operator HMIs are highly customizable, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The HMI system uses universal configuration parameters and standardized modules that can serve multiple functions across different plant operations. This universality allows operators to customize interfaces for specific needs while the underlying manufacturing process remains standardized, simplifying system deployment and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service configuration capabilities where operators can independently customize HMI parameters without requiring extensive technical support or complex manufacturing processes. The interface automatically adapts to operator preferences and plant requirements through built-in configuration tools, reducing the burden on both operators and system manufacturers.
Data Source
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.