External Control Interface for Real-Time Process Simulation Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing process simulation systems face inefficiencies in accessing and providing user interfaces for process simulation models, limiting dynamic interaction and real-time updates.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and apparatus that provide a dynamic external user interface to a process simulation service through duplex API calls, allowing for real-time information exchange and updates between an external control service and the process simulation service, enabling dynamic access and interaction with process simulation models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional asset models are used for process simulation, then the system structure is simple, but the user interface functionality is limited and real-time updates are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An external control service is introduced as an intermediary component between the user interface and the process simulation service. This mediator handles API calls, manages communication protocols, and coordinates data exchange, thereby enhancing user interface functionality without requiring complex modifications to the core process simulation system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: the process simulation service, the external control service, and the user interface. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and optimized independently, enabling enhanced user interface capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If static information display is used, then the system is easy to implement, but real-time monitoring and dynamic interaction are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoring capabilityVSAvoidinformation update delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the external control service continuously monitors the process simulation model state and automatically updates the user interface in real-time. This feedback loop ensures that displayed information reflects current process conditions without manual intervention, achieving real-time monitoring capability while minimizing information update delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The information display system operates continuously rather than in discrete updates. The external control service maintains persistent connections to the process simulation service, ensuring uninterrupted real-time data flow and continuous updates to the user interface, thereby eliminating information gaps and achieving seamless real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If manual model modification is used, then the system is easy to control, but the interaction efficiency and response time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel modification capabilityVSAvoidinteraction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical model modification is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The external control service uses API calls to programmatically modify process simulation models, replacing manual operations with automated electronic control. This substitution maintains ease of operation through user-friendly interfaces while dramatically improving interaction efficiency and response time through automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The external control service prepares and validates model modification parameters before executing changes to the process simulation model. This preliminary action ensures that modifications are correctly formulated and validated in advance, maintaining ease of operation for users while improving interaction efficiency by preventing errors and reducing iterative adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240385578A1Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing a dynamic external user interface to a process simulation service

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing a dynamic external user interface to a process simulation service. For example, a computer-implemented method may include receiving, at an external control service distinct from a process simulation service, requested information in response to a first API call, the requested information corresponding to a defined portion of a process simulation model associated with assets of an industrial environment; displaying, on a display associated with the external control service, at least some of the requested information; sending, from the external control service to the process simulation service, a second API call associated with changes to be made to the model; receiving, at the external control service from the process simulation service, information indicating completion of the changes made to the model in response to the second API call; and dynamically updating the information displayed with at least a changed portion of the model.