Graphical Faceplate Screen Switching for Alarm Reset Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional information processing devices in process control systems face issues with visibility and operator mistake risks due to the constant display of reset buttons on graphical faceplates, which can lead to incorrect operations when managing alarms and maintenance overrides.

Innovation Solution

The information processing device implements a touch-based interface that switches between main and sub screens for alarm reset and maintenance override operations, limiting the number of switchable screens to reduce operator errors and improve visibility by displaying sub screens within the main screen area, allowing for intuitive flick, tap, or gesture-based operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the reset button is always displayed in the graphical faceplate, then the operator can quickly access the reset function, but the visibility of the graphical faceplate is spoiled and the risk of operator mistake is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of reset functionVSAvoidrisk of operator mistake

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reset button is extracted from the main graphical faceplate and placed on a separate sub-screen. When an alarm occurs, the system automatically switches to the sub-screen where the reset button is displayed, allowing quick access while maintaining the clarity of the main faceplate for normal monitoring operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The display dynamically switches between the main graphical faceplate and the sub-screen with the reset button based on the alarm state. During normal operation, only the main faceplate is displayed; when an alarm occurs, the system automatically transitions to show the sub-screen, making the reset function accessible only when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple functions are displayed on the same screen, then the interface is comprehensive, but the visibility and clarity of the graphical faceplate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensiveness of interfaceVSAvoidvisibility of graphical faceplate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface is segmented into two separate screens: the main graphical faceplate for monitoring and the sub-screen for alarm reset operations. This segmentation allows each screen to maintain its specific function with optimal visibility and clarity, avoiding the clutter that would result from combining all functions on one screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a two-dimensional display of multiple functions on one screen to using the time dimension, switching between different screens based on the operational state. This allows comprehensive functionality to be maintained while preserving the visual clarity of each individual screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3144759B1Information processing device and displaying method

Publication Date: 2022.03.23 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

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AI summary

An information processing device includes a display configured to display a first graphical faceplate representing a state of a control target, an operation unit which is used for operating the first graphical faceplate, and a controller configured to switch the first graphical faceplate displayed by the display to a second graphical faceplate for operating the control target based on an operation performed by the operation unit.