Engineering Graphic Object Parsing for Control System Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual generation of engineering artifacts from engineering diagrams in control systems is a complex, time-consuming process that requires high skill and involves redundant configurations, leading to inefficient delivery strategies in large-scale engineering projects.

Innovation Solution

A configuration server connected to a data repository that imports engineering graphic objects in raster image format, detects textual and graphic elements using image reconstruction techniques, and generates engineering artifacts such as system topology diagrams and control logic diagrams, thereby automating the conversion process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual generation of engineering artifacts is performed by control engineers, then domain knowledge and skill requirements are satisfied, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengineering artifact accuracyVSAvoidtime for artifact generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically generating engineering artifacts from process graphics without requiring manual intervention from control engineers. The configuration server extracts control information, generates engineering artifacts, and configures devices autonomously, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining accuracy through structured data extraction methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of engineering artifact generation is replaced with an automated computer-based system. The configuration server uses image reconstruction techniques and data extraction algorithms to automatically convert process graphics into engineering artifacts, substituting the manual engineering process with an automated digital workflow that reduces time while preserving quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual configuration and commissioning is performed, then complex domain knowledge is utilized, but redundant repetitive configurations increase time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoiddelivery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically extracting control information from process graphics and generating engineering artifacts without manual configuration. The configuration server autonomously identifies control devices, generates device lists, and creates engineering artifacts, eliminating redundant repetitive manual configurations while maintaining reliability through systematic data extraction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts essential control information from process graphics by identifying and separating key elements such as control devices, I/O connections, and process parameters. This extraction process removes unnecessary manual configuration steps while preserving the essential information needed for accurate engineering artifact generation, thereby improving both reliability and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If high skill level is required for artifact generation, then quality engineering artifacts are produced, but skill-related costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveartifact generation qualityVSAvoidcost of skilled personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration server performs self-service by automatically generating high-quality engineering artifacts without requiring skilled control engineers to manually create them. The system uses structured data extraction from process graphics to produce accurate device lists, I/O lists, and engineering artifacts autonomously, maintaining manufacturing precision while eliminating the need for expensive skilled manual labor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual process requiring skilled personnel is replaced with an automated configuration server that uses image reconstruction and data extraction algorithms. This substitution maintains artifact generation quality through systematic processing while eliminating the cost of skilled personnel, as the automated system performs the previously manual task with equivalent or superior consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3201829B1Method and system for configuring devices of a control system based on engineering graphic objects
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3201829B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3201829B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3201829B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In aspects, the present invention discloses a method of configuring devices of a control system in a plant using a configuration server. The method comprises importing an engineering graphic object, detecting a plurality of textual elements and graphic elements, identifying a set of textual elements and a set of graphic elements as legends, associating the set of graphic elements with corresponding textual elements and the set of textual elements with a corresponding graphic elements, updating a symbol vocabulary and a device label vocabulary using the set of graphic elements and the set of textual elements, associating one or more graphic elements and one or more textual elements from the plurality of graphic elements and the plurality of textual elements with corresponding devices, determining control information of a device based on the associated graphic elements and associated textual elements, and generating a plurality of engineering artifacts based on the control information.