Graphical Element Property Assignment for Field Device Operating Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adapting operating programs for field devices to corporate identity guidelines is time-consuming and error-prone, especially when manufactured for multiple third-party companies, leading to inconsistent user experiences and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A method that associates generic properties of graphical elements in an operator program with corporate identity properties, allowing for easy adaptation by assigning CI properties during program setup or connection, using files stored on devices or servers, which can simplify the integration of corporate identity elements such as colors, fonts, and graphics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operating program is manually adapted to each third-party company's corporate identity guidelines, then the user interface can be customized to match corporate identity, but the adaptation process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorporate identity customizationVSAvoidadaptation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is divided into multiple independent graphical elements (icons, buttons, displays, backgrounds) that can be individually assigned corporate identity properties. Each graphical element can have its own CI property assignments, allowing selective customization without redesigning the entire interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Corporate identity properties (colors, fonts, logos, sounds) are defined as configurable parameters that can be assigned to graphical elements. By changing these parameters through assignment files, the operating program can be adapted to different corporate identities without modifying the underlying program structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorporate identity customizationVSAvoidadaptation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Corporate identity properties are pre-defined and stored in assignment files before the operating program is executed. The system automatically retrieves and applies these pre-prepared CI properties to the appropriate graphical elements, eliminating manual adjustment errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An assignment file acts as an intermediary between the operating program and corporate identity guidelines. This file contains structured mappings between graphical elements and CI properties, serving as a bridge that automatically translates corporate identity requirements into interface customizations without direct manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of time

If generic properties are assigned to CI properties during program setup, then adaptation time is reduced, but the system requires a more complex assignment mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation timeVSAvoidassignment system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assignment file format and mechanism are designed to be universal and can be used across different operating programs and corporate identities. The same assignment infrastructure handles multiple CI properties (colors, fonts, logos, sounds) and applies to various graphical element types, reducing the need for separate customization systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple graphical elements are created with generic properties, then flexibility for different corporate identities is improved, but the initial program configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorporate identity flexibilityVSAvoidprogram configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11630550B2Method for assigning graphical elements of an operating program for field devices

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO

AI summary

A method for assigning a generic property of a graphical element of an operating program or a field device to at least one property of a corporate identity, CI property. The operating program can be used in particular for field devices and other measuring devices, e.g. for level measurement, topology determination and/or for other purposes. The method has the following steps: creating at least one graphical element of the operating program, the graphical element having at least one generic property; and calling the operating program, wherein the at least one generic property of the graphical element is assigned to a CI property.