Graphical Setup Wizard for Automated Plant Control Logic Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Building automation systems lack an efficient method for dynamically generating plant control graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and control logic, requiring specialized knowledge and time-consuming processes for users to configure and program plant sequences, leading to potential setup mistakes and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A graphical setup wizard that guides users through selecting plant types, configurations, and components, dynamically generating a plant dashboard with control logic and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), allowing for real-time interaction and control without requiring specific knowledge of plant libraries or programming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional plant control configuration methods are used, then control functionality can be achieved, but the process requires specialized knowledge and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of plant control configurationVSAvoidtime required for configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic plant control logic generation and GUI creation based on user selections of plant type and configuration parameters. The controller automatically generates the control logic and graphical user interface without requiring manual programming or specialized knowledge, making the system configure itself based on high-level user specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A configuration interface serves as an intermediary between the user and the complex plant control system. This interface guides users through selecting plant type and configuration parameters, translating these high-level choices into detailed control logic and graphical representations, thereby shielding users from complexity while maintaining full control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional plant control configuration methods are used, then control functionality can be achieved, but specialized knowledge of plant libraries is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of plant control configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of plant library knowledge required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration interface acts as an intermediary that shields users from the complexity of plant libraries and control logic. Users interact with simplified plant type selections and configuration parameters rather than directly with complex control programming, while the system handles the translation to detailed control logic automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates graphical representations and control logic copies based on template structures corresponding to selected plant types. Instead of requiring users to build control logic from scratch or understand plant library structures, the system generates appropriate control logic and graphical interfaces as copies of proven templates, customized to the specific plant configuration selected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If manual configuration processes are used, then plant control can be established, but setup mistakes are prone to occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of plant control setupVSAvoidsimplicity of configuration process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic validation and generation of control logic based on user selections, eliminating manual configuration steps where errors could occur. The controller automatically ensures consistency between plant type selections, configuration parameters, and generated control logic, providing built-in error prevention without adding complexity to the user interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration interface provides feedback to users about their selections and the resulting control logic generation. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify their choices and understand the system's interpretation, enabling error detection and correction while maintaining an simple configuration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4024144A1Dynamic creation of plant control graphical user interface and plant control logic
Publication Date: 2022.07.06 TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP4024144A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4024144A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4024144A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method and systems for dynamically generating or editing a graphical dashboard via a graphical user interface (GUI) setup are provided. The method includes determining a type of a plant through the GUI setup, determining a configuration of the plant through the GUI setup, determining at least one component of the plant through the GUI setup, and configuring parameters of the at least one component and/or the plant through the GUI setup. The method also includes generating the dashboard including a plant control logic of the plant based on the type, the configuration, the at least one component, and the parameters of the at least one component and/or the plant. The method further includes controlling the plant based on the plant control logic.