Graphical Strategy Development for Manufacturing Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for developing strategies for data analysis and monitoring in manufacturing processes require extensive computer programming, limiting flexibility and requiring skilled programmers for major changes, making them inflexible and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A graphical approach using computer graphics to develop strategies, allowing users to create and visualize data analysis and monitoring operations on a 2D graph, eliminating the need for programming by dragging objects representing data acquisition, transformation, and operating limits, with automatic generation and updating of strategies, and integration with databases for data retrieval and strategy deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hand-written computer code is used for strategy development, then the strategy structure is fixed and parameter adjustments are possible, but major strategy changes require experienced software programmers and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of hand-written computer code with a graphical user interface-based strategy development system. Users interact with visual elements on a graph (such as drag-and-drop components, visual parameters, and graphical representations of data operations) instead of writing programming code. This substitution eliminates the need for programming knowledge while maintaining the ability to create and modify strategies, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of strategy development and programming complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed structure strategies are used, then implementation is straightforward, but flexibility for major changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic strategy development system where the graphical interface allows users to easily modify strategy components, add new elements, and adjust parameters through visual interactions. The system dynamically updates the strategy based on user actions on the graph, enabling flexible adaptation without requiring complex programming modifications. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making strategies both implementable and easily adaptable.
3Productivity
If programming-based strategy development is used, then precise control is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires skilled personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service strategy development system where users can independently create, modify, and deploy strategies through the graphical interface without requiring external programming expertise. The system provides intuitive visual tools that automatically handle the complex underlying operations, allowing users to service their own strategy development needs. This resolves the contradiction by dramatically improving both development speed and ease of operation through automated visual interfaces.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual code writing is required for strategy changes, then precision in implementation is maintained, but development time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical representations as visual copies or models of the actual strategy operations. These graphical elements on the graph serve as intuitive templates that users can manipulate to precisely define strategy behavior without writing code. The system translates these visual copies into precise operational instructions automatically, maintaining implementation precision while dramatically reducing development time through the visual modeling approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for developing a strategy for use in a controller and storage medium for storing instructions which effectuate the method are provided. A computer graphical approach of at least one embodiment of the invention eliminates computer programming by presenting a user with a blank 2-dimensional graph on a computer screen along with X and Y axes. Using available toolbars and palettes, the user drags appropriate graphical objects into the graph. Each object represents an operation to perform data analysis or monitoring such as: data acquisition, data transformation or operating limits.