HMI Error Visualization for Industrial Automation Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for depicting errors in industrial automation systems provide incorrect or inadequate information, leading to inefficient error interpretation and resolution, as they often result in misinformation and inefficient error annunciation on human-machine interface (HMI) screens.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for visualizing errors on HMI screens by modifying graphics associated with error-prone device elements, using error icons, and providing in-context detail through error windows, allowing for efficient identification and resolution of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional methods display empty graphical fields or text boxes for errors, then error indication is provided, but the information accuracy and efficiency of error interpretation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to graphical fields to indicate different error states. When an error is detected in a data object, the corresponding graphical field changes color (e.g., to red) to visually alert the operator. This resolves the contradiction by providing accurate error information through color-coded visualization while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual cues that require minimal interpretation effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments error information into categorized groups (e.g., communication errors, device errors, system errors) and displays them in organized sections on the HMI screen. This segmentation allows operators to quickly identify and interpret specific error types without being overwhelmed by unorganized error data, thereby improving both information accuracy and interpretation efficiency.
2Loss of information
If conventional systems provide detailed error information, then completeness of error data improves, but the complexity of error annunciation and display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides comprehensive error information into segmented, categorized displays showing error type, location, and status in organized sections. This segmentation maintains complete error data while reducing annunciation complexity by presenting information in structured, easily navigable formats rather than overwhelming continuous text streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The error display system dynamically adjusts the level of detail shown based on the current state and operator needs. The HMI can switch between summary views and detailed error information, allowing the system to provide complete error data when needed while maintaining simpler displays during normal operation, thus balancing completeness with complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A human machine interface (HMI) configured to provide visualizations of one or more device elements that correspond to one or more components in an industrial automation system on an HMI screen. The HMI includes computer-executable instructions stored on a tangible machine-readable medium configured to determine whether at least one of the device elements is associated with an error and modify at least one graphic that corresponds to the at least one of the device elements when the one of the device elements is associated with the error.