Intelligent HMI Event Tagging for Operator Actionability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial process control and automation systems face challenges in effectively monitoring and communicating with process machinery, particularly in providing actionable information to operators for efficient and safe operations, due to limitations in current human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Innovation Solution
A method and system for wirelessly monitoring and communicating with process machinery using a remote electronic device, which receives tags indicating events, retrieves linked actions or contextual information, and displays this information on a graphical interface, enabling operators to take informed actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional HMI systems are used for monitoring process machinery, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to provide actionable information and real-time event notification to operators is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information delivery by creating distinct event notification mechanisms that separate critical event alerts from routine monitoring displays. Event tags are generated independently and pushed to operator devices when specific conditions are met, rather than requiring operators to continuously monitor all system parameters through traditional HMI interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary event notification system that acts as a mediator between the process control system and operators. This intermediary layer captures event tags from the control system, processes them through a notification service, and delivers actionable information to operators through their mobile or portable devices, bridging the gap between traditional HMI and modern communication channels.
2Productivity
If operators continuously monitor all process parameters through traditional HMI interfaces, then complete information is available, but operator workload and response time to critical events increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring event tags with specific conditions and thresholds before operations begin. When process parameters meet these pre-defined conditions, event notifications are automatically generated and pushed to operators, eliminating the need for operators to manually monitor all parameters and enabling immediate response to critical events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where event notifications are delivered to operators in real-time based on actual process conditions. This feedback loop provides operators with timely information about critical events, allowing them to take corrective actions much faster than continuous monitoring would enable, thereby improving both productivity and response time.
3Ease of operation
If remote wireless monitoring is implemented using mobile devices, then operator flexibility and real-time notification capability improve, but system complexity and integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The event notification service is designed with universality to work across multiple types of operator devices (mobile phones, tablets, portable computers) through standard communication protocols. The system sends event tags and actionable information in formats that can be displayed on various device types, providing operator flexibility without requiring device-specific customizations or increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method implemented using a server includes receiving, from a first application, a tag associated with an equipment, the tag indicating an event. The method also includes retrieving, from at least a second application, at least one of an action or context information linked to the event based on the tag. The method further includes transmitting the tag indicating the event and the action linked to event. In addition, the method includes displaying, on a plant graphic, a location of the event using the tag and the action linked to the event.