Process Control HMI Navigation Tree with Visual Status Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process control systems, vast quantities of information make it difficult for users to access and understand system management information effectively, diminishing its value due to accessibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A system management human-machine interface (HMI) application with a multi-paned interface, including a navigation pane with a hierarchical tree and component-specific information pane, using visual status indicators like icons, colors, and animation to prompt user response to active faults, and incorporating search functionality to enhance information accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vast quantities of system management information are provided to users, then information completeness is improved, but information accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides vast quantities of system management information into organized hierarchical categories and groups, allowing users to access information in manageable segments rather than overwhelming them with all data at once. The navigation structure segments information by equipment type, status, and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual dimensions (colors, icons, animation) to represent information status, transforming flat text-based data into multi-dimensional visual representations that improve accessibility without reducing information quantity.
2Measurement precision
If detailed system status information is displayed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-coding to indicate equipment status (e.g., green for normal, yellow for warning, red for alarm), allowing users to quickly comprehend detailed status information without reading extensive text descriptions, thus maintaining precision while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators add a new dimension to status representation, enabling users to grasp precise equipment states through intuitive visual cues rather than complex data tables, resolving the contradiction between detail and usability.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple screens with control component data are provided, then information completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal navigation template that consistently displays equipment data across different screens and contexts. This standardized multi-functional interface structure reduces complexity by providing predictable navigation patterns while maintaining access to comprehensive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface segments control component data into standardized modular sections that can be consistently navigated across multiple screens, reducing the perceived complexity through organized information architecture rather than presenting all data in monolithic views.
Data Source
AI summary
A system management human-machine interface application for use in a process control system is described herein that enables users to view/monitor information regarding system status and performance and to initiate changes to the operation of system equipment, checkpoint control stations and execute diagnostics. A system management graphical user interface includes a number of features that address the accessibility of system status information to users. Such features include rendering selectable diagnostic information (e.g., online/offline status) on a system component navigation view. The GUI also provides access to a variety of system information including: alarms, messages, watched system management parameters, and a legend for symbols displayed in a system management navigation tree. Other features include: a search function for locating a device in the system to render detailed information, a navigation tree that displays equipment status via icons, and propagating fault statuses up to a highest level of the navigation tree.