HMI Object Replication via Visual Copying for Memory Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interface devices in industrial automation and other fields face performance and responsiveness issues due to the manipulation of objects, which can lead to memory constraints and inefficient data transfer between devices, especially when using web browsers for remote access and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for replicating device elements on interface devices, allowing users to create identical copies with their properties, connections, and text, using a framework that includes a run-time environment and a design-time environment, enabling dynamic manipulation and configuration without compromising performance, by bundling data into entities for efficient transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If web browser caching functionality is used to store objects in memory, then object manipulation is enabled, but memory availability for interface execution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates visual representations (copies) of device elements that can be manipulated in the web browser without affecting the original elements in the interface device memory. When users copy, paste, or replicate device elements, these operations are performed on the visual representations rather than the actual device elements, thus preserving interface device memory while enabling full object manipulation functionality.
2Ease of operation
If data is transferred between web browser, interface device, and industrial automation device, then remote access and configuration is enabled, but performance and responsiveness are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating and maintaining visual representations of device elements locally in the web browser. These visual representations include all necessary data (properties, connections, text) pre-loaded and cached in the browser, eliminating the need for repeated data transfers during configuration operations. This preliminary preparation enables responsive local manipulation without continuous communication with the interface device or industrial automation device.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual representation acts as an intermediary between the web browser and the device elements. Instead of directly manipulating device elements which requires constant data transfer, users interact with the visual representations that mediate the interaction. The framework translates operations on visual representations into appropriate commands for the interface device, reducing the frequency and volume of data transfers while maintaining full functionality.
3Productivity
If device elements are replicated with all properties, connections, and text, then configuration efficiency is improved, but data transfer volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates complete copies of device element data including properties, connections, and text, and stores these as visual representations in the web browser. This copying approach enables efficient local configuration operations without requiring additional data transfers, as all necessary data is already present in the browser's cached visual representations.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method is provided that includes designating a visual representation of an object in a display screen of a human machine interface, accessing any properties, connections, and text associated with the object in response to a trigger event, and creating an identical copy in response to the trigger event, wherein the identical copy includes any properties, connections and text associated with the object. An interface system that includes a machine readable medium having programming code implementing the method. An industrial automation device is also provided.