HMI Project Comparison Screen for Visual Difference Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional HMI development support devices only allow for the display and editing of a single HMI project at a time, making it difficult to compare multiple projects and perform detailed comparisons, especially in a multi-window configuration.
Innovation Solution
The HMI development support device includes a comparison processing unit that creates a comparison screen highlighting differences between a reference HMI project and the project being edited, allowing for visual recognition of attribute value differences and enabling selective merging of attribute values, while also providing temporary storage for secure cancellation of merge operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple HMI projects are displayed in separate windows, then each project can be viewed independently, but detailed comparison between projects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple HMI projects into a single integrated comparison screen that displays both projects simultaneously with synchronized scrolling and selection. This allows operators to view and compare multiple projects in one unified interface rather than switching between separate windows, enabling detailed attribute-by-attribute comparison while maintaining independent project viewing capabilities.
2Device complexity
If only one HMI project is displayed and edited at a time, then the interface remains simple, but comparison with other projects becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to the display by implementing a multi-panel comparison screen layout that presents multiple projects side-by-side or in divided sections. This dimensional expansion allows the interface to maintain relative simplicity while enabling simultaneous display and comparison of multiple projects, effectively resolving the contradiction between interface simplicity and comparison capability.
3Loss of information
If all attribute values are displayed for comparison, then complete information is provided, but visual recognition of differences becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing selective highlighting that emphasizes only the differing attribute values between projects while keeping identical values in normal display. This allows complete information to be presented while automatically drawing visual attention to the specific locations where differences exist, making difference recognition immediate and intuitive without requiring operators to scan all attributes manually.
4Device complexity
If merge operations are performed without temporary storage, then the process is simple, but cancellation of merge becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by creating a temporary storage mechanism that preserves the original project state before merge operations are executed. This allows the system to prepare and preview merge effects without immediately committing changes, and enables safe cancellation if needed. The temporary storage acts as a safety buffer that maintains operational simplicity while ensuring reliability through reversible merge operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of HMI projects is easily compared. A HMI development support device includes a calculation unit (11) and a display unit (14). A HMI editing program (210) is stored in a storage unit (12), and by executing this program, the calculation unit (11) functions as a HMI editing unit. The HMI editing unit performs editing of a HMI project. The display unit (14) displays an editing screen of the HMI project. The HMI editing unit has a comparison processing unit which forms a comparison screen for comparing a reference HMI project and the HMI project being edited, and displays the comparison screen on the display unit (14). On the comparison screen, the comparison processing unit highlights differences between the reference HMI project and the HMI project being edited.