HMI Visualization Scaling with Segmented Text and Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for scaling visualizations between human machine interface (HMI) screens and connected display screens in industrial automation systems often result in malformed objects and undeterminable text, leading to errors and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The system provides operators with options to scale visualizations on HMI screens using stretch, fit, or pixel-match modes, and employs distinct scaling algorithms for text and graphical objects to prevent clipping or distortion, allowing for seamless display on secondary display devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional scaling methods are used to display visualizations on different sized display screens, then the visualization can be displayed on various screen sizes, but the objects become malformed and text becomes undeterminable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay size adaptabilityVSAvoidvisualization accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the visualization into distinct object types (graphical objects and text objects) and applies different scaling algorithms to each segment. Graphical objects use one scaling approach while text objects use a different scaling approach, allowing each to be optimized for its specific requirements and preventing malformed displays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the scaling parameter (scaling algorithm) based on the object type being rendered. By detecting whether an object is graphical or text-based, the system dynamically selects the appropriate scaling algorithm, thereby maintaining visualization accuracy across different display sizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a single scaling algorithm is applied to all objects, then the scaling process is simple, but text and graphical objects both become distorted or clipped

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescaling process complexityVSAvoidobject display reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rendering process is segmented into distinct phases: detecting object type, selecting appropriate scaling algorithm, and applying the selected algorithm. This segmentation increases reliability by ensuring each object type receives the correct scaling treatment while keeping the overall process manageable through clear separation of concerns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through object type detection before scaling. By detecting whether an object is graphical or text-based and using that information to select the appropriate scaling algorithm, the system creates a feedback loop that ensures reliable display results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2592545B1Systems and methods for scaling visualizations
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECH INC
  • EP2592545B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2592545B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2592545B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A system for scaling visualizations may include a human machine interface (HMI) configured to display a visualization on a screen, a secondary display device configured to display a scaled visualization such that the scaled visualization is determined based at least in part on the visualization, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive an indication that the secondary display device has been coupled to the HMI, present two or more scaling mode options on the screen or the secondary display device, receive an input that corresponds to one of the scaling modes, generate the scaled visualization by applying a scaling factor to the visualization, wherein the scaling factor is based at least in part on the input, and facilitate sending the scaled visualization to the secondary display device.