IED Configuration Filters for Simplified Device Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of configuring intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in automation, electric power transmission, and distribution systems is exacerbated by the large number of user-configurable settings, leading to potential incorrect configurations and unnecessary expenses due to user unfamiliarity with these settings.
Innovation Solution
The use of feature-selecting filters and configuration filters, generated by a configuration tool, simplifies the configuration process by selectively enabling or disabling device settings, allowing for abstraction levels that cater to different user roles and facilitating the creation of device configuration files that implement specific tasks, thereby reducing the complexity of configuring IEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all user-configurable settings are provided to enable device versatility, then the device can perform multiple tasks, but the configuration complexity increases and users may incorrectly configure settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration interface by creating multiple filtered views that divide the complete set of device settings into task-specific subsets. Each filter (e.g., protection filter, control filter, automation filter) segments the configuration space to present only relevant settings for a particular application, reducing the cognitive load on users while preserving access to all features when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces filters as intermediary layers between the user and the device settings. These filters act as mediators that selectively enable or disable settings based on the chosen application template, preventing users from directly encountering the full complexity of all available settings while maintaining the underlying versatility of the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all device settings are visible to users, then users can configure any functionality, but users unfamiliar with settings may make incorrect configurations leading to expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring application templates that automatically enable only the settings necessary for specific tasks. Before users begin configuration, the system pre-selects appropriate settings based on the intended application, preventing users from inadvertently enabling incorrect or unnecessary settings while maintaining the ability to access other features if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Filters serve as intermediaries that mediate between user intent and device configuration. By requiring users to select an application template first, the system introduces a mediating step that guides users toward correct configurations, reducing the likelihood of errors while preserving configuration flexibility through customizable filters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive device settings are provided, then the device can be configured for any task, but the time required to configure the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-defining application templates with appropriate settings enabled for specific tasks. This allows users to quickly configure devices by selecting a template rather than manually configuring each setting, dramatically reducing configuration time while maintaining the ability to access and modify any setting if the application requires it.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration interface is made dynamic through filters that can be adjusted based on user needs. Users can start with a pre-configured template for quick deployment and then dynamically enable or disable additional settings as needed, allowing configuration time to adapt to the complexity of the actual application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are a variety of systems and methods that may be utilized to facilitate the configuration of intelligent electronic devices (IED) and other devices. In one embodiment, a configurable IED may be able to perform a plurality of features. The plurality of features may be enabled by a plurality of functional modules configured to implement the plurality of features. A feature-selecting subsystem configured to receive a first feature-selecting filter and to apply the first feature-selecting filter to selectively enable a subset of a plurality of features based on the feature-selecting filter. The subset of the plurality of features may be associated with a plurality of feature configuration settings. A feature configuration subsystem configured to receive at least one configuration filter and to set at least a subset of the plurality of feature configuration settings.