In-Line Logic Visualizations for Industrial Control Troubleshooting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation environments face challenges in effectively visualizing operational data and machine control instructions within the context of programming logic, limiting operators' understanding and control over machinery operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that displays visualizations of operational data and machine control instructions in-line with their associated programming logic within a control program editor, enabling users to interact with industrial controllers directly and enhance their understanding of logic execution through rich data visualizations and interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operational data is displayed in a separate HMI interface, then data visualization is achieved, but contextual understanding with programming logic is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HMI interface and programming logic editor into a single unified interface. Operational data visualizations are embedded directly within the programming logic display, allowing operators to view both the control logic and its operational effects simultaneously without switching between separate interfaces or windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer to the programming logic editor by superimposing operational data visualizations onto the existing logic display. This creates a multi-layered view where logical structure and operational status coexist in the same spatial context, enhancing comprehension without adding physical complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional HMI is used for monitoring, then operational data is visible, but real-time contextual feedback with logic execution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback by displaying operational data changes directly alongside the corresponding programming logic statements as they execute. When logic executes and affects operational parameters, the updated visualizations appear in-context with the responsible logic, providing real-time feedback loops that enhance monitoring accuracy and accelerate troubleshooting.
3Ease of operation
If programming logic and operational data are separated, then interface simplicity is maintained, but operator understanding and control insight are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into contextual regions within the unified interface, where programming logic statements are paired with their corresponding operational data visualizations. This segmentation allows operators to focus on specific logic-operational relationships without being overwhelmed by the entire system at once, maintaining ease of operation while providing comprehensive insight.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to facilitate programming industrial control systems to operate machinery in an industrial automation environment are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a user interface is displayed for a control program editor comprising programming logic associated with at least one machine system. Operational data associated with operating the at least one machine system controlled by an industrial controller executing the programming logic is received. The programming logic and the operational data are processed to determine contextual associations between the programming logic and the operational data. In the user interface for the control program editor, the operational data is displayed in context with the programming logic associated therewith based on the contextual associations.