Loop Test Information Linking for Reliable Signal Traceability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test information management systems in plants lack integration of first and second information, leading to difficulties in ensuring the reliability of loop tests, which depend on operations and judgments of individual workers, resulting in potential mistakes and lack of traceability.

Innovation Solution

A test information management device and method that automatically link first information (output state of a test signal) and second information (reception results) using identification information and timestamps, ensuring integral management and reliability of tests.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If test information is managed separately according to work content, then each worker can record and manage their own work content, but the reliability of the test cannot be ensured due to lack of integral management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of recording work contentVSAvoidreliability of test
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separately managed test information from multiple workers into a single integrated management system. The server collects test information from various devices (device maintenance apparatus, monitoring device, camera) and links them together using identification information and timestamps, achieving integral management that ensures test reliability while maintaining ease of recording for each worker.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If manual recording and management of test information is used, then workers can document their work content, but traceability and integration of test information are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of test informationVSAvoidcomplexity of information management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between various test information sources (device maintenance apparatus, monitoring device, camera) and the final integrated test information management system. The server collects, processes, and links test information using identification information and timestamps, automatically integrating data from multiple sources without requiring complex manual coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical recording and cross-referencing processes with an automated information processing system. The server automatically links test information from different sources using identification information and timestamps, substituting manual information integration with automated digital processing that reduces complexity while improving completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple workers perform loop tests independently, then the test can be completed with division of labor, but human error and lack of coordination reduce test reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of test executionVSAvoidreliability of test results
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the server collects test information from multiple workers' devices, links them using identification information and timestamps, and provides integrated test results. This feedback loop ensures that all workers' contributions are properly coordinated and verified, maintaining high productivity through division of labor while ensuring test reliability through automated information cross-verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3582037B1Test information management device, test information management method, and non-transitory computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3582037B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3582037B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3582037B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A test information management device manages test information relating to a test carried out by receiving a test signal output from a first device in a second device. The test information management device includes a linker configured to link together first information including information representing an output state of the test signal in the first device and second information including image information representing reception results of the test signal in the second device using at least one of identification information for identifying the first device or the second device and times at which the first information and the second information are generated.