Mobile Visualization for Industrial Automation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation environments lack effective mobile visualization solutions for configuration, monitoring, diagnostics, and maintenance, limiting operator efficiency and accessibility due to the need for remote control systems and complex human-machine interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application and system that enables mobile devices to communicate with industrial automation devices, retrieve information, and display it graphically, allowing for on-site configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics through a user-friendly interface, while ensuring secure proximity-based access to prevent unauthorized changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional control panels with human-machine interface elements are used, then industrial devices can be controlled and visualized, but operator mobility and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the operator and the industrial control system. The mobile device communicates with the control system via a communication link, allowing operators to remotely configure, monitor, and diagnose industrial devices without being physically present at the control panel location. This resolves the contradiction by improving accessibility while maintaining control system functionality through the intermediary mobile platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation or copy of the control system interface on the mobile device. The graphical user interface displayed on the mobile device mirrors the functionality of the traditional control panel, allowing operators to interact with industrial devices remotely. This copying approach enables operator mobility without requiring changes to the core control system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If mobile devices are used for remote access, then operator mobility is improved, but security risks from unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements proximity detection mechanisms that prevent mobile devices from establishing communication links with industrial devices unless the mobile device is in close physical proximity to the industrial device. This preliminary anti-action against unauthorized remote access occurs before communication is established, blocking potential security threats while allowing legitimate on-site operators to access the system. The system proactively prevents unauthorized access attempts rather than reacting to them.
3Productivity
If comprehensive control functions are provided on mobile devices, then operator efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mobile application that consolidates multiple control functions (configuration, monitoring, diagnostics, maintenance) into a single mobile device interface. Rather than requiring separate specialized devices or complex distributed systems, the mobile device provides multi-functional access to all industrial device operations. This universality improves operator efficiency by providing comprehensive control capabilities in one portable platform while managing complexity through integrated software design.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and software for operating a mobile device to control industrial automation equipment are provided herein. In a first example, a mobile device application comprising program instructions executable by a mobile device is provided. When executed by the mobile device, the program instructions direct the mobile device to obtain industrial device information corresponding to an industrial device within an automation environment, and display the industrial device information on a display of the mobile device.