Mobile Workflow Guidance for Accurate Apparatus Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial apparatuses in various environments require customized settings for proper functioning, but users lack clear guidance on configuring these settings, leading to potential misconfiguration and inefficiencies in commissioning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that obtain and translate guidance elements into computer instructions to configure industrial apparatuses, determining the apparatus type and executing these instructions for proper configuration, using a mobile device connected to automation devices via wireless or wired protocols, ensuring compatibility and authorized user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually configure settings for industrial apparatuses, then flexibility in customization is achieved, but configuration accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to lack of guidance and potential misconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the industrial apparatus. This mobile device provides guided workflows that mediate the configuration process, ensuring users follow correct procedures while maintaining the flexibility to customize settings. The intermediary translates user actions into precise configuration commands, eliminating direct manual configuration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the parameters presented to users based on the specific apparatus type and configuration context. Instead of presenting all possible settings at once, the workflow adapts parameters sequentially, showing only relevant configuration options at each step. This maintains adaptability while improving accuracy through context-aware parameter selection.
2Reliability
If comprehensive guidance is provided for configuring apparatus settings, then configuration accuracy improves, but system complexity and user interface complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration guidance is segmented into discrete, manageable workflow steps rather than presented as a comprehensive manual. Each step focuses on a specific configuration task, breaking down the complex process into simple, actionable instructions. This segmentation maintains accuracy through detailed guidance while reducing perceived complexity by presenting information in small, digestible units.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system is dynamic rather than static, adapting the workflow steps based on the detected apparatus type and current configuration state. The system dynamically generates context-relevant instructions, showing users only the guidance steps applicable to their specific situation. This dynamic adaptation reduces complexity by filtering out irrelevant information while maintaining comprehensive coverage when needed.
3Device complexity
If generic configuration workflows are used for all apparatus types, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to specific apparatus types and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device configuration system serves multiple functions: it detects apparatus types, retrieves appropriate workflows, guides users through configuration steps, and executes configuration commands. This universal platform handles diverse apparatus types through a single interface, maintaining system simplicity while achieving broad adaptability through automated type recognition and workflow selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the apparatus type and pre-selecting the appropriate configuration workflow before the user begins. This preliminary recognition and preparation step allows the system to present customized guidance tailored to the specific apparatus, achieving adaptability without requiring users to manually select or configure complex parameters.
4Productivity
If automated configuration is implemented, then configuration speed and productivity improve, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced user control and understanding
Solution Approach 1:
The automated configuration system incorporates feedback loops where the mobile device monitors user actions, apparatus responses, and configuration progress in real-time. This feedback is presented to users through the workflow interface, allowing them to see the effect of their actions and understand the configuration process. The feedback mechanism maintains user control while enabling automated execution, balancing speed with comprehension.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service configuration where users can independently complete apparatus setup by following the guided workflow without requiring expert intervention. The automated workflow performs the actual configuration actions while users supervise and verify each step, combining automated execution speed with user understanding and control. Users gain confidence through visibility of the process while benefiting from automated precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including means for creating a workflow by receiving user input for combining a plurality of guidance elements, means for visually displaying the guidance elements and the workflow, means for saving the combination of the plurality of guidance elements into a file, means for obtaining the file using an application comprised in a mobile apparatus, means for executing the plurality of guidance elements combined in the file by the application.