Model-Based HMI for 3D Multi-Device System Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional human machine interface (HMI) systems rely on oversimplified, two-dimensional representations and are limited to stationary panels, failing to provide intuitive and accurate visualization of complex systems, especially when multiple parameters need to be represented simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A model-based HMI system that includes a semantics library capable of analyzing and transmitting system-under-control (SUC) component models to output devices with varying capabilities, enabling the rendering of accurate, three-dimensional models and augmented data on devices such as smart glasses, smartphones, and desktops, allowing for synchronized and device-independent visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional HMI systems use basic 2D graphical elements and tags for visualization, then the system is simple to implement and maintain, but the information representation is oversimplified and lacks accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation representation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital twins (virtual copies) of physical systems that replicate the complete 3D geometry, physics properties, and operational states of actual equipment. These digital copies provide accurate information representation without requiring complex physical instrumentation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D graphical representations to immersive 3D virtual environments. By adding the third dimension and enabling spatial navigation, the system provides comprehensive information representation while maintaining intuitive visualization, overcoming the limitations of flat 2D displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional HMI systems use stationary centralized panels, then the system architecture is simple and centralized, but the system lacks adaptability to different device types and modern output devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal digital twin platform that can be accessed across multiple device types (VR headsets, AR glasses, smartphones, tablets, desktops). The same core digital twin data serves multiple functions and device formats, providing adaptability without requiring separate systems for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces digital twins as an intermediary layer between the physical system and various output devices. This mediator translates physical system data into device-independent virtual representations that can be rendered on any platform, enabling adaptability while simplifying the overall architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If conventional HMI systems use separate output elements for different parameters, then each parameter can be displayed individually, but multiple parameters cannot be represented simultaneously in a single visualization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidvisualization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple parameter visualizations into a single integrated 3D digital twin environment. Temperature, pressure, flow rate, and other parameters are simultaneously displayed as overlays on the corresponding physical components in the virtual model, eliminating the need for separate gauges and providing complete information in one view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Measurement precision

If conventional HMI systems use primitive drawing elements and ad-hoc models, then the system is easy to create and modify, but the visualization is not intuitive or accurate for complex systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem representation accuracyVSAvoidsystem creation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically generating digital twins from existing CAD models, BIM data, or point cloud scans during the design phase. This preliminary creation of accurate 3D models eliminates the need for manual modeling later, maintaining ease of modification while achieving high representation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual creation of visualizations with automated processes that use algorithms to generate digital twins from various data sources. This substitution of manual mechanical modeling with automated computational processes maintains ease of creation while dramatically improving accuracy.

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

Data Source

PatentUS10928791B2Model-based human machine interface (HMI)
Publication Date: 2021.02.23 SIEMENS AG
  • US10928791B2 patent drawing
  • US10928791B2 patent drawing
  • US10928791B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A model-based human machine interface (HMI) system is provided. The HMI system includes a plurality of output devices each having output capabilities that include at least one unique output capability level and a semantics library that is configured to receive SUC component models each having an output format and data. The semantics library is configured to analyze the data relative to the SUC component models and to transmit each of the SUC component models to one or more of the plurality of output devices. The one or more of the plurality of output devices are selected based on a correlation between the output capabilities of the plurality of output devices and the output format of the SUC component models.