Nested Batch Execution Windows for Industrial Plant Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
In batch manufacturing plants, displaying and managing batch execution data across multiple levels of procedural control is cluttered and confusing, with users relying on manual logs for tracking good or poor batch executions, making it difficult to find specific reference trends for uncompleted batch executions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for displaying batch execution data that allows nested windows to expand without obscuring previous levels, using a window display module to show second and third-level elements within the first-level window, and a flag module to mark and associate reference trends with uncompleted batch executions for comparison with current trends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple windows are opened to display different levels of batch execution data, then detailed information can be accessed, but the screen becomes cluttered and windows obscure each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested windows where second-level windows are displayed within the first-level window, third-level windows within second-level windows, and so on. This nesting structure allows hierarchical display of batch execution data (procedures, unit procedures, operations, phases) without creating separate overlapping windows, thus maintaining screen clarity while providing access to detailed information at multiple levels.
2Loss of information
If manual logging is used to track good and poor batch executions, then reference trends can be recorded, but finding specific batch executions is tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically flags batch executions with good or poor characteristics and stores them in a database with associated trend data. When users need reference batch executions, the system provides them through the graphical interface without requiring manual search through logs. The flagged batch executions are readily accessible and can be selected for comparison with current batch executions, eliminating the need for manual logging and searching.
3Loss of information
If trend data is collected from completed batch executions, then production characteristics can be recorded, but comparing with uncompleted batch executions is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference trend display mechanism that acts as an intermediary between completed batch execution data and uncompleted batch executions. When a user selects a flagged completed batch execution, its trend data is displayed alongside the current uncompleted batch execution's trend data, allowing direct visual comparison. This intermediary display enables operators to see how well the uncompleted batch is matching the reference batch and identify deviations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for displaying batch execution data of an industrial plant configured for performing a plurality of batch executions. The method comprises selecting a first level element in a first level window; and displaying in a second level window all second level elements comprised by the selected first level element, the second level window being displayed within the first level window directly beneath the selected first level element without obscuring any other first level element in the first level window. The apparatus comprises a window display module configured for displaying at least one second level window within a first level window such that upon selection of a first level element in the first level window, a corresponding second level window is displayed within the first level window directly beneath its corresponding first level element without obscuring any other first level element in the first level window, each second level window displaying all second level elements comprised by its corresponding first level element.