Selective Device Detail View in Automation Network Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automation systems, high information density on user interfaces makes it difficult for users to grasp and interact with large networks of devices, as not all network interfaces can be displayed due to limited screen space, necessitating a solution to provide both overview and detailed information access without switching views.
Innovation Solution
A method and system allowing users to selectively display device details within an overview view by activating a detail view for specific devices, enabling the display of previously invisible network interfaces and allowing interactive manipulation, with features like automatic deactivation of detail view, animated transitions, and importance-based highlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the overview view displays all devices in the network, then a large amount of overview information is provided to the user, but network interfaces of devices cannot be displayed due to limited screen space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network view into two segments: an overview view showing all devices schematically and a detail view showing individual device interfaces in detail. This segmentation allows users to access network interfaces by switching to the detail view while maintaining the ability to see the overall network structure in the overview view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the view switching mechanism, allowing users to transition between overview and detail views. This dimensional change enables access to network interfaces without permanently leaving the overview context, as users can switch back to the overview view after examining device details.
2Ease of operation
If the network interfaces are displayed much larger than they take up on real devices, then users have sufficient area for interaction with the mouse, but not all network interfaces can be displayed due to limited floor space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display of network interfaces by device, showing only the selected device's interfaces in the detail view. This segmentation allows each interface to be displayed at a sufficiently large size for interaction while managing the total number of visible interfaces through selective display based on user selection.
3Ease of operation
If users switch to a detail-oriented view to access network interfaces, then all interfaces can be displayed, but the overview information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic view switching that allows users to transition between overview and detail views as needed. This dynamic capability enables users to access network interfaces in the detail view while retaining the option to return to the overview view, thus maintaining access to both overview information and detailed interface information at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the view switching mechanism as an intermediary between the overview and detail representations. This intermediary allows users to access network interfaces without permanently abandoning the overview context, as the ability to switch views serves as a mediator that preserves access to both levels of information.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method, a program, and a system for the graphical representation and configuration of at least one network of devices in an automation system, where the user interface typically displays a high information density. To enable users to selectively view detailed information on devices within a network alongside a large amount of overview information, a solution is proposed in which users can display individual devices in greater detail within the overview view. The user can thus select a device whose currently hidden details (e.g., the network interfaces) they wish to access and, through further interaction, change the device's appearance from a low-detail to a highly detailed representation. This applies to any number of devices, which can be displayed in detail simultaneously.The advantage of this invention is that the network interfaces can also be displayed for devices that cannot be shown with all network interfaces in the overview view, without forcing the user to switch to a different, more detailed view.