Object Design for Industrial Automation via Workflow Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in interoperability and consistency due to limited communication and functional cooperation between devices from different vendors, requiring complex programs for integration, and existing object design tools employ a static top-down approach.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that facilitate the design of objects for industrial automation by selecting and filtering objects based on workflow data, masking filtered functionalities for customization, and analyzing metadata to suggest optimizations, employing a holistic bottom-up approach.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex program is used for integration of different devices from different vendors, then interoperability and consistency between devices can be achieved, but device complexity and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (object model with standardized interfaces and workflows) between diverse industrial devices and the control system. This intermediary translates vendor-specific device protocols into a unified object-oriented interface, enabling interoperability without requiring complex integration programs. The object acts as a mediator that handles device-specific complexities internally while presenting a consistent interface to the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the integration approach by changing parameters from vendor-specific protocol implementations to standardized object parameters and workflows. By defining devices through standardized object parameters (rather than vendor-specific protocols) and using workflow-based control logic, the system achieves interoperability with simpler integration requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If static top-down object design tools are used, then object design can be facilitated, but adaptability and ease of customization decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static object design tools into dynamic tools that automatically adapt to workflow requirements. The system dynamically filters and presents object parameters based on the selected workflow, automatically hiding irrelevant parameters and showing only those needed for the specific application. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of use while significantly improving customization flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary filtering of object parameters based on workflow selection before the user interacts with the design interface. By pre-configuring which parameters should be visible or editable based on the workflow context, the system prepares the optimal customization interface in advance, eliminating the need for users to navigate through all possible parameters.
3Ease of operation
If all object parameters are displayed for customization, then complete control is achieved, but ease of operation and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parameters visible or editable based on the workflow context. Instead of uniformly displaying all parameters, the system selectively presents only those parameters relevant to the selected workflow, while keeping other parameters hidden or read-only. This localized visibility approach simplifies the interface while preserving access to all parameters when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods and apparatuses that can provide a holistic, bottom-up approach to facilitate the design of objects (e.g., modular objects that can facilitate industrial automation applications). The design approach includes selection of an object from a library of a plurality of objects; filtration of functionalities of the object based on a workflow of an application; and display of the object for customization of the object for the application with the filtered functionalities masked.