OPC UA Node Mapping for Automated Industrial Process Graphics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional graphic builders require significant programming effort to create graphical objects for industrial processes and these objects are often not reusable across different industrial processes, necessitating extensive engineering for each new application.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing OPC UA nodes and references to automatically generate and interconnect graphical objects, allowing for the creation and display of graphical representations of industrial processes by associating OPC UA nodes with corresponding graphical objects and defining their interconnections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional graphic builders are used to create graphical objects for industrial processes, then graphical representations can be generated, but significant programming effort and extensive engineering are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of creating graphical objectsVSAvoidprogramming effort required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses OPC UA node definitions as templates or copies to automatically generate graphical objects. Instead of manually programming each graphical object, the system copies and adapts standardized OPC UA node structures into corresponding graphical representations, dramatically reducing programming effort while maintaining consistency across different industrial processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal mapping mechanism where OPC UA nodes serve multiple purposes: they define both the data structure and the graphical representation simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows the same node definition to be reused across different industrial processes and graphical contexts, eliminating the need for separate programming for each application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If graphical objects are created for a particular industrial process using conventional methods, then the objects can represent that specific process, but they cannot be reused in different industrial processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of process representationVSAvoidreusability across different processes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a universal mapping relationship between OPC UA nodes and graphical objects that works across different industrial processes. The same OPC UA node can be mapped to appropriate graphical objects in different process contexts, enabling reusability while maintaining process-specific accuracy through the standardized OPC UA data model

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic mapping system where the relationship between OPC UA nodes and graphical objects is not fixed but adaptable. The mapping can dynamically adjust to different process contexts while maintaining the core structural relationship, allowing graphical objects to be reused across different industrial processes with appropriate contextual adaptations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive engineering is performed for each new industrial process application, then customized graphical representations can be achieved, but significant time and resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidengineering time required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing standardized OPC UA node definitions and mapping rules in advance. These pre-defined structures serve as ready-to-use templates that can be quickly instantiated for new industrial processes, eliminating the need for extensive custom engineering while still allowing customization when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal OPC UA-based graphical objects that can serve multiple industrial process applications. The standardized node definitions and mapping mechanisms enable the same graphical objects to be reused across different processes with minimal adaptation, dramatically reducing engineering time while maintaining customization capability through the flexible OPC UA data model

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9552616B2Using OPC UA to automatically generate process graphics

Publication Date: 2017.01.24 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A method and device for generating a set of graphical objects to be displayed by using OPC UA (Unified Architecture) specification. The method includes indicating, by using OPC UA nodes, graphical objects to be displayed, the graphical objects representing physical components of a monitored process. Further, the method includes indicating, by using OPC UA references, how an indicated graphical object should be interconnected to another indicated graphical object when displayed. Next, the respective OPC UA node is associated with a corresponding predetermined graphical object, the set of graphical objects is generated from the associations and the individual graphical objects of the set is interconnected in accordance with the indicated interconnections. Finally, the generated set of graphical objects is displayed.