Operating State Visualization Using Threshold-Based Bar Charts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for visualizing the operating states of technical systems are complex, making it difficult for users to quickly grasp critical states and associated information.

Innovation Solution

A method for computer-assisted processing of operating data that generates a two-dimensional representation using a Cartesian coordinate system, with bar charts in each state area to intuitively convey the number of normal and critical states, where the length of bars represents the occurrence time span and color saturation indicates deviation from threshold values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional visualization methods (traffic light color schemes, process diagrams, alarm lists) are used to represent operating states, then comprehensive information about system states can be displayed, but the visualization becomes complex and users cannot quickly grasp critical states

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

Solution Approach 1:

The state space is segmented into discrete state ranges along two dimensions (first and second state variables), with each range assigned a specific color. This segmentation transforms continuous complex data into discrete, easily distinguishable visual regions, allowing users to quickly identify critical states without overwhelming detail

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different color shades are assigned to different state ranges to intuitively indicate system state and criticality. Critical states are highlighted through distinct color coding, enabling rapid visual recognition of problematic conditions without requiring users to interpret complex diagrams or alarm lists

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Reliability

If detailed operating data is visualized using conventional methods, then complete system information is available, but critical states cannot be grasped quickly by users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate identification accuracyVSAvoiduser response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Critical states are encoded with distinct, high-visibility colors that immediately draw user attention. This color-coding system allows users to identify critical conditions at a glance, dramatically reducing response time while maintaining accurate state identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The visualization segments the state space to separate normal and critical operating conditions into distinct, easily distinguishable regions. This segmentation allows users to quickly locate critical states without searching through detailed data, reducing response time while preserving diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3701341B1Method for computer-controlled processing of operating parameters of a technical system
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3701341B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3701341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3701341B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the computer-aided processing of operating data (BD) relating to a technical system (M), wherein the operating data (BD) have been captured during operation of the technical system (M) in a predefined operating interval (BI) and are stored as digital data in a memory (SP). A pair of first state variables (v11, v12) and one or more second state variables (v2) with corresponding state values of the technical system (M) at the particular operating time (BZ) are extracted from the operating data (BD) by means of the method according to the invention. A two-dimensional representation is generated on a display (DI) of a user interface (UI) by means of these state variables (v11, v12, v2). Bar charts for different state ranges (ZB) of the pairs of first state variables (v11, v12) are generated in this representation (AS) on the basis of the evaluation of a threshold value criterion, wherein the bar charts represent, inter alia, how many states of the technical system (M) within the particular state range (ZB) can be classified as critical.