Operator Console Guidance for Faster Abnormal Situation Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial console operators face difficulties in determining corrective actions for abnormal situations and navigating complex HMIs, leading to inefficient response times and interactions.
Innovation Solution
An HMI system that provides context-based guidance with selectable suggested actions, automating steps and allowing operators to implement actions with minimal interaction, such as a single click or voice command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the HMI provides detailed control options and manual navigation capabilities, then the system offers comprehensive control flexibility, but the number of interactions required to implement corrective actions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically navigating to the relevant control loop and pre-configuring the HMI interface with the necessary controls and parameters. This preparation work is done before the operator needs to take action, so when an alarm occurs, the operator only needs to make the final adjustment without navigating through multiple screens or menus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the operator and the complex HMI controls. This intermediary automatically interprets alarm conditions, determines the appropriate corrective actions, and presents simplified options to the operator. The intermediary handles the complex navigation and configuration tasks, allowing the operator to focus on decision-making rather than manual navigation.
2Reliability
If the HMI requires multiple sequential steps for corrective actions, then the system maintains precise control over each action, but the response time to abnormal situations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary navigation and configuration actions automatically when an alarm is detected. The HMI interface is pre-loaded with the relevant control loop information and necessary controls are made accessible before the operator needs to act. This eliminates the time required for manual navigation while maintaining the ability to execute precise control actions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple sequential steps into a single integrated automated process. Instead of requiring the operator to separately navigate to different screens, select control loops, and configure parameters in sequence, the system combines these actions into one automated workflow that completes in the background while the operator focuses on the final decision and action.
3Loss of information
If the HMI displays all available controls and parameters, then the system provides complete information, but the operator difficulty in navigating to relevant controls increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by dynamically customizing the HMI interface based on the specific alarm condition and context. Instead of displaying all possible controls and parameters uniformly, the system selectively presents only the relevant controls and parameters for the current situation. This localized information presentation reduces navigation difficulty while maintaining information completeness for the specific context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the comprehensive HMI information into context-relevant portions. When an alarm occurs, the interface is segmented to show only the controls and parameters related to that specific alarm condition, separating them from unrelated information. This segmentation makes it easier for operators to locate and interact with the relevant controls without being overwhelmed by the complete set of available controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (100) includes determining (101) a current situation to be present in a process controlled by an industrial process control and automation system (IPCS) that includes at least one process controller coupled to input output (I/O) modules coupled to field devices including sensors and actuators that are coupled to processing equipment. Responsive (102) to the current situation, displaying a plurality of suggested actions each including at least one step in a selectable panel in a human machine interface (HMI) associated with an operator computing system for an operator that is coupled to the process controller. Responsive (103) to the displaying, the operator selects in the selectable panel at least one of the plurality of suggested actions (selected action). The selecting of the selected action results in the IPCS automatically implementing (104) at least in part the step(s) associated with the selected action.