Automated Graphic Extraction from P&ID and HMI Diagrams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual extraction of information from piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and human-machine interface (HMI) static graphics is time-consuming and tedious, requiring frequent updates whenever changes occur, which is inefficient for engineers working in industrial automation environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and tool for automatically extracting graphical objects from P&IDs or HMI displays, creating extraction templates that match the visual appearance of selected objects, applying masks to remove text information, and linking object names, allowing for the identification and extraction of similar objects across multiple pages, thereby facilitating the creation of customized HMI displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual extraction of information from P&IDs and HMI static graphics is used, then extraction accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction processes with an automated computer-based system that uses image processing and pattern recognition algorithms to extract information from P&IDs and HMI graphics, eliminating manual labor while maintaining extraction accuracy through systematic digital processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital templates that replicate the visual appearance and structure of selected display objects, allowing automated extraction and reuse of graphical elements across multiple instances without manual recreation, thereby reducing time consumption while preserving extraction fidelity
2Manufacturing precision
If manual extraction is performed, then extraction quality can be controlled, but productivity and output rate decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The automated extraction system replaces manual extraction operations with computer-based image processing and pattern recognition, enabling high-volume processing of graphical objects while maintaining consistent extraction quality through algorithmic precision and repeatability
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction template system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple display objects of the same type, allowing a single template to extract and standardize information from numerous instances simultaneously, thereby increasing productivity without compromising extraction quality
3Reliability
If frequent updates are made to extracted data, then data accuracy is maintained, but work effort and time investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system replaces manual update operations with computer-based processing that can rapidly re-extract and update data from source diagrams, maintaining data accuracy through systematic processing while reducing the time and effort required for frequent updates
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary extraction and template creation in advance, establishing a reusable framework that facilitates rapid updates when changes occur, thereby maintaining data accuracy without requiring proportional increases in update effort
4Productivity
If automated extraction is implemented, then productivity and speed increase, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses template copying and pattern matching to automate extraction, where standardized templates represent complex extraction logic that can be reused across multiple objects, increasing productivity while managing system complexity through template-based abstraction
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction template serves as an intermediary between the raw graphical data and the extracted information, simplifying the automated extraction process by providing a structured intermediate representation that bridges the complexity of image processing and the simplicity of data output
Data Source
AI summary
A method to facilitate extraction of display objects for industrial diagrams are disclosed herein. The method comprises: receiving user input indicating a first display object within an industrial diagram; extracting the first display object to generate a first graphic extraction template; identifying one or more regions within the first graphic extraction template; masking the text information; linking each of the one or more regions with at least a portion of an object name of the first display object; extracting all the display objects, from the industrial diagram, that are of the type of the first display object using the first graphic extraction template to generate a first set of extracted graphic objects; and for each of the first set of extracted graphic objects, matching text information within each of the one or more regions with at least a portion of an object name.