Permissive Logic Display Automation for Power Unit HMI Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for power generation units require manual generation of graphical depictions for permissive logic states, which is costly, time-consuming, and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method for displaying permissive logic in control systems, using a processor to receive and process signals from a power generation unit, updating a graphical representation of combinational logic on a display, and highlighting input pins with changed values, thereby reducing manual effort and errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual generation of graphical depictions is used for permissive logic states, then each graphical depiction can be customized and detailed, but the process becomes costly, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating the graphical depiction framework and structure before manual customization. The automated system creates the base HMI screens with proper layout, data bindings, and logic representations, which then can be refined manually. This preliminary automated generation eliminates the need to start from scratch, significantly reducing creation time while maintaining accuracy through systematic templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by creating reusable templates and patterns for graphical depictions of permissive logic states. Once a graphical depiction is designed and validated, it can be copied and adapted for similar scenarios, ensuring consistency and accuracy across multiple HMI screens while reducing repetitive manual work. The templates encapsulate best practices and reduce errors.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual generation of graphical depictions is used for permissive logic states, then each graphical depiction can be customized and detailed, but the process becomes costly and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality by creating a multi-functional automated generation platform that handles multiple aspects of HMI screen creation simultaneously. The same system generates graphical depictions, binds data sources, validates logic, and ensures consistency across different permissive logic states. This universal approach consolidates multiple manual tasks into one automated process, reducing overall cost and effort while maintaining high accuracy through systematic validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying of validated templates and patterns to reduce repetitive manual work. Once a graphical depiction template is created and validated for accuracy, it can be copied and adapted for similar permissive logic scenarios, ensuring consistency and reducing the cost of creating new depictions from scratch. This template-based approach maintains accuracy while significantly reducing effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual generation of graphical depictions is used for permissive logic states, then flexibility in design is maintained, but errors increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that automatically validate the correctness of graphical depictions during and after generation. The automated system checks for logic errors, data binding issues, and consistency problems, providing immediate feedback that prevents errors from propagating. This feedback loop maintains reliability by catching errors early while preserving design flexibility, as operators can still customize designs within the constraints of validated templates and logic rules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and error checking before finalizing graphical depictions. By automatically generating depictions with built-in validation rules and checking logic correctness in advance, the system prevents errors before they affect system reliability. This preliminary action allows operators to focus on design flexibility while the system ensures reliability through systematic pre-validation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain embodiments herein relate to automated display of permissive logic in control systems associated with a power generation unit. A control device 120 may be configured to provide automated updates of system data, such as signals received from power generation equipment 140, to an HMI or SCADA display, as non-limiting examples. A logic builder block 114 may receive permissive logic configurations, including one or more combinational logic blocks. A logic builder block 114 may be associated with power generation equipment to facilitate the identification of related system data and the subsequent association of the system data to corresponding input pins for the combinational logic blocks. The permissive logic configurations may be compiled into object code and downloaded to the control device 120, where it may be executed to perform the above described functions, among other functions.