3D Model-Based PFS Diagram Layout for Faster Process Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generating process flow schema (PFS) diagrams from engineering data in 3D models of industrial processes is a time-consuming manual task, requiring significant effort and often needing to be repeated if changes are made to the 3D model.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage PFS diagram generation technique is employed, which iteratively defines the layout of a PFS diagram by repeatedly calling an automatic layout generator to solve for unknown qualities such as component positions, connection positions, and component sizes, while allowing for user preferences and adaptations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual PFS diagram generation is used, then the engineer can carefully observe and collect component information, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires repeated manual redrawing when changes are made

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of component information collectionVSAvoidtime required to generate and update PFS diagrams

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an automated copy mechanism where the PFS diagram is automatically regenerated from the 3D model data. The system maintains a linkage between the 3D model and PFS diagram, allowing automatic copying of component information and automatic updating when changes occur, eliminating manual redrawing while preserving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of observing, collecting, and drawing PFS diagrams with an automated computational system. The system automatically extracts component data from the 3D model, generates the PFS diagram layout, and updates it when changes are detected, substituting human effort with algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual PFS diagram generation is used, then the engineer can understand and add directional information, but the process requires significant labor and cannot easily absorb model changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengineer's ability to understand and annotate process flowVSAvoidcomplexity of the PFS generation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the automated layout generator independently extracts component information from the 3D model, determines optimal layouts, and generates PFS diagrams without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically detecting changes and regenerating diagrams, eliminating the need for engineer labor while maintaining operational quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the automated layout generator with rules and algorithms for extracting component data and determining layout arrangements. The system is prepared in advance with the knowledge and capabilities needed to automatically generate accurate PFS diagrams, eliminating the need for manual understanding and annotation during the generation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional PFS diagram generation is used, then each diagram can be carefully crafted, but generating multiple diagrams for large projects takes days or weeks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequality of PFS diagram layoutVSAvoidnumber of PFS diagrams generated per unit time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the PFS diagram generation process into independent, automated stages: data extraction from 3D model, layout calculation, component rendering, and connection drawing. Each stage is handled by the automated layout generator independently, allowing parallel processing and rapid generation of multiple diagrams without sacrificing quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the generation process from manual to automated operations. The automated layout generator uses computational algorithms to calculate layouts, determine component positions, and optimize diagram quality, enabling rapid generation of multiple diagrams while maintaining or improving layout quality compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12276971B2Generating PFS diagrams from engineering data

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 BENTLEY SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

In example embodiments, a multi-stage PFS diagram generation technique is used to iteratively define the layout of a PFS diagram from a subset of engineering data in a 3D model of an industrial process. The multi-stage PFS diagram generation technique may repeatedly call an automatic layout generator, which each time solves for one unknown quality of the PFS diagram (e.g., relative positions of components in the PFS diagram, positions on components in the PFS diagram, sizes of the components in the PFS diagram). The PFS diagram may be adapted based on user preferences, for example to define the subset of engineering data, or to constrain aspects of its layout. Updated PFS diagrams may be generated by selecting different user preferences.