Piping Diagram Interpretation Using Operational Requirement Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for automating process engineering systems require manual interpretation of piping diagrams to define operational requirements, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in system planning and automation.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically interpreting piping diagrams by linking operational requirements to system components, using a predetermined set of modes of operation and boundary conditions to generate executable automation functions directly in software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual interpretation of piping diagrams is used to define operational requirements, then flexibility in handling complex cases is maintained, but time consumption and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interpretation of piping diagrams with automated computer-based analysis. The system automatically extracts operational requirements from piping diagrams using image processing and pattern recognition algorithms, eliminating the need for manual document review while maintaining accuracy through structured data extraction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the piping diagram itself contains all necessary information for automatic operational requirement extraction. The automated system processes the diagrams without requiring external manual intervention, using embedded metadata and standardized symbols to generate operational requirements autonomously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are used for piping diagram creation and automation function generation, then specialized functionality is maintained, but system complexity and integration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges piping diagram creation and automation function generation into a single integrated software system. The system combines plant planning tool capabilities with automated operational requirement extraction and automation function generation, allowing users to complete the entire workflow from diagram creation to automation generation without switching between multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The software system performs multiple functions within a single platform: it creates and edits piping diagrams, automatically extracts operational requirements, generates automation functions, and produces documentation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized tools while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
3Loss of information
If separate documentation is created for operational requirements, then detailed specifications are maintained, but documentation overhead and synchronization complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts operational requirements directly from the piping diagram data structures and metadata, removing the need for separate documentation files. The system identifies and extracts operational requirements by analyzing diagram symbols, connections, and embedded information, converting visual diagram data into structured operational requirement specifications automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the piping diagram data structure as an intermediary between the visual diagram and operational requirements. Instead of creating separate documentation, the diagram itself serves as the source and storage medium for operational requirements, with the software acting as a mediator that translates diagram elements into automation-ready specifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automatically interpreting a piping diagram (10) comprising objects (12, 20, 22, 24), wherein: in each case at least two objects (12, 20-24) are linked with operational requirements (30, 31); an operational requirement (30, 31) is defined on the basis of a predefined set (44) of operating principles (42) and on the basis of a predefined set (48) of boundary conditions (46); the operational requirements (30, 31) included in the piping diagram (10) are successively evaluated during the automatic interpretation; an automation function (90) is generated for an operational requirement (30, 31) and at least on the basis of an operating principle (42) that is included as an intended purpose in said operational requirement (30, 31); and the automation function is connected to the objects (12, 20, 24) linked by means of the underlying operational requirement (30).