Power Network Supervision via Nested Visualization Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supervising power networks can be tedious and time-consuming due to the need for frequent zooming and panning in graphical user interfaces, which diverts attention from monitoring the network's status and can lead to a cluttered interface with multiple windows, making it difficult to maintain an overview.
Innovation Solution
A method where a selectable element in a less detailed visualization allows for direct display of a predefined portion of the power network at a more detailed zoom level on top of the initial visualization, eliminating the need for zooming and panning, and keeping the number of visible windows constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If zoom and pan operations are used to view different portions of the power network at detailed levels, then the supervisor can examine specific areas in detail, but the monitoring process becomes time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-divides the power network into multiple predefined portions and prepares detailed visualizations for each portion in advance. When a supervisor wants to view a specific area, the system directly displays the pre-prepared detailed view of that portion without requiring time-consuming zoom and pan operations. This preliminary preparation of multiple predefined portions resolves the contradiction by making detailed views instantly accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The power network is segmented into multiple predefined portions, each with its own detailed visualization. This segmentation allows the system to present specific portions at detailed levels independently, eliminating the need for continuous zooming and panning. The segmentation principle directly addresses the time loss issue while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If multiple windows are opened to show different views of the power network, then detailed views can be accessed quickly, but the interface becomes cluttered and it becomes difficult to maintain an overview
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested window structure where a detailed view window is embedded within or overlaid on the main overview window. When a supervisor selects a portion to view in detail, the detailed visualization is displayed in a window that is nested within the context of the overall network view. This nesting approach allows quick access to detailed views while maintaining the overview visible, thus increasing productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the overview function and detailed view function into a unified interface structure. The main window displays the overall network view, and detailed views of specific portions are integrated into this same window or overlaid upon it. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate windows, reducing interface complexity while maintaining fast access to detailed information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If free zoom and pan operations are allowed, then the supervisor can freely explore the network, but the interface requires continuous navigation tasks that divert attention from monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service navigation by automatically presenting relevant detailed views based on predefined portions and selection criteria. Instead of requiring the supervisor to manually zoom and pan to explore different areas, the system offers direct access to pre-defined portions through selectable elements. This self-service approach maintains adaptability and versatility in viewing different network portions while significantly improving ease of operation by eliminating continuous navigation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-identifies and prepares multiple meaningful portions of the power network for display. These predefined portions represent logically significant areas that supervisors are likely to need to examine. By preparing these portions in advance and making them directly accessible, the system provides flexible navigation capability without requiring continuous manual zoom and pan operations, thus allowing supervisors to focus on monitoring rather than navigation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
A method and a device to supervise a power network (1) are described, where data representing at least a part of the power network (1) are processed and transformed into graphical data (PG), the graphical data (PG) are displayed on a graphical display unit (5) as a first visualization (7) of the power network (1) at a less detailed zoom level (Zoom 1) and a user request on how to modify the first visualization (7) is processed, where the user request is received from a user input unit (6). In the first visualization (7), there is displayed at least one selectable element (9) which is selectable via the user input unit (6) and which is assigned to a predefined portion of the power network (1) and to a more detailed zoom level (Zoom 2). After a user request is received indicating that the selectable element (9) was selected by a user, the predefined portion of the power network (1) is displayed at the more detailed zoom level (Zoom 2) as a second visualization (10) on top of the first visualization (7).