Process Control Configuration System Automating Documentation Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process control systems in industrial plants face challenges in maintaining consistency between control logic and documentation, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to manual preparation and updating of documents, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in large-scale industrial plants with complex functions.
Innovation Solution
A configuration system that includes a definition module for process control systems, which consists of property files, control logic definition files, data definition files, and rule definition files, allowing for automated generation and updating of control logic and documentation, reducing the need for manual effort and improving consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual preparation and updating of documentation is performed, then documentation can be created and maintained, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based documentation generation where standardized templates are copied and automatically populated with control logic data. This eliminates manual copying and pasting, reducing errors and time consumption while maintaining consistency between control logic and documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of documentation preparation with an automated computer-based system. The configuration system automatically generates and updates documentation based on control logic definitions, substituting human manual work with automated processing to eliminate errors and reduce time.
2Reliability
If manual updating of documentation is performed, then documentation can be maintained, but it increases costs due to labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the configuration system automatically generates and updates documentation without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by automatically synchronizing documentation with control logic definitions, eliminating labor costs while ensuring consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual documentation maintenance with an automated computer-based configuration system. This substitution eliminates the need for human labor in documentation updates, reducing costs while maintaining reliability through automated consistency checking.
3Productivity
If automated generation of control logic and documentation is implemented, then efficiency is improved and costs are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal configuration system that handles multiple functions including control logic definition, documentation generation, and consistency maintenance. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, managing complexity while delivering comprehensive automation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the configuration system into modular components: control logic definition modules, documentation templates, and automated generation engines. This segmentation allows each component to be developed and maintained independently, managing overall system complexity while enabling efficient automated operation.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention comprises a configuration system for a process control system that is configured for performing process control. The configuration system comprises a repository including at least one memory and one or more definition modules stored in the memory. Each definition module may comprise control logic for controlling an associated component. The configuration system also comprises a repository controller. The repository controller may be configured to receive user input identifying one or more properties of a specific component within the industrial system. The repository controller may additionally enable selection of a definition module from within the repository, wherein the selected definition module comprises control logic for controlling an associated component having the identified one more component properties. The invention additionally provides a method for configuring a process control system for performing process control.