Process Control Data Visualization via Geographic Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process monitoring and control systems lack effective visualization and user-friendly representations of data, particularly in geographically dispersed environments with numerous processes and parameters, as they only provide raw data without intuitive and visually appealing displays.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that collects, transmits, and stores data from various sources, providing a human-machine interface with geographic representation and graphical status indicators responsive to real-time or asynchronous data, using standards like OPC, SCADA, and GIS, along with data normalization, visualization, and configuration capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard data formats and protocols (OPC Unified Architecture) are used for process control data transmission, then system interoperability and data exchange capability are improved, but the data remains in raw format without intuitive visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary visualization layer between the OPC data exchange standard and the user interface. This layer includes components such as data connectors, transformation engines, and visualization templates that convert raw standardized data into intuitive graphical representations including trend charts, alarm displays, and process diagrams, thereby maintaining system interoperability while significantly improving data visualization quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies and representations of the raw process control data through multiple visualization formats. Instead of displaying raw numerical data, the system generates graphical copies such as trend lines, histograms, pie charts, and symbolic process representations that convey the same information in an intuitive visual format, enhancing ease of operation without losing the underlying data integrity
2Quantity of substance
If geographically dispersed processes and numerous parameters are monitored, then comprehensive process coverage is improved, but the complexity of data presentation and user interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive process monitoring system into hierarchical levels including site-level visualizations, plant-level summaries, and enterprise-wide dashboards. Each level presents data appropriate to its scope, allowing operators to drill down from high-level summaries to detailed parameter views as needed, thereby managing presentation complexity while maintaining comprehensive process coverage across geographically dispersed locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial and temporal dimensions to data presentation by implementing geographic mapping capabilities that display process locations on maps, and time-based trend analysis that shows historical patterns. This multi-dimensional approach organizes large volumes of dispersed process data into intuitive spatial and temporal contexts, reducing presentation complexity while enhancing comprehensive monitoring capability
3Loss of information
If real-time data from multiple sources is collected and transmitted, then monitoring comprehensiveness is improved, but data processing and normalization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data normalization layer that handles multiple data sources and formats through a single standardized interface. This normalization engine automatically transforms diverse input formats from different process control systems into a unified internal data structure, maintaining monitoring comprehensiveness across multiple sources while reducing processing complexity through standardized handling procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary data processing and normalization at the data collection stage rather than at the presentation stage. By pre-processing data including validation, format standardization, and initial aggregation when data first enters the system, the patent reduces the complexity of subsequent processing operations while ensuring comprehensive monitoring data is captured from all sources
Data Source
AI summary
Graphical representations of operational process control data associated with monitored processes is displayed within the context of the geographical locations at which the processes operate, and in a manner as to model individual components of the processes.