Automatic Process Control Graphics Linking

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing process control systems require manual and time-consuming methods for linking process control graphics to process control algorithm information, leading to potential errors and increased development time due to the need for manual entry of data paths, which can result in incorrect path references.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically link process control graphics to process control algorithm information using a drag-and-drop procedure, allowing designers to create links between data source fields within process graphics and parameters or functions within the algorithm, thereby reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual entry of data paths is used to link process control graphics to algorithm information, then flexibility in creating graphics is maintained, but development time increases and error probability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of path referencesVSAvoiddevelopment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic data source identification and path generation without requiring manual intervention. The graphics creation tool automatically queries the process control algorithm information, identifies relevant data sources, and generates correct path references, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring designer intervention for each data path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of typing and browsing data paths is replaced with an automated electronic system. The graphics creation tool electronically queries the process control algorithm information database, automatically retrieves data source paths, and links them to graphics elements, eliminating the manual mechanical entry process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual entry of data paths is used to link process control graphics to algorithm information, then control over each data source is maintained, but the probability of creating incorrect path references increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrectness of path referencesVSAvoidcomplexity of linking process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the graphics creation tool automatically queries the process control algorithm information database to verify data source availability and correctness. The system receives feedback about available data sources and automatically adjusts path references based on this feedback, ensuring correctness without manual verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The graphics creation tool acts as an intermediary between the designer and the process control algorithm information database. It automatically manages the complex task of querying, identifying, and linking data sources, shielding the designer from the complexity while ensuring correct path references are generated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automatic linking is implemented using drag-and-drop procedure, then development time is reduced and errors are minimized, but automation level increases requiring system intelligence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegraphics development speedVSAvoidautomation of data source linking

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic data source identification and path generation without requiring manual intervention. The graphics creation tool automatically queries the process control algorithm information, identifies relevant data sources, and generates correct path references, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring designer intervention for each data path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of typing and browsing data paths is replaced with an automated electronic system. The graphics creation tool electronically queries the process control algorithm information database, automatically retrieves data source paths, and links them to graphics elements, eliminating the manual mechanical entry process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2146259B1Method and apparatus to create process control graphics based on process control algorithm information

Publication Date: 2017.05.17 FISHER ROSEMOUNT SYST INC

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AI summary

A method and apparatus to automatically link process control graphics to process control algorithm information are described. The method involves displaying a first process control image including process control algorithm information and displaying adjacent to the first process control image a second process control image including process control graphics. The method automatically links at least some of the process control algorithm information to a graphic in the second process control image in response to user inputs associated with the first and second process control images.