Process Control Interface Processor Consolidating Block Mode Graphics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current process control systems require users to manually combine and interpret multiple block mode elements to determine the operational mode of field devices, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with field devices having multiple components and configuration blocks.
Innovation Solution
The system introduces an interface processor that receives conditional device parameters from process control devices, determines the availability of functionality, and displays the mode of field devices, components, and configuration blocks as a single graphic, reducing the complexity of manually combining block mode statuses and eliminating unnecessary graphics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple block mode elements are displayed individually for each component and configuration block, then complete operational status information is provided, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple block mode elements into a single determined mode that represents the operational status of the field device. Instead of displaying numerous individual block mode elements, the system merges them into one consolidated graphic that shows the overall operational status, making the interface simpler while preserving all necessary information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step where block mode elements are received and processed to determine a single operational mode. This intermediary layer translates complex multiple-element data into a simplified single-mode representation that is easier to interpret while maintaining accuracy of the operational status information.
2Measurement precision
If users manually combine and interpret multiple block mode elements to determine operational mode, then complete operational status is obtained, but time consumption increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the system automatically determine the operational mode from the block mode elements without requiring user intervention. The processor automatically receives the elements, processes them according to defined logic, and generates the determined mode, eliminating manual combination and interpretation steps that consume time and introduce errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by automatically processing block mode elements and generating a determined operational mode that is immediately available for display and use. This automated feedback loop eliminates the manual interpretation process, reducing both time consumption and the potential for human error in determining operational status.
3Loss of information
If all configuration blocks and components are displayed as separate graphics, then complete device information is visible, but unnecessary graphics clutter the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential operational status information from the multiple block mode elements and displays it as a single determined mode graphic. Instead of showing all individual configuration blocks and components as separate graphics, the system extracts and displays only the relevant consolidated operational status, eliminating clutter while maintaining information visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes receiving a conditional device parameter in a processor from a process control device, determining if functionality associated with the process control device is available, where the conditional device parameter indicates if the functionality is available, and displaying the conditional device parameter within a graphic via a user interface if the functionality is available.