Process Control Device Mode Display Interface
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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 method involves an interface processor that combines statuses of block mode elements to determine and display the mode of a field device, component, or configuration block as a single graphic, using stored configuration block definitions and device descriptor databases to simplify the process and reduce manual errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually combine and interpret multiple block mode elements to determine the operational mode of field devices, then detailed control information is available, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple block mode elements (target mode, actual mode, normal mode) into a single integrated operational mode determination. The interface processor automatically merges these separate elements to present a unified mode status to the user, eliminating the need for manual combination and interpretation while maintaining accuracy and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface processor acts as an intermediary between the complex block mode elements and the user. It automatically processes and interprets the multiple mode elements, translating them into a single operational mode that is easily understandable. This intermediary function eliminates manual interpretation errors and reduces the time users spend analyzing multiple separate elements.
2Loss of information
If multiple block mode elements are displayed separately, then complete information is provided, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple block mode elements into a single operational mode display in the user interface. Instead of showing target mode, actual mode, and normal mode as separate elements requiring manual interpretation, the system integrates them into one comprehensive operational mode indication, reducing interface complexity while preserving complete information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operational mode determination into distinct block mode elements (target, actual, normal) that are processed separately by the interface processor but presented as a unified operational mode to the user. This segmentation allows for complete information processing while maintaining a simplified user interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If configuration blocks are individually programmed and defined for each component, then precise control is achieved, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the configuration and mode determination processes for multiple components into a unified operational mode determination. By merging the individual block mode elements into a single operational mode, the system maintains precise control over each component's configuration while significantly reducing the time and complexity required to configure and monitor multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface processor provides a universal solution that handles multiple block mode elements and various field device types through a single operational mode determination mechanism. This multi-functional approach maintains precise configuration control across different device types while improving configuration productivity through automated processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Example methods and apparatus to display process control information are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving in a processor a first status of a first mode element, the first mode element indicating a current operating condition of an object of a process control device, receiving in the processor a second status of a second mode element, the second mode element indicating a desired operating condition of the object of the process control device, determining a mode of the object based on the first status and the second status, the mode indicating a condition of the object of the process control device, and displaying the mode of the object of the process control device within a user interface as a graphic.