Process Control Simulation Model Generation From Module Descriptions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The creation of simulation models for process control systems is typically a manual and labor-intensive process, prone to errors, as it requires operators to manually interconnect simulation objects, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize description files for process modules, analyzing connection terminals, and automatically determining and interconnecting simulation objects based on these files to form a simulation model, reducing the need for manual user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual interconnection of simulation objects is performed, then the simulation model can be created with user control, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of simulation model creationVSAvoidtime for model creation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses description files as templates that contain all necessary connection information. These files are automatically processed to generate the simulation model structure, eliminating the need for manual copying and interconnection of simulation objects. The description files serve as reusable templates that define process modules, their inputs, outputs, and interconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of dragging and dropping simulation objects and manually connecting them with an automated computer-based system. The system automatically reads description files, analyzes connection terminals, and interconnects simulation objects based on the data in these files, substituting human manual operations with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual interconnection of simulation objects is performed, then user control is maintained, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of simulation modelVSAvoidcomplexity of model creation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-validation by automatically analyzing description files to determine matching connection terminals and validate connections between process modules. The system checks whether connection terminals match (input to output, compatible types) without requiring manual verification, thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic validation feedback mechanisms where the system analyzes connection terminals and provides information about matching connections. This feedback loop ensures that connections are valid (input terminals connect to output terminals with compatible types) before finalizing the simulation model, thereby improving accuracy without increasing user burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated model creation from description files is implemented, then efficiency is improved, but automation extent must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of simulation model generationVSAvoidlevel of user interaction required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent requires that description files be prepared in advance with all necessary connection information defined. This preliminary action (creating structured description files with process modules, inputs, outputs, and connection data) enables subsequent automated processing to proceed efficiently without requiring user interaction during the actual model generation phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces description files as an intermediary data structure that bridges the gap between process design specifications and simulation model implementation. These files contain structured information about process modules and their connections, serving as a mediator that enables automated system processing while maintaining fidelity to the original design intent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11501036B2Simulations in a model of a process control system

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A system model creating and simulation device for a process control system obtains description files of process modules including inputs, outputs and process control devices therebetween, where each description file specifies, for the corresponding module, connection terminals in the form of inputs and outputs, the process control devices and the interconnection of process control devices between the connection terminals, analyses of the description files, having determining a connection terminal of a first process module matching a connection terminal of a second process module, determines connections between the process modules based on the analysis, having determining a connection between the matching connection terminals, selecting simulation objects corresponding to the process control devices of the process modules, interconnecting the simulation objects according to data in the description files as well as through the connections determined between the process modules for forming a simulation model, and performing simulations in the simulation model.