Process Control Trend Interface for Drag-and-Drop Chart Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Process control systems lack efficient methods for operators to dynamically configure and display trends of multiple process parameters, limiting their ability to monitor and analyze system performance effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a trend interface application that allows operators to select and drag graphical elements from an operator interface to a trend interface, automatically generating charts with trend information, enabling flexible configuration and display of multiple trends at once.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional operator interfaces are used to display process parameters, then the system structure is simple, but the operator's ability to dynamically configure and display trends of multiple process parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional regions: a process diagram region displaying graphical representations of process components, and a trend display region showing trend charts. This segmentation allows operators to interact with each region independently, enabling dynamic configuration of trends without overwhelming complexity. The trend display region can be customized to show different parameters and time periods while the process diagram region maintains its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the traditional process display by introducing time-based trend charts. Operators can drag graphical elements from the process diagram to the trend display region, automatically generating trends that show parameter values over time. This dimensional addition enhances adaptability by allowing dynamic configuration of multiple parameters simultaneously without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If manual configuration methods are used for trend display, then the interface structure is simple, but the time required to set up and modify trends is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating trend data and configuring trend displays based on selected graphical elements from the process diagram. When an operator drags a graphical element to the trend display region, the system pre-configures the trend parameters, selects appropriate time periods, and retrieves relevant data automatically, eliminating manual configuration steps and significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration operations with automated computational processes. Instead of operators manually setting up trend parameters, selecting data sources, and configuring display settings, the system automatically performs these tasks through drag-and-drop interactions. This substitution of mechanical operations with automated processing dramatically improves configuration efficiency while minimizing time loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed trend display formats are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the operator's ability to monitor and analyze multiple parameters simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trend display region is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. Operators can drag graphical elements representing different process components to the trend display region, and the system dynamically updates the trend charts to reflect the selected parameters. The display can show multiple parameters simultaneously with different time periods, and operators can easily modify the configuration by dragging additional elements, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing versatility.
4Loss of information
If detailed trend information for multiple parameters is displayed, then the information completeness is high, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into distinct functional regions that can be independently configured. The process diagram region provides an overview of process components, while the trend display region presents detailed parameter information in chart format. This segmentation allows detailed trend information for multiple parameters to be displayed without overwhelming the entire interface, as each region serves a specific purpose and can be customized independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus to generate and display trends associated with a process control system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes memory, machine readable instructions, and processor circuitry to execute the instructions to generate a first graphical user interface. The first graphical user interface to include a graphical representation of a component in a process control system. The processor circuitry to generate a second graphical user interface. The second graphical user interface to include a chart region with a trend represented therein. The trend indicative of values of a process parameter of the process control system over a period of time. The processor circuitry to automatically generate the trend in the chart region in response to a graphical element being dragged and dropped from the first graphical user interface to the second graphical user interface.