Process Control UI Thumbnail Generation via Visual Marker Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In process control systems, navigating between multiple user interfaces (UIs) is challenging due to the cluttered and reduced size of thumbnails, making it difficult for operators to recognize the components and their operational status, especially when the number of components is large and cannot fit within a single display screen.
Innovation Solution
The method generates a visual representation of UIs using visual markers or indications that replace or supplement process graphics, where the arrangement of these markers corresponds to the arrangement of components, allowing operators to easily recognize UIs and navigate between them by displaying operational status, even in smaller sizes, without clutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thumbnails of graphic windows are used to facilitate navigation between multiple UIs, then the user can access an overview of the entire process and navigate between UIs, but the thumbnail becomes cluttered with graphics objects and the user cannot easily recognize distinctive patterns to identify which part of the process is indicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential visual information needed for identification from the complete graphic window. Instead of displaying reduced-size versions of all graphic objects, the system selectively extracts and displays only the distinctive visual features or simplified representations that enable operators to recognize which process area is represented, thereby eliminating clutter while preserving identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than reducing the size of the entire graphic window to create a thumbnail, the patent inverts the approach by creating a simplified visual representation that highlights only the distinctive identifying features. This inverted approach prioritizes recognition capability over complete visual fidelity, allowing operators to quickly identify process areas without being overwhelmed by detailed graphics
2Quantity of substance
If the number of components in the process is large, then the process can be comprehensively monitored and controlled, but all parts cannot fit within a single UI at a time, requiring multiple UIs that cannot all be displayed simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the large number of process components into multiple UIs, each displaying a specific subset of components. The visual representation system then provides an overview that segments and organizes these multiple UIs in a structured layout, allowing operators to see the distribution of components across different UIs without requiring all components to be visible in a single view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display constraint to a multi-dimensional organization by arranging multiple UIs in a hierarchical or spatial layout that utilizes the display screen more efficiently. The visual representation may organize UIs in rows, columns, or nested structures, effectively adding organizational dimensions that allow comprehensive component monitoring within limited screen real estate
3Quantity of substance
If the size of UI comprising graphic window is reduced to create thumbnail, then more UIs can be displayed on the screen, but the thumbnail comprises relatively small graphic objects that are cluttered with graphics objects making it difficult to recognize distinctive patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential visual information needed for identification from the complete graphic window. Instead of displaying reduced-size versions of all graphic objects, the system selectively extracts and displays only the distinctive visual features or simplified representations that enable operators to recognize which process area is represented, thereby eliminating clutter while preserving identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the visual representation have different levels of detail or emphasis. The distinctive identifying features are enhanced or highlighted with greater visual prominence, while non-essential elements are minimized or omitted. This creates a visual hierarchy where the most important recognition elements stand out clearly even in the reduced thumbnail format
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying visual representation of at least one user interface, UI, of a process control system, the at least one UI being displayed on an electronic visual display unit connectable to the process control system and being adapted to visually indicate relationship between a plurality of components included in at least a part of a process controlled by the process control system, is disclosed. Data associated with different components in the process controlled by the process control system indicative of the operational status of the respective component is used to visualize the operational status of the components in each UI on the electronic visual display unit.