Automation Process Flow Visualization for What-If Setting Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of automation systems face challenges in assessing the consequences of changes in system settings due to the complexity and non-readily apparent nature of these changes in existing what-if analysis simulations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that assist operators by obtaining current status data, receiving simulation selections, determining differences in operation, and displaying these differences through graphical objects in the process flow, allowing operators to visualize the consequences of potential changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If simulations are used to analyze what-if scenarios in automation systems, then the operator can investigate consequences of setting changes, but the consequences are not readily apparent and hard to assess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to graphical objects to indicate the magnitude and nature of differences between current and simulated operations. Different colors or shading intensities represent different levels of change, making consequences visually apparent and easy to assess at a glance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the simulation results by manipulating graphical objects to reflect operational differences. Instead of presenting raw data, the system transforms numerical differences into visual representations that are immediately comprehensible to the operator.
2Loss of information
If detailed simulation data is provided to show operational differences, then the completeness of information is improved, but the complexity of the display increases making it harder to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simulation results by applying visual changes to individual graphical objects or specific portions of the process flow diagram. Each graphical object can be independently manipulated to show its specific operational difference, allowing the operator to understand complex changes through manageable visual units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal visual language that can represent multiple types of operational differences using a consistent set of graphical manipulations. The same visual techniques can indicate various kinds of changes (flow rate, temperature, pressure, etc.), simplifying the display system while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A consequence determining device for assisting an operator of an automation system, where the automation system implements a process flow that is displayed to the operator through a number of linked graphical objects representing elements in the process flow. The device obtains current status data of the current operation of the automation system, where the current status data includes current automation system settings, receives a simulation selection from the operator, which simulation selection involves a selection of a simulation with automation system settings that differ from the automation system settings used in the current operation, determines a difference in operation between the automation system as operated with the current automation system settings and the simulation automation system settings and displays the difference through manipulating graphical objects corresponding to elements in the process flow that experience the difference in operation.