Graphical Icons for Process Variable State and Trend Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
User-configurable process control system interfaces can lead to complex and error-prone operations due to misplaced faith in realistic displays, underestimation of others' interpretation difficulties, and failure to support expert-level understanding, resulting in slow and inaccurate problem detection and identification.
Innovation Solution
The system employs graphical icons to concisely represent process variable states and trends, emphasizing salient characteristics through visual attributes, allowing operators to quickly assess and compare information, thereby facilitating proactive monitoring and reducing alarm tripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If realistic displays are used to represent process control information, then the interface appears more intuitive and easier to understand, but the complexity of the display increases and leads to errors in operation and interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using simple, standardized graphical icons instead of complex realistic displays. These icons are designed to be visually intuitive yet structurally simple, avoiding the complexity of detailed realistic representations while maintaining ease of understanding. The icons serve as simplified substitutes that convey essential process information without the burden of realistic detail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the visual parameters of the display from realistic detailed representations to simplified graphical icons with specific visual attributes. The icons use color, shape, and symbolic representation to convey process variable states and trends, transforming the display from a complex realistic view to a simplified parametric representation that is easier to interpret at a glance.
2Loss of information
If detailed information is provided for all process variables, then completeness of information is improved, but the time required to detect and identify problems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments process information into distinct graphical icon categories representing different process variable states and trends. Each icon is designed to convey specific information segments (current state, trend direction, rate of change) in a visually separated and organized manner, allowing operators to quickly scan and detect problems without being overwhelmed by undifferentiated detailed data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color variations in graphical icons to encode different process variable states and trends. Color changes provide immediate visual cues about the current state and direction of process variables, enabling rapid problem detection without requiring operators to analyze detailed numerical data. The color-coded system maintains information completeness while dramatically reducing the time needed to identify issues.
3Loss of information
If traditional displays are used to show process variable states and trends, then comprehensive information is provided, but operator efficiency decreases due to slower interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified graphical icon copies that represent essential process variable information. Instead of displaying detailed traditional process control visuals, the system uses icon copies that capture the core information (state, trend, direction) in a highly condensed visual form. These icon copies maintain the necessary information completeness while enabling much faster operator interpretation and response.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to graphically display process control system information are disclosed. Some example methods include monitoring process variables in a process control system, determining a current state of a first one of the process variables, and determining a trend associated with the first process variable. Some such examples further include generating a first graphic representative of information associated with the first process variable, the information comprising the current state of the first process variable and the trend of the first process variable. Some example methods also include rendering the first graphic via a display.