SVG-Based Industrial Device Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Web-based interfaces for industrial control systems are resource-intensive, inflexible, and lack support for off-the-shelf software applications, often requiring proprietary software and hardware, and consume significant bandwidth and processing power due to the need for downloading and rendering image files and executing Java applets, which limits their scalability and searchability.
Innovation Solution
The use of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) XML markup language allows for resolution-independent, searchable graphics that can be rendered via basic ASCII drawing commands, eliminating the need for proprietary software and hardware, and enabling remote access to industrial devices through a Web-based interface that can execute SVG files locally, reducing overhead and bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional image files (GIF, TIF, BMP, JPEG) are downloaded and rendered to display graphics, then visual representation is achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases and resolution independence is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional image file rendering system with an SVG-based vector graphics system. Instead of downloading and rendering raster image files (GIF, TIF, BMP, JPEG), the system downloads and executes SVG markup language code that instructs the browser to draw graphics programmatically. This substitution eliminates the need for large image files while achieving the same visual representation, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining graphics rendering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of graphics representation from raster-based pixel arrays to vector-based mathematical descriptions. SVG files store graphical elements as scalable vector paths, shapes, and transformations rather than fixed-resolution pixel data. This parameter change enables resolution independence and significantly reduces file size, addressing both the bandwidth consumption issue and the resolution flexibility requirement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Java applets are downloaded and executed to provide interactivity, then functional capability is enhanced, but processing overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interactivity functionality from heavy Java applet applications and implements it using native SVG elements and standard web technologies. SVG supports event handlers, CSS styling, and JavaScript integration directly within the markup, eliminating the need for separate Java applet runtime environment. This extraction maintains interactivity while reducing software complexity and compatibility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the SVG-based interface universal by using standard web technologies that are natively supported by all modern browsers. Instead of requiring proprietary Java runtime or specific software installations, the SVG implementation works across different platforms and browsers, achieving multi-functionality and broad compatibility without increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If proprietary software and hardware are used to render Web-based interfaces, then rendering capability is improved, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service rendering by enabling the web browser itself to render SVG graphics natively without requiring external proprietary rendering engines or software. Modern browsers have built-in SVG support that can interpret and render SVG markup directly, eliminating the need for additional rendering software or hardware acceleration. This self-service approach maintains rendering capability while reducing processing overhead and resource consumption.
4Manufacturing precision
If resolution-dependent images are used, then image quality is maintained, but scalability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scalability by using SVG vector graphics that can be rendered at any resolution without quality loss. Unlike static raster images, SVG graphics are defined by mathematical equations and can be dynamically scaled to fit any display size or resolution requirement while maintaining crisp edges and perfect quality. This dynamic nature provides both image quality preservation and unlimited scalability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods that employ scalable vector graphics (SVG) to view and effectuate an industrial device from a remote Web interface. The systems and methods can be utilized to retrieve an SVG XML markup language-based file associated with the device and execute the SVG file via basic ASCII drawing commands. Thus, a faceplate of an industrial device and/or other device-related information can be represented via SVG syntax and stored with the device. A user can employ a Web browser from a remote location (e.g., via a Web client) to retrieve the SVG file, wherein the file can be loaded within the Web browser and/or an open source software package. The SVG file can be executed to render an interactive graphical faceplate that can depict LEDs, alphanumeric displays, inputs/output, etc., trending mechanisms (e.g., graphs, charts, etc.), and capabilities to load parameters.