Touch Gesture Stream Connection in Flowsheet Simulator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The process of connecting objects in simulation models for process control systems is tedious and requires repetitive precise movements, especially on touch screens, making it difficult for users with less dexterity and increasing the time needed to construct a simulation model.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a graphical user interface to automatically suggest connections between objects based on proximity and compatibility, allowing users to confirm or decline these suggestions with minimal interface interaction, thereby streamlining the connection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a user manually connects streams between objects by repeatedly tapping ports on a touch screen, then connections can be established, but the process becomes tedious and time-consuming especially when numerous connections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when two objects are in proximity and pre-establishing the connection between their ports before the user completes the tapping action. This preliminary connection setup reduces the number of manual steps required and accelerates the model construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection process is made self-service by enabling the system to automatically identify and connect ports when objects are brought into proximity, without requiring the user to manually select each port. The system serves itself by detecting the connection intent and executing the connection, significantly reducing repetitive user actions.
2Area of stationary object
If ports are made small to fit more objects on the screen, then more objects can be displayed, but selecting the appropriate port becomes difficult for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying which ports to connect when objects are in proximity, eliminating the need for users to manually select small, difficult-to-target ports. The connection is established based on object proximity and system logic rather than precise user input, making the process easier despite small port sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity-based detection acts as an intermediary between the user's intent to connect objects and the actual port connection. Instead of directly requiring precise port selection, the system uses spatial proximity as a mediator to infer the desired connection, simplifying the interaction for users.
3Manufacturing precision
If the connection process requires precise tapping movements on touch screen ports, then accurate connections can be made, but users with less dexterity have more difficulty completing connections
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the correct port connections based on object proximity and compatibility rules, removing the requirement for precise manual tapping. This maintains connection accuracy through system logic while eliminating the dexterity demands on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and port selection before the final connection is made, ensuring accuracy is built into the process rather than relying on precise user input. This preliminary setup guarantees correct connections while accommodating users with varying dexterity levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for iteratively connecting flowsheet model components. Software instructions stored on a memory device and executable by a processor provide for the connection of flowsheet model components by, in response to a received connection indication from a user, suggesting potential connections in response to the connection indication. After further receiving a response from the user confirming the suggested potential connection, an output is rendered on the flowsheet workspace.