Unified Operator Interface for Industrial Process Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems separate configuration of user-adjustable process variables from the presentation of real-time process states, requiring operators to make adjustments in the controller and then verify changes on a separate operator interface, which is inefficient and lacks clear documentation of parameter relationships.
Innovation Solution
Configurable design diagram representations that combine real-time state presentation and parameter configuration on a single graphical interface, allowing operators to modify process parameters directly on a dataflow or state diagram, with mappings to industrial controller data structures, enabling integrated visualization and configuration of industrial processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If configuration and presentation are separated into different interfaces, then each interface can be optimized for its specific function, but operator interaction efficiency deteriorates and time is lost switching between interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration interface and presentation interface into a single unified graphical interface. This allows operators to both configure process parameters and view real-time process states simultaneously on the same screen, eliminating the need to switch between separate interfaces and improving operational efficiency while maintaining clear functional separation through visual organization
2Loss of time
If configuration changes are made in the controller, then parameter settings are updated, but operators must return to the operator interface to verify changes, increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By combining configuration and presentation functions in a single interface, the system allows operators to make parameter changes and immediately observe the effects on process visualizations without switching contexts. The unified interface displays both the configuration elements and real-time process states simultaneously, enabling immediate verification of changes and eliminating time loss from interface switching
3Ease of operation
If separate documentation is provided for system design and behavior, then comprehensive information is available, but ease of understanding deteriorates due to fragmented information
Solution Approach 1:
The unified graphical interface integrates system design documentation and behavioral information directly into the process visualization. The same diagram that displays real-time process states also shows the underlying control logic, parameter configurations, and system design relationships, eliminating the need for separate hardcopy or online documentation and making system understanding immediate and intuitive
4Productivity
If a unified interface combines configuration and presentation, then operator efficiency improves, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines configuration and presentation functions in a unified graphical interface that uses visual differentiation to maintain clarity. Different elements of the interface are distinguished through visual cues such as color coding, iconography, and spatial organization, allowing operators to perform multiple functions simultaneously while the interface remains intuitive and easy to navigate
Solution Approach 2:
Within the unified interface, the system segments different functional areas visually and spatially. Configuration elements are distinctly separated from presentation elements through visual organization, allowing the interface to handle multiple functions while maintaining clarity and reducing perceived complexity through structured layout
Data Source
AI summary
A design diagram representation for an industrial operator interface that combines configuration and presentation aspects is provided. The design diagram representation illustrates state transitions, interlocks, and/or permissives for an industrial process or device as a dataflow diagram, a state diagram, or other such diagrams, and renders live state information for the process or device as numeric indicators, string indicators, color-animated state icons, and the like. Flow lines of the diagram are highlighted based on the displayed state information to convey an overall status of the process. In addition, the design diagram representation includes one or more data fields that allow an operator to modify or set a numeric variable for the industrial process (e.g. a timer, a setpoint, etc.), thereby allowing the industrial process to be viewed and configured using a single interface.