Workflow Deployment Application for Automation Device Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation devices require customized settings for different environments, but users lack clear guidance on configuring these settings, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in commissioning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A workflow design tool and deployment application that allow users to create and deploy customizable workflows for configuring and maintaining automation devices, using a combination of guidance elements and communication protocols to ensure correct parameter settings across various devices and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users manually configure settings for automation devices, then flexibility in customization is improved, but configuration accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to lack of guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the automation device. This mobile device provides a user interface with workflow guidance that mediates the configuration process, allowing users to easily customize settings while ensuring accuracy through structured guidance and automatic parameter validation.
2Reliability
If comprehensive configuration guidance is provided, then configuration accuracy is improved, but system complexity worsens due to multiple guidance elements and workflows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration guidance into distinct workflows, each targeting specific configuration tasks or device types. This segmentation allows comprehensive guidance to be provided without overwhelming the user, as each workflow presents only the relevant information and steps needed for that particular configuration scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance system is designed to be dynamic, adapting the displayed workflows and parameters based on the specific automation device being configured and the user's progress. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide comprehensive guidance only when and where needed, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If workflow guidance is deployed to multiple devices, then productivity is improved, but authorization management complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authorization system where the mobile device serves multiple functions: it provides workflow guidance, manages authorization credentials, validates parameters, and communicates with different automation devices. This multi-functionality allows workflow deployment across multiple devices without proportionally increasing authorization management complexity, as the same mobile device handles all these tasks.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a computer-implemented method comprising: obtaining a file comprising a plurality of guidance elements that describe a workflow for configuring an apparatus; connecting to the apparatus and determining a type of the apparatus; translating the workflow to be compatible with the apparatus; translating the guidance elements into computer instructions; and causing the apparatus to be configured by executing the computer instructions.