Overview of configuring the blueprint
This section gives examples and possible approaches in configuring an Architect blueprint and also gives detailed explanations of the various components of the blueprint.
On this page you can find out about:
What is a blueprint?
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A blueprint is composed of a set of blocks, each having a particular function and capable of manipulating input data, that are connected to one another in a logical sequence.
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A blueprint is typically defined as a detailed plan or program of action. Within Architect context this definition is appropriate since blueprints operate on input data and it specifies which calculations must be performed on the input data and in which order these calculations should be performed.
What is a model?
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A process model is a mathematical relationship, constructed using the most significant and measurable variables in the process, which attempts to represent a real plant unit on a real time basis.
How do I configure the blueprint in Architect?
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Architect provides an interactive environment for the design, development and analysis of models, and the analysis, processing and visualization of data. It is here that the basic blueprint is configured.
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Architect has a component-based architecture, that is, its functionality is provided by an extensible tool-kit of blocks that make up the blueprint (for example a nonlinear model component or a data source component). Each block is designed to perform a specific data processing task and must be configured individually.
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Once the blueprint is correctly configured and the model trained, the user is able to run the blueprint and obtain analysis information regarding his/her process or process unit. An analysis probe can be placed on certain of the blocks, typically a nonlinear model block, and will present the results in a visual manner while online.
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The analysis probe supplies (visually) the following:
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Trending information (where it plots the change in the variable of interest, i.e. the monitored variable, with time),
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Information on the causes for the deviation of the monitored variable from the defined set-point or set-point range
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Information on the variables which would, if increased or decreased, have the most significant effect on the monitored variable (i.e. the positive and negative leverages)
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Interrelationship graphs, which allow the user to map any one of the input (to the block that is being analyzed) variables onto the monitored variable.
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The window in which the blueprint appears is called the Diagram Edit Window. The Diagram Edit Window displays the overall blueprint or a Superblock's contents visually.
Design-time vs Run-time
In design-time, the blueprint is configured, the model is trained (Historical data is extracted from the plant historian in a .csv/text format) and the blueprint is tested to ensure that it is working correctly and generating accurate results.
In run-time, the blueprint executes with the trained model (using real-time data from the SCADA or PLC's) and produces analysis information that allows the user to identify problems with the process.
What is an Architect block?
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An Architect block is a unit that performs a calculation in a blueprint. Thus it manipulates or operates on input data to produce a desired output. An Architect block is defined by a set of inputs, a set of outputs, and a set of properties and it may also fire events.
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Each block is represented by an icon in a rectangular box with the block's unique name underneath. A block's input ports are represented by triangles pointing inwards to the block, while its output ports are represented by triangles pointing outwards.
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In order to select a specific block from the block palette, simply drag and drop the block from the palette into the Architect workspace.
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In order to connect two Architect blocks to one another, click on an output port and, while holding the mouse button down, drag the line to the input port you want to connect it to. When the line gets close to an available port it will automatically jump to that port (called the gravitation effect). To attach it to another port, simply continue to drag it to the intended port until it gravitates towards it. Release the mouse button to create the link.
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In a typical Architect design session, the various blocks in the basic blueprint are configured in order to provide a solution to a modeling problem. Architect creates a description of the blocks, their properties and the connections and interactions between the blocks. This description is called a blueprint.
Within the example of a blueprint, you can find out more about:
Terminology
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Historical data - A collection of data that is kept for possible future reference but is no longer actively maintained or updated. Historical data is typically stored on the plant historian. Architect uses historical data to train a model offline.
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Real-time data - Data presented in usable form at essentially the same time the event occurs. Real-time data is typically sourced from the plant's SCADA system. Architect uses real-time data to generate analysis information while in run-time.
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