JP6538024B2 - Method of providing a process variable pane and computer readable storage medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates generally to process control systems, and more particularly to trend monitoring of process variables and hierarchical graphical navigation of process control plants.

  Process plants such as those used in the chemical, petroleum or other industries are typically at least one host or operator's workstation, via an analog, digital or combined analog / digital bus, And one or more centralized or distributed process controllers communicatively coupled to one or more process control and instrumentation devices, such as field devices. For example, field devices, which can be valves, valve positioners, switches, transmitters, and sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, and flow rate sensors) can increase or decrease fluid flow and measure process parameters within the process. Perform the function. The process controller receives the process measurement value or signal indicative of the process variable and / or other information about the field device obtained or related by the field device and uses this information to implement the control routine. And then control signals that are sent to the field device on one or more of the buses or other communication links to control the operation of the process. Information from the field device and controller is typically made available to one or more applications executed by the operator workstation to allow the operator to view the current state of the process, process operation It is possible to implement the desired function with respect to the process, such as modification. By way of example, the DeltaVTM control system, sold by Emerson Process Management, includes multiple applications stored or executed by different devices located at various locations within the process plant.

  A typical process plant has many process control and instrumentation devices such as valves, transmitters, sensors, etc., which are one or more process controllers that execute software to control these devices during process operation There are many other supporting devices or equipment that are also required for or related to process operation. These additional devices include, for example, power supply equipment, power generation and distribution equipment, storage tanks, heaters, rotating equipment such as turbines, etc., located at multiple locations in a typical plant. This additional device does not necessarily create or use process variables, and in many cases is not controlled or coupled to the process controller to affect process operation, but still this device Important for proper operation and ultimately necessary.

  The configuration application, resident on one or more operator workstations, manages the data to the operator to manage the relative locations of many of the field devices and parts of the equipment and information from them To allow the operator to change settings, such as set points, within the process control routine. Each dedicated controller and, in some cases, one or more field devices, store and execute controller applications assigned to it and operating the downloaded control module to implement actual process control functionality . A viewing application, which may be activated on one or more operator workstations, receives data from the controller application via the bus and uses the user interface to process control system designer, operator or user of this data. The display may provide any of a number of different views, such as an operator view, an engineer view, a technician view, and the like. While the database application is typically stored in a database device that collects and stores some or all of the data provided across the bus and stored thereby, the configuration database application is attached to the bus A further computer may operate to store the current process control routine configuration and data associated therewith. Alternatively, the configuration database may be located on the same workstation as the configuration application.

  As the complexity and number of field devices used in process control environments has increased, different viewing applications, such as graphical display applications, have been provided to allow users, such as operators, to monitor processes. . For example, the graphical display application may allow the control operator to view the current function of the process plant or the area of the process plant, or the maintenance personnel may view the state of hardware devices in the process plant Etc. have been used, etc., to enable simulation of the process plant.

  As an example, one type of graphical display application may allow the user to monitor the current capabilities of the process plant in real time using piping (or process) and instrumentation (P & ID). P & ID generally includes a graphical representation of plant equipment and functionality that together form a functional plan view of a particular part of the process. The graphical representations within the P & ID are generally arranged in a quasi-realistic manner, thus providing a more true layout of the process control equipment, whereby the location of each part of the P & ID equipment is in a sense a sense , Reflect the actual equipment placement of the process plant. For example, a graphical display application may be depicted by delineating each part of the crude unit's equipment in a spatially represented layout so that it includes several parts of the equipment such as heaters, storage tanks, demineralizers, etc. P & ID may be used to represent crude units in specific areas of the process plant.

  In addition, P & IDs typically allow the operator to monitor parameters (such as process variable values) in the plant in real time, while providing highly user-configurable display options. Unfortunately, however, the display of P & ID real-time values does not effectively support the detection of changes in these real-time values over time. In other words, the display of real time process variable values via P & ID does not allow the user of P & ID to easily detect or understand trends in the real time data being depicted. In fact, it may be difficult for the user to view and understand the real-time data itself, as P & IDs tend to pack real-time values in the screen space not used by the device being rendered during the quasi-spatial realistic display. Temporal trends in the data are even more pronounced.

  To exacerbate this problem, P & ID developers are more likely to get the details associated with process plant equipment under the belief that the more such data, the better the user's understanding of the process will be. It has further attempted in recent years to design P & ID displays to reflect, or to reflect more complex process plants. This pressure to create more complex P & IDs allows developers to embed more information into P & IDs from the increasingly complex process plants, including larger numbers of equipment and field devices, and subsequently display them. Brought In addition to serving to hide real-time data in the scatter states of more various figures, these more complex P & IDs typically include inconsistent layouts (between each P & ID), and between multiple different P & IDs. For users who have to switch on, locating the location of real-time parameter values becomes increasingly difficult. In fact, these recent trends merely exacerbate confusion within P & ID, which further slows the search of process parameter data performed by the user.

  As a result, operators who use P & ID to monitor a process can quickly lose concentration on the vast amount of information presented in P & ID, or such huge amounts of detailed data become operators As such, it is possible to miss important process variable trends or patterns that appear in the process. Also, this huge amount of data, especially in large and complex process plants, is difficult to view, much less P & ID and (potentially available through P & ID, process variable trend graphs etc. Acknowledgment and understanding using only the support graph or chart of As a result, the operator can spend unnecessary time and effort finding the location of the current value of the process variable and comparing it to the set point value, target value, etc. Also, by not detecting or identifying problems in the process more quickly, such as, for example, deteriorating conditions of certain process variables, the operator can potentially become seriously injured, property damage, environmental pollution, or even death. Response to correct a runaway process can be slow. These "fear episodes" may occur more frequently if the operator is attempting to monitor a more complex and / or larger plant via P & ID.

  In addition, navigation within P & IDs of large and complex process plants can present difficulties for the operator. Due to the hierarchical nature and vast scope of the process plant, navigation to different parts or areas of the process plant via P & ID can be confusing, difficult and counter-intuitive. Depending on the current hierarchy level or level of detail of the representation of the process plant that the control operator is viewing via P & ID, the operator is displayed in the display area within the context of the other areas of the process plant. It can be difficult to properly determine the current position within the expression of. In the current P & ID browsing implementation, while browsing the current location or area of the process plant's representation at this particular hierarchical level of P & ID, the operator can navigate through the plant's representation a limited number of hyperlinks Will be provided. Each of these hyperlinks, which may indicate areas, units, parts of equipment in the plant, generally only appear as text and do not indicate any of their specific locations or hierarchy levels relative to other areas or units in the plant . That is, there is typically no consistent stimulus-response mapping between the navigation hyperlinks and those to which they are linked, and when navigating through a series of interconnected P & IDs Leave behind the less experienced operators with a sense of certainty.

  Also, the hyperlinks provided to the operators are generally only for navigation within the current hierarchy level, and do not provide additional options for navigation of locations within the process plant's representation and the entire hierarchy. In other words, P & ID lacks the ability for the operator to "drill down" to a more detailed hierarchy level while maintaining the context of the overall representation of the process plant. For example, if different areas of the process plant's representation require immediate attention of the operator, such as process variables in different areas leading to process runaway situations, then the operator may say during the process plant to the current location of the process plant. You may struggle to determine the location of the different areas of the city, and to navigate there. As a result, the operator may endure unpredictable navigation (eg, trial and error clicks, etc.) during time-constrained accidents, which may lead to poor operator decisions through unnecessary stress and irritation. Can lead to

  Similarly, if the operator successfully navigates to the location of the different areas of the identified problem, the control operator may still have to try to get the appropriate level of detail of the process control variables. At too high a level of detail, there may be too few process control information possessed by the operator when viewing only P & ID. Alternatively, the operator may possess too many details when viewing multiple process variable trend graphs, such as when attempting to compare current process variable values to set point information. Also, detailed sources of information may not be integrated with P & ID, and may require the control operator to view information at various levels of detail, distributed across multiple separate windows or screens . Having too little or too many details, respectively, can lead to incomplete or late decision making by the control operator, which can cause critical consequences or serious consequences during a period of time.

  Process control and monitoring systems for process control plants use graphical trend symbols to assist in detecting and monitoring trends in process variables within the process control plant. Graphical display applications within the process control and monitoring system may implement and display each graphical trend symbol to graphically represent or incorporate current trend and value information of process variables within the process control plant. Specifically, the graphical display application uses process variable data collected from field devices and stored in a database to generate one or more graphical elements that are displayed together to form a graphical trend symbol. You may Each graphic element may represent different attributes of the process variable associated with the graphic tendency symbol, and is a graphic showing the trend information of the process variable such as the change rate of the process variable, the change direction of the process variable, the desirability of the process variable May include trending elements. Similarly, the graphic elements may also include graphic value elements indicating current value information of the process variable, such as the size of the process variable from the target value, the position of the process variable with respect to the target value, and the like. The graphical display application may display one or more of these graphical elements together to form a graphical trend symbol, and may graphically or symbolically indicate the current trend or value of the process variable. Also, the graphical display application may use P & ID, etc., so that the operator can quickly align itself with the location of the process variable associated with the graphical trend with respect to the area surrounding the graphical trend in the graphical representation. Graphical trend symbols may be displayed at spatially realistic locations within the graphical representation of the process control plant.

  Advantageously, the graphical display application may provide the operator with the hierarchical structure of the process plant relative to the displayed graphical representation or the anteroposterior relationship of each hierarchical level (e.g. a particular area, unit, part of equipment, etc.) to the operator. Graphical trend symbols may be displayed within the graphical representation of the process plant while simultaneously displaying the panes. Importantly, the graphical representation application can also quickly navigate through the different hierarchical levels via the navigation pane to monitor graphical trend symbols within the context of different hierarchical levels within the graphical representation of the process plant. It can assist the operator in navigating. In particular, the graphical display application may consistently display the navigation pane consistently at the same relative position to the graphical representation to provide predictable and efficient navigation within the graphical representation of the process plant. In particular, the graphical display application may implement the navigation pane and include different types of selector icons, wherein each selector icon in the navigation pane represents a different unit, area, piece of equipment, etc., within the graphical representation of the plant. Corresponds to the specific graphical depiction displayed on. Beneficially, the graphical display application allows the operator to easily distinguish between different hierarchy levels and corresponding process variables in the process plant while maintaining the context of the overall plant, during different types of selection areas. Display different types of selector icons. In response to receiving a selection of selector icons in a particular selection area within the navigation pane, the graphical display application may reposition or change the level of detail of the graphical representation of the process plant according to the selected selector icons.

  When displaying graphical trend symbols in a spatially realistic view of a graphical representation of a plant, the graphical display application may generate one or more of a variety of detailed process variables associated with the displayed graphical trend symbols. Process variable information views can be additionally provided. Advantageously, the graphical display application decides to implement one or more process variable information panes of various levels of detail, depending on various factors such as screen space, process variables in critical situations, etc. It can. The graphical display application implements each pane to display different levels of detailed information about one or more process variables corresponding to the displayed graphical trend symbol in the currently displayed view of the graphical representation. For example, the graphical display application may display an overview pane that may only include graphical trend symbols and associated names of process variables for one or more graphical trend symbols displayed with the graphical representation. Additionally, the graphical display application may also display one or more of the current process variable's scale / position values and target value comparison charts, and / or graphical representations, in addition to the information provided, for example, in the summary pane. A detail pane may also be displayed, which may include the actual actuator or value position for the graphical trend symbol of. Also, the graphical display application may display an extended pane, which may include, for example, past graphs of process variables in addition to the information provided in the detail pane. Importantly, the graphical display application responds to receipt of the selection of the graphical trend symbol in the graphical representation, the selection of the corresponding process variable view in the overview pane, the selection of the corresponding process variable view in the detail pane, etc. Thus, all of the graphical trend symbols in the graphical representation and the various detailed views of the corresponding process variables in the pane can be dynamically highlighted.

  For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in the drawings.

Process control with controller (or control element) configured to receive process variable information from several field devices via communication between the controller and several field devices according to one aspect of the present disclosure FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a system. 8 is a screen shot of an exemplary crude unit graphical representation within a portion of a process control plant and a navigation pane for the process control plant. 6 illustrates another implementation of the navigation pane of FIG. FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary navigation pane containing the exemplary navigation buttons of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary navigation pane that contains the exemplary navigation buttons of FIGS. 2A and / or 2B. FIG. 3C illustrates another view of the exemplary navigation pane of FIG. 2C. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a navigation pane for a process control plant. FIG. 6 is a screen shot of a highlighted graphical representation of a heater in a graphical representation of an exemplary crude unit within a portion of a process control plant and a navigation pane for the process control plant. FIG. 6 is a screen shot of an exemplary heater graphic, navigation pane, summary pane, and extension pane within a portion of a process control plant. FIG. 2 is a diagram of an exemplary graphical trend symbol. Process variable attribute list that can be used to create graphical trend symbols. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 illustrates an example icon for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables corresponding to components in the example process control system of FIG. FIG. 6 is a detail view of the overview pane, detail pane, and extension pane of the screen shot of FIG. 5; Figure 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the overview pane of Figure 18; FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the detail pane of FIG. 18 that contains an exemplary process variable graphic to show more information than the exemplary graphic of FIG. 18A. FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the process variable pane of FIG. 18 that contains an exemplary process variable graphic to show more information than the exemplary graphic of FIG. 18B. FIG. 19 illustrates the exemplary process variable summary pane of FIGS. 18A-18C in a collapsed configuration. 7 illustrates an exemplary event history table for display. FIG. 10 is a screen shot of a highlighted process variable and some corresponding highlighted detail views of the selected process variable. It is an exemplary method of generating a graphical trend symbol. It is an exemplary method of generating a graphical trend symbol.

  The process control and monitoring system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, which may be used to implement and display the graphical trend symbols described herein, includes a database 12 and one or more host workstations or computers 14 (optional Computer), which may be a personal computer, work station or the like), connected via a network bus 31 such as, for example, an Ethernet communication network. Each workstation 14 may include, for example, a memory for storing a plurality of applications, including a graphical display application 30, and may be communicatively coupled to the user interface 13. The controller 11 is also connected to the field devices 15-22 via input / output (I / O) cards 26 and 28. Database 12 may be any desired form of data collection unit having any desired form of memory and any desired or known software, hardware or firmware for storing data. The system 10 may also store process variable values or process variable data in the database 12 for use in generating graphical trend symbols and subsequent display to an operator. In FIG. 1, the controller 11 is communicatively connected to the field devices 15-22 using a hardwired communication network and communication scheme, or alternatively, a wireless network and wireless communication scheme.

  In general, field devices 15-22 may be any type of device such as sensors, valves, transmitters, positioners etc., while I / O cards 26 and 28 are Fieldbus protocol, HART protocol, 4-20 ma analog protocol Etc. may be any type of I / O device according to any desired communication or controller protocol. The valves, sensors, and other devices illustrated in FIG. 1 can be any desired type or type of device, such as, for example, Fieldbus field devices, standard 4-20 ma field devices, HART field devices, etc. It can be connected to and controlled by the controller 11 in a desired manner. Also, other controllers may be connected to the controller 11, as well as to the workstation 14, for example via the Ethernet communication line 31, to control other devices or areas associated with the process plant 16, etc. The operation of the additional controller may be coordinated with the operation of controller 11 illustrated in FIG. 1 in any desired or known manner.

  The controller 11 includes a processor 23 that implements or oversees one or more process control routines (or any module, block, or subroutine thereof) stored in memory 24. Generally speaking, controller 11 communicates with devices 15-22, host computer 14, and database 12 to control the process in any desired manner. Also, the controller 11 may implement a control strategy or scheme using what is commonly referred to as functional blocks, each functional block operating in conjunction with other functional blocks (via communications called links) , An object or other part (e.g., a subroutine) of the overall control routine that implements the process control loop within the process control and monitoring system 10. The functional blocks are typically control functions associated with, for example, input functions associated with, for example, transmitters, sensors, or other process parameter measurement devices, for example, control routines that implement control such as PID, fuzzy logic, etc. Or perform one of the output functions that control the operation of some devices, such as valves, to perform some physical functions within the process control and monitoring system 10. Of course, hybrid and other types of functional blocks exist and may be exploited herein. The functional blocks may be stored in and executed by the controller 11 or other devices described below.

  Generally speaking, the process control and monitoring system 10 of FIG. 1, for example, allows the operator to monitor the process via a spatially realistic graphical representation of the plant, and within the context of the hierarchical structure of the process plant. One of the processes of one or more process control plants in which one of the workstations 14 executes a graphical display application, enabling the user interface 13 to navigate to different areas of the process plant's representation in It can be used for monitoring. In the exemplary process control and monitoring system illustrated in FIG. 1, such graphical display application 30 resides on the workstation 14. However, graphics display application 30 may be stored and executed in other workstations 14 or in other computers communicatively connected to bus 31 in any desired manner, including any wireless manner. .

  Referring back to FIG. 1, the database 12 includes equipment data such as a list of equipment units in the plant and equipment hierarchy, management information on various areas of the plant, association of the equipment units with plant areas, hierarchical breakdown of equipment, Configuration data may be stored, including field device data such as location data for each field device, the association of the field device with a piece of equipment, and other configuration data. Also, the database 12 may be a separate server or group of servers, or if the process plant control surveillance network 10 is sufficiently small, the database 12 may simply be dedicated to the file system of one of the workstations 14 It will be noted that it may be implemented as a process service unit. Importantly, the system 10 displays graphics in the database 12 for use in both current and past process variable values collected from the field devices 15-22 or, for example, for generation of graphic trend symbols and display to the operator. Process variable data generated by display application 30 may be stored.

  In general, the operator may operate or execute the graphical display application 30 to implement and display graphical trend symbols within the graphical representation of the process plant, either in operation or in a simulation environment. Graphical display application 30 may retrieve or receive process variable information for a particular process variable from database 12 to generate process variable data and process variable trend data. A graphical display application may use these process variable data and process variable trend data in generating graphical trend symbols and displaying them in a graphical representation of a process plant.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, for example, the graphical display application 30 includes a graphical representation of a plant component, in this case a crude unit 53, displayed in the display area 52 and the navigation pane 54. Screen shot 50 is presented to the operator. The graphical representation 53 of the crude unit displayed represents only a portion of the overall graphical representation of the process plant (i.e. the entire P & ID), and in particular, the crude unit of the process plant (e.g. "crude unit 1") Delineate only the equipment contained within the label). As can be seen in FIG. 2, the graphic display application includes the space of crude units in the plant including graphical and realistic depictions of equipment such as heaters 56, distillation towers 58, demineralizers 60, etc. that make up the crude units. A graphical representation 53 of the crude unit may be displayed to include a more realistic arrangement (eg, P & ID). The graphic display application may connect part of the equipment, identifier label, and any part of the equipment to other parts of the equipment or other inflow / outflow source such as fuel oil, fuel gas, water source, etc. Each portion of the displayed device may be displayed to include realistic depictions of connections and the like. For example, the heater 56 may be a heater, for example, while showing the input and output associated with the heater 56, such as the steam inlet pipe 57, the fuel oil inlet pipe 59, the fuel oil inlet pipe 63, and the crude oil outlet pipe 65. And a realistic depiction of the identifier label "H-138". The graphical display application may display a graphical representation of crude unit 53 within display area 52 so as to also include specific or important process variable information for each piece of equipment. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, graphical display application 30 may be used for some process variables associated with heater 56, such as inlet pressure, outlet pressure, and crude oil temperature (discussed in more detail below). Display process variable data of.

  The navigation pane 54 provides the operator with a hierarchical framework or context within the structure that reflects the actual hierarchical structure of the process plant, as shown in FIG. Enables efficient navigation to graphical trend symbols in a graphical representation of a process plant. In particular, navigation pane 54 allows the operator to quickly recognize areas or portions of the process plant that are currently displayed in display area 52 in the context of, or with respect to, the overall representation of process plant 61. obtain. In addition, the navigation pane 54 allows for the operator to navigate efficiently to different areas of the process plant representation, regardless of the hierarchy level of the different areas of the process plant representation. Some or all may be provided clearly. Advantageously, the graphics display application 30 consistently and consistently displays the navigation pane 54 at the same location relative to the display area 52 in the screenshot 50 to provide predictable and efficient within the process plant representation. Navigation may be provided to the operator.

  In FIG. 2, the navigation pane 54 may represent a process plant 61 and units and equipment associated with the process plant 61 in the process plant 61 hierarchy. In particular, the navigation pane 54 is one or more unit selector icons 66, 68, 70, labeled "crude unit 1", "crude unit 2", and "crude unit 3", respectively, in this example. And a unit selection area 62. Navigation pane 54 may also include device selection area 64, which may include one or more device selector icons 72-82, which correspond to particular parts of the device in the actual plant. In response to receiving a selection of one of the unit selector icons, such as, for example, "crude unit 1" unit selector icon 66, graphics display application 30 is associated with or contained within the selected unit. One or more device selector icons 72-82 corresponding to one or more portions of the device are displayed in the device selection area 64. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the graphic display application 30 includes a “demineralizer” device selector icon 72, a “storage tank” device selector icon 74, a “tower” device selector icon 76, and a “top receiver” device selector. Display all equipment associated with the selected "crude unit 1" unit selector icon 66, including icon 80 and "heater" equipment selector icon 82. Of course, the navigation pane 54 of the process control and monitoring system 10 may include any number of hierarchy levels and selection areas, and is not limited to two hierarchy levels including units and equipment. Similarly, in response to receiving, for example, the selection of the "crude unit 2" unit selector icon 68, the graphics display application 30 may display an instrument selector icon (shown in FIG. Fill the device selection area 64 with not shown.

  By way of example, FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary navigation pane 2600 associated with at least a portion of a process control system (eg, the exemplary process control system 10 of FIG. 1). The exemplary navigation pane 2600 includes a plurality of navigation buttons 2602, 2604, 2606, 2608, 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618 that are sorted or arranged in separate columns 2620, 2622, 2624. Each navigation button 2602, 2604, 2606, 2608, 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618 corresponds to a specific component (eg, plant, area, unit, equipment module, control module, etc.) within the process control system. . Each column 2620, 2622, 2624 corresponds to a different level in the hierarchy of components of the process control system, and thus navigation buttons 2602, 2604 associated with the component corresponding to the hierarchical level in each column 2620, 2622, 2624. , 2606, 2608, 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618. In the illustrated embodiment, higher or higher levels of components (eg, parent components) go to the left and lower levels (eg, child components or subcomponents) to the right. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A, the left column 2620 is labeled "Texas Plant", which corresponds to the plant level of the hierarchy of process control systems and corresponds to a single plant in the process control system. Containing a single navigation button 2602. In the illustrated embodiment, the next lower level in the hierarchy (corresponding to the middle row 2622) is the unit level, which corresponds to three process units in the process control system plant, respectively “ It contains navigation buttons 2604, 2606, 2608 labeled "crude unit 1", "crude unit 2", and "crude unit 3". The next lower level in the example hierarchy (and the lowest level represented by column 2624 in the example navigation pane 2600) is the equipment module level, which corresponds to the five process modules of the process control system And navigation buttons 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618 labeled "storage tank", "demineralizer", "heater", "tower" and "top receiver" respectively. In some embodiments, navigation pane 2600 may contain more columns to represent other levels in the hierarchy of process control systems (eg, at the equipment module level and / or control module level). .

  In the illustrated embodiment, each column 2620, 2622, 2624 of the illustrated embodiment corresponds to a single branch of a child component associated with a common parent component in the hierarchy. That is, the navigation buttons associated with lower levels in the hierarchy shown in the exemplary navigation pane 2600 are components represented by one of the navigation buttons in the level immediately above the corresponding lower level. Corresponding to a component that is a subset of the components contained within one of the For example, the navigation buttons 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618 in the right level column 2624 may correspond to process modules all associated with the same process unit in the process control system (eg, middle column 2622) The first crude process unit) associated with the navigation button 2604 in). Similarly, each of the three navigation buttons 2604, 2606, 2608 in the middle row 2622 may correspond to process units all associated with the same plant (eg, associated with the navigation button 2602 in the left row 2620) Plant). Thus, crude process units associated with navigation buttons 2606, 2608 may have multiple subcomponents (eg, multiple devices and / or control modules), but these are not shown in the hierarchy. Because it is in a branch, it is not represented by the navigation buttons in the navigation pane 2600 shown in FIG. 2A. In the illustrated embodiment, the particular branch of each level of hierarchy displayed in navigation pane 2600 at any given point in time is a current representation of the process control system (e.g., the current view within P & ID display area 302). It can be based on the process chart 304).

  For example, if the heater module associated with the navigation button 2614) of the first crude process unit associated with the navigation button 2604) is currently being viewed, the plant associated with the top level (eg, the navigation button 2602) All navigation buttons in the branch are displayed from the bottom down to the level associated with the heater module. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, sibling components at each level of the hierarchy (eg, components that branch directly from the same parent component on one level of the hierarchy) are also displayed. In some embodiments, navigation buttons that correspond to particular components currently being viewed (eg, via P & ID display area 302) may be distinguished graphically from other navigation buttons. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, when the operator is viewing the P & ID for the heater module of the first unit of the plant, the navigation button 2614 corresponding to the heater module determines it from the remaining navigation buttons Have unique visual characteristics (eg, different patterns). Although the illustrated embodiment shows navigation buttons 2614 having a unique pattern, any other visually distinctive characteristic may be used instead (eg, shading, color, shape, etc. Size, outline, orientation, sign, notation, edging, luster, highlighting etc.). In addition, or alternatively, each navigation button within a direct path or line from the top level of the hierarchy being displayed (e.g. plant) to a specific component below (e.g. area, unit, module etc) Are graphically altered to distinguish them from other navigation buttons. For example, the navigation buttons 2602, 2604, 2614 include thick borders, but any other visually distinguishable feature can be used instead. In this way, the operators can quickly quickly see what they are viewing and how they relate to other components in the process control system and other navigation buttons in the navigation pane 2600. It can be judged.

  Preferably, the graphic display application 30 displays a shadow on the selected unit selector icon (e.g. "crude unit 1" unit selector icon 66) and the background of the device selection area 64, as shown in FIG. 2, for example. In addition, the selection of the unit selector icons 66-70 of FIG. 2 may be indicated by indicating that the device selector icons 72-82 are associated with the selected unit selector icon 66. Similarly, FIG. 2B illustrates another exemplary navigation pane 2700 associated with the same portion of the exemplary process control system depicted in the exemplary navigation pane 2600 of FIG. 2A. The exemplary navigation pane 2700 is exemplary except that each branch in the hierarchy is arranged in a separate tab 2702, 2704, 2706, 2708, including the plant associated with the navigation button 2602). Similar to navigation pane 2600. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the tabs 2702, 2704, 2706, 2708 associated with each component in the direct line of the hierarchy are displayed in the front view, highlighted with a bold outline, and / or otherwise. Are identified graphically. The navigation buttons of FIG. 2B associated with the current display (e.g., the graphical representation 53) of the display area 52 (e.g., the navigation button 2614 associated with the heater module) are visually distinguished (e.g., shaded) , Color, patterns, highlighting, contours, luster etc). In this way, the operator can visually identify the context of the current view displayed in the display area 52 relative to the remainder of the process control system. Furthermore, the outline of the tabs 2702, 2708 is that each of the three crude process units (represented by the navigation buttons 2604, 2606, 2608) is a subcomponent within the plant (represented by the navigation buttons 2602) And each of the five process modules (represented by navigation buttons 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618) being sub-components within the first crude process unit (represented by navigation buttons 2604) And, to help to represent graphically.

  FIG. 2C illustrates another exemplary navigation pane 2800 associated with the same portion of the exemplary process control system of FIGS. 2, 2A, and / or 2B. However, unlike the other example navigation panes, the example navigation pane 2800 has a top banner with a title 2804 (eg, a Texas plant) that identifies the top level of the process control system represented by the navigation pane. 2802 is included. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2C, the left column 2806 corresponds to the unit level of the hierarchy and contains navigation buttons 2604, 2606, 2608 and the middle column 2808 corresponds to the area level of the hierarchy , Navigation buttons 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618. The right column 2810 of the exemplary navigation pane 2800 includes navigation buttons 2812, 2814, 2816 that correspond to components (eg, devices and / or control modules) in the next lower level of the hierarchy. In some embodiments, each column 2806, 2808, 2810 may have an adjustable width to accommodate more or fewer components associated with the corresponding level of the hierarchy. Additionally or alternatively, columns 2806, 2808, 2810 may contain more navigation buttons, which are shown at any time but can be viewed by using the corresponding scroll bar 2818. The exemplary navigation pane 2800 has a display area rather than a graphical representation of the crude process unit 53 displayed via the display area 52 as the navigation pane 2800 shows additional detail and is shown in FIG. Similar or identical to the example navigation pane 54 of FIG. 2 except that it corresponds to a heater module displayed via 52.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the lower level components contained within the particular higher level components represented in the exemplary navigation pane 2800 are disposed next to each higher level navigation button and hierarchically A marker 2820 (e.g., a triangle or an arrow) that corresponds to the direct line of the component within and points downward towards the navigation button associated with the currently displayed component. For example, marker 2820 next to navigation button 2604 may include all navigation buttons displayed in lower levels (eg, navigation buttons 2610, 2612, 2614, 2616, 2618 in column 2808 and navigation buttons 2812, 2814 in column 2810). , 2816) correspond to sub-components in the first crude process unit of the process control system (ie, the upper component associated with the navigation button 2604). Similarly, markers 2820 next to navigation buttons 2614 indicate that navigation buttons 2812, 2814, 2816 correspond to components within the heater module (ie, the upper components associated with navigation buttons 2614). Additionally or alternatively, the direct path of the component from the top level of the hierarchy to the currently displayed component down also changes the appearance of the corresponding navigation button (s) along the direct path (E.g., by changing the shading, color, pattern, brightness, outline, etc. of the corresponding navigation button (s) which are similar to those described above in connection with FIG. 2A). Further, similar to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the navigation button (eg, navigation button 2614 associated with the heater module) in FIG. 2C associated with the current display (eg, graphical representation 53) of display area 52 Visually distinguishable (eg, unique shading, patterns, colors, shapes, sizes, outlines, orientations, symbols, notations, matteness, highlighting, etc.). Of course, for example, the same symbol indicator (for example, an asterisk in the upper corner of the selector icon, etc.) is displayed in each of the device selector icons displayed in the selected unit selector icon (not shown). Any suitable manner may be employed to indicate that the icons 72-82 and the device selection area 54 are associated with the selected unit selector icon 66.

  As described in more detail below, selecting any one of the navigation buttons (eg, via a mouse click) may cause the current display of the process control system (eg, the graphic displayed in display area 52) The representation 53) may be modified to correspond to the selected component. Thus, in addition to providing the operator with an awareness of the context regarding the current display as well as the alarm status of the components associated with the other components, the exemplary navigation pane 2800 allows the operator to control the process control system. Navigate quickly to any of the components within and allow the corresponding P & ID and / or other information to be displayed for further analysis. In another embodiment, selecting one of the navigation buttons (eg, via a mouse click) does not immediately change process diagram 304 to the selected component, but simply selects within the navigation pane. You may just display a preview of the component you have selected. For example, as the operator is viewing the exemplary navigation pane 2800 as shown in FIG. 2C, as shown in the alert summary icon 2626 of the navigation button 2608 corresponding to the third crude process unit of the process control system. It may be desirable to know the source of a single alarm. In this case, the operator selects the navigation button 2608 in the left column 2806 to update the other columns 2808, 2810, and is associated with the third crude process unit sub-component as shown in FIG. 2D. Navigation buttons can be displayed. That is, upon selection of the navigation button 2608 in the exemplary navigation pane 2800 of FIG. 2C, markers 2820 are displayed next to the navigation button 2608 and the middle column 2808 is within the third crude process unit of the process control system. The new navigation buttons 2902, 2904, 2906, 2908, and 2910 corresponding to the components are shown to be rearranged. Next, when navigation button 2904 is selected (shown as an alarm source or position based on alarm overview icon 2626), the right column is repositioned with navigation buttons 2912, 2914, 2916 and another marker 2820 Displayed next to the navigation buttons 2904, indicating that the navigation buttons 2912, 2914, 2916 in the third column 2810 correspond to sub-components in the demineralizer module represented by the navigation buttons 2904.

  Although the content of the rows 2806, 2808, 2810 between the exemplary navigation panes 2800 shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D is different, in some embodiments, the navigation pane 2800 of FIG. 2D is a third crude process unit. And the P & ID of the heater module of the first crude process unit will remain on display in the graphical representation 53. In some embodiments, navigating to the preview display in navigation pane 2800 can be accomplished by selecting the corresponding navigation button in a first manner (eg, a single click of a mouse), and processing plant The actual navigation to a new part of (for example with a different graphical representation 53) can be achieved by selecting the corresponding navigation button in a different second manner (for example a double click of the mouse) .

  As mentioned above, the distinctive appearance of the marker 2820 next to the navigation button 2608, 2904 of FIG. 2D and / or the navigation button 2608, 2904 of FIG. 2D (for example based on shading, color, pattern, border, display etc) Indicates the relationship (eg, branching and / or path of the hierarchy) of the navigation buttons in each column 2806, 2808, 2810 currently displayed. However, when the navigation pane of the preview is shown (eg, navigation pane 2800 of FIG. 2D), navigation buttons corresponding to particular components actually displayed in graphical representation 53 may be hidden (eg, , Navigation button 2614 of Figure 2C). Thus, as shown in the exemplary navigation pane 2800 of FIG. 2D, another marker 2918 corresponds to a branch of the process control system hierarchy associated with the currently displayed component in the graphical representation 53. It may be displayed next to the navigation button. Further, marker 2918 may differ in appearance (e.g., based on color, pattern, contour, shape, writing, etc.) from marker 2820 described above and may distinguish the purpose of markers 2820, 2918. In some embodiments, the unique visual characteristics of marker 2918 may be visually distinguishable features of a navigation button (eg, navigation button 2614 of FIG. 2C) associated with the component corresponding to graphical representation 53. (Eg, color, pattern, shading, highlighting, bordering, etc.).

  As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the upper banner 2802 is an exemplary navigation so as to display navigation buttons associated with components in the currently displayed process control system via the graphical representation 53. A P & ID display button 2826 for returning the pane 2800 is included. For example, after navigating to the navigation pane 2800 of the preview shown in FIG. 2D, the navigation pane 2800 is currently displayed in the P & ID display area 302 if the operator selects the P & ID display button 2826 (eg, a mouse click). It is possible to return to the display shown in the navigation pane 2800 of FIG. 2C corresponding to the heater module. In some embodiments, the top banner 2802 may also include a back button 2828 and a forward button 2830 to allow the operator to browse back and forth between different displays navigated while using the navigation pane 2800. it can. Additionally or alternatively, the top banner 2802 also skips back and forth between pages associated with the at least one process variable currently in alarm (eg, the graphical representation 53 of the process plant in the display area 52) A front alarm button 2832 and a next alarm button 2834 are provided. Additionally, the top banner 2802 is for reconfiguring the navigation pane 2800 to display only navigation buttons associated with components that include at least one process variable under alarm conditions, and / or to high importance alerts An alert filter button 2836 can be provided to filter the navigation pane 2800 to display only the associated navigation buttons. Additionally or alternatively, separate sort buttons may be used to sort and / or filter the navigation buttons in other ways (eg, sort alphabetically, in order of operation, in order of importance, etc.) It can be provided.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, screenshot 55 relates to process variables associated with process variable alarm indicators 84-98, or instrument selector icons 72-82 displayed, unit selector icons 66-70, and plant 61. A detailed view of the navigation pane 54 is displayed, further including badges indicating different types of alerts that occur. For example, the alarm indicator 84 associated with the "storage tank" equipment selector icon 74 is a low priority alarm that indicates a less urgent condition for a particular process variable associated with a storage tank in the process plant. Because the alert indicator 84 associated with the "storage tank" device selector icon 74 is associated with a low priority alert, the graphical display application 30 may indicate a particular color, shading, symbol indicator, or low priority alert. The alarm indicator 84 may be displayed in any other suitable manner. However, if the alert indicator is associated with a high priority alert, such as the alert indicator 90 associated with the “heater” device selector icon 82, the graphics display application 30 may color, shade, different from the low priority alert. The alarm indicator 90 may be displayed by a symbol indicator or the like. Also, one selector icon 66-82 may indicate both a low priority alert and a high priority alert for more than one process variable associated with a particular selector icon. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the graphics display application 30 displays one low priority alert 88 and one high priority alert 90 associated with the “heater” device selector icon 82. Of course, any number of priority alert levels may be used with the alert indicators 84-98.

  Advantageously, the graphical display application 30 associates each process variable alert with a corresponding graphical trend symbol located within the graphical representation of the process plant, by alert level priority, as well as addressing the location of the graphical trend symbol. Each process variable alert may be aggregated by hierarchy level or part within the process plant. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the graphics display application 30 may display three low priority alerts 84-88 (eg, low priority alert 84 associated with "storage tank" device selector icon 74, "demineralizer The low priority alert 86 associated with the equipment selector icon 72 and the low priority alert 88 associated with the “heater” equipment selector icon 82 are aggregated and associated with the “crude unit 1” unit selector icon 66 Labeling the low priority alarm indicator 92 with a "3", the three low priority alarms associated with the three process variables (and the corresponding graphical trend symbols) are currently present in the "crude unit 1" unit Show the operator what is happening. Similarly, for example, the graphical display application 30 aggregates high priority alerts for each higher hierarchy level in the process plant. For example, the only high priority alert associated with any of the instrument selector icons 72, 74, 82 associated with the "crude unit 1" unit selector icon 66 is associated with the "heater" instrument selector icon 82, It is a high priority alarm 90. The graphics display application 30 may label this high priority alarm indicator 94 associated with the "crude unit 1" unit selector icon 66 with a "1" so that this one associated with the "heater" equipment selector icon 82. A high priority alert indicator 90 is displayed to indicate to the operator that the only high priority alert associated with one process variable is occurring in the "crude unit 1" unit. As a result, the operator can quickly increase the number of process variable alerts for a particular plant, unit, piece of equipment, etc., and the priority level via aggregate alert indicators for different hierarchical entities represented in the navigation pane 54. Can be identified.

  The graphical display application 30 uses the selector icon of the navigation pane and visually associates a portion or area of the graphical representation so that the operator can select a particular graphic within the portion or area of the graphical representation of the process plant. Allows you to navigate quickly to trend symbols. Referring now to the screen shot 100 of FIG. 4, for example, the graphics display application 30 additionally may operator the particular unit, portion of equipment, etc. associated with the indicated selector icon in the navigation pane 54. May allow to visually identify within P & ID. For example, an operator driven hover event near or on the “heater” device selector icon 82 of the navigation pane 54 (eg, a mouse, a finger touch point, or any suitable for showing the selector icon without confirming the selection) In response to the detection of the other method, the graphical display application 30 only highlights the graphical depiction of the corresponding heater 56 in the graphical representation 53 of the crude unit in the display area 52. The graphics display application 30 additionally highlights the “heater” device selector icon 82 in the navigation pane 54 in conjunction with the highlighting of the graphical depiction of the heater 56 to provide a process plant's By visually conveying the hierarchical position of the heaters in the hierarchical structure, the operator can be further provided with context.

  Graphical display application 30 may highlight graphical depictions of device selector icon 82 and heater 56 using, for example, highlighted boundaries 104, 102 as shown in FIG. 4, or alternatively The device selector icon 82 and the graphical depiction 56 may be fully shaded, or any other suitable means, in a color different from the other colors that appear in the graphical representation of the crude unit 53. The instrument selector icon 82 and the graphical depiction 56 of the heater may be highlighted. Thus, the operator may be near or on another equipment selector icon in equipment selection area 64 (ie, equipment included in or located at a hierarchical level below the "crude unit 1" area of the process plant). If a hover event is performed, the graphical display application 30 highlights the corresponding graphical depiction in the graphical representation of the crude unit 53 in the display area 52. In this way, the operator can maintain a context with respect to the overall process plant through hovering over the various selector icons on the navigation pane while at the same time identifying (or identifying) a particular graphical trend symbol within the graphical representation. The location of the part of the instrument that contains the graphic trend symbol of the can be identified quickly.

  Also, in response to determining the location of a particular graphical trend symbol, the operator may desire to view a more detailed view of the location or area of a particular graphical trend symbol within the graphical representation. Advantageously, the operator may confirm the selection of the selector icon associated with the desired area to reposition or change the level of detail of a portion of the graphical representation of the process plant displayed in the display area (e.g. , Zoom in, zoom out etc). For example, upon reception of a final selection of one of the unit selector icons 66 to 70 or the device selector icons 72 to 82 via command or control input, click, tap operation, etc., the graphic display application 30 selects the selected selector. Different portions of the graphical representation of the process plant 61 associated with the icon may be displayed. For example, in response to the final selection of the "heater" device selector icon 82, the graphical display application 30 displays a graphical representation of the heater associated with the selected "heater" device selector icon 82, as shown in FIG. 112 can be displayed. With continuing reference to FIG. 5, the screen shot 110 is a graphical representation 112 of the heater associated with the positively selected "heater" device selector icon 82 displayed in the display area 52, the navigation pane 54, the process variables It includes an overview pane 130 and a process variable extension pane 150 with a past graph. In this example, the graphical representation 112 of the heater of this FIG. 5 is a subset of the graphical representation of the crude unit 53, and additionally, the heater more detailed than that provided in the graphical representation of the crude unit. To provide information.

  Importantly, the operator can efficiently monitor the current trends and values for each process variable via the corresponding displayed graphical trend symbols within a portion of the process plant's graphical representation. Also, the graphical display application 30 displays each graphical trend symbol in a spatially realistic location within the graphical representation of the process plant so that the operator is associated with a particular process variable for the entire process plant. The location of the field device can be recognized quickly. For example, the graphical representation 112 of the heater may include the inlets 57, 59, 63 to the heater 56 and the outlet 65 from the heater 56, the valve 114, a portion of the equipment near the heater 56 (e.g., demineralizer 60), Process variable data 116 may be included, as well as a more detailed view of graphical trend symbols 118-122. Each graphical trend symbol 118-122 may correspond to a monitored process variable in the process control system and may visually represent real-time information about the process variable. Also, in addition to the graphical trend symbols 118-122 displayed in the graphical depiction 112 of the heater, for example, the graphical display application 30 may also display a summary view of the corresponding graphical trend symbols 128-132 in the summary pane 130, A corresponding graphical trend symbol detail view is displayed in the detail pane (described below) and / or a corresponding graphical trend symbol extended view 151-152 is displayed in the extension pane 150, including, for example, past graphics. obtain.

  Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary graphical trend symbol 160 graphically incorporates process control information regarding process variables and visually conveys this graphically encoded information to the operator. For example, graphical trend symbol 160 may represent pressure, temperature, etc. of the process variable associated with the field device, each with a different attribute of the process variable, and a target value 172 indicating normal or intention value of the process variable (eg, Various graphical elements 162-170 may be included that represent set points, target points, etc.). Graphic elements 162-170 may include, for example, both graphic tendency elements 166-170 that represent trends in process variables, and graphic value elements 162, 164 that represent current values of process variables. The attributes of these process variables include, for example, the size of the process variable from the target value (for example, set point value), the position of the process variable with respect to the target value, the change direction of the process variable, the change rate of the process variable, Desirability etc. may be included.

  The graphical display application 30 is associated with process variable attributes when retrieving or receiving current and past process variable values for a particular process variable from the database 12 to generate process variable data and process variable trend data. These graphic elements 162 to 170 may be implemented. The graphical display application 30 generates process variable data to indicate the current value or position of the process variable, such as the size of the process variable from the target value, the position of the process variable relative to the target value, and the like. Similarly, the graphical display application 30 generates process variable trend data to show the current trend of the process variable, such as the rate of change of the process variable, the direction of change of the process variable, the desirability of the change of the process variable, and the like. Graphical display application 30 may utilize current and / or past updates of process variables to generate and display each graphical element that together form a graphical trend.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the graphic tendency symbol 160 is a scale graphic value element 162 associated with the scale of the process variable from the target value, and a position graphic value element associated with the position of the process variable with respect to the target value. 164, a change direction graphic tendency element 166 associated with the change direction of the process variable, a change rate graphic tendency element 168 associated with the change rate of the process variable, and a desirability of change associated with the desirability of change of the process variable The graphic tendency element 170 of FIG. Of course, any number or form of process variable attributes may be used to implement graphical trend symbol 160. Further, the graphic display application 30 may display the layout of the graphic elements 162 to 170 and the target value 172 in an arbitrary array. Preferably, no graphic element should occlude any other graphic element so that any possible combination of graphic elements may be implemented and displayed to the operator.

  The scale graphic value element 162 may be depicted as a bar, column, line, etc. as shown in FIG. 6 and graphically represents the scale of the process variable from the target value 172 in a relative manner, thereby For example, depiction of a longer bar indicates a larger magnitude in the current value of the process variable. For example, graphical display application 30 may retrieve the current values of process variables associated with the graphical trend symbol from database 12 and may generate scale graphic value elements 162 based on the current raw values. Of course, graphical display application 30 may determine or generate scale graphic trend element 162 in any suitable manner. The graphic display application 30 uses the normalized scale to display the current raw value of the scale, the maximum value of the process variable that can be physically read by the field device, or the limit of the process variable imposed by the operator, the ceiling value, etc. A normalized value may be generated that reflects the ratio to the maximum value (eg, when the current value is the maximum value of the process variable, the scale graphic value element 162 reflects a 100% ratio level). In another embodiment, the graphics display application 30 may set the target value 172 (e.g., the set point) to the 50% ratio level, and the current value of the process variable for the 50% target value 172 ratio level may be set. It can be adjusted. As in another embodiment, if the scale value for one scale graphic value element 162 is twice as large as the scale value of another scale graphic value element 162, the graphics display application 30 may generate the first size figure. The bar of value elements 162 may be depicted at twice the length of the bar of second scale graphic value elements 162. Alternatively, the graphics display application 30 may display the bar of the first magnitude graphic value element 162 relatively longer than the second magnitude graphic value element 162.

  Referring now to FIG. 7, various bar lengths for the example scale graphic value element 162 are identified in the process variable attribute list 200, including various examples of process variable attribute arrays by row. . The first row contains three different values of the graphical tendency symbol 160 for three different magnitude values of the process variable. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, the value of the scale graphic value element 202 represents a scale value relatively smaller than the values of the scale graphic value elements 204, 206 (ie, closer to the target value 172). Similarly, the value of the scale graphic value element 204 represents a scale value that is relatively smaller than the value of the scale graphic value element 206 but larger than the value of the scale graphic value element 202. The value of the scale graphic value element 206 represents a scale value relatively far from the target value 172 as compared to the other two values of the scale graphic value elements 202 and 204. For example, if the magnitude value is greater than a certain threshold, the graphical display application 30 may trigger a process variable alert in the process system, and the total number displayed in the process variable alert indicator 84-98 as shown in FIG. In making decisions, induced process variable alerts may be incorporated. In addition, the graphical display application 30 compares the value of the magnitude value to two different threshold values, such as low priority alert and high priority as described above with reference to the process variable alert indicators 84-98. An alert can be determined.

  Referring back to FIG. 6, the position graphic value element 164 is the position or location of the scale bar, in other words, the size bar of the size graphic value element 164 is above, below or at the target value 172 of the target value 172. It can be depicted as whether or not. For example, graphical display application 30 may retrieve current values and target values 172 of process variables associated with graphical trend symbols from database 12 and generate position graphic value elements 162 based on the current raw values for target values 172. It can. Of course, graphical display application 30 may determine or generate positional graphic trend element 164 in any suitable manner. In the graphic trend symbol 160 of FIG. 6, the value of the position graphic value element 164 is displayed above the target value 172 to indicate that the current process variable value is above the target value 172. As in the example shown in the second row of the list 200 of FIG. 7, the graphics display application 30 sets the value of the position graphic value element 208 to the target value 172 when the graphic trend symbol 160 is implemented. Positioned above and depicted, it may indicate that the current process variable value is above the target value 172. Alternatively, graphical display application 30 may position and render the value of position graphic value element 210 below target value 172 to indicate that the current process variable value is below target value 172. In addition, if the current process variable value is the same or substantially close to the target value 172, the graphical display application 30 may display only the target value 172.

  Referring again to FIG. 6, the change direction graphic tendency element 166 can be depicted, for example, as two lateral triangles pointing to the change direction of the process variable. Of course, the graphics display application 30 uses the change direction graphic trending element 166 using any other shape, arrows, repetitive animations, graphic instructions, or any other suitable manner to indicate the rate of change of the process variable. It can be created. For example, graphical display application 30 may retrieve from database 12 current and one or more past values of process variables associated with the graphical trend symbol, between the current raw value and the at least one past raw value. The change direction graphic value element 166 may be generated based on the difference of. Of course, graphical display application 30 may determine or generate change direction graphic trend element 166 in any suitable manner. The change direction graphical tendency element 166 is associated with change direction values, each change direction category may include a direction towards the target value 172, a direction away from the target value 172, or no movement relative to the target value 172, One of a plurality of change direction categories may be indicated. As an example, the change direction graphic tendency element 166 in FIG. 6 indicates that the process variable is moving away from the target value 172 because the process variable size is increasing while the process variable position is above the target value 172. . Referring to FIG. 7, the third row of the list 200 includes some examples of this change direction attribute via different change direction graph tendency elements 214-218. For example, since the process variable is increasing and the process variable position is above the target value 172, the change direction of the process variable deviates from the target value 172 (and thus becomes worse). Show that). Alternatively, as the value of the change direction graphic trend element 218 is decreasing the process variable and the position of the process variable is above the target value 172, the change direction of the process variable will be towards the target value 172 (and thus improve Show that they are An additional example is that the change direction of the process variable is steady (and therefore neither improved nor deteriorated), regardless of whether the process variable is above or below the target value 172. And includes the value of the change direction graphic tendency element 216.

  Referring again to FIG. 6, the rate of change graphic tendency element 168 may be depicted, for example, as two marks protruding from the graph tendency symbol 160. Of course, the graphics display application 30 may use any other shape, arrow, repeating or flashing animation, graphical instructions, or any other suitable manner to indicate the rate of change of the process variable value, and the rate of change graphics trend. Element 168 may be created. For example, graphical display application 30 may retrieve from database 12 current and one or more past values of process variables associated with the graphical trend symbol, between the current raw value and the at least one past raw value. The rate of change graphic value element 168 may be generated based on the difference of and the passage of time. Of course, graphical display application 30 may determine or generate rate of change graphic trend element 168 in any suitable manner. The rate of change graphic trend element 168 may indicate one of a plurality of rate of change categories, each rate of change category being associated with a specific rate of change value or range of rate of change values. As an example, the rate of change graphic trending element 168 of FIG. 6 indicates that the process variables are changing relatively rapidly due to the two salient marks. Referring now to FIG. 7, the fourth row of the list 200 presents some examples of values, categories, etc. of this rate of change characteristic as shown in the different rates of change graph trend elements 220-224. . For example, the value of the rate of change graphic trend element 220 indicates that the rate of change of the process variable is absolute or relatively steady from the target value 172. Alternatively, the graphics display application 30 generates the value of the change direction graphic trend element 222 to make the rate of change of the process variable repeat, but absolutely, or the target value 172 or other rate of change value, or It may be shown to be slow relative to other values of the rate of change graphic trend element 220, 224. As an additional example, the graphical display application 30 implements the value of the rate of change graphic trend element 224 such that the rate of change of the process variable is rapid relative to the other values of the change rate graphic trend elements 220, 222 It can indicate that. If the rate of change value is measured absolutely, then the rate of change value may be associated with the value of the rate of change value with a particular range, or using different thresholds to determine the change category. It may be associated with a particular rate of change category.

  Referring again to FIG. 6, the graphic trend element 170 of the desirability of change is accompanied by thicker lines of the graphic tendency symbol 160, such as the contours of the change direction graphic tendency element 166 and the change rate graphic tendency element 168, for example. Can be depicted as a display portion of Of course, the graphical display application 30 changes using any other shape, arrows, repetitive or flashing animations, graphical instructions, or any other suitable manner that indicates the presence of the desirability of changing process variables. The desiredness of the graphic trend element 170 can be created. For example, graphical display application 30 may retrieve from database 12 current and one or more past values of process variables associated with the graphical trend symbol, between the current raw value and the at least one past raw value. The graphic value element 170 of the desirability of change of direction may be generated based on the difference of. In particular, graphics display application 30 may use other graphics elements 162-168 in determining a graphic trend element 170 of varying desirability. Of course, graphical display application 30 may determine or generate graphical trend element 170 of the desirability of change in any suitable manner. The graphic trend element 170 of change desirability associates the desirability category of each change with the improving process variable status, the deteriorating process variable status, or the maintaining process variable status. Also, one of a plurality of change desirability categories may be indicated. As an example, the graphic trend element 170 of the change desirability of FIG. 6 shows that the process variable size is increasing while the process variable position is above the target value 172 (ie, the change direction of the process variable is from the target value) It indicates that the process variable status situation is getting worse (for example, part of the graphic tendency symbol 160 is thick) because it is moving away.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the fifth row of the list 200 shows some of the values, categories, etc. of the desirability attributes of this change, as shown in the graph trend elements 226-230 of desirability of different changes. Including an example. In particular, the graphical display application 30 implements the particular value of the desirability attribute of the change within the displayed graphical trend symbol to the operator as to whether the status, condition, trend etc. of the process variable is improved, aggravated or maintained Can be shown. For example, the value of the graphic trend element 226 of the change desirability is that the process variable is decreasing (ie the change direction of the process variable is moving towards the target value) and the position of the process variable is the target value 172 Indicates that the desirability of changing process variables is improved. Alternatively, the value of the change direction graphic trend element 228 indicates that the process variable is less desirable to change as the process variable is increasing and the position of the process variable is above the target value 172 . An additional example is that the rate of change of the process variable has neither increased nor decreased, regardless of whether the position of the process variable is above or below the target value 172, and thus the change in process variable is desired. It contains the value of the graphic tendency element 230 of change desirability, which indicates that the stiffness is maintained. After the graphical trend symbol 160 is generated, the graphical display application 30 preferably displays the graphic in the heater's graphical depiction 112 as shown in FIG. 5 as well as on the overview pane 130 as described above. A trend symbol 160 may be displayed.

  As an alternative technique to the graphical trending symbology implementation of FIGS. 6 and 7, the graphical trending symbol may be implemented using various graphics to represent different states of the process variable, as discussed below. For example, FIG. 7A illustrates an example icon 402 for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with process variables of a process control system (eg, the example process control system 10 of FIG. 1). , 404, 406 are shown. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 7A, the properties and / or situations highlighted by the icons 402, 404, 406 indicate the current state of the process variable, the predicted state of the process variable, and the process variable The corresponding trends (e.g., directions) of are represented by the shape, orientation, and notation of the icons 402, 404, 406 of the illustrated example. For example, the icon 402 is a triangle in the shape with an upward peak 408 and visually indicates the upward trend of the process variable. As a comparative example, the icon 406 is also triangular in shape, but includes downward peaks 410 to visually indicate the downward trend of the process variable. The property of the shape of the icon to indicate the direction or tendency of the corresponding process variable described herein is referred to herein as the trend identifying shape of the icon.

  In addition, icons 402, 406 are: (1) section 412 of the current state opposite the peaks 408, 410 to visually indicate the current state of the process variable; and (2) predicted of the process variable Each includes two sections consisting of sections 414 of predicted states adjacent to peaks 408, 410 to visually indicate states. The icon 404 in FIG. 7A is generally diamond or diamond shaped (or any other suitable shape) and can be distinguished from the triangular shape of the icons 402, 406, and process variables maintain their current state Visually indicate that (for example, there is no tendency of either upward or downward). Sections 412 of the current state of icons 402, 404 and sections of the predicted state 414 are arranged in a manner to be stacked corresponding to the direction with the process variable's trend (eg, the direction pointed to by peaks 408, 410) . As used herein, the term "state" of a process variable corresponds to the operating state of the variable for its set point and / or any alarm limits. For example, if the process variable is operating within acceptable limits, the "state" of the process variable may be normal, or as expected or desired. However, if the process variable exceeds the high alarm limit, then the state of the process variable goes to a high alarm state. Similarly, if the process variable falls below the corresponding low alarm limit, the alarm state may be a low alarm state. In some situations, process variables can be associated with multiple alert limits set to different values corresponding to various levels of severity or importance (eg, high alert limits and high-high alert limits) .

  In the illustrated embodiment, the current and predicted states of the process variable are represented by icons 402, 404, with textual representations or other visual indicia in sections 412, 414 of the corresponding current and predicted states. , Visually indicated at 406. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, a single exclamation point is a value of a process variable outside of normal operating conditions (eg, the process variable falls below the low alarm limit or rises above the high alarm limit) Shown are process variables that are in an operating state (eg, section 412 of the current state of icon 402) corresponding to the first alarm state associated with the range. The double exclamation mark corresponds to passing a second alarm limit (eg, process variable falls below low-low alarm limit, or rises above high-high alarm limit) corresponding low-low alarm conditions or A high-to-high alarm state (eg, section 414 of the predicted state of icon 402) is shown as a process variable. Additional exclamation marks and / or other notations may be provided to indicate other operating conditions associated with the process variable (e.g., passage of a third alarm limit). The absence of the exclamation mark (eg, the predicted state section 414 of the icon 406) indicates a process variable operating within a normal operating situation.

  Icon 404 in the illustrated example indicates that icon 404 indicates that the corresponding process variable is maintained in a particular state (e.g., it has no tendency to change state either upward or downward). , Not divided into sections. In other words, the current state of the process variable is the same as the predicted state. Thus, only a single notation (eg, a single set of double exclamation marks) indicates the corresponding state in which the process variable is maintained (eg, it remains stable at high-high alarm conditions) To be represented in the icon 404.

  Visually representing the current state, the predicted state, and the associated trends as described above, allows the operator to quickly speed up the situation associated with the process variable, including the current state of the process variable as well as the predicted state. And make it possible to evaluate intuitively. In this way, the operator can foresee when the process variable approaches the alarm limit and can proactively take action to resolve this even before the alarm is triggered. Furthermore, visually indicating the characteristics of the current and predicted conditions associated with the process variable, even if the process variable is operating in an alarm condition outside of the desired value range, allows the operator to quantify the trend. Enable you to quickly identify dynamic states (eg, the state of the process variable is improving (moving towards the set point) or deteriorating (moving away from the set point Similarly, if the process variable is limited by an alarm limit on the single side (eg, either upper or lower limit), then the current and predicted states are moving the value of the process variable It can help to identify direction or trend However, if the process variable is restricted on both sides (eg with both alarm upper and lower limits) then the trend of the process variable is It may not immediately become apparent based solely on current and predicted conditions, so the icons 402, 406 in FIG. 7A are facing process variables, as shown and described in more detail in FIG. 7B. It is formed in a triangular shape so as to point in the direction.

  7B-7D illustrate other exemplary icons 502, 504, 602, 702 for indicating status, characteristics, trends, and / or information associated with the process variables described above in connection with FIG. 7A. Specifically, the example icons of FIGS. 7B-7D highlight the current and predicted states of the process variable, and the direction of the process variable. The exemplary icon 502 of FIG. 7B is similar to the icon 402 of FIG. 7A in that the icon 502 is generally triangular in shape and points upward to indicate the upward tendency of the process variable. The exemplary icon 504 of FIG. 7B is also similar to the icon 406 of FIG. 7A in that the icon 504 is generally triangular in shape and points downward to indicate the downward tendency of the process variable. Further, while the icons 402, 406 of FIG. 7A include exclamation marks to indicate the current and predicted states of corresponding process variables, the current and predicted states of the icons 502, 504 correspond to corresponding current and predicted states. Represented by shading (eg, fill) the section in the Other methods of indicating the operating state of process variables, including different patterns, colors, shading, shapes, sizes, contours, text or symbology, matteness, highlighting etc., may be used instead. For example, normal operating conditions can be indicated by gray, low or high alarm conditions (relatively low importance) can be indicated in yellow, and low-low or high-high alarm conditions (relatively high) The importance can be shown in red. In addition, in some embodiments, the background or ambient color can be indicated by a Gainsborough color (eg, light bluish gray). More generally, the color schemes implemented in some embodiments are specified by the industry standard perceived color identification space (eg, the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) standard). The advantage of such a color scheme is that colors can be distinguished by color anomalies (e.g. color blind) as well as normal (e.g. non color blind) operators. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7B and throughout the following figures, high importance states (eg, low-low or high-high alarm states) are represented by dark shading and low importance states (eg, , Low or high alarm states) are represented by light shading, and normal operating states are represented without shading (eg, white).

  For purposes of illustration, the icons 502, 504 are shown above the graph 506 of corresponding process variables showing exemplary values of the process variables over time. Each graph 506 is separated by a set point or target value (indicated by center line 508) at which the process variable can operate under normal conditions, and a dashed line corresponding to the alarm limit, and corresponding alarm conditions Two levels of high and low alarm states or ranges that are distinguished by different shadings associated with the severity of the (here: high-high alarm state 510, high alarm state 512, low alarm state 514, and low Low alarm state 516). The state of the process variable in the area between high and low alarm states 512, 514 is referred to herein as a normal or target operating state. In addition, each graph includes dots 518 that represent the current value of the process variable located along line 520. The solid line portion of line 520 represents the value of the process variable over time up to the current value. The dotted line portion of line 520 is an extrapolation of the solid line portion of line 520 and represents the predicted values of future process variables. Additionally or alternatively, the other icons (or the variations on the icons 502, 504 shown in FIG. 7B) are to represent corresponding process variables that change in other manners over time not shown by the graph 506. It can be used (e.g. steep trend line 520 across the set point).

  As shown in FIG. 7B, icon 502 is placed in row 522 associated with an increasing process variable (eg, upward trend) and icon 504 is decreased to a decreasing process variable (eg, downward trend). It is arranged in the associated row 524. Based on the trend identifying shapes of the icons 502, 504 (e.g., a generally triangular shape directed to point upward or downward), the operator can easily identify the direction or tendency of the process variable. Further, in some such embodiments, based on the direction of the trend associated with the order of the states indicated by the current and predicted state sections, the operator can set the target value (eg, set point, etc.) to The relative position of process variables and the qualitative state (eg, deterioration or improvement) of indicated trends can be inferred. For example, if the trend identification shape indicates a downward trend and the section of the predicted state indicates an alarm condition that is worse than the section of the current state, the operator may have the process variable below the set point and fall Can be guessed (that is, worse). In contrast, if the trending shape shows an upward trend with the same current and predicted conditions as in the above example, the operator is elevated so that the process variable is above the target value and worse. You can guess that. Similarly, if the relative severity of the section of the current and predicted states of the icon is reversed from the above example, the operator may determine whether the process variable is above or below the set point, and It can be estimated that it is improving qualitatively (i.e. moving towards the set point).

  In the example shown in FIG. 7B, the icons 502, 504 may improve from the state of the process variable moving towards the target value (eg, set point) (column 526) or from the set point Separate rows 526, 528 based on whether they are moving away from (row 528) or are maintained from being in a substantially constant or steady state situation (row 530). , 530 are grouped. Within the improvement column 526 and the deterioration column 528 in the increase row 522, FIG. 7B shows that the values of the process variable are normal operation from the low to low alarm area to the low alarm area and from the low alarm area to the normal operating condition. Each possible icon 502 is provided to indicate each predicted transition between the states expected to move from the state to the high alarm area and from the high alarm area to the high-high alarm area. In columns 526, 528 in the reduction row 524, FIG. 7B shows each icon 504 corresponding to the reverse transition through the low-low alarm range downward from the high-high alarm range. Similar to the icons 402, 406 of FIG. 7A, the current and predicted states of the process variables associated with the icons 502, 504 of FIG. 7B are visual of the sections of the current and predicted states of the icons 502, 504. Based on distinguishable characteristics (eg, shading or filling, patterns, colors, shapes, sizes, outlines, text or markings, borders, matte, highlighting, etc.).

  Within the state maintaining column 530, the icons 502, 504 have the same generally triangular shape as the icons 502, 504 of the other columns 526, 528 (to indicate the direction of the trend associated with the process variable). However, in contrast to the icons 502, 504 in the columns 526, 528, the icons 502, 504 in the state maintenance column 530 are filled or shaded with a single color corresponding to a single state of the process variable Be done. In this way, the operator is moving the process variable either upwards (icon 502) or downwards (icon 504), but this trend is such that the predicted state is the same as the current state. It can be recognized that it is in balance. In some situations, the process variable may be substantially constant over time such that there is no upward or downward tendency. Under such circumstances, appropriate markings (shaded, pattern, color, outline, text or markings, border, matte, highlight, etc.) are provided to visually indicate the corresponding operating state of the process variable. Different shapes can be represented, such as a generally octagonal shape as shown by the icon 602 in FIG. 7C. A generally octagonal shape is provided by association with a stop indicator to intuitively indicate that the process variable has not changed (i.e. stopped). In addition, or as an alternative, if the trend fluctuates, or otherwise, the trend has not apparently moved upwards, downwards or remains stable, as shown by the icon 702 in FIG. 7D. As indicated by the shapes, different shapes can be used to indicate such a situation of process variables. While specific shapes have been described in connection with FIGS. 7A-7D to illustrate various characteristics (eg, current state, predicted state, trends), other suitable shapes and their corresponding orientations may be used. It can be used instead. For example, instead of the icons 402, 406 of FIG. 7A and the icons 502, 504 of FIG. 7B, other shapes indicating arrows or directions can be used.

  As an additional alternative embodiment, FIGS. 8-10 are another example for showing the status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with the process variables of the example process control system 10 of FIG. An exemplary icon is illustrated. Specifically, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 illustrate icons that emphasize the relationship of process variables to current and predicted states of process variables, the direction of process variables, and set points associated with the process variables. Indicates For example, FIG. 8 shows that the icons 802, 804 are divided into a section 806 of the current state and a section 808 of the predicted state, and the section 808 of the predicted state is adjacent to the peak 810 of the triangular icon 802, 804. FIG. 7B shows exemplary triangular icons 802, 804 that are similar to the triangular icons 402, 406 of FIG. 7A, but extending along an edge. Thus, the horizontal relationship of sections 806, 808 (eg, looking from left to right) represents changes in the state of process variables over time. That is, the current state is shown on the left (by section 806 of the current state) and the predicted state (ie, the state at a later point in time) is shown on the right (by section 808 of the predicted state) . Further, the vertical relationship of sections 806, 808 (eg, looking up or down in the direction pointed by peak 810) represents the direction of the process variable. FIG. 8 also shows an exemplary steady state icon 812 having a generally rectangular shape. The steady state icon 812 also includes two sections to provide consistency with the increasing and decreasing trend icons 802, 802, but the steady state indicates that the predicted state of the associated process variable is Each section 806, 808 represents the same visual indicia of the operating state (eg, shading, pattern, color, outline, text or symbology, border, etc.), as this means the same as the current state of the process variable. Glossiness, highlighting etc.). Thus, the example icons 802, 804, 812 of FIG. 8 provide the same information as to the current and predicted states of the process variables as well as the trends of the process variables, as described above in connection with FIGS. 7A-7D.

  In addition, the example icons 802, 804, 812 include set point indicators 814 (eg, a line implying a target value) to indicate the relative position of the process variable's value relative to the set point associated with the process variable. For example, in the left column of FIG. 8, the set point indicator 814 of each of the corresponding icons 802, 804, 812 is above other portions of the corresponding icons 802, 804, 812 (eg, above the sections 806, 808). Placed in) to indicate that the process variable is below the set point. In this way, the operator can increase the meaning of shading in the current state section 806 and the predicted state section 808 and the order in which the sections 806 and 808 are stacked by wisdom. The process variable represented by the icon 802 is improving (ie moving towards the set point), while the process variable represented by the decreasing icon 804 is getting worse (ie (Moving in a direction away from the set point) can be recognized. Thus, even if the current state and the predicted state are the same, it can be identified whether the process variable is further away or closer to its set point. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8, the set point indicator 814 is placed below the other parts of the icons 802, 804, 812 to indicate that the value of the process variable is above the set point. Also, the set point is placed at the same level as the other parts of the icons 802, 804, 812 to indicate when the value of the process variable is approximately at the set point. Although FIG. 8 illustrates the set point indicator 814 behind other portions of the icons 802, 804, 810, in some embodiments, the set point indicator 814 may be other than the icons 802, 804, 810. Located in front of (ie, overlying) the part.

  As another example, FIG. 9 shows icons 902, 904, 906 that function similarly to the icons 802, 804, 810 of FIG. 8, except that the icons 902, 904, 906 have different shapes. Specifically, the trend identifying shapes (e.g., the shape of a triangle) of the icons 902, 904, 906 for indicating the trend or direction of the process variable are exclusively associated with the current state of the process variable, but the triangle Another section, which extends along the side, serves to indicate the predicted state of the process variable.

  FIG. 10 shows yet another exemplary icon 1002, 1004, 1006 that is similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. In FIG. 10, the current state of the process variable is indicated by the generally rectangular shape with beveled edge 1008. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of the edge 1008 (extending from left to right) serves to indicate the direction of the process variable's trend over time. The icon 1004 in the illustrated embodiment does not have a beveled edge 1008, thereby indicating that the process variable is maintaining its current value. In some embodiments, the angle of inclination indicates the rate at which the value of the process variable is changing. The use of edge 1008 provides an alternative trend identifying shape that does not point in the direction of the trend as a triangle or arrow, but is still intuitive as it represents a graph plotted over time.

  The exemplary icons 802, 804, 810, 902, 904, 906, 1002, 1004, 1006 of FIGS. 8-10 provide an indication of the relative position of the process variable relative to the set point (e.g., the set point indicator of FIG. 8). 814), but in some embodiments, in addition to the relative position of the process variable (ie, above, below, or the same as the set point), for the entire range of possible values for the process variable It is desirable to indicate the relative deviation of the process variable from the set point (e.g. how much above or below the set point). An indication of such relative deviation of the process variable from the set point is shown in FIGS. 11-17, along with other indications of status, characteristics, trends, and / or other information associated with the process variable described in detail below. Provided in the illustrated example of FIG.

  Specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates exemplary icons 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 having a shape similar to that described above. For example, the triangles of icons 1102 and 1106 indicate that the trend of the process variable is moving up or down, respectively. The rectangle of the icon 1104 indicates the steady state of the process variable, and the wavy rectangle of the icon 1108 indicates the fluctuating or uncertain pattern of the process variable. In addition, the shading of each shape indicates the corresponding operating state of the process variable (eg, normal operating state, high alarm state, low alarm state, high-high alarm state, low-low alarm state, etc.) as described above. .

  As shown in FIG. 11, each of the shapes is located at various points along an operating range indicator 1110 (eg, a solid vertical line). In the illustrated embodiment, the range indicator 1110 represents a range of possible values for which the process variable can operate, such as the process variable indicator 1112 (e.g., the center point of each icon 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108). Corresponds to the location or arrangement of process variables within the range represented by line 1110. Thus, as shown in icon 1104, the process variable is near the top of the range of possible values, and thus is shown in a pattern corresponding to a high-high alarm condition. The dashed horizontal line of each icon 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 is a set point indicator 1114 (eg, dashed line) that represents a set point for the range of possible values indicated by the range indicator 1110. While set point indicator 1114 is shown in FIG. 11 as being approximately in the middle of the range of range indicator 1110, set point indicator 1114 is the corresponding set point and range associated with range indicator 1110. Depending on the value, it can be located anywhere along the range indicator 1110. In this way, the operator can not only determine the relative position (e.g., up / down) of the process variable relative to the set point, as in FIGS. 8 and 9, but also more accurate overall of the process variable situation The relative deviation of the process variable from the set point can also be evaluated visually with respect to the extrema of the process variable within the expected range of values of the process variable represented by line 1110 to obtain an image.

  FIG. 12 illustrates example icons 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208 corresponding to the same states and corresponding trends as shown in the example icons 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 of FIG. However, the exemplary icons 1202, 1204, 1206, 1208 are substituted for the point 1112 of FIG. 11 in order to point to a particular position of the process variable for the entire range of possible values of setpoint and process variable. , A process variable indicator 1210 that is an arrowhead or a pointer. In addition, the exemplary icons 1202, 1206, in order to clearly show in a visual manner the direction of the trend of the process variable and the foreseen state, if the trend continues on the predicted path without change. Section 1212 of the predicted state of.

  FIG. 13 shows other example icons 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 respectively corresponding to the same states and corresponding trends as shown in connection with the example icons 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 of FIG. Indicates Further, as shown in the illustrated example, the icons 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 of FIG. 13 are based on the same shape as the exemplary icons 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108 of FIG. However, in the example icons 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 of FIG. 13, the set point indicator 1310 (e.g., centerline) and the motion range indicator 1312 (e.g., a rectangular bar) are shown within the outline. The relative position and relative deviation of the process variable to the set point and the outer limit of possible values of the process variable is indicated by the black band that serves as the process variable indicator 1314 within the range bar 1312. Thus, the icons 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 remain stationary and are larger and more consistently sized when used in the operator display as compared to the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12. it can.

  In addition to indicating the placement of process variables within the full range of possible values with respect to set points, in some embodiments disclosed herein, the process variables for one or more alarm limits are The arrangement of values or relative distances may also be shown (shown in the illustrated example of FIGS. 14-16 described in more detail below). For example, FIG. 14 illustrates another exemplary icon 1400 with a set point indicator 1402 (eg, a middle bar or line) located on the operating range indicator bar 1404. In the illustrated embodiment, each end of the range indicator 1404 includes an outer (more significant) alarm section 1406 that corresponds to a sub-range of values associated with a high-high alarm condition or a low-low alarm condition. Immediately inside the outer alarm section 1406 of the exemplary icon 1400 is an inner alarm section 1408 that corresponds to a high alarm condition or a low alarm condition, and the other portion of the range indicator bar 1404 corresponds to a normal operating condition. The set point, alarm limits, and relative position, deviation, and distance (as well as the current state of the process variable) of the process variable relative to the entire operating range can be illustrated by the process variable indicator line 1410 that can move along the range bar Shown in the icon 1400. The trend or direction of the process variable, and thus the predicted state of the process variable, is indicated by the direction in which the arrow marker 1412 points along the range 1406.

  15 is a diagram except that the range indicator bar 1510 of FIG. 15 is substantially longer and extends beyond the trend identifying shape associated with each of the exemplary icons 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508. Other exemplary icons 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508 are shown having an operating range indicator bar 1510 that is similar to the range indicator bar 1312 of the thirteen exemplary icons 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308. A longer range indicator 1510 is a range of possible process variable values when visually indicating the relative position, deviation and / or distance of the process variable relative to the setpoint, range and / or alarm limits Provide a greater distance, which is represented to provide higher accuracy or granularity. Further, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, additional alert limit indicators 1512 (eg, lines) are included within the range indicator bar 1510 to represent range points corresponding to the alert limits of the process variable. (For example, similar to the alarm section 1406, 1408 of FIG. 14 described above).

  FIG. 16 is similar to the exemplary icons 1502, 1504, 1506, 1508 of FIG. 15, except that the icons 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 include a textual notation 1610 that identifies the actual value of the process variable. Certain other exemplary icons 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 are illustrated. In other embodiments, actual values of set points and / or alarm limits may also be shown.

  FIG. 17 illustrates a series of exemplary icons 1702, 1704, 1706 that are similar to those of FIGS. 15 and 16 corresponding to process variables at various locations along the range defined by the range indicator. Although different shadings (eg, fills) in icons 1702, 1704, 1706 are omitted for the sake of brevity, in some embodiments, when used, shading in a manner similar to that described above Applied (or filled). At the leftmost four increasing icons 1702, process variables are shown above the set points (based on the placement of process variable indicators (eg, black bands)), and the trending shape of the icons 1702 is an upward facing triangle. As a result, in the illustrated embodiment, the four leftmost icons 1702 indicate a state of deterioration (e.g., process variables indicate a trend away from the set point). This is also true for the rightmost four decrement icons 1706. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the trend identifying shapes (e.g., the shape of a triangle generally pointing up or down) associated with the icons 1702, 1706 in a state of qualitative deterioration capture the operator's attention A heavy demarcation line 1708 is represented to allow the operator to quickly identify when and / or process parameters are deteriorating and corrective action may be needed. In other embodiments, the icons 1702, 1704 associated with the state of deterioration may be distinguished in any other suitable manner, such as changes in gloss, color, size, brightness, pattern, orientation, etc. it can.

  Another characteristic associated with process variables that may be beneficial to the operator is the rate or rate at which the process variables change. For example, if the process variable is rapidly approaching the alarm limit, the operator can benefit from the realization that they know that they must take action quickly to avoid potential problems, while the process variable However, if a slow pace is approaching the alarm limit, the operator may monitor the process variable to determine if it will be corrected before taking action. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 17, the rate of change of the value of the process variable is indicated by the rate indicator 1710 (eg, a line or tail extending from the trend identification shape). In some embodiments, a larger number of rate indicators 1710 correspond to larger rates of change of process variables. As shown, the rate indicator 1710 may also be displayed as a bold line when the corresponding process variable is in a degraded state.

  The exemplary icons described above in connection with FIGS. 6-17 illustrate various visual indicia (eg, shading, patterns, etc.) to convey identified characteristics, trends, and / or situations of corresponding process variables. , Color, shape, size, lines, pointers, outlines, orientations, symbols, writing, edging, matting, highlighting etc), but other visuals to convey the same characteristics and / or situations Marks and their proper orientation and configuration can be used in addition to or in place of those described above. Furthermore, the visual markings of the above-mentioned icons convey the desired information and make the salient attributes stand out to the operator in a more intuitive manner by relatively little effort and / or time by the operator Can be combined in different ways and / or can be given different meanings than those described herein. The purpose of the visual markings of the exemplary icons described herein improves the efficiency of the operator and at the same time reduces the possibility of errors. Furthermore, the different icons and corresponding visual indicia described above in connection with FIGS. 6-17 trade off in terms of the attributes of the process variable and / or the corresponding trend information to be emphasized to the operator. Thus, the particular icon used in the setting of a particular process control system is dependent on the needs of the particular operation to be monitored and controlled and / or the circumstances and / or preferences of the associated operator of the particular process control system. It can change based on it. In some embodiments, rendered in a relatively sparse layout, and to further assist the operator in quickly identifying ambient conditions and / or process attributes of particular interest and / or concern, and Icons arranged in a manner that attracts attention to a notable problem (eg, horizontally aligned, vertically aligned etc). For example, an icon indicating a decreasing parameter of one of a plurality of other icons indicating non-decreasing parameters can pop out or draw the operator's attention so as to be easily found. Some such exemplary arrangements of icons are described in more detail below.

  In combination with displaying the graphical trend symbols in the graphical representation, the graphical display application 30 depends on various factors such as screen space, process variables in critical situations, etc., and one of various levels of detail. It may decide to implement the above process variable information pane. The graphical display application implements each pane to display different levels of detailed information about one or more process variables corresponding to the displayed graphical trend symbol in the currently displayed view of the graphical representation. Referring now to FIG. 18, the graphics display application 30, as shown in the detail view 300 of the screen shot 110 of FIG. 5, is a schematic representation in conjunction with the graphic depiction 112 of the heater of FIG. 5 as discussed above. One or more of the panes 130, the detail pane 140, and the extension pane 150 may be displayed. Advantageously, the graphics display application 30 displays the same process variables on each pane 130, 140, 150, with more details on each pane 130, 140, 150. For example, the details pane 140 contains and displays more detailed process information for process variables than the overview pane 130. Similarly, the extension pane 150 contains and displays more detailed process information regarding process variables than the detail pane 140.

  With continuing reference to FIG. 18, the summary pane 130 may include one or more graphical trend symbols 130-134 and process variable captions 136-138 corresponding to each graphical trend symbol 130-134. The Details pane 140 is a chart that compares the current process variable size / position value to the target value with the larger, higher resolution versions 143, 145, 146 of each of the detailed views of a particular process variable. 14 includes detailed views 141, 142, 144 of each process variable, including 147-149 and actual actuators or value positions 153, 155. Extension pane 150 includes extended views 151, 152, 154 of each process variable, where each extended view of a particular process variable includes information from detailed views 141, 142, 144 and past trend graphs 156-158. . For simplicity, the process variable graphics and corresponding process variable attributes associated with the overview pane 130, the detail pane 140, and the extension pane 150 are referred to herein as "basic graphics," "intermediate graphics And “detailed figures”. For example, graphic trend symbol 143 and corresponding attributes (eg, chart 147, value position 153, etc.) associated with process variable 141 are referred to as mid-level graphics because process variable 141 appears in detail pane 140. I will.

  Because each pane 130, 140, 150 may be revealed or hidden, the graphical display application 30 may determine the appropriate level of display of details depending on the use of the operator. For example, graphics display application 30 may display complete details of all of the process variables, if necessary. However, due to screen space constraints, the graphics display application 30 may have to provide scroll bars that do not allow the operator to view all of the possible information at one time. In this case, the graphics display application 30 may hide the summary pane 130 and the detail pane 140 so as to create a larger screen space for the extension pane 150. Alternatively, the graphics display application 30 should have all process variables visible, and extended views 151, 152, 154 of some or all of the process variables, or detailed views 141, 142, 144 of the process variables. It may be determined that some or all of the may be reduced or hidden. In another embodiment, the graphical display application 30 may determine the display of all information about important process variables, or important details within, for example, the graphical representation of the heater 112. In this case, the graphics display application 30 may hide views for less important process variables or less important details.

  Alternatively, FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate an exemplary process including exemplary graphics associated with three process variables of a demineralizer module of a process control system (e.g., exemplary process control system 10 of FIG. 1). A variable summary pane 1800 is illustrated. The graphic may correspond to the graphic described above in connection with FIG. Each graphic in FIGS. 18A-18D includes various levels of detail to provide various amounts of information associated with process variables, based on the needs and / or desires of the operator. More specifically, FIG. 18A shows a summary pane 130 of another exemplary process variable, including exemplary graphical trend symbols 1802, 1804, 1806. FIG. 18B illustrates an exemplary process variable details pane 140 that includes exemplary graphical trend symbols 1902, 1904, 1906 with additional process variable attribute information. FIG. 18C illustrates an example process variable extension pane 150 that includes example graphic trend symbols 2002, 2004, 2006, and more detailed process variable attributes. FIG. 18D shows the overview pane 1800 in a collapsed configuration in which graphics are hidden.

  As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each of the basic graphics 1802, 1804, 1806, the mid-level graphics 1902, 1904, 1906, and the detailed graphics 2002, 2004, 2006 are associated with FIG. Each contains the same icon 1808, 1810, 1812 which is similar to the one described above. Further, the basic diagram 1802, 1804, 1806 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A includes summary information such as the name 1814 of the process variable or parameter being measured and the corresponding unit of measurement 1816. In some embodiments, the basic graphics 1802, 1804, 1806 can be limited to icons without any additional information.

  As another alternative to FIG. 18, the mid-level graphics 1902, 1904, 1906 of FIG. 18B include the same summary information provided for the basic graphics 1808, 1810, 1812, but with additional details added. . For example, the intermediate level diagrams 1902, 1904, 1906 of the illustrated embodiment show the parameter code or tag 1910 associated with the process variable, the corresponding process variable set point or target value indicator 1912, the corresponding process variable measurement A value indicator 1914, an output indicator 1916 associated with the process variable (e.g., the output of the control valve), as appropriate, and a mode indicator 1918 indicating whether the process is under automatic or manual control. As shown in the illustrative figures, the measurement value indicators 1914 are located at the same level as the trend indicators of the corresponding icons 1808, 1810, 1812 while the set point value indicators 1912 correspond to the respective set point indicators. And provide a second visual indication of whether the value of the process variable is above, below, or about the same as the set point. Additionally, the measurement value indicator 1914 is filled with the same shading as the current state section of the corresponding icon 1808, 1810, 1812 to indicate the current state of the process variable.

  As an alternative and similar implementation to FIG. 18, the detailed graphics 2002, 2004, 2006 of FIG. 18C include the same information provided in the intermediate level graphics 1902, 1904, 1906 of FIG. Specific details are also added. For example, the detailed graphics 2002, 2004, 2006 can include a trend graph 2008 that plots the values of process variables over time. In some embodiments, trend graph 2008 includes a region of predicted trends 2010 for visually representing expected paths of process variables when sustaining current trends. As shown in the exemplary trend graph 2008 of FIG. 18C, the setpoint line 2012 and the one or more alarm lines 2014 indicate the relative position of the process variable with respect to the setpoint and alarm limits over the time period displayed in the graph 2008. Included to show visually. Further, in some embodiments, trend graph 2008 identifies alarm status portion 2016 that enables tracking and tagging alarm timing, duration, and status associated with process variables over time. (Eg, by different shading, patterns, colors, or other visually distinguishable indicia).

  The top banner 1818 of the example process variable panes 130, 140, 150, and 1800 of FIGS. 18A-18D is associated with the plant, area, unit, module or other component of the process control system corresponding to the overview pane 1800. The title and / or code 1820 is provided. The top banner 1818 also includes an overview icon 1822 that provides overview data associated with the process variable associated with the process control system component corresponding to the process variable overview pane 1800. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the overview icon 1822 indicates the worst current state of all process variables associated with the corresponding component of the process control system (e.g. ) And / or indicate the worst predicted condition (eg, by shading a small circle or other graphical mark). In some embodiments, top banner 1818 directs the operator to a dedicated screen (eg, graphical representation 53 displayed via display area 52) associated with a particular component of the process control system. Includes navigation buttons 1824 to enable. In the example shown, the top banner 1818 of the summary pane 1800 also completely collapses the top pane 1818 of the process variable into the top banner 1818 as shown in FIG. 18D or the summary pane 1800 of the process variable of FIG. A fold / deploy button 1826 is provided for deploying to any one of the expanded views shown in FIGS. 18A-18B.

  Further, the detail view 300 of FIG. 18 provides the operator with more temporal context for events (eg, alarms) and event history to further enhance trend based monitoring and analysis of process control system status. A button (not shown) may be provided. In some embodiments, the operator may select the event history button to provide additional information regarding the alert and / or other events monitored within the process control system, such as the event shown in FIG. 18E. An overview table 3300 may be opened. In some embodiments, event history table 3300 may be displayed in detail view 300 of FIG. In another embodiment, the event history table 3300 can be generated in pop-up windows and / or other display areas.

  As shown in FIG. 18E, the information provided in the event history table 3300 provides significant changes, alarms, and / or situational awareness and recovery, and the operator better diagnoses potential problems, and they Based on events in the process control system that are tagged over time to understand how it relates to other aspects of the process control system. For example, event history table 3300 may be performed and / or associated with the date and time of each event (eg, hours and minutes), a description of the event, units and / or parameters associated with the event, and the event. Or contains a treatment item that has already been completed. In addition to the above information, the event history table 3300 also comprises columns corresponding to event status and / or impact. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the Status and / or Impact column of the Event History Table 3300 incorporates a trend based graphic 3302 that corresponds to the graphic used throughout the operator interface described above. In this way, the operator can quickly identify the timing and relationships of process variables associated with the graphic 3302 displayed across the operator interface.

  Referring now to FIG. 19, an exemplary screen shot 400 includes a graphical representation 112 of a heater, a navigation pane 54, an overview pane 130, and an expansion pane 150 displayed within a display area 52. The graphical display application 30 may allow the operator to visually identify, within P & ID and other panes, process variables associated with a hover event or a firm selection of the operator. For example, in response to the detection of an operator-directed hover event near or on the graphical trend symbol 138 for a process variable, labeled "Flue gas temperature" in the overview pane 130, the graphical display application 30 , The corresponding graphical trend symbol 120 in the graphical representation 112 of the heater in the display area 52 may be highlighted and the expanded view 151 of the corresponding graphical trend symbol for the same process variable may be highlighted.

  A flowchart depicting an exemplary method for implementing the exemplary operator station 104 of FIG. 2 is shown in FIGS. 20A-20B. In this example, machine readable instructions, including programs executed by a processor, may be implemented. The program may be embodied in software stored on a tangible computer readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard drive, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc, or memory associated with a processor. While possible, the entire program and / or portions thereof may instead be executed by devices other than a processor and / or may be embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. Furthermore, although the exemplary program is described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 20A-20B, many other methods for implementing the exemplary graphical display application 30 may instead be used. Can. For example, the order of execution of the blocks can be changed, and / or some of the blocks described above can be changed, deleted, or combined.

  The method illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20B begins at block 3400 with the graphical display application 30 monitoring process variables associated with a process control system (eg, the example process control system 10 of FIG. 1). At block 3402, the graphics display application 30 determines and / or stores the situation (s), the characteristic (s), and / or other information associated with the process variable. The situation (s), the property (s), and / or other information may be the current state of the process variable, the predicted state of the process variable, the corresponding trend of the process variable, the direction of change of the process variable, the process Rate of change of the variable, relative position of the process variable to the set point (eg, above, below, or nearly the same as the set point), relative deviation of the process variable from the set point to the operating range of values of the process variable, alarm limits The relative distance of the process variable to, the actual value of the process variable, and / or the history or archive value of the process variable tagged over time may be included.

  At block 3404, the graphics display application 30 generates an icon that represents the situation (s), the feature (s), and / or other information associated with the process variable. For example, the generated icons may correspond to any of the icons described above in connection with FIGS. At block 3406, the graphics display application 30 also calculates alert summary data associated with each component in the hierarchy of components in the process control system. The alert summary data indicates the presence of active alerts associated with the process variable corresponding to each of the components, the number of active alerts associated with each of the components, the current state of each of the corresponding process variables Or one or more of the predicted states of each of the corresponding process variables. As mentioned above, each component can correspond to any of a plant, a site, an area, a unit, a module, etc., and higher level components in the hierarchy can have multiple lower level components. Can be included. Thus, the alert summary data of each higher level component may include alert summary data of the corresponding lower level component (e.g., subcomponent).

  At block 3408, the graphics display application 30 renders a diagram representing at least one of the components in the hierarchy via the display. In some embodiments, components for display are selected based on user input (eg, operator input). In some embodiments, the diagram is a multi-element piping and instrumentation diagram (P & ID) that represents various aspects and / or sub-components of the selected component for display. Additionally, the diagram can provide important indicators and / or information associated with the process variables corresponding to the displayed components of the process control system. In the exemplary method of FIGS. 20A-20B, when the operator interface renders a diagram, the operator interface may generate an icon (block) adjacent to or in place of the important indicator and / or other relevant information. 3404). For example, an icon can be displayed next to the element in the P & ID corresponding to the source of the corresponding process variable. In addition, icons associated with process variables that are in an alert state can also be rendered in the alert banner.

  At block 3410, the operator interface renders the navigation pane via a display corresponding to the rendered figure. The navigation pane includes navigation buttons that represent components within the hierarchy that are similar to any of the navigation panes described above in connection with FIGS. 2A-2D. In such an example, each navigation button may be associated with a corresponding alert summary icon that represents the calculated alert summary data (block 3406).

  At block 3414, the graphics display application 30 determines whether it has received a request to navigate within the navigation pane. The request to navigate within the navigation pane is not within the direct path of the hierarchy associated with the component currently represented by the displayed figure (eg, preview the relationship of other components) It may originate from the operator selecting (eg, via a mouse click) on the navigation button. When graphics display application 30 determines that such a request has been received (block 3412), graphics display application 30 updates the navigation pane. The updated navigation pane may include new navigation buttons corresponding to lower level components (e.g., child components) in a hierarchy below the components associated with the selected navigation button. Additionally, an indication of a direct path in the hierarchy to the navigation button associated with the currently displayed view may also be provided if it prevents the new navigation button from representing the entire path. Once the navigation pane has been updated (block 3414), control passes to block 3416. If the graphics display application 30 determines that it has not received a request to navigate within the navigation pane (block 3412), control immediately proceeds to block 3416.

  At block 3416, the graphics display application 30 determines whether it has received a request to render different diagrams that represent different components of the process control system. The request to render a different diagram originates from the operator selecting a navigation button corresponding to a component different from the component currently represented by the rendered diagram (eg, via a double mouse click) be able to. In another embodiment, the operator can select (eg, via a double mouse click) an element in the diagram that corresponds to a sub-component in the component currently displayed. When graphics display application 30 determines that a request has been received (block 3412), graphics display application 30 renders a different chart via the display (block 3418). As described above in connection with block 3408, graphics display application 30 may display different icons corresponding to process variables associated with the component represented by the new chart in the chart. In addition to rendering the new diagram (block 3418), the operator interface updates the navigation pane to reflect the rendered different diagram (block 3420). For example, the navigation buttons associated with the component represented by the new view can be modified to be visually distinguishable from the other navigation buttons described above. After updating the navigation pane (block 3420), control passes to block 3422. Returning to block 3416, if the graphics display application 30 determines that it has not received a request to render a different chart (block 3412), control proceeds immediately to block 3422.

  At block 3422, the graphics display application 30 determines whether it has received a request to display the information in the process variable summary pane. The process variable summary pane may be similar to any of the process variable summary panes described above in connection with FIGS. 18-18E. The request to display the information in the Process Variables Summary pane extends the operator requesting to create a new Process Variables Summary pane, or the existing Process Variables Summary pane to display additional information Can be included. If it is determined that such a request has been received (block 3422), graphics display application 30 determines whether there is sufficient space in the designated display area to display the requested information. Do (block 3424). Whether there is sufficient space depends on the size of the designated display area, the amount of information requested to be displayed, and what information has already been displayed. In some embodiments, the designated display area is an output display having a defined size (eg, a defined width and height of pixels), such as, for example, the detail view 300 of the screenshot 110 of FIG. Correspond to the screen space on the device. In such embodiments, as more process variables are summarized and / or more information is represented (eg, basic graphics, mid-level graphics, or detailed graphics), they are required. More screen space is needed to display the information. In such an embodiment, if the total amount of information displayed (based on what has already been displayed and the additional information requested) exceeds the available area defined by the screen space And the operator station will determine that there is not enough space in the designated area to display the requested information (block 3424).

  In other embodiments, the designated display area is not limited to a particular size, but may vary based on the operator's information request at any particular point in time. Thus, in some embodiments, the designated display area renders the designated display area such that only a portion of the designated display area is available at any given time (eg, By scrolling upward or downward), the size may be larger than the corresponding display screen. For example, rather than displaying the requested information in the detail view 300 on the display screen, in some embodiments, the requested information may be a portable handheld device with a limited screen size and / or resolution. For example, it is displayed via an interface of a smartphone, a tablet, and the like. In some such embodiments, the requested information is represented by the icons and associated graphics described herein, but can not render all in a single screen of the display device. When displayed on a separate interface that occupies all or substantially all of the screen display area of the corresponding display device with the ability to scroll between the various parts of the designated display area (e.g. Shown without displaying the corresponding P & ID). In such embodiments, the operations application is not limited to the specified size of the specified display area, so that sufficient space exists within the specified display area to display the requested information. It can be determined (block 3424).

  Continuing with the example process, if the graphics display application 30 determines that there is not enough space in the designated display area (block 3424), the graphics display application 30 may generate summary panes of existing process variables. Yes) adjust the zoom (block 3426). For example, the graphics display application 30 may reduce the summary pane (s) of existing process variables to lower levels of detail and / or fold the summary pane to display only the top banner. Once the existing process variable summary pane (s) is adjusted (block 3426), the operator interface renders the process variable summary pane with the requested information via the display (block 3428). When the graphics display application 30 determines that there is sufficient space in the designated display area (or the display area can be dynamically resized) to display the requested information (block 3424) ), The operator interface renders the corresponding process variable summary pane directly (block 3428). Once the process variable summary pane has been rendered, control passes to block 3430. Returning to block 3422, upon determining that the graphics display application 30 has not received a request to display the information in the process variable summary pane, the exemplary method of FIGS. 20A-20B proceeds to block 3430. .

  At block 3430, the graphics display application 30 determines whether it has received a request to identify relationship (s) of an on-screen element to a particular element. Elements on the screen may be graphical elements in a diagram representing components or sub-components in a process control system, text elements in a diagram providing information associated with process variables corresponding to the displayed components, It can correspond to either an icon displayed in a diagram corresponding to a process variable, information in an alert banner, and / or a graphic in an overview pane of one or more process variables. The request to identify the relationship between any of the above elements can originate from the operator selecting one of the displayed elements (eg, via a mouse click, mouse hover, etc.) . When the graphical display application 30 determines that such a request has been received (block 3430), the operator interface identifies the on-screen element associated with the particular element selected via the display (block) 3432). That is, the components represented in the diagram may be identified along with the corresponding navigation buttons in the navigation pane described above in connection with FIG. Additionally or alternatively, the alert banner entry, the icons and / or text information in the chart, and / or one or more graphics in the overview pane of one or more process variables associated with the same process variable It can be identified as described above in connection with 3.

  Once the relevant elements have been identified (block 3432), control passes to block 3434. If the graphics display application 30 determines that it has not received a request to identify element relationship (s), control proceeds to block 3434. At block 3434, the graphics display application 30 determines whether to continue monitoring the process control system. When monitoring a process control system, control returns to block 3400 of the exemplary process. If the graphics display application 30 determines not to continue monitoring the process control system, the exemplary process of FIGS. 20A-20B ends.

  The term "field device" as used herein performs a function in several devices or a combination of devices (ie a device providing multiple functions, such as a transmitter / actuator hybrid) as well as in a control system Used in a broad sense to include any other device (s). In any case, the field device may, for example, be an input device (e.g., a device such as a sensor and meter or the like that provides other signals indicative of conditions, measurements or process control parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate etc.) And / or may include control operators or actuators that perform operations in response to commands received from other field devices.

  When implemented, any of the software described herein may be stored in any computer readable memory, such as a magnetic disk, laser disk, or other storage medium, in RAM or ROM, such as a computer or processor. obtain. Likewise, this software may be identical to or compatible with, for example, provision of such software on a computer readable disc or other mobile computer storage device or such (where delivery is via a mobile storage medium Users, process plants using any known or desired delivery method, including over communication channels such as telephone lines, the Internet, the World Wide Web, any other private networks, or wide area networks, considered as Or may be distributed to the operator workstation. Further, the software may be provided directly without modulation or encryption, or may be modulated and / or using any suitable modulation carrier and / or encryption technique prior to transmission over the communication channel. Or it may be encrypted.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this is intended to be illustrative only, and not intended to limit the present invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes, additions or deletions to the disclosed embodiments may be made.

Claims (18)

A method in a computing device for providing a process variable pane for monitoring process variables in a graphical depiction of a process control plant, the method comprising:
Displaying graphical depictions of a process control plant including one or more graphical trend signs, each graphical trend sign being associated with (i) a process variable within the graphical depiction of the process control plant And (ii) graphically representing and displaying process control information related to the associated process variable;
Displaying one or more process variable panes associated with the displayed graphical depiction of the process control plant, each process variable pane being displayed within the graphical depiction of the process control plant One of the graphical trend symbols including one or more process variable selector icons corresponding to the one or more process variables, each process variable selector icon being displayed in the graphical depiction of the process control plant Displaying, including the corresponding graphic trend symbol,
Receiving a selection of one of the process variable selector icons associated with a first one of the process variable panes for a particular process variable;
In response to receiving the selection, (i) the corresponding graphical tendency symbol in at least a second one of the process variable panes, and (ii) the correspondence in the graphical depiction of the process control plant A method of providing a process variable pane, including highlighting a graphical tendency symbol.   The process variable pane of claim 1, wherein displaying each process variable selector icon comprises displaying one or more process variable attributes associated with the process variable associated with the process variable selector icon. how to.   The process variable pane according to claim 2, wherein the process variable attribute includes at least one of parameter name, type of unit operating, alarm start point, digital output process variable value, trend graph, or alarm tag. How to provide.   The process further includes displaying each process variable selector icon of a particular process variable pane with the same number of process variable attributes, each process variable pane including a unique number of process variable attributes from other process variable panes A method of providing a process variable pane according to claim 2 or claim 3 including a variable selector icon. (I) displaying each process variable selector icon in each process variable pane associated with a critical process variable and (ii) the one or more process variable attributes associated with each process variable selector icon 5. A method of providing a process variable pane according to any one of claims 2-4 , further comprising.   6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein displaying one or more process variable panes comprises displaying the one or more process variable panes in a fixed, restricted area. How to provide the process variable pane described in Section.   The method for providing a process variable pane according to claim 6, further displaying as many process variable selector icons as possible for one process variable pane while staying within the fixed and restricted area.   It is further possible to display as many process variable selector icons as possible and the corresponding one or more process variable attributes in one of the process variable panes while remaining within the fixed and restricted area. A method of providing a process variable pane according to claim 6 or claim 7 comprising.   9. The process variable pane according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving of the selection comprises receiving a hover event associated with the first one of the process variable selector icons. How to provide. A computer readable storage medium executable by a processor to provide a process variable pane for monitoring process variables in a graphical depiction of a process control plant via a computing device having a user interface. Store a set of instructions on it, said instructions
An instruction for displaying a graphical depiction of a process control plant comprising one or more graphical trend symbols, wherein each graphical trend sign is (i) a process variable in the graphical depiction of the process control plant. Instructions associated with and (ii) graphically representing process control information regarding said associated process variables;
Instructions for displaying one or more process variable panes associated with the displayed graphical depiction of the process control plant, wherein each process variable pane is displayed within the graphical depiction of the process control plant Of the graphical trend symbols including one or more process variable selector icons corresponding to the one or more process variables being selected, each process variable selector icon being displayed in the graphical depiction of the process control plant An instruction including a graphical trend symbol corresponding to one of
Instructions for receiving a selection of one of the process variable selector icons associated with a first one of the process variable panes for a particular process variable;
In response to receiving the selection, (i) the corresponding graphical tendency symbol in at least a second one of the process variable panes, and (ii) the correspondence in the graphical depiction of the process control plant A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions for highlighting a graphical trend symbol.   11. The method of claim 10, wherein the instructions for displaying each process variable selector icon include instructions for displaying one or more process variable attributes associated with the process variable associated with the process variable selector icon. Computer readable storage medium.   The computer readable storage of claim 11, wherein the process variable attribute comprises at least one of: parameter name, type of unit being operated, alarm start point, digital output process variable value, trend graph, or alarm tag. Medium.   The process variable pane further includes instructions for displaying each process variable selector icon of a particular process variable pane with the same number of process variable attributes, each process variable pane having a unique number of process variable attributes from the other process variable panes. 13. A computer readable storage medium according to claim 11 or claim 12 including a process variable selector icon comprising. (I) to display each process variable selector icon in each process variable pane associated with a critical process variable, and (ii) the one or more process variable attributes associated with each process variable selector icon The computer readable storage medium according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , further comprising instructions.   15. The instructions for displaying one or more process variable panes include instructions for displaying the one or more process variable panes in a fixed, restricted area. A computer readable storage medium according to any one of the preceding claims.   The computer readable storage medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions for displaying as many process variable selector icons as possible for one process variable pane while staying within the fixed, restricted area.   Instructions for displaying as many process variable selector icons and corresponding one or more process variable attributes as possible in one of the process variable panes while staying within the fixed, restricted area The computer readable storage medium according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising   18. The method of any one of claims 10-17, wherein the instructions for receiving the selection include instructions for receiving a hover event associated with the first one of the process variable selector icons. A computer readable storage medium according to claim 1.