Apparatus and method for generating smart visualizations for effective monitoring and control in industrial process control and automation systems

An apparatus comprising:

• at least one processing device configured to:
• obtain parameter values for multiple process variables associated with at least one industrial process, the parameter values for each process variable comprising low and high limits and a current value;
• and
• generate a graphical display comprising:
• radial lines each associated with a different one of the process variables;
• a first graphical indicator passing through the radial lines and identifying the low limits of the process variables, wherein the first graphical indicator comprises a first visible ring passing through the radial lines and identifying the low limits of the process variables;
• a second graphical indicator passing through the radial lines and identifying the high limits of the process variables, wherein the second graphical indicator comprises a second visible ring passing through the radial lines and identifying the high limits of the process variables;
• and
• third graphical indicators identifying the current values of the process variables along the radial lines, wherein the third graphical indicators comprise points or lines identifying the current values of the process variables.

A non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that when executed cause at least one processing device to:

• obtain parameter values for multiple process variables associated with an industrial process, the parameter values for each process variable comprising low and high limits and a current value;
• and
• generate a first graphical display, wherein the first graphical display is associated with multiple controlled variables of the process variables of the industrial process, the first graphical display comprising:
• radial lines each associated with a different one of the multiple controlled variables;
• a first graphical indicator passing through the radial lines and identifying the low limits of the multiple controlled variables;
• a second graphical indicator passing through the radial lines and identifying the high limits of the multiple controlled variables;
• and
• third graphical indicators identifying the current values of the multiple controlled variables along the radial lines;
• generate a second graphical display, the second graphical display associated with multiple manipulated variables of the process variables of the industrial process;
• receive a selection, from a user, of one of the multiple controlled variables displayed in the first graphical display;
• and
• identify in the second graphical display one or more of the manipulated variables that have a higher impact on the selected one of the multiple controlled variables when manipulated than at least some of the other manipulated variables.