Valve positioner communication method and apparatus

A valve positioning system for controlling a valve and exchanging information related to the valve, the valve positioning system including:

• a valve positioner in operative association with the valve such that the valve positioner is configured to receive status information related to the valve, the valve positioner including:
• one or more lights that are configured to be selectively illuminated in a predetermined order based on the status information related to the valve, wherein, by selectively illuminating the one or more lights in the predetermined order, the valve positioner is configured to optically transmit the status information;
• and
• a photodetector configured to detect light, based on control information for controlling the valve positioner, that is generated by a computing device in a line of sight with the photodetector, wherein, based on the detection of the light by the photodetector, the photodetector is configured to generate an electrical signal indicative of the control information.

A method of exchanging information related to a valve in a valve positioning system, the method including:

• receiving information at a valve positioner that is related to the valve;
• transmitting the information by selectively illuminating one or more lights in a predetermined order supported by the valve positioner;
• and
• receiving control information by detecting light with a photodetector supported by the valve positioner.