Distributed database configuration with graphical representations having prelinked parameters for devices within a networked control system

A control system utilizing a system database for controlling a plurality of controllers, each of said controllers coupled to a node of a system network for controlling separate networks of physical devices and including a memory for storing an application database and a processor for using said application data base for monitoring and controlling said networked devices, said control system comprising:

• A. a memory for storing said system database located on a node of said system network;
• B. graphical representations of said networked devices stored in said application database accessible from the system network;
• said graphical representations including points representing values and status of said networked devices;
• C. at least one process control unit for each controller for coupling said networks of physical devices to said system network, said process control unit for generating said values and status for each of said networked devices;
• D. groupings of said graphical representations grouped according to a location of the controller and physical devices associated with the graphical representations, the groupings being arranged in a real-time configuration in said system database;
• E. wherein each of said groupings separate from said system database at runtime for storage in said application data base of said memory of said associated controllers for monitoring and controlling said networked devices;
• and
• F. wherein each of said groupings separate from said system database at runtime for storage in said memory of said associated controller, said separation providing a real-time, distributed database.

A real-time, distributed database system for controlling and monitoring devices coupled to a network comprising:

• A. a memory accessible from said network for storing a system database;
• B. a plurality of process control units, each of said plurality of process control units for coupling said devices to said network, said process control unit for generating values and status for each of said physical devices;
• C. graphical representations of each of said physical devices, said graphical representations including said values and status of said networked devices and said graphical representations stored in an application database;
• D. at least one controller coupled to said system network, said controller including a memory for storing said application database and a processor for using said system data base to create said application data base for monitoring and controlling said networked devices in response to said graphical representations;
• E. groupings of said graphical representations grouped according to a location of the controller and physical devices associated with the graphical representations, said groupings being arranged in a real-time configuration in said system database;
• F. wherein each of said groupings separate from said system database at runtime for storage in said application data base of said memory of said associated controller for monitoring and controlling said networked devices;
• and
• G. wherein each of said groupings separate from said system database at runtime for storage in said memory of said associated controller, said separation providing said real-time, distributed database.