Interface for managing test definitions

A method for graphically managing test definitions, which are used by calibrators to test field devices, the method comprising:

• displaying at least one device icon on a display, wherein the device icon identifies testing data of a field device;
• displaying at least one test procedure icon on the display, the test procedure icon identifies a test procedure, wherein the test procedure includes device testing parameters that correspond to the testing data;
• associating the device icon to the test procedure icon;
• and
• creating a test definition for the field device using the testing data in accordance with the test procedure.

An apparatus for graphically managing test definitions, which are used by calibrators to test field devices, the apparatus comprising:

• a display;
• a processor operably coupleable to the display;
• a memory coupled to the processor;
• a program residing in the memory, the program including instructions to provide a graphical user interface on the display comprising:
• i) at least one device icon, wherein the device icon identifies testing data of a field device;
• and
• ii) at least one test procedure icon, wherein the test procedure icon identifies a test procedure having device testing parameters corresponding to the testing data;
• wherein a test definition is created for the field device when the device icon is associated with the test procedure icon.

A test definition management interface for use by a field management system (FMS) used to manage field devices, and executed by programmed instructions on a general purpose computer;

• the general purpose computer including a memory in which the programmed instructions are stored, an input device to supply input information for interaction with the programmed instructions, and a display device for displaying information created by the programmed instructions and the input information;
• the test definition management interface comprising:
• a device list icon at an expandable level from which at least one additional level can expand from;
• at least one device icon at a level expandable from the device list icon, wherein the device icon identifies testing data of a field device;
• a test procedure list icon at an expandable level from which at least one additional level can expand from;
• at least one test procedure icon at a level expandable from the test procedure list icon, wherein;
• the test procedure icon identifies a test procedure having device testing parameters corresponding to the testing data;
• and
• a test definition for the field device is created when the device icon is associated with the test procedure icon.

A computer readable medium having stored instructions executable by a processor, the instructions comprising:

• instructions for displaying at least one device icon on a display, wherein the device icon identifies testing data of a field device;
• instructions for displaying at least one test procedure icon on the display, wherein the test procedure icon identifies a test procedure having device testing parameters that correspond to the testing data;
• instructions for receiving an input associating the device icon with the test procedure icon;
• and
• instructions for creating a test definition for the field device when the device icon is associated with the test procedure icon, wherein the test definition can be used by a calibrator to test the field device.

An apparatus for managing test definitions, which are used by calibrators to test field devices, the apparatus comprising:

• means for displaying a device icon on a display, wherein the device icon identifies testing data of a field device;
• means for displaying a test procedure icon on the display, wherein the test procedure icon identifies a test procedure having device testing parameters that correspond to the testing data;
• means for associating the device icon with the test procedure icon;
• and
• means for creating a test definition for the field device using the testing data in accordance with the test procedure.