Multivariable process matrix display and methods regarding same

A computer implemented method for providing a graphical user display for providing real-time process information to a user with regard to a continuous multivariable process being performed at a process plant, wherein the continuous multivariable process is operable under control of a plurality of process variables, the plurality of process variables including at least manipulated variables and controlled variables, the method comprising:

• displaying a matrix array of information describing at least one relationship between one or more controlled variables of a set of controlled variables displayed along a first axis of the array and one or more manipulated variables of a set of manipulated variables displayed along a second axis of the array;
• displaying one or more graphical devices, each graphical device displayed in proximity to a corresponding process variable of the set of controlled variables and the set of manipulated variables, each graphical device representative of at least a state of the corresponding process variable;
• and
• continually updating the one or more graphical devices.

A computer implemented method for providing a graphical user display for providing real-time process information to a user with regard to a continuous multivariable process being performed at a process plant, wherein the continuous multivariable process is controlled through control of a plurality of process variables, the plurality of process variables including at least manipulated variables and controlled variables, the method comprising:

• determining the number of manipulated variables that are available for use in control of controlled variables;
• determining the number of controlled variables that are constrained to set points or that are at or outside of user defined limits;
• displaying a matrix array of information describing at least one characteristic of one or more controlled variables displayed along a first axis of the array and one or more manipulated variables displayed along a second axis of the array;
• and
• displaying one or more graphical devices, each graphical device displayed in proximity to a corresponding process variable of the set of controlled variables and the set of manipulated variables, each graphical device representative of at least a state of the corresponding process variable.