Tool for configuring and managing a process control network including the use of spatial information
AssigneeFisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
InventorsAndrew Philip Dove, David Richard Gardner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a tool which includes spatial information for configuring and managing a process control system which conforms to a standard protocol. Such a tool advantageously allows the efficient design and use of a process control system while ensuring that the physical characteristics of the system conform to the standard. In addition, the tool provides for more efficient diagnostics, on-line debugging, alarm monitoring and device maintenance.
Claims20
A method for configuring and managing a process control network, the process control network including a computer having a processor and a memory, the method comprising:
- providing the computer with information regarding a spatial layout of a facility;
- providing the computer with information regarding configuration of a plurality of devices within the process control network;
- creating and activating a plurality of function blocks controlling the plurality of devices;
- obtaining status of the plurality of devices;
- and
- presenting the status of the plurality of devices in relation to the spatial layout of the facility.
An apparatus for configuring and managing a process control network, the apparatus comprising:
- a computer having a processor and a memory;
- means for providing the computer with information regarding a spatial layout of a facility;
- means for providing the computer with information regarding configuration of a plurality of devices used within the process control network;
- means for creating and activating a plurality of function blocks controlling the plurality of devices;
- means for obtaining status of the plurality of devices;
- and
- means for presenting the status of the plurality of devices in relation to the spatial layout of the facility.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.