Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which allow control systems to be tested. Specifically, a test system is coupled to a control system in a manner which allows the test system to communicate with and drive the control system by sending and receiving signals via both the controller-I/O communication channel and the field I/O connectors. In essence, the test system is used to both simulate a plant to be controlled and to monitor, validate, and or modify the internal state of the control system controller and possibly the control system I/O interface. Plant simulation is accomplished by simulating the I/O devices to which the control system is coupled (and hence the plant processes) when installed in its operational environment.

Abstract: A test system (10) is coupled to a control system (20) in a manner which allows the test system to communicate with and drive the control system by sending and receiving signals via both the controller-I/O communication channel (160) and the field I/O connectors (225). The test system (10) is used to both simulate a plant to be controlled and to monitor, validate, and/or modify the internal state of the control system controller and possibly the control system I/O interface (220). Plant simulation is accomplished by simulating the I/O devices to which the control system (20) is coupled (and hence the plant processes) when installed in the operational environment. In addition to the simulation of I/O devices, the test system (10) takes advantage of the fact that many commonly used controller and I/O interfaces are capable of communication with other devices by using such communications ability to provide instructions to or obtain information from a control system's controller(s) and I/O interface(s).

Abstract: A requirements database and test generator generates tests for functional and field testing and generates requirements documentation, user manuals, operational procedures, instrument data sheets, instrument indices, instrument loop diagrams, validation reports, and test reports, including exception and passing reports. A portable process control simulator (120) system which provides control system (900) users with scenarios that mirror field operation as defined.

Abstract: A requirements database and test generator generates tests for functional and field testing and generates requirements documentation. user manuals, operational procedures, instrument data sheets, instrument indices, instrument loop diagrams, validation reports, and test reports, including exception and passing reports. A portable process control simulator (120) system which provides control system (900) users with scenarios that mirror field operation as defined.

Abstract: Re-configurable modular food processing cells (10) consisting of rapidly re-configurable functional modules (50) are easily transported to any site for appropriate reconfiguration to process harvested crop material. Each cell (10) provides a shipping container-type enclosure (20), and is therefore highly transportable. Within each modular food processing cell are a plurality of functional modules (50), each module adapted for a specific food processing function, such as cleaning, grinding or filling or labeling containers. Transitional fixtures and fittings (80) allow the output of a first functional module to be input into a second functional module. A computer control system (30), carried by each cell (10), controls the operation of each module (50) by means of control circuitry (40) and video display instructions to the module operator personnel (16).