Abstract: Phase function blocks are associated with a process for producing at least one product or part thereof. For example, a phase function block could reside in a recipe control module defining the process. Each phase function block can be executed to implement the process. A phase function block may acquire and initiate execution of a module providing control over a process element. The phase function block may also provide one or more first parameters to the module. The first parameters define how the module implements a portion of the process using the process element. In addition, the phase function block may retrieve one or more second parameters from the module. The second parameters are associated with results of the execution of the module. Multiple phase function blocks could be contained in multiple recipe control modules, which are distributed in multiple controllers in a hard real-time process control system.

Abstract: A method includes determining one or more setpoint changes for one or more actuators in a process control system. Determining the one or more setpoint changes includes making larger or more frequent setpoint changes when operating in a first mode and making smaller or less frequent setpoint changes when operating in a second mode. The method also includes outputting the one or more setpoint changes to the one or more actuators. The method could further include entering the first mode after a paper sheet has broken and been rethreaded through a paper machine. The method could also include entering the second mode (i) after a specified amount of time has elapsed since entering the first mode or (ii) after the first mode has been entered and a caliper profile of the paper sheet is within a specified threshold of a desired caliper profile.

Abstract: A method for application rationalization to assist clients in reducing the complexity of information technology (IT) and expedite the benefits of IT transformation. One exemplary application is described using the disclosed methodologies within the communications industry.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining current structural information describing a current structure of a process control system and retrieving from a checkpoint file stored structural information describing a previous structure of the process control system. If the current structural information matches the stored structural information, current configuration and operational information of a controller in the process control system is conformed to previous configuration and operational information stored in the checkpoint file.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory capable of storing information defining multiple function block types. A combination of instances of one or more function block types is capable of implementing a control process in a controller within a process control system. The apparatus also includes a function block editor capable of allowing a user to dynamically create or modify one or more of the function block types using a graphical user interface. The function block editor is capable of allowing the user to define one or more parameters for a function block type being created or modified.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling one or more properties of a sheet of material to be manufactured on a sheet-making machine is disclosed. Actuators to control the sheet properties are arrayed in the cross-direction of the machine. Properties data about one or more properties of the sheet of material are measured and both the magnitude of an actuator control action and the cross-direction shape of an actuator control action are controlled to minimize the variation of the measured properties data from a desired target for each of the one or more properties.

Abstract: A system includes at least one memory and at least one processor. The at least one memory is operable to store a resource object associated with a resource. The at least one memory is also operable to store a plurality of requester objects associated with at least a portion of one or more processes. The one or more processes are associated with production of one or more products using the resource. The at least one processor is operable to arbitrate between multiple arbitration requests from multiple ones of the requester objects. Each arbitration request indicates that one of the requester objects is attempting to acquire the resource object so that the associated resource is used to produce one of the products. The at least one processor is operable to use one or more user-defined strategies to arbitrate between the multiple arbitration requests.

Abstract: A method includes controlling a first process using a first process control system. The method also includes controlling a second process using a second process control system. The method further includes controlling the first and second process control systems together. In addition, the method includes optimizing at least one process objective using both the first and second process control systems. The first process can be a natural gas liquids production process, and the second process can be a liquefied natural gas production process. The process objective could include at least one of: profit, natural gas liquids quantity, natural gas liquids quality, liquefied natural gas quantity, and liquefied natural gas quality.

Abstract: A method includes receiving measurement data from at least one sensor at a first controller. The measurement data is associated with a process. The method also includes receiving a first output signal at the first controller. The first output signal is generated by a second controller and affects the process. The method further includes determining how to control at least a portion of the process using the measurement data and the first output signal. In addition, the method includes providing a second output signal, where the second output signal is operable to control at least the portion of the process. The second controller may be operable to use the second output signal to generate the first output signal.

Abstract: A method includes storing information defining a plurality of procedures to be followed. The method also includes receiving a request for the information associated with at least one of the procedures. The method further includes formatting the requested information based on a platform to receive the requested information. In addition, the method includes providing the formatted requested information to the platform. Formatting the requested information may include formatting the requested information using one of a plurality of templates, where the templates are associated with a plurality of different procedure types. Formatting the requested information may also include formatting the requested information differently based on whether the requested information is to be presented via a console computing device, a mobile device, or a printed document.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program are provided for actuator performance monitoring. A test of an actuator in a process control system can be initiated, such as when a break in the operation of the actuator or a machine associated with the actuator is detected. The test could include providing a varying control signal (such as a varying pressure signal) to the actuator. A response of the actuator to the control signal is analyzed to determine if the actuator is suffering from one or more faults. Analyzing the response could include generating a first pressurization curve identifying how a pressure in the actuator varies over time in response to the pressure signal. Analyzing the response could also include comparing the first pressurization curve to a second pressurization curve, such as a baseline pressurization curve generated when the actuator was first commissioned in the process control system.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticated dynamic extension of security domain boundaries includes high security domain extension instructions for sequentially and dynamically forming an extended high security domain (133) through a protected communication path (128). The protected communication path (128) extends from a first computer (10) associated with a high security domain (80) into a second computer (10) associated with low security domain (120). The method and system establish the extended high security domain (133) within the second computer (10). A protected communication path (128) forms an isolation barrier (131) separating the extended high security domain (133) from other objects (126) within the low security domain (120). Authentication instructions (146) temporarily 20 authenticate at least one object (132) associated with the low security domain (120).

Abstract: The devices, systems and methods may continuously detect surface characteristics of a sample surface at a tilt. The exemplary system may have a conveying device for moving a sample surface, a light source for reflecting a beam of light off the sample surface, and a light detector with a light detection surface for continuous light detection. A lens may be used to reflect the beam of light from the sample surface and focus the beam of light on the light detection surface of the light detector. The area of the beam of light at the point of focus on the light detection surface may be unequal to the light detection surface. A reference analyzer may be used to determine the optical surface based on a comparison of the reflected light received with known reflected light values for known sample surfaces.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for brokering data processing service licenses, including allocation and provisioning of the licenses. Preferred embodiments includes a functional architecture for services license brokerage, a license allocation process and a license provisioning process, a service license scheduler, and a definition of metadata for the service license brokerage.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a signal and a disturbance associated with a model. The signal and disturbance are identified using historical data associated with one or more process variables. The method also includes decomposing the signal and the disturbance at a plurality of resolution levels. The method further includes extracting a plurality of data segments from the signal using the decomposed signal and the decomposed disturbance. In addition, the method includes determining a quality of the model using the extracted data segments and at least a portion of the historical data.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program are provided for filtering a signal. The method, system, and computer program receive a sample of a signal being filtered and identify a bias associated with the sample. The bias includes a cushion and an increment. The method, system, and computer program also output an expected value for the sample of the signal being filtered combined with a portion of the bias. The portion of the bias is based at least partially on a size of the cushion.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing equipment performance and optimizing operational costs are provided. Data from a sensor associated with a piece of equipment is analyzed and processed to identify characteristics associated with the performance and operational costs of the equipment. If the analysis indicates that abnormal conditions exist or that any user-defined alerts are warranted, a message is sent to an operator terminal. The system and method may continue to monitor the equipment and thus provide real-time data. The data may be stored in memory and collected over time. The data may be associated with a digital signature and used to create performance and/or financial reports for financial institutions, company quality control boards, regulatory control agencies, and the public. The system and method thus provide a cost effective and reliable analysis of equipment performance and operation costs.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for detecting surface characteristics of a sample surface are disclosed. The exemplary system may have a conveying device for moving a sample surface and a light source for reflecting a beam of light off the sample surface. A light detector may receive the beam of light reflected from the sample surface. The area of the beam of light may be unequal to an area of a light detection surface of the light detector. A reference analyzer may determine the optical surface based on a comparison of the reflected light received with known reflected light values for known sample surfaces.