Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing Profibus device information in a distributed control system. After receiving input parameter data originating from a Profibus device message, the I/O module assembly performs steps for processing, maintaining and providing the input parameter data to a requesting control processor. The processing step includes extracting input parameter values from a received Profibus device message. The extracted input parameters are then deposited in a repository on the I/O module assembly, such that for a primary input parameter, the I/O module assembly stores at least: (1) a measured value, and (2) a status value. Furthermore, the I/O module assembly maintains a reference linking the first status parameter to the first input parameter. The I/O module assembly provides a data status value with the measured value for the first input parameter in accordance with an I/O read operation. The data status value is based on the status value for the first status parameter.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved network and methods of operation thereof for use in or with process control systems, computer-based manufacturing or production control systems, environmental control systems, industrial control system, and the like (collectively, “control systems”). Those networks utilize a unique combination of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, intrusion protection devices and/or other devices for hardening (e.g., security against hacking, intrusion or other mischievous conduct) and/or intrusion detection. The networks and methods have application, by way of example, in plants, sites and other facilities in which networks that support control systems interface with corporate, business or other networks.

Abstract: Improved control apparatus and methods transfer information between devices, such as controllers and field devices, utilizing a modulator that generates a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal containing information to be transferred by a first of the devices, e.g., the controller, to the second device. A transformer or other inductive device transfers the PWM signal across the isolation barrier, where it is demodulated to analog form for application to the second device, e.g., the field device. Information transferred from the second device to the first device can be transferred in an amplitude modulated (AM) signal that utilizes, as its carrier, a fixed duty cycle output of the modulator that generates the PWM signal.

Abstract: A centralized diagnostics management tool is disclosed that facilitates centralized monitoring of distributed components of a supervisory process control and manufacturing information application. The centralized diagnostics management tool includes a diagnostics management console shell that is customized according to a set of software modules that interface to data sources to populate views supported by the console shell. The console shell includes a set of view templates including controls for manipulating graphically displayed representations of data rendered by the distributed components. The console shell also includes an interface for exchanging requests and data with an extensible set of software modules that provide data links to ones of the set of distributed components. The software modules also define the customizable portions of the view rendered by the console shell.

Abstract: A redundant host pair runtime arrangement is disclosed for a process control network environment. The arrangement includes a primary network. A first partner of a fail-over host pair operates on a first machine communicatively connected to the primary network. The first partner hosts a set of executing application components in accordance with an active role assigned to the first partner. A second partner of the fail-over host pair operates on a second machine communicatively connected to the primary network. The second partner hosts a non-executing version of the set of executing application components in accordance with a standby runtime role. A monitoring process, operating separately upon the first machine, senses a failure of the first partner, and in response, initiates a notification to the second partner to take over the active role.

Abstract: A DCS protocol message addressed to a remote DCS station is generated at a local distributed control system (DCS). The DCS protocol message is received at a local tunneling device. The local tunneling device packages the DCS protocol message into a SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is transmitted from the local tunneling device to a remote tunneling device. The remote tunneling device receives the SCADA protocol message. The SCADA protocol message is unpackaged into a DCS protocol message at the remote tunneling device, and the DCS protocol message is placed on to a remote DCS such that it flows to the remote station. The DCS protocol message is received at the remote station.

Abstract: An application object for a supervisory process control and manufacturing information system application distributable to a plurality of networked computer devices and having a layered architecture, the application object comprising a set of text entries listed in a first language, a dictionary within each object drafted to enable the set of text entries to be translated into a plurality of multiple languages, and a set of one or more translation fields for storing text in each of the plurality of languages corresponding to the set of text entries listed in the first language.

Abstract: An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for rendering animated graphics on a browser client based upon a stream of runtime data from a manufacturing/process control system. The graphics animation is based upon an animated graphic display object specification and runtime data from a portal server affecting an appearance trait of the animated graphic display object. The client browser receives an animated graphics description from the portal server specifying an animation behavior for an identified graphical display object. The client creates a data exchange connection between an animated display object, corresponding to the animated graphics description, and a source of runtime data from the portal server affecting display of the animated display object. Thereafter, the client applies runtime data received from the source of runtime data to the animated display object to render an animated graphic display object.

Abstract: A supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development and execution system is disclosed that supports the execution of application object scripts derived from multiple different scripting languages. In particular, the system includes a script editor interface that enables submission/specification of scripts for application objects. The script editor interface supports multiple distinct user-side script languages (e.g., user-supplied script text). A script translation component that receives the user-side script includes routines for rendering execution-side script (executable by a script engine) from source script rendered by the script editor and written according to any of a set of user-side script languages supported by the script translation component. The translator supports at least a first scripting language and a second scripting language.

Abstract: Disclosed is a server that provides session-persistent concurrent licenses for resources accessed by clients. In one embodiment, rather than requiring a license when the server is initially accessed, a license is not requested until a client seeks access to a licensed resource. In one implementation, scripts for Web pages associated with licensed resources include requests for licenses from a license management facility. Certain resources conditionally request a license based upon the origin of the access request: the license request may be bypassed for access requests from “pre-licensed” applications. Session-based licensing allows equitable assessment of compensation to a service provider for use of the services. The server includes many resources, some of which require a license for access while others do not. The services of premium value are the only ones for which customers are expected to obtain/claim a license.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.

Abstract: A bunker fuel transfer system that includes a multi-measurement metering system and bunkering receipt issuing equipment (BRIE). The bunker fuel transfer system can be installed on either the bunker barge or the ship receiving the bunker fuel. Various implementations can provide for quantity certainty of bunker fuel delivery transactions, and can provide for automated bunker fuel transfer reports. The bunker fuel transfer reports can include details and trends of the bunker fuel transfers to allow for quantity measurement validation. In addition, some implementations may provide for quality validation by including pertinent measurements, which can be included in the reports.

Abstract: A template-based supervisory process control and manufacturing information application development facility is disclosed that includes a number of time-saving application development tools that significantly enhance design productivity and allow re-using of previously developed application building blocks. The development facility includes an application object template library that stores a set of previously defined application object templates. The template library is accessed by developers through a configuration utility that facilitates specifying instances of the set of previously defined application object templates to be included in an application. Thereafter, application objects are instantiated from the selected ones of the set of previously defined application object templates in a build of the specified application.

Abstract: A multi-phase process fluid is passed through a vibratable flowtube. Motion is induced in the vibratable flowtube. A first apparent property of the multi-phase process fluid based on the motion of the vibratable flowtube is determined, and an apparent intermediate value associated with the multi-phase process fluid based on the first apparent property is determined. A corrected intermediate value is determined based on a mapping between the intermediate value and the corrected intermediate value. A phase-specific property of a phase of the multi-phase process fluid is determined based on the corrected intermediate value.

Abstract: A remote configuration utility architecture is disclosed for a manufacturing/process control system data access server. Server agents, located on remote nodes, notify a configuration console of existing data access servers on the system. The configuration utility includes a control console from which a user selects one of the identified data access servers. Thereafter, the configuration console, via remote interfaces, obtains configuration parameters and associated rules associated with the selected data access server. The configuration utility thereafter displays the retrieved configuration information within a user interface faceplate defined for a type of configuration node selected for display/editing from the selected DAS. Using various faceplates for selected node types, the user creates, clears, examines and/or manipulates hierarchically arranged nodes for a configuration associated with the selected data access server.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for workflow editing. Such methods and apparatus permit, for example, user-defined and/or other tasks to be combined in any combination or combinations to specify a workflow. The tasks can be linked for direct, serial processing and/or for conditional processing that includes branching and/or looping. The invention also improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with extensible actions. The invention provides, further, improved methods and apparatus for workflow definition and processing which utilize workflow variables for communication of data and control information among tasks within a workflow. The invention provides, still further, improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with enhanced messaging.

Abstract: A method and process control data server system architecture are disclosed for providing process data to a variety of client applications via a plurality of differing data sharing standards. The system architecture incorporates a ready platform for subsequently added client application data exchange protocols. In an exemplary embodiment, a set of standard interface definitions between client application data exchange protocol-specific plugins and a data access server engine supports incorporating new client application data exchange protocols by means of plugins designed to interface with the data access server engine according to the standard interface definitions.