Abstract: A method of maintenance training simulation includes providing an at least partially virtual reality trainee console having training software, a simulated control and safety system of a plant represented as a data model of simulated hardware devices including a process controller, and a mapping block for interfacing the trainee console to the data model. The mapping block converts an injected hardware fault involving a simulated hardware device to make a change to the data model which changes a current operating state of the simulated system. A response of the process controller is displayed showing changes to the current operating state to the trainee. The mapping block converts an action of the trainee to the changes to the current operating state to generate a further change in the data model. A response of the process controller is displayed showing the further changes in the current operating state to the trainee.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, device descriptions specified using different device description (DD) specifications are converted (represented) into a single format. In an embodiment, the single format corresponds to extended markup language (XML). The device description in the single format is then examined to provide a user interface for management of the corresponding field devices. Due to such use of a common format, integration of field devices (into a management system) having device description defined according to a new device description specification, may be simplified.