Abstract: The disclosed alarm analysis tools cope with insufficiently understood process characteristics. The configuration of the alarms and their associated displays are governed by generalized display policies applicable to groups of alarms rather than by detailed configuration of individual alarm action. To aid an operation in the configuration process, another aspect of the invention concerns an alarm selection method and apparatus operating on a computer, which comprises an application window displaying a main alarm list, a selection means to select the alarm indications displayed in the alarm list, and an operations means producing a main alarm list subset having characteristics of the selected alarm indications.

Abstract: Second order benefits are added to the previous alarm monitoring system, which groups alarms into categorizations, categories, and patterns of alarm variables. Some results of the second order benefits are improvements in overall look, feel, and control. Second order benefits/improvements include improving descriptor summary processing, pattern recognition, mask/filtering, and displaying information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for compressing a stream of data for storage, transmission or display while preserving maximum, minimum, and other valuable data features. The method and apparatus utilize a first and a second pair of error boundary lines to generate best fit trend segments of the data stream. The first and second pair of error boundary lines are modified as data samples of the data stream are received such that all of the data samples are either on one of the first and second pair of error boundary lines or in an area between the first and second pair of error boundary lines. The first and second pair of error boundary lines are then used to generate the best fit trend segments.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the control parameters of a self-tuning controller used to regulate a process having a measured process variable signal. Using the measured process variable signal, an error signal representing a closed-loop response of the process to an upset condition is generated. Local extrema of the error signal is measured and three successive amplitude values are selected to produce measured decay and overshoot characteristics of the error signal. The three successive amplitude values are selected such that the measured decay characteristic is greater than the overshoot characteristic. Based on the measured decay and overshoot characteristics at least one of the control parameters of the controller is automatically adjusted to improve the difference between one of the measured characteristics and a target characteristic.

Abstract: Multivariable adaptive feedforward control may be accomplished by detecting the beginning and ending of a process control disturbance response, characterizing the measured inputs and process output during the disturbance by moments, which comprise time-weighted integrals performed on the process result output and inputs when the disturbance is a measured disturbance, and relating the characterized inputs and process result output in known general transfer function model equations to generate transfer function parameters which are used to calculate the coefficients of feedforward additive or multiplicative compensators.

Abstract: A computer controlled equipment controller and method of operating the same for controlling industrial process control equipment which uses a language structure and data structure specifically adapted for use in constructing computer programs for controlling chemical and physical processing. A translator converts to compilable code programs written as statements expressing control intentions or results. Provision is made for treating the program structure (i.e., control connections, program order, and components, etc.) as part of the dynamic state of the application. Graphical symbols, or icons, are employed to draw the eye to critical features in the control program and to lead the eye through critical interrelationships among the several commands of a control system. At the same time, the translator treats the keystrokes generating these icons as statements (i.e.

Abstract: A language structure and translator specifically adapted for use in constructing computer programs for controlling chemical and physical processing. The translator converts to compilable code programs written as statements expressing control intentions or results. Each textual function and statement is expressed as a data structure which expresses the function, as configured, and the state and values most recently calculated for the relevant variables. Provision is made for treating the program structure (i.e., control connections, program order and components, etc.) as a part of the dynamic state of the application. Graphical symbols, or icons, are employed to draw the eye to critical features in the control program and to lead the eye through critical interrelationships among the several commands of a complicated control system. At the same time, the translator treats the keystrokes generating these icons as statements (i.e.

Abstract: Multivariable adaptive feedforward control may be accomplished by detecting the beginning and ending of load transients, characterizing the inputs and process result during the transient by moments, and relating the characterized inputs and process result in a general transfer function model to generate transfer functions relating the input to the output. The transfer functions coefficients are refined with successive disturbances by projecting from the current solution to the nearest point in an updated solution space. The transfer function coefficients of the selected solution are then used in compensators acting on the feedforward inputs to adjust a process control output to counteract the anticipated effects of the inputs.

Abstract: A language structure and translator specifically adapted for use in constructing computer programs for controlling chemical and physical processing. The translator converts to compilable code programs written as statements expressing control intentions or results. Each textual function and statement is expressed as a data structure which expresses the function, as configured, and the state and values most recently calculated for the relevant variables. Provision is made for treating the program structure (i.e., control connections, program order and components, etc.) as a part of the dynamic state of the application. Graphical symbols, or icons, are employed to draw the eye to critical features in the control program and to lead the eye through critical interrelationships among the several commands of a complicated control system. At the same time, the translator treats the keystrokes generating these icons as statements (i.e.

Abstract: The Swinging Door Method of compressing an industrial process data stream is described. Data used for generating a line graph is compressed for display or storage while preserving maximum, and minimum values, and other valuable data features. The method establishes offsets from a first point which then defines a corridor opening. Subsequent points are received to refine the defined error band or corridor direction until a point is received that cannot be included in the corridor. An end point for the corridor is then generated. The corridor end points then replace the intervening raw data as the output.