Abstract: A visualization system that generates visual mash-ups for industrial automation includes a mash-up component that combines output from a subset of disparate sources into a common interface. The disparate sources include at least one of equipment, computers, or devices within an industrial automation environment. A visualization component generates and displays a mash-up visualization that includes information associated with the common interface.

Abstract: A data aggregation system comprises an aggregation server. The aggregation server receives a remote request for a viewing session from a plurality of communication devices over a communication network. The aggregation server transfers a first data request to a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for graphics data comprising a graphical representation of a portion of an industrial automation environment over an enterprise network. The aggregation server transfers a second data request to an operation data source for operation data associated with an operation of the industrial automation environment over the enterprise network. The aggregation server receives the graphics data from the HMI. The aggregation server receives the operation data from the operation data source. The aggregation server transfers the graphics data over the communication network to the plurality of communication devices, and transfers the operation data over the communication network to the plurality of communication devices.

Abstract: A human-machine interface system for an industrial automation environment is provided. The human-machine interface system includes a communication interface configured to receive machine data from an aggregation server, a user interface configured to display graphical data to a user, and a processor coupled to the communication interface and the user interface. The processor is configured to process the machine data to produce first graphical data including a first human-machine interface including one or more tabs, transmit the first graphical data to the user interface for display, and detect a pointer indicating an interest over one of the one or more tabs. The processor is also configured to process the machine data to produce second graphical data including the first human-machine interface including an open drawer corresponding to the one of the one or more tabs, and transmit the second graphical data to the user interface for display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating flexible resource distribution in an industrial control environment. A query component is provided to determine one or more system resources from a networked industrial controller system, wherein the resources can include listings of applications, configurations, variable settings, and performance capabilities associated with a controller. Upon receiving available resource listings from various control devices, a distribution component can update the devices based in part on the resource listings and according to various criteria. A configuration component can be utilized in the controller system to provide network updates of controller parameters and to facilitate automated protocol selections when interacting with out-of-network devices. An analysis component can interact with the query, distribution, and configuration components to support higher-level decision-making in the resource distribution and allocation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating network communications between an industrial control system and a client application that interacts with a plurality of data items on the control system. The client application initiates a request or query to the industrial control system for an identification of selected data items of interest. Based on information received in the request, an aggregation component can be constructed by the client, wherein names and buffer allocations relating to the data items of interest are provided. The aggregation component is then installed by the client and updated in the industrial control system, thus providing information access to the client application when fresh or updated information is desired. Information is accessed via a communications packet that is generated from the data items identified in the aggregation component.

Abstract: A process context analyzer of an industrial process allows the flexibility of a client to customize process data that is captured, which can allow data capture to encompass a larger hierarchy of an enterprise or lower subset of a hierarchy with a requisite need for customization to match its architecture. Although analytics can be readily accessed for fixed context for which key performance indicators (KPIs) visualizations are defined, an opportunity for addressing abnormal operation or non-optimal performance is addressed by brining enhanced analytics that benefit from recognizing attributes of the flexible context. Thereby, requested calculated tags can be supplied, as well as offering a return on investment increase by pattern recognition of time frame dependent or ambient condition dependent variations in the flexible context.

Abstract: A visualization system utilizing preconfigured process problem solution models and graphical solution objects to create operator implemented solutions to process problems. The visualization system provides for collecting and sharing the intelligence and experience of the operator in addition to the process data associated with the solution. The operator can include both operator movements around the process and equipment and voice commentary in the solution.

Abstract: A method for the conversion of graphical representations of automation environments is provided. The method includes receiving first graphics data in a first format comprising a first graphical representation of a first portion of an automation environment, processing the first graphics data to convert the first graphics data to second graphics data in a second format, where the second graphics data comprises a second graphical representation of the first portion of the automation environment, and transferring the second graphics data for delivery to and display on a client device.

Abstract: A visualization system integrated with an enterprise manufacturing intelligence (EMI) system utilizing preconfigured EMI data models, workflow reports and process event notifications to optimize a manufacturing process. The visualization system and the EMI system exchange data and information providing both systems with a broader process view than either system has independently. The visualization system can specifically target information and action requests to different classes of manufacturing personnel such as operators and engineers. Additionally, the visualization system maintains an audit log of all production identities, raw material usage, and requested corrective actions.

Abstract: A guidance system of an industrial process captures process parameter data that is correlated with a human-machine interface (HMI) in order to learn how an experienced operator selects visualizations of key performance indicators (KPI) in order to take a corrective action to address an abnormal or non-optimal performance condition. Such solution learning can be invoked to recognize onset of another similar occurrence and responding by suggesting visualizations utilized by the experienced operator to diagnose the problem. Analytics can further determine which visualizations provided useful information relative to the problem. In addition, the corrective action can be suggested or automatically implemented.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating viewing visualization data is provided. At least one visualization dataset is aggregated from within a protected network and converted into a web-based file. Each of the at least one dataset and web-based file are securely stored within the protected network and are inaccessible outside the protected network. A request is sent to a host via the internet, the request requesting the host to send a reply corresponding to a desired visualization dataset, and the reply is received from the host. A desired web-based file and the desired visualization dataset are pushed out of the protected network via the internet and directed towards the host as a function of the reply.

Abstract: A visualization system utilizing preconfigured overlay models and data models to create overlay displays representing different views of the same data or a single view of different data. The visualization system provides for collecting and sharing overlay displays and data sets with other communicatively connected visualization systems. The overlays can be automatically created by the visualization system and can be presented in different formats such as a three-dimensional or a translucent display.

Abstract: A data aggregation system comprises an aggregation server. The aggregation server receives from a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) graphics data comprising a graphical representation of a portion of an industrial automation environment over an enterprise network, receives operation data associated with an operation of the industrial automation environment over the enterprise network, and receives a request for a viewing session from a plurality of communication devices over a communication network. In response to the request, the aggregation server transfers the graphics data over the communication network to the plurality of communication devices. In response to the request, the aggregation server transfers the operation data over the communication network to the plurality of communication devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently improving manufacturing conditions are presented herein. A data collection component can record one or more manufacturing parameters of a product during a manufacture of the product. A historical component can retrieve stored manufacturing information related to the product. In addition, a prediction component can predict, during the manufacture, an outcome associated with the manufacture. The prediction can be based on, at least in part, the recorded manufacturing parameter(s) and the retrieved information. A specification component can determine a desired characteristic state for at least one of the recorded manufacturing parameters, and a suggestion component can recommend, during the manufacture, an adjustment of at least one parameter based on, at least in part, the predicted outcome and the desired characteristic state for the at least one recorded manufacturing parameter(s).

Abstract: A data aggregation system comprises an aggregation server. The aggregation server receives a remote request for a viewing session from a plurality of communication devices over a communication network. In response to the remote request, the aggregation server transfers a first data request to a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for graphics data comprising a graphical representation of a portion of an industrial automation environment over an enterprise network. In response to the remote request, the aggregation server transfers a second data request to an operation data source for operation data associated with an operation of the industrial automation environment over the enterprise network. In response to the first data request, the aggregation server receives the graphics data from the HMI. In response to the second data request, the aggregation server receives the operation data from the operation data source.

Abstract: A visualization system that generates a visualization of manufacturing operations and corresponding workflow is provided. An interface component receives input concerning displayed objects and information. A context component can detect, infer or determine context information regarding an entity or application. A workflow component binds workflow information to industrial automation manufacturing-related information. A visualization component dynamically generates a visualization from a set of display objects to present to a user that is a function of the received context information, workflow information, and industrial automation manufacturing-related information.

Abstract: A visualization system utilizing pre-configured visualization profiles and templates to reduce the level of effort and time required to commission an industrial automation visualization system. The preconfigured visualization profiles and templates include graphic displays, informational reports and data sampling and collection strategies appropriate for the specific sector of manufacturing or industry.

Abstract: A visualization system for creating, displaying and animating overview and detail heat map displays for industrial automation. The visualization system connects the heat map displays to an interface component providing manual or automatic input data from an industrial process or an archive of historical industrial process input data. The animated heat map displays providing quality, prognostic or diagnostic information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating remote namespace management in an industrial control environment. An industrial control system is provided that includes an industrial controller to communicate with a network such as the Internet. Namespace information relating to network locations of associated control devices are accumulated by the control system and/or a server interacting with the control system. The accumulated namespace data can then be employed to manage automated activities such as determining a network topology or mapping. Accumulated topology information can be utilized to determine a status of the collective entity contributing to the network and facilitating remote management of the entity. Such status can be employed to determine current device information in order to launch a plurality of other automated procedures to located devices in the topology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology providing a multi-protocol data exchange between client and server components in an industrial automation environment. According to one aspect of the present invention, an industrial control system is provided that includes a server application operative to exchange data with an industrial controller. A server component associated with the server application is adapted to communicate via a plurality of protocols to facilitate the data exchange. A host component exposes objects in the server component, wherein the objects can be employed to communicate via a shared memory protocol according to a local operating environment. In addition, the objects can be adapted to communicate via a multicast protocol in accordance with a remote operating environment.