Abstract: A process control system includes a set of environments organised hierarchically, a controller having a multiplicity of devices coupled thereto, each device initially assigned to an environment in the set of environments. In its initial state, the controller operates to control the multiplicity of devices in accordance with a first set of processes, control actions and trigger conditions and at least one device of the multiplicity of devices is able to change environment such that, whenever at least one device changes environment, the controller operates to control the multiplicity of devices in accordance with a different set of processes, control actions and trigger conditions if so required.

Abstract: A process control system includes a network with sub-networks and one or more network servers coupled to these sub-networks via a router. Network users can access this network via network user terminals. The sub-networks include automation servers with peripheral devices coupled thereto. The automation servers control and configure the peripheral devices and can be accessed by local users using local user terminals. The network user terminals can query automation servers for data about the peripheral devices over the network. The automation devices can be selected and identified by data relating to their geographical location.

Abstract: An automated process control system (100) and method includes a controller (101) and a number of peripheral devices (104) that are controlled by the controller (101). The devices are located in a number of environments and sub-environments. The devices, environments, and sub-environments are organised in hierarchies and each device has an associated hierarchical identifier, which depends upon the environment in which the device is located. If the environment changes then so does the associated identifier. The controller is operable to determine when an environment changes and to implement any control actions that may be required by the change in the environment. The identifier for devices can also be linked to users of the system to define dependencies between the devices and users. Properties for the devices can therefore be linked to the users through the identifier, thus enabling multiple users to access the same devices.

Abstract: An ignition system for use in internal combustion engines, in which there is provided a plurality of charging means, at least one of the plurality of charging means being adapted to provide charge to a plurality of charge storage means, in a predetermined manner, the charge storage means being arranged to collectively activate a spark means.