Abstract: A dedicated processing system for monitoring, processing and combining mass statistical diagnostic data of a process control system. Through real time and near real time network health monitoring by the system statistical inferences can be made to anticipate potential system and device problems with notification(s) to users. A variety of user alerts are facilitated, including status and warning LEDs, direct display, and display on a networked computer. Multiple systems can be employed and systems will discover each other and interoperate. Specific systems can be specified to gather and unify diagnostic data from installations with multiple systems.

Abstract: A dedicated processing system for monitoring, processing and combining mass statistical diagnostic data of a process control system. Through real time and near real time network health monitoring by the system statistical inferences can be made to anticipate potential system and device problems with notification(s) to users. A variety of user alerts are facilitated, including status and warning LEDs, direct display, and display on a networked computer. Multiple systems can be employed and systems will discover each other and interoperate. Specific systems can be specified to gather and unify diagnostic data from installations with multiple systems.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a fieldbus configuration on a computer system. The user assembles a graphical program or wiring diagram on the screen which comprises a selected plurality of function block icons which are linked with one or more wires connecting the function block icons. As the user assembles the fieldbus configuration wiring diagram, the system automatically creates and displays a schedule which visually presents the schedule being created. The schedule comprises one or more schedule bars for graphically or visually indicating the order of execution of the function blocks. The user can change the order of execution indicated by the schedule by graphically manipulating the schedule bars in the schedule. The user can also place one or more loop structures in the editor window which encapsulate a group of function block icons. The loop structure is used to specify a rate for the function block icons comprised within the loop structure.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying and configuring parameters in a fieldbus configuration system. The fieldbus configuration utility first determines the devices and blocks present in the system, and then determines the parameters of each block. When the parameters are displayed, an object is displayed proximate to certain of the parameters. The object includes a color and/or shape which indicates the type or class of parameter. The user can also configure alarms and trends using the improved graphical interface of the present invention. The user configures alarms and trends by assembling a graphical program or wiring diagram on the screen which comprises a selected one or more block icons and an icon representing the device receiving the trend or alarm. The system also includes a periodic update window which is used to obtain periodically updated values of selected parameters.