Abstract: A method of messaging control is implemented in a plant wide monitoring apparatus. A computer based framework infrastructure communicates with monitoring applications throughout the plant that are implemented on computers, monitors and computer-based applications. Sensors are placed on machinery and monitors receive sensor signals and generate event signals in response to defined physical occurrences, such as when vibration in a machine is exceeding a defined limit or a sensor is failing. A messaging application in the framework infrastructure generates messages corresponding to the event signals. The messages are transmitted to users based on send rules and suppression rules, which are user configurable. The send rules identify messages to be sent or not sent to a particular user based on characteristics of event signals. The suppression rules prevent the transmission of a message based on both the content of a particular event signal plus an external factor, such as a prior event signal.

Abstract: A first node sends a first message to a second node. The second node sends a second message to the first node. A first elapsed time is measured from the beginning of the transmission of the first message to the beginning of receipt of the second message. A second elapsed time is measured from the beginning of the receipt of the first message to the beginning of the transmission of the second message. The second node sends a third message to the first node containing the second elapsed time. The distance between the first and second node is calculated based on these elapsed times and a calibration count multiplier contained in the second or third message. A node may be moved within a wireless mesh network. Positional information about the node and distances to its neighbors is determined and transmitted to the network manager where it is stored.

Abstract: Timeline presentations of process control system alarms are described. An operator interface apparatus for a process control system is described that includes an operator display module to present an operator application on a display. The operator interface also includes an alarm presentation interface to be presented on the display via the operator application. The alarm presentation interface includes a timeline to graphically indicate a temporal relationship of a plurality of active alarms of the process control system.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are disclosed that provide flexible input/output device communications in a process control system. In one example, a process control system controls a plurality of field devices. The process control system includes a control device and a communications protocol component. The communications protocol component has at least one communications channel that is selectively configurable to use at least a first or second communications protocol and to communicate with at least one of the field devices.

Abstract: Timeline presentations of process control system alarms are described. An operator interface apparatus for a process control system is described that includes an operator display module to present an operator application on a display. The operator interface also includes an alarm presentation interface to be presented on the display via the operator application. The alarm presentation interface includes a timeline to graphically indicate a temporal relationship of a plurality of active alarms of the process control system.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to communicatively couple a portable device to process control devices in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving via a wireless module a selection of an I/O channel from a portable device, determining a process control device associated with the selected I/O channel, initiating a pass-through session from the wireless module to the determined process control device via the I/O channel, and enabling communication between the portable device and the process control device via the pass-through session to communicatively couple the portable device to the process control device.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to communicatively couple a portable device to process control devices in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving via a wireless module a selection of an I/O channel from a portable device, determining a process control device associated with the selected I/O channel, initiating a pass-through session from the wireless module to the determined process control device via the I/O channel, and enabling communication between the portable device and the process control device via the pass-through session to communicatively couple the portable device to the process control device.

Abstract: A first node sends a first message to a second node. The second node sends a second message to the first node. A first elapsed time is measured from the beginning of the transmission of the first message to the beginning of receipt of the second message. A second elapsed time is measured from the beginning of the receipt of the first message to the beginning of the transmission of the second message. The second node sends a third message to the first node containing the second elapsed time. The distance between the first and second node is calculated based on these elapsed times and a calibration count multiplier contained in the second or third message. A node may be moved within a wireless mesh network. Positional information about the node and distances to its neighbors is determined and transmitted to the network manager where it is stored.

Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.

Abstract: Example systems and methods to maintain process control systems are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves retrieving first information and determining whether the first information is associated with a process control system. If the first information is associated with the process control system, second information is generated to indicate that the first information is associated with the process control system. It is also determined whether the first information is associated with a particular node of the process control system. If the first information is associated with the particular node of the process control system, third information is generated to indicate that the first information is associated with the particular node.

Abstract: Enhanced Fieldbus device alerts enable Fieldbus devices within a process control system to report alarm or alert conditions that are detected within the devices to a system user or operator using a plurality of independently reportable device alarm parameters, each of which corresponds to a different level of severity and each of which may require a different type of response by the system user or operator. The independently reportable device alarm parameters include a parameter associated with a failure of a Fieldbus device, a parameter associated with maintenance needed by a Fieldbus device and an advisable action in connection with a Fieldbus device.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture are disclosed that provide flexible input/output device communications in a process control system. In one example, a process control system controls a plurality of field devices. The process control system includes a control device and a communications protocol component. The communications protocol component has at least one communications channel that is selectively configurable to use at least a first or second communications protocol and to communicate with at least one of the field devices.

Abstract: Example systems and methods to maintain process control systems are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves retrieving first information and determining whether the first information is associated with a process control system. If the first information is associated with the process control system, second information is generated to indicate that the first information is associated with the process control system. It is also determined whether the first information is associated with a particular node of the process control system. If the first information is associated with the particular node of the process control system, third information is generated to indicate that the first information is associated with the particular node.

Abstract: A software object approval system is integrated with a process control or safety system environment and, in particular, with a process control or safety system design environment to implement and manage electronic approval of new software objects created within the process control and safety system environment. The software object approval system electronically generates identification information representing a group of entities whose approval is needed prior to implementing a software object within the process control or safety system. The system may then send the software object to the entities and receive from each entity an electronic indication regarding approval of the software object. The approval system prevents the process control or safety system from implementing the software object until each entity within the group of entities approves the software object.

Abstract: A software object approval system is integrated with a process control or safety system environment and, in particular, with a process control or safety system design environment to implement and manage electronic approval of new software objects created within the process control and safety system environment. The software object approval system electronically generates identification information representing a group of entities whose approval is needed prior to implementing a software object within the process control or safety system. The system may then send the software object to the entities and receive from each entity an electronic indication regarding approval of the software object. The approval system prevents the process control or safety system from implementing the software object until each entity within the group of entities approves the software object.

Abstract: Enhanced Fieldbus device alerts enable Fieldbus devices within a process control system to report alarm or alert conditions that are detected within the devices to a system user or operator using a plurality of independently reportable device alarm parameters, each of which corresponds to a different level of severity and each of which may require a different type of response by the system user or operator. The independently reportable device alarm parameters include a parameter associated with a failure of a Fieldbus device, a parameter associated with maintenance needed by a Fieldbus device and an advisable action in connection with a Fieldbus device.