Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to access process control log information associated with process control systems involve obtaining the process control log information from a database based on a plurality of logging time periods and at least one data query. The process control log information is then categorized based on at least one of a plurality of categories. A plurality of output files are then generated based on the plurality of logging time periods and the categorized process control log information. A portion of the process control log information is then retrieved from one of the plurality of output files based on one of the plurality of logging time periods and the portion of the process control log information is output.

Abstract: A method and system for equipment arbitration in a process control system are presented. The method and system include receiving a request for a first resource associated with a first area from a first resource user associated with a second area where the first and second areas are distinct. The method and system automatically determine whether the first resource is available for use by the first resource user.

Abstract: A hierarchical failure management technique uses an integrated equipment hierarchy to automatically pass failure information from control modules to unit modules. Each control module collects failure information and generates a composite failure code by mathematically combining the failure information collected by that module. Modules which are currently needed by a phase of the unit module to carry out a process automatically send respective failure codes to the unit module. The unit module selects the worst failure code from a list of failure codes within the unit module and compares the selected worst failure code to a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the process should continue.

Abstract: A device for use as an electronic generator for generating a highly realistic flickering light is disclosed which has adjustable brightness, flicker rate, and flicker level to accurately simulate a variety of lighting effects such as fire, reflections from natural sources, and light from man-made sources. The device uses a pseudorandom output generator to generate a variable level analog signal which may be adjusted in frequency, with additional controls being added to control the level of the signal of the signal variation and the overall signal level. The resulting signal is then used to drive lamps through relays, with multiple channels being used in the preferred embodiment.