公开(公告)号：US08229578B2

公开(公告)日：2012-07-24

申请号：US12563734

申请日：2009-09-21

Applicant: Gary Law ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Alper Enver

Inventor： Gary Law ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Alper Enver

IPC: G06F19/00

CPC classification number: G06F8/10 ,  G05B19/0426 ,  G05B2219/23248 ,  G05B2219/25389

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to manage module run sequences in a process control environment are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a module including a plurality of function blocks, receiving an indication of a subset of the plurality of function blocks, and receiving an indication of a first sequence of execution for the subset, wherein the first sequence of execution is different than a second sequence of execution associated with the module. The example method also includes associating the subset with a run sequence identifier, and associating the run sequence identifier with a trigger condition.

Abstract translation: 公开了在过程控制环境中管理模块运行序列的示例性方法和装置。 所公开的示例性方法包括接收包括多个功能块的模块，接收多个功能块的子集的指示，以及接收该子集的第一执行序列的指示，其中第一执行顺序是不同的 而不是与模块相关联的第二个执行序列。 示例性方法还包括将该子集与运行序列标识符相关联，并将运行序列标识符与触发条件相关联。

公开(公告)号：US20100149997A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-17

申请号：US12333074

申请日：2008-12-11

Applicant: Gary Law ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

Inventor： Gary Law ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

IPC: H04J1/16

CPC classification number: G05B19/4185 ,  Y02P90/18

Abstract: Example methods and systems to verify a communication path between a field device and a process controller in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes transmitting via a first wireless communication path to a first portion of a process control system associated with one of the field device or the process controller, a command signal from a verification controller. In response to receiving the command signal in the first portion of the process control system, transmitting a verification signal via a first wired communication path from the first portion of the process control system to a second portion of the process control system associated with the other one of the field device or the process controller. Then, in response to receiving the verification signal in the second portion of the process control system, transmitting a reception signal via a second wireless communication path from the second portion of the process control system to the verification controller and in response to receiving the verification signal in the verification controller, verifying the communication path between the field device and the process controller.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于验证过程控制系统中的现场设备和过程控制器之间的通信路径的示例性方法和系统。 所公开的示例方法包括经由第一无线通信路径发送到与现场设备或过程控制器之一相关联的过程控制系统的第一部分，来自验证控制器的命令信号。 响应于在过程控制系统的第一部分中接收到命令信号，经由第一有线通信路径从处理控制系统的第一部分将验证信号发送到与另一个相关联的过程控制系统的第二部分 的现场设备或过程控制器。 然后，响应于在处理控制系统的第二部分中接收到验证信号，经由第二无线通信路径从处理控制系统的第二部分向验证控制器发送接收信号，并且响应于接收到验证信号 在验证控制器中，验证现场设备和过程控制器之间的通信路径。

公开(公告)号：US20110009985A1

公开(公告)日：2011-01-13

申请号：US12884364

申请日：2010-09-17

Applicant: Mark J. Nixon ,  Ken Beoughter ,  Brandon Hieb ,  Terrence L. Blevins ,  Dennis L. Stevenson

Inventor： Mark J. Nixon ,  Ken Beoughter ,  Brandon Hieb ,  Terrence L. Blevins ,  Dennis L. Stevenson

IPC: G05B19/00

CPC classification number: G05B19/0426 ,  G05B2219/23258 ,  G05B2219/25232 ,  G05B2219/25428 ,  G06F8/10 ,  G06F8/30 ,  G06F8/33 ,  G06F8/40 ,  G06F8/70

Abstract: A system and method for creating and incorporating a function block within a process control system enables a user of the process control system to generate a function block by combining a plurality of files selected from a group of files provided by the manufacturer of the process control system to form a source code file associated with the function block. The user can modify the function block source code file to include a procedure, routine or algorithm that is not provided by the manufacturer and can send the modified source code file to the manufacturer for validation. If the function block source code file is validated, a security measure such as a digital signature is provided to the user that enables the user to incorporate the function block within the process control system. The function blocks can be used to incorporate anew function into a process control application or to operatively integrate a data source external to a process control application with the process control application via data mapping functions performed by the function blocks.

Abstract translation: 用于在过程控制系统内创建和结合功能块的系统和方法使得过程控制系统的用户能够通过组合从由过程控制系统的制造商提供的一组文件中选择的多个文件来生成功能块 以形成与功能块相关联的源代码文件。 用户可以修改功能块源代码文件，以包括制造商不提供的过程，例程或算法，并将修改的源代码文件发送给制造商进行验证。 如果功能块源代码文件被验证，则向用户提供诸如数字签名的安全措施，使用户能够将功能块并入过程控制系统内。 功能块可用于将新功能并入到过程控制应用中，或通过由功能块执行的数据映射功能将过程控制应用外部的数据源与过程控制应用程序可操作地集成。

公开(公告)号：US09130980B2

公开(公告)日：2015-09-08

申请号：US12889235

申请日：2010-09-23

Applicant: Gary Keith Law ,  Nate Kube ,  Robert Kent Huba ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

Inventor： Gary Keith Law ,  Nate Kube ,  Robert Kent Huba ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

IPC: G06F21/00 ,  H04L29/06

CPC classification number: H04L63/1416 ,  H04L63/0227

Abstract: A Unified Threat Management System (UTMS) for securing network traffic in a process control system may comprise network devices configured to receive network traffic related to the process control system and including a ruleset received from an external source. The ruleset may include one or more rules defining a condition to accept or deny the network traffic received at the network device. The state of the network device may be integrated into the process control system as a process control object or variable, thus allowing the state and other UTMS and component network device parameters and variables to be displayed to an operator at a workstation within a graphical process control system environment. The network devices may also communicate with a perpetual service that proactively supplies the devices with rulesets to meet the latest security threats, threat patterns, and control system vulnerabilities found or predicted to exist within the network.

Abstract translation: 用于保护过程控制系统中的网络流量的统一威胁管理系统（UTMS）可以包括被配置为接收与过程控制系统相关并且包括从外部源接收的规则集的网络业务的网络设备。 规则集可以包括定义接受或拒绝在网络设备处接收的网络业务的条件的一个或多个规则。 网络设备的状态可以作为过程控制对象或变量集成到过程控制系统中，从而允许将状态和其他UTMS和组件网络设备参数和变量显示在图形过程控制中的工作站上的操作员 系统环境。 网络设备还可以与主动向设备提供规则集的永久服务通信，以满足网络中发现或预测存在的最新安全威胁，威胁模式和控制系统漏洞。

公开(公告)号：US08689118B2

公开(公告)日：2014-04-01

申请号：US12467806

申请日：2009-05-18

Applicant: Brandon Hieb ,  Gary Keith Law ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

Inventor： Brandon Hieb ,  Gary Keith Law ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

IPC: G06F3/048 ,  G05B15/00

CPC classification number: G05B19/0426 ,  G05B2219/23258 ,  G05B2219/31478

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to conceal portions of a visual object diagram in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a selection to conceal a first functional block within a visual object diagram, wherein the first functional block is associated with a first view parameter, determining a link from a process control parameter within the first functional block to a first intersection within a second functional block within the visual object diagram, wherein the link is associated with a second view parameter, coupling the first view parameter and the second view parameter to the first intersection, and concealing the link and the first functional block.

Abstract translation: 公开了在过程控制系统中隐藏可视对象图的部分的示例性方法和装置。 所公开的示例性方法包括接收在可视对象图中隐藏第一功能块的选择，其中第一功能块与第一视图参数相关联，确定从第一功能块内的过程控制参数到第一交叉点的链接 在所述可视对象图中的第二功能块内，其中所述链接与第二视图参数相关联，将所述第一视图参数和所述第二视图参数耦合到所述第一交叉点，以及隐藏所述链接和所述第一功能块。

公开(公告)号：US20110313547A1

公开(公告)日：2011-12-22

申请号：US12819851

申请日：2010-06-21

Applicant: Cheyenne Hernandez ,  David R. Denison ,  Brandon Hieb ,  Gary Law

Inventor： Cheyenne Hernandez ,  David R. Denison ,  Brandon Hieb ,  Gary Law

IPC: G05B19/42 ,  G05B9/02

CPC classification number: G05B19/042

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to replace field devices in process control systems are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes recording, at a first process controller of a process control system, configuration data sent from a configuration subsystem of the process control system to a first field device to commission the first field device, detecting, at a second process controller of the process control system, replacement of the first field device with a second field device, and sending the recorded configuration data from the second process controller to the second field device when the replacement is detected to commission the second field device.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于替代过程控制系统中的现场设备的示例性方法，设备和制品。 公开的示例性方法包括在过程控制系统的第一过程控制器处记录从过程控制系统的配置子系统发送到第一现场设备的配置数据，以调试第一现场设备，在第二过程控制器处检测 所述过程控制系统，用第二现场设备替换所述第一现场设备，以及当检测到所述更换以调试所述第二现场设备时，将记录的配置数据从所述第二过程控制器发送到所述第二现场设备。

公开(公告)号：US20090307336A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-10

申请号：US12134563

申请日：2008-06-06

Applicant: Brandon Hieb

Inventor： Brandon Hieb

IPC: G06F15/177

CPC classification number: H04J3/0679 ,  H04L67/1095 ,  H04W56/002

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a sequential synchronization hierarchy among networked devices are disclosed. An example synchronization method disclosed herein comprises configuring a first networked node to be a parent node associated directly with second and third networked nodes configured to be respective first and second direct child nodes, selecting other networked nodes to be a set of indirect child nodes associated indirectly with the parent node through the first direct child node, and configuring the parent node to send information undergoing synchronization to the direct child nodes sequentially based on a plurality of hierarchical synchronization levels associated with the direct child nodes, but to not send the information to the set of indirect child nodes, wherein the first direct child node is to propagate the information to the set of indirect child nodes while the parent node is to send the information to the second direct child node.

Abstract translation: 公开了在联网设备中实现顺序同步层次的方法和装置。 本文公开的示例性同步方法包括将第一网络节点配置为与被配置为相应的第一和第二直接子节点的第二和第三网络节点直接相关联的父节点，选择其它网络节点作为间接相关联的一组间接子节点 通过第一直接子节点与父节点通信，并且基于与直接子节点相关联的多个分层同步级别，将父节点配置为将正在进行同步的信息顺序发送到直接子节点，但是不发送信息到 一组间接子节点，其中第一直接子节点将信息传播到间接子节点集合，同时父节点将信息发送到第二直接子节点。

公开(公告)号：US20090076628A1

公开(公告)日：2009-03-19

申请号：US11857250

申请日：2007-09-18

Applicant: David Mark Smith ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Godfrey R. Sherriff ,  Gary Law ,  Kyle Tetmeyer

Inventor： David Mark Smith ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Godfrey R. Sherriff ,  Gary Law ,  Kyle Tetmeyer

IPC: G05B19/042 ,  G06F9/44

CPC classification number: G05B19/4184 ,  G05B2219/13153 ,  G05B2219/24187 ,  G05B2219/24188 ,  G05B2219/31026 ,  G05B2219/31418 ,  G05B2219/33332 ,  G05B2219/34482 ,  G05B2219/34488 ,  G06F8/656 ,  Y02P90/14

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to upgrade and provide control redundancy in process plants are disclosed. An example disclosed method to upgrade software for a control device of a process control system comprises instantiating a replacement component of the software, copying state data from an existing component to the replacement component, and changing the replacement component to an active mode when a first state of the replacement component matches a second state of the existing component.

Abstract translation: 公开了在工艺装置中升级和提供控制冗余的方法和装置。 用于升级过程控制系统的控制设备的软件的示例公开的方法包括实例化软件的替换组件，将状态数据从现有组件复制到替换组件，以及在第一状态下将替换组件改变为活动模式 的替换组件与现有组件的第二个状态相匹配。

公开(公告)号：US08898660B2

公开(公告)日：2014-11-25

申请号：US12323007

申请日：2008-11-25

Applicant: Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Ram Ramachandran ,  Margaret M. Carpenter

Inventor： Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Ram Ramachandran ,  Hubbard Fellows

IPC: G06F9/445 ,  G06F9/44

CPC classification number: G06F8/73

Abstract: An example customized documentation generation apparatus is disclosed that generates documents relevant to a software update/upgrade of a particular process control system. A notes instrumentation module instruments general release notes for at least one of an update or an upgrade of a process control system to correlate the release notes with a general process control system configuration to produce instrumented notes. An upgrade assessment module determines configuration information for a particular process control system to provide default filter settings. An items of interest filter applies the default filter settings for the particular process control system to the instrumented notes to filter the instrumented notes and produce custom release notes for the particular process control system. The custom release notes are provided to a user to alert the user regarding potential effects of the update/upgrade on the particular process control system.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种生成与特定过程控制系统的软件更新/升级有关的文档的示例性定制文档生成装置。 笔记仪器模块将用于至少一个过程控制系统的更新或升级的通用发行说明书将发行说明与通用过程控制系统配置相关联以产生仪表化笔记。 升级评估模块确定特定过程控制系统的配置信息以提供默认过滤器设置。 感兴趣的项目过滤器将特定过程控制系统的默认过滤器设置应用于仪表化笔记，以过滤仪表化笔记，并为特定过程控制系统生成定制发行说明。 为用户提供了定制发行说明，提醒用户有关更新/升级对特定过程控制系统的潜在影响。

公开(公告)号：US20110072506A1

公开(公告)日：2011-03-24

申请号：US12889235

申请日：2010-09-23

Applicant: Gary K. Law ,  Nate Kube ,  Robert K. Huba ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

Inventor： Gary K. Law ,  Nate Kube ,  Robert K. Huba ,  Brandon Hieb ,  David R. Denison ,  Cheyenne Hernandez

IPC: G06F21/00

CPC classification number: H04L63/1416 ,  H04L63/0227

Abstract: A Unified Threat Management System (UTMS) for securing network traffic in a process control system may comprise network devices configured to receive network traffic related to the process control system and including a ruleset received from an external source. The ruleset may include one or more rules defining a condition to accept or deny the network traffic received at the network device. The state of the network device may be integrated into the process control system as a process control object or variable, thus allowing the state and other UTMS and component network device parameters and variables to be displayed to an operator at a workstation within a graphical process control system environment. The network devices may also communicate with a perpetual service that proactively supplies the devices with rulesets to meet the latest security threats, threat patterns, and control system vulnerabilities found or predicted to exist within the network.

Abstract translation: 用于保护过程控制系统中的网络流量的统一威胁管理系统（UTMS）可以包括被配置为接收与过程控制系统相关并且包括从外部源接收的规则集的网络业务的网络设备。 规则集可以包括定义接受或拒绝在网络设备处接收的网络业务的条件的一个或多个规则。 网络设备的状态可以作为过程控制对象或变量集成到过程控制系统中，从而允许将状态和其他UTMS和组件网络设备参数和变量显示在图形过程控制中的工作站上的操作员 系统环境。 网络设备还可以与主动向设备提供规则集的永久服务通信，以满足网络中发现或预测存在的最新安全威胁，威胁模式和控制系统漏洞。