Abstract:
In an automatic machine controlled by a control device of its own having at least one non-volatile memory, in which a program for controlling the automatic machine can be installed, and at least one processing module for executing the control program installed, the control device is programmed with an operating system designed for implementing a method for monitoring the changes of configuration of the control device, in which each event of installation of a new control program in the memory is detected, execution of the control program installed last is enabled, and each new control program that is installed is saved, together with corresponding installation data, in at least one archive memory portion of the memory.
Abstract:
Example methods and apparatus to bind properties in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves associating a binding type with a property of a configuration element. A plurality of values for the property are then retrieved based on the plurality of values being associated with the binding type. At least some of the plurality of values are presented to a user. The example method also involves receiving a user-selected value from the at least some of the plurality of property values and generating a binding reference to bind the user-selected value to the configuration element.
Abstract:
A method includes determining a current situation to be present in a process controlled by an industrial process control and automation system (IPCS) that includes at least one process controller coupled to input output (I/O) modules coupled to field devices including sensors and actuators that are coupled to processing equipment. Responsive to the current situation, displaying a plurality of suggested actions each including at least one step in a selectable panel in a human machine interface (HMI) associated with an operator computing system for an operator that is coupled to the process controller. Responsive to the displaying, the operator selects in the selectable panel at least one of the plurality of suggested actions (selected action). The selecting of the selected action results in the IPCS automatically implementing at least in part the step(s) associated with the selected action.
Abstract:
Configuration information of a remote unit can be interrogated by an external interrogator. An embodiment of the remote unit includes an interrogation memory operatively connected to an interrogation interface device. When the remote unit is programmed with software/firmware to establish a remote unit configuration, the configuration information corresponding to the remote unit configuration may be stored into the interrogation memory. Upon receiving an interrogation signal from the external interrogator, the interrogation interface device may wirelessly communicate the configuration information to the external interrogator.
Abstract:
Example methods and apparatus to bind properties in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves associating a binding type with a property of a configuration element. A plurality of values for the property are then retrieved based on the plurality of values being associated with the binding type. At least some of the plurality of values are presented to a user. The example method also involves receiving a user-selected value from the at least some of the plurality of property values and generating a binding reference to bind the user-selected value to the configuration element.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus is described for operating a control apparatus (20) having a control unit (21) coupling to a first programmable memory unit (22) for storing data and programs for controlling the operation of the control apparatus and a non-volatile second memory unit (23). The described method is characterized in that data, which document the programming operation, are stored therein when the programmable memory unit is programmed.
Abstract:
A maintenance monitor mechanism 300 comprises of a maintenance control section 310 that controls and carries out remote maintenance of an apparatus-to-be-maintained, a maintenance history storage unit 320 that records maintenance history, and a display unit 350. The maintenance control section 310 acquires the date and time of the maintenance last carried out from the maintenance history storage unit 320 and displays nullMaintenance Not Problematicnull the difference between the last maintenance date and time and the present date and time does not exceed a required maintenance interval or displays nullMaintenance Problematicnull if the difference exceeds the interval. With said arrangement, it is possible to provide a remote maintenance system that informs the personnel in charge as to whether maintenance has been carried out surely and correctly and to definitely judge whether the apparatus is really in a usable condition.
Abstract:
There is provided a field device for downloading a new software through a field bus from a host system and replacing a current software which is currently executed with the new software. The field device includes: a history information generation and management section which generates and stores history information of the current software when the new software is downloaded from the host system.
Abstract:
In an automatic machine controlled by a control device of its own having at least one non-volatile memory, in which a program for controlling the automatic machine can be installed, and at least one processing module for executing the control program installed, the control device is programmed with an operating system designed for implementing a method for monitoring the changes of configuration of the control device, in which each event of installation of a new control program in the memory is detected, execution of the control program installed last is enabled, and each new control program that is installed is saved, together with corresponding installation data, in at least one archive memory portion of the memory.
Abstract:
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a block processor. The block processor can be adapted to automatically render a list of automatically described modifications to a first version of a block of a software program adapted to control a programmable logic controller (PLC). The first version can differ from an original version of the block.