Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6044305?dq=6,970,917
Timestamp: 2014-03-14 17:12:59
Document Index: 217300295

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 3', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3']

Patent US6044305 - Method and apparatus for debugging and tuning a process control network ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA system and method for debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functions implemented by a set of field devices communicatively linked over a bus includes an operational scheduler that schedules the execution of each of a number of process control functions and communication...http://www.google.com/patents/US6044305?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6044305 - Method and apparatus for debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functionsAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6044305 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 08/983,020PCT numberPCT/US1997/017343Publication dateMar 28, 2000Filing dateSep 6, 1997Priority dateOct 4, 1996Fee statusPaidPublication number08983020, 983020, PCT/1997/17343, PCT/US/1997/017343, PCT/US/1997/17343, PCT/US/97/017343, PCT/US/97/17343, PCT/US1997/017343, PCT/US1997/17343, PCT/US1997017343, PCT/US199717343, PCT/US97/017343, PCT/US97/17343, PCT/US97017343, PCT/US9717343, US 6044305 A, US 6044305A, US-A-6044305, US6044305 A, US6044305AInventorsLarry K. Brown, Harry A. Burns, Brent H. LarsonOriginal AssigneeFisher Controls International, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (39), Non-Patent Citations (33), Referenced by (45), Classifications (23), Legal Events (5) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod and apparatus for debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functionsUS 6044305 AAbstract A system and method for debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functions implemented by a set of field devices communicatively linked over a bus includes an operational scheduler that schedules the execution of each of a number of process control functions and communication functions performed by the field devices to define a process control scheme and an indicator that indicates one or more process control scheme locations at which the process control scheme is to be automatically or conditionally interrupted to thereby enable debugging and/or tuning of the process control network. A controller interrupts execution of the process control scheme at the indicated flow locations, communicates process data to a user to display the current or a past state of the process to a user and waits for user input before continuing with operation of the process control scheme. In a tuning mode, the controller delivers data pertaining to a process parameter to a tuning device or to a user which determines a new tuning parameter, such as a gain, to be used within the process control scheme based on the process parameter data.
What is claimed is: 1. A system for use in debugging or tuning a process control network having distributed control functions implemented by a plurality of field devices communicatively linked over a bus, wherein each of the field devices is capable of performing one or more process control functions and one or more communication functions, the system comprising:a process control operation scheduler that schedules the execution of each of the process control functions and the communication functions performed by the plurality of devices to define a process control scheme; an indicator that indicates a process control scheme location implemented by one of the plurality of field devices at which the process control scheme is to be interrupted when the process control scheme is in a debugging/tuning mode; and a controller that stops execution of the process control scheme at the indicated flow location when the indicated flow location is reached and the process control scheme is in the debugging/tuning mode. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the scheduler controls communication over the bus by sending communication enabling messages to the plurality of field devices and wherein the controller is coupled to the scheduler to prevent the scheduler from sending communication enabling messages to the field devices when the process control scheme is at the indicated process control scheme location to thereby interrupt the process control scheme.
14. A method of debugging or tuning a process control network having distributed control functions implemented by a plurality of field devices communicatively linked over a bus, wherein each of the field devices is capable of performing one or more process control functions and one or more communication functions, the method comprising the steps of:scheduling an order of execution for the process control functions and the communication functions to define a process control scheme; marking one or more process control scheme locations associated with the process control functions or the communication functions at which the process control scheme is to be interrupted; running the process control scheme; detecting when any one of the plurality of field devices implements a control function or a communication function making up one of the marked process control scheme locations; interrupting execution of the process control scheme at the one marked process control scheme location; waiting for a user to indicate that execution of the process control scheme should continue; and starting the process control scheme at the one marked location upon receipt of a user indication that execution of the process control scheme should continue. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of running the process control scheme includes the step of sending communication enabling messages to different ones of the plurality of field devices at different times and the step of interrupting execution of the process control scheme includes the step of discontinuing the step of sending communication enabling messages until receipt of the user indication.
20. A process control device for use in a process control network having distributed control functions implemented by a plurality of field devices communicatively coupled to a bus, wherein each of the field devices includes one or more function blocks capable of performing an input function, an output function, or a control function within the process control network and capable of communicating on the bus, the process control device comprising:a first function block that implements a process function to perform a portion of a process control scheme; a memory that stores an indication of a point within the process control scheme associated with the first function block or with the device; and a trace-tune function block communicatively coupled to the first function block including means for controlling the process control device to interrupt the process control scheme at the indicated point when the process control scheme reaches the indicated point. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the first function block includes an algorithm that performs the process function and software that communicates via the bus after execution of the algorithm and wherein the indication indicates a point before or after execution of algorithm of the first function block.
RELATED APPLICATION This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/726,263, now abandoned, filed Oct. 4, 1996.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to process control networks and, more specifically, to a method and apparatus for use in debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functions.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Large processes such as chemical, petroleum and other manufacturing and refining processes include numerous field devices disposed at various locations to measure and control process parameters to thereby effect control of the process. These field devices may be, for example, sensors such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate sensors as well as control elements such as valves and switches. Historically, the process control industry used manual operations like manually reading level and pressure gauges, turning valve wheels, etc., to operate the measurement and control field devices within a process. Beginning in the 20th century, the process control industry began using local pneumatic control, in which local pneumatic controllers, transmitters, and valve positioners were placed at various locations within a process plant to effect control of certain plant elements. With the emergence of the microprocessor-based distributed control system (DCS) in the 1970's, distributed electronic process control became prevalent in the process control industry.
To overcome some of the problems inherent in the use of proprietary DCSs, the process control industry has developed a number of standard, open communication protocols including, for example, the HART PROFIBUS protocols, which enable field devices made by different manufacturers to be used together within the same process control loop. In fact, any field device that conforms to one of these protocols can be used within a process to communicate with and to be controlled by a DCS or other controller that supports the protocol, even if that field device is made by a different manufacturer than the DCS controller manufacturer.
Moreover, there is now a move within the process control industry to decentralize process control and, thereby, simplify DCS controllers or eliminate the need for DCS controllers to a large extent. Decentralized control is obtained by having process control devices, such as valve positioners, transmitters, etc. perform one or more process control functions and by then communicating data across a bus structure for use by other process control devices. To implement control functions, each process control device includes a microprocessor having the capability to perform one or more basic control functions as well as the ability to communicate with other process control devices using a standard and open communication protocol. In this manner, field devices made by different manufacturers can be interconnected within a process control loop to communicate with one another and to perform one or more process control functions or control loops without the intervention of a DCS. The all digital, two-wire loop protocol now being promulgated by the Fieldbus Foundation, known as the FOUNDATION� Fieldbus protocol (hereinafter the "Fieldbus protocol") is one open communication protocol that allows devices made by different manufacturers to interoperate and communicate with one another via a standard bus to effect decentralized control within a process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a method of and an apparatus for debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functions. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, during the initialization and tuning of a process control network having distributed control functions, a method stops a process loop during execution and preserves process control information for display to a user. Thereafter, when directed by the user, the method continues execution of the process control network to isolate system errors or "bugs." The method may also monitor and save control function parameters in real-time at loop execution speeds to provide a "trace" function which is useful in tuning or retuning the process control network.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS While the method and apparatus for debugging and tuning a process control network of the present invention are described in detail in conjunction with a process control network that implements process control functions in a decentralized or distributed manner using a set of Fieldbus devices, it should be noted that the debugging and tuning method and apparatus of the present invention can be used with process control networks that perform distributed control functions using other types of field devices and communication protocols, including protocols that rely on other than two-wire buses and protocols that support only analog or both analog and digital communications. Thus, for example, the debugging and tuning method and apparatus of the present invention can be used in any process control network that performs distributed control functions even if this process control network uses the HART, PROFIBUS, etc. communication protocols or any other communication protocols that now exist or that may be developed in the future.
FIG. 5 illustrates a timing schematic depicting the times at which function blocks on the bus segment 34b of FIG. 1 execute during each macrocycle of the bus segment 34b and the times at which synchronous communications occur during each macrocycle associated with the bus segment 34b. In the timing schedule of FIG. 5, time is indicated on the horizontal axis and activities associated with the different function blocks of the positioner/valve 16 and the transmitter 20 (of FIG. 3) are illustrated on the vertical axis. The control loop in which each of the unctions blocks operates is identified in FIG. 5 as a subscript designation. Thus AI.sub.LOOP1 refers to the AI function block 66 of the transmitter 20, PID.sub.LOOP1 refers to the PID function block 64 of the positioner/valve 16, etc. The block execution period of each of the illustrated function blocks is depicted by a cross-hatched box while each scheduled synchronous communication is identified by a vertical bar in FIG. 5.
Thus, according to the timing schedule of FIG. 5, during any particular macrocycle of the segment 34b (FIG. 1), the AI.sub.LOOP1 function block executes first for the time period specified by the box 70. Then, during the time period indicated by the vertical bar 72, the output of the AI.sub.LOOP1 function block is published on the bus segment 34b in response to a compel data command from the LAS for the bus segment 34b. Likewise, the boxes 74, 76, 78, 80, and 81 indicate the execution times of the function blocks PID.sub.LOOP1, AI.sub.LOOP2, AO.sub.LOOP1, SS.sub.LOOP2, and PID.sub.LOOP3, respectively (which are different for each of the different blocks), while the vertical bars 82, 84, 86, 88, and 89 indicate the times that the function blocks PID.sub.LOOP1, AI.sub.LOOP2, AO.sub.LOOP1, SS.sub.LOOP2, and PID.sub.LOOP3, respectively, publish data on the bus segment 34b.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4271505 *Jul 2, 1979Jun 2, 1981The Foxboro CompanyProcess communication linkUS4627045 *Feb 14, 1984Dec 2, 1986Rosemount Inc.Alternating communication channel switchover systemUS4691328 *Aug 12, 1985Sep 1, 1987The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyOn-line serial communication interface from a computer to a current loopUS4831558 *Aug 26, 1986May 16, 1989The Slope Indicator CompanyDigitally based system for monitoring physical phenomenaUS4918690 *Nov 10, 1987Apr 17, 1990Echelon Systems Corp.Network and intelligent cell for providing sensing, bidirectional communications and controlUS4955305 *Sep 23, 1988Sep 11, 1990Melco Industries, Inc.Modular system for use with X-Y peripheralsUS4974625 *Jul 24, 1989Dec 4, 1990Fisher Controls International, Inc.Four mode pneumatic relayUS4976144 *Apr 10, 1990Dec 11, 1990Fisher Controls International, Inc.Diagnostic apparatus and method for fluid control valvesUS5014185 *Mar 20, 1989May 7, 1991Japan Tobacco, Inc.Loop control apparatusUS5023869 *Mar 27, 1989Jun 11, 1991Alberta Telecommunications Research CentreMethod and apparatus for maximizing the transmission capacity of a multi-channel bidirectional communications linkUS5109692 *Oct 24, 1990May 5, 1992Fisher Controls International Inc.Diagnostic apparatus and method for fluid control valvesUS5148433 *Mar 13, 1989Sep 15, 1992Square D CompanyTransfer network interfaceUS5193189 *Dec 9, 1991Mar 9, 1993Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.Programmable controller with multiple priority level task processingUS5197328 *Jan 9, 1992Mar 30, 1993Fisher Controls International, Inc.Diagnostic apparatus and method for fluid control valvesUS5404524 *Apr 3, 1992Apr 4, 1995International Business Machines CorporationSystem for identifying attached input pointing devices, loading associated software routines, and interacting with anyone input pointing device while disabling the othersUS5434774 *Mar 2, 1994Jul 18, 1995Fisher Controls International, Inc.Interface apparatus for two-wire communication in process control loopsUS5439021 *Aug 31, 1993Aug 8, 1995Fisher Controls International, Inc.Electro-pneumatic converterUS5451923 *Sep 2, 1994Sep 19, 1995Fisher Controls International, Inc.Communication system and methodUS5469150 *Dec 27, 1994Nov 21, 1995Honeywell Inc.Sensor actuator bus systemUS5469548 *Jun 20, 1994Nov 21, 1995Compaq Computer Corp.Disk array controller having internal protocol for sending address/transfer count information during first/second load cycles and transferring data after receiving an acknowldgementUS5485455 *Jan 28, 1994Jan 16, 1996Cabletron Systems, Inc.Network having secure fast packet switching and guaranteed quality of serviceUS5530643 *Dec 21, 1994Jun 25, 1996Allen-Bradley Company, Inc.Method of programming industrial controllers with highly distributed processingUS5550980 *Jan 7, 1994Aug 27, 1996Johnson Service CompanyNetworked facilities management system with optical coupling of local network devicesUS5558115 *Jun 7, 1995Sep 24, 1996Rosemount Inc.Valve positioner with pressure feedback, dynamic correction and diagnosticsUS5573032 *Jun 7, 1995Nov 12, 1996Rosemount Inc.Valve positioner with pressure feedback, dynamic correction and diagnosticsUS5592622 *May 10, 1995Jan 7, 19973Com CorporationNetwork intermediate system with message passing architectureUS5631825 *Sep 29, 1993May 20, 1997Dow Benelux N.V.Operator station for manufacturing process control systemUS5650777 *Jun 7, 1995Jul 22, 1997Rosemount Inc.Conversion circuit for process control systemUS5684451 *Sep 18, 1995Nov 4, 1997Fisher Controls International, Inc.Communication system and methodDE19510466A1 *Mar 26, 1995Oct 2, 1996Klaschka Gmbh & CoDigital control system with interfacing unit for cable layingEP0449458A1 *Mar 14, 1991Oct 2, 1991Reflex Manufacturing Systems LimitedNetwork-field interface for manufacturing systemsEP0450116A1 *Apr 2, 1990Oct 9, 1991Siemens AktiengesellschaftAutomation apparatus with single-step testEP0546339A1 *Nov 12, 1992Jun 16, 1993Yokogawa Electric CorporationDistributed control systemEP0562333A2 *Mar 5, 1993Sep 29, 1993Pitney Bowes Inc.Scheduled communication networkEP0575150A2 *Jun 15, 1993Dec 22, 1993Honeywell Inc.Method for controlling window displays in an open systems windows environmentEP0604091A2 *Dec 13, 1993Jun 29, 1994Hitachi, Ltd.Monitoring and controlling method and systemWO1992004676A1 *Aug 21, 1991Mar 8, 1992Square D CoMap interface unit for industrial programmable logic controllersWO1994022776A1 *Mar 28, 1994Oct 13, 1994John CounsellControl of plungers in glassware forming machinesWO1996012993A1 *Oct 20, 1995May 2, 1996Fisher Rosemount Systems IncApparatus for providing access to field devices in a distributed control system* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1"Advanced Systems Simplify Control," Machine Design, vol. 68, No. 12, pp. 118, 120 (Jul. 11, 1996).2"FIELDVUE 2.0 (Jun. 1996).3"FIELDVUE Bulletin 62.1: VL2000, pp. 1-6 (Nov. 1995).4"FIELDVUE Fisher-Rosemount Bulletin 62.1:DVC5000, pp. 1-12 (Jun. 1994).5"FIELDVUE� Digital Valve Controller DVC5000 Series Remotely Accessible Information," Fisher Controls Bulletin 62.1:DVC5000(S1), pp. 1-2 (Jun. 1994).6"FIELDVUE� Digital Valve Controller Type DVC5000 Series," Fisher Controls Form 5335, pp. 1-35 and Errata Sheet (Jun. 1994).7"FOUNDATION� Specification, Function Block Application Process," Part 3, 155 pages, 1995-1996.8 *Advanced Systems Simplify Control, Machine Design, vol. 68, No. 12, pp. 118, 120 (Jul. 11, 1996).9Black, "Combining Lan Technology with Smart Sensors to Provide Predictive Maintenance, Diagnostics and Alarm Systems," Proceedings of the Industrial Computing Conference, Chicago, vol. 3, Sep. 19, 1993, Industrial Computing Society/Instrument Society of America, pp. 345-354 (1993).10 *Black, Combining Lan Technology with Smart Sensors to Provide Predictive Maintenance, Diagnostics and Alarm Systems, Proceedings of the Industrial Computing Conference, Chicago, vol. 3, Sep. 19, 1993, Industrial Computing Society/Instrument Society of America, pp. 345 354 (1993).11 *Fieldbus Foundation , Technical Overview, FD 043 Revision 1.0, 29 pages, 1996.12 *Fieldbus Foundation Manual, Communications Technical Specification and User Layer Technical Specification, 1994 1997, including Fieldbus Message Specification FF 870 1.1; Physical Layer Conformance Testing FF 830 FS 1.0; Device Description Language FF 900 1.0; Function Blocks (Part 1) FF 890 1.2; Fieldbus Access Sublayer FF 875 1.1; Function Blocks (Part 2) FF 891 1.2; Data Link Protocol FF 822 1.1; System Management FF 880 1.1; Communication Profile FF 940 1.0; Transducer Blocks (Part 1) FF 902 Rev PA 2.0; Transducer Blocks (Part 2) FF 903 Rev PS 2.0; Data Link Services FF 821 1.0; 31.25 kbits/s Physical Layer Profile FF 816 1.0; Network Management FF 801 1.1; and System Architecture FF 800 1.0.13Fieldbus Foundation Manual, Communications Technical Specification and User Layer Technical Specification, 1994-1997, including Fieldbus Message Specification FF-870-1.1; Physical Layer Conformance Testing FF-830 FS 1.0; Device Description Language FF-900-1.0; Function Blocks (Part 1) FF-890-1.2; Fieldbus Access Sublayer FF-875-1.1; Function Blocks (Part 2) FF-891-1.2; Data Link Protocol FF-822-1.1; System Management FF-880-1.1; Communication Profile FF-940-1.0; Transducer Blocks (Part 1) FF-902 Rev PA 2.0; Transducer Blocks (Part 2) FF-903-Rev PS 2.0; Data Link Services FF-821-1.0; 31.25 kbits/s Physical Layer Profile FF-816-1.0; Network Management FF-801-1.1; and System Architecture FF-800-114Fieldbus Foundation�, "Technical Overview," FD-043 Revision 1.0, 29 pages, 1996.15 *FIELDVUE Digital Valve Controller DVC5000 Series Remotely Accessible Information, Fisher Controls Bulletin 62.1:DVC5000(S1), pp. 1 2 (Jun. 1994).16 *FIELDVUE Digital Valve Controller Type DVC5000 Series, Fisher Controls Form 5335, pp. 1 35 and Errata Sheet (Jun. 1994).17 *FIELDVUE Digital Valve Controller Type DVC5000 Series, Fisher Rosemount Bulletin 62.1:DVC5000, pp. 1 12 (Jun. 1994).18 *FIELDVUE ValveLink Series VL2000 Software, Fisher Rosemount Bulletin 62.1: VL2000, pp. 1 6 (Nov. 1995).19 *FIELDVUE VL2000 Series Software User Guide, Fisher Controls, Version 2.0 (Jun. 1996).20 *Fisher Rosemount Systems, Fieldbus Technical Overview Understanding Foundation Fieldbus Technology, 27 pages, 1997.21Fisher-Rosemount Systems, "Fieldbus Technical Overview Understanding Foundation� Fieldbus Technology," 27 pages, 1997.22 *FOUNDATION Specification, Function Block Application Process, Part 3, 155 pages, 1995 1996.23Fromberger, "Feldbusfahige, intelligente Sensoren," Messen und Prρfen, vol. 27, No. 7, pp. 332, 334-340, 1991.24 *Fromberger, Feldbusf a hige, intelligente Sensoren, Messen und Pr fen, vol. 27, No. 7, pp. 332, 334 340, 1991.25 *Office Action mailed Oct. 6, 1997, issued in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/726,263.26 *PCT International Search Report for PCT/US 97/17343 mailed Jan. 25, 1998.27 *PCT Written Opinion issued in PCT application PCT/US97/17343 dated Jul. 9, 1998.28Watt, "The Double-Distributed Control Network," Thesis submitted to Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. (Jan. 1984).29 *Watt, The Double Distributed Control Network, Thesis submitted to Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. (Jan. 1984).30Zielinski et al., "Asset Management Using Fieldbus," Fisher-Rosemont Systems, Inc, pp. 1-14 (1997).31 *Zielinski et al., Asset Management Using Fieldbus, Fisher Rosemont Systems, Inc, pp. 1 14 (1997).32Zielinski, "Issues for Digital Field Instrument Networks," INTECH, pp. 92-94 (1989).33 *Zielinski, Issues for Digital Field Instrument Networks, INTECH, pp. 92 94 (1989).* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6253113 *Aug 20, 1998Jun 26, 2001Honeywell International IncControllers that determine optimal tuning parameters for use in process control systems and methods of operating the sameUS6347252 *Sep 24, 1998Feb 12, 2002Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co.Control and data transmission installation and a process for the transmission of safety-related dataUS6411923 *Apr 30, 1998Jun 25, 2002Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Topology analysis tool for use in analyzing a process control network designUS6424872 *Aug 21, 1997Jul 23, 2002Fieldbus FoundationBlock oriented control systemUS6546295 *Feb 16, 2000Apr 8, 2003Metso Automation OyMethod of tuning a process control loop in an industrial processUS6572384 *Feb 8, 2001Jun 3, 20033Com CorporationMethod and apparatus for interconnecting circuit cardsUS6611722 *Dec 5, 2001Aug 26, 2003Phoenix Contact Gmbh & Co. KgControl and data transmission installation and a process for the transmission of safety-related dataUS6745232 *Aug 23, 2000Jun 1, 2004Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Strobed synchronization providing diagnostics in a distributed systemUS6826590Jun 21, 2000Nov 30, 2004Fieldbus FoundationBlock-oriented control system on high speed ethernetUS6973474 *Aug 2, 2001Dec 6, 2005Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Information distribution apparatus that resumes distribution after interruptionUS7146230Aug 23, 2002Dec 5, 2006Fieldbus FoundationIntegrated fieldbus data server architectureUS7167762Sep 30, 2005Jan 23, 2007Fieldbus FoundationSystem and method for implementing safety instrumented systems in a fieldbus architectureUS7257523 *Feb 22, 2000Aug 14, 2007Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Integrated distributed process control system functionality on a single computerUS7272457May 26, 2006Sep 18, 2007Fieldbus FoundationFlexible function blocksUS7363380 *Oct 29, 2002Apr 22, 2008Honeywell International Inc.Method for optimizing a link scheduleUS7398519 *Nov 30, 2001Jul 8, 2008International Business Machines CorporationInheritance breakpoints for use in debugging object-oriented computer programsUS7486999Jan 22, 2007Feb 3, 2009Fieldbus FoundationSystem and method for implementing safety instrumented systems in a fieldbus architectureUS7489977Dec 19, 2006Feb 10, 2009Fieldbus FoundationSystem and method for implementing time synchronization monitoring and detection in a safety instrumented systemUS7539154 *Oct 17, 2000May 26, 2009Cisco Technology, Inc.Method and apparatus to detect and break loop configurationUS7613951 *May 15, 2006Nov 3, 2009Texas Instruments IncorporatedScaled time traceUS7644394Nov 30, 2001Jan 5, 2010International Business Machines CorporationObject-oriented creation breakpointsUS7707459Mar 8, 2007Apr 27, 2010Whirlpool CorporationEmbedded systems debuggingUS7813831Dec 29, 2006Oct 12, 2010Whirlpool CorporationSoftware architecture system and method for operating an appliance in multiple operating modesUS7822495 *Apr 15, 2002Oct 26, 2010Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Custom function blocks for use with process control systemsUS7857761Apr 16, 2004Dec 28, 2010Drexel UniversityAcoustic blood analyzer for assessing blood propertiesUS7880474Jul 26, 2004Feb 1, 2011Cisco Technology Inc.Distributed network repeater systemUS7917914Dec 29, 2006Mar 29, 2011Whirlpool CorporationEvent notification system for an applianceUS7921429Dec 29, 2006Apr 5, 2011Whirlpool CorporationData acquisition method with event notification for an applianceUS7945682Mar 5, 2008May 17, 2011Honeywell International Inc.Method for optimizing a link scheduleUS7996104Apr 25, 2005Aug 9, 2011Rockwell Automation TechnologiesDriver board control system for modular conveyor with address-based network for inter-conveyer communicationUS8040234Oct 31, 2007Oct 18, 2011Whirlpool CorporationMethod and apparatus for remote service of an applianceUS8122292 *Dec 29, 2009Feb 21, 2012Oracle International CorporationDebugging of business flows deployed in production serversUS8250174 *Jul 18, 2003Aug 21, 2012Endress + Hauser Gmbh + Co. KgMethod for updating device descriptions for field devices in process automation technologyUS8321493 *Oct 4, 2005Nov 27, 2012Yokogawa Electric CorporationField device and system employing the sameUS8423969Mar 14, 2008Apr 16, 2013International Business Machines CorporationInheritance breakpoints for use in debugging object-oriented computer programsUS8429622Apr 15, 2010Apr 23, 2013Oracle International CorporationBusiness process debugger with parallel-step debug operationUS8538559 *Apr 4, 2011Sep 17, 2013Relcom, Inc.Fieldbus system function block enhancements using transducer blockUS8583412 *Nov 6, 2008Nov 12, 2013Honeywell International Inc.Systems and methods for providing a simulation environment having a simulation user interfaceUS20070282939 *Oct 4, 2005Dec 6, 2007Yokogawa Electric CorporationField Device and System Employing the SameUS20110009985 *Sep 17, 2010Jan 13, 2011Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.Custom function blocks for use with process control systemsUS20120215326 *Feb 17, 2011Aug 23, 2012Invensys Systems Inc.Distributed Proportional/Integral/Derivative TuningUS20120253477 *Apr 4, 2011Oct 4, 2012Hodson William RFieldbus system function block enhancements using transducer blockWO2002046850A1 *Dec 6, 2001Jun 13, 2002Niels Skov VengControlling a processing plant comprising one or more objectsWO2004054160A2 *Dec 10, 2003Jun 24, 2004Smar Res CorpLogic arrangement, system and method for automatic generation and simulation of a fieldbus network layoutWO2012028161A1 *Aug 31, 2010Mar 8, 2012Abb Technology AgMethod for debugging of process or manufacturing plant solutions comprising multiple sub-systems* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification700/87, 700/2, 709/201, 700/11, 700/52, 718/102, 710/261, 710/260, 700/88International ClassificationG05B19/02, G05B19/418Cooperative ClassificationG05B2219/34427, G05B2219/31121, G05B2219/31119, G05B2219/31211, G05B2219/33326, G05B19/4185, G05B2219/45226, G05B2219/33273, G05B19/4184, G05B2219/31113European ClassificationG05B19/418F, G05B19/418NLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionAug 31, 2011FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12Aug 29, 2007FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Aug 27, 2003FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Nov 25, 2002ASAssignmentOwner name: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC, MISSOURIFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, INC.;REEL/FRAME:013496/0150Effective date: 20020815Owner name: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC 8100 WEST FLORISFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, INC. /AR;REEL/FRAME:013496/0150Apr 17, 1998ASAssignmentOwner name: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL, INC., MISSOURIFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:LARSON, BRENT H.;BURNS, HARRY A.;BROWN, LARRY K.;REEL/FRAME:009125/0100Effective date: 19971201RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google