Complete integration of stand-alone batch operator interface capabilities into generic human machine interface using componentized objects

Abstract

The present invention relates to complete integration of stand-alone batch operator interface capabilities into generic human machine interface using componentized objects. Systems and methods for providing an integrated HMI application for monitoring and interacting with both batch and non-batch processes in a process plant are disclosed. A plurality of independent stand-alone software objects defining various batch process interface views are embedded within a non-batch process control interface application. A blackboard service is provided for storing batch control data used by the various stand alone software objects. The blackboard service may be adapted to communicate with a batch control server to receive batch control data for populating the various batch interface views with data relating to various batch processes being carried out in the process plant and to send instructions for controlling the various batches input by users via the various batch interface views. When executed by a processor, the stand alone software objects defining the various batch interface views read data from and write data to the blackboard service to communicate data between batch process interface views and preserve contextual information between interface views to allow efficient and intuitive navigation between batch process interface views.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to human machine interfaces (HMIs) for controlling processes in a process plant environment. More specifically, the present invention discloses systems and methods for integrating batch process control interface views and non-batch control interface views into a single HMI application. Background technique [0002] In an industrial process plant, there are generally two types of processes that need to be controlled - batch processes and continuous or non-batch processes. In most cases, there are two separate interfaces (to allow plant operators, engineers, and others to interact with the two processes), a batch HMI (to monitor and interact with the batch process interaction) and a continuous or non-batch HMI (for monitoring and interacting with non-batch processes). The batch interface typically includes multiple interface views dedicated to batch operations, such as a dynamic batch list, batch history or event...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This puts batch process control systems as well as non-batch process control systems under severe test

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