The present invention relates generally to the field of electrical control and monitoring systems, and more particularly to a system and method that integrates functions control and monitoring into a human machine interface.
A wide range of systems are known and are currently in use for controlling and monitoring processes, particularly in the industrial context. Such processes may generally include a large number of components, such as pumps, valves, conveyors, material handling and machining systems, and so forth. In most applications a significant number of the components are operated by prime movers such as electric motors. These may be manually operated and inspected, but are often more effectively controlled through programmed systems including protective components as well as activating and control components.
One type of industrial control center that has been developed over recent years in generally referred to as a motor control center. Such systems may provide for highly integrated control of a large number of devices and can be equipped for remote control and reporting functions. Moreover, such remote control, typically via industrial control networks, is often highly desirable because it permits locating the protective and power control components roughly in the vicinity of the controlled equipment, which may be quite distant from the more centralized control or monitoring facility or room where human operators are based.
Challenges faced in implementing and maintaining complex control systems include the configuration of the control system and the representation of the system in a manner that can be quickly and easily mastered by human operators. Moreover, during operation, the representations of the system provided to the human operators, and the meaning of the various controls at the operators' disposal are of considerable importance insomuch as they permit the operator to make efficient and timely decisions based upon accurate understanding of the current and future conditions of the system. Planning, programming and configuration of such systems and networks is, however, quite difficult.
In addition to the programming concerns, operating the modem industrial control and monitoring systems often involves different programs that are utilized by the system. These separate programs each require extensive programming to provide information that allows the operator to monitor and control various processes. For instance, one program may include detailed information relating to individual programmable devices, such as manuals and drawings, while another program may provide functionality that enables an operator to view more the complete system that is operating the processes.
There is a need, therefore, for an improved technique which may be employed to more effectively present and access information relating to an overall process or system in a human machine interface, while providing detailed and current information on specific components of interest upon demand by an operator. There is a particular need for a technique which will provide greater uniformity and consistency for the operation of the processes by integrating the information of various levels within the modern industrial control and monitoring systems, reducing development and programming time associated with the various programs, and enabling the operator to perform a greater level of diagnostics from a single interface.