Proposal-based device connection planning

Abstract

To provide a network design tool that enables users to easily, quickly, and graphically design a model of a wireless communication network in a process control environment.SOLUTION: The network design tool may provide an interactive user interface including a canvas that enables users to design network models by way of the users placing and arranging within the canvas symbols representing model devices and links. The tool may dynamically indicate the strengths of communication links at potential locations as the user moves a pointer or cursor around the canvas, and may automatically suggest devices to be added to desired locations. After a desired device has been selected, the tool may automatically connect the selected device to other devices in the model based on an analysis of the plant environment, real-world positions of the existing devices and the new device, and signaling attributes of the existing devices and the new device.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the design and management of wireless networks, and more particularly to techniques for graphically designing wireless networks in a process control environment via an interactive user interface. [Background technology]

[0002] A distributed process control system, such as a distributed or scalable process control system such as those used in power generation, chemical, petroleum, or other processes, typically includes one or more process controllers communicatively coupled to each other via a process control network, to at least one host or operator workstation, and to one or more instrumentation or field devices via analog, digital, or combined analog / digital buses.

[0003] Field devices perform functions within a process or plant, such as opening and closing valves, switching devices on and off, and measuring process parameters. Examples of field devices include valves, valve positioners, switches, and transmitters (e.g., devices that include sensors for measuring temperature, pressure, or flow rate, and transmitters for transmitting sensed temperature, pressure, and flow rate).

[0004] A process controller, typically located within a plant environment, receives signals indicative of process measurements made by field devices (or other information regarding the field devices) and executes a controller application that runs different control modules, e.g., makes process control decisions and generates control signals based on the received information, and interfaces with control modules or blocks implemented in smart field devices (e.g., HART®, WirelessHART®, and FOUNDATION® Fieldbus field devices).

[0005] Execution of the control modules causes the process controller to send control signals over communication links or signal paths to the field devices to thereby control the operation of at least a portion of the process plant or system (e.g., control at least a portion of one or more industrial processes running or executing within the plant or system). For example, a first set of controllers and field devices may control a first portion of a process being controlled by the process plant or system, and a second set of controllers and field devices may control a second portion of the process.

[0006] Input / output (I / O) cards (sometimes called "I / O devices" or "I / O modules"), also typically located within a plant environment, are generally disposed between a controller and one or more field devices to enable communication therebetween (e.g., by converting electrical signals to digital values ​​and vice versa). Typically, an I / O card acts as an intermediate node between a process controller and the inputs or outputs of one or more field devices configured for the same communication protocol used by the I / O card.

[0007] As used herein, field devices, controllers, and I / O devices are generally referred to as "process control devices" and are generally located, disposed, or installed within the field environment of a process control system or plant. The network formed by one or more controllers, field devices communicatively connected to the one or more controllers, and intermediate nodes that facilitate communication between the controllers and field devices may be referred to as an "I / O network" or "I / O subsystem."

[0008] Information from the I / O network may be available via a data highway or communication network to one or more other hardware devices, such as operator workstations, personal computers or computing devices, handheld devices, data historians, report generators, centralized databases, or other centralized management computing devices that are typically located in a control room or other location away from the plant's more harsh field environment, e.g., in the back-end environment of a process plant.

[0009] Information communicated over a process control network enables operators or maintenance personnel to perform desired functions with respect to a process via one or more hardware devices connected to the network. These hardware devices may run applications that allow, for example, an operator to change settings in process control routines, modify the operation of control modules in a process controller or smart field device, view the current state of a process or the status of particular devices in a process plant, view alarms generated by field devices and process controllers, simulate the operation of a process for purposes of training personnel or testing process control software, diagnose problems or hardware failures in a process plant, etc. The process control network or data highway used by the hardware devices, controllers, and field devices may include wired communication paths, wireless communication paths, or a combination of wired and wireless communication paths.

[0010] Generally speaking, a communication network (e.g., an I / O network in a process control environment) includes nodes that are senders and receivers of data, as well as communication links or paths that connect the nodes. Additionally, communication networks typically include dedicated routers responsible for directing traffic between the nodes and, optionally, dedicated devices responsible for configuring and managing the network. Some or all of the nodes may also be adapted to function as routers to direct traffic sent between other network devices. Network devices may be interconnected in a wired or wireless manner, and network devices may have different routing and forwarding capabilities. For example, a dedicated router may be capable of transmitting large amounts of traffic, while some nodes may be able to send and receive relatively small amounts of traffic in the same period of time. In addition, connections between nodes on a network may have different throughput capabilities and attenuation characteristics. Fiber optic cables may be able to provide orders of magnitude higher bandwidth than wireless links, for example, due to differences in the inherent physical limitations of the medium.

[0011] It is well known in the process control industry that standardized communication protocols allow devices produced by different manufacturers to communicate with each other in an easy-to-use and easy-to-implement manner. One such well-known communication standard used in the process control industry is the Highway Addressable Remote Transmitter (HART) Communication Foundation protocol, commonly referred to as the HART protocol. Generally, the HART protocol supports a combination of digital and analog signals on a dedicated wire or set of wires, where online process signals (such as control signals, sensor measurements, etc.) are provided as analog current signals (e.g., in the 4-20 milliampere range) and other signals (such as device data, requests for device data, configuration data, alarm and event data, etc.) are provided as digital signals superimposed or multiplexed on the same wire or set of wires as the analog signals. However, typical HART implementations rely on dedicated wired communication lines, resulting in significant wiring requirements within the process plant.

[0012] For many years, there has been a movement to incorporate wireless technology into various industries, including the process control industry. However, significant hurdles exist within the process control environment and industry that limit the full-scale incorporation, acceptance, and use of wireless technology because the process control industry requires a completely reliable process control network, as loss of signal can result in loss of control of the plant, with catastrophic consequences, including explosions, release of deadly chemicals or gases, etc. Furthermore, while there have been many advances in the use of general wireless communication systems that could be applied to the process control industry, none have yet been applied to the process control industry in a manner that allows for or provides a reliable, and in some cases completely wireless, communication network within a process plant.

[0013] Furthermore, existing tools for designing wireless communication networks in process control environments present several challenges: typically, designing a wireless network using these tools is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process.

[0014] It should be noted that this background discussion provides a context to facilitate understanding and appreciation of the following detailed description. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this background section (as well as aspects of the background discussion that may not otherwise be considered prior art at the time of filing), is not admitted expressly or impliedly to be prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0015] A network design tool enables a user to easily and quickly graphically design a model of a wireless communication network in a process control environment. Specifically, the network design tool may provide an interactive user interface including a canvas that enables a user to design a network model by placing and arranging symbols representing model devices and links within the canvas. The tool may dynamically indicate the strength of communication links at potential locations as the user moves a pointer or cursor on the canvas and automatically suggest devices to add to desired locations. After a desired device is selected, the tool may automatically connect the selected device to other devices in the model based on an analysis of the plant environment, the real-world locations of existing and new devices, and the signaling attributes of the existing and new devices.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method includes any one or more of: (1) displaying a canvas, the canvas configured to enable a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas representing devices and links to be included in the network; (2) detecting a set of device symbols on the canvas representing a set of model devices to be included in the network model; (3) detecting a selection of a canvas location on the canvas and calculating one or more signal strengths of the set of model devices at real-world locations corresponding to the canvas location; (4) calculating one or more signal strengths of the set of model devices at real-world locations corresponding to the canvas location; and / or (5) generating and displaying a user-selectable list of proposed model devices to be selected from a plurality of model device candidates, placed at the canvas location, and added to the network model, the user-selectable list being generated based on (i) the calculated one or more signal strengths at the real-world locations and (ii) wireless signaling attributes of the plurality of device candidates. The calculated one or more signal strengths may be calculated based on an analysis of (i) a real-world location corresponding to the canvas location, (ii) the real-world location of each model device included in the set of model devices included in the network, and (iii) wireless signaling attributes of each device included in the set of model devices included in the network.

[0017] In one embodiment, the system includes any one or more of: (1) a user interface including a display and a user input component; and / or (2) one or more processors coupled to the user interface, wherein the one or more processors are configured to: (1) display a canvas via the display, the canvas configured to enable a user to design a mesh network model of a mesh network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas representing network devices and links to be included in the mesh network; (2) detect a set of device symbols on the canvas representing devices to be included in the mesh network model; (3) detect, via the user input component, a selection of a canvas location on the canvas; and (4) determine a location for (i) a real-world location corresponding to the canvas location and (ii) a set of devices to be included in the mesh network. and (iii) calculating one or more signal strengths of the set of devices at a real-world location corresponding to the canvas location based on an analysis of the real-world location of each included device and wireless signaling attributes of each device included in the set of devices included in the mesh network; and / or (v) generating and displaying a user-selectable list of proposed devices to be selected from the plurality of candidate devices, placed at the canvas location, and added to the mesh network model, wherein the user-selectable list is generated based on (i) the calculated one or more signal strengths at the real-world locations and (ii) wireless signaling attributes of the plurality of candidate devices.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method includes any one or more of: (1) displaying a canvas, the canvas configured to enable a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas representing network devices and links to be included in the network; (2) detecting a set of device symbols on the canvas representing devices to be included in the mesh network model; (3) detecting a pointer representing a user's location at a first canvas location on the canvas; and / or (4) dynamically displaying one or more signal strength indications representing one or more signal strengths of a set of devices associated with the pointer. Dynamically displaying one or more signal strength indications may include any one or more of: (i) calculating one or more signal strengths for a set of devices at a first real-world location corresponding to the first canvas location; (ii) displaying the one or more signal strength indications to possess a first characteristic representative of the one or more signal strengths at the first real-world location; (iii) detecting a pointer moving from the first canvas location to a second canvas location; (iv) responding to the detection of the moving user pointer element by recalculating one or more signal strengths at a second real-world location corresponding to the second canvas location; and / or (v) updating the one or more signal strength indications to indicate the recalculated one or more signal strengths, wherein the updated one or more signal strength indications possess a second characteristic representative of the recalculated one or more signal strengths at the second real-world location.

[0019] In one embodiment, the system includes one or more of: (1) a user interface including a display and a user input component; and (2) one or more processors coupled to the user interface. The one or more processors may be configured to: (1) display a canvas configured to enable a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment via the display by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas representing network devices and links to be included in the network; (2) detect a set of device symbols on the canvas representing devices to be included in the mesh network model; (3) detect, via the user input component, a pointer representing a user's location at a first canvas location on the canvas; and / or (4) dynamically display, via the display, one or more signal strength indications representing one or more signal strengths of a set of devices associated with the pointer. Having the one or more processors dynamically display one or more signal strength indications may include having the one or more processors perform any one or more of the following operations: (i) calculating one or more signal strengths for the set of devices at a first real-world location corresponding to the first canvas location; (ii) displaying the one or more signal strength indications to possess a first characteristic representative of the one or more signal strengths at the first real-world location; (iii) detecting a pointer moving from the first canvas location to a second canvas location; (iv) responding to the detection of the moving user pointer element by recalculating one or more signal strengths at a second real-world location corresponding to the second canvas location; and / or (v) updating the one or more signal strength indications to indicate the recalculated one or more signal strengths, and dynamically displaying the updated one or more signal strength indications to possess a second characteristic representative of the recalculated one or more signal strengths at the second real-world location. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example network including a wireless I / O network that may be designed and configured via a network design tool in accordance with the techniques described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary architecture of the network design tool shown in FIG. 1, which can be used to graphically design, generate, or edit a network model that can be used to configure a network. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an interactive window including a canvas that may be presented by the network design tool shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, allowing a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas that represent devices and links to be included in the network. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a method for providing a user interface (such as a network design tool) that includes a canvas that allows a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas that represent devices and links to be included in the network. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an example method for providing, within a user interface for visually designing a model wireless network in a process control environment, an indication or visualization of link or signal strength for model devices in the model network (e.g., via a network design tool). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows an example screenshot illustrating an example of user interaction with a canvas that may be presented by a network design tool, where link visualization is shown to indicate the strength of potential links between (i) existing model devices in the network model and (ii) the current location of the user's pointer where new model devices may be added. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 illustrates an example method for proposing a model device to add to a network model and automatically connecting the new model device to other model devices included in the network model. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 shows an example screenshot illustrating an example of user interaction with a canvas that may be presented by a network design tool, where the user (represented by a pointer) selects a desired location for a new model device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows an example screenshot illustrating an example of user interaction with a canvas that may be presented by a network design tool, in which a user (represented by a pointer) selects a desired location for a new model device. [Figure 10] 10 is a screenshot showing an example of user interaction with a canvas that may be presented by a network design tool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The described methods and systems enable a user to easily and quickly graphically design a wireless network model of a communication network in a process control environment. Specifically, a network design tool may provide an interactive user interface including a canvas that enables a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols representing models of devices and links to be included in the network within the canvas. The network model designed via the tool can be utilized to configure the network that the tool represents.

[0022] The canvas may display a scaled image or layout of the plant, including walls, equipment, etc. The user interface may include a library of icons or symbols representing model network devices and links that the user can drag onto the canvas to design the network model, and the user interface may respond to the user clicking (or otherwise interacting with) a location on the canvas (representing a real-world location) by automatically suggesting one or more model devices to be placed at that location. The tool may analyze a map or layout of the plant environment (e.g., walls, equipment, etc.), the locations of existing devices in the model, the signaling attributes or strengths of those devices, network preferences or constraints, or signal attributes of candidate devices to identify (from the candidate devices) a set of proposed model devices for a desired location or position. One or more of the network preferences or constraints may be adjusted by the user.

[0023] Examples of model network devices that may be added to a network model include wireless access points, gateways, routers, switches, wireless computers / mobile devices, wireless field devices, wireless adapters for wired field devices, and the like.

[0024] Examples of network preferences or constraints include network topology (e.g., mesh network, star network). A mesh network is a network topology in which nodes directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically connect to as many other nodes as possible, coordinating with each other to efficiently route data to and from clients. This lack of dependency on a single node allows many nodes to participate in relaying information. Mesh networks typically self-organize and self-configure dynamically, reducing installation overhead. This self-configuration capability allows for dynamic workload distribution, especially in the event of node failures. This contributes to fault tolerance and reduced maintenance costs. A star network is a spoke-hub distributed topology. In a star network, all hosts are connected to a central hub. In its simplest form, one central hub acts as a conduit for transmitting messages. In some cases, a series of star networks can be interconnected to form a single network.

[0025] In either case, after the model device is proposed to the user, the user can select from a list of proposed model devices and update the canvas and network model accordingly. Optionally, before the user selects a desired location or device, the tool can automatically and dynamically display indicators or visualizations of the strength of potential communication links that may be established to connect the new model device to the depicted network based on the user's location on the canvas (e.g., based on the location of the user's cursor or point). After the user selects a new model device to be added to the network model, the tool can automatically analyze the model devices already included in the model network and the new model device (e.g., signaling attributes, real-world location, etc.), plant layout (e.g., including obstacles such as equipment and walls), or network preferences or constraints, and based on that analysis, automatically connect the new model device to one or more existing model devices.

[0026] The model networks and devices may include associated configuration information that may ultimately be downloaded to the represented network devices by a network model or network manager responsible for configuring and managing the network devices. The configuration information may include routing and scheduling information, neighbor information, etc. This configuration information may be generated based on default values ​​or information provided by a user while using the network design tool.

[0027] After creating or editing a model network, the network can be configured accordingly. For example, physical devices can be installed in the plant at locations corresponding to the locations of the model devices in the network model, and one or more of the network devices (e.g., gateways, access points, routers, etc.) or network manager devices can be updated with configuration information stored in the network model so that the network functions as designed. The relevant configuration data can be downloaded directly to the network devices or via a network manager that "manages" various aspects of the network (e.g., allocation of time slots for communication, etc.).

[0028] I. Network Example 1 illustrates an example network 10 including a wireless I / O network 14 that may be designed and configured in accordance with the techniques described herein via a network design tool 45. The wireless I / O network 14 may operate according to a protocol for I / O networks in process plants, such as WirelessHART.

[0029] In addition to the wireless I / O network 14, the network 10 may include a plant automation network 12, which may include one or more stationary workstations 16 and one or more portable workstations 18 connected via a communications backbone 20. The backbone 20 may be implemented via Ethernet, RS-485, Profibus DP, or other suitable communications protocol. The plant automation network 12 and the wireless I / O network 14 may be connected via a gateway 22. Specifically, the gateway 22 may be connected to the backbone 20 in a wired manner and may communicate with the plant automation network 12 using any suitable known protocol. The gateway 22 may be implemented as a standalone device, as a card insertable into an expansion slot of a host or workstation 16 or 18, as part of an IO subsystem of a PLC-based or DCS-based system, or in any other manner. The gateway 22 provides applications running on the network 12 with access to the various devices of the wireless I / O network 14. In addition to protocol and command translation, the gateway 22 may provide synchronized clocking used by the time slots and superframes (sets of communication time slots spaced equally apart in time) of the wireless I / O network 14 scheduling scheme.

[0030] Generally speaking, a "superframe" may be understood as a collection of time slots that are repeated in time. The number of slots in a particular superframe (superframe size) determines how often each slot is repeated, thereby setting the communication schedule for network devices that use the slots. Each superframe may be associated with a particular graph identifier. In some embodiments, network 14 may include several simultaneous superframes of different sizes. Furthermore, a superframe may include multiple wireless channels or frequencies.

[0031] In any event, depending on the situation, the network 10 / 12 / 14 may have one or more gateways 22. These multiple gateways can be used to improve the effective throughput and reliability of the network by providing additional bandwidth for communications between the wireless I / O network 14 and the plant automation network 12 or the outside world. Alternatively, the gateway 22 device may request bandwidth from the appropriate network service according to the needs of the gateway communications within the wireless HART network. The gateway 22 may further reevaluate the required bandwidth while the system is operating. For example, the gateway 22 may receive a request to retrieve a large amount of data from a host located outside the wireless I / O network 14. The gateway device 22 may then request additional bandwidth from a dedicated service, such as a network manager, to accommodate this transaction. The gateway 22 may then request the release of unnecessary bandwidth upon completion of the transaction.

[0032] In some embodiments, gateway 22 is functionally divided into a virtual gateway 24 and one or more network access points 25. Generally, an "access point" is a device that converts wired traffic (e.g., packets) to wireless traffic, or vice versa. It may be thought of as a node between a wired network or sub-network and a wireless network or sub-network.

[0033] The network access points 25 may be separate physical devices in wired communication with the gateway 22 to increase the bandwidth and overall reliability of the wireless I / O network 14. However, while FIG. 1 shows a wired connection 26 between the gateway 22 and the access points 25 as physically separate, it will be understood that elements 22-26 may also be provided as an integrated device. Because the network access points 25 may be physically separate from the gateway device 22, the access points 25 may be strategically placed in several separate locations. In addition to increasing bandwidth, multiple access points 25 can increase the overall reliability of the network by compensating for potentially poor signal quality at one access point for one or more other access points. Having multiple access points 25 also provides redundancy in the event of failure of one or more access points 25. Note that during the design phase of the network 14, the tool 45 may suggest adding a model access point representing the access point 25 to the network model (e.g., when the user selects a desired location at or near the end of the range of other devices in the network). For example, if a user places a model device in a location outside the range of other devices in the model network, tool 45 can automatically place one or more model access points between the new device and the other devices in the model order, extending the range and facilitating connection of the new device to the network.

[0034] Gateway device 22 may further include a network manager software module 27 and a security manager software module 28. In another embodiment, network manager 27 and / or security manager 28 may run on one of the hosts on plant automation network 12. For example, network manager 27 may run on host 16, and security manager 28 may run on host 18. Network manager 27 may be responsible for configuring the network, scheduling communications between WirelessHART devices (e.g., configuring superframes), managing routing tables, and monitoring and reporting the health of wireless I / O network 14. While redundant network managers 27 are supported, it is believed that there should be only one active network manager 27 per wireless I / O network 14.

[0035] Referring again to FIG. 1 , wireless I / O network 14 may include one or more field devices 30-40. Process control systems, such as those used in chemical, petroleum, or other process plants, typically include field devices such as valves, valve positioners, switches, sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure, and flow sensors), pumps, and fans. Field devices perform control functions within a process, such as opening and closing valves or measuring process parameters. In wireless I / O network 14, field devices 30-40 may be producers and consumers of wireless HART packets. Tool 45 may suggest model wireless field devices when a user is designing a network such as network 14, and the user may add the model field device's symbol to a canvas provided by tool 45 to add the model field device to the model network.

[0036] An external host 41 may be connected to network 43, which may in turn be connected to plant automation network 12 through router 44. Generally, a "router" is a device that forwards data packets along a network and is connected to at least two networks, typically two LANs, a WAN, or one LAN and its ISP's network. A router may be positioned as a "gateway" where two or more networks connect. Routers typically use headers and forwarding tables to determine the path for forwarding packets and communicate with each other using protocols to configure routes between hosts. This is in contrast to network switches, which typically forward traffic to the next node without necessarily knowing the traffic's ultimate destination or the path the traffic will take to its ultimate destination.

[0037] In either case, network 43 may be, for example, the World Wide Web (WWW). External host 41 does not belong to either plant automation network 12 or wireless I / O network 14, although external host 41 may access devices on both networks via router 44. Optionally, network design tool 45 may reside and run on external host 41 to provide wireless network configuration and simulation functionality, discussed in more detail below. Alternatively, network design tool 45 may run on stationary workstation 16, portable workstation 18 (which may be a laptop or tablet configured for touch input), or a portable device directly connected to wireless I / O network 14. In some embodiments, network design tool 45 may run in a distributed manner on several hosts of network 10. In yet another embodiment, network design tool 45 may run on a standalone host 47 and thus have no access, or only periodically access, either network 12 or network 14. In this case, feedback information related to the performance of wireless network 14 may be manually entered into network design tool 45 using host 47.

[0038] The network design tool 45 may be implemented as a software package using one or more programming languages, such as C / C++, C#, WPF, or JAVA. The software for the network design tool 45 may be stored on one or more hosts 16, 18, 41, or 47 in a conventional manner. Alternatively, the network design tool 45 may be provided on a portable memory disk, such as a CD or DVD, and loaded into the volatile memory of a computer host during operation. For example, some or all of the hosts 16, 18, 41, and 47 may include hard drives and flash drives capable of permanently storing the software and CD and DVD drives compatible with the CD or DVD containing the network design tool 45. In another embodiment, the network design tool 45 may be provided as a distributed web service or as software run remotely and accessible via the Internet or an intranet. For example, the remote host 41 may include some of the software components of the network design tool 45, while the workstation 16 may provide a user interface to an operator via a keyboard, mouse, computer screen, and similar input / output devices. According to this embodiment, the operator may have access to and benefit from some or all of the functionality of the network design tool 45, but the software for the network design tool 45 may reside remotely for security or copyright reasons.

[0039] The wireless I / O network 14 can use a protocol such as WirelessHART, which provides operational performance similar to that experienced with wired HART devices. Applications of this protocol can include process data monitoring, critical data monitoring (with more stringent performance requirements), calibration, device status and diagnostic monitoring, field device troubleshooting, commissioning, and supervisory process control. These applications require the wireless I / O network 14 to use a protocol that can provide fast updates when needed, move large amounts of data when necessary, and support network devices that only temporarily join the wireless I / O network 14 for commissioning and maintenance activities.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1 , field devices 30-36 may be WirelessHART devices. In other words, field device 30, 32, 34, or 36 may be provided as an integrated unit supporting all layers of the WirelessHART protocol stack. In network 10, field device 30 may be a WirelessHART flow meter, field device 32 may be a WirelessHART pressure sensor, field device 34 may be a WirelessHART valve positioner, and field device 36 may be a WirelessHART pressure sensor. Importantly, WirelessHART devices 30-36 are HART devices that support everything users expect from the wired HART protocol. In some embodiments, all WirelessHART devices include core required functionality to allow equivalent device types to be interchanged without compromising system operation. Furthermore, the WirelessHART protocol is backward compatible with HART core technologies, such as the Device Description Language (DDL). In one embodiment, all HART devices must support DDL, ensuring that end users immediately have the tools to begin utilizing the WirelessHART protocol.

[0041] Alternatively, field device 38 may be a legacy 4-20 mA device, and field device 40 may be a wired HART device. Field devices 38 and 40 may be connected to WirelessHART network 13 via a WirelessHART adapter (WHA) 50. Additionally, WHA 50 may support other communication protocols, such as Foundation Fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and DevicesNet. In these embodiments, WHA 50 supports protocol conversion at lower layers of the protocol stack. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a single WHA 50 may also function as a multiplexer, supporting multiple HART or non-HART devices.

[0042] Plant personnel may additionally use handheld devices to install, control, monitor, and maintain network devices. Generally speaking, handheld devices are portable instruments that can connect directly to the wireless I / O network 14 or connect through a gateway 22 as a host for the plant automation network 12. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , a WirelessHART-connected handheld device 55 communicates directly with the wireless I / O network 14. When operating with a formed wireless I / O network 14, the device may participate in the network 14 as just another WirelessHART field device. When operating with a target network device not connected to a WirelessHART network, the handheld device 55 may operate as a combination of the gateway device 22 and the network manager 27 by forming its own WirelessHART network with the target network device.

[0043] A plant automation network-connected handheld device (not shown) connects to plant automation network 12 via known network technologies such as Wi-Fi. This device communicates with network devices 30-40 through gateway device 22 in the same manner as external plant automation servers (not shown) or workstations 16 and 18.

[0044] Additionally, the wireless I / O network 14 may include a router device 60, which may be added to a model of the network 14 via the tool 45. The router device 60 is a network device that forwards packets from one network device to another. A network device functioning as a router device uses an internal routing table to determine to which network device to forward a particular packet. A standalone router such as the router 60 may not be required in embodiments in which all devices on the wireless I / O network 14 support routing. However, adding a dedicated router 60 to the network may be beneficial (e.g., to expand the network or to conserve power for field devices in the network). During the design phase, the tool 45 may suggest adding a model router representing the router 60 to the model network or may automatically add such a model router (e.g., as an intermediate node when the user places a device that is out of range of other devices in the network).

[0045] All devices directly connected to Wireless I / O network 14 may be referred to as network devices. In particular, WirelessHART field devices 30-36, adapter 50, router 60, gateway 22, access point 25, and WirelessHART-connected handheld device 55 are network devices or nodes of Wireless I / O network 14 for routing and scheduling purposes. A model of each of these network devices may be added to the model of network 14 via tool 45.

[0046] To provide a highly robust and easily scalable network, it is assumed that all network devices may support routing and that each network device may be globally identified by its HART address. The network manager 27 may include a complete list of network devices (e.g., in the form of model devices in a network model) and assign each device a short, network-specific 16-bit nickname. Additionally, each network device may store information related to update rates, connection sessions, and device resources. In essence, each network device maintains up-to-date information related to routing and scheduling. This routing / scheduling information may be downloaded to the device from the network and device models created via the tool 45. That is, this information may be stored in the model network and devices created during the design phase and then downloaded to the relevant devices to implement the designed network. The network manager 27 may send relevant routing and scheduling information to the network devices whenever a new device joins the network or whenever the network manager detects or initiates a change in the topology or scheduling of the wireless I / O network 14.

[0047] Additionally, each network device may store and maintain “neighbor information,” including a list of neighboring devices identified by the network device during listening operations. Generally speaking, a neighbor of a network device is another network device of any type that may potentially establish a connection with the network device according to standards imposed by the corresponding network. In the case of wireless I / O network 14, the connection is a wireless connection. However, it will be understood that a neighboring device may also be a network device connected to a particular device by a wire. As discussed later, network devices facilitate discovery by other network devices through advertisements, or special messages transmitted during designated time slots. A network device operably connected to wireless I / O network 14 has one or more neighbors, which may be selected according to the strength of the advertisement signal or some other principle. Referring again to FIG. 1 , in a pair of network devices connected by a direct wireless connection 65, each device recognizes the other as a neighbor. Thus, network devices in wireless I / O network 14 may form numerous connections 65. The feasibility and desirability of establishing a direct wireless connection 65 between two network devices is determined by several factors, such as the physical distance between the nodes, obstacles between the nodes, signal strength at each of the two nodes, etc. Tool 45 may generate a model of network 14 that considers any one or more of these factors (e.g., distance between nodes, obstacles such as walls or equipment, signal strength of nodes) when suggesting devices to add to the model, when visualizing links or candidate links between existing nodes and potential new nodes, and / or when a user adds new device models to the network model and automatically establishes links to the model (and / or intermediate nodes).

[0048] Additionally, two or more direct wireless connections 65 may form a path between nodes that are unable to form a direct wireless connection 65. For example, a direct wireless connection 65 between a WirelessHART handheld device 55 and a WirelessHART device 36, together with a second direct wireless connection 65 between the WirelessHART device 36 and a router 60, form a communication path between devices 55 and 60 (node ​​36 can be considered an intermediate node between nodes 55 and 60).

[0049] Each wireless connection or link 65 is characterized by a large set of parameters related to transmission frequency, method of accessing wireless resources, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that wireless communication protocols may generally operate at designated frequencies, such as frequencies assigned by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States or unlicensed portions of the wireless spectrum (2.4 GHz). While the systems and methods discussed herein may apply to wireless networks operating at any designated frequency or frequency range, the embodiment discussed below relates to a wireless I / O network 14 operating in an unlicensed or shared portion of the wireless spectrum. According to this embodiment, the wireless I / O network 14 may be easily activated and tuned to operate in a specific unlicensed frequency range as needed.

[0050] As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the protocol supporting the wireless I / O network 14 is the WirelessHART protocol. More specifically, each direct wireless connection 65 may transfer data in accordance with the physical and logical requirements of the WirelessHART protocol. The WirelessHART protocol may be a secure wireless mesh networking technology operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM radio band. In one embodiment, the WirelessHART protocol may utilize an IEEE 802.15.4b-compatible direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) radio with channel hopping for each transaction. This WirelessHART communication may be arbitrated using time division multiple access (TDMA) to schedule link activity. All communications are preferably performed within designated time slots. One or more source and one or more destination devices may be scheduled to communicate in a given slot, and each slot may be dedicated to communications from a single source device or a shared communication access mode such as CSMA / CA between multiple source devices. A source device may send a message to a specific target device or broadcast a message to all destination devices assigned to the slot.

[0051] To increase reliability, the WirelessHART protocol can combine TDMA with methods that associate multiple radio frequencies with a single communications resource, or with channel hopping. Channel hopping provides frequency diversity, which minimizes interference and reduces the effects of multipath fading. Furthermore, the WirelessHART protocol may provide the additional capability of channel blacklisting, or the ability to restrict network devices from using specific channels within the radio band. The network manager 27 can blacklist a radio channel in response to detecting excessive interference or other problems on the channel. Additionally, an operator or network administrator can blacklist a channel to protect wireless services that use a fixed portion of the radio band that would otherwise be shared with the wireless I / O network 14.

[0052] In one embodiment, network manager 27 is responsible for allocating, assigning, and adjusting time slot resources of network 14 based at least in part on a network model generated via tool 45 .

[0053] The protocols used by I / O network 14 may provide session-based communication between network devices. End-to-end communication may be managed at the network layer by sessions. A network device may have multiple sessions defined for a particular peer network device. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that almost every network device may have at least two sessions established with network manager 27: one for pair-wise communication and one for network broadcast communications from network manager 27. Furthermore, every network device may have a gateway session key. Sessions may be distinguished by assigned network device addresses. Each network device may track security information (encryption keys, nonce counters) and transport information (reliable transport sequence numbers, retry counters, etc.) for each session in which the device participates.

[0054] Returning to the network design tool 45, it should be noted that during the design phase, it is important to consider the location of network devices relative to obstacles, such as equipment and walls, so that the wireless network 14 can establish itself in an efficient and reliable manner. In some cases, it may be necessary to add routers 60 in locations where plant equipment may block or severely affect wireless connectivity. The network tool 45 analyzes a map or layout of the plant environment to identify problematic locations and suggests appropriate devices to mitigate potential interference or blocking when a user indicates a desire to place a network device in a given location, and / or automatically adds intermediate devices as needed (e.g., if an obstacle blocks one or more signals from an existing device from reaching that location).

[0055] In any event, even if most physical failures are considered during the design phase, it may be desirable for the wireless network 14 to self-heal. To that end, the wireless network 14 may have redundant paths and schedules so that, in response to detecting a failure of one or more direct wireless connections 65, devices within the network 14 may route data via an alternate path. The tool 45 may automatically define or establish such redundant paths and schedules while the user is designing the network, making the designer's job of ensuring redundancy easier. In some cases, the tool 45 may be configured to automatically add model devices and communication links in a way that prevents pinch points (e.g., a single link connects one part of the network to another part of the network, thus representing a single point of failure).

[0056] II. Network Design Tool Examples 2 shows an example architecture of a network design tool 45 that may be used to graphically design, generate, or edit a network model 324 (which may be similar to any one or more of networks 10, 12, or 14 shown in FIG. 1). Tool 45 may be a set of routines or instructions (e.g., stored in a memory of one of devices 16, 18, 47, 41, or 55) executable by one or more processors (e.g., of one or more of devices 16, 18, 47, 41, or 55) to cause the device (e.g., one of devices 16, 18, 47, 41, or 55) to implement the functions described herein.

[0057] The tool 45 may include an engine 300 including tool logic for displaying a user interface, allowing a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within a canvas representing devices and links to be included in the network. The engine 300 may implement logic to provide the techniques described herein with respect to automatic device suggestion, link visualization, and automatic network connection functionality (e.g., when a user adds a new device model to a canvas provided by the tool 45, the tool 45 automatically establishes links to existing nodes and / or adds any necessary or desirable intermediate nodes).

[0058] Tool 45 may include a graph generator 302 and a schedule generator (or "scheduler") 304, which then interact with each other to generate or make combined routing and scheduling decisions. Engine 300 may also include a set of optimization rules 306. Each of optimization rules 306 may include an algorithmic description of a particular aspect of an optimization strategy and may depend on one or more user parameters. For example, one of optimization rules 306 may state that creating more than X connections to a particular node is prohibited. A user may assign a particular value to X via user interface 312 so that engine 300 can apply the rule during operation. In essence, engine 300 may encapsulate the intelligent components of network design tool 45. Engine 300 may interact with one or more instances of user interfaces 310-312. In some embodiments, network design tool 45 may operate in a distributed manner, providing multiple operators with simultaneous access to engine 300's functionality. For example, workstation 16 may execute or provide user interface 310, while remote host 41 may execute engine 302 and user interface 312. Each of user interface instances 310 and 312 may be tailored according to the availability of hardware at each corresponding host and may further be tailored to the particular requirements and preferences of an operator, such as, for example, language. As shown, user interface 312 may interact with physical devices such as a mouse 314, a keyboard 316, a monitor 318, and possibly a printer (not shown). Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that user interface 312 or user interface 310 may likewise be connected to other input and output devices.

[0059] As indicated above, the network design tool 45 may provide a user interface through one or more interactive windows. As those familiar with Microsoft Windows™ or similar graphical environments will recognize, an interactive window typically includes a canvas area containing text and graphics, a toolbar providing access to various features of the corresponding software, buttons arranged on the toolbar providing shortcuts to frequently used functions or graphical objects, and vertical and horizontal scroll bars that allow the user to align the visible window to a particular portion of the canvas. Generally speaking, the network design tool 45 may be implemented on any operating system. However, the operating system on which the user interface components of the network design tool 45 execute preferably supports a graphical interface. In the embodiment discussed below, the network design tool 45 allows the user to manipulate visual objects in the form of geometric shapes such as circles, squares, and arrows, although other graphical objects may also be used. Additionally, the network design tool 45 may render graphical objects on the monitor 318 in different colors to indicate the state of the objects or to convey other additional information.

[0060] The engine 300 may also interact with one or more instances of a live network interface 320. The live network interface 320 may report data from the network 14 to the engine 300. In particular, the live network interface 320 may report measurements related to signal strength, time delay, and other network performance data measured by network devices of the network 14. In response to receiving network performance data from the network 14 via the live network interface 320, the engine 300 may communicate these reports to one or more users via the user interface 310 or 312. Additionally, the engine 300 may automatically adjust the routing and scheduling of a network model 324 corresponding to the wireless network 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the network model 324 may be stored in a memory 326 coupled to one of the hosts 16, 18, 41, 47, or 55.

[0061] III. Example of a canvas provided by a network design tool 3 illustrates an interactive window 380 including a canvas 382 that may be presented by a network design tool 45, allowing a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols representing devices and links to be included in the network within the canvas 382. Advantageously, a user can add a device to the canvas 382 simply by clicking on a spot on the canvas where the user requires a new device. The tool 45 then suggests one or more devices to be added to the spot, for example, based on an analysis of the plant environment and devices already added to the network model. Below, a traditional drag-and-drop technique is discussed before discussing the suggested placement technique with reference to FIGS. 4-10.

[0062] Although not shown in FIG. 3 , in a typical embodiment, canvas 382 may depict, in the background of canvas 382, ​​a representation of the physical features of the plant environment in which the designer intends to implement the designed network. The depicted plant environment may be photorealistic or may be a simplified graphical rendering that symbolically represents relevant features (e.g., walls, process control equipment, communication dead zones, etc.). The depicted plant environment may be rendered based on map or layout data stored in a memory, such as memory 326. Canvas 382 may be scaled to fit the depicted plant environment, such that the distances between network device symbols on canvas 382 accurately represent the spatial relationships between devices that will ultimately be implemented in the network based on the model. In fact, even in embodiments in which canvas 382 is blank, canvas 382 may be scaled to maintain this scaled spatial relationship. Scaling canvas 382 to the real-world environment allows designers to easily evaluate signal capabilities against real-world obstacles and constraints, such as distances, walls, and equipment.

[0063] The window 380 may include a toolbar 384 that provides interactive access to the submenus 342-348 in the form of a pull-down list, enabling access to different functions provided by or otherwise related to the tool 345. For example, the window 380 may include a button or element in the topology submenu 346, which causes the tool 345 to display a view of the network model 324 (also shown in FIG. 2). The interactive window 380 may include a canvas area 382, ​​a toolbar 384, and scroll bars 386-388. Additionally, the toolbar 384 may include one or more shortcut buttons 390. The shortcut buttons 390 can provide a user with an easy and efficient way to add symbols representing various model network devices to the canvas area 382. In particular, a user can operate one of the shortcut buttons 390 to select symbols representing gateway devices, network access points, field devices, routers, etc. Additionally, the toolbar 384 may include non-network element buttons 392 that correspond to physical obstructions, such as walls. The user can then use the mouse 314 or similar pointing device to drag the selected symbols onto the canvas area 382. In other embodiments, the user can operate keyboard keys to enter text commands to select symbols and position them on the canvas area 382.

[0064] The canvas area 382 may be a symbolic representation of the plant area in which the network 14 operates, which may be rendered based on a map or layout of the plant stored in memory. The placement of symbols representing model network devices may accurately reflect the relative distances between the actual devices when installed in the plant. In other words, the graphical representation of the model 324 on the canvas area 382 may be to scale. It is also contemplated that the canvas area 382 may include a grid (not shown) to simplify the task of accurately placing symbols relative to one another. In yet another embodiment, the canvas area 382 may include a schematic diagram of the plant. For example, the canvas area 382 may include two-dimensional or three-dimensional scale representations of tanks, valves, pipes, and other components of a process control system so that a user can easily see the correspondence between the model 324 and the actual geographic locations of the corresponding physical devices. Additionally, the canvas area 382 may schematically represent actual physical obstacles, such as walls, as well as inaccessible or “prohibited” areas, such as hallways or offices.

[0065] After placing a symbol representing a model network device or obstacle on the canvas area 382, ​​a user can further configure the modeled device by selecting the symbol, invoking an interactive parameterization window, and entering a set of parameters specific to the modeled device. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the user has placed several network device symbols, including device symbol 400, on the canvas area 382. More specifically, the user may select a symbol representing a field device from among the shortcut buttons 390, activate the symbol with a mouse click or similar method, and drag a copy of the symbol to a desired location within the canvas area 382. In this exemplary embodiment, the field device symbol is a circle enclosing the letter “D,” which serves as a visual aid in distinguishing between various network device types. The user could then invoke a parameterization menu, for example, by clicking a predefined mouse button, and specify that the physical field device corresponding to device symbol 400 is powered by a battery. As a result, the wireless network device tool 45 may display a battery symbol 402 next to the device symbol 400.

[0066] For each field device, the user may further specify the rate at which the device reports measurements or other data to another network device. This reporting rate is also referred to as the burst rate. In the example network 14, the field devices report data upstream to the gateway device 22. The wireless network device tool 45 may display the burst rate as an indicator 404 placed next to the device symbol 400. The user may also specify the power at which the physical device corresponding to the device symbol 400 transmits its wireless signal. In one embodiment, the user may invoke a power setting option by pressing a predefined keyboard or mouse key. In response to detecting a key press event, the network design tool 45 may display an interactive window in which the user can enter, for example, the signal strength measured in watts. Alternatively, the user may configure the network design tool 45 to associate each network device with the same predetermined power level to simplify the process of configuring the network model 324.

[0067] As device symbols are added to the canvas area 382, ​​the network design tool 45 may assign a sequence number to each new symbol. In another embodiment, the network design tool 45 may assign numbers according to the order in which the symbols are encountered in a breadth-first traversal of the corresponding graph, with one of the gateway symbols being assigned sequence number 0 and placed at the head of the graph. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the network design tool 45 may display the sequence number as an indicator 406 next to the device symbol 400.

[0068] Referring again to FIG. 3 , a user may place a gateway symbol 410 and a network access point symbol 412 on the canvas area 382. As discussed with reference to FIG. 1 , a gateway device 22 may connect to multiple network access points 25 in a reliable and efficient manner, such as via a pair of dedicated wires. The network design tool 45 may indicate the relative reliability of the gateway-to-network access point connections with solid lines representing wire links 414. In contrast, the network design tool 45 may indicate wireless links with dotted lines, such as in the case of wireless link 416 between device symbols 400 and 412. Of course, wireless and wired connections between network devices may be depicted in other ways, and lines 414 and 416 are provided merely as examples.

[0069] Next, the network design tool 45 can begin analyzing the network model 324 by evaluating the quality of every wireless link between every pair of network devices, taking into account factors such as the signal strength at each device, the distance between the devices, the power of each device, the type of receiving device, and the presence of obstacles that may attenuate the wireless signal. Because each device may transmit a wireless signal at a unique power level, the parameters for a unidirectional link from device A to device B may differ from the parameters for a unidirectional link from device B to device A. For example, the network design tool 45 can estimate the quality of the unidirectional wireless link 404 by calculating the attenuation of the wireless signal transmitted by the physical device corresponding to device symbol 400 over the distance between the physical network devices represented by symbols 400 and 412. As shown above, the distance between the devices represented by symbols 400 and 412 may be accurately reflected by the relative placement of symbols 400 or 412 when the model 324 is drawn to scale. Alternatively, a user can specify the distance between a pair of network devices, for example, by selecting a wireless link on the network model 324, activating the appropriate configuration screen, and entering the distance in feet or meters. Once the calculation is complete, the network tool 45 can display a signal quality indicator 420 next to the wireless link 416. Referring again to FIG. 3 , a symbol 422 representing a field device and a symbol 424 representing a router device, which may be connected by a wireless link, may be separated by distance X, while symbols 422 and 426 may be separated by distance Y. The network design tool can accordingly display indicators 428 and 430 next to the unidirectional links extending from device 422 to devices 424 and 426.

[0070] The network design tool 45 can evaluate each wireless link when a user adds a new network device to the canvas 382. Thus, if the network model 324 includes network device symbols S1, S2, ... Sn, adding device symbol Sn+1 requires the network design tool 45 to evaluate n new links {S1, Sn+1}, {S2, Sn+1}, ... {Sn, Sn+1} between each pair of symbols. To avoid clutter, the toolbar 384 may include a button 432 that toggles an optimized presentation mode. More specifically, one of the toggle buttons 432 can cause the network design tool 45 to display only wireless links that pass a predefined quality criterion, such as a signal quality greater than -10 dB. Conversely, another toggle button 432 can cause the network design tool 45 to display all wireless links regardless of quality.

[0071] The collection of wireless links that pass a predefined set of quality criteria, along with the wired links connecting the gateway device to the network access points, forms a master graph 435, which may be stored in memory as part of the model 324. Additionally, each path between a pair of network devices, such as the path from the field device symbol 422 to the gateway device symbol 412, forms a separate graph. Furthermore, each graph may be an upstream or downstream graph with respect to one of the gateways. The network design tool 45 may illustrate the direction of each wireless link with an arrow, such as the arrow on link 416 pointing in the direction of the network access symbol 412 to indicate that link 416 is part of the upstream graph. The toolbar 384 may also include a graph mode selector 437 that a user can manipulate to select from display options such as displaying only the downstream graph, only the upstream graph, or both the upstream and downstream graphs simultaneously. IV. EXAMPLES OF METHODS FOR PROVIDING A USER INTERFACE

[0072] 4 illustrates an example method 400 for providing a user interface including a canvas that allows a user to design a network model of a network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas that represent devices and links to be included in the network. Method 400 may be implemented, in whole or in part, by tool 45 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one embodiment, method 400 may be embodied by a set of instructions or routines stored in a memory and executable by a processor to implement the functionality of method 400. For example, any one or more of devices 16, 18, 47, 41, or 55 shown in FIG. 1 may implement tool 45 and method 400, depending on the embodiment.

[0073] In step 405, tool 45 displays a user interface ("UI") that includes a canvas, such as canvas 382 shown in Figure 3, on which a user can design a network model by placing symbols representing model network devices. The canvas can be displayed via any suitable electronic display.

[0074] In step 410, tool 45 displays icons or symbols representing model devices and links that have already been added to the network model. If the network model is being designed from scratch and does not currently contain any devices, step 410 can be skipped.

[0075] In step 415, tool 45 determines whether it detects hovering of a user input element, such as a cursor or pointer. A user may be considered to be "hovering" when interacting with the canvas (e.g., when a mouse cursor or finger is detected on the canvas) without selecting a desired spot (e.g., double-tapping a spot without clicking on it). A pointer may be an invisible element, such as when using a touch-input screen. In other words, in some cases, tool 45 may detect touch input that does not represent a selection (e.g., the user moves a finger across the screen without gesturing to indicate that the user has selected a desired location). If it is detected that the user is "hovering" within the canvas, tool 45 proceeds to step 420. Otherwise, tool 45 proceeds to step 425.

[0076] In step 420, tool 45 dynamically displays one or more signal strength displays or visualizations representing the signal strength of one or more devices already included in the network model. Exemplary techniques for presenting such visualizations are discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0077] In step 425, tool 45 determines whether it detects a selected position on the display canvas (e.g., via a mouse click, a double tap on a touchscreen, etc.). If no position selection is detected, tool 45 returns to step 410. Otherwise, tool 45 proceeds to step 430.

[0078] In step 430, tool 45 can propose a set of model devices to be placed at the selected locations and, based on an analysis of the plant layout, the locations of existing and new devices, and the signaling attributes of the existing and new devices, can place the selected model devices on the canvas and automatically connect the new model devices to one or more devices in the model network base. Exemplary techniques for proposing devices and automatically adding selected devices to the network model are described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7. After step 430, tool 45 can return to step 410.

[0079] V. Exemplary Methods for Visualizing Links 5 illustrates an example method 500 for providing a display or visualization of link or signal strength of model devices in a model network within a user interface for visually designing a model wireless network in a process control environment. Method 500 may be implemented, in whole or in part, by tool 45 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one embodiment, method 500 may be embodied by a set of instructions or routines stored in a memory and executable by a processor to implement the functions of method 500. For example, any one or more of devices 16, 18, 47, 41, or 55 shown in FIG. 1 may implement tool 45 and method 500, depending on the embodiment.

[0080] Generally speaking, method 500 is implemented after a user begins designing a network model via tool 45 and after one or more model devices have been added to the displayed canvas.

[0081] In step 505, the tool 45 discovers the signaling attributes (eg, range) of each network device displayed on the canvas of the tool 45.

[0082] In step 510, tool 45 determines whether a pointer, cursor, or some other user interface element representing a user's position is detected on the canvas. In some cases (e.g., if tool 45 is implemented via a touch display), the "pointer" may be invisible to the user. If a user is not detected, tool 45 remains in step 510 until a user is detected. If a user is detected, tool 45 proceeds to step 515.

[0083] In steps 515-525, tool 45 dynamically displays one or more signal strength displays or visualizations representing the signal strength of candidate links to model devices already placed on the canvas. Generally speaking, these displays illustrate to the user the number and quality or strength of candidate communication links at the user's current location. As the user moves, the signal strengths are recalculated, and one or more visual characteristics of the displayed visualization (e.g., color, spacing between dashes or dots, etc.) are updated accordingly to indicate the recalculated signal strengths, allowing the user to quickly navigate around the canvas and assess the availability and quality of links at the user's location as the user moves around the canvas. The visualizations may update instantly when a certain threshold is exceeded, or may update gradually to appear to change slowly as the user moves around the canvas. In some embodiments, tool 45 may alternatively or additionally dynamically update a visual representation of signal strength other than a line, such as a text display graded according to any desired scale (e.g., 0-100, 0-10, A-F, etc.), a bar graph or set of bar graphs, etc.

[0084] More specifically, in step 515, tool 45 calculates one or more signal strengths based on any one or more of: (i) a real-world location corresponding to the user's current canvas location; (ii) real-world locations corresponding to the canvas locations of model devices currently included in the network model; (iii) the distance between the real-world location of the current device and the real-world location of the user's current location; (iv) the layout of the environment between the various devices; and (v) signaling attributes of model devices currently included in the network model. Examples of signaling attributes include signal strength, the radiation pattern and / or size (e.g., omnidirectional, bidirectional, unidirectional) for which the associated radio of the modeled device is configured, etc. Tool 45 then displays a visualization or display representing the calculated signal strengths.

[0085] In step 520, the tool 45 detects that the user is moving to a new location on the canvas.

[0086] In step 525, tool 45 recalculates signal strength based on the new real-world location corresponding to the user's new canvas position and updates the displayed visualization to reflect the recalculated signal strength. Steps 515-525 may run continuously, allowing for a dynamic display of signal strength in real time as the user moves around within the canvas.

[0087] In step 530, tool 45 determines whether the user selected a location as the desired location for the new device model (e.g., as opposed to simply hovering over the location). If user selection of a location is detected, tool 45 proceeds to step 535. Otherwise, tool 45 returns to step 505.

[0088] In step 535, tool 45 may suggest model devices to be placed at the location, and the user may select one of the suggested model devices. An exemplary method for processing device suggestions and selection is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7.

[0089] 6 is a screenshot illustrating an exemplary user interaction with a canvas 600 that may be presented by tool 45, with link visualization 615 shown to indicate the strength of a potential link between an existing model device symbol 610 in the network model and the current location of the user's pointer 605 where a new model device may be added. As shown, the canvas depicts the layout of the process plant environment, allowing the user to understand the layout and spatial relationships between various portions of the plant environment and any network devices that may be placed in the plant environment.

[0090] As shown, the visualization 615 may be a line with gradient coloring indicating signal strength at various points along the line (e.g., green represents a strong signal and red represents a weak signal). In some cases, rather than being colored according to a gradient, the line is divided into multiple sections, each with a color or pattern indicating the signal strength of that section (e.g., a green section for a strong signal, a yellow section for a moderate signal, and a red section for a weak signal). In some cases, the line may terminate rather than extend all the way to the pointer 605 (e.g., to indicate the maximum range of the signal). In some cases, spaces between the lines may be used.

[0091] As the user moves the pointer 605, the link visualization 615 can update in real time to depict signal strength according to the user's new location. For example, the visualization 610 can be a line that expands and contracts as the user moves, updating the color and / or spacing between dashes and dots, etc.

[0092] VI. Example Methods for Proposing and Adding New Devices 7 illustrates an exemplary method 700 for suggesting model devices to be added to a network model and automatically connecting the new model devices to other devices included in the network model. Method 700 may be implemented, in whole or in part, by tool 45 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In one embodiment, method 700 may be embodied by a set of instructions or routines stored in a memory and executable by a processor to implement the functions of method 700. For example, any one or more of devices 16, 18, 47, 41, or 55 shown in FIG. 1 may implement tool 45 and method 700, depending on the embodiment.

[0093] Generally speaking, the method 700 is implemented after a user has begun designing a network model via the tool 45 and after several model devices have been added to the displayed canvas.

[0094] In step 705, tool 45 detects the set of model devices to be included in the model network. The set of existing model devices may have been placed during the same ongoing session or may have been loaded from a file representing a stored model network designed during a previous session.

[0095] In step 710, tool 45 detects user input representing a selection of a location on the canvas. For example, FIG. 8 is a screenshot showing an exemplary user interaction with canvas 800 that may be presented by tool 45, in which a user (represented by pointer 805) selects a desired location 810 for a new model device. In some embodiments, tool 45 may display a placeholder symbol for the new model device when the user selects location 810 (e.g., which may change after the user selects the model device to add). In other embodiments, tool 45 may only display a symbol representing the new device after the user actually selects the model device (e.g., from a list of suggested devices).

[0096] 7, in step 715, tool 45 calculates the signal strength of a set of model devices at the selected canvas location. Typically, this calculation is performed by calculating the distance between the real-world location corresponding to the selected canvas location and each of several real-world locations corresponding to the canvas locations of model devices already included in the network model. In some cases, this calculated distance takes into account the user-defined heights of any one or more of the existing model devices and / or the user-defined height of the new device.

[0097] In step 720, tool 45 analyzes multiple model device candidates to identify and display a list of proposed model devices to be added to the model network represented on the canvas. The suggestions may be generated based on existing model devices, their signal attributes, their plant location, their height, obstacles in the environment and the effect that obstacles may have on signal strength, the signal attributes of the proposed device candidates, etc.

[0098] 9 is a screenshot showing an exemplary user interaction with a canvas 900 that may be presented by tool 45, in which a user (represented by pointer 905) selects a desired location 910 for a new model device. Before the user selects the desired location 910, a model device 909 may already exist in the network model and may be shown on the canvas. In response to the user selecting location 910, tool 45 may display window 901 containing a set of suggested devices 915.

[0099] As described with respect to step 720, once the user selects the desired location 910, tool 45 can calculate the signal strength of each of the existing model devices (e.g., model device 909) at location 910. Based on the signal strength of model device 909 and the signal attributes of the candidate model devices to be placed at location 910, tool 745 can select a set of proposed model devices 921-925 (from the candidate model devices) to be placed at location 910. In some embodiments, the user can select a desired height for the new device, which may affect the calculated distance between the planned location 910 of the new model device and the existing model device 909 (and other existing model devices). In some embodiments, tool 45 does not prompt the user for the desired height.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 7, in step 725, tool 45 detects a user selection of a proposed model device (eg, one of devices 921-925 shown in FIG. 9).

[0101] In step 730, tool 45 automatically adds a symbol representing the selected model device to the canvas and automatically adds the model device to the model network by adding a communication link between the selected model device and an existing model device in the model network. If the user selects a location outside the range of existing devices in the model network, tool 45 can automatically add one or more intermediate nodes between the new device and the existing devices and establish a link to the network through these intermediate nodes. Furthermore, if desired, tool 45 can be configured to detect “pinch points” when the user adds the tool, where the new device is only within the range of a single existing device in the model network. Generally, pinch points represent single points of failure. As a result, it may be desirable to avoid pinch points during the design phase. Therefore, if tool 45 detects a pinch point connection when the user adds a new model device to the network model, tool 45 can establish one or more secondary links to the existing model device, which may include adding intermediate nodes. The threshold at which a signal is considered too weak can be user-defined or a default value.

[0102] 10 is a screenshot showing an exemplary user interaction with a canvas 1000 that may be presented by tool 45, including a network model 1001 designed by a user via tool 45. The network model includes devices 1005, 1010, 1015, 1020, and 1025. Additionally, network model 1001 includes a link 1051 connecting device 1005 to device 1010, a link 1052 connecting device 1005 to device 1015, a link 1053 connecting device 1005 to device 1020, a link 1054 connecting device 1005 to device 1025, a link 1055 connecting device 1010 to device 1015, and a link 1056 connecting device 1020 to device 1025.

[0103] In an operational example, device 1025 may be the most recent model device added to network model 1001, and tool 45 may automatically connect to devices 1005 and 1020 (but not devices 1015 and 1010) based on an analysis of the plant environment, the locations of existing model devices 1005-1020, signaling attributes of existing model devices 1005-1020, signal attributes of new device 1025, the elevation of any one or more of model devices 1005-1025, etc.

[0104] VII. Additional Considerations If implemented in software, any of the applications, services, and engines described herein may be stored in any tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory, such as a magnetic disk, laser disk, solid-state memory device, molecular memory storage device, or other storage medium, such as in RAM or ROM of a computer or processor. Note that while the exemplary systems disclosed herein are disclosed as including, among other components, software or firmware running on hardware, such systems are merely exemplary and should not be considered limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of these hardware, software, and firmware components may be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, or in any combination of hardware and software. Thus, while the exemplary systems described herein are described as implemented in software running on processors of one or more computing devices, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the provided examples are not the only way to implement such systems.

[0105] Throughout this specification, multiple instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed simultaneously in a particular embodiment.

[0106] As used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0107] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive or, not an exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of A being true (or present) and B being false (or absent), A being false (or absent) and B being true (or present), and both A and B being true (or present).

[0108] Additionally, the phrase "a system includes at least one of X, Y, or Z" means that the system includes X, Y, Z, or some combination thereof. Similarly, the phrase "a component is configured for X, Y, or Z" means that the component is configured for X, configured for Y, configured for Z, or configured for some combination of X, Y, and Z.

[0109] Additionally, the use of "a" or "an" is used to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This description, and the claims that follow, should be read to include one or at least one. The singular also includes the plural unless it is clear that it does not include the plural.

[0110] Additionally, the patent claims at the end of this document are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless traditional means-plus-function language is expressly recited, such as when the phrase "means for" or "step for" is expressly recited in the claim. At least some aspects of the systems and methods described herein are directed to improving computer functionality, as well as improving upon the functionality of conventional computers.

[0111] As used herein, the term "network," when used in the context of systems or devices that communicate information or data, refers to a collection of nodes (e.g., devices or systems that can send, receive, or forward information) and links that are connected to enable communication between the nodes.

[0112] Depending on the embodiment (unless otherwise specified), each of the described networks may include dedicated routers, switches, or hubs responsible for forwarding to direct traffic between the nodes, and optionally dedicated devices responsible for configuring and managing the network. Some or all of the nodes in the described networks may also be adapted to function as routers to direct traffic transmitted between other network devices. The nodes of the described networks may be interconnected in a wired or wireless manner, and the network devices may have different routing and forwarding capabilities.

[0113] Generally speaking, the term "node" refers to a connection point, a redistribution point, or a communication endpoint. A node can be any device or system (e.g., a computer system) that can send, receive, or forward information. For example, an end device or end system that originates or ultimately receives a message is a node. Intermediate devices that receive and forward messages (e.g., between two end devices) are also generally considered to be "nodes."

[0114] Unless otherwise specified, a "communications link" or "link" is a path or medium connecting two or more nodes. A link can be a physical link or a logical link. A physical link is an interface and / or medium over which information is transferred and can be wired or wireless in nature. Examples of physical links include (i) wired links, such as cables with conductors for transmitting electrical energy or fiber optic connections for transmitting light, and (ii) wireless links, such as wireless electromagnetic signals that convey information via changes made to one or more properties of electromagnetic waves. A wireless link can be a wireless electromagnetic signal that carries information via changes made to one or more properties of electromagnetic waves. The wireless electromagnetic signal can be microwave or radio wave and can be referred to as a radio frequency or "RF" signal.

[0115] A logical link between two or more nodes represents an abstraction of the underlying physical links or intermediate nodes that connect the two or more nodes. For example, two or more nodes may be logically coupled via a logical link. A logical link may be established via any combination of physical links and intermediate nodes (e.g., routers, switches, or other network equipment).

[0116] A link may also be referred to as a "communication channel." In wireless communication systems, the term "communication channel" (or simply "channel") generally refers to a particular frequency or frequency band. A carrier signal (or carrier wave) may be transmitted at a particular frequency or within a particular frequency band of a channel. In some cases, multiple signals may be transmitted in a single band / channel. For example, signals may be transmitted simultaneously in a single band / channel, sometimes over different sub-bands or sub-channels. As another example, signals may be transmitted over the same band, sometimes by allocating time slots, with each transmitter and receiver using that band.

[0117] As used herein, the phrase "memory" or "memory device" refers to a system or device that includes a computer-readable medium or media ("CRM"). A "CRM" refers to a medium accessible by an associated computing system for placing, retaining, or retrieving information (e.g., data, computer-readable instructions, program modules, applications, routines, etc.). Note that "CRM" refers to a medium that is non-transitory in nature and does not refer to intangible transitory signals such as radio waves.

[0118] A CRM can be implemented in any technology, device, or group of devices contained within or communicating with an associated computing system. A CRM can include volatile or nonvolatile media, and removable or non-removable media. A CRM can include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to store information and accessed by a computing system. A CRM is communicatively coupled to a system bus, enabling communication between the CRM and other systems or components coupled to the system bus. In some implementations, a CRM can be coupled to the system bus through a memory interface (e.g., a memory controller). The memory interface is a circuit that manages the flow of data between the CRM and the system bus.

[0119] Various operations of the example methods described herein (e.g., methods 400, 500, and 700) may be performed, at least in part, by one or more of the described or implicitly disclosed controllers or processors. Generally speaking, the terms "processor" and "microprocessor" are used interchangeably and refer to a computer processor configured to retrieve and execute instructions stored in a memory.

[0120] By executing these instructions, the disclosed processors can perform various operations or functions defined by the instructions. The disclosed processors may be temporarily configured (e.g., by instructions or software) or permanently configured to perform associated operations or functions (e.g., processors for application-specific integrated circuits or ASICs), depending on the particular embodiment. Each disclosed processor may be part of a chipset, which may also include, for example, a memory controller or an I / O controller. A chipset is a collection of electronic components in an integrated circuit typically configured to provide I / O and memory management functions, as well as multiple general-purpose or special-purpose registers, timers, etc. Generally speaking, one or more of the described processors may be communicatively coupled to other components (such as memory devices and I / O devices) via a system bus.

[0121] The reliable performance of operations can be distributed among one or more processors that reside not only within a single machine but also deployed across several machines. For example, when a single processor is described as performing a set of operations, it is understood that multiple processors may, in some embodiments, perform the set of operations according to any desired distribution across the multiple processors. In some example embodiments, one or more processors may reside in a single location (e.g., in a home environment, in a work environment, or as a server farm), while in other embodiments, the processors may be distributed across multiple locations.

[0122] Words such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "presenting," "displaying," etc. may refer to machine (e.g., computer) operations or processes that manipulate or transform data represented as physical (e.g., electrical, magnetic, or optical) quantities in one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information.

[0123] Unless otherwise specified, a “routine,” “module,” or “application” described in this disclosure refers to a set of computer-readable instructions that can be stored in a CRM. For example, tool 45 can be a routine stored in a CRM. Generally, a CRM stores computer-readable code (“code”) representing or corresponding to instructions, the code adapted to be executed by a processor to facilitate the functionality described as represented by or associated with the routine or application. Each routine or application can be implemented via a standalone executable file, a suite or bundle of executable files, one or more non-executable files utilized by an executable file or program, or some combination thereof. In some cases, unless otherwise specified, one or more of the described routines can be hard-coded into one or more EPROMs, EEPROMs, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other hardware or firmware elements.

Claims

1. 1. A method for facilitating the visual design of a network in a process control environment, the method comprising: displaying a canvas configured to allow the user to design a network model of the network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols representing devices and links to be included in the network within the canvas; detecting a set of device symbols on the canvas representing a set of model devices included in a network model; Detecting a selection of a canvas position on the canvas; calculating one or more signal strengths of the set of model devices at the real-world location corresponding to the canvas location based on an analysis of (i) a real-world location corresponding to the canvas location, (ii) a real-world location of each model device in the set of model devices included in the network, and (iii) wireless signaling attributes of each device in the set of model devices included in the network; generating and displaying a user-selectable list of proposed model devices to be selected from a plurality of model device candidates and placed at the canvas location and added to the network model, the user-selectable list being generated based on (i) the calculated one or more signal strengths at the real-world location and (ii) wireless signaling attributes of the plurality of device candidates.

2. detecting a selection of a selected model device from the user selectable list; responding to detecting the selection by adding a device symbol representing the selected model device to the canvas at the canvas location; The method of claim 1 , further comprising: generating the network model based on symbols included in the canvas, such that the network model includes the selected model device.

3. analyzing the one or more signal strengths to select, from the set of model devices included in the network model, one or more model devices having the strongest signal strengths; automatically adding to the canvas one or more link symbols representing one or more links between (i) the selected model device and (ii) the one or more model devices selected from the set of model devices that have the strongest signal strength at the real-world location; 3. The method of claim 2, wherein generating the network model based on the symbols included on the canvas includes generating the network model such that the network model includes the one or more links between (i) the selected model device and (ii) the one or more model devices selected from the set of model devices having the strongest signal strength at the real-world location.

4. Detecting that the signal strength of the selected one or more model devices is below a threshold; automatically adding an intermediate device symbol representing an intermediate device to the canvas in response to detecting the signal strength being below the threshold; automatically adding one or more link symbols to the canvas includes adding (i) a first link symbol between the device symbol representing the selected model device and the intermediate device symbol, and (ii) a second link symbol between the intermediate device symbol and a set of device symbols that were on the canvas before the device symbol representing the selected device was added; 4. The method of claim 3, wherein generating the network model comprises generating the network model such that the network model includes (i) the intermediate device and (ii) first and second links corresponding to the first and second link symbols.

5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating the one or more signal strengths comprises: (i) receiving a user-defined height of the selected model device; and (ii) calculating one or more distances between the real-world location corresponding to the canvas location and the real-world location of each model device in the set of model devices in a manner that takes into account the user-defined height.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising receiving one or more desired heights of the model devices in the set of model devices.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein calculating the one or more signal strengths comprises calculating the one or more signal strengths based on a default height of the model device.

8. detecting, based on the calculating the one or more signal strengths, that the real-world location corresponding to the canvas location is outside of the set of model devices; 8. The method of claim 1, wherein generating and displaying the user-selectable list of suggested model devices comprises responding to detecting that the real-world location is out of range by generating and displaying a model repeater in the user-selectable list of suggested model devices.

9. 1. A system for facilitating the visual design of networks in a process control environment, the system comprising: a user interface including a display and a user input component; coupled to the user interface; displaying a canvas via the display, the canvas configured to allow the user to design a mesh network model of the mesh network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas representing network devices and links to be included in the mesh network; detecting a set of device symbols on the canvas representing devices included in a mesh network model; Detecting a selection of a canvas position on the canvas via the user input component; calculating one or more signal strengths of the set of devices at the real-world location corresponding to the canvas location based on an analysis of (i) a real-world location corresponding to the canvas location, (ii) a real-world location of each device in the set of devices included in the mesh network, and (iii) wireless signaling attributes of each device in the set of devices included in the mesh network; and one or more processors configured to: generate and display a user-selectable list of proposed devices to be selected from a plurality of candidate devices, placed at the canvas location, and added to the mesh network model, the user-selectable list being generated based on (i) the calculated one or more signal strengths at the real-world location and (ii) wireless signaling attributes of the plurality of candidate devices.

10. detecting a selection of a selected model device from the user selectable list; responding to detecting the selection by adding a device symbol representing the selected model device to the canvas at the canvas location; The system of claim 9 , further comprising: generating the network model based on symbols included in the canvas, such that the network model includes the selected model device.

11. analyzing the one or more signal strengths to select, from the set of model devices included in the network model, one or more model devices having the strongest signal strengths; automatically adding to the canvas one or more link symbols representing one or more links between (i) the selected model device and (ii) the one or more model devices selected from the set of model devices that have the strongest signal strength at the real-world location; 11. The system of claim 10, wherein generating the network model based on the symbols included on the canvas includes generating the network model such that the network model includes the one or more links between (i) the selected model device and (ii) the one or more model devices selected from the set of model devices having the strongest signal strength at the real-world location.

12. Detecting that the signal strength of the selected one or more model devices is below a threshold; and automatically adding an intermediate device symbol representing a model repeater to the canvas in response to detecting that the signal strength is below the threshold. automatically adding one or more link symbols to the canvas includes adding (i) a first link symbol between the device symbol representing the selected model device and the intermediate device symbol, and (ii) a second link symbol between the intermediate device symbol and a set of device symbols that were on the canvas before the device symbol representing the selected device was added; 12. The system of claim 11, wherein generating the network model includes generating the network model such that the network model comprises: (i) the model repeater; and (ii) first and second links corresponding to the first and second link symbols.

13. 13. The system of claim 9, wherein calculating the one or more signal strengths comprises: (i) receiving a user-defined height of the selected model device; and (ii) calculating one or more distances between the real-world location corresponding to the canvas location and the real-world location of each model device in the set of model devices in a manner that takes into account the user-defined height.

14. The system of claim 13 , further comprising receiving one or more desired heights of the model devices in the set of model devices.

15. 15. The system of claim 9, wherein calculating the one or more signal strengths comprises calculating the one or more signal strengths based on a default height of the model device.

16. detecting, based on the calculating the one or more signal strengths, that the real-world location corresponding to the canvas location is outside of the set of model devices; 16. The system of claim 9, wherein generating and displaying the user-selectable list of suggested model devices comprises responding to detecting that the real-world location is out of range by generating and displaying a model repeater in the user-selectable list of suggested model devices.

17. 1. A method for dynamically visualizing candidate communication links in a user interface for designing networks in a process control environment, the method comprising: displaying a canvas configured to allow the user to design a network model of the network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols representing network devices and links to be included in the network within the canvas; detecting a set of device symbols on the canvas representing devices included in a mesh network model; Detecting a pointer representing a user's position at a first canvas position on the canvas; dynamically displaying one or more signal strength indicators representative of one or more signal strengths of the set of devices associated with the pointer; (i) calculating the one or more signal strengths of the set of devices at a first real-world location corresponding to the first canvas location; (ii) displaying the one or more signal strength indications to possess a first characteristic representative of the one or more signal strengths at the first real-world location; (iii) detecting the pointer moving from the first canvas position to a second canvas position; (iv) responding to detecting the user pointer element moving by recalculating the one or more signal strengths at a second real-world location corresponding to the second canvas location; and (v) updating the one or more signal strength indications to indicate the recalculated one or more signal strengths, wherein the updated one or more signal strength indications possess a second characteristic representative of the recalculated one or more signal strengths at the second real-world location.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein one or more signal strength indicators are lines representing one or more signals of the set of devices.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the first property is a first color and the second property is a second color.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein updating the one or more signal strength indicators comprises gradually changing the one or more signal strength indicators from the first color to the second color as a point moves from the first canvas position to the second canvas position.

21. 21. The method of claim 19 or claim 20, wherein updating the one or more signal strength indicators comprises instantaneously changing the one or more signal strength indicators from the first color to the second color when a threshold distance between the first canvas position and the second canvas position is exceeded.

22. 22. The method of any of claims 19 to 21, wherein each of the one or more signal strength indicators has a gradient coloration indicating signal strength at multiple points along the signal strength indicator, whereby the first color represents a first signal strength and the second color represents a second signal strength that is weaker than the first signal strength.

23. 23. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more signal strength indicators are dotted or dashed, the first characteristic representing a first spacing between the dashes or dots, and the second characteristic representing a second spacing that is wider than the first spacing.

24. 24. The method of any of claims 17 to 23, wherein each of the one or more signal strength indicators is a bar graph representing signal strength for a corresponding device.

25. receiving from the user a desired height of the next device to be placed on the canvas; 25. The method of claim 17, wherein the calculating comprises calculating the one or more signal strengths at the first real-world location based on an analysis of (i) one or more calculated distances between the first real-world location corresponding to the canvas location and the real-world location of each device in the set of devices, and (ii) wireless signaling attributes of each device in the set of devices included in the network.

26. 26. The method of any of claims 17 to 25, wherein the pointer is an invisible user interface element that represents the location of the user.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein displaying the canvas includes displaying the canvas via a touchscreen.

28. 1. A system for dynamically visualizing candidate communication links in a user interface for designing networks in a process control environment, the system comprising: a user interface including a display and a user input component; coupled to the user interface; displaying a canvas via the display, the canvas configured to allow the user to design a network model of the network in a process control environment by placing and arranging symbols within the canvas representing network devices and links to be included in the network; detecting a set of device symbols on the canvas representing devices included in a mesh network model; Detecting, via the user input component, a pointer representing a user's position at a first canvas position on the canvas; dynamically displaying, via the display, one or more signal strength indications representative of one or more signal strengths of the set of devices associated with the pointer; (i) calculating the one or more signal strengths at a first real-world location of the set of devices corresponding to the first canvas location; (ii) displaying the one or more signal strength indications to possess a first characteristic representative of the one or more signal strengths at the first real-world location; (iii) detecting the pointer moving from the first canvas position to a second canvas position; (iv) responding to detection of the moving user pointer element by recalculating the one or more signal strengths at a second real-world location corresponding to the second canvas location; and (v) updating the one or more signal strength indications to indicate the recalculated one or more signal strengths, wherein the updated one or more signal strength indications possess second characteristics representative of the recalculated one or more signal strengths at the second real-world location.

29. 30. The system of claim 28, wherein the one or more signal strength indicators are lines representing one or more signals for the set of devices.

30. 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the first characteristic is a first color and the second characteristic is a second color.

31. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein updating the one or more signal strength indicators comprises gradually changing the one or more signal strength indicators from the first color to the second color as a point moves from the first canvas position to the second canvas position.

32. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein updating the one or more signal strength indicators includes instantaneously changing the one or more signal strength indicators from the first color to the second color when a threshold distance between the first canvas location and the second canvas location is exceeded.

33. 31. The system of claim 30, wherein each of the one or more signal strength indicators has a gradient coloration that indicates signal strength at multiple points along the signal strength indicator, whereby the first color represents a first signal strength and the second color represents a second signal strength that is weaker than the first signal strength.

34. 34. The system of claim 29, wherein the one or more signal strength indicators are dotted or dashed, the first characteristic representing a first spacing between the dashes or dots, and the second characteristic representing a second spacing that is wider than the first spacing.

35. 35. The system of any of claims 28 to 34, wherein each of the one or more signal strength indicators is a bar graph representing signal strength for a corresponding device.

36. the one or more processors are further configured to receive, via the user input component, a desired height of a next device to be placed on the canvas; 36. The system of claim 28, wherein recalculating the one or more signal strengths at the second real-world location corresponding to the second canvas location comprises: (i) calculating one or more distances between the second real-world location and the real-world locations of the devices in the set of devices; (ii) analyzing wireless signaling attributes of each device in the set of devices included in the network; and (iii) recalculating the one or more signal strengths based on the one or more distances and the wireless signaling attributes.

37. 37. The system of any of claims 28 to 36, wherein the pointer is an invisible user interface element that represents the location of the user.

38. 38. The system of claim 37, wherein the display is a touch screen.

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