WO2000060424A1

WO2000060424A1 - Graphical image display

Info

Publication number: WO2000060424A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/008820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abdolsahab Eddie Habibi; Jack Thomas Hosea
Original assignee: Plant Automation Services, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-04-01
Filing date: 2000-03-31
Publication date: 2000-10-12
Also published as: AU4066000A

Abstract

A graphical image providing single source viewing of multiple plant process operating parameters. The graphical image includes at least three rays having a minimum setting value and at least three status values responsive to at least three process plant input parameters. The graphical image further includes a polygon that is formed by linking the status values. Also provided is a method of creating the graphical image by initializing the number of rays, providing the minimum setting value and the maximum setting value, receiving input parameter values and processing the input parameter values to create status values. The gaphical image is then produced by forming non-collinear rays, the rays being defined by the minimum setting value and the maximum setting value. The associated status value is then represented on each ray and a polygon is formed by linking the status values. Further provided is a computer system and an electronic device for receiving input parameter data, processing the input parameter data into status value data, forming a graphical image, and displaying the graphical image in a tangible medium. The computer system includes one or more central processing units, a core logic chipset, a system bus, an input/output bus an input/output bridge and a peripheral component interface. The electronic device includes a data input data port, a data output data port, and a data processing circuit.

Description

GRAPHICAL IMAGE DISPLAY

The present invention relates to a graphical image and a method and system for creating the graphical image. More specifically, the present invention relates to a graphical image that graphically represents multiple process variables in a single image. The advent of distributed control systems (DCS's) has allowed the expanded use of electronic equipment (sensors) in many fields of the process industry. Accordingly, many additional sensors have been implemented to monitor equipment and conditions in process facilities. The additional sensors have increased the difficulty of adequately monitoring and evaluating the information detected by the added sensors. A typical process plant can contain thousands of sensors, and the information detected by each sensor must be periodically checked by a plant operator. Quick access to all of the information detected by the sensors enables the plant operator to assess multiple plant conditions in the plant, and to recognize plant operating trends as they occur.

Traditionally, the information detected by the sensors located in a plant facility was converted into a pneumatic or electrical signal and relayed to an indicator in a plant control room. These traditional indicators were typically wall mounted dials or strip chart recorders and provided information relating to an entire process with a single view. The traditional indicators enabled the plant operators to quickly determine the status of a process at a glance by considering the position of each process variable indicator relative to a pre-defined mark. The plant operator did not necessarily read each variable to assess the condition of the plant. Instead, the plant operator memorized patterns of process variables and recognized plant conditions accordingly. The wall mounted instrumentation of the traditional indicators provided a pattern recognition technique for plant operators to recognize plant states and trends as they occurred.

Recently, the traditional indicators have slowly been replaced by screen based operator interfaces in the form of control room consoles. The consoles are equipped with screens or monitors that display plant process data. The plant process data is received from sensors located in the subject plant and is typically in digital format. The console screens can also display schematics of the subject plant process and/or outlines of plant equipment. Sensor locations are integrated with the schematics to reflect the actual physical position of the sensor within the plant. Further, plant process data received by the sensors can be displayed on the screen by pressing on the location of the screen where the subject sensor is located. While the advances in control systems have enabled plant operators to view and monitor vast amounts of data from a single console, the ability to discern if the plant process data exhibits a trend or a pattern has been lost.

What is needed is a system and method for creating a graphical image that provides a pattern recognition overview of complex multivariable plant processes contained in a single display and that the graphical image provide a distinct pattern that plant operators can identify as a specific plant state.

The present invention solves the problems inherent in the prior art by providing a graphical image comprising at least three rays; the rays having a common origin and at least three corresponding status values, each of the rays being defined on one end by the common origin and on the other end by one of the corresponding status values. Each status value is responsive to at least three input parameters. The graphical image further includes a polygon that is formed by linking each of the status values; or multiple polygons if multiple sets of status values exist. Multiple polygons are formed by linking associated status values from each set of status values. The status values may be real time data, historical data, simulated predicted data, or optimum operating data. Each status value has an associated minimum setting value and an associated maximum setting value, and nominally has a magnitude greater than the associated minimum setting value and a magnitude less than the associated maximum setting value.

An alternate embodiment of the present invention lies in the form of a method for creating a graphical image. The method comprises receiving at least one group of at least three status values, where each status value is responsive to an input parameter. The method further comprises forming non-collinear rays, where each ray has a common origin and each ray is defined by an associated status value. The method also includes forming a polygon by linking the status values and affixing the graphical image into a tangible display.

An additional embodiment of the present invention involves a computer system for producing a graphical image. The computer system is comprised of a central processing unit, a core logic chip set connected to the central processing unit by a system bus, an input-output bus connecting the core logic chip set to an input-output bridge, and a peripheral component interface bus connecting the input-output bridge to a plurality of input ports. The input ports receive at least three input parameter data values for processing by the central processing unit. The central processing unit processes each input parameter and produces a corresponding status value. Using minimum and maximum setting values for each input parameter, and the number of input parameters to be considered, the computer system generates rays for each input parameter. The computer system further generates a graphical image comprised of the rays and superimposes the corresponding status value onto each ray. The graphical image generated by the central processing unit also contains a polygon by linking associated status values.

An additional embodiment of the present invention involves an electronic device having one or more data input connections, one or more data output connections, and one or more data processing circuits. The data input connections receive at least three input parameter data values for processing by the data processing circuits. Additionally, the data processing circuits process each input parameter data value to produce a corresponding status value. The data processing circuits generate a graphical image of at least three rays, where each ray has a common origin. Each ray is defined by the common origin and the corresponding status value. The data processing circuit also produces a polygon by linking the status values.

Other and further features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, given for the purpose of disclosure and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a graphical representation of an image generated by the present invention; Figure 2 is an image generated by an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an image generated by another alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a flowchart of the method of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system according to the present invention; and

Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic device according to the present invention. Referring now to the drawings, the details of preferred embodiments of the present invention are graphically and schematically illustrated. Like elements in the drawings will be represented by like numbers, and similar elements will be represented by like numbers with a different lower case letter suffix. Referring now to Figure 1, which illustrates a graphical image 100 comprised of six rays 120, each ray 120 having a common origin (not shown). The graphical image 100 can have an infinite number of rays 120, but must contain at least three rays 120. The optimum number of rays 120 in a graphical image 100 is between 15 and 20. Each ray 120 graphically represents an input parameter (process/measured variable) of a process plant. The origin of the ray 120 indicates the minimum setting of the associated input parameter and the tip of the ray 120 indicates the maximum setting of the associated input parameter. As an alternative embodiment of the ray 120, the origin of the ray 120 represents the minimum setting of the associated input parameter, and the tip of the ray 120 represents the status value. The process variables can be pressure, temperature, fluid flow, viscosity, density, liquid level, voltage, electrical current, or electrical resistance. The voltage, electrical current, and electrical resistance can be an actual value measured in the plant, or can be in the form of a signal measuring some other plant condition, such as a liquid level on/off switch, rotating equipment vibration, or anyone of the above mentioned process variables.

Superimposed onto each ray 120 is an arrow 121 and a historical indicator band 122. Shown adjacent each ray 120 is the status value magnitude 110, which represents the value of the status value in digital form. Although shown in Figure 1 as the letters "A, B, C, D, E, F" , the status value magnitude 110 are typically any real number, any integer, or a boolean representation. Figure 2 illustrates the graphical image 100 of Figure 1, further including status value units 111 which are shown as "A", B C D E F"'. The status value units 111 indicate the units of each status value and are typically located adjacent the corresponding status value magnitude 110. Examples of status value units 111 are psia, psig, gpm, volts, lb/h, cp, lb/ft³, etc. The arrow 121 graphically represents the magnitude of the status value of each input parameter as well as the direction. The trend of each status value is shown by pointing the arrow 121 in the direction of the trend, i.e. towards the tip of the ray 120 if the trend is increasing and towards the origin of the ray 120 if the trend is decreasing. Additionally, the size of the arrow 121 could be adjusted to reflect the magnitude of the status value trend, i.e. a larger sized arrow 121 could indicate a larger change in magnitude of the associated status value. The status value is nominally between the minimum setting and the maximum setting of the associated input parameter and represents an actual measured value of the associated input parameter or a calculated value of the associated input parameter. The status value can be real time data, historical data (from any previous date or time), or optimum operating conditions (typically a calculated value). The historical indicator band 122 is wider than the width of the ray 120 and indicates the historical range of measured values for the associated input parameter.

The graphical image 100 is displayed on a visual display device 516 (Figure 5) which is preferably a monitor. However, as those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, other visual display devices can be used, e.g. computer screens, control room consoles, overhead projections, holographic images, virtual reality displays, and any other visual display devices now known or later developed. Further, multiple graphical images 100 can be positioned on a single screen thus enabling plant operators to track numerous process plant systems simultaneously.

The polygon 130 is formed by linking the point on each ray where the status value is located (i.e. the arrows 121) and shading the area confined within the polygon 130. The shading can be in the form of crosshatching, however, the preferred embodiment is a colored shading. Further, as an alternative to directing the arrows 121, the crosshatching pattern and color selected for each polygon 130 (or 300) can be in the form of a graphical pattern and indicative of a steady state status value, or an increasing or decreasing trend of the subject status value. Thereby alerting the plant operator, based on the graphical pattern inside the polygon 130 (or 300), that the magnitude of a specific input parameter in the plant facility is steady, decreasing or increasing. Some operating conditions in a process facility do not fluctuate greatly in frequency or magnitude. Accordingly, a typical polygon 130, which reflects plant process input parameters, will remain relatively stable under normal operating conditions. Therefore, a plant operator familiar with each graphical image 100 containing a polygon 130 will quickly be able to discern when and if an input parameter begins to change, and thus can diagnose and correct plant operating anomalies sooner. Decreasing the time to correct a problem greatly enhances the ability to prevent plant upsets and/or shutdowns.

Figure 3 provides an alternative embodiment of the graphical image 100 where a comparative polygon 300 is shown. The comparative polygon 300 is created by linking status values different from the status values linked to form the polygon 130. For example, the polygon 130 may be created by linking real time status values and the comparative polygon 300 may be created by linking optimum operating values. Superimposing the polygons 130 and 300 provide a plant operator with a visual comparison of the divergence of the actual plant conditions versus the optimum conditions. Having access to the visual comparison enables plant operators to easily recognize plant deficiencies and to possibly adjust plant operating parameters to operate the plant at an optimum condition.

The graphical image 100 is not limited to reflecting input parameters from a plant process facility. The graphical image 100 can be implemented in any situation where multiple variables are displayed graphically for rapid human recognition of patterns of behavior in a process. Examples of other situations are telecommunications, aircraft, multivariable process controllers, and trains. Telecommunication systems, including telephones, cable television, the Internet, remote terminal units, and other communication means have many performance measurement points that require regular monitoring. Accordingly, these performance measurement points can be processed into status values and displayed on a graphical image 100 with a polygon 130 and/or a comparative polygon 300.

Multivariable controllers (MVC) provide an effective way to control a processing unit at optimum levels as directed by a plant operator or plant engineer. Multivariable controllers may include tens or even hundreds of manipulated variables (MV) and controlled variables (CV). As the controller size increases, the difficulty of monitoring the controller for optimum performance also increases. A controller may encounter constraints and stop working effectively. Therefore, an operator must vigilantly monitor the CV's and MV's and make appropriate corrections when necessary. Monitoring CV's and MV's is difficult if an operator has many pages of text to review to identify potential problems. Trains, subways, aircraft, and other mass transportation systems or mass data systems can contain thousands of measurement points, such as pressure, flow, temperatures, and analytical values, to name a few. As such, a graphical image 100, with polygons (130 and 300) would provide an improved alternative to the current apparatus and method of monitoring multivariable controllers as well as the mass transportation or mass data measurement points.

Figure 4 shows a method of creating the graphical image of Figures 1 - 3. First, the computer system is turned on, step 400. Then, in step 402, the graphical image is initialized by deciding how many status values will be represented in the subject graphical image 100. The decision regarding how many status values, and which status values will be represented on each graphical image 100 will be based on operator and plant engineer experience; with the objective to combine process conditions displays for optimum viewing of multiple process systems in a single display. Next, the maximum and minimum setting value for each status value is determined; these values are typically the maximum or minimum operating conditions that the plant equipment can sustain in and around the area where the input parameter value is measured.

After initializing the graphical image 100, the input parameters are received, step 404. The input parameters are in the form of signals from the process plant that are received from sensors located in the process plant that measure plant operating conditions. The frequency of the signals from each sensor depends upon the plant operating condition being measured, the frequency of the signals can therefore range from multiple signals per second to a single signal every 2-3 seconds or more. Before processing, it must be confirmed that all of the received signals are in digital form. Therefore, for each existing sensor that produces a non-digital signal (analog), it is required to convert the signal into a digital format. Once it is confirmed that all received data is in a digital format all data is normalized into a status value in step 406. The status value digitally represents the magnitude of each measured input parameter. For example, most plant process sensors produce signals that range in value from 4 to 20 mili-amperes. In step 406 the 4 to 20 mili-ampere signal is processed into a meaningful process variable recognizable by plant personnel. After the input parameters are processed into status values the status values are stored into a storage device such as for historical development and later retrieval, in step 408.

In step 410, it is ascertained if previously received status values exist. If not, then rays are formed as per the original initialization of the graphical image 100 and normalized status values are positioned on each associated ray 120. Next, a polygon 130 is formed in step 420 by linking the normalized status values, and in step 422 the graphical image 100 is affixed to a tangible medium, such as the visual display device 516 (Figure 5), or also in a data storage device or printed onto a page. Step 424 inquires if additional input parameters are to be received, if so, the method returns to step 404, if not the program is terminated via step 426.

Referring to step 410, if previously read status values do exist then the process proceeds to step 414 where the current status values are compared with the previously read status values to determine if an increasing or decreasing trend in magnitude exists. Step 416 involves positioning an arrow 121 on each ray 120 to represent the magnitude of the status value.

In step 417 the status value for each input parameter is compared with historical data relating to the same input parameter. If the magnitude of the subject status value exceeds the maximum historical value the magnitude of the subject status value will replace the existing maximum historical value in data storage, and the historical band indicator 121 will be adjusted accordingly. Should the magnitude of the subject status value be less than the minimum historical value, the magnitude of the subject status value will replace the existing minimum historical value in data storage, and the historical band indicator 121 will be adjusted. In step 418 the status value trend is indicated by positioning an arrow 121 on each ray 120 and is pointed in the direction of the trend, steps 420 through 426 are then repeated until the program is terminated.

Figure 5 illustrates in schematic block diagram form the computer system 501 for receiving plant process data, processing plant process data into a graphical image and displaying the grapliical image. The computer system 501 is comprised of a central processing unit 500 connected to a system bus 504. In an alternative embodiment, more than one central processing unit 500 may exist in the computer system 501. Utilizing multiple central processing units 500 provides multi-tasking and faster overall computer system 501 processing. For example, if more than one central processing unit 500 is installed in the computer system 501 one central processing unit 500 can process the input parameters into status values, while another central processing unit 500 produces the graphical image 100. The system bus 504 provides digital communication between the central processing unit 500, random access memory (RAM) 506 and a core logic chipset 502. Connecting the core logic chipset 502 to an I/O AGP bridge 510 and an I/O PCI bridge 518 is an input/output (I/O) bus 508. Connected to the I/O AGP bridge 510 is a video card 514, via the AGP bus 512, connected to the video card 514 is a visual display device 516. Also connected to the I/O bus 508 is a floppy disk drive (FDD) 522, a hard drive (HD) 524 and a network interface card (NIC) 526. The network interface card 526 provides network communication of the computer system 501 to local area networks, wide area networks and the internet 528. Connected to the I/O PCI bridge 518 is a PCI bus 520, the PCI bus 520 provides connectivity between the computer system 501 and the subject plant facility 538. If the data received from a sensor inside the plant facility 538 is not in digital format an analog to digital (A/D) converter 530 is provided to convert the data format. If the sensor inside the plant facility 538 provides data in digital format then the data is communicated to the computer system via a port 532.

Figure 6 displays an alternative to the central processing unit 500 and core logic chipset 502. The alternative involves an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 540. The ASIC 540 is in communication with the plant facility 538 and the video card 514. The ASIC 540 is an integrated circuit designed and produced to receive input parameter data, process the input parameter data into status values, display the status values in graphical form in a graphical image 100, and link the status values to form a polygon 130. The ASIC 540 is a useful alternative to the computer system 501 since the ASIC 540 can replace electronic components (i.e. the central processing unit 500 and the core logic chipset 502), can reduce or eliminate the need for software, and can increase overall processing speed.

In operation, the plant operators and/or plant engineers initiate a graphical image 100 design by evaluating a plant facility and determining which input parameters require monitoring. Next, the plant operators and/or plant engineers will design each graphical image 100 by deciding which input parameters, in the form of status values, will be displayed on each graphical image 100. Preferably, the computer system 501 will be instructed via software which input parameters will be displayed onto each graphical image 100. Once the total number of graphical images 100 is determined; the origin, radius, and location of each graphical image 100 on a display screen will be determined. The computer system 501 will be operated by software instruction where to position the origin, radius and position of each graphical image 100 on a specific display screen. The software can be input to the computer system 501 via the random access memory 506, a floppy disk drive 522, a hard drive 524 or a backup tape drive (not shown).

The graphical images 100 are initialized by inputting to the computer system 501, via software, the maximum and minimum setting values for each input parameter; inputting the background color, inputting the polygon shell color, initializing the color properties of the labels (i.e. the font and color of the status value magnitude 110 and the status value units 111), initializing the color properties of the arrows 121, initializing the color properties of the historical indicator band 122, initializing the width of the historical indicator band 122 and dimensioning the array for the input parameters.

During the process start-up phase the graphical image 100 is produced by computing the angles between each ray 120 in each graphical image 100, computing the position of the tip of each ray 120, drawing lines from the tip of each ray 120 to the next adjacent ray tip to form a polygon shell, then drawing lines from the origin of each graphical image 100 to the tip of each ray 120 thus forming each ray 120. The graphical image 100 data is then copied into a data storage device. The data storage device can be a random access memory 506, a hard drive 522, a floppy disk drive 524, or a backup tape drive. The computation of angles, positioning of the tip of each ray 120, producing lines, and storing data is performed by the computer system 501 and primarily by the central processing unit 500. The computer system 501 and central processing unit 500 functions are dictated by software received from either the random access memory 506, the floppy disk drive 522, the hard drive 524, or a backup tape drive.

During the process execution phase the graphical image 100 data is copied from the data storage device into the random access memory 506 of the computer system 501. The input parameters are received from a plant facility and processed into status values by the central processing unit 500. After the status values have been produced the status value position onto the graphical image 100 is determined. The arrow 121 direction is then determined by comparing the magnitude of currently processed status values against previously processed status values (if any exist). If the status value magnitude is increasing, the arrow 121 will be pointed towards the tip of the ray 120; if the status value magnitude is decreasing, the arrow 121 will be pointed towards the origin of the ray 120. The arrow 121 is then positioned onto the associated ray 120 to represent the magnitude of the corresponding status value. The arrows 121 are then linked together to form a polygon 130 and the area inside the polygon 130 is colored to easily distinguish the polygon 130 from the remaining portion of the graphical image 100. The graphical image 100 is then displayed onto a visual display device 516, and the graphical image 100 data is stored into a data storage device for later use and historical data. Again, all data processing and graphical representation is preferably performed by the computer system 501 as directed by input software. Alternatively, the data processing and graphical representation could be performed by an ASIC 540 connecting the plant facility to a video card 514 and visual display device 516. The present invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been given for purposes of disclosure, numerous changes in the details of procedures for accomplishing the desired results will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A graphical image comprising: at least three rays having a common origin and at least three corresponding status values, each of said rays being defined by said common origin and one of said at least three status values, said at least three status values responsive to at least three input parameters; and a polygon formed by linking said at least three status values.

2. The graphical image of Claim 1 wherein each said status value is nominally between an associated minimum setting value and an associated maximum setting value.

3. The graphical image of Claim 1 wherein each of said status values is a member selected from the group consisting of a real time data value, a historical data value, simulated predicted data, and an optimum operating data value.

4. The graphical image of Claim 1 wherein said each said status value is a member selected from the group consisting of a real number, an integer, a boolean, or a data stream.

5. The graphical image of Claim 1 wherein each said input parameter represents a variable selected from the group consisting of pressure, temperature, fluid flow, viscosity, density, liquid level, voltage, electrical current, and electrical resistance.

6. The graphical image of Claim 1 further comprising an arrow positioned on each of said rays graphically representing the magnitude of said status value.

7. The graphical image of Claim 1, further comprising a graphical pattern inside said polygon graphically representing the steady state, increasing or decreasing trend in the magnitude of said status value.

8. The graphical image of Claim 7, wherein said graphical pattern is a member selected from the group consisting of a series of colors, a series of dots or a series of lines.

9. The graphical image of Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of polygons, each of said polygons defined by linking associated status values, wherein each said status value is responsive to an input parameter.

10. The graphical image of Claim 9, further comprising a graphical pattern inside each said polygon graphically representing the steady state, increasing or decreasing trend in the magnitude of said status value.

11. The graphical image of Claim 10, wherein said graphical pattern is a member selected from the group consisting of a series of colors, a series of dots or a series of lines.

12. A method of creating a graphical image, comprising the steps of:

(1) receiving at least one group of at least three status values responsive to at least three input parameters;

(2) forming at least three non-collinear rays having a common origin, each of said rays being defined by the common origin and one of said at least three status values;

(3) forming a polygon by linking said status values; and

(4) affixing said graphical image in a tangible display.

13. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12, wherein each of said rays is further defined by a minimum setting value and a maximum setting value.

14. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12 wherein each said input parameter is responsive to at least three input parameters which is a variable selected from the group consisting of pressure, temperature, fluid flow, viscosity, density, liquid level, voltage, electrical current, and electrical resistance.

15. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12 wherein each of said status values is a member selected from the group consisting of a real time data value, a historical data value and an optimum operating data value.

16. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12 wherein said each said status value is a member selected from the group consisting of a real number, an integer, a boolean, or a data stream.

17. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12 further comprising the step of storing said status values in a data storage device.

18. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12, further comprising forming a graphical pattern inside said polygon graphically representing the steady state, increasing or decreasing trend in the magnitude of said status value.

19. The method of Claim 18, wherein said graphical pattern is a member selected from the group consisting of a series of colors, a series of dots or a series of lines.

20. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12 further comprising the steps of: ( 1 ) analyzing each group of at least three status values ;

(2) comparing each said status value with an associated status value from the previous group of at least three status values;

(3) determining if each said status value is greater or less than said associated status value from the previous group of at least three status values thereby indicating an increasing or decreasing trend in the magnitude of successive groups of associated status values.

21. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12 further comprising the step of graphically representing the magnitude of said status value on the associated ray by positioning an arrow on said ray.

22. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 20 further comprising the step of graphically representing the trend of successive groups of at least three status values.

23. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 12 further comprising the step of forming a plurality of polygons, wherein each said polygon is formed by linking associated status values wherein each said status value is responsive to an input parameter.

24. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 23, further comprising forming a graphical pattern inside each said polygon graphically representing the steady state, increasing or decreasing trend in the magnitude of said status value.

25. The method of creating a graphical image of Claim 24, wherein said graphical pattern is a member selected from the group consisting of a series of colors, a series of dots or a series of lines.

26. An electronic device comprising: at least one data input port that is adapted to receive at least three input parameter data values; and at least one data processing device that is in electrical communication with said at least one data input port;

said at least one data processing device,

(a) processes said at least three input parameter data values to produce at least three status values; and

(b) generates a graphical image comprising at least three rays having a common origin, each of said rays being defined by said common origin and one of at least three status values responsive to an input parameter, and a polygon formed by linking said at least three status values.

27. The electronic device of claim 26 wherein said data processing device comprises: one or more central processing units; a core logic connected to said one or more central processing units by a system bus; an input-output bus connecting said core logic to an input-output bridge; and a peripheral component interface bus connecting said input-output bridge to said at least one data input ports.

28. The electronic device of Claim 27 further comprising an advanced graphics bus connecting a video card to said input-output bus.

29. The electronic device of Claim 27 further comprising a visual display connected to said video card wherein said graphical image is displayed on said visual display.

30. The electronic device of Claim 27 wherein said graphical image further comprises a plurality of polygons, each of said polygons defined by linking associated status values responsive to a set of input parameters.

31. The electronic device of Claim 27 further comprising a data storage device connected to said input-output bus.

32. The electronic device of Claim 27 further comprising a network interface card connected to one or more of the components selected from the group consisting of said input-output device, a local area network, a wide area network and the internet.

33. The electronic device of Claim 26 where the data processing device comprises an application specific integrated circuit.