Configuring Process Displays with FoxDraw

Introduction

Configuring an object means to connect the object to a process variable. This is done to allow the operator to
both monitor and control the process through a graphic display.
There are two ways of configuring a display object. This is done using Dynamic Update and Operator Action.
Dynamic Update means that a process variable or a file is connected to one of the object's attributes, such as
text content, visibility or fill level. With this type of configuration, changes in an attribute are triggered
dynamically by changes in the process variable. This type of configuration is used to monitor the system. No
operator intervention is necessary.
Operator Action connects the entire object to an action, such as opening a display or changing a setpoint. An
operator triggers the action by selecting the object. An individual object can have both Dynamic Update and
Operator Action connections, although it can have only one operator action.
Each object type (rectangle, circle, text, etc.) has its own set of dynamic attributes, visibility, fill level, text
color, etc.).
Suggested reference material:
• FoxDraw Software B0193WG

Module Objective:
Utilizing all available documentation, the student will be able to use FoxDraw to configure process
displays.

Enabling Objectives:
The enabling objectives that support this module objective are as follows:
1. Configure process displays using Dynamic Update and Operator Action functions.
2. Build and access a library object.
3. Create a User Palette.
4. Build, configure, and operate a Group Display.
5. Convert display files.
6. Create a display convention

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Configuring Objects In FoxDraw ................................................................................... 4

Access .............................................................................................................................................. 4
Configure Objects Dialog Box......................................................................................................... 5
Update Tab....................................................................................................................................... 6
Conversions ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Dynamic Attributes........................................................................................................................ 10
Text Contents with Numeric/Text Conversion .............................................................................. 10
Fill Level with Continuous Conversion......................................................................................... 14
Fill Color with Discrete Conversion .............................................................................................. 17
Fill Color with Threshold Conversion ........................................................................................... 19
Move Vertical with Continuous Conversion ................................................................................. 21
Move Path Percent with Continuous Conversion .......................................................................... 22
Rotate With Continuous Conversion ............................................................................................. 24
Scale With Continuous Conversion ............................................................................................... 25
Text Contents with Bit State Conversion....................................................................................... 26
Action Tab ..................................................................................................................................... 30
Numeric/Text Entry ....................................................................................................................... 32
Open Display ................................................................................................................................. 33
Open Overlay ................................................................................................................................. 34
Close Overlay ................................................................................................................................ 36
Display Command ......................................................................................................................... 36
Relative Pick .................................................................................................................................. 37
Momentary Contact ....................................................................................................................... 39
RAMP ............................................................................................................................................ 40
Connect Variable ........................................................................................................................... 41
Move Vertical/Horizontal .............................................................................................................. 41
PENS Tab (trends only) ................................................................................................................. 43
Trend Area Tab (trends only) ........................................................................................................ 46
Grid Tab......................................................................................................................................... 47
Timing Tab .................................................................................................................................... 48
Security Tab................................................................................................................................... 49
Scales/Delta Tab (faceplates only)................................................................................................. 50
Text Substitution Page (faceplates only) ....................................................................................... 51
Quick Editing of Configured Objects ............................................................................................ 52
2 Building A Library Object ............................................................................................. 53
Drawing A Library Object ............................................................................................................. 53
Accessing A Library Object........................................................................................................... 54
3 Creating A User Palette ................................................................................................ 55
Building a User Palette .................................................................................................................. 55
Accessing A User Palette Object ................................................................................................... 56
4 File Conversion ............................................................................................................. 57
Display File Types ......................................................................................................................... 57
Conversion Operations................................................................................................................... 58
Conversion Example...................................................................................................................... 60

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5 Display Conventions..................................................................................................... 61
Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 61
Configuring a Convention ............................................................................................................. 62
Applying a Convention.................................................................................................................. 64

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1 CONFIGURING OBJECTS IN FOXDRAW

Access

Figure 1-1 Accessing the Configure Objects Dialog Box

Before configuring objects, the object(s) must first be selected as shown in the figure above.
After the object(s) have been selected, there are two ways to access the Configure Objects dialog
box:
• Select [Object] on the Menu Bar and then Configure Objects
• Click the right mouse button to access the Quick Menu, and then select Configure Objects

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Configure Objects Dialog Box

General Tab

Figure 1-2 General Tab

Select Object

The Select Object box contains a list of the object(s) which have been selected on the display
before entering the Configure Objects dialog box. If an object has been assigned a name by the
user, the name will appear on the list. Otherwise, the generic name for the object will appear
(rectangle, circle, group).
If the object already has a Dynamic Update or Operator Action assigned to it, the icon to the left
of the name will be yellow.
Important Note: Linked objects on a display are only configured as a whole. Linked objects can
be identified by the symbol. They cannot be expanded into their
individual components. They cannot be ungrouped in the display.
Configured Objects Only

Selecting this box will cause only already configured objects to be displayed in the Select Object
area.

Object

The Object section of the General Tab allows the user to assign a name to the object. This is
convenient for identifying multiple objects of the same type on the Select Object list.

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Update Tab

Figure 1-3 Update Page

Updates are used to dynamically change the attributes of objects, such as color, size, or fill level.
Each different type of object has specific attributes which may be changed. The figure below
details this information.

Figure 1-4 Dynamic Attributes

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A definition of the dynamic update functions is explained in the figure below.

Figure 1-5 Dynamic Updates Definition

The Update Tab allows the user to add a new update or to edit or delete an existing update.

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Adding a dynamic update

Adding a dynamic update to an object selected from the list is accomplished by selecting the +
icon. This accesses the Add Dynamic Update dialog box.

Figure 1-6 Add Dynamic Update Dialog Box

The Add Dynamic Update dialog box contains two major areas. On the left side is a list of all
attributes which support the type object selected. The right side of the box offers a list of
Conversions.
The user may also select the Conventions button and select a User or Foxboro Convention. This
will be discussed later in this module.

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Conversions
There are six types of conversions. They are based on what type of data will be used as the
source for the dynamic attribute.

Figure 1-7 Conversion Types

Continuous
When the source is a real number or integer whose value will be used in such attribute changes
as fill level.
Discrete
When the source is a Boolean or integer value.
Bit State
When the source is a 16 bit packed Boolean or a 32 bit packed long Boolean.
Threshold
When the source can be divided into zones. Each zone can be assigned a different attribute
change.
Numeric/Text
When the selected object is text or background text, numeric values or text may be connected.
Read File
Will display the contents of an ASCII file.

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Dynamic Attributes
Note: Since a dynamic update function can be used with different types of conversions, not
every combination is described here. Also, once a dialog box entry option is explained,
it may not be explained again in subsequent combinations. For more information, refer
to the Help button in individual dialog boxes.

Text Contents with Numeric/Text Conversion

This combination is used when the value of a real process variable or global variable is to be
displayed in a text or background text field.

Figure 1-8 Text Contents (Numeric/Text)

To assign Text Contents with Numeric/Text conversion, perform the following steps:
1. With the text or background text object selected, access the Configure Objects dialog box.
2. In the Select Object box, select the target text/background text to which the process variable
is to be connected.
3. Select the Add icon.
4. Select Text Contents from the Add Dynamic Update list.
5. Select Numeric/Text.
6. Select OK. This will display the Text Contents - Numeric Text dialog box.

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Text Contents - Numeric/Text Dialog Box

Figure 1-9 Text Contents - Numeric/Text Dialog Box

Tag

Enter the compound:block.parameter name of the source. You can also enter a text alias, to
expose the tag property of the dynamic.
If the source is already in the control database, the Tag button allows the user to choose from a
list.

Trigger

Trigger is only used when the source data type is text. The trigger causes text changes to be
updated. Without a trigger, text will only be updated when the display is called up in FoxView.

Delta Units

Enter a value which represents by how much the value must change in engineering units before
the display will update the value.

Default Values

If the source is in the control database, selecting CP Delta will insert the delta value from the
block.

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Type Numeric

Select if source is real.

Text

Select if source is text.

Numeric Format

This selection is used to choose in what format the numeric data will be displayed.
Selecting Automatic will let the computer decide how to best fit the data into the space provided.
Selecting Fixed Decimal Point allows the user, through Decimal Location, to determine the
number of places used after the decimal point.

Visibility with Discrete Conversion

This combination is used when an object or group's visibility depends on a Boolean or integer
source value.

Figure 1-10 Invisibility with Discrete Conversion

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To assign Visibility with Discrete Conversion perform the following steps:

1. With the object selected, access the Configure Objects dialog box.
2. In the Select Object box, select the target object.
3. Select the Add icon.
4. Select Visibility from the Add Dynamic Update list.
5. Select Discrete from the conversion list.
6. Select OK. This will display the Visibility - Discrete dialog box

Figure 1-11 Visibility-Discrete Dialog Box

Tag

Enter the compound:block.parameter name of the source. You can also enter a text alias, to
expose the tag property of the dynamic.
If the source is already in the control database, the Tag button allows the user to choose from a
list.

Minimum State

For a Boolean source there will be 2 states, a value of 0 or a value of 1. Therefore, enter a 0 for
the minimum state.

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Number of States

Enter the total number of possible different values for the source for the conditions to monitor.
For a Boolean source the number of states is 2 to represent a possible value of 0 or 1.
State 0 and State 1 are now displayed in the visibility box. The user may then assign visibility by
clicking on the boxes next to each state number.

Invisible

Leave the box blank.

Visible

Click on the box to produce an X. Select OK.

Edit

The Edit icon allows the user an alternate way to assign the visibility function by just selecting
visible or invisible from the dialog box.

Copy/Paste

The Copy and Paste icons allow the user to copy configurations and then paste them to another
object's configuration.

Fill Level with Continuous Conversion

Figure 1-12 Fill Level with Continuous Conversion

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A filled object can be connected to a continuous value (usually a real number) to graphically
indicate its value.
The most common use is to represent a tank level by connecting a parameter's low scale to
indicate empty and the high scale to indicate full.

Figure 1-13 Fill Level - Continuous Dialog Box

Tag

The source Compound:Block.Parameter. You can also enter a text alias, to expose the Tag
property of the dynamic.

Delta

Amount in engineering units, by which the variable must change before the fill level is updated.

Static

With the Static button selected, subsequently selecting Control Values enters the High and Low
Scale directly from the source. Selecting Default Values will enter 100.0 and 0.0.

Run Time

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With the Run Time button selected, a pull-down menu in the range box displays usually RI1
(Range of Input 1) or RO1 (Range of Output 1). When a range is defined, FoxView retrieves the
range information from the control processor at display call-up. If the high and low scale are
changed in the block configuration, the range will automatically update.
The user may also manually enter the High and Low Scale.

High Scale

The high scale value of the variable (i.e., 10.0)

Low Scale

The low scale value of the variable (i.e., 00.0)

Note: High Scale and Low scale values are saved with the display. If the block parameter's
high or low scale are changed later on in the control database, the display information
will be outdated.

High Fill

A number in percent which indicates how much of the object will be filled when the high scale is
reached (usually 100.0 %)

Low Fill

A number in percent which indicates how much of the object will be filled when the low scale is
reached. (Usually 0.0 %)
Note: For a reverse fill action, the High Fill can be set at 0.0 % and the Low Fill can be set at
100.0 %.

Options

Selecting Optimize Updates have FoxView update an object's fill level more quickly. Exception:
do not optimize fill update for objects that move, rotate or scale.

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Fill Color with Discrete Conversion

Figure 1-14 Fill Color with Discrete Conversion

A filled object's fill color can be changed based upon the source's value. With a Boolean source,
two color states are available. With an integer source, many states can be configured.
The example used here is to have the fill color of the tank change based on LC100's PRTYPE
parameter. This parameter's value indicates what type of alarm is currently active in the block.

Figure 1-15 PRTYPE (Only Values 0-6)

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Figure 1-16 Fill Color with Discrete Conversion

There are two ways to assign a color to a state:
Method 1
Select the desired state in the Fill Color Box, then the Edit icon, then the desired color, and then
OK.
Method 2
Double click on the desired state, select the desired color, and then OK.

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Fill Color with Threshold Conversion

Figure 1-17 Fill Color with Threshold Conversion

Using the Threshold conversion is an alternative way of changing fill colors. In our example,
color changes can be based upon the actual level of the tank using relational symbols:
< Less Than
= Equal to
<= Less Than or Equal to
> Greater Than
>= Greater Than or Equal to
!= Not Equal to

Figure 1-18 Fill Color - Threshold State Dialog Box

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To select an Operator
1. Double click a state under the Operator Box (alternate way - select a state under the Operator
Box and then the Edit icon).
2. Select the desired operator form the resulting Operator Box.
3. Select OK.
To select a value
1. Double click a state under the Value Box.
2. Enter the desired value.
To select a color
1. Double click on the desired state under the Fill Color Box (alternate way - select a state under
the Fill Color Box and then the Edit icon).
2. Select a color from the palette.
3. Select OK.
State 1 always has the highest priority, then State 2 and so on. When more than one state is true,
FoxView displays the state with the highest priority.

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Move Vertical with Continuous Conversion

Figure 1-19 Move Vertical with Continuous Conversion

An object can be configured to move vertically or horizontally depending on the value of a
source. This function can be used to create indicators on meters.

Figure 1-20 Setting the Low Y and High Y Locations

To set the limits of where the object will move, use the following procedure:
1. From the Move Vertical - Continuous Dialog Box, select Set Location.
2. A rectangle will appear which is the same size as the selected object which will be moved.
Center this rectangle on the area of the display which represents the low scale of the source
variable.
3. Click the left mouse button.
4. Another rectangle appears. Center it on the area of the display that represents the high scale
of the source variable.
5. Click the left mouse button.

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Move Path Percent with Continuous Conversion

Figure 1-21 Move Path Percent with Continuous Conversion

Use the Move Path Percent and Move Path Point attributes to make an object follow another
object, such as a polyline or curve, instead of just a horizontal or vertical path.
The path is another user-created object in the display. This object must have a unique name,
which is assigned in the Configure Objects dialog box, General Tab.
FoxView places the object's reference point on the path. If the reference point is the center of the
object (the default), the center will move along the outline of the followed object.

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Figure 1-21a Move Path Percent Dialog Box

Follow Object

Enter the name of the object which is to be followed. Selecting the down - arrow box will list the
assigned names of objects on the same display.

Show Object Followed

The configuration option Show Object Followed makes the followed object visible or invisible in
FoxView. The default is On.

Adjust Object Orientation

This option rotates the object so that it always maintains the same position relative to the path.

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Rotate With Continuous Conversion

Figure 1-22 Rotate with Continuous Conversion

Any object can be configured to rotate around its reference point based upon a process variable
value.

Figure 1-22a Rotate – Dialogue Box

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High Angle/Low Angle

Type the rotation angles for the high and low scales. Note that FoxView rotates objects
counterclockwise by default. To rotate clockwise, make the High Angle smaller than the Low
Angle.

Scale With Continuous Conversion

Figure 1-23 Scale with Continuous Conversion

The Scale attributes make an object vary in size depending on the value or state of a variable.
The scalar is expressed as a percent of the objects original size. That is, an object can be scaled
smaller but not larger.
The object is scaled relative to its reference point. For example, if the reference point is at the
lower left, the object scales down and to the left. If the reference point is the center, the object
scales equally on all sides.
There are three different ways of scaling an object:
Scale Vertical - Decrease height only
Scale Horizontal - Decrease width only
Scale Proportional - Decrease height and width.
With a pie arc, sector or circle, this attribute has the same results as the radius attribute when the
reference point is the center of the object.

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Text Contents with Bit State Conversion

The bit state conversion allows the user to configure an object to change object attributes based
upon the individual Boolean values of a 16 or 32 bit source.

Figure 1-24 Text Contents with Bit State Conversion

The example in Figures 1-24 through 1-27 shows a text field whose text will change based upon
the status of a PID block.
If the PID block is in the track or hold state, the text will indicate "TRACK OR HOLD".
If the PID block is in manual, the text will read "MANUAL". If using local setpoint, the text will
display "LOCAL SETPOINT".
If the block is in automatic, remote setpoint, and not in track or hold, the text will display
"Normal Mode".

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To do this, the Block Status parameter (BLKSTA) of the PID block will be used. It is a 32 bit
word whose bowlines indicate the status of the block.
If the block is in track, Boolean 26 will be a 1.
If the block is in hold, Boolean 25 will be a 1.
If the block is in manual, Boolean 21 will be a 0.
If the block in using local setpoint, Boolean 22 will be a 0.

Figure 1-25 Block Status Parameter (BLKSTA)

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Figure 1-26 Bit State

Object

Enter the source path name.

Number of States

Enter the number of states. In this example it will be 4.

Bit Mask

This will be filled in automatically.

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Bit Match

Double clicking on this field, or by selecting the field and then the Edit icon, displays the Bit
Selection dialog box.

Figure 1-27 Bit Selection

The bit field itself shows all 32 Boolean abbreviations of the work BLKSTA. Each Boolean
represents a particular status of the block. In our example, Boolean 25 (abbreviated HLD)
represents the hold bit. If the blocks goes into hold, this Boolean becomes a 1. Boolean 26
(TRK) represents the track bit.
Selecting the corresponding box will toggle the entry between 1, 0, or X (don't care).
If the above example, if EITHER Boolean 25 or 26 become a 1, this state will be matched. The
text "TRACK OR HOLD" will appear in the text field.
Important Note: Once a match has occurred, the search stops. Therefore, make state 1 the most
important. For example, if the block is both in manual and using local setpoint
occur both at the same time, the text "MANUAL" will be displayed.

Text field

The text field maybe edited by double clicking on the field or single clicking on the field and then
selecting the Edit icon.

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Action Tab
This tab is used to associate the object or library object with an action, such as opening another
display, toggling a Boolean value or executing a command. In FoxView, the action is triggered
when the operator clicks on the object.
Note: An object can have only one operator action. If an object within a group is configured
with an operator action, do not configure the group with an action. If a group is
configured with an operator action, do not configure any of the individual objects with
an action.

Figure 1-28 Action Page

Action

The Action column will display an already configured operator action such as Open Display or
Ramp.

String

The String column list what the action is connected to. An example may be the full path name of
the display to open, or it may be the Compound:Block.Parameter connection which will be
ramped.

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Protection ID

To protect the operator action in certain environments, enter a nonzero number 1-255 (0 is the
default and makes the action accessible in all environments).
Each of FoxView's environments (For example - Initial, Operator, Process Engineer) uses the
Protection ID to protect or unprotect Protection ID values as the environment is accessed.
In order to activate Protection ID in an environment, modify the Environment_Name.mbr file as
described in the example below.
For example, in the Initial Environment, it is desired to protect all actions with a Protection ID of
4 and 5 and unprotect Protection ID 6, In the Initial.mbr file, you would enter the following
commands at the end of the file:

Command Meaning
unprotect all Clear any existing protections set by previous environments.
protect value 4,5 Make all actions with a Protection ID of 4 and 5 inaccessible
unprotect value 6 Make all actions with a Protection ID of 6 accessible

Action Name

A user name may be entered here. This name can be used with the Relative Pick command to
initiate the action.

Add

Whenever the Add Button is selected, the Add Operator Action dialog box is displayed. The user
then selects the operator action type action from the list provided, and then OK.

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Numeric/Text Entry
This operator action allows the operator to set a variable or specify a string.
When the numeric option is selected, the parameter value listed in the Object field can be set by
the operator.
Important Note: If Numeric entry is used, also assign the Dynamic Update of Text Contents to
the same object. This ensures that the field will not only be used to set a
parameter's numeric value, but also to read back the current value in case it is
changed by another source.

Figure 1-29 Add Operator Action - Numeric/Text Entry

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Figure 1-30 Numeric/Text Dialogue Box

Open Display
This operator action will cause the display listed in the File field to appear on the screen when the
object is selected.

File

The full-path name of the display should be entered.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the display being constructed is going to be used in a 50 Series
station, the full path name must be entered using forward slashes (For example -
/opt/menus/d3/TANK1_GRP). The 70 Series stations can use path names with either forward or
back slashes.

Browse

Double clicking on Browse will allow the user to explore the file system to choose a display file.

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Open Overlay
This operator action will cause the overlay listed in the File field to open on the base display.

Figure 1-31 Add Operator Action - Open Overlay

File

The full-path name of the overlay should be entered.

Attributes

There are different types of overlays.

Relative Pick Overlay

Opens the overlay next to a Relative Pick (yellow highlighted) area. Relative Pick will be
explained later in this module.

Sticky Overlay

Keeps overlay open until the operator purposely selects its Close button or closes the base
display. (Normally an overlay closes when another overlay opens on top of it, or when the
operator closes an overlay that was opened before it.)

On Top Overlay

Prevents existing overlays from closing when another overlay opens on top of them.

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Root Size Overlay

Overrides the overlay size and makes the overlay the same size as the Root Group in the base
display.
The Root Group contains all the objects in a display. For example, a base display may contain
just two objects and occupy only a fraction of the screen. With the Root Size option, you can
make an overlay exactly the size of the rectangle that encloses the Root Group.

Pick Overlay

Opens the overlay relative to the object which opened it.

Screen Position

Select where the overlay is to appear on the display.

Modes

FoxView provides the capability to move overlays off the FoxView main window. At runtime,
overlays can be switched from stationary to moveable or from moveable to stationary. Even
overlays created with previous versions of software can be changed into moveable overlays.

Moveable

Allows you to drag your overlays to any location on the screen.

Stationary

Overlay is not moveable.

As Built

Retains mode from time the overlay was built through copy and conversion functions.

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Close Overlay
This operator action will selectively close overlays.

Figure 1-32 Close Display/Overlay Dialog Box

Display Command
This operator action will execute single or multiple display commands.
In the example below, the BLK DTL group was configured open the Block Detail Display of the
block whose name is currently in the variable PICK1 (See the next section - Relative Pick).

Figure 1-33 Add Operator Action - Display Command

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Relative Pick
This operator action is usually used to set the value of a variable, PICK1. This is a string variable
which may contain the name of Compound, Block, or Parameter, or all three. It is used when the
user wishes to build a common button function.

Figure 1-34 Set Relative Pick

For example, several rectangles in a display are configured to have the relative pick function, but
the pathname of each defines the name of a different PID block. The A/M key, by default, is
configured to toggle the MA parameter of a block between automatic and manual. The block in
question must be determined beforehand.
One of the rectangles is first selected. Then the A/M key is selected. The I/A Series system
knows, via the relative pick function, which block's MA bit to toggle.
If another rectangle on the display is selected and then the A/M key is used, the MA bit of a
different block will be toggled. The toggling of a MA parameter is relative to whichever
rectangle having a relative pick function is chosen prior to using the A/M key.

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On a group display, a part of the faceplate must first be selected before either the A/M or R/L key
is selected. The selecting of a faceplate section utilizes the relative pick function.
Use the following procedure to configure a relative pick:

Step Action
1. Select the object on the display that is to establish the temporary value of the
variable, named PICK1.
2. Choose Configure Objects from the Quick Menu or from the [Object] key.
3. Select Operator Action and then Add.
4. Select Relative Pick.
5. Enter = PICK1 COMPOUND:BLOCK into the Command String and
then OK..
Ensure that there is a space after the equal sign. For example the pathname entry may be:
= PICK1 TANK1_COMP:LC100
When the assigned object is selected on the active display, the path specified will automatically
become the value of the variable called PICK1. The selected object on an active display will
appear surrounded by a yellow box to indicate that it is utilizing the relative pick function.
Use the following procedure to configure an object to utilize the PICK1 variable:

Step Action
1. Select a second object on the display that is to utilize the value of the PICK1
variable.
2. Decide upon the action to be performed on the value of PICK1.
3. Use $PICK1 in the Object field in lieu of a specific path.
$ instructs the display to retrieve the contents (value) of the variable PICK1.
For example, the action may be to execute a display management command that toggles a
Boolean parameter such as the MA parameter. After assigning the Display Command function to
the object, the Command String would contain:
toggle $PICK1.MA
This tells the I/A Series system to toggle the MA bit in the compound and block currently defined
as the value of the variable PICK1.
Keep in mind that the common scenario is to assign the relative pick function to each of several
objects on a display. When selected, each of these objects will work in concert with a second key
that will most likely modify a parameter.

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Momentary Contact
This operator action allows for the operator changing of Boolean values such as for pump or
motor control.

Figure 1-35 Add Operator Action - Momentary Contact

Tag

Enter the Compound:Block.Parameter name of the Boolean destination.

Pulse Type/Hold Down

This option will send a pulse to the destination Boolean for as long as the mouse/trackball button
is held down.

Pulse Type/Timed

This option will send a pulse for the time entered in the Time field.

Pulse to 0, and then Set to 1

This determines the value of the pulse as a momentary pulse to 0.

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Pulse to 1, and then Set to 0

This determines the value of the pulse as a momentary pulse to 1.

Toggle

This option will momentarily toggle the value of the destination Boolean.

RAMP
The ramp operator action will ramp the value of the target object either up or down by the amount
specified whenever the left mouse button is clicked. Selecting the object and holding down the
left button will cause a continuous ramping until the button is released.

Figure 1-36 Ramp Dialog Box

Ramp Up

Selecting this will cause the object value to ramp up.

Ramp Down

Selecting this will cause the object value to ramp down.

Ramp Value

The value entered here is the amount by which the object's value will ramp whenever the mouse
button is clicked. It is measured in percent of the object's maximum and minimum value or
range.

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Connect Variable
This operator action is used to change discrete values. It is normally used to set sustained values
to bowlines such as in starting/stopping motors and pumps.

Figure 1-37 Add Operator Action - Connect Variable

Minimum State

The lowest value of the discrete value that is being set. For a Boolean destination, this is 0.

Number of States

The number of possible values the destination can be set to. For a Boolean this is 2.
0 -Whatever value is entered after this field, is what the destination value will be set to if the
original value of the destination is 0.
In our example, if the pump is off, an operator selecting this button will turn the pump on
(PROCESS_2:MTR_CNTRL.MANRUN will be changed from a 0 to a 1).
1 - Whatever value is entered after this field, is what the destination value will be set to if the
original value of the destination is 1.
In our example, if the pump is on, an operator selecting this button will leave the pump on
(PROCESS_2:MTR_CNTRL.MANRUN is already a 1, this will leave it a 1.

Required

If the Tag is an alias, then check this box to specify that all exposed dynamics must be resolved to
be operational at run-time.

Move Vertical/Horizontal
This operator action allows the operator to select an object, and while holding down the button
and dragging the object to a new location, change the value of a parameter or variable.

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Figure 1-38 Add Operator Action - Move Vertical

In order for the high and low move anchors to be visually determined on the graphic display, the
user will select the Set Location button.
The procedure is the same as described in Move Vertical and Move Horizontal in the Dynamics
Update section of this module.

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PENS Tab (trends only)

When the selected object is a trend, the trend may be configured or edited by using the tabs listed
in the next figure.

Figure 1-39 Pens Tab

Figure 1-40 Configure Trend Pen (Numeric)

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Pen Number

This field indicates the pen number displayed.

Pen Color

This box displays the current pen color. Selecting the box displays a color palette for the user to
change the desired pen color.

Marker Style

Selecting the triangle button allows the user to select a marker style to be placed on line update
points.

Historian

This field allows the user to enter the Historian/Instance name associated with the source. This
will allow the trend to display historical information.

Auto-scale

When checked, this function will put the trend into Auto-Scale. This is explained later in this
module.

Guard Band

This function is only used with Auto-Scale. It defines an “additional range” buffer that may fall
out of the calculated scale range. See FoxDraw Help for additional information.

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Min Span

This field determines the minimum difference allowed between High and Low scale displayed on
the trend. This function is enabled only when Auto-scale is selected.

Figure 1-41 Configure Trend Pen (Boolean)

0 Name

Enter up to six characters for the name of the variable's 0 state (Off, Closed, etc.). The state name
appears in all trends except Graph Only trends.
1 Name

Enter up to six characters for the name of the variable's 1 state (On, Open, etc.). The state name
appears in all trends except Graph Only.
Data Origin

This field determines the pen's vertical position on the trend graph. The position is a percentile of
the full height of the graph, measured from the bottom.
In the example, if Pen 1 is assigned to a Boolean variable, its trend line will appear at the 10
percentile.

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0 Offset

Type a two-digit percent value to specify the graph position for the variable's 0 state. The percent
entered is added to the pen's Data Origin percentile so that the 0 line is not confused with a grid
line.
In the above figure, if Pen 1 is assigned to a Data Origin of 10 and a 0 Offset of 5, this means that
the graph will be filled in from 10% to 15% when the Boolean value is 0.
1 Offset

Enter a two-digit percent value to specify the graph position for the variable's 1 state. The percent
you enter is added to the pen's Data Origin percentile.
In the figure above, when the Boolean value is 1, the 1 Offset of 20 means that the graph will be
filled in from 10% to 30%.
Trend Area Tab (trends only)

Figure 1-42 Trend Area Tab (trends only)

Logarithmic

Uses a logarithmic instead of linear scale.

Time Stamp Format

Selecting Local produces a time and date stamp. Selecting Relative represents the current time
and date as 0. As an example, fifteen minutes in the past would be represented as – 15.

Markers

Selecting Line Markers will enable markers on the pen line. Selecting On Each Point places a
marker on each point, or enter a number of markers in the Number of Markers field.

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Off Normal

Off Normal selects a band of selected color which will appear on the trend above the High value
and below the Low value. This is a convenient way of coloring in absolute alarm bands on the
trend.

Options

The Options section allows the user to change the trend background color and the display style.
Banded versus Merged styles will be explained later in this module.

Y-Axis

The functions sets the Y-Axis scale. See FoxDraw Help for additional information.

Grid Tab

Figure 1-43 Grid Tab (trends only)

Grid Line Visible

When selected, this option will make grid lines visible.

Line Color

A grid line color may be chosen by selecting the color box.

Line Number

The section will allow the user to enter the number of lines appearing on the grid.

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Timing Tab
This tab allows the user to set the scan rate and duration of the trend. Scan Rate means how often
the trend will update. Duration means how much information will appear on the trend at one time
(10 minutes worth of date, 15 minutes, etc). Allowable scan rates and durations depend on the
size of the trend.

Figure 1-44 Timing Tab (trends only)

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Security Tab
The Security tab allows the user to assign access to on-line trend modifications. If security is
desired, enter an access level number between 1 and 256 each desired function. Users will only
have access to these functions if the access level number is unprotected in the current
environment, or if the access level number is 0.

Figure 1-45 Security Tab (trends only)

Configure Trend

This security function allows access to being able to modify trends on-line.

Save Changes

This security functions allows the user to make any changes permanent.

Keyboard Entry

This function allows the user to enter changes via a keyboard.

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Scales/Delta Tab (faceplates only)

Figure 1-46 Scales/Delta Tab (faceplates only)

When the selected object is a faceplate, the Scales Delta page is selectable. This page is used to
view and edit the High, Low and Delta values for the faceplate.
When a faceplate is added to a display from the Link Faceplate/Trend item on the Object pull-
down menu, the block information is requested at that time. This page will only be used to
modify the information.

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Text Substitution Page (faceplates only)

Figure 1-47 Text Substitution Page (faceplates only)

This page is used to view and edit faceplate text fields.

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Quick Editing of Configured Objects

Objects which have already been configured, may be edited in a quicker manner by using the
following procedure:
1. Select the object(s) to be edited.
2. Select [Tools] and then Edit Dynamic/Connections.
3. Edit the attributes or connections.
4. Select OK or Apply.

Figure 1-48 Edit Dynamics/Connections

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2 BUILDING A LIBRARY OBJECT

An object can be constructed in FoxDraw and then saved in FoxDraw in the
\opt\customer\displib\Symbols directory as a linked object. When a linked object in the library is
brought into a display, there is no option to load it in as a copied object.

Drawing A Library Object

Figure 2-1 Creating a Library Object

To create a new library object, use the following procedure:
1. In FoxDraw, select [File] and then New.
2. Select Library Object and then OK.
3. Draw your object in the lower left section of the screen. (Although the whole screen is
available, only those objects drawn in the lower left corner will appear when loaded back into
a display).
4. Save your object in the \opt\customer\displib\Symbols directory. It will be automatically
given an m1 extension.

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Accessing A Library Object

Library objects can be added to a display by following these procedures:

Figure 2-2 Link from Library

1. Select [Object] from the menu bar and then Link from Library.
2. Expand the User Symbols directory.
3. Select the object's file name and then Load.
4. Position the cursor to the desired area and then click the left mouse button.

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3 CREATING A USER PALETTE

Building a User Palette

A user palette can be created by using the following procedures.

Figure 3-1 Creating a User Palette

1. Select [File] from the menu bar and then New.
2. Select Palette and then OK. The shape of the default palette size appears. The box
represents the area into which may be drawn one or more objects.
Note: If a different size palette is desired, instead of selecting Palette, select Create from
Template and load in a listed template size from the table.
3. After the objects are drawn, select [File] and then SaveAs. Save the palette in the
\opt\customer\displib\Palettes directory. The palette file will be given an m1 extension.

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Accessing A User Palette Object

To access a user palette object, perform the following procedure:

Figure 3-2 Accessing a User Palette Object

1. Select [Tools] from the menu bar.
2. Select Link/Copy from Palette.
3. Expand User Palettes.
4. Select the user palette name and then select Load.
5. Select the desired object on the palette and drag it to the desired location on the display.
6. Click the left mouse button to place the object.

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4 FILE CONVERSION
FoxDraw has the capability of converting displays from one type to another.

Display File Types

PDF (Packed Data File) This file type is produced in a UNIX-based 50 Series station using the
Display Builder.
FDF (FoxView Display File) This file type is produced using FoxDraw to create a display or
overlay.
G (Global) An ASCII file used as an intermediate format to convert between Windows NT
FoxDraw .fdf files and UNIX-based 50 Series station FoxDraw .fdf files.
BDF (Bitmapped Distribution Format) 50 Series Display Builder markers.
BMP (Bitmap) Bitmap files.
M1 (.m1) Library objects have an .m1 extension.
DXF (Data Exchange Format) Used by Windows NT.

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Conversion Operations
File conversions are accomplished in FoxDraw by selecting [Tools] on the menu bar and then
Display Converter.

Figure 4-1 File Conversion Dialog Box

PDF to FDF
Packed Display File (.pdf, UNIX-based 50 Series display) to FoxView Display File (.fdf,
FoxDraw and FoxView format)
G to FDF
ASCII (.g or Global format, used for porting displays between Windows NT and Solaris) to
FoxView Display File (.fdf)

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FDF to G
FoxView Display File (.fdf) to ASCII (.g or Global format, used for porting displays between
Windows NT and Solaris)
FDF to BMP
FoxView Display File (.fdf) to Bitmap (.bmp or .i)
BDF to M1

Bitmapped Distribution Format (.bdf, 50 Series marker) to Foxboro library object (.m1)
Color change a .g file

Approximates the colors in an ASCII file with Foxboro display colors, and overwrites the file.
DXF to G

Data Exchange Format (.dxf) to ASCII (.g or Global format, used for porting between Windows
NT and Solaris)
DXF to FDF

Data Exchange Format (.dxf) to FoxView Display File (.fdf)

M1 to G

Foxboro library object (.m1) to ASCII (.g)

G to M1

ASCII (.g or Global format, used for porting between Windows NT and Solaris) to Foxboro
library object (.m1)
Upgrade Display

Optimizes a FoxView Display File (fdf).

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Conversion Example
This section will list the steps needed to move and convert a .g or PDF file to .fdf format

Converting the File

1. From FoxDraw, select [Tools] from the menu bar and then Display Converter.
2. Select the .G or .PDF to FDF conversion.
3. Select Browse and then select the file(s) to be converted.
4. Select Open.
5. Select Convert.
6. Select Close

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5 DISPLAY CONVENTIONS

Introduction
A display convention (or convention), which is a collection of one or more dynamic attributes,
offers these benefits:
You can quickly apply a group of dynamics to an object. Once a convention is configured, you
can apply it to many different objects, which saves you time configuring objects. Also, you avoid
errors and debug time when you apply a convention that you have already built and debugged.
If you change a convention's configuration, each object to which the convention is applied
automatically receives the change. This greatly improves display maintainability.
For each dynamic, a parameter automatically appears, helping you to quickly configure the
dynamic. This occurs only when the optional list of parameters has been pre-specified.
Display call-up times are improved in FoxView.
The Foxboro Company supplies conventions that you can apply to objects. You can also
configure your own conventions.
Important: The rules governing the application of an attribute to an object also apply to
conventions -- you can apply no more than one occurrence of a particular attribute to
an object. Because a convention comprises one or more attributes, FoxDraw does
not allow you to apply a convention to an object already configured with an attribute
contained in the convention. For example, if an object has already been assigned the
Fill Color attribute, you cannot apply a convention that includes the Fill Color
attribute. Similarly, you cannot apply an attribute to an object that has been
configured with a convention that includes that same attribute.

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Configuring a Convention
You can configure a display convention that you can save and use on multiple objects.

Figure 5-1 Configuring a Convention

The following procedure shows how to create a new convention.
1. From the [Tools] menu, choose Convention Editor.
The Display Convention Configurator dialog box appears.
2. From the General tab, type a name for the convention in the Name box.
3. Select the Update tab.
4. Click the Add button.
The Add Dynamic Update dialog box appears.
5. Select the dynamic attribute (the same as you would configure a stand-alone dynamic
attribute) and click OK.
6. Configure the dynamic attribute. Select OK.
7. Select OK.
Note: Do not place a Compound:Block.Parameter name in the Object path name. This is
assigned when the convention is applied.

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Figure 5-2 Fill Color – Bit State

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Applying a Convention
To apply a convention, perform the following steps;

Figure 5-3 Applying a Convention

1. Select the display object.
2. From the Object menu, choose Configure Objects.
The Configure Objects dialog box appears.
3. Select the Update tab.
4. Click the Add button.
The Add Dynamic Update dialog box appears.
5. Click the Convention button.
The Add Convention dialog box appears.

Figure 5-4 Add Conventions Dialogue Box

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6. Select a convention and click OK.

The Edit Convention dialog box appears.
7. Select the dynamic update from the list and select Edit.
8. Configure the convention to include an Object path name, usually a
Compound:Block.Parameter.
9. Select OK.

Figure 5-5 Edit Conventional Dynamic Dialogue Boxes

10. On the Edit Convention window, select Convert and then OK.

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