Remote Automation Solutions Guide: OpenEnterprise Tag Browser Reference Guide Manuals & Guides

Reference Guide

D301539X412
April 2012

OpenEnterprise Tag Browser
Reference Guide (V2.83)

Remote Automation Solutions

Website: www.EmersonProcess.com/Remote

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

Tag Browse

Contents

1 Bristol OPC Tag Browser........................................................................................................1

1.1 User Interface......................................................................................................................1

1.1.1 File Menu......................................................................................................................1

1.1.2 Tag Type Menu ............................................................................................................2

1.1.3 Tag Field.......................................................................................................................2

1.1.4 All..................................................................................................................................2

1.1.5 Data Access..................................................................................................................2

1.1.6 Historical Data Access..................................................................................................2

1.1.7 Help Menu ....................................................................................................................2

1.1.8 Exit Arrow .....................................................................................................................2

1.1.9 Left Pane ......................................................................................................................2

1.1.10 Right Pane.................................................................................................................3

1.2 Invoking the Tag Browser ...................................................................................................3

1.2.1 From the Trend View Client..........................................................................................4

1.2.2 From the OPC Client RDI Configuration Tool ..............................................................4

1.2.2.1 Browse Buttons......................................................................................................5

1.2.2.1.1 OPC Server Dialog...........................................................................................5

1.2.2.1.2 OPC Item Dialog...............................................................................................5

1.2.2.2 Get Tags Command...............................................................................................5

1.2.3 Importing Tags back into the Client..............................................................................5

1.2.3.1 To a Trend View.....................................................................................................5

1.2.3.2 To the OPC Client RDI Config ...............................................................................6

1.2.3.2.1 White Arrow on Toolbar....................................................................................6

1.2.3.2.2 Return Tags Context Menu ..............................................................................7

1.3 OPC Server Tree Structures...............................................................................................7

1.3.1 Realltime OPC Server..................................................................................................7

1.3.1.1 General Interface Features....................................................................................8

1.3.1.2 Realtime Tag Tree .................................................................................................8

1.3.1.3 Tag Attributes.........................................................................................................8

1.3.2 Historical OPC Server ..................................................................................................8

1.3.2.1 General Interface Features....................................................................................9

1.3.2.2 Historical Tag Tree.................................................................................................9

1.3.2.3 Tag Attributes.........................................................................................................9

2 Index .......................................................................................................................................10

- i -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

Tag Browse

1 Bristol OPC Tag Browser

The Bristol OpenEnterprise Tag Browser enables the user to browse and select OPC tags from OPC
Servers for inclusion as pen process points in OpenEnterprise Trend Views. It is also used to select
tags for inclusion in the database when using the OPC Client RDI configuration tool.

When accessing the Tag Browser from the Trend View component, both OPC Data Access and OPC
Historical Data Access servers are displayed by default. When accessing it from the OPC Client RDI
configuration tool, the OPC Data Access server alone is displayed by default. However, it is possible
to invoke either server from the User Interface.

1.1 User Interface

The image below displays the Tag Browser interface when invoked from a Trend View.

1.1.1 File Menu

The File Menu contains a command to Exit the Tag Browser. If this option is chosen, any tag
deposited in the Tag: field will not be exported back to the calling application.

- 1 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

Tag Browse

1.1.2 Tag Type Menu

There are three options on this menu which control the display of OPC servers in the Left Pane of the
User Interface.

1. All

2. Data Access

3. Historical Access

1.1.3 Tag Field

When an attribute has been selected from the Right Pane, the tag string is placed in the Tag: field at
the top of the window, ready for export to the calling client application.

1.1.4 All

Selection of the All option from the Tag Type menu, or the icon on the Toolbar causes the Tag
Browser User Interface to display both the OPC Data Access and OPC Historical Data Access
servers in the Left Pane.

1.1.5 Data Access

Selection of the Data Access option from the Tag Type menu, or the icon on the Toolbar causes
the Tag Browser User Interface to display only the OPC Data Access server, which provides tags
sourced from the NW3000realanalog and NW3000digital tables.

1.1.6 Historical Data Access

Selection of the Historical Data Access option from the Tag Type menu, or the icon on the Toolbar
causes the Tag Browser User Interface to display only the OPC Historical Data Access server, which
provides tags sourced from the historical logging tables.

1.1.7 Help Menu

This menu provides access to this help file as well as the 'About' dialog, which provides
OpenEnterprise version and contact details.

1.1.8 Exit Arrow

When a tag has been selected, selection of this button closes the Tag Browser interface and returns
the user back to the calling application, which will be either the Trend View or the OPC Client RDI.
The tag string in the Tag: field of the Tag Browser will be exported to the calling application.

1.1.9 Left Pane

The Tree Pane on the left of the Tag browser displays the realtime and historical OPC Servers
running on the local computer. To select a realtime tag, click on the 'OPC Data Access' folder, to
select a historical tag select the 'OPC Historical Data Access' folder. When either of the OPC Servers
is selected, it will turn green, indicating that the tag browser is receiving tags from the the relevant
OPC Server,and a tick will appear to the left of it, showing that nodes exist underneath it.

- 2 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

The tree can then be opened out further to enable the selection of an individual tag.
Browsing for OPC Servers working on other computers over the Network is possible by clicking the

'Network' node. This opens to reveal the Windows Network Domains available, in the same way as
the Windows Explorer displays 'My Network Places'. It is possible to drill down the Network
hierarchies to find computers that have OPC Servers available, and, providing that you have the
necessary COM security privileges, to browse each remote OPC Server for tags.

Tag Browse

1.1.10 Right Pane

When any OPC Group node of the tree in the Left Pane is opened, the Right Pane will display the
tags that are available from that Group.

1.2 Invoking the Tag Browser

The Tag Browser is a Server component that does not run by itself, but is only invoked by its Clients.
These clients are: -

- 3 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

1. The Trend View (in configuration mode)

2. The OPC Client RDI configuration tool.

Tag Browse

1.2.1 From the Trend View Client

The Tag Browser can be invoked from the Pen Configuration page of the Trend View client. First, the
Trend View must be placed into Configure mode, by selecting Ctrl and m together on the computer
keyboard, or File>Mode>Configure from the OEDesktop menu bar, or the Configure menu if you
are using the Trend View container. Then right click on the Trend View to select the Properties
context menu, and its Property pages will appear. Select the Pens page, and then either the [Add]
button (for a new pen), or the [Modify] button to change an existing pen. Finally, select the small
Browse button to the right of the Data Source: field to invoke the Tag Browser.

1.2.2 From the OPC Client RDI Configuration Tool

The Tag Browser can be invoked in two different ways from the OPC Client RDI tool:-

1. From the [Browse] buttons on the OPC Server dialog or the OPC Item dialog of the OPC
Client RDI Configuration Tool, as shown in the examples below.

2. From the Get Tags context menu or the button on the Main Configuration dialog.

- 4 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

1.2.2.1 Browse Buttons

1.2.2.1.1 OPC Server Dialog

Tag Browse

When this
displaying all OPC Servers available. It returns the selected OPC Server Prog ID to the configuration
tool.

1.2.2.1.2 OPC Item Dialog

Whe
the relevant OPC Server selected. The OPC Server can then be browsed to return a single tag to the
Tag: field for the OPC Item.

1.2.2.2 Get Tags Command

The Tag Bro
Device or Group node, as shown in the example below.

browse button is selected from the OPC Server dialog, the Tag Browser is invoked,

n the browse button indicated in the example below is selected, the Tag Browser is invoked with

wser is also invoked when the Get Tags context menu item is selected from any Server,

There is also a Get Tags button on the OPC Client RDI configuration tool interface that performs the
same operation when a valid object is selected from the left or right pane of the tool. For detailed
information on how the Tag Browser imports multiple tags into the OPC Client RDI configuration tool,
please refer to its own help file.

1.2.3 Importing Tags back into the Client

The Tag Browser imports tags slightly differently depending on whether it is the Trend View, or the
OPC Client RDI Configuration tool that calls it.

1.2.3.1 To a Trend View

Below is a

n example of a tag being imported from the Tag Browser into a Trend View Client.

- 5 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

Tag Browse

To import a tag to the Trend View:-

• From the Pen Configuration Data page select the browse button ([...]) next to the Data Source
field.

• The Tag Browser is opened and the tag is selected.

• The Tag string is automatically placed into the Tag: field of the Tag Browser.

• Finally, the white arrow on the Tag Browser toolbar with the Exit Tag Browser tooltip is

selected.

• The selected tag is then exported back into the Data Source field of the calling Trend Client,
and the Tag Browser closes.

Note:

The Trend View property pages are disabled whilst the Tag Browser is open. Any attempt to access
them before closing the Tag Browser may cause the computer to appear to 'hang'.

1.2.3.2 To the OPC Client RDI Config

The Tag Bro
which it is called

wser uses two methods to return tags to the OPC Client RDI, depending on the context in

1.2.3.2.1 White Arrow on Toolbar

If the Tag Browser was
selected Server object or tag is returned to the client when the white arrow on the toolbar is selected,
as shown in the example below. This is the same as when returning tags to the Trend View.

called from the Browse button on the OPC Server or OPC Item dialogs, the

- 6 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

1.2.3.2.2 Return Tags Context Menu

Tag Browse

If the Tag Browser was
Return Tags context menu, which appears on any node in the left pane of the Tag Browser, or any
actual tags selected from the right pane. This is shown in the example below.

For detailed information on how multiple or single tags are returned to the OPC Client RDI
configuration tool, please refer to its own help file.

called from the Get Tags context menu, or button, the Tag Browser employs a

1.3 OPC Server Tree Structures

The Tag Browser displays the hierarchy for the Realtime OPC Server (the BristolOPCServer) and the
Historical OPC Server (the BristolHDAServer) differently, since they are structured differently.

1. Realtime OPC Server tree structure

2. Historical OPC Server tree structure

1.3.1 Realltime OPC Server

The image below displays the Tag Browser interface with the OPC Data Access Folder opened.

- 7 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

Tag Browse

1.3.1.1 General Interface Features

For an expl
topic.

1.3.1.2 Realtime Tag Tree

The re
OPC Server. Here is a numbered list of this hierarchy from the top down.

1. The first branch is the same as the historical Server branch (i.e the database - here 'rtrdb1').

2. The next branch consists of the NW3000 devices that have been configured for Data

3. Finally, from each 'Device' branch come the signal branches, which complete the hierarchy.

1.3.1.3 Tag Attributes

Whe
attributes in the right pane. The tag string is built and placed in the Tag: field, ready to be exported
back to the Trend.

anation of the general details of the Tag Browser's User Interface, see the User Interface

altime OPC Server stores its tag data in a slightly different hierarchical structure to the historical

Collection.

n the signal branch has been selected, an individual attribute can be selected from the available

1.3.2 Historical OPC Server

The image below displays the Tag Browser interface with the OPC Historical Data Access Folder
opened.

- 8 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

Tag Browse

1.3.2.1 General Interface Features

For an expl
topic.

1.3.2.2 Historical Tag Tree

The histo
OPC Server. Here is a numbered list of this hierarchy from the top down.

1. The first branch is the database to which the OPC server is connected (in this case 'rtrdb1').

2. Next, the tables which are the source for historical logging are displayed.

3. Next comes the names of the signals from these tables which are being logged by the

4. The next branch in the tree reveals the Logging Group number, (also known as a Historical

5. The final branch reveals the dataset to which the signal belongs. Only the 0s, or raw dataset

anation of the general details of the Tag Browser's User Interface, see the User Interface

rical OPC Server stores its tag data in a slightly different hierarchical structure to the realtime

Historian.

Stream) . In the example, this is 10.

has been configured for the Logging Group in the example. Other compressed datasets may
exist for the Logging Group, but there will always be only one raw dataset for each Logging
Group.

1.3.2.3 Tag Attributes

n the dataset branch has been selected, the attributes of the signal which are being logged by

Whe
the historian are displayed in the right pane. Any single attribute can be selected for inclusion in the
Trend View. The tag string is built and placed in the Tag: field, ready to be imported back to the
Trend.

- 9 -

Reference Guide

r

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

2 Index

1

A

All ....................................................................... 4

D

Data Access....................................................... 4

E

Exit Arrow........................................................... 4

G

General Interface Features.......................... 9, 10

Tag Browse

L

Left Pane.............................................................4

O

OPC Client RDI Config Tool...............................6

R

Realtime OPC Server Tree.................................9

Realtime Tag Tree..............................................9

Right Pane..........................................................5

H

Help Menu.......................................................... 4

Historical Data Access....................................... 4

Historical OPC Server Tree................................ 9

Historical Tag Attributes................................... 10

Historical Tag Tree........................................... 10

I

Importing Tag..................................................... 7

Invoking Tag Browser ........................................ 5

T

Tag......................................................................4

Tag Attributes......................................................9

Tag Browser Overview .......................................3

Tag Type Menu...................................................3

Trend...................................................................7

U

User Interface .....................................................3

- 10 -

Reference Guide

D301539X412
APRIL 2012

DISCLAIMER

Bristol, Inc., Bristol Babcock Ltd, Bristol Canada, BBI SA de CV and the Flow Computer Division , are wholly owned subsidiaries of Emerson Electric Co. doing business
as Remote Automation Solutions (“RAS”), a division of Emerson Process Management. ROC, FloBoss, ROCLINK, Bristol, Bristol Babcock, ControlWave, TeleFlow and
Helicoid are trademarks of RAS. AMS, PlantWeb and the PlantWeb logo are marks of Emerson Electric Co. The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of the
Emerson Electric Co. All other marks are property of their respective owners.

The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure informational accuracy, they are not to be
construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the products or services described herein or their use or applicability. RAS reserves the right to
modify or improve the designs or specifications of such products at any time without notice. All sales are governed by RAS’ terms and conditions which are available upon
request. RAS does not assume responsibility for the selection, use or ma intenance of any product. Responsibility for proper selection, use and maintenance of any RAS
product remains solely with the purchaser and end-user.

Engineered and supported by:

Remote Automation Solutions,
Blackpole Road, Worcester, WR3 8YB, UK
Registered office: Meridian East, Leicester, LE19 1UX

Registered in England and Wales, Registration No. 00671801

VAT Reg No. GB 705 353 652

Emerson Process Management
Remote Automation Solutions

1100 Buckingham St
Watertown, CT 06795
T 1 [phone]
F 1 [phone]
www.EmersonProcess.com/Remote
[e-mail]

© 2001-2012 Remote Automation Solutions, division of Emerson Process Management. All rights
reserved.

Emerson Process Management
Remote Automation Solutions

Blackpole Road
Worcester, WR3 8YB
T 44 (0) 1905 856848
F 44 (0) 1905 856930
www.EmersonProcess.com/Remote
[e-mail]