US Patent 7349872 Method for comparing and selecting process control apparatus

A method for comparing and selecting process control apparatus is disclosed. The method employs software, executed on a stand-alone computer device, or accessible through the web, to retrieve data specific to a given process control environment, and calculate the performance characteristics of multiple types of process control equipment capable of meeting the demands of the application. The performance characteristics of each type can be provided in graphical form, at the same time, to enable a potential consumer to readily discern the advantages and disadvantages of each type of process control apparatus. In one embodiment, a purchase of the apparatus may then be made.