Abstract: A method and apparatus that includes determining differences between a process model and an actual process are used as a diagnostic system for the actual process. The process model includes elements from a design process to provide a “known good” condition for evaluating the differences. Initial input states to the process model are the initial input states to the actual process. Output information correlated to states in the actual process is provided by controls, such as programmable logic controllers, that manage the actual process.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and data construct set for generating simulation data structures which can be used by a modeling system to interface between a PLC and simulator, the construct set encapsulating logic and at least a sub-set of simulation information for a particular resource.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and data construct set for generating simulation data structures which can be used by a modeling system to interface between a PLC and simulator, the construct set encapsulating logic and at least a sub-set of simulation information for a particular resource.

Abstract: A method used with a simulator and a controller, the controller running execution code to provide output signals which, when linked to resources, cause the resources to cycle through requested activities, the simulator receiving controller output signals and, in response thereto, generating motion pictures of resources as the resources cycle through requested activities, the simulator using data structures which model the resources to determine which motion pictures to generate, the method for generating execution code and data structures for use by the controller and the simulator, respectively, and comprising the steps of, for each resource, encapsulating resource information including resource logic in a control assembly (CA), instantiating at least one instance of at least one CA, compiling instantiated CA instance resource logic to generate execution code, gleaning simulation information from the instantiated CA instances and using the gleaned simulation information to generate a simulation data structur

Abstract: A method, apparatus and data construct set for generating simulation data structures which can be used by a modeling system to interface between a PLC and a movie module, the construct set encapsulating logic and at least a sub-set of simulation information for a particular resource wherein the sub-set includes simulation information which is independent of circumstantial characteristics corresponding to the resource, the method including importing the simulation information from the data constructs and populating the data structures.

Abstract: A programmable controller for sensing the status of input devices and controlling the state of operating devices in accordance with a stored ladder logic control program includes a step sequencer. A memory is provided for storing data regarding each step of the sequence. This data defines the operating device states for each step, and the legitimate transitions from that step to other selected steps in the sequence, along with the input status conditions which trigger a step transition. A processor responds to a ladder logic instruction by comparing the status of the input devices to the stored input status conditions for the current step to detect if a step transition should occur. Upon such a detection the sequencer advances to the step associated with the detected input status condition. Should an illegal transition from one step to another occur, an error message is generated.