Abstract: The aim of the invention is to improve a method for controlling and/or regulating industrial processes, which is run on a hardware-platform, in such a manner as to achieve improved capacity use and especially improved efficiency of respective involved control and/or regulation systems in relation to normal control and/or regulating requirements in industrial processes. As a result, a standard operation system (3) comprising a real-time module or a real-time operation system is implemented on a hardware-platform (2) and at least two real-time applications (7, 8) with characteristical real-time requirements are simultaneously active in the real-time module or in the real-time operation system, whereby one non real-time application (5) is especially active simultaneously with the real-time applications (7, 8).

Abstract: A controller for an appliance operated by a microprocessor has a rotatable control knob mounted on a shaft that extends through an outer surface of the appliance. A disk with a plurality of apertures spaced around the circumference thereof is mounted on the inner end of the shaft such that the rotation of the control knob generates a succession of signals readable by the microprocessor. Markings around the circumference of the control knob indicate the cycles that the appliance can perform and the various stages of the cycles. Each of the markings has an indicator such as an LED associated therewith and the microprocessor is configured to successively energize the indicator adjacent the marking as the knob is turned and to indicate the indicated cycle or stage when a stage switch is activated.

Abstract: There is provided a print control unit capable of transferring and stopping an object to be controlled at a target position when unexpected load is applied to the object. A print control unit includes: a selection control part, operating at a predetermined timing, to select and set the control parameters in accordance with the target speed, to judge as to whether the object is located within a target range, based on the output of the position detecting part, if located, the selection control part selecting and operating the third control part, while if the object is not located within the target range, the selection control part selecting and operating the first or the second control part based on the physical value corresponding to the speed.

Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for overload-free driving of an actuator, in which an activation counter is incremented or decremented each time an activation request signal occurs, in which, depending on each occurrence of an activation request signal, a drive signal for the actuator is generated if the counter reading of the activation counter is less than or greater than a predetermined maximum or minimum counter reading, in which the counter reading is in each case decremented or incremented if the time since the last generation of a drive signal or since the deactivation of the drive signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined or predeterminable interval time or if the time since the last decrementing of the activation counter is greater than or equal to the interval time.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing energy consumption of a display in a computer system. The method includes profiling screen usage patterns and the impact of the screen usage patterns on energy consumption by the display; deriving an energy model based on the screen usage patterns; determining when to control the display in order to decrease its energy consumption; determining which screen portions of the display and what display parameters to control based on the energy model; and for each portion of the display to be controlled, controlling its display parameters, wherein the screen portions are controlled to attain energy conservation.

Abstract: Whenever operating tasks by means of which control functions are implemented, for example, are no longer called by a central task, that is to say the scheduler of a real-time operating system, for example, but instead are called by the respective user-adaptable tasks in which the measured values supplied by the operating tasks are processed, the software producer is relieved of complex organizational work during the production of software. Since the sampling time of, for example, a control algorithm is no longer constant for the resultant calls (which are not equidistant) to the operating tasks, the currently valid sampling time has to be transferred as a parameter to the respective algorithms of the operating tasks. However, the sampling time can be determined in a particularly simple manner if the operating tasks determine a time value with each call and themselves determine the sampling time from the difference between the current and the preceding time value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining a temperature between a first value and a second value. The method and apparatus utilize a heat transfer device capable of cycling through a series of cycles, the device being capable of changing the temperature from the second value to the first value when operational. During each cycle the device transfers heat for a first period of time when the temperature reaches the second volume until the first value is reached and thereafter the device stops transferring heat. The first period of time is compared to a desired cycle-on period of time during each cycle and the second temperature value then is adjusted for a subsequent cycle of the device so the first period of time when the device transfers heat approaches the desired cycle-on period of time. There may also be provided temperature controls for a liquid heater having a jacket containing the liquid. The jacket has an inner heated wall and an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall.

Abstract: A speculative transmit function, utilizing a configurable logical buffer, is implemented in a network. When a transmission is started the logical buffer is configured as a FIFO to reduce transmit latency. If a data under-run lasts for more than a fixed time interval the transmission is abandoned and the logical buffer is reconfigured as a STORE-AND-FORWARD buffer. The transmission is restarted after all transmit data is buffered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing timely execution of periodic tasks in a redundant control system. A secondary controller in the redundant system receives a wakeup time array having at least one wakeup time element corresponding to a periodic task as well as a current time value from a primary controller, and schedules a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the wakeup time element and the current time value from the primary control module. The secondary controller may further receive a task instance corresponding to the periodic task from the primary control module, and schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the task instance. In addition, the secondary controller may schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on a default period associated with the periodic task, if no task instance and no wakeup time element were received corresponding to the periodic task.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an operating system stores a system parameter such as an ultimate pressure value, for an operating system. The control system allows operation of the operating system only after an initial value of the system parameter has been loaded. In one embodiment, a data generator element intended normally to specify a set point for the operating system, is used to provide the system parameter value as well. The control system provides a grace period after a value of the system parameter has been entered during which the system parameter value can be changed. After the grace period ends, the system parameter value cannot be changed by the operating system manager under normal circumstances. A light source is flashed in various patterns to indicate to personnel which of several different actions available to the control system are occurring.

Abstract: A control information output apparatus has a memory unit, an extraction unit and an output unit. The memory unit stores a dependence relationship between each application and a predetermined dependency factor. The memory unit also stores dependency table indicating dependence on the dependence factor of each application. Using the dependency factor value determined with data extracted by the extracting unit, an application list indicating the application having a higher execution request, dependency factor list indicating effective dependency factor and control information comprising a dependence vector and dependence characteristic are outputted from the output unit based on the dependency table and dependence characteristic information of the memory unit.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for executing a control function or program which minimizes or overcomes the shortcomings of conventional systems. The invention allows a user of a distributed control system to place one or more control devices into a step mode, wherein the devices will execute a specified number of iterations of their internal logic or control programs, or execute such programs for a specified time period, and then stop or suspend execution. The user may then perform system diagnostics, for example, by interrogating certain modules to obtain output and input values, etc. The system may then be further iterated and the method repeated, so as to enable the identification of logic programming and/or hardware problems in a system.

Abstract: A clock controller and clock generating method are provided for AC self-test timing analysis of a logic system. The controller includes latch circuitry which receives a DC input signal at a data input, and a pair of continuous out-of-phase clock signals at capture and launch clock inputs thereof. The latch circuitry outputs two overlapping pulses responsive to the DC input signal going high. The two overlapping pulses are provided to waveform shaper circuitry which produces therefrom two non-overlapping pulses at clock speed of the logic system to be tested. The two non-overlapping pulses are a single pair of clock pulses which facilitate AC self-test timing analysis of the logic system.

Abstract: A speed adjustment control method includes determining an amount of variation in speed from a data table corresponding to |command speed−initial speed| and speed adjustment time, determining number of divisions of |command speed−initial speed| by dividing |command speed−initial speed| by the amount of variation in speed, determining number of divisions of the speed adjustment time by subtracting 1 from the number of divisions of |command speed−initial speed|, determining a speed variation interval by dividing the speed adjustment time by the number of divisions of the speed adjustment time, determining a value for speed that is obtained by adding the amount of variation in speed to previously determined speed for each speed variation interval after starting with a speed obtained by adding amount of variation in speed to the initial speed during acceleration, switching over to the command speed on attaining the command speed, and d

Abstract: A device characteristic changing apparatus is provided for changing a characteristic of a device. The device characteristic changing apparatus comprises a time scale generator unit for generating a time scale on which a device operates, and a time scale changing unit for changing the time scale, so that a characteristic of a device is changed by changing the time scale on which the device operates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for improving the handling of notification items related to the execution of process model instances and/or activity instances within a Workflow Management System (WFMS) or a computer system with comparable functionality. A notification group definition associates a notification group with at least one process model and/or at least one activity. The process model and/or the activity are associated with a notification specification referring to an addressee, for whom the WFMS creates and to whom the WFMS sends a notification item if an instance of the associated process model and/or an instance of the associated activity is not completed according to certain conditions. The WFMS is responsive to the notification group definition by sending a notification group item to the addressee as representative of one or many created notification items of associated process models and/or associated activities.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling and driving a technical process executed in time by applying at each time t instructions Ci(t), leading to a measurable but not observable result R(t) and generating a plurality of observable quantities distinct from the result R(t) whereof at least two are independent Gj(t), which consists in: measuring at least two independent observable quantities Gj(t), Gp(t); with a predictive model M, or a set of models, whereof the variables comprise the at least two independent observable quantities, calculating an estimation Res(t)=M(G1(t), Gp(t) of the result R(t); using a drive law L, whereof the input variable is the estimated result Res(t) calculating new instructions Ci(t+1), applicable for time t+1; and replacing the instructions [C1(t), Cn(t)] by the instructions [C1(t), Cn(t+1)]. The invention is applicable to spot welding.

Abstract: A method for time reference compensation in a power metering system, the method comprising monitoring a time-dependent characteristic of incoming AC power over a predetermined local time interval, comparing the monitored characteristic over the predetermined local time interval with the expected value of the characteristic based upon the nominal frequency of the AC power, and calculating a correction to one or more of local real-time and time-based measurements of the power metering system, based on the comparing.

Abstract: To accomplish an easier date entry operation, a date entry system is provided to enter a date including a month and a day into an information device. The system basically comprises a date acquiring element for acquiring a current date and a date specifying element for specifying the date including the month and the day on the basis of data indicative of the day entered and the current date acquired. Preferably, the system further comprises a member storing a parameter for specifying a range of dates into which a user is allowed to set the date, and a date-range deciding element for deciding the range of dates on the parameter under the acquired current date being set as a reference day, wherein the date specifying element is configured so as to specify the date including the month and the day based on a date residing within the range of dates decided. For example, the date specifying element is configured to input the specified date into a program executed by the information device.

Abstract: An electronic control board for supplying control signals including an activation signal to a controlled device in response to a detection signal created by a sensor comprises an on delay timer, a run timer, and an off delay timer. The on delay timer must time out before an activation signal is sent to the controlled device. The run timer permits activation of the controlled device during a run time interval. The off delay timer must time out before a subsequent detection signal will be permitted to generate an activation signal. A lockout timer prohibits generation of an activation signal if the number of activations exceeds a cycle limit. The control board further provides for shutting off the controlled device if the second detection signal occurs during the run time interval.

Abstract: A simple single- or multi-station sprinkler controller is set to various run times and watering intervals by the repetitive operation of pushbuttons or combinations of pushbuttons. The chosen settings are communicated to the operator by illumination patterns of LEDs. The patterns may include groups of flashes, sequential scrolling of LEDs, multicolored illumination of an LED, and steady illumination or non-illumination of selected LEDs. If a short occurs in a station, the controller shuts itself off and flashes a pattern that signals a shorted condition and identifies the shorted station. On power-up, run times and intervals are automatically set to generally-usefll default values.

Abstract: The method is for generating production information, such as capacity, reliability, or capacity utilization information, while hybrid-automated monitoring a production machine. An evaluation status model having a number of main statuses and an interpretation status model having a number of operating statuses are set up, with precisely one time account corresponding to each main status and transitions between operating statuses being established in accordance with events that can be picked up on the production machine. After that, operating statuses are assigned to main statuses and the time account of the main status applicable at a particular time is increased during the operation of the production machine by an amount that corresponds to the time period in which the production machine is in the main status concerned. Moreover, the number and sequence of changes in status are stored as a history.

Abstract: A data indicator is disclosed which comprises a non-volatile memory (26), control circuitry (24) by which data can be read from and written to the memory, a timer (28) and/or an event detector (30), means such as a terminal (20) for connection to an electrical supply of a host apparatus and an interface (32) through which data can be exchanged with the memory (26). In use, the event detector (30) detects when the host apparatus is switched on and in dependence on the detector output the control circuitry (24) maintains a cumulative history of host apparatus activation which is stored on the memory (26). The data indicator can store other data relating to the host apparatus, e.g. a service interval, and can supply this in conjunction with the actuation history, making it conveniently possible e.g. to establish whether the host apparatus requires servicing. (FIG. 4).

Abstract: An interpretive system architecture for a seamless transfer of energy to a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream, or microwave oven. The interpretive system architecture overlays the operational functions of the process stream or host microwave oven to interpret, control, and implement user independent commands. The interpretive system has at least one interpretive base class for providing operational instance to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system receives an indicia, the indicia being expressive of an externally derived predetermined compiled code disposed on the surface of a specimen, or food package, or associated thereto, the indicia communicating via at least one data entry mechanism to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system interprets the data or code and transforms it into user independent commands.

Abstract: An electronic control apparatus for a control object makes a mode check before each program part is retrieved even at a predetermined start timing, and inhibits a retrieval of program parts unnecessary for operation modes including a normal mode, inspection mode or rewrite mode. As it is not necessary to check the mode in the processing of each program part, the control processing for the control object can be executed efficiently in each mode. As the program parts unnecessary for the specified operation mode is not retrieved either in the specified operation mode, the processing efficiency is increased.

Abstract: A timer processing section 10 instructs a transmission processing section 11 to control load in accordance with a time schedule stored in a program storage section 12. The transmission processing section 11 is connected to a two-wire signal line and gives a load control instruction to each terminal to which load is connected according to a time-division multiplex transmission system. The time schedule stored in a program storage section 12 is a set of the address related to the load to be controlled and the control contents and the control time of the load. Therefore, when the time set according to the time schedule is reached, the load specified by the address is controlled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying configuration information used to control an on-board monitor located aboard a locomotive. Under the control of a remote monitoring and diagnostic center, the on-board monitor periodically collects information from the locomotive and transmits it to the remote monitoring and diagnostic center. When it is desired to change some aspect associated with the data collection process (including the period during which the data is collected, the types of data collected, etc.), it is necessary to change the configuration file that controls the on-board monitor. The configuration file is changed at the remote monitoring and diagnostic center and then transmitted to the on-board monitor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and/or controlling machining plans having time-dependent machining parameters includes measuring desired time-dependent machining parameters as a measured curve, generating time-independent numerical values from the measured machining parameters, and entering the time-independent numerical values into a classifier distinguishing between normal states of the machining plant and abnormal states of the machining plant. Training vectors regarded as abnormal can be filtered out from training vectors available by determining a distance of each training vector from every other training vector with a selected measure of distance for filtering of the abnormal training vectors, the training vectors having components made of time-independent numerical values, and the classifier can be trained with training vectors.

Abstract: A microcomputer system and method of utilizing a repeated reset operation to enter the microcomputer system into different operating modes, particularly a microcomputer system without a keyboard, in which only a reset key is needed to set the required operating mode. The microcomputer system of the present invention comprises: a microcomputer; a memory connected to the microcomputer; a reset key to reset the microcomputer system; and a reset circuit to provide a power on reset pulse required in the microcomputer system or to receive the reset pulse produced by reset key. The microcomputer system checks both a specific memory area content for only a first specific value and a dedicated address content in the memory for a second specific value. If both only the first specific value in specific memory area and the second specific value in dedicated address are present, the microcomputer system is set to an abnormal operating mode. Otherwise, the specific value is written into the dedicated address in the memory.

Abstract: An electronic trip device including an analog measuring for measuring electrical signals, analog-to-digital conversion having an input connected to the analog measuring an output having a first output signal, a digital processing means connected to the conversion for performing protection functions, and an offset correction. The offset corrections means are connected to the output of the conversion, and include high-pass digital filtering for computing an output signal value for each sample signal supplied by the conversion, according to an equation.

Abstract: A motion control system and method are disclosed which provide improved pulse placement for smoother operation of a motion device such as a stepper motor. A placement of pulses may be determined for each of a plurality of time intervals such that the pulses are placed evenly across the plurality of time intervals, wherein the quantity of pulses in each of the time intervals is variable. The pulses may be generated and sent to the motion device to move the object to the desired position. A delay may be used to place each pulse at an arbitrary location within one of the time intervals. Where the desired step rate is fractional, time may be “borrowed” for one loop iteration from other loop iterations. In one embodiment, the step rate may be changed from one loop period to the next.

Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently supplying energy to a device in a circuit, the apparatus comprising a powered device having a critical path delay; delay line operative to model said critical path delay; control logic responsive to output from said delay line and operative to generate control output; and a power converter operative to adjust supply voltage to said powered device in response to said generated control output, wherein the delay line, the control logic, and the power converter cooperate to provide first order bang-bang control of said critical path delay.

Abstract: In a data processing system a method and apparatus is provided for discriminating between digital signals of a plurality of different rates by monitoring the pulse width and repetition rate of such signals. The digital signals are continuously monitored to determine whether a single pulse or multiple pulses have been detected within a preselected time period. If only a single pulse or a portion thereof has been detected within the preselected time period a first type of control signal is generated. If multiple pulses or portions of multiple pulses have been detected within the preselected time period a second type of control signal is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for communicating and controlling remotely devices in an automated facility by exchanging electronic messages (“E-mails”) between a server that controls the devices and an operator having a client device that has E-mail capabilities. An automation controller overseeing devices and stations within the facility is configured to send and receive over a network, such as the Internet, E-mail messages containing instructions and information. Accordingly, an operator may be alerted to alarm information, fault codes, and other operational parameters via E-mail, and after correcting the fault code or other problem, the operator may send an E-mail message to the automation controller that the situation has been corrected. The operator may also send and receive other information to and from the devices within the facility.

Abstract: A system including a component (e.g., a processor) with a clock and a thermal management controller that monitors a temperature in the system. The thermal management controller varies the component between different performance states (e.g., cycles the processor between a high and a low performance state) when an over-temperature condition is detected. The thermal management controller further throttles the clock of the component while in the low performance state until the over-temperature condition is removed.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring processing equipment includes a controller which emits control signals to control the processing equipment. A computer is coupled to the controller. The computer records the control signals emitted by the controller and records status signals received from sensors mounted on the processing equipment. The computer represents the processing equipment as a number of individual cyclical units. Each cyclical unit has an identical sequence of operations during every cycle. The computer also records, for each cycle of every unit, information corresponding to whether the unit has started and completed the cycle.

Abstract: A method for estimating an interference phase shift when receiving a multicarrier signal formed of a time series of symbols modulating a plurality of carrier frequencies, at least some of the carrier frequencies of at least some of the symbols bearing reference elements, whereof the value at transmission level is known by the receiver carrying out the reception. The phase variation &dgr;n between at least two symbols bearing reference elements is estimated by analysing the reference elements. Each of the reference elements in the estimation is weighted by information representing the noise affecting the carrier frequency bearing the reference element.

Abstract: A versatile counting-meter is adapted for use in cycling, jogging and treading on a mini-step, for counting exact exercise amount. The counting-meter includes a casing in which an electronic circuit for a microprocessor and a swing-link counting means for pedometer function is provided. Control keys for selecting a desired function and an LCD for showing counting result are provided at a front surface of the casing. The casing is also provided at a rear surface with a connecting means including an elastic clip located between two parallel rails. The clip is normally pulled by a restoring force thereof to flatly locate in a recess between the rails, so that the casing could be attached to a mating member mounted on a bicycle handlebar or a mini-step by engaging the rails with channels on the mating member, or to a user's belt by clamping the elastic clip onto the belt.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of LEDs that are configured annularly about a control knob of the appliance controller. The LEDs are operated so as to indicate status of the operation of the appliance when the appliance is in a run mode. In one form, the appliance controller illuminates one of the LEDs to indicate at what point the appliance is in its cycle of operation. When the appliance is in a stop mode, the LEDs are operated to indicate where the control knob is positioned when a user is selecting a particular operation with the appliance controller. In one form, as a user rotates the control knob, the appliance controller determines the rotational or angular location of the knob, particularly via a selection indicator of the knob, and illuminates a corresponding LED.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring application performance over a wireless data network is presented herein. A wireless content switch is placed between a wired network and a wireless client such that data packets sent from the wired network to the wireless client and vice versa are received at the wireless content switch. The wireless content switch examines the protocol stack and data associated with the data packet and measures the performance of applications. The performance of applications is measured using one of a plurality of measures, based on the type of application associated with the data packet. Wherein an application is found to be associated with low performance, graceful degradation can be imposed.

Abstract: A method of automatically feeding lubricating oil to bearing parts of various machine elements using a microcomputer whereby various settings, progress of the settings, and display of the operating state of a lubricating oil feeding apparatus can be easily identified in a user-oriented manner. According to the method, the remaining operating time is displayed on liquid crystal displays (LCDs) after the lubricating oil feeding apparatus is installed to facilitate the identification of the elapse of the operating time, the operation of a motor for discharging a set amount of lubricating oil is controlled, and various displays such as the overload of the motor, shortage of a battery capacity, elapse of the lubricating oil replacement time, etc., are displayed by icons on the LCDs.

Abstract: A sequence of events detection system for use in a process control system uses sequence of events detection cards to detect and store indications of events and the times at which these events take place within the process control network. The sequence of events reporting system includes a stable master time source that is used to periodically time synchronize secondary clocks within each of the nodes of the process control system. Free running counters are located within each of the sequence of events detection cards at each node and these free running counters are used to mark each event with a counter value when the sequence of events detection card first detects the event.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a motion sensor switch which is adapted to control a lighting circuit in an area monitored by the motion sensor switch. The apparatus and method employs a setting adjustment device, such as a potentiometer, having a setting range which sets the duration of a delay period during which the motion sensor switch delays deactivating the lighting circuit after sensing that the monitored area has become vacant. The setting adjustment device further includes a first setting position, a second setting position, or both. The apparatus and method further employs a bypass controller, such as a comparator circuit or software-implemented comparator, which, when the setting adjustment device is set to the first or second bypass setting position, controls the motion sensor switch to maintain the lighting circuit activated or deactivated, regardless of whether the motion sensor senses motion in the monitored area.

Abstract: A system that is adapted for determining the delay time between an initiating event and a response to that event. The system includes an optical sensor which is preferably a photo resistor having a resistance inversely proportional to the intensity of a warning light in its proximity. The output of the photo resistor is an analog signal that can be fed to an analog input device such as a strip chart recorder for display versus time. The initiating event signal can also be displayed so that, by comparing the signals, the delay between the initiating event and the changing of the warning light from off to on can be measured and compared to a specified value.

Abstract: An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering zones of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs, a display for displaying information relating to watering programs, and an EEPROM for retaining information relating to watering programs and an on/off status variable even during extended periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a multiplicity of watering start times can be selected. The irrigation controller may employ an analog precision rectifier for detecting how many valves are operational in a given watering zone, and the irrigation controller may also automatically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to how many valves are operational in a given watering zone.

Abstract: The external intelligent component (3) connected with a microprocessor system (2) is described for essentially automatic control of a control element (1) without burdening the microprocessor system operation. The control parameters for the control element (1) are written into a data memory (6) of the external component (3) from the microprocessor system (2) and are read out internally from the data memory (6) during normal operation of the external component (3). Control of the external component (3) is possible by the microprocessor system (2) without blocking the system bus (5,7) of the microprocessor system (2) using a control line from the microprocessor to a reset input (RESET) of a controller (13) of the external component (3).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing timely execution of periodic tasks in a redundant control system. A secondary controller in the redundant system receives a wakeup time array having at least one wakeup time element corresponding to a period task as well as a current time value from a primary controller, and schedules a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the wakeup time element and the current time value from the primary control module. The secondary controller may further receive a task instance corresponding to the periodic task from the primary control module, and schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the task instance. In addition, the secondary controller may schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on a default period associated with the periodic task, if no task instance and no wakeup time element were received corresponding to the periodic task.

Abstract: A device for generating synchronous numeric signals, including a reference generating device supplying a reference signal and a first timing signal, both having a reference frequency; and a timed generating device supplying a synchronized signal having the reference frequency. The device further includes a synchronization stage generating a second timing signal having a first controlled frequency correlated to the reference frequency, and phase synchronization pulses having the first frequency and a preset delay programmable with respect to the first timing signal.

Abstract: A schedule execution managing apparatus comprises a planned start time setting unit setting the planned start time of a schedule in correspondence with a predetermined base time and an offset from the base time, a planned start time storing unit storing the set planned start time, and a schedule execution controlling unit controlling the execution start of the schedule by referencing the contents stored in the planned start time storing unit. With this apparatus, a schedule change in an emergency is facilitated, and schedule information can be easily reused in a different environment.