Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling an aquatic environment thus regulating the aquatic environment and maximizing the stability of the aquatic ecosystem. This system uses sensor and data fusion algorithms to perform system anomaly analysis and predictive failure diagnostics based on the output of sensors associated with the aquatic environment control devices. Based on the system anomaly analysis and/or predictive failure diagnostics, the system may continuously adjust the system parameters to maintain an efficient and stable aquatic environment, alert local or remote monitors of failed or impending failure of control devices. In addition, the system may present the system anomaly analysis and predictive failure diagnostics information at a local or remote location to enable the monitor to address any problems presented in situ.

Abstract: The function block memory unit stores a plurality of function blocks by programming each ladder circuit for computing output signals which has to be determined based on input signals from each safety device according to a connection specification of the safety device. The ladder circuit satisfies a predetermined safety standard, and thus, the function blocks satisfying the safety standard are used. The program link unit sequentially links each function block received from the function block memory unit based on the ID number of each I/O module to automatically create the safety program. The corresponding function block can be uniquely determined based on the ID number.

Abstract: A safety controller executes a control program in two processing units to detect processor failure by comparison of the execution in each unit. This comparison is made rapid by synchronizing the input variables at the beginning of the task and comparing output variables at a conclusion of the task, avoiding line-by-line comparison of input and output variables. Intermediate variables, that are neither input nor output values, are compared at a less frequent interval.

Abstract: An RF tag system includes a first reader/writer unit and a second reader/writer unit. A first reader/writer control unit is configured to control the first reader/writer unit to read a first data from a first RF tag, and to detect a trouble state of the first reader/writer unit. A second reader/writer control unit is configured to control the second reader/writer unit to read a second data from a second RF tag, and to detect a trouble state of the second reader/writer unit. A monitoring section is configured to issue a selection instruction and to monitor the first reader/writer unit through the first reader/writer control unit, and the second reader/writer unit through the second reader/writer control unit. A switching section is configured to select one of the first reader/writer control unit and the second reader/writer control unit in response to the selection instruction from the monitoring section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device control system that can automatically switch the control units to eliminate the stop time of a device, and increase the utilization efficiency of the device. If the first control unit detects that the control of an RF tag reader-writer is incomplete from the activity ratio of a control part by supervising the RF tag reader-writer and supervising the periodical communication with the RF tag reader-writer, the control unit confirms whether or not there are one or more notifiable control units by referring to a control unit list. If the first control unit is notifiable to the second control unit, the first control unit notifies the information of the RF tag reader-writer to the second control unit. The second control unit returns a controllable code to the first control unit if the RF tag reader-writer is controllable by referring to the information of the RF tag reader-writer from a device information list.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for controlling safety-critical processes that includes a fieldbus, a bus master for controlling a communication via the fieldbus, at least one signal unit for linking to at least one of the safety-critical processes, and a first control unit for controlling at least one of the safety-critical processes. The bus master and the at least one signal unit are connected to one another via the fieldbus to provide communication between at least one signal unit and the bus master. The at least one signal unit and the first control unit have safety-related devices. Failsafe communication is provided to control at least one of the safety-critical processes, and the first control unit is connected to the bus master independently of the fieldbus.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a device and a controller to the device. The controller is adapted to calculate a temperature estimate of the device and to control access to the device in accordance with the calculated temperature estimate.

Abstract: A method of protecting a rotating device, loaded by temperature of a machine tool with one temperature sensor on that device and a temperature bloc, comprising the steps of inputting specific parameters in the temperature bloc, estimating a value for the device temperature increase caused by the activity of the device and measuring the temperature of the device.

Abstract: A control device operates to selectively provision power. The control device can be implemented as part of an electrical apparatus, such as a computer, television, VCR, hairdryer or other device which operates on AC power. The control device can be also implemented as part of a common power outlet or breaker system typically found in businesses and households.

Abstract: A drive for delivering a high-power signal to a load includes a power circuit and a drive circuit. The power circuit is operable to provide a high power signal to the load in response to a control signal. The control circuit is operable to generate the control signal for activating the power circuit. The control circuit includes an application processor and a safety circuit. The application processor is operable to generate the control signal during a normal mode of operation. The safety circuit is operable to inhibit the generation of the control signal during a safe-off mode of operation. The safety circuit includes a safety processor independent from the application processor and operable to monitor the safety circuit.

Abstract: A main CPU transmits data used in determination of whether or not a target throttle opening degree calculation logic and an estimated target throttle opening degree calculation logic are normal (a target degree and an estimated target degree of throttle opening, and a dummy estimated target degree of throttle opening and an expected value) to a sub-CPU. The sub-CPU compares the data pieces in each of the pairs so as to calculate monitor data for monitoring whether or not the determination result in the main CPU is correct. In this manner, it is possible to enhance reliability of the routine for determining whether or not the respective logics are normal.

Abstract: A failure code indicating a failure content in a communication terminal device is automatically notified to a center device. The center device automatically makes a call to a user of the communication terminal device with the failure. When a trouble generates in the communication terminal device, the user of the communication terminal device can communicate with an operator of the center device in accordance with an operation of the user.

Abstract: A safety controller provides for reliable mixed execution of standard and safety control programs held in a common memory by providing a hardware lock that is locked at times when the safety program is not executing to minimize potential corruption of the safety program by the standard program.

Abstract: In a method of generating and/or executing a diversified program flow from a program source code for or on at least two processing units of a machine tool, production machine or robot, a machine code is generated from a program source code by a compiler for at least one processing unit with a programmable processing module. The program source code is also used to generate by a converter or interpreter a description file which is run interpretatively in at least one further processing unit by at least one programmable processing module. Data of the processing units is saved in at least one common memory and checked for a match through respective data comparison.

Abstract: A crane installation, especially a container crane, includes at least one hoist mechanism provided with at least one motor for lifting and lowering a load suspended from the hoist mechanism. The operation of the hoist mechanism is controlled by a control unit which receives load-specific information signals from a device. The load-specific information signals are determined on the basis of load-dependent measuring signals generated by a load measuring assembly associated with the hoist mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic system may comprise a variable speed fan, a first source coupled to the fan, and a second source coupled to the fan. Either of the first or second sources may control the speed of the fan.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer instructions are provided to autonomically monitor and adjust system characteristics based on a customer optimization goal specified in a policy or profile. An autonomic management component is implemented in firmware comprising a set of control algorithms. Response to reading system characteristics from a plurality of sensors, the autononmic management component selects at least one control algorithm from the set and the control algorithm adjusts the parameters of the system characteristic to optimize performance according to the optimization goal specified by the customer.

Abstract: A controller that receives an input of a status of an apparatus, executes predetermined arithmetic and logical operations, and outputs a control signal of the apparatus, and is equipped with a plurality of processors for executing the arithmetic and logical operations; a plurality of data storage elements for storing respective results of the arithmetic and logical operations of the plurality of the processors; a comparator for comparing the results of the arithmetic and logical operations of the plurality of the processors stored in the plurality of the data storage elements; and a comparison record storage element for storing a record of the comparison results of the comparator.

Abstract: An automated method and system that uses a Web service to make real-time production status available to customers from a manufacturing environment. Each time Work in Process (WIP) data is updated from manufacturing execution systems to a central database, a database trigger checks the alert conditions. These conditions are automatically compared to the WIP data to see if the user-defined conditions have been met. If so, a function is called which automatically sends an alert to the customer via the internet and either e-mail, pager, or mobile phone.

Abstract: In connection with a method for the data exchange between an operating and monitoring program BA and a field device, which is connected via a field bus adapter with the internet, the operating and monitoring program BA accesses a serial interface, which is connected with an internet interface. By means of this a data exchange between the operating and monitoring program BA via the internet is possible without extensive program changes.

Abstract: An electronic circuit comprising means (CMNS) for controlling a current (IL) through a coil (L) for the generation of a magnetic field (H). The means (CMNS) comprise means (DMNS) for the determination of a parameter which is a measure for the value of the resistance (RL) of the coil (L). During operation the maximum absolute value of the current (IL) is decreased when the parameter exceeds a certain limit.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and process is provided for communicating safety-related data, over an open system, from a sender to a receiver. Safety-related components, including function blocks, flexible function blocks, resource blocks and transducer blocks, as well as, safety-related objects are provided. Also, an extended safety-related protocol provides for authenticating communications between safety-related components over an existing black channel, such as one using a fieldbus Architecture.

Abstract: A safety PLC 1 and at least a safety slave unit 2 are connected through a safety network 3. The safety slave unit has the safety information transmission function for transmitting the safety information for determining whether a safe state prevails or not and the unsafety information transmission function for transmitting the unsafety information containing no safety information. The unsafety information transmission function transmits the unsafety information on condition that the safety slave unit is in a safe state. Specifically, in the case where it is determined that no safe state prevails at the timing of transmitting the unsafety information, the unsafety information is not sent but the safety is transmitted. A safety controller, upon receipt of the unsafety information, estimates that the safety slave unit at the transmitting end of the particular unsafety information is in a safe state.

Abstract: A process variation detector includes a pulse-signal generating unit that generates a pulse signal having a pulse width corresponding to a characteristic of a process variation in an integrated circuit based on a clock signal; and an output unit that generates a predetermined value, when the pulse signal indicates a specific process variation, by using a transistor of which a channel width and a gate length are set to an unbalanced state, and outputs the predetermined value.

Abstract: In building automation architectures, components may be associated through physical communications paths and at a different level through building automation applications. Building automation applications implement control processes for a building function. Due to changing needs, such as a failure of a physical communications path or the addition or removal of components, the building automation application may be more appropriately performed in a different device. By dynamically positioning or determining a processor for implementing a building automation application, an architecture or network may more optimally control building functions, such as by requiring less user input, more rapid response and/or avoiding building function failures.

Abstract: A method for programming a failsafe control system comprises the steps of defining logical interconnections between input signals of the failsafe control system and of assigning interconnection products to output signals of the failsafe control system. The steps of defining and assigning take place on the basis of predefined function-specific program modules, which are selected from a set of such program modules.

Abstract: A system and method for continuous online safety and reliability monitoring is disclosed. The method includes the steps of obtaining operating information about at least one of a plurality of instrumented function components, which are part of an instrumented function, and determining a probability of failure on demand for the instrumented function based on the operating information. In variations, instantaneous probability of failure on demand, online mean time to failure (MTTF), and online safety integrity level (SIL) are also calculated for an instrumented function. In other variations of the invention, alarms are reported to an operator based on the variance indicating the probability of failure on demand for the instrumented function is too high. In yet further variations, the system allows a user to predict probability of failure on demand values into the future based on hypothetical and/or future planned test times.

Abstract: Power line monitoring is disclosed. The monitoring can be performed in conjunction with an automation system designed to control and monitor devices and sensors. Model-based power line monitoring uses a model of acceptable power line activity. Activity that does not conform to the model is tagged as indicating a potential problem. Pattern-based power line monitoring uses patterns of unacceptable power line activity. Activity that matches one of the patterns is also tagged as indicating a potential problem.

Abstract: A voter function block, which can be integrated into a function block diagram programming environment in a process plant control or safety system, implements voter logic in conjunction with providing operational and maintenance overrides which may be set to override individual inputs to the voter function block as well as to override the output of the voter function block. The voter function block, which is easy to create, use, test, debug and document, includes one or input limit detection units which detect if a particular redundant input has reached a specified limit indicating a condition within the process plant, an override unit that may be set by a user to override the consideration of that input in the voting function, a voting logic entity that determines if a trip condition exists based on the values of the valid or non-inhibited inputs, and an inhibit block that may used to override the output of the voter logic block during, for example, a startup or other operational condition.

Abstract: A technique is provided for determining service intervals for devices, such as medical equipment. Data related to a device is collected and compared to data from a population of like devices. A service interval may be calculated based on the comparison. The data regarding the population of like devices may be raw quantitative or qualitative data or may be processed data, such as may be used to graph the reliability of the device as a function of some variable such as usage or age, i.e. a reliability curve. The data may representative of the device as a whole or one or more components of the device. Multiple service intervals may be generated for a single device by calculating a service interval for each data source, such as a component or subset of components, of the device. An optimal service interval may then be selected. In addition, the technique may be applied for selection of a service interval for more than one device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products calculate the life remaining in a machine, such as an electric motor, or the life remaining in individual components within a machine. Life remaining calculations are based on information collected from multiple sources, including operator input data, historical data, and lookup tables. Using this information the remaining useful life of the machine is calculated based on quantitative data, standard design life limits and on reliability analysis such that continuous historical parameter data is not required to analyze or assess the life of the machine.

Abstract: A safety network system is constructed by connecting a safety PLC to a safety slave through a safety network. The safety slave obtains safety input informations from a plurality of safety devices connected thereto and transmits information based on the plurality of safety input informations in response to a request from the safety PLC. At this time, the safety slave determines whether or not a safety condition is satisfied based on the plurality of safety input informations, includes two notification modes, that is, a result notification mode in which a result of determination of safety determined by the above determination is transmitted and a detailed information mode in which the plurality of safety input informations are transmitted as they are as aggregated data, and returns a safety response in any of the modes according to a command from the safety PLC.

Abstract: A safety controller having a total worst case propagation delay, exceeding the required propagation delay required by a safety process, may be used to control the safety process by monitoring actual delays in signal processing in the safety controller and moving to a safety state if a signal delay exceeds an amount less than the total worst case propagation delay.

Abstract: A method for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC) is disclosed. The PLC may be used to control devices of a secured facility, such as a detention center, jail, or prison. The disclosed method may include creating a spreadsheet including information relating to devices and functions of a system to be controlled by the PLC, such as the number and type of door locks and the functionality of the door locks. The method may further include analyzing the spreadsheet to detect errors in the information stored in the spreadsheet. The method may further includes writing PLC logic to control the system based in the information in the spreadsheet.

Abstract: Graphic displays, which display information about process elements and the manner in which these elements are connected within a process, process modules, which simulate the operation of the elements depicted within the graphic displays and control modules, which perform on-line control activities within a process, may be communicatively connected together to provide a combined control, simulation and display environment that enables enhanced control, simulation and display activities. Smart process objects, which have both graphical and simulation elements, may used to create one or more graphic displays and one or more process simulation modules, each having elements which may communicate with one another to share data between the graphic displays and the process modules.

Abstract: A control system includes a programmable controller having a CPU unit that carries out cyclic operations of processes. An additional temporary user memory is provided in addition to a regular user memory. When an on-line editing of a user program is to be carried out, the program is stored in both memories and the program stored in the temporary memory is called by an instruction execution engine to be executed. After the on-line editing is completed on the user program stored in the user memory, the program execution is based on the edited user program stored in the user memory.

Abstract: A network master (M) having charge of an operation of a main device (L) and one or more network slaves (S1 to S3) each having charge of a safety determining device (A to C) for determining safety which is an operating permission condition of the main device (L) are connected on the network. Each network slave comprises means for selectively performing a first operation for transmitting information including data for maintenance of the safety determining device or both determination output of the safety determining device and data for maintenance of the safety determining device, to the network master and a second operation for transmitting information including the determination output of the safety determining device but not including the data for maintenance of the safety determining device at all or hardly including it to the network master.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing early fault detection and alert generation in a multi-parameter process is provided. The method comprises defining a multi-dimensional space, each dimension representing a parameter of the process; applying an analysis of the process to the space in order to define regions of high and low probability of occurrence; measuring and mapping parameter values onto the space; and generating an alert whenever a parameter value is mapped into a region of low probability. The method and apparatus are also useful for identifying the cause of faults, adjusting the process to avoid faults and predicting a process-specific maintenance schedule.

Abstract: Control unit for a load, in particular for a sliding sunroof control of a vehicle, having a microprocessor and having an integrated voltage regulator for generating the supply voltage of the microprocessor from the battery voltage of an on-board battery, in which case, in order to switch on the microprocessor the latter is fed its supply voltage by means of a wake-up pulse for a predetermined switch-on duration and said supply voltage is maintained as long as the microprocessor outputs trigger signals.

Abstract: A common design framework for input and output signal validation, arbitration, and fault reporting for real-time controllers includes a method of validating redundant input and output signals and arbitrating between the redundant input and output signals by determining a fault severity level for each of the redundant input and output signals, and determining a signal to transmit for further processing based at least in part on the determined fault severity levels.

Abstract: A configurable control system for operating an industrial system in a reliable, safety-enhanced manner, and method of implementing such a system in any of a variety of particular industrial systems of a given class, are disclosed. The method includes storing, onto a controller of a particular industrial system, a master program capable of being used to operate a generalized industrial system having a maximum number of safety subsystems of a given type, where the particular industrial system falls within a class defined by the generalized system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital protection and control (P & C) device for a power distribution network, which comprises a control unit and human-machine interface (HMI) for allowing a user access to the control unit. The control unit comprises a microprocessor that exchanges data information with the HMI. The digital P & C device, according to the present invention, further comprises a user authentication mechanism for regulating the access of a user to the control unit. This user authentication mechanism comprises an electronic authentication device, associable with the mentioned HMI, which stores first predefined data/information. This first predefined data/information comprises at least a user identification code, for establishing the identity of a user; and a user access code, for establishing the access mode of the user to the control unit.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention uses an on-board microcontroller of a household appliance to receive signals from a directionless encoder attached to a knob for receiving user input and processing the signals from the direction encoder according to a control algorithm. The microcontroller may increase the output to an electric heating element on the appliance based on a variety of criteria, including either direction of rotation, current heating element setting, or a change in directional rotation. Alternatively, or in addition, the microcontroller may provide various types of graduate visual or aural feedback to the user regarding the output provided by the microcontroller.

Abstract: Multiple microcontrollers are used in controlling operation of an appliance thereby providing enhanced safety. User input deactivating the appliance is received and processed by a first and second microcontrollers, which separately and independently act to remove power from the appliance upon receipt of user input. Failure of one microcontroller in processing user input does not result in the appliance entering into an unsafe mode. Further, a third processor in a power supply module is used to control power into, and out of, the power supply module, so that under certain conditions, power may be remove from the system entirely or to certain components.

Abstract: Measuring units measure state signals of an industrial technical process. The entirety of the state signals represents an image of the process. The measuring units transmit the state signals to a common logic unit which transmits the image of the process at least partially via a transmission medium to a computing device. The computing device executes a control program to determine at least a portion of the control state for the process and transmits the portion to the logic unit via the transmission medium. The control state includes control signals for a number of control devices. The logic unit transmits to each of the control devices the control signals intended for the respective control device. The control devices affect the process accordingly. The above steps are repeatedly executed in real-time with a cycle time in a range of milliseconds or less.

Abstract: A hot water supply system operated by linking plural water heaters. A system controller is provided in every specific number of water heaters for centralizing controls thereof. A host system controller is further provided in every specific number of the system controllers for centralizing controls thereof, and finally the controls are centralized in one highest system controller. In this configuration, therefore, the highest system controller controls the operation of individual water heaters by way of the lower system controllers.

Abstract: The safe PLC1 and the safe slaves 2 are connected with each other via the safe network 3. The safe PLC has the function of transmitting a request of safety information by broadcast message to the safe slaves. The safe slaves are each provided with a safety information transmission function for transmitting safety information indicative of whether the safe slave is in a safe condition or not; and a changing function for changing a priority of a transmission frame which carries the safety information. As a result, when the safe slaves send back safe responses at once in response to the broadcast message, safety information (danger) with a higher priority is transmitted ahead of others to the safe PLC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods to port controller state and context via non-volatile portable memory to controllers employing an open operating system. The present invention provides for saving a controller's state and context, for example after the controller has been suitably configured. The saved image can then be employed for subsequent controller startups to resume a particular state and context, utilized during maintenance to return a controller to a previously saved state and context, and employed to efficiently configure similar controllers via porting and/or loading the saved image to the similar controllers, which mitigates manual controller configuration. The present invention can be employed in connection with various industrial controller designs, memory configurations, and data transfer techniques. In addition, the present invention provides for serial and/or concurrent state and context transfers between controllers and memory devices.

Abstract: A device for calculating the steady state behavior of a controller includes an amount generating unit for generating the amount of deviation of the regulator, a first threshold value calculation unit that detects whether the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below a first threshold value and then starts a lag time delay unit, and a second threshold value calculation unit that detects whether the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below a second threshold value. A signal transmission unit transmits a ready message signal when the lag time delay unit has reached a predetermined lag time and the second threshold value calculation unit has detected that the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below the second threshold value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the condition of a packaging machine during operation and diagnosing potential problems in the performance of the machine. The system comprises an input device, an output device and a processing unit that supports a user interface presented by the output device. The processing unit is arranged to permit a user, when in use, to input via the user interface a number of pre-determined parameters to measure one or more elements or assemblies in the machine, to receive information from one or more sensors measuring the element or assembly and to analyse the information with the parameter to render via the output device a signal.