Abstract: Re-certification of a control program loaded in a safety controller is avoided through the use of a digital snapshot and digital signature, the snapshot providing a rapidly loadable memory image file and the signature providing a confirmation that the file loaded matches a previously certified copy so as to avoid the need for time consuming re-certification.

Abstract: A method to control a process, wherein the status of the process can be altered by a multitude of actions, wherein the action is controlled by basic control units, wherein at least one basic control unit is coordinated by at least one group control unit and wherein this basic control unit has various functions.

Abstract: Even when a power switch is turned off, the controller of an injection molding machine does not shut off a power supply immediately. The controller determines whether the present state of the injection molding machine is a previously-set confirmation-requiring state, such as a lockup state of a mold clamping unit using a toggle link mechanism, or a nozzle touch state of an injection unit. When the present state is not the confirmation-requiring state, the controller shuts off the power supply. When the present state is the confirmation-requiring state, the controller displays on a display screen a confirmation window for confirmation of power shut off. The controller shuts off the power supply in accordance with a shut-off operation performed on the basis of the confirmation window.

Abstract: A method for calculating the health of a process control loop based on multiple key assessments of the loop's performance. The method uses the concepts of baselines and thresholds. The typical calculation of loop health is the average of the Percent Towards Threshold for all the assessments divided by the economic significance of the loop.

Abstract: Two emergency stop lines are provided. Due to contacts being opened by commands from emergency stop factors and from first and second CPUs, conducting to first and second contactors are stopped. Contacts of the contactors are opened, and power supply to the motor is interrupted, whereby an emergency stop is performed. Further, the first CPU on the first line transmits an abnormality signal to the second CPU when the states of the contacts on the self emergency stop line, detected by digital inputs, are abnormal, and the second CPU opens a contact on the self emergency stop line so as to cause the contactor to be non-excited to thereby stop power supply to the motor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses system and method for analyzing operational parameter data from a malfunctioning locomotive or other large land-based, self-powered transport equipment. The method allows for receiving new operational parameter data comprising a plurality of anomaly definitions from the malfunctioning equipment. The method further allows for selecting a plurality of distinct anomaly definitions from the new operational parameter data. Respective generating steps allow for generating at least one distinct anomaly definition cluster from the plurality of distinct anomaly definitions and for generating a plurality of weighted repair and distinct anomaly definition cluster combinations. An identifying step allows for identifying at least one repair for the at least one distinct anomaly definition cluster using the plurality of weighted repair and distinct anomaly definition cluster combinations.

Abstract: A smart camera system provides focused images to an operator at a host computer by processing digital images at the imaging location prior to sending them to the host computer. The smart camera has a resident digital signal processor for preprocessing digital images prior to transmitting the images to the host. The preprocessing includes image feature extraction and filtering, convolution and deconvolution methods, correction of parallax and perspective image error and image compression. Compression of the digital images in the smart camera at the imaging location permits the transmission of very high resolution color or high resolution grayscale images at real-time frame rates such as 30 frames per second over a high speed serial bus to a host computer or to any other node on the network, including any remote address on the Internet.

Abstract: An operation control system for a plurality of power generating plants and a method of maintaining and managing a plurality of power generating plants which supply power to arbitrary power systems. The operation control system includes a general supervision/diagnosis system which maintains and controls a plurality of power generating plants wherein the general supervision/diagnosis system selects from repairing periods and procedures required to repair failures which occur in the plurality of power generating plants according to levels of failures and performs maintenance and management of power generating plants which have failures. The system also includes means for maintaining a stable total power supply of the plurality of power generating plants.

Abstract: A method for controlling a manufacturing process includes processing a plurality of workpieces in a tool; monitoring a rework rate associated with the workpieces processed in the tool; and initiating an automatic corrective action in response to the rework rate being greater than a predetermined threshold. A manufacturing system includes a tool adapted to process a plurality of workpieces and a rework controller adapted to monitor a rework rate associated with the workpieces processed in the tool and initiate an automatic corrective action in response to the rework rate being greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system (830) and method (800) for diagnosing a malfunctioning machine. A fault event is selected (806) together with sequential operating parameter data (808) from a selectively focused time interval about the fault event for evaluation of a machine (810). The selectively focused time interval may include data occurring just before, just after, or spanning the fault event. Characterizing information such as slope, rate of change, and absolute sign of the data may be derived (809) from the operating parameter data over the selectively focused time interval and used in the diagnosis. The fault event and operating parameter data may be compared to existing cases in a case database (834). A set of rules (817) or candidate anomalies (841) may be executed over the operating parameter data to further improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus and method wherein a plurality of processing units are for conducting processing, a transfer processing unit is connected with the plurality of processing units for carrying wafers to the processing units, a transfer device is disposed in the transfer processing unit and carries the wafers and cassettes for containing the wafers, and a control unit is provided for conducting transfer control for transferring the wafers from respective cassettes to the transfer processing unit. The wafers are processed by using the plural processing units, and at least two of the cassettes are used. Parallel processing is conducted of applying same processing to the wafers contained on each of the cassettes by applying the same recipe and the wafers, after applying the parallel processing, are returned to the original cassette.

Abstract: In a control method and a system for the automatic pre-processing of device malfunctions, first data about a device malfunction are sent to a central control device by means of first terminal equipment. On the basis of the first data and on the basis of stored second data, the central control device automatically selects a group of second terminal equipment that are allocated to various service technicians. A malfunction incident signal and at least a part of the data are then sent to the selected terminal equipment and output thereat. The terminal equipment respectively acquires preliminary diagnosis data relating to the malfunction and availability data from the respective service technician. These data are communicated to the central control device, which automatically evaluates the existing data, selects a specific second terminal equipment from the group and communicates an assignment signal to the selected second terminal equipment.

Abstract: A serial bus type configuration recognition and alarm apparatus for a system having a plurality of various boards. The apparatus includes a plurality of first transmission units, a second transmission unit and a recognition unit. The first transmission units report board Identifications (IDs) and board failure status information through a first serial bus. The second transmission unit is connected to the first transmission units to report the board IDs, the board failure status information and an ID thereof. The recognition unit is connected to the second transmission unit to ascertain the configuration and failure status of the boards and report received board IDs and board failure status to a terminal.

Abstract: A self-sustaining control for a heating system, having conventional operational modes and pilot burner assembly, is disclosed. A controller directs operation in accordance with a need-based protocol and monitors the condition of a storage device, which provides system power during the stand-by or off mode under normal conditions. A thermo-electric device is in thermal communication with the pilot burner assembly and powers the system whenever the pilot is lit. Regardless of heat need, the controller directs operation in a pilot-on mode, in lieu of an off mode, whenever the storage device is compromised.

Abstract: A portable operation section of a controller has an impact sensor. When the controller receives an impact due to the drop or the like of the portable operation section, the impact sensor outputs an impact detection signal to the control section. Upon receiving this impact detection signal, the control section ignores any signal from the portable operation section and thus does not use this signal for the control of the drive of the mechanism section of a machine tool or a robot.

Abstract: A system and method for managing delivery of a link active schedule has a master link active scheduler and a backup link active scheduler communicatively coupled together via a databus. The system and method stores a link active schedule in a master link active scheduler and automatically transmits the most current link active schedule from the master link active scheduler over the databus to the backup link active scheduler upon receipt of the link active schedule in the master link active scheduler.

Abstract: Failure prediction for complex processes is performed utilizing one or more nonlinear regression models to relate operational variable values measured at two or more times to predicted process metric values and maintenance variable values.

Abstract: A system for developing application systems and implementing the system for an automated machine, which can reduce the burden of installing the peripheral devices with a controller. The system includes a controller, a monitor connected with the controller, and at least one object to be controlled. The object is connected to the controller. The control system further includes developing a program for the controlled object, implementing the program developed, and a software module uniquely assigned to the object. The software module provides at least one of an icon procedure for displaying an icon for the object in a display area on the monitor, a description procedure for describing a control process for the object, and an implement procedure for implementing the control process developed for the object.

Abstract: Energy-aware software control in a computer system requires a plurality of displays. At least two of the displays have diverse attributes that enable reduction in the energy consumption of the computer system. The energy-aware software control involves profiling screen usage patterns and their impact on energy consumption by the displays and in turn by the computer system. The profiling results in an energy model. A determination is made when to activate (or deactivate) the energy-aware software control of the displays in order to decrease their energy consumption. Under the energy-aware software control, and guided by the energy model, a screen fashioned by one or more applications is divided up into sub-screens. Then, the energy needs associated with the sub-screens are matched to particular displays in accordance with their respective attributes and the energy model. The idea is to put the sub-screens on view by matched and likely different displays without significantly diminishing the user experience.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method and a computer system can be used to reduce power consumption of one or more processors in response to a failure condition such as an overtemperature condition affecting the processor or processors. A signal is provided which indicates a failure condition affecting the processor such as an overtemperature condition or a failure or reduction in performance of a cooling mechanism. In response to the signal, a power consumption of the processor is periodically reduced. This can be accomplished by providing a periodic signal to an input of the processor (e.g., a stop clock input or a processor enable input). The processor reduces power consumption by stopping an internal clock of the processor, for example. The periodic signal can be provided to the input of the processor to periodically reduce power consumption.

Abstract: Safety level error detection comparable to that provided by redundant wired safety relays is obtained on a backplane of a programmable logic controller or the like by a combination of error detection methods that in sum provide the requisite level of error detection required without necessitating a particular hardware requirement or duplicative message transmissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus controls fans and power supplies to provide accelerated run-in testing. By modulating fans to increase case temperatures and adjusting power supplies to provide “worst case” voltages, a computer system can be subjected to a run-in tests under taxing conditions. By alternately cooling and heating devices such as CPUs, devices can be subjected to mechanical stresses associated with power-on/power off cycles. A time based test implements the present invention based on time, and a temperature based test implements the present invention based on temperature. The present invention can be used to implement a run-in test in which the computer system is operated at an elevated temperature, thereby achieving results similar to those achieved by performing a run-in test in an environmental chamber at an elevated temperature. Alternatively, the a run-in test can be performed by repeatedly cycling the temperature between relatively high and low values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology for saving and restoring controller state and context in an industrial controller. In an aspect of the invention, the industrial controller has a memory module having at least RAM and flash memory. Savings of the state and context is accomplished through writing an image of the RAM to flash memory prior to the power being removed from the RAM. Restoring is accomplished through writing the RAM image in the flash memory back to the RAM after the RAM has been energized.

Abstract: A cause and effect function block, which can be easily integrated into a function block diagram programming environment in a process plant safety system to implement the cause and effect logic specified by a traditional cause and effect matrix, includes a set of cause inputs and a set of effect outputs. A multiplexer within the cause and effect function block receives each of the cause inputs and is coupled to one or more state machines, with a separate state machine existing for each effect output. The multiplexer decodes each of the cause inputs and, based on the cause inputs and previously identified cause and effect matrix logic, provides a trip signal to one or more of the state machines. Upon receiving a trip signal, a state machine forces an associated effect output into a tripped or safe state.

Abstract: A module for controlling a drive is described. The module contains a terminal for connecting to a control system for operating tasks and a control system for safety tasks. Commands from the control system for safety tasks have priority over commands from the control system for operating tasks. A microprocessor is provided for processing the commands and is coupled to the terminal. A logic circuit is provided for prioritizing the commands from the control system for safety tasks, the logic circuit is connected to the microprocessor. At least one output is coupled to the microprocessor and/or the logic circuit. An interface is provided for connecting to the control system for operating tasks or a diagnostic device, the interface is connected to the microprocessor. A memory is provided for storing the commands and replies, the memory is connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A vacuum processing method and apparatus having one cassette containing wafers which are to be transferred in a preset transferring order to a processing unit via a transfer unit, and another cassette containing wafers to be processed on an emergency basis. Automatic control of processing a wafer from the one cassette is effected, and in response to a request for emergency processing of a water of the another cassette, the automatic processing control of the one wafer from the one cassette is temporarily stopped while completing processing of the wafer of the one cassette returning the same to the one cassette. Emergency processing is initiated by transferring a wafer from the another cassette to the vacuum processing unit via the transfer unit. The processing of the emergency wafer is completed and the processed emergency wafer is returned to the another cassette.

Abstract: A hierarchical failure management technique uses an integrated equipment hierarchy to automatically pass failure information from control modules to unit modules. Each control module collects failure information and generates a composite failure code by mathematically combining the failure information collected by that module. Modules which are currently needed by a phase of the unit module to carry out a process automatically send respective failure codes to the unit module. The unit module selects the worst failure code from a list of failure codes within the unit module and compares the selected worst failure code to a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the process should continue.

Abstract: A method and control system computing platform for a dialysis machine that uses Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) architecture. The SMP architecture tightly couples multiple (e.g., 2) independent processors by sharing memory between the processors. A single shared memory is used by both processors in order to facilitate communication between the processors and reduce cost by eliminating the expense of redundant memory. In this way, the two, or in general “N” processors, increase processor throughput by allowing the execution of N processes in parallel while without requiring extra memory and without having a single point of failure in the computer. In the event of a bus failure on the circuit card, the computer is reset using distributed hardware watchdogs. The watchdog reset signal is also sent to the hardware components of the dialysis machine in order to place the system in a safe.

Abstract: A vacuum processing method and apparatus processing units for conducting processing, a transfer processing unit connected with the plurality of processing units for carrying wafers, and a control unit for controlling the processing units. A processing order information storing device stores a processing order of the wafers for the processing units, an operational information signal generating device generates an operational information signal indicating an operable or inoperable state of each of the processing units, an operational information signal storing device stores the operational information signal indicating the state of each of the processing units, and a control device matches and processes the processing order information and the operational information signal, and continues operation without using an inoperable processing unit while using other operable processing units.

Abstract: A triple redundant control device, including, first to third control units, each outputting corresponding one of first to third control signals, and outputting corresponding one of first to third control stop signals when corresponding one of the first to third control units stops, first to third higher value selector switches, each receiving corresponding one of the first to third control signals and corresponding one of the first to third control stop signals, outputting corresponding one of the first to third control signals, and changing output into a signal associated to a value being higher than values of the first to third control signals when the corresponding one of first to third operation stop signal is inputted, a medium value gate receiving signals outputted from the first to third higher value selector switches, selecting and outputting a medium value of values corresponding to the first to third control signals, and a signal selector receiving the first to third control signals and a signal out

Abstract: A control system for a wind power plant that includes a damage module and a control module. The damage module compares existing stress conditions on one or more component parts of the wind power plant to current energy generating costs. The control module alters electric power generated by the wind power plant based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Kiln/cooler control and upset recovery using a combination of model predictive control and expert systems. A method for controlling a non-linear process includes the steps of first providing a controller that is operable to receive inputs representing measured variables of the process and predicting on an output of the controller predicted control values for manipulatible variables that control the process. An expert system is provided that models the actions of an operator of the process over an operating region of the process that represents a set of rules for actions to be taken by an operator upon the occurrence of predetermined conditions in the operation of the process. The operation of the controller is overridden with the expert system when one of the predetermined conditions exists and taking the associated action by the expert system to control the operation of the process by changing one or more of the manipulatible variables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling safety-critical processes. The apparatus includes at least one safe control unit for controlling the safety-critical processes and at least two safe signal units which are connected via I/O channels to the safety-critical processes. The safe control unit and the safe signal units are connected to a common fieldbus. The safe signal units communicate with the safe control unit, but not with one another, when the apparatus is in the control mode. The safe signal units have an evaluator for evaluating a fault message which is broadcasted across the fieldbus, as well as a switching device which autonomously change the safety-critical process to a safe state when a fault message which is evaluated as being relevant occurs.

Abstract: To offer a control system that is not only equipped with a high fail-safe function but also capable of avoiding erroneous failure detection.

Abstract: A method of using an APC system to perform a data pre-population function is described in which the APC system is coupled to a processing element. The APC system comprises an APC computer including operational software, a database coupled to the APC computer, and a GUI, and the processing element comprises at least one of a tool, a processing module, and a sensor. When the APC system operates, the APC system collects data from the processing element and stores the collected data in the database. When an APC malfunction occurs, a data recovery (data pre-population) can be performed. When some of the historical data is missing, a data recovery (data pre-population) can be performed. When an APC system is coupled to a new tool having some historical data, a data recovery (data pre-population) can be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of operating an automation system. A processing unit subjects useful information which is received via a telegram to a user designated logic operation and drives an output channel in accordance with a result of the logic operation. The processing unit monitors a time sequence of process data transmitted with the useful information and drives the output channel only when the time sequence lies within predetermined tolerances. A monitoring unit monitors the processing unit and shifts the output channel to a safe condition as soon as a malfunction of the processing unit is detected. The output channel may include a readback channel which reads back a signal applied to the output channel whereby the monitoring unit compares the applied signal and the readback signal and shifts the output channel to a safe state if the applied signal and the readback signal differ.

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 video camera having a control target which can be controlled by an external control apparatus via communication, and a control method of the video camera. In first memory of the video camera, predetermined standard control data for the control target is stored. When communication is established with an external control apparatus, control data from the external control apparatus is temporarily stored in second memory, and it is determined whether or not a communication error has occurred in the communication with the external control apparatus. If no error is detected in the determination, the control data stored in the second memory is stored in the third memory, but if an error is detected, the control data stored in the second memory is deleted, and the control target is controlled based on the control data stored in the third memory or predetermined standard data stored in the first memory.

Abstract: A control system architecture suitably includes sufficient computation redundancy and control command management to isolate and recover a faulted processor and/or to recover all processing units in the redundant system without adverse effects. Computational redundancy may be provided with multiple processors and/or processing units within computers or computing platforms. In addition to isolating and recovering from internal faults, various embodiments allow computing units to detect faults in other system elements such as sensors, adaptors, actuators and/or effectors. Further embodiments may also include one or more actuator adaptor units that detect faults in other system components and issue discrete instructions to trigger a recovery. In some embodiments, the recovery is performed within one or two computing frames, or otherwise in a short enough time period so as to have only minimal affects, if any, on system performance or redundancy.

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 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: 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 means 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: 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: A probabilistic map generator for indicating the probability of a chemical, biological or other agent in a structure or building. The building is mapped in to floors and several levels of cubes in each floor. The probability of an agent's presence is indicated for each cube. Sensors are placed in various locations on each floor of the building. Inputs from the sensors go to a data processor. The probabilities of an agent's presence may be calculated by the data processor in conjunction with a Kalman filter. The probabilities may be displayed in a diagram of cubes, each having a certain shading indicating a probability of the agent's presence for the respective cube.

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 remote control system for a laundry appliance which includes a remote control device externally accessible via a communication network, the remote control device including a data base storing coping information used to cope with an abnormal condition occurring during operation of the laundry appliance, a laundry appliance control device connected via the communication network to the remote control device so as to transmit information about an abnormal condition via the communication network to the remote control device when the abnormal condition has occurred in the laundry appliance, and an analyzer for analyzing the coping information corresponding to the abnormal condition in the laundry appliance to infer a cause of the abnormal condition of the laundry appliance. When the analyzer analyzes a plurality of pieces of the analytic information, a higher priority is given to the analytic information corresponding to a cause of the abnormal condition with a larger number of times of occurrence.

Abstract: A machine programming and control system includes a computer including a processor, memory, a display and a device associated with a process. A flowcharting module executed by the computer generates and edits a flowchart that contains action and decision blocks which define logic for operating the device to further the process. The flowcharting module allows active debugging objects to be added to the flowchart. The active debugging objects provide information relating debugging of flowchart code and/or debugging of a portion of the process that is related to the flowchart code. The active debugging object includes at least one of audio, a movie clip, a link to a website, and text demonstrating the desired operation of the process. The active debugging object includes at least one of audio, a movie clip, a link to a website, and text describing correct values for control variables at a first logical point in the flowchart.

Abstract: Boundary scan testing methods that detect manufacturing defects in AC-coupled differential pairs may be based on a selected signal parameter: phase or frequency. The data is encoded by the signal parameter. In one embodiment, the signal parameter is compared to reference parameter data provided by the transmitter. In a second embodiment, the reference parameter data is sent from an external source. All the components on board are synchronized with this external source. In a third embodiment, the reference parameter data is embedded in each AC signal between the transmitter and receiver. Two lines of one differential link are used to send different patterns.

Abstract: A class manager stores the information which is divided into hierarchical classes, wherein each class includes a policy for showing how to treat the information according to the security level, and information generating rules showing how to generate the information. A shared data space temporarily stores information. An instance generator generates new information based on the information generating rules and writes it in the shared data space. A security enforcement provides the information with controlling as complying with the policy relating to the information in the shared data space. A monitor monitors the writing and generation of the information in the shared data space.

Abstract: A method for controlling energy systems such as multiple boiler systems to meet an energy need includes a controller configured as a sequencer with the remaining controllers act as individual boiler controllers which periodically send status messages to the sequencer. The energy need is determined by measurements at the sequencer which maintains runtimes of the boilers. The sequencer periodically sends control commands to the boiler controllers to add or delete boilers. The control commands give consideration to the run times of the boilers.