Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus of managing time for a processing system located on a machine. The processing system includes a plurality of controllers and a communication network connecting each of the controllers. Each of the controllers has a local clock. The method includes the steps of establishing an operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to update a local time in response to said operating characteristic, and updating said local time based upon the local clock in response to said update determination.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 8, 2000
Date of Patent:
October 5, 2004
Assignee:
Caterpillar Inc
Inventors:
Dennis A. Barney, Steven V. Christensen, Timothy A. Cross, Michael R. Lyons, Ron J. Penick, Curtis V. Rocke, Christian A. Schreiner, April D. Scott, David G. Young