Abstract: A building management system includes a telephony interface, by which a caller can enter information about a problem, thereby eliminating the need for a human operator. The building management system may also include components that enable the system to verify the condition reported by the caller. The building management system may also include a capability for storing sensor and other data automatically gathered from the building at the time the caller reports the problem. This “snapshot” can be used later by a service representative to diagnose the problem. Such a snapshot is particularly valuable when diagnosing a transient problem. In addition, the snapshot can be provided to a service bureau that is to handle the problem, thus giving the service bureau information relevant to the problem, without giving the service bureau access to all data collected by the building management system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing device independent control and modification is provided, where the system contains a supervisory controller and a first level controller in communication with the supervisory controller. The first level controller contains software therein, wherein the software is the intersection of program code and objects, and wherein objects of the software include at least one device object summarizing properties of the first level controller and limits of the first level controller, and at least one logical element object defining functionality to be performed by the first level controller. Functionality of the first level controller can be changed by changing values of the objects.

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: A flowchart-based programming and control system includes a computer with a processor, memory, and display. A device is connected to the computer and is associated with a process. A flowcharting module generates and edits flowchart source code that includes flowchart blocks and that contains logic for operating the device. First and second flowchart blocks assign an operational state of the process. A reason code module associated with the flowcharting module assigns first and second reason codes to the first and second flowchart blocks. The flowchart module compiles the flowchart source code into flowchart object code. A flowchart run-time engine module executes the flowchart object code to control the process. The flowchart object code generates the first and second reason codes during execution of the first and second flowchart blocks. A performance analysis module and a charting module record and graphically represent the operational state of the process over time.

Abstract: A machine programming and control system includes a computer including a processor, memory, a display, and a device that is 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 diagnosis objects to be associated with at least one of the action and decision blocks. The active diagnosis objects facilitate diagnosis of non-coding process problems. The active diagnosis object automatically initiates a message when the action or decision block is executed. The message includes at least one of an e-mail, a pager message, an operator alert and an alarm.

Abstract: A project organization and dissemination system for a machine programming and control system includes a project development environment that communicates with a distributed communications system. The project development environment includes project tools for designing project elements. The project tools include a control logic module that generates and edits flowchart project elements that include flowchart blocks and contain control logic for operating a device to further a process. A project archival system communicates with the distributed communications system and stores the project elements. A web enabled device communicates with the distributed communications system and allows remote access to the project elements. Other project elements include human machine interface (HMI), databases, network layout, electrical and electromechanical devices, spatial arrangement, process logic and flow, and/or facility layout and design.

Abstract: A flowchart-based programming and control system includes a computer including a processor, memory and a display. A device is connected to the computer and is associated with a process. A flowcharting module run by the computer generates and edits a flowchart that includes flowchart blocks and that contains logic for operating the device to further the process. The flowcharting module includes a debugging mode that displays the flowchart and identifies a flowchart block that is currently being executed. The debugging mode displays a value of a control variable that is associated with a selected flowchart block. The debugging mode allows the value of the control variable to be changed, forced on, forced off, set to zero, and/or set to a new value.

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: A machine programming and control system includes a computer including a processor, memory, a display, and a device that is 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 diagnosis objects to be associated with at least one of the action and decision blocks. The active diagnosis objects facilitate diagnosis of non-coding process problems. The active diagnosis object automatically initiates a message when the action or decision block is executed. The message includes at least one of an e-mail, a pager message, an operator alert and an alarm.

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 description objects to be added to the flowchart. The active description objects provide information relating documentation of the process, maintenance of said device, control variables and the flowchart.

Abstract: A project organization and dissemination system for a machine programming and control system includes a project development environment that communicates with a distributed communications system. The project development environment includes project tools for designing project elements. The project tools include a control logic module that generates and edits flowchart project elements that include flowchart blocks and contain control logic for operating a device to further a process. A project archival system communicates with the distributed communications system and stores the project elements. A web enabled device communicates with the distributed communications system and allows remote access to the project elements. Other project elements include human machine interface (HMI), databases, network layout, electrical and electromechanical devices, spatial arrangement, process logic and flow, and/or facility layout and design.

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: Control program statements are graphically displayed as flowchart logic. The runtime engine associated with the process control computer monitors and maintains state data indicating whether a program statement was executed on every pass, on at least one but not all passes, or never. This state information is used by the program tracker to render the graphically displayed program blocks in a different color or other visual indicia, allowing the user to perceive what program branches the runtime program actually took during operation. The user is thus provided with useful logic flow information even though the executing program may operate cyclically at a speed faster than the user can directly perceive.

Abstract: Control program statements are graphically displayed as flowchart logic. The runtime engine associated with the process control computer monitors and maintains state data indicating whether a program statement was executed on every pass, on at least one but not all passes, or never. This state information is used by the program tracker to render the graphically displayed program blocks in a different color or other visual indicia, allowing the user to perceive what program branches the runtime program actually took during operation. The user is thus provided with useful logic flow information even though the executing program may operate cyclically at a speed faster than the user can directly perceive.

Abstract: A self configuring track controller for a diverter gate motor in a stacker area of a document sorting system having pockets in which documents are selectively directed includes identical devices for governing each diverter gate motor in the stacker area. Integral with each track controller is a data line using binary, serial signals to teach each track controller its sequential position in the stacker area relative to other track controllers.

Abstract: A plurality of pockets of a document sorter are controlled by a time-division multiplexed controller, in order to insure that the bottom and leading edges of documents within each pocket are aligned. The controller utilizes a programmed microcomputer in a time-division multiplexed arrangement in order to increase hardware efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for detecting overlapped documents in a document processing apparatus by detecting the translucency of the documents. The disclosed apparatus includes a transport path for guiding documents and drive wheels for moving the documents along the transport path. Four LED (light source) phototransistor (light detector) pairs are located across the transport path. One LED-phototransistor pair is used together with electronics to detect when a document is present. Two LED-phototransistor pairs are used together with edge detection electronics to detect sudden significant changes in document translucency from the immediately previous translucency of the same document as the documents pass thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for detecting document jams in a document processing apparatus by detecting the translucency of the documents. The disclosed apparatus includes a transport path for guiding documents and drive wheels for moving the documents along the transport path. An LED light source located on one side of the transport path illuminates at least a portion of the moving document as it passes along the transport path. A phototransistor light detector located on the other side of the transport path detects light from the LED that passes through translucent portions of the document. Electronics connected to the light detector indicate a document jam when the translucency of a document is generally unchanged for a period of time while the document is between the light source and light detector.