Abstract: A data construct set and method for use with an industrial process which is controlled according to execution code wherein a processor running the code generates requests to mechanical resources to cause the resources to perform the process, the construct enabling generation of diagnostic code interspersed within the execution code which, when an event is to occur, indicates the event to occur, the invention also including status based diagnostics generally and methods of using the data construct set for generating both execution code and status based diagnostics.

Abstract: A data construct set and method for use with an industrial process which is controlled according to execution code wherein a processor running the code generates requests to mechanical resources to cause the resources to perform the process, the construct enabling generation of diagnostic code interspersed within the execution code which, when an event is to occur, indicates the event to occur, the invention also including status based diagnostics generally and methods of using the data construct set for generating both execution code and status based diagnostics.

Abstract: A data construct set and method for use with an industrial process which is controlled according to execution code wherein a processor running the code generates requests to mechanical resources to cause the resources to perform the process, the construct enabling generation of diagnostic code interspersed within the execution code which, when an event is to occur, indicates the event to occur, the invention also including status based diagnostics generally and methods of using the data construct set for generating both execution code and status based diagnostics.

Abstract: A programming language for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder logic language, the programming language including both extensions to standard RLL rung form itself and extensions wholly independent of the standard form. The language uses a plurality of templates, each template including truly reusable relay ladder language sections. Most templates also include specifications identifying other templates which provide additional language logic required to define job-specific aspects of the referencing template. Using the templates a machine tree can be provided which mirrors an industrial process. By compiling all of the templates, a relay ladder language program can be provided.

Abstract: A system software solution for controlling an enterprise which defines and illustrates the electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, logic, diagnostics, external behavior, controlled resources and safety elements of an enterprise control system. The elements of the control system are encapsulated in objects of an object-oriented framework within a control assembly. The control assembly is the fundamental building block for providing object-oriented control of the enterprise. A control assembly component is a deployable control subsystem that provides an interface using a common object model that is configurable. The enterprise control system is used to define user interfaces including sequence charts that are updated in a substantially realtime manner utilizing the control assemblies associated with the generated code for the enterprise control system.

Abstract: A programming language for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder logic language, the programming language including both extensions to standard RLL rung form itself and extensions wholly independent of the standard form. The language uses a plurality of templates, each template including truly reusable relay ladder language sections. Most templates also include specifications identifying other templates which provide additional language logic required to define job-specific aspects of the referencing template. Using the templates a machine tree can be provided which mirrors an industrial process. By compiling all of the templates, a relay ladder language program can be provided.

Abstract: An editor apparatus for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder language, the apparatus used to provide RLL logic to control a machine axis. The apparatus includes a display for creating an axis behavior profile that represents input devices, output devices, actuators, and required movements. The apparatus gleans information from the profile and, based on the information, creates modules that include logic required to provide a program section for controlling the axis. A compiler then compiles the modules to provide an RLL program section to control the axis.

Abstract: An editor apparatus and method for programming industrial controllers in relay ladder language, the apparatus or method used to provide RLL logic to control machine tool movements in a desired sequence. The apparatus includes a display for creating a bar chart image that represents all functions in a cycle and graphically illustrates all function contingencies. The apparatus gleans function, cycle and contingency information from the image and, based on the information, creates modules that include logic required to make each function contingent upon illustrated conditions. A compiler then compiles the modules to provide an RLL program section to control the cycle.

Abstract: A programmable controller stores and executes a directed sequencer program that responds to the status of input devices and controls a machine having actuators which move a member into a plurality of positions along a linear axis. An apparatus for programming the controller to execute the directed sequencer program comprises a manual data entry device and a monitor for displaying information to a user of the programmable controller. The programming apparatus enables the user to create a graphical behavior profile on the monitor which depicts operation of the machine when the member is in each position. The user also is able to designate whether each of the actuators is to be activated when the member is located at each of the positions, and the status of each input device when the member is located at each of the positions. A indication of one of the plurality of positions at which the member causes the controller to send a signal to the output also is displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A programmable controller for sensing the status of input devices and controlling the state of operating devices in accordance with a stored ladder logic control program includes a step sequencer. A memory is provided for storing data regarding each step of the sequence. This data defines the operating device states for each step, and the legitimate transitions from that step to other selected steps in the sequence, along with the input status conditions which trigger a step transition. A processor responds to a ladder logic instruction by comparing the status of the input devices to the stored input status conditions for the current step to detect if a step transition should occur. Upon such a detection the sequencer advances to the step associated with the detected input status condition. Should an illegal transition from one step to another occur, an error message is generated.

Abstract: A distributed machine information and control system which includes a plurality of programmable control stations for controlled operation of associated implements of plant machinery. A number of zone diagnostic stations are coupled to one or more programmable control stations, either directly or through individually machine diagnostic stations, for monitoring and diagnosing program-controlled machinery operation. A central management information system receives diagnostic information from the various diagnostic stations for storage and selective reporting of plant operation to management. The system includes facility for uploading to the central system operator-varied control programming from the individual control stations and for automatically downloading diagnostic programming to the diagnostic station which reflects such operator changes in machinery control programming.