Abstract: Low processing power microprocessors are cheap and represent a great solution for automation, control, basic signal processing and other problems. A microprocessor's intelligence derives from the program it executes. The Smart Internetworking Operating System (SIOS) is a multitasking operating system capable of operating in low processing power platforms, such as 8-bit microprocessors. SIOS supports rapid development of complete applications since task programming is based on SIOS instructions, instead of on the underlying microprocessor's native language. The SIOS instruction set allows the execution of both simple and complex operations, which speeds up application development since programmers need not be concerned with the microprocessor-specific details, and can concentrate on developing intelligent operation routines according to the requirements of the problem at hand.

Abstract: A method to design a controller is provided, considering controller“s versatility to work over any kind of layer 3 or layer 2 communication protocol and under any kind of control application. A programming language running on a system external to the controller considers a high level programming method. At the same time, the corresponding graphic interface needed to monitor a controller or a group of networking controllers is considered as a central program capable of communicating with the controller(s) in order to request for valuable data to monitor the control system and the process being controlled. Defining an object-oriented programming methodology the high level programming language as long as the centralized monitoring graphic interface can be abstract entities from the point of view of the controller(s) and vice versa. In order to abstract the controller from the type of selected communication protocol or control network working on layer 3 or layer 2, a network adapter is defined.

Abstract: On the preferred embodiment, the basic system comprises a communication serial bus 8, which interconnects one or several remote smart micro-units 14, minimal in size and cost, with a master controller unit 2. The remote unit 14 controls and monitors the operation of one or several sensors, actuators or peripherals 12. The resulting network system provides reliability, and easy and low-cost deployment. The network utilizes the Inter-Integrated Circuit communication (IIC) protocol, with one or more masters 2 on one end of an external bus 8, and one or more slave remote units 14 distributed along the bus 8. The peripherals 12 are powered, controlled and connected to the network via the remote unit 14 attached to them. The remote units are configured and operated via the network, receiving commands issued by the master 2.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a novel and comprehensive method that can be justly called TRUE distributed control (TRUE-DC). This paradigm or method is based on a thorough understanding of real industry needs, and of the theory behind distributed control systems (i.e., the idea of distributed control). It encloses, supplements and/or corrects existing distributed control methods and concepts by introducing a new and real distributed control model based on distributed logic, redundancy and security.

Abstract: On the preferred embodiment, this system comprises two video cameras 18 and 20, a document tray 12 performing document detection, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen 10, a push button 14 for local activations, and an LED indicator 16. The main function and object of this system is to act as a front-end for a video security system able to record documents transactions. This camera system provides compatibility with any existing image storage device capable of storing and managing composite video images. If the main storage system can handle and store composite video images, this camera system is compatible with it and can get any advanced feature shown in the main video system.