Abstract: A machine can be accessed and controlled with the help of an interface device. The customizable interface device contains device elements that define features relating to the external representation and internal functionality of the interface device, as linked to one or more machines. An operator can use a configuration station to implement single or reoccurring queries that interact with the interface device and corresponding machines. In particular, the queries target the configuration of device elements in the interface device. The process can include temporarily unloading unused features from active memory and mirroring property changes initialized by a source. An emulator can assist in the configuration process by providing a preliminary software representation of the interface device hardware. A user can develop, test, and reconfigure functions on the emulator before loading the finalized platform to the interface device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that facilitates communication between different processes and different threads in these different processes. The system includes a process communication multiplexer (PCM) that creates a well-known named shared memory area that can be used by any processes/threads running in the operating system for building messages that can be sent to any other threads, utilizing services provided by the PCM. The well known named shared memory area will contain all the information necessary for a process to build mechanisms, such as a unique semaphore and named events, for sending data to the PCM for distribution to other processes. The PCM will also support communications directed to it by remote processes.