Abstract: A CANOpen network including a bus master and an I/O module is disclosed. Each is communicatively coupled to a common bus. The I/O module is subject to a state change. The bus master collects state information from the I/O module by determining if the bus master is prepared to receive further data from the bus and sending a trigger signal from the bus master to the I/O module if the bus master is prepared to receive further data from the bus. The I/O modules sends a state signal to the bus master in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to facilitating communication within an automation system having a plurality of networks and network protocols. Specifically, a Modbus network is operably connected to a network. A fieldbus coupler operably connected to both networks having a program facilitates communication within the automation system wherein devices connected to the network can be accessed for monitoring and/or controlling via Modbus commands. The fieldbus coupler (FBC) program accepts a Modbus function code containing one or more embedded message of varying types. The FBC program using additional information contained in the Modbus function code and the message type reads or writes only the required information to and from the field devices. This specific read or write request of the information and the embedding of more than one message type reduces overhead and bandwidth usage, thus improving bus response time and efficiency.

Abstract: A CANOpen network including a bus master and an I/O module are disclosed. Each are communicatively coupled to a common bus. The I/O module is subject to a state change. The bus master collects state information from the I/O module by sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to a state change of the I/O module, sending a trigger signal from the bus master to the I/O module, and sending a state signal from the I/O module to the bus master in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: A software system that includes text messages intended for viewing by a user, where the user can select at any time from various supported spoken languages, the language in which the text messages are to be provided, i.e. a multi-language software system.