Abstract: An initialization-allowing communication system is constituted with devices 70 and 80, a controller 400 for controlling the devices 70 and 80 through communication, and so on. Each device and the controller 400 are provided with communication means 31, a house code showing a setting place, a subsystem ID showing the ID of a subsystem in a set system, a device ID showing the type of device, and self-address setting-holding means 11 for holding a self-address constituted with a device number showing a device number and the controller 400 is further provided with system structure holding means 301 for holding the information concerned with the system structure to be controlled and a communication-counterpart-address setting-holding means 401 for setting and holding the address of a counterpart to be communication-controlled obtained from the information concerned with the system structure.

Abstract: Appliances (102, 102, 106 and 108) are controlled by providing a source (2016, 112) of command fields (CMD, FIG. 2) that include a context subfield (Community, FIG. 4) defining operating modes and a command subfield (Command, FIG. 4) defining operations to be performed within the context subfield. A network (119) transmits the command fields between the source and the appliance. A controller (112, 116) processes the command fields so that an operation defined by one of the command subfields is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a transient connection port are provided. Further, an apparatus and method for switching between a permanent connection port and a transient connection port are provided. The apparatus and method include a permanent connection port and a transient connection port located at the rear of a rack mounted server system and the front of the rack mounted server system, respectively. The permanent connection port operates when there is an absence of a connected device at the transient connection port. When a device is connected to the transient connection port, a signal is sent to a logic switch which causes the active input to be switched from the permanent connection port to the transient connection port. When the device is no longer connected to the transient connection port, the absence of the signal from the transient connection port causes the logic switch to switch the active input back to the permanent connection port.

Abstract: A two-wire field-mounted process device with multiple isolated channels includes a channel that can be an input channel or an output channel. The given input or output channel can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device is wholly powered by the two-wire process control loop. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input channel and to control actuators coupled to an output channel. The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands. The process device also includes a loop communicator that is adapted to communicate over the two-wire loop.

Abstract: A method, in particular for monitoring, controlling and adjusting a process, wherein a signal processing instruction is synthesized on a computer-assisted user interface by arranging and connecting icons (6, 7), and generated by the computer from base modules containing individual instructions, one base module being allocated to each icon (6, 7), and the individual instructions of the selected base modules being linked to one another according to the graphic integration of the symbols (6, 7) for transmitting and/or processing data.

Abstract: A transducer intraconnection bus connects a limited number of transducer components chosen from a larger number of types of transducer components. The transducer components include functional variations in plant communication protocol, fluid variable, operator control, embedded control and display functional variations. One transducer component is a sensor module that exchanges type data over the transducer intraconnection bus during an adaptation interval. At the end of the adaptation interval, a method of communication is selected that is adaptable to the types connected. During an operational interval following the adaptation interval, the selected method of communication is used on the transducer intraconnection bus.

Abstract: The invention is related to a control method to make IC's operation mode to be provided with uncertainty, wherein a Genetic Random Number is produced with the first use of IC, and a Run-Time Random Number is produced with every use of IC, both numbers are produced from the Random Number pool in IC, and then produce a long serial number through hash function, which include a plurality of control bits to serve as the function control of data shuffle for IC data access, path and direction for data flow, etc. The said long serial number varies with the random number during each time of execution, thus the control method of the long serial number is various and the IC's operation mode is provided with uncertainty. As IC is applied to e-commerce, data security or encryption/decryption process, due to the uncertainty of IC's behavior, a hacker cannot catch the fixed IC's operation mode to break through it just through analysis to a single IC, therefore the data security can be protected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated testing of a plurality of electrostatic discharge (ESD) devices on a wafer. The wafer has M padsets and N conductive pads on each padset, where m is at least 1, and n is at least 2, and each ESD device is conductively coupled to a unique plurality of pads of a padset of the M padsets. Testing sequences, under program control of a computer system, implement the testing of the ESD devices.

Abstract: A system for controlling a complex process in which a supervisory sequential controller interface provides automatic sequencing of a plurality of sequential steps of a procedure for operating the complex process, and a display in dynamic communication with the supervisory sequential controller interface and responsive thereto, displays an overview of the status of progression through the sequential steps relative to the entire process. The display provides a global view of the status of the procedure identifying the state of substantially each criterion that needs to be satisfied to advance to the next sequential step and providing verification that substantially each command to be given upon satisfaction of the criterion, has been executed.

Abstract: A network receiver is configured for receiving a base band carrier signal from another network transceiver via a network medium. A variable gain amplifier generates an amplified base band signal. An A/D converter generates a sequence of sample values representing the base band signal in response to the amplified base band signal. A gain control circuit monitors the sequence of sample values for a plurality of monitoring intervals in a sample time period, determines a range for each monitoring interval, and determines a gain setting for the variable gain amplifier.

Abstract: A process control system includes a controller that executes a control routine which performs a series of unit procedures within a process. The control routine is written or created to specify the class of unit to be used for each unit procedure, but not the actual unit itself. At the start of each unit procedure of the control routine, a dynamic unit selection routine selects a particular unit as the unit to be used during operation of that unit procedure. When called, the dynamic unit selection routine determines a set of possible units to be used, determines if each of the set of possible units is suitable for use during that unit procedure of the control routine based on a suitability criterion, prioritizes the units that meet the suitability criterion based on a priority criterion and selects the particular unit from the prioritized list of suitable units in order of priority.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for data input and data output into or out of an electronic data processing means that has an input to which a voltage is applied via a resistor and that is connected to the ground via an input switch, so that the voltage present at the input is higher than a specified voltage value when the input switch is open and lower than a specified voltage value when the input switch is closed, which is recognized by the software running in the electronic data processing means so that, by actuating the input switch, data can be input into the electronic data processing means. In a preferred embodiment that has an output line, the data can be input via the output line so that no separate line is needed.

Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game, including the gaming habits of players and the performance of employees. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol from each card in a deck of cards before a first one of the cards is removed. The symbol identifies a respective rank and suit of the card. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray, to periodically determine the number and value of chips in the chip tray, and to compare the change in contents of the chip tray to the outcome of game play for verifying that the proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identify wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. A drop box automatically verifies an amount and authenticity of a deposit and reconciles the deposit with a change in the contents of the chip tray.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes memory that stores program instructions for operation of the various operating characteristics, modes, states, cycles, and/or the like of the appliance. The memory is accessible through a network, either public (i.e. the Internet) or private via an integral interface. The program instructions may be provided to the memory via the network to modify, exchange and/or alter existing program instructions and/or provide new program instructions. The network and/or program instructions may also provide diagnostics and communication capabilities.

Abstract: An appliance controller includes a plurality of LEDs that are configured annularly about a control knob of the appliance controller. The LEDs are operated so as to indicate status of the operation of the appliance when the appliance is in a run mode. In one form, the appliance controller illuminates one of the LEDs to indicate at what point the appliance is in its cycle of operation. When the appliance is in a stop mode, the LEDs are operated to indicate where the control knob is positioned when a user is selecting a particular operation with the appliance controller. In one form, as a user rotates the control knob, the appliance controller determines the rotational or angular location of the knob, particularly via a selection indicator of the knob, and illuminates a corresponding LED.

Abstract: In a medical device, a Tx Clock Button is presented on a graphics display overlain with a touch screen which allows an operator to control multiple functions of the medical device. Various parts of Tx Clock Button may be displayed in different colors, and based on the state of treatment at a given time and in response to the operator touching Tx Clock Button, the colors may change to visually indicate a change in state. When the Tx Clock Button is touched for the first time after a new patient has been selected, multiple functions, times, displays, parameters, and alarms of the medical device are initiated. When the Tx Clock Button is touched for the second time, various ones of the multiple functions, times, displays, parameters, and alarms may be suspended. A third touch of the Tx Clock Button may resume the suspended items.

Abstract: The transfer controller with hub and ports (TCHP) performs the task of communication throughout an entire system in a centralized function. A single hub (435) tied to multiple ports (440, 447, 450, 452) by a central pipeline is the medium for all data communications among DSP clusters (455), external devices, and external memory. A transfer request queue manager (420) receives, prioritizes and queues data transfer requests. Each data port includes an identically configured interior interface (901) connected to the hub (435) and an exterior interface (902) configured for a target external memory/device connected to the port. The interior interfaces of all ports are clocked at a common internal frequency, while the exterior interfaces are clocked at the frequency of the external memory/device connected to the port.

Abstract: A device having a variable output electrical characteristic includes first and second output terminals and a number of switching circuits, each switching circuit having two states. One of the states produces a first electrical effect (such as an increased resistance) between the first and second output terminals, and the other state produces a second electrical effect (such as no change in resistance) between the first and second output terminals. A processor generates control signals that are applied to the switching circuits to place the switching circuits into a desired state such that the variable output characteristic between the first and second terminals is set to a desired value, which may be input from a user.

Abstract: A device and method to regulate an electronic device in response to temperature changes is shown and described. For example, the present invention can control devices that are operable in different operational modes. The method and the device can be used so as to include steps of sensing a temperature; accessing a table using the sensed temperature; reading an operational mode indicator from the table, wherein the operational mode indicator corresponds to the sensed temperature; and operating the device in the proper one of the operational modes that corresponds to the operational mode indicator.

Abstract: In an authoring system, a user creates and edits a scenario for a robot by using a GUI screen and a mouse. An authoring tool converts the scenario into a mnemonic code called “RCODE”. When an RCODE action-control program is debugged, the RCODE program is extracted and encrypted step by step. The encrypted program is sequentially transferred to the robot by means of radio communication. The interpreter of the robot performs debugging by sequentially interpreting and executing the transferred program.

Abstract: A method for controlling a microcomputer is provided. The microcomputer is operable without completely expending power of backup power supply when main power is shutdown. During the power shutdown, the microcomputer is connected to a capacitor as a backup power device which supplies small amount of current for a short period. Thus, the microcomputer can execute software for a given period. By changing an operation mode of the microcomputer from high speed mode to low speed mode, power consumption of the microcomputer can be significantly reduced. The method uses software to suppress power consumption of the microcomputer to the minimum and to measure a duration time of power shutdown.

Abstract: A method and an engine monitoring and control system is provided. The system includes a tested unit having a symbol table with addresses of monitored and controlled parameters, an external portable personal computer having a memory, a display and a graphical user interface (GUI) responsive to user commands, and a communication link between the tested unit and the personal computer. The GUI is used for creating a customized set of application-specific GUI display pages with icons and text, for displaying received parameter values, and for selecting commands and parameters from the displayed pages. The computer executes a monitoring software program including a set of computer-executable program instructions for retrieving the tested unit parameter values and controlling the tested unit performance.

Abstract: An irrigation controller in one embodiment comprising a microprocessor for controlling a plurality of watering zones of an irrigation system, a keyboard for enabling an inputting of commands relating to watering programs, a display for displaying information relating to watering programs, and an EEPROM for retaining information relating to watering programs and an on/off status variable even during extended periods without power. The irrigation controller may employ the EEPROM to retain a germinate watering program wherein everyday watering is triggered automatically and a multiplicity of watering start times can be selected. The irrigation controller may employ an analog precision rectifier for detecting how many valves are operational in a given watering zone, and the irrigation controller may also automatically adjust a maximum allowable current in response to how many valves are operational in a given watering zone.

Abstract: An electronic pet having reality by various machines is implemented. An IC card stores a matter to be renewed in accordance with an action when an electronic pet takes the action on the basis of an internal status parameter which contains the feeling of the electronic pet and represents the internal status thereof, and it is detachably mounted in a device functioning as the body of the electronic pet. A virtual pet device functions as the body of the electronic pet and performs processing to display the electronic pet, and it has a slot in which the IC card is detachably mounted. A pet type robot functions as the body of the electronic pet, and it has a slot in which the IC card is detachably mounted.

Abstract: A programmable controller includes a terminal which receives input data from an input unit and outputs output data to be applied to an output unit. The programmable controller also includes a communication unit which executes a serial communication with the terminal to send the output data to the output unit and to receive the input data from the input unit. A control unit repeatedly executes an input process for reading the input data received by the communication unit, an output process for sending the output data to be transmitted by the communication unit, a program execution process for executing a user program and an other process. The program execution process is executed between the input process and a subsequent output process, and the other process is executed between the output process and a subsequent input process.

Abstract: The external intelligent component (3) connected with a microprocessor system (2) is described for essentially automatic control of a control element (1) without burdening the microprocessor system operation. The control parameters for the control element (1) are written into a data memory (6) of the external component (3) from the microprocessor system (2) and are read out internally from the data memory (6) during normal operation of the external component (3). Control of the external component (3) is possible by the microprocessor system (2) without blocking the system bus (5,7) of the microprocessor system (2) using a control line from the microprocessor to a reset input (RESET) of a controller (13) of the external component (3).

Abstract: The present invention provides a rotary machine integrated with a control device, which is effective to reduce the cost of manufacture of a variable-speed pump or the like, and allows control programs to be easily established at the installation site. The present invention also provides an inverter device suitable for the above mentioned rotary machine. A rotary machine and control device combination comprises a rotary machine such as a pump, a fan, or the like and a control device integral therewith. The rotary machine has an inverter device for operating the rotary machine, a memory for storing a control program for the inverter device and a program for controlling operation of the rotary machine, a CPU operable according to the programs stored in the memory, an input and output unit connected to sensors and switches positioned in the rotary machine, one or more serial ports (14) connected to the CPU (12), and device for rewriting contents stored in the memory (11).

Abstract: A device controller can have multiple device performance states (DPS), which represent different levels of performance vs. power consumption during operation. The device controller can include a DPS status register that can be read by a processor, to indicate the current DPS, and a DPS control register that can be written by the processor, to change the current DPS to a desired DPS. The controller may also have a processor performance state (PPS) status register which can be used to affect the desired choice of DPS based on the performance state of the processor. Each of the registers can be accessed by the device driver for that device controller. The DPS of multiple devices can be coordinated to achieve an improved system-level reduction in power consumption, while maintaining sufficient operational capability.

Abstract: Mechanisms for operating an industrial controller (S) equipped with a runtime system (RTS), in particular for production machines, which enable a user to wait in the program flow for any desired condition are provided, the program flow being immediately continued when the condition is satisfied and the program flow being stopped when the condition is not satisfied, until it is established that the condition has been satisfied, the priority of the checking for the condition being increased in comparison with the current task priority while waiting for the condition to be satisfied. When the condition has been satisfied, a defined program sequence is processed with high priority up to an explicit end, the old task priority being resumed after the explicit end of the program sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an analysis tool for aiding in the design of a process control system which conforms to a standard protocol. Such a tool advantageously allows the efficient design of a process control system while ensuring that the physical characteristics of the system conform to the standard.

Abstract: Aspects of embodiments of the invention include a digital content management system providing content synchronization and content continuation over multiple presentation devices, including stationary and mobile presentation devices. According to one embodiment, the content continues from a first device to a second device when the first device is deactivated. According to another embodiment, the content continues from a first device to a second device when the second device is activated.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machine tool which allows the automatic generation of a restoring program for carrying out processing required for the resumption of an NC machining program to resume the execution of the NC machining program after the execution of the NC machining program has been stopped and interrupt processing has been performed. Specifically, even for nesting programs, when the machining program is re-executed from where it had stopped after the execution of the machining program has stopped and the operator has performed optional interrupt processing, the stop-time and re-execution-time machine statuses are compared to automatically generate the restoring program so that the machine status may be returned to the stop-time status, whereby the operator can perform the resumption processing of the machining program without any restrictions.

Abstract: A programmable controller system is disclosed. The system comprises a base board having a plurality of slot, a power supply unit attached to at least one of the slots for supplying power to the base board, a CPU unit attached to at least one of the slots for outputting an I/O unit specification signal for specifying one executing I/O unit from among at least one I/O unit attached to ones of the remaining slots for executing I/O processing, discrimination means for discriminating amount of shifted position of the I/O unit which is changed in accordance with number of slot occupied by the power supply unit and the CPU unit, correction means for correcting the I/O unit specification signal based on the amount of shifted position of the I/O unit discriminated by the discrimination means, selection means for selecting one actual slot in which the I/O unit specified by the I/O unit specification signal is attached based on the corrected I/O specification signal.

Abstract: A modular fluid control system, comprising: a control module for receiving parallel electronic control signals as a plurality of data streams, the control module including a control unit configured to convert the data streams of the parallel electronic control signals to serial electronic control signals, each including a plurality of data pulses as control instruction signals, and an electrical connector; a plurality of valve modules, each valve module including at least one valve operable to control the flow of pressurized fluid; and a plurality of manifold modules connectable in series to the control module and connected to respective ones of the valve modules, each manifold module including a fluid supply conduit to provide a common manifold for receiving pressurized fluid, first and second electrical connectors for connection with ones of the connectors of adjacent manifold modules and the connector of the control module to provide an electrical bus for transmission of the serial control signals and powe

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved digital software-based reactor protection system and an engineered safety feature actuation system.

Abstract: A method and a device having a processor module for controlling operating sequences, in particular in an engine control unit in a motor vehicle, peripheral elements being selected by a processor module having a predetermined number of select interfaces by select signal output over these select interfaces, and instructions being transmitted to the peripheral elements over at least one information interface of the processor module. Selection identifiers are assigned to the instructions and transmitted together with them. Thus, a selection of peripheral elements is made by a select signal and a selection identifier.

Abstract: To be readily adaptable to all sorts of control modes, including process suspend and resume, and reverse sequence control, a series of processes is divided into a plurality of steps, and the substance of the processing performed by each step is defined as a processing unit. Each time a processing unit runs, the system looks up a run process information area in which process information has been recorded, and runs the next processing unit specified there. Also, each time a processing unit runs, the process information is updated with information relating to the next processing unit to be run.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling devices with digitally stored content. Devices such as home electronic appliances, lighting systems, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, home security systems and home entertainment systems are controlled from a single, centralized device. A set top box (STB) stores scripts that include program content for controlling the operation of a plurality of these devices from the STB. A user of the STB selects the desired scripts, and the STB accesses the selected scripts from storage based on a triggering mechanism such as time, content, event, etc. The STB selectively controls operation of certain devices designated in the script. The method provides ease of control over multiple and diverse devices, applications and media within a user's own home environment, with more functionality and flexibility than currently available.

Abstract: A programmable controller system is provided having an input/output (I/O) module number assignment routine. The system includes a master controller and a plurality of I/O modules operatively connected thereto. The I/O modules form at least two banks. An individual module number is assigned to each of the plurality of I/O modules based on a successive position of each I/O module relative to the master controller and based on the I/O modules of each bank being numbered in succession in a predetermined direction through each bank.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed which permits information captured by each sensor to be sent exactly to a main controller and a fall in the level of sensor signals with time to be automatically compensated for with no need to make sensor signal lines long and without reducing the sensor monitoring accuracy and limiting the number of sensors used. The levels of signals from sensors connected to each of unit controllers are compared with slice levels. The results of comparisons are converted into a serial signal and then transmitted to the main controller. Each time the sensor signal level is monitored, the optimum slice level therefor is set.

Abstract: An enhanced programmable controller for enabling access to data using internal variable names and public variable names on a communication control interface. The enhanced programmable controller includes a data storage device for storing data required for control. A program memory stores a sequential program. A communication interface communicate with other programmable controllers. A central processing unit executes the sequential program and controls a variable name conversion unit. The variable name conversion unit converts variable names, that are actual functional names, into physical addresses when variable name access is demanded from other programmable controllers.

Abstract: The invention relates to field management in industrial process systems and similar systems. In the invention, maintenance management systems of industrial processes of separate plants located geographically apart from each other are networked in such a way that they may communicate with each other or with a centralized maintenance management server and transmit information on maintenance parameters of field devices of different types. As a result, experience obtained in one industrial process can be transferred to other respective industrial processes and applications. By utilizing this globally collected cumulative information, it is possible to improve and specify the diagnostics of the separate local maintenance systems (6) essentially faster than in case if the local maintenance management system were independent and the diagnostics were changed on the basis of local experience only.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus for coating resist onto a substrate and developing the coated resist, comprising a power supply equipped with a main switch controlled in an ON/OFF manner, a plurality of electric appliances operated substantially in the same manner when power is supplied from the power supply, a power distribution circuit for supplying power to each of the plurality of electric appliances, and a control section connected to the power distribution circuit, for controlling power-supply timing to the plurality of electric appliances. The control section staggers power-supply timing to each of the electric appliances when the main switch is turned on.

Abstract: The invention is aimed at providing a programmable logic control system capable of executing a plurality of functions to realize high-speed data communication between itself and a control input/output unit without degrading the performance of the programmable logic control system, thereby significantly enhancing the performance and simplifying maintenance. To attain the aim, the programmable logic control system comprises a plurality of separate modules obtained by grouping the operating sections and the input/output sections of the controllers in the form of separate modules, and mounted on a back board. On the back board, there is also provided a control input/output unit connector. A signal is used for the control input/output unit connector connected parallel to the separate modules via the back board, so that communication can be performed, during use of a bus, between the separate modules and the control input/output unit.

Abstract: A multifunction user interface provided as an add-on option to a more basic multifunction sensor which does not provide a display or keypad, to provide a local user interface to access and control parameters of a control network. The basic multifunction sensor provides a plurality of parameter sensors in one sensor housing, and can interface with and control operation of one or more processor control systems connected by a network bus in an occupied space networked environment. The basic sensor comprises at least an occupancy sensor, a temperature sensor, and a common network communications and control processor coupled to a common communication transceiver. This allows the basic multifunction sensor to interface with and control operation of one or more processor control systems in an occupied space networked environment.

Abstract: A microcomputer is provided to generate PLC instructions. The microcomputer converts the PLC instructions into machine codes which are converted into execution instructions. The microcomputer is further provided with at least one hardware interface for controlling at least one controllable member. The hardware interface converts the execution instructions into control signals which are supplied to the controllable member. The controllable member connects on the hardware interface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a learning programmable limit switch for use in a motion system which provides passive feedback to a controller. The learning programmable limit switch is capable of causing the motion control system to operate in accordance with a user-programmed motion profile. The learning programmable limit switch provides the capability of accurately “learning” and controlling the positions at which a motion system changes velocity, as well as the timing at which the system causes a driven mechanism to, for example, stop. The system is intended for use in variable speed drives, hydraulic, pneumatic drive systems or any system where real time, passive feedback control is desired. In one typical environment, the learning programmable limit switch is connected to an output shaft of a driver. The outputs of the learning programmable limit switch are turned ON/OFF based upon the detected angular position of the output shaft.

Abstract: An environmental control system for a building intended for human occupancy in which the operating environment is controlled in response to any of a plurality of states of the building as represented by a state vector. A plurality of independently operating controllers contain stored sets of addressable control functions which are accessed by the state vector signal. The controllers produce operating point signals for apparatuses which affect operating environment parameters in accordance with the addressed control functions.

Abstract: A distributed control system including self-organizing components which are preselected on the basis of built in behaviors which are needed to perform a particular application. The built in behaviors enable the components to automatically self-organize and perform the application once coupled to the network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling plumbing fixtures includes an electronic control board having a microprocessor that accepts four inputs and produces four outputs. Inputs at other than the microprocessor's operating voltage are converted thereto. Outputs having different voltages are controlled by latching relays. The control board can be used with a Smart Sink that requires a sequenced hand washing. The control board can form a node on a network that monitors and controls the functions of multiple boards throughout a facility.