Abstract: A programmable controller system comprises networks including a plurality of programmable controllers and a development support device. One of the programmable controllers is set as a relay programmable controller. The development support device is used by online-connecting to the relay programmable controller via a communication line and by switching connecting destination to a target programmable controller on the networks during a state of online-connecting to the relay programmable controller.

Abstract: An automation interface is provided for interacting with industrial controllers. The automation interface provides for programming, editing, monitoring and maintenance of industrial controllers programmatically from a local or remote location. The automation interface component is adapted to communicate with industrial controllers by integrating a computer process interface library into the automation interface component. The computer process interface library exposes the automation interface component to client application processes, so that the client application processes can communicate with the at least one industrial controller programmatically. The automation interface is provided with functionality for downloading, uploading and programming of control programs to the processors of the industrial controllers.

Abstract: A substrate processing system allows to reduce the number of works that should be done by a software engineer. The system 100 includes a substrate processing apparatus 101; a substrate processing controller 102 for controlling the substrate processing apparatus 101; and a server 103 for storing therein commands, i.e., instructional statements, for defining an operation of each device. The substrate processing controller 102 has a RAM 105 serving as a work space for creating a macro file corresponding to each of processes divided from the whole substrate processing or for changing the content of a macro file; and an executor 108 composed of, e.g., CPU for executing a process sequence macro obtained by a combination of the created macro files. The user creates a macro file describing a sequential operation of each process or changes the content of a macro file by arranging the stored commands.

Abstract: A parallel control method for sequential process control flow. First, a parallel step including a plurality of independent sub-steps is generated in a sequential process control flow. One of the sub-steps is directed to execute at a time, and any sub-step gains the right to execute when the other sub-steps are in waiting state. It is assessed the parallel step is complete by whether all of the sub-steps are complete, and the sequential process control flow is controlled to a next step succeeding the parallel step if the parallel step is complete.

Abstract: A host and ancillary tool interface methodology for distributed processing is described. The host tool manages a process, except for the generation of a product used in the process. To generate the product, the host tool provides an indication to an ancillary tool that the product is to be generated, and the ancillary tool generates the product after detection of the indication with no further intervention by the host tool. To provide the indication, the host tool preferably activates a control line whose voltage is monitored by the ancillary tool, or alternatively, sets one or more bits in a memory which is periodically checked by the ancillary tool.

Abstract: A method for improving a link schedule used in a communications network is disclosed. While the method applies generally to networks that operate on a scheduled communications basis, it is described in the context of a Foundation FIELDBUS. The method includes: scheduling sequences and their associated publications according to their relative priority, per application; minimizing delays between certain function blocks, and between certain function blocks and publications; and grouping certain publications. Accordingly, advantages such as latency reduction, schedule length reduction, and improved communications capacity are gained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authoring and playing back lighting programs that include a plurality of lighting sequences for controlling a plurality of lights. One aspect stores the lighting program in a data format that represents a final data stream capable of directly controlling the plurality of lights. Another aspect allows execution of the lighting program to be modified in response to external stimuli.

Abstract: A building safety system and method are provided that permits occupants of a building to access building safety information. The system also permits the building owner/management company to monitor and administer building safety training.

Abstract: A controller in an MFP starts a warm up needed for a capability given with a high priority at a time of returning when the MFP comes in the normal startup state or in the return state from the power saving mode as the power supply button or the power saving mode button of the MFP is depressed. In a case where the user selects any one of capability selection buttons as a capability he wishes to use while the machine of the MFP is returning, the controller starts a warm up needed for the capability assigned to the selected capability selection button, and enables the selected capability when the warm up ends. Also, in a case where no capability selection button is selected, the controller enables the capability given with a high priority when the warm up for the capability given with a high priority ends.

Abstract: The work memory of a programmable logic controller (PLC) is loaded with only one instruction at a time from the PLC's load memory which contains the entire instruction set to control a process. Each instruction has a format which contains at least one option code which must be evaluated to be true by the PLC interpreter before the corresponding instruction can be executed. If the interpreter evaluates the at least one option code to be false, the instruction is not executed and the next instruction is transferred from the load memory to the work memory and its corresponding option codes are then evaluated.

Abstract: A development aid device for development of a ladder program such as a user program for a programmable controller has a program memory for storing the user program and an outline data generating part for sequentially scanning constituent elements of this stored user program to extract specified elements including output commands and generating outline data by assigning individual index numbers to these extracted elements sequentially in the order of their appearance on the user program. An outline data memory stores the generated outline data. A cross-reference data generating part generates cross-reference data by extracting commands having a same operand from the user program, and a cross-reference data memory stores the generated cross-reference data.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing image data for visualizing a defective part and/or a repair process and/or a maintenance service of a road-bound vehicle, in particular a car or motorcycle. The aim is to reduce the translation costs for repair manuals. The method is characterized by the following: digital data is provided for at least two vehicle parts, in particular CAD data, vector data or another form of digital data suitable for visualizing is provided; digital data on the location of said two vehicle parts with respect to each other is also provided; a first selection element is provided for selecting a first repair operation from a plurality thereof, data, i.e., image data of the first stage of said first repair operation is provided, afterwards image data of the second stage of the first repair operation is provided.

Abstract: A tuning method for a motion simulator embarking a payload. The simulator includes a mechanical device, a mobile plate of which is capable of carrying a payload, and a control unit including a controller capable of position feedback controlling said plate. The method enables an automatic tuning of the controller in order to feedback control the system embarking a given payload.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a control system. The control system may be adapted to control one or more lighting systems (e.g. stand-alone or networked lighting systems). The control system may also have a user interface (e.g. dial or button) such that a user can make a program selection and/or alter a lighting control feature. The control system may also include an enablement system. In an embodiment, the enablement system may be arranged to provide a user and/or installer with the ability to enable a program, program setting or the like. For example, the control system may be programmed with three lighting control programs and the user may only want to select from two of the three programs once the control system is installed. The user may make a selection on the enablement system such that only the two desired programs are available from through the user interface.

Abstract: In order to automatically calculate an operational sequence of processes that determine an output value from at least one input value, a multitude of processes (P1–P8), whose inputs are provided with at least one of the attributes: input value of the same calculation cycle (PRE), input value of the preceding calculation cycle (POST), input value from any calculation cycle (ANY), are arranged in such a manner that a process, which does not have any input with the attribute input value of the same calculation cycle (PRE), is determined as the first process of a calculation cycle and, in successive analogous steps, determines a quantity of possible sequences.

Abstract: An information processing device sends task unit indicator information for a set of task units having an assigned execution sequence to a robot control device and numerical control device which are work performing elements. A work performing element that can execute the first task unit sends back a notification for executability. The information processing device selects one of the work performing elements which has output a notification for executability, and issues an execution command to same. After execution, the task unit indicator information, from which the first task unit that has been executed is deleted, is returned to the information processing device. The information processing device then sends this task unit indicator information to all of the work performing elements. Thereafter, this processing is repeated until task units disappear in the task unit indicator information.

Abstract: The invention provides a cloth washer, a dish washer-dryer and a control system associated therewith, which facilitate establishing of a special operating program. The cloth washer comprises selector means for selecting one of a plurality of basic operating programs, which are individually preprogrammed with specifications of washing operation, rinsing operation and spin-dry operation, special operating program setting means for establishing a special operating program by correcting at least one of the specifications of the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation preprogrammed for the one selected by the selector means among the plurality of basic operating programs, and control means for controlling the washing operation, the rinsing operation and the spin-dry operation according to the special operating program set by the special operating program setting means.

Abstract: A controller with attachments for controlling specific electronic circuits is disclosed. Each attachment has a connector connectable to the electronic circuit to be controlled, and a memory accessible by the controller that contains configuration data for accessing the electronic circuit, and operational software for operating the electronic circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for confining a robot to a particular space. The system includes a portable barrier signal transmitter that produces a barrier signal primarily along an axis, and a mobile robot capable of avoiding the barrier signal upon detection of the barrier signal. In the preferred embodiment the barrier signal is emitted in an infrared frequency and the robot includes an omni-directional signal detector. Upon detection of the signal, the robot turns in a direction selected by a barrier avoidance algorithm until the barrier signal is no longer detected.

Abstract: Control programs for machine tools and industrial machines include programs that control axis motion, and programs, that periodically execute machine sequence control. Both the axis motion control programs and the sequence programs are coded in an NC program format. The controller analyzes the sequence programs created in NC program format, converts them into executable form, and executes the executable-form programs periodically from when power to the machine is turned on until the power is shut down.

Abstract: A built-in analyzer controller including: a device controlling circuit for controlling the hardware of an analyzer; a network interface circuit for connecting the analyzer to a network; and built-in programs including a server program for performing a communication through the network interface using a predetermined communication protocol between the analyzer and an external terminal. The server program performs the processes of: sending information of the operating status of the analyzer to the external terminal on receiving a request for the same from the external terminal; and setting a control parameter of the analyzer using the device controlling circuit on receiving a request for setting the control parameter from the external terminal. Using the analyzer controller, the user can monitor and control an analyzer or analyzers connected to a LAN from a remote place, without requiring special programs, and at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of operation and a control program for a central unit (e.g., CPU) in an automation system repeatedly executing a control program that is stored in the central unit and comprises at least two subprograms. A single instance of execution occurs within a cycle time which is stipulated by the control program. The central unit executes only one of the subprograms—the activated subprogram—at a time. The cycle time is independent of the activated subprogram, is shorter than the time required in order to execute all of the subprograms, and is at least as long as the longest time period required in order to execute one of the subprograms once.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing image data for visualizing a defective component and/or a repair cycle and/or a maintenance cycle of a road-bound motor vehicle, especially a passenger case or a motorbike. In order to reduce translation costs occurring for conventional repair instructions, the following steps are provided: digitalized data from at least two components of the vehicle is provided, especially CAD or vector data or another visual data format, digitalized data from the arrangement of the two components of the vehicle relative to each other is also provided. A first selection element for selecting a first repair cycle from a plurality of repair cycles, data or image data of the first step of the first repair cycle is provided, in addition to subsequent data or image data of the second step of the first repair cycle.

Abstract: A semiconductor device, which is controlled based on a control signal corresponding to control data includes: a control register in which the control data is set; a sequencer which performs read control of a first control command on a nonvolatile memory in which the first control command is stored; a first command bus to which the first control command read from the nonvolatile memory is output; and a first decoder which decodes the first control command of the first command bus. The sequencer cyclically performs read control of the first control command on the nonvolatile memory, and sets the control data corresponding to the first control command in the control register each time the first decoder decodes the first control command output to the first command bus.

Abstract: A method for programming a programmable logic controller (PLC) is disclosed. The PLC may be used to control devices of a secured facility, such as a detention center, jail, or prison. The disclosed method may include creating a spreadsheet including information relating to devices and functions of a system to be controlled by the PLC, such as the number and type of door locks and the functionality of the door locks. The method may further include analyzing the spreadsheet to detect errors in the information stored in the spreadsheet. The method may further includes writing PLC logic to control the system based in the information in the spreadsheet.

Abstract: A controller for a machine tool or production machine is disclosed. The controller includes system software that implements a control function for the machine tool or production machine, real-time basic application software and real-time custom-designed application software for expanding the system software, and a software interface allowing the real-time basic application to access data and functions of the system software. The controller further includes a custom-designed software interface provided by the basic application software for communication between the basic application software and the custom-designed application software. With the disclosed controller, custom-designed application software can be integrated in the system software of the controller without detailed information about the system software of the controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to monitor the statuses of devices that can operate and transmit current device status information to a storage location. In this system, there is a can be a central storage location of the status of all designated device attributes of a device including the past state history of the device. The storage location can also be distributed and in one or more remote locations. Each device on the system will transmit a state change notification to the central location each time the status of the device changes. This status change will be recorded in the location storage. The present invention provides for the creation of sets of instructions to enable the initiation of operations by devices in response to a set of current statuses of one or more devices. Each workflow routine will be based on a set device statuses. This set of device statuses can be referred as a device scenario.

Abstract: A technique for configuring a Boolean logic function block displays a matrix associated with the Boolean logic function block on a display screen of a computer. A programmer may then enter configuration data into the matrix to configure the Boolean logic function block. The matrix may include a plurality of cells, some of which correspond to variables to be used in generating a function block output, and the programmer may enter configuration data into the cells. The configuration data entered into cells are indicative of logic functions to which the variables corresponding to the cells are to be provided as inputs.

Abstract: A handheld device for use in a wireless environment to operate an apparatus is provided. The handheld device sends a request to an apparatus controller to initiate a maintenance sequence. The handheld device receives information from the apparatus controller to control the operation of the maintenance sequence. The handheld device sends a maintenance command to the apparatus controller. The handheld device then receives information regarding the state of the apparatus after the maintenance command is executed.

Abstract: A system and method for specifying and satisfying move constraints when performing a motion control sequence. One or more motion control operations may be included in a sequence in response to user input. User input specifying one or more move constraints for a first motion control operation in the sequence may be received to a graphical user interface. When the motion control sequence is subsequently performed, the first motion control operation may be performed in such a way that the one or more specified move constraints are satisfied. The specified move constraints preferably do not cause the trajectory of the first motion control operation to be altered.

Abstract: A software object approval system is integrated with a process control or safety system environment and, in particular, with a process control or safety system design environment to implement and manage electronic approval of new software objects created within the process control and safety system environment. The software object approval system electronically generates identification information representing a group of entities whose approval is needed prior to implementing a software object within the process control or safety system. The system may then send the software object to the entities and receive from each entity an electronic indication regarding approval of the software object. The approval system prevents the process control or safety system from implementing the software object until each entity within the group of entities approves the software object.

Abstract: Multiple microcontrollers are used in controlling operation of an appliance thereby providing enhanced safety. User input deactivating the appliance is received and processed by a first and second microcontrollers, which separately and independently act to remove power from the appliance upon receipt of user input. Failure of one microcontroller in processing user input does not result in the appliance entering into an unsafe mode. Further, a third processor in a power supply module is used to control power into, and out of, the power supply module, so that under certain conditions, power may be remove from the system entirely or to certain components.

Abstract: In a method for controlling mechanisms or technical systems, the mechanisms or technical systems to be controlled are stored in a controller with their states, and with associated signal formers of sensors and actuators, whereby starting from a defined reference state at the onset of the activation of the controller, the actual states signaled by the technical system via the sensors are continuously compared with the specified state, the specified state being stored in the controller, and, based on this comparison, every deviation from the specified state is identified in the technical system, and, when initiated, a new instruction that changes the state of the mechanisms or of the technical system updates the specified state for the comparison and monitors the time till the acknowledgment of the new state, and sensor signals and comparable information exclusively serve the state identification of elementary functions and state changes exclusively ensue upon the initiation of elementary instructions.

Abstract: A system and method for employing a file system and file system services on the industrial controller. The file system allows industrial control programs to implement many functions previously performed within the industrial control program and stored in the same memory as the industrial control program. An execution engine is provided that interprets instructions included in an industrial control program. The instructions utilize services in the file system for including user defined routine files loaded from local or remote locations, to load and unload recipe files from local and remote locations, to log and retrieve measured data and trend data to files at local or remote locations, to select different operating systems and to select a running program from a plurality of running programs utilizing the file system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a modem apparatus adapted to provide full messaging and communications interface between a control device and a communications medium such as a telephone line. The modem can comprise an interface adapted to communicate directly with a control system device, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), using a communications protocol compatible with the normal network communications used in a distributed control system. The apparatus advantageously interfaces directly with unmodified control system devices, providing the ability to send and receive messages from remote devices or personnel via a communications medium. The invention also comprises a control system including a modem device providing full communications between a control device and remote personnel and/or devices.

Abstract: Re-certification of a control program loaded in a safety controller is avoided through the use of a digital snapshot and digital signature, the snapshot providing a rapidly loadable memory image file and the signature providing a confirmation that the file loaded matches a previously certified copy so as to avoid the need for time consuming re-certification.

Abstract: As a basic managing pattern, each manufacturing lot containing at least one workpiece is designated as a main objective to be managed. An appropriate number of similar type manufacturing lots containing workpieces having the same work conditions in at least one work step are loaded on a carrier. Then, the carrier is transported to a batch apparatus that performs simultaneous processing or machining operation applied to the workpieces or to an apparatus that brings the workpieces into an in-process work step under the same conditions, so as to cause the workpieces contained in respective similar type manufacturing lots to pass along a plurality of manufacturing process flows. Alternatively, an appropriate number of different type manufacturing lots containing workpieces having different work conditions are loaded on a carrier.

Abstract: In a foot of a legged mobile robot, deformation of the foot is absorbed by a first concavity and the position and shape of a ground-contact portion hardly change. Accordingly, variation in a resistive force against the moment about the yaw axis can be reduced and a spinning motion can be prevented. In addition, when the foot is placed on a bump or a step, a flexible portion deforms and receives it, and a frictional retaining force is generated between the flexible portion and the bump. Thus, the foot is flexibly adapted to the road surface, and sliding caused by the bump and excessively fast motion are prevented. Accordingly, the foot can be adapted to various kinds of road surfaces such as surfaces having bumps and depressions, and the attitude stability can be increased.

Abstract: A method of dynamically selecting a role for a resource device employed in a scene automation and control system is provided. The method comprises providing an object in a resource device having a plurality of predetermined roles that are dynamically settable, said roles including a requester role and a subscriber role. The method also comprises automatically setting the role of the resource device in response to either the receipt of a setting message or the manual adjustment of the resource device. Preferably, each object has a plurality of instances, each of which is settable. Further, preferably, the capability of an object (instance) to take on a role is preset. In addition to subscriber and requester roles, preferably, objects (instances) also include administrator and active roles.

Abstract: A programmable controller for controlling one or more outputs based on position indicated from a position transducer. The controller includes an interface that converts the transducer signals into a change in position, a transducer position counter that accumulates the change in transducer position, and a net forward position counter that accumulates the net forward position. The position counter updates when the transducer signals indicate a change of position. The net forward position counter updates when the value of the net forward position counter and the value of the transducer position counter are equal and the transducer interface indicates a forward movement. Each controller output has an independent comparator and width counter. The comparator examines the net forward position to determine when to change the output or begin a pulse. The width counter counts down to zero, which ends a pulse.

Abstract: A robot visuoauditory system that makes it possible to process data in real time to track vision and audition for an object, that can integrate visual and auditory information on an object to permit the object to be kept tracked without fail and that makes it possible to process the information in real time to keep tracking the object both visually and auditorily and visualize the real-time processing is disclosed. In the system, the audition module (20) in response to sound signals from microphones extracts pitches therefrom, separate their sound sources from each other and locate sound sources such as to identify a sound source as at least one speaker, thereby extracting an auditory event (28) for each object speaker. The vision module (30) on the basis of an image taken by a camera identifies by face, and locate, each such speaker, thereby extracting a visual event (39) therefor. The motor control module (40) for turning the robot horizontally.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for declaring application data. The techniques include establishing a model, the model implementing application logic of an application; establishing at least one view for presenting the model; establishing at least one controller for manipulating the model; establishing at least one storage area, the storage area relating to the controller; and establishing at least one access method for storing and accessing application data in the storage area according to a predetermined structure.

Abstract: A storage unit stores ranges of devices allocated for each sequence program. A device range checking unit sequentially extracts device notations indicating consecutive areas and commands specifying consecutive devices present in a sequence program, expands devices of the corresponding consecutive areas, and checks whether or not devices of consecutive areas are within a range of devices stored in the storage unit. The device range checking unit sequentially extracts device notations indicating consecutive areas and commands specifying consecutive devices present in a sequence program, expands devices of the corresponding consecutive areas, and checks whether or not devices of consecutive areas are within a range of devices stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A method and system for remote programming of serialized semiconductor devices using web or Internet protocols. Semiconductor device programmers access at least one web server for unique numbers to program the serialized semiconductor devices.

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: A terminal control apparatus 1 for causing various terminal devices to perform appropriate operations. The terminal control apparatus comprises a communication section 11, a control section 12, and a data-storing section 13. The communication section 11 accomplishes communication with a terminal device 2. The control section 12 controls the terminal device 2. The terminal device 3 comprises a communication section 21, a control section 22, and a terminal section 23. The communication section 21 achieves communication with the terminal control apparatus 1. The control section 22 transmits terminal information to the terminal control apparatus 1. The terminal information represents the type and capacity of the terminal device 2. The terminal control apparatus 1 performs terminal control functions in accordance with the terminal information. The control section 22 controls the terminal section 23 in accordance with the terminal control functions the apparatus 1 has performed.

Abstract: A method of designing and fabricating a control unit for electronic microcontrollers or microprocessors that includes fabricating a finite state machine having at least one combinatorial network, the finite state machine having a plurality of control subunits, each control subunit structured to correspond to one combinatorial logic network. Each unit in the plurality of control subunits is independently connected to an arbitration block to provide information about a possible future state and to receive a present state command.

Abstract: A portable operation section of a controller has an impact sensor. When the controller receives an impact due to the drop or the like of the portable operation section, the impact sensor outputs an impact detection signal to the control section. Upon receiving this impact detection signal, the control section ignores any signal from the portable operation section and thus does not use this signal for the control of the drive of the mechanism section of a machine tool or a robot.

Abstract: An executing apparatus for executing a motion program which contains both a motion instruction for controlling operation of a machine, and an instruction for controlling input/output with respect to an external appliance. The apparatus comprises a motion executing unit, an IO executing unit and an event managing unit. The motion executing unit contains an object memory for registering the motion instruction. An event registers an execution condition of the motion instruction. An action memory registers an execution command of the motion instruction. The IO executing unit contains an object memory for registering an output instruction used to control an output signal supplied to the external appliance. An event memory registers a condition of an input signal state supplied from the external appliance. An action memory executes the output instruction.

Abstract: A programming device with a software tool provided to create a control program based on a control problem to be solved, e.g., controlling a technical process. A user is given information on software blocks (A-G) that are stored in the programming device (1) and/or in an automation device (4). In particular, the software blocks are configured for the programming device to recognize those software blocks that are stored in the programming device (1) and those that are stored in the automation device (4). The programming device, by performing a comparison, displays the comparison result for a user of the programming device.