Abstract: A computerized machine control (CMC) diagnostic system communicates with a computerized machine controller that utilizes a control program to control the operation of a machine through the use of a plurality of digital channels. In general terms, the system includes a data acquisition component, a data storage component and a viewing component. The data acquisition component queries and acquires time-based transition data about the plurality of digital channels. The data storage component stores the acquired transition data in order to establish an historical pattern of the transition data that can be compared to currently acquired transition data. The historical pattern of transition data is established independently of the control program. Upon comparison of the current transition data to the expected, historical pattern of transition data, a determination about the operational status of the machine being controlled can be made. The operational status can then be displayed on the viewing component.

Abstract: The present invention deals with diagnosing of a flow system, using status signals carrying information about said flow system, whereby new status information is generated, which relates to a plurality of aspects of the flow system based on said status signals and dependent on a functional model and on a set of predetermined rules. The invention comprises a diagnostic apparatus (20) arranged to analyze the status signals for example by means of an alarm analyzer (23a) arranged to separate alarms into primary and secondary alarms, a sensor fault detector (23b) arranged to detect sensor values that probably are wrong or a fault diagnozer (23c) arranged to find the root causes for unfulfilled goals. Further the invention can comprise a failure mode analyzer (23d) arranged to detect functions that can stop working in the future or a process measurement analyzer (23e) arranged to analyze the status signals of a specific process.

Abstract: A hot water supply system operated by linking plural water heaters. A system controller is provided in every specific number of water heaters for centralizing controls thereof. A host system controller is further provided in every specific number of the system controllers for centralizing controls thereof, and finally the controls are centralized in one highest system controller. In this configuration, therefore, the highest system controller controls the operation of individual water heaters by way of the lower system controllers.

Abstract: A method of tracing a data processor upon reset of the data processor. A data processor reset signal resets the data processor, part of trace collection hardware and does not reset remaining parts of trace collection hardware. The data processor reset signal may be not owned, owned by an application program or owned by a debugger. The partial not reset of the trace collection hardware occurs only upon a data processor reset signal owned by the debugger. A trace logic reset signal resets both the data processor and the trace collection hardware when not owned. This trace logic reset signal resets the data processor only when owned by the debugger and resets the trace collection hardware when owned by an application program.

Abstract: An information collecting apparatus and collecting/analyzing system, including an input unit for sampling digital signals input from each part of an object to be measured, a transfer unit for transferring the digital signals via a communication interface to a host computer in substantially real time, and a control unit for controlling the input unit and transfer unit; and a host computer, including a signal processing unit for processing digital signals transferred from the information collecting apparatus, a storage device for storing processed digital signals in substantially real time, display units for displaying various types of images based on digital signals stored in the storage device, and a control unit for controlling the signal processing unit, storage device and display units.

Abstract: A system monitoring unit uses an external debugging unit to monitor the state of an internal CPU when a control program stored in a memory of a target system controls an internal CPU of the system to operate via an internal bus of the system. The system monitoring unit includes an internal-bus-address comparing circuit for detecting, in real time, based on information on the internal bus, information on the accessing of the internal bus by the internal CPU. By outputting the information on the accessing of the internal bus by the internal CPU to the debugging unit, the system monitoring unit can output the state of the internal bus while controlling the internal CPU to operate.

Abstract: A method for and apparatus for evaluating the performance of a control system are disclosed. The method includes receiving data from the control system, wherein the data is received by a passive testing function, and calculating a parameter related to the performance of the control system using the passive testing function. The apparatus includes a processor operable to execute a passive testing function, wherein the passive testing function is configured to receive data from the control system and calculate a parameter related to the performance of the control system. The apparatus may also include an active testing function, wherein the active testing function is configured to provide a sequence of step changes to an input of the control system, receive data from the control system in response to the sequence of step changes, and calculate a parameter related to the performance of the control system.

Abstract: An operating method for a fault detection of a semiconductor process and a diagnostic system for fault detection in a semiconductor process are described. By using the method and the diagnostic system, the real-time process parameters collected during the process is performed by the tool become meaningful and are correlated with the historic process performance data obtained by the post process metrology process. Moreover, the method and the diagnostic system further provide an alarm index for the process performed on the tool to actually reflect the process environment during the process is performed after correlating the real-time process parameters and the historic process performance data. With referring to the alarm index, the current process performance under the real-time process parameters in the tool can be accurately diagnosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and process is provided for communicating safety-related data, over an open system, from a sender to a receiver. Safety-related components, including function blocks, flexible function blocks, resource blocks and transducer blocks, as well as, safety-related objects are provided. Also, an extended safety-related protocol provides for authenticating communications between safety-related components over an existing black channel, such as one using a fieldbus Architecture.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for statistical modeling and simulation of the impact of global variation and local mismatch on the performance of integrated circuits, comprises the steps of: estimating a representation of component mismatch from device performance measurements in a form suitable for circuit simulation; reducing the complexity of statistical simulation by performing a first level principal component or principal factor decomposition of global variation, including screening; further reducing the complexity of statistical simulation by performing a second level principal component decomposition including screening for each factor retained in the first level principal component decomposition step to represent local mismatch; and performing statistical simulation with the joint representation of global variation and local mismatch obtained in the second level principal component decomposition step.

Abstract: In a monitoring system for the process-accompanying monitoring or detection of collision or overstress situations in machine tools (1), comprising a machine control (2) with one or more sensors (4) for detecting measured signals or measured signal curves, a monitoring means (6) in which a comparison of the measured signals or measured signal curves of at least one sensor (4) with stored monitoring thresholds is performed, and a bidirectional interface (8) between the monitoring means (6) and the machine control (2), it is provided that the monitoring means (6), apart from detecting collision or overstress situations in a machine tool (1) and transferring machine stop or machine reaction instructions to the machine control (2), also permanently stores the measured signals or measured signal curves of the sensors (4) as measured by the sensors (4) before, during and after a collision or overstress situation and the data and statuses of the machine control (2).

Abstract: The engineering of automation systems is configured more simply where the functionality of a control system is implemented via an object model. The object model permits the functional interconnection of technological objects. For this purpose, a project browser ensures the display of the interplay of all the components involved in an application in their mutual relationships.

Abstract: A system (830) and method (800) for diagnosing a malfunctioning machine. A fault event is selected (806) together with sequential operating parameter data (808) from a selectively focused time interval about the fault event for evaluation of a machine (810). The selectively focused time interval may include data occurring just before, just after, or spanning the fault event. Characterizing information such as slope, rate of change, and absolute sign of the data may be derived (809) from the operating parameter data over the selectively focused time interval and used in the diagnosis. The fault event and operating parameter data may be compared to existing cases in a case database (834). A set of rules (817) or candidate anomalies (841) may be executed over the operating parameter data to further improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Abstract: An element for carrying out and documenting a program or test sequence allows specific functions to be carried out. The element has at least one control input to which an external control signal can be supplied, and a variable can be varied in the element as a function of the external control signal. The process of carrying out a particular function can be varied by the element in such a manner that, when the variable has a specific value (“0”) and the external control signal is at a first signal level, the variable assumes a value (not equal to “0”) which differs from the specific value; and when the variable is at that specific value and an external control signal which is at the first signal level is once again applied, the variable remains at that specific value.

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 module for controlling a drive is described. The module contains a terminal for connecting to a control system for operating tasks and a control system for safety tasks. Commands from the control system for safety tasks have priority over commands from the control system for operating tasks. A microprocessor is provided for processing the commands and is coupled to the terminal. A logic circuit is provided for prioritizing the commands from the control system for safety tasks, the logic circuit is connected to the microprocessor. At least one output is coupled to the microprocessor and/or the logic circuit. An interface is provided for connecting to the control system for operating tasks or a diagnostic device, the interface is connected to the microprocessor. A memory is provided for storing the commands and replies, the memory is connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: An automation system, and method for operating an automation system, comprising at least one automation device and one programming device connected therewith, or each containing a communications program, so that they can communicate with one another. The automation device executes an application program, particularly a program to control and/or monitor an external technical process, and the programming device monitors the execution of the application program in that one or a plurality of data addresses (1132, 1133) of the application program is selected for monitoring on the programming device.

Abstract: A method and control system computing platform for a dialysis machine that uses Symmetric Multi-Processing (SMP) architecture. The SMP architecture tightly couples multiple (e.g., 2) independent processors by sharing memory between the processors. A single shared memory is used by both processors in order to facilitate communication between the processors and reduce cost by eliminating the expense of redundant memory. In this way, the two, or in general “N” processors, increase processor throughput by allowing the execution of N processes in parallel while without requiring extra memory and without having a single point of failure in the computer. In the event of a bus failure on the circuit card, the computer is reset using distributed hardware watchdogs. The watchdog reset signal is also sent to the hardware components of the dialysis machine in order to place the system in a safe.

Abstract: In a monitor apparatus for a sequential-function-chart-type programmable controller, a standard value of an active time of an arbitrary step in a sequential-function-chart program is stored, and the active time of the arbitrary step is measured during execution of the program. An anomalous state of the arbitrary step is detected through comparison between the measured active time and the reference value. Further, data indicating whether each step in the sequential-function-chart program has been executed are stored. The program is displayed such a manner that an anomalous step, a step or steps which have been executed, and a step or steps which have not yet been executed are distinguished from one another.

Abstract: A machine programming and control system includes a computer including a processor, memory, a display, and a device that is associated with a process. A flowcharting module executed by the computer generates and edits a flowchart that contains action and decision blocks which define logic for operating the device to further the process. The flowcharting module allows active diagnosis objects to be associated with at least one of the action and decision blocks. The active diagnosis objects facilitate diagnosis of non-coding process problems. The active diagnosis object automatically initiates a message when the action or decision block is executed. The message includes at least one of an e-mail, a pager message, an operator alert and an alarm.

Abstract: An automated process defines and maintains connectivity regions within a dynamic network. The automated process requires an initial input of a network component around which a connectivity region will be defined. The process automatically and autonomously generates a region around the initial input, stores the region's definition, and monitors the network for a change. Upon detecting a change in the network, the effect is evaluated, and if necessary the regions are adjusted and redefined to accommodate the change. Only those regions of the network affected by the change will be updated. This process eliminates the need for an operator to manually evaluate connectivity regions within a network. Since the automated process maintains the network, the reliance on an operator is minimized; thus, reducing the potential for operator error. This combination of region maintenance and reduced operator reliance, results in a reduction of overall error.

Abstract: Programmatically diagnosing the root cause of a problem in a computing system. Events are monitored within an operating system, and at least a subset of the events are logged to a log file. In response to the detection of error condition(s), a diagnostics module is invoked. The diagnostics module queries the log file to correlate events relevant to diagnosis of the problem, and identifies the root cause by evaluating the results of the query. Once the root cause of the problem is diagnosed, a resolution module corresponding to that root cause may be invoked to programmatically resolve the problem. The invocation of the diagnostic and resolution modules may be subject to policy rules. Furthermore, the logging, diagnostics and resolution modules may be automatically updated as needed.

Abstract: A configuration system for a process plant includes a routine that automatically provides an indication of the relationships between units and sub-elements of the units, such as equipment and control modules, present within a process plant to a data historian. The data historian, which may be a batch historian, stores these relationships in a configuration file or a database, collects events generated within the process plant and associates those events to the proper unit within the process plant using the stored relationships. The automatic updating of the data historian configuration file eliminates the need for a user to manually update the data historian with these relationships, either at the time the process plant is configured or each time a change is made to the configuration of the process plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic system which involves the use of a piece of observed information (5) coming from a process (1) monitored by a programmable automaton (10). The diagnostic system comprises: an observation module (30) which collects, at input, the information observed (5) and delivers, at output, a piece of processed information (35) to a learning module (40); and a detection module (20) which collects, at input, the observed information (5) in order to apply a detection process (21) thereto comprising a diagnostic function (45), which comes from the learning module (40), in order to deliver a diagnostic result (25) at output. The observation module (30) and the detection module (20) are executed by the processing unit (11) of the programmable automaton (10) in the form of function units in accordance with standard IEC 1131-3. The learning module (40) elaborates the diagnostic function (45) using an algorithm based on neural networks or on fuzzy logic.

Abstract: A software-implemented method and implementation is disclosed for commissioning an automated system. The implementation analyzes the configuration of one or more operational components in the automated system and generates one or more operator communication and monitoring masks for each of the operational components. An interface is provided with the at least one mask to parametize the at least one operational component.

Abstract: A system is described for the diagnosis and/or for the parameterization of devices forming sensors, actuators or controls and connected to a bus system, with device parameters being able to be read out of the device and/or being able to be transmitted into the device and well as device parameters read out and/or to be transmitted being able to be displayed visually by a display unit using said system. The system includes a communication engine for the communication, i.e. for the reading out and/or transmission of device parameters, of the system with the device and a visualization engine separate from the communication engine for the visualization of the device parameters by the display unit. The communication engine and the visualization engine are connected to one another via device-independent interfaces for the exchange of data. Furthermore, the communication engine is made independently of the display unit used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to perform an automatic diagnosis for the poor performance of a control loop, and to determine whether or not the malfunctioning is caused principally by a poor adjustment of the controller tuning parameters. The method makes use of the fact that a poorly tuned control loop amplifies disturbances in a narrow frequency range around the so-called resonant frequency. The method comprises measuring an error in a control loop over time to determine a power spectral density of the error, determining a best fit analytical function describing the power spectral density and measuring a diagnostic value from a difference between the best fit analytical function and the power spectral density of the error.

Abstract: Remote diagnosis of an irrigation controller is made possible by encoding the settings of the controller into a numeric or alphanumeric code, displaying that code on the controller, transmitting the code to a remote interpretive computer, generating at that computer a chart derived from the code to show all of the settings of the controller, evaluating the significance of the settings to the functioning of the controller, and advising the operator of the controller on the basis of the chart.

Abstract: A system for servicing a computer controlled machine comprising: a computer controlled machine including a device operable to perform a function, a controller controlling the operation of that device, and a data access port for transferring data and commands from the controller; and a service tool operably connected to the data access port, the service tool including a remote communications capability, a computer, and diagnostics and graphing software; and an expert observer system operably linked to the remote communications capability of the service tool and including historical machine data, machine sales information, software revisions for the controller, additional diagnostics software, and an expert observer capable of providing a mentor capability to the operator of a service tool.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for use in a process control system collects and stores in a database information pertaining to the operation of the process control system, and that uses an expert engine to apply rules for analysis to the information in the database to determine solutions to problems. The database stores various types of information such as event and alarm data, notices of scheduled maintenance and changes to operating parameters, and historical data related to previous changes to the process control system that are relevant to determining both the source of the problems detected in the process control system and the steps necessary to either further analyze or correct the detected problems. The diagnostic system identifies the source of the problem and identifies and runs the appropriate analytical tools or takes remedial measures based on the rules for analysis for the expert engine.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool automatically collects and stores data indicative of a variability parameter, a mode parameter, a status parameter and a limit parameter for a multi-variable function block associated with one or more devices or loops within a process control system, processes the collected data to determine which devices, loops or function blocks have problems that result in reduced performance of the process control system, displays a list of detected problems to an operator and then suggests the use of other, more specific diagnostic tools to further pinpoint or correct the problems. When the diagnostic tool recommends and executes a data intensive application as the further diagnostic tool, it automatically configures a controller of the process control network to collect the data needed for such a tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for run monitoring of processes in a digital computer. In accordance with the present invention, time-stamped analysis data are manipulated such that the analysis data can be output in a freely selectable time sequence and at a freely selectable rate. This enables user-friendly run monitoring of backup operations.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an industrial process and taking action based on the results of process monitoring. Actions taken may include process control, paging, voicemail, and input for e-enterprise systems. The system includes an input module for receiving a plurality of parameters from a process for manufacture of a substance or object. The system also includes a library module. The library module includes a plurality of computer aided processes. Any one of the computer aided processes is capable of using each of the plurality of parameters to compare at least two of the plurality of parameters against a training set of parameters. The training set of parameters is generally predetermined. The computer aided process is also capable of determining if the at least two of the plurality of parameters are within a predetermined range of the training set of parameters. Additionally, the system includes an output module for outputting a result based upon the training set and the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and program for testing appliances. The appliance includes an embedded processor and an appliance network address to communicate with remote systems over a network. A first server program having a first network address, such as an HTTP server program, receives a test request indicating a test to perform and an appliance to test. A second server program, such as a Java servlet, having a second network address is loaded and transmits information on the test request to the appliance network address indicated in the test request. A third server program having a third network address, such as a Java servlet, is loaded to execute within the appliance embedded processor in response to receiving information on the test request. The second server program transmits at least one test command to the third network address.

Abstract: An electrical control system for vehicles has a plurality of separate control modules which communicate via a communication bus and an operational program is installed in each of the modules so that all modules contain programming for the functions of each module. A programming and diagnostic system including a PC and a program connects into the bus so as to download the program from one of the modules for generating, modifying and viewing program logic steps using ladder logic which is then converted back Into an operating program format for communication to the modules. In addition, the status of the inputs and outputs of the modules of the apparatus can be displayed and forced using the programming and diagnostic system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a master-slave hot-swapping apparatus and mechanism for use with an ATA bus. A bus controller and a bus separator are employed for isolating the hot-swapping apparatus and the host system, and a power supply switch is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and displaying process interactions. Process data points are identified and inputted into a computer along with a logic network relating to these points. A computer program operates through the logic network to analyze the interactions of the points. A tabulation of the interactions found is created in the program and stored as a database. Upon query regarding a particular data point, the tabulation is presented in a readable format on a screen of said computer.

Abstract: A method for estimating an interference phase shift when receiving a multicarrier signal formed of a time series of symbols modulating a plurality of carrier frequencies, at least some of the carrier frequencies of at least some of the symbols bearing reference elements, whereof the value at transmission level is known by the receiver carrying out the reception. The phase variation &dgr;n between at least two symbols bearing reference elements is estimated by analysing the reference elements. Each of the reference elements in the estimation is weighted by information representing the noise affecting the carrier frequency bearing the reference element.

Abstract: A system (830) and method (800) for diagnosing a malfunctioning machine. A fault event is selected (806) together with sequential operating parameter data (808) from a selectively focused time interval about the fault event for evaluation of a machine (810). The selectively focused time interval may include data occurring just before, just after, or spanning the fault event. Characterizing information such as slope, rate of change, and absolute sign of the data may be derived (809) from the operating parameter data over the selectively focused time interval and used in the diagnosis. The fault event and operating parameter data may be compared to existing cases in a case database (834). A set of rules (817) or candidate anomalies (841) may be executed over the operating parameter data to further improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for detecting a watermark in an information signal. The method may include the steps of computing the correlation (dk) of the watermark (Wi) and the information signal (e.g. an image Q) for a plurality of positions (k) of the watermark with respect to the information signal, and detecting whether at least one of the respective correlation values exceeds a given threshold. The step of detecting may include determining the standard deviation (&sgr;d) of the respective correlation values (dk), and setting the threshold to a given multiple (T) of the standard deviation. The multiple (T) is derived form a desired false alarm rate (watermark detected when there is none, or no watermark detected when there is one).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing a process based on displaying data to a user from a plurality of different sources and a machine-readable medium for implementing such a method. The present invention also provides a mapping system and a method for displaying data to a user employing a hierarchy including data nodes and data leaves.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a system and method for monitoring and control of processes and machines.

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.