Abstract: A suite of applications is provided for the administration of implantable medical devices, particularly implantable therapeutic substance infusion devices. The applications may be accessed over a public network, such as the Internet, and may be run using middleware. The applications provide for the administration of medical devices as they pertain to a particular patient, the ordering of therapeutic agents from participating third-party dispensaries, the scheduling of device maintenance and explant events, and the review of literature and educational materials pertaining to a particular medical device or class of devices.

Abstract: A system and method for transparent handling of extended register states. A set of additional registers, or an extended register file, is added to the base architecture of a microprocessor. The extended register file includes two dedicated registers and a plurality of general-use registers. The extended register file is mapped to a region in main memory. One dedicated register of the extended register file stores the physical base address of the memory region. Another dedicated register of the extended register file is used to store bits to indicate the status of the extended register file. A set of extended instructions is implemented for transferring data to and from the extended register file.

Abstract: A method of operating a vacuum processing system including a plurality of processing units for processing wafers, a transferring unit for carrying wafers, and a control unit for controlling the processing units and the transferring unit, wherein at least two of the plurality of processing units are connected to the transferring unit and the wafers are processed using the processing units The method includes processing the wafers in each of the processing units and recovering the wafers thus processed into a cassette, carrying a cleaning dummy wafer into the processing unit in which the wafers have been processed using the transferring unit, cleaning the interior of the processing unit into which the cleaning dummy wafer has been carried, recovering the cleaning dummy wafer into a cassette, and processing the wafers in the processing unit thus cleaned.

Abstract: A control device and a method for operating a control device which contains function modules, a scheduler and a priority manager. The control device is connected via data lines to a system to be controlled. The priority manager assigns to the modules modifiable priorities which are then taken into account when the modules are activated by the scheduler.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to grasp easily a process history of a target object such as a semiconductor wafer. The processing apparatus of the present invention includes: a processing apparatus body which includes a plurality of process units for executing a prescribed process to a target object, and transport mechanism for transporting said target object between the process units; a first controller for controlling the processing apparatus as a whole; a second controller for controlling the process units; an information storage section for taking in a signal transmitted and received between the first and second controllers; and a host computer for monitoring operation states of the process units. The present invention is extended to a processing system including a plurality of the processing apparatuses connected with a host computer which is further connected with a monitor computer through a communication network.

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: A system, method and medium for controlling a wafer processing chamber using two or more processors (within one or more computer processing systems), wherein specified functions are assigned to each processor. Some embodiments contemplate that each processor may reside within its own computer processor system (each computer processor system being in communication with the other), wherein each computer processor system implements specified functions to control and maintain certain parameters involved in the manufacture of the wafer. This allows the present invention to react quickly to maintain rapidly-changing desired conditions within a wafer processing chamber and to maintain a greater degree of uniformity of those conditions throughout the wafer.

Abstract: A parallel processor system has a plurality of nodes interconnected by a network for communication under control of a network interface controller of each node. The network interface controller includes a message reception controller for receiving a message from another node and judging illustratively the status of message reception and the need to return an acknowledge message; an acknowledge generating unit for generating an acknowledge message transmission request based on predetermined information in the message and the reception status when the return of an acknowledge message is judged to be necessary; and a message transmission controller for receiving an acknowledge the message transmission request and generating and returning an acknowledge message correspondingly. At the receiving node, the network interface controller can return an acknowledge message without processor intervention.

Abstract: Production plant featuring automatic making and packing machines, each of which has a relevant control unit; a collection computer awaits receipt of information packages transmitted independently and asynchronously by the control units over a first communication network; and the collection computer organizes and processes the information packages received from the control units to generate overall data accessible over a second communication network, with respect to which the collection computer acts as a server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing timely execution of periodic tasks in a redundant control system. A secondary controller in the redundant system receives a wakeup time array having at least one wakeup time element corresponding to a period task as well as a current time value from a primary controller, and schedules a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the wakeup time element and the current time value from the primary control module. The secondary controller may further receive a task instance corresponding to the periodic task from the primary control module, and schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on the task instance. In addition, the secondary controller may schedule a run time for the periodic task at switchover based on a default period associated with the periodic task, if no task instance and no wakeup time element were received corresponding to the periodic task.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for controlling associated processes in a process facility and, in particular, for distributing data among nodes of a real time process control system that controls the process facility. An exemplary real time process control system includes a plurality of sensors, controllable devices, and communication paths, as well as a computer system. The sensors and controllable devices are associated with various ones of the processes of the process facility, and the communication paths associate the sensors and controllable devices with the computer system. The computer system operates on data relating to the process facility, and distributes the data among the nodes thereof. The nodes are associated with one another by ones of the communication paths also. The computer system includes subscriber nodes that desire data associated with certain of the processes and a publisher node.

Abstract: A device inside a chipset for supporting partial reading such that a central processing unit is able to determine the different bit access bandwidth of a plurality of peripheral devices and act accordingly. The device is constructed from a plurality of register groups. Each register group has a storage spacer for housing partial read base address bits, partial read enable bits, partial read transfer size bits, priority bits and partial read offset bits. These bits are used to record or determine conditions for executing a partial reading.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes at least two signal processor modules interconnected each other in series. Each of the signal processor modules has an input port through which data is input, a memory which stores data, a signal processor portion which carries out processing on input data according to program and an output port through which data is output. At least one of the signal processor modules outputs, through its output port, input data unprocessed and processed data obtained by carrying out processing on the input data according to the program.

Abstract: A control unit (38) provided on each of a plurality of operating units for integrating the whole of such an operating unit group that operating units performing a certain operation plurally aggregate and making the same perform regularly operation control includes a signal transmission part (33 and 34) and a signal receiving part (35 and 36) for communicating with the adjacent operating unit, and a connection determination part (37) determining whether or not it is located on a predetermined start position forming a start point of integrated control in the operating unit group on the basis of relative positional relation obtained as a result of performing a communicating operation for deciding the operating unit as a master operating unit when determined as located on the start position while deciding it as a dependently operating slave operating unit when determined as not located on the start position.

Abstract: An auxiliary control system is operatively associated with a press machine controller including a programmable logic controller having a main processor. The auxiliary control system includes a sensor assembly arranged to provide sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine. An auxiliary processor is arranged to monitor for the occurrence of press operating events as signified by the sensor information. The auxiliary processor provides a state signal to the press controller which is representative of the results of the monitoring activity to enable the PLC to control the press machine. Additionally, an improved press machine PLC includes an auxiliary sensor assembly for providing sensor information which is representative of the condition of the press machine.

Abstract: An automatic control system comprising a server offered by a service provider that stores control applets to control a particular control object device, a control device including a control object device and a computer device to control the control object device, and a network to connect the server with the control device; the computer device includes a browser function, and an interpreter to execute the control applets, and the computer device accessing the server through the network to download and execute a desired control applet, whereby making control of the control object device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for controlling appliances of at least one building, each appliance being associated with a local controller and having a control input and at least one control point. The system includes a central processor computer having an operator interface and an equipment interface, a network connected to the equipment interface and having a plurality of nodes for communicating with each of the appliances, a log file being stored with respective area, description, and address fields containing corresponding data of the control points. A control program in the computer feeds the equipment interface to drive the control inputs of the appliances in response to a database, the database being populated from a tagname dictionary.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring an industrial controller using a portable wireless device. The system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), a local server for exchanging communication with the PLC, a Internet Service Provider (ISP) server for exchanging communication with the local server using the Internet, and a wireless user communication device for exchanging communication with the ISP server. A user utilizes the Internet to monitor the operation of the PLC and input control commands to the PLC using the wireless user communication device.

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: An in-system programmable (ISP) system can be programmed by remote access from a host programming system. The remote access can be accomplished over a wired data network, a wireless data network, a radio channel, or any combination of the above. In the ISP system, an ISP controller receives control and programming data through the access interface to program ISP devices in accordance with ISP programming conventions. The ISP controller can be provided by an integrated circuit having a microprocessor core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for integrating one or more electronic transcription systems (12) having sessions providing data on a network (18) wherein real-time, two-way interactive access to the data by one or more remote users to the system is provided. In particular, the system and method provides one or more electronic transcription systems operably connected such that one or more users can access one or more of the electronic transcription systems. By networking the one or more electronic transcription systems and decoupling the processes of recording a particular transcription session, storing the data from the session on a network, and accessing the data, a wider range of control, access, and utilization of the electronic transcription systems can be accomplished.

Abstract: The data logging apparatus according to the present invention has one or more units of programmable logic controller connected to each other through communication and a controller for FA which can read data stored in said programmable logic controller or a communication line and write data therein, and in the data logging apparatus a programmable logic controller connected to the controller for FA is used as an administrative programmable logic controller, and the administrative programmable logic controller develops data stored therein or in other programmable logic controller on the memory and sends the data to the controller for FA.

Abstract: Featured is a sorting/diverting apparatus that diverts articles from a plurality of moving belts, the sorting/diverting apparatus including a plurality of rollers that are rotatably mounted to a support frame and a moving mechanism that moves the support frame back and forth between two positions. The controller controls the moving of the support frame and the operation of the drive motor so as to divert/sort the articles. Each controller includes bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs to control the apparatus.

Abstract: An industrial control system incorporating a plurality of human/machine interfaces provides for the identification of an operator using the human/machine interface so as to forward output from an ongoing application tool program to the operator as the operator moves about the factory without interruption of the tool program. Location of the human/machine interface may be used to alter the tool program to refer to data relevant to the particular part of the process near the HMI providing for intuitive and efficient use of software type tools by roving operators.

Abstract: By distributing the intelligence of a drive between a control unit and one or more intelligent power sections by using a high-power standardized serial interface for connecting these components, it is possible as a result to identify different power components with their performance data, and also to diagnose them. Furthermore, independent innovations of the components are possible without having corresponding effects on the other components.

Abstract: The Field Programmable Instrument Controller (FPIC) is a stand-alone low to high performance, clocked or unclocked multi-processor that operates as a microcontroller with versatile interface and operating options. The FPIC can also be used as a concurrent processor for a microcontroller or other processor. A tightly coupled Multiple Chip Module design incorporates non-volatile memories, a large field programmable gate array (FPGA), field programmable high precision analog to digital converters, field programmable digital to analog signal generators, and multiple ports of external mass data storage and control processors. The FPIC has an inherently open architecture with in-situ reprogrammability and state preservation capability for discontinuous operations.

Abstract: A method of communicating within a motion control system includes programming a plurality of drive cards to perform predetermined mathematical and logical functions in response to high-level commands. Each of the drive cards is configured with a respective unique predetermined delay time. Intelligence is distributed throughout the motion control system by electrically interconnecting each of the drive cards with a local area network and to a corresponding component of the motion control system. High-level commands are transmitted to the drive cards across the local area network. The response by each of the drive cards to the high-level commands is delayed according to the unique predetermined delay time. Each of the drive cards respond to the high-level commands following expiration of the unique predetermined delay time.

Abstract: A process device is adapted to couple to a process control loop and communicate on the process control loop. Communication on the process control loop is effected in accordance with an internet protocol. A process communication device is also provided which couples to the process control loop, and an internet. The process communication device provides process control information received from the process control loop, to the internet. Conversely, the process communication device also provides information received from the internet to the process control loop.

Abstract: A distributed object for use in a networked computer system including a host computer and a remote computer, where the remote computer is in electronic communication with a device, is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a first member component implemented and stored on the host computer, and a second member component implemented and stored on the host computer. The second member component is in electronic communication with the remote computer, and the second member component functions to access data on the remote computer. The distributed object may be part of an object hierarchy. The object hierarchy includes a base class having member data and functions common to a set of remote computers, where the base class is implemented and stored on the host computer. The object hierarchy may also include a first subclass derived from the base class. The first subclass may be implemented and stored on the host computer.

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 remote diagnosing system for semiconductor manufacturing equipment which diagnoses user's semiconductor manufacturing equipment connected to a piece of diagnostic equipment which is provided by a third party through a communication network. The diagnostic equipment having at least one diagnostic program which diagnoses said semiconductor manufacturing equipment and a control section which starts the diagnostic program when accessed by a specific user terminal given an access right, and the terminal sends data which is requested by the diagnostic equipment for diagnosis and receives a result of diagnosis from the diagnostic equipment.

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: An electronic apparatus controls a single or a plurality of objects. The electronic apparatus, which serves as a node, has an attribute information database that stores attribute information of object service modules. A service registry switches off a power supply after transmitting the attribute information stored in the attribute information database to the service registry of another electronic apparatus and delegating it to respond to queries concerning the attribute information provided from an external source. This enables the electronic apparatus to reduce power consumption while maintaining a searching capability.

Abstract: A control and data transmission installation and a process for transmission of safety-related data in a control and data transmission installation. In accordance with the invention, safety procedures of existing field bus systems, particularly the interbus, are improved in such a way that there is no need either for additional lines for the transmission of control signals or redundant, safety-related units. In the inventive control and data installation, a master control device and a number of bus subscribers each include respective safety-related devices for carrying out predetermined safety functions. The safety-related devices can communicate with each other by way of a field bus.

Abstract: A control system for executing task instructions, comprising a higher-order module for making an inquiry as to whether or not a task instruction can be executed, and a lower-order module for determining whether or not the task instruction can be executed, in response to the inquiry made by the higher-order module, the higher-order module including a task instruction decomposition section for decomposing the task instruction into a sequence of task instructions executable by the lower-order module, when the task instruction is inexecutable by the lower-order module, and further including a task instruction allocation section for allocating an executable task instruction to the lower-order module.

Abstract: Purpose: To provide a laundry system with improved customer services by utilizing portable information terminals having a radiocommunication function such as mobile phones and PHS. Constitution: Upon completion of washing or drying in a laundry machine 102, data for notifying the user of the completion of the treatment are transmitted to the user's mobile phone 100. In addition, when a prescribed time, for example, 10 minutes, elapses after washing or drying finished, a request for permission to unload the laundry is transmitted to the user's mobile phone 100 so as to ask the user whether the clothes can be taken out from the laundry machine 102 or not. The system charges the user when a prohibition response is sent back or there is no response to the request for permission to unload the laundry.

Abstract: A reorder buffer is configured into multiple lines of storage, wherein a line of storage includes sufficient storage for instruction results regarding a predefined maximum number of concurrently dispatchable instructions. A line of storage is allocated whenever one or more instructions are dispatched. A microprocessor employing the reorder buffer is also configured with fixed, symmetrical issue positions. The symmetrical nature of the issue positions may increase the average number of instructions to be concurrently dispatched and executed by the microprocessor. The average number of unused locations within the line decreases as the average number of concurrently dispatched instructions increases. One particular implementation of the reorder buffer includes a future file. The future file comprises a storage location corresponding to each register within the microprocessor.

Abstract: In a control system in which a control device and an information processing device are connected to each other with a predetermined data bus, a control system, a control device, and a control method in which the control device can omits many processing procedures are proposed. A control device stores corresponding definite information corresponding to definite information stored in the information processing device and defining functions of the information processing device. The control device acquires the definite information from the information processing device, recognizes the functions of the information processing device on the basis of the corresponding definite information which is stored in the control device, and controls the information processing device, thus making it possible to efficiently and exactly control the information processing device.

Abstract: A control system including a personal computer (1) for controlling a process. The personal computer (1) includes a communications processor (14), which is connected to a field bus (2). Sensors (3, 4) and/or actuators (5, 6) are connected to the field bus (2). A monitoring unit (16) monitors a cyclic data transmission on the field bus (2). The monitoring unit (16) also causes a PC processor (7) to process data received at the field bus (2) by means of a control program, if at least one predetermined condition is met, e.g., a change in the process data. Thereby, the PC processor (7) is relieved of the burden of continuously polling the process data. The process data are stored in a memory (15). The control system is used, in particular, in communications processors for personal computers.

Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for duplicating a call of a remote subscriber system having an active processor and a standby processor. The method includes the steps of: checking whether a call is generated from a subscriber under a normal duplication state of each of the active and standby processors; if the call is generated, transmitting a subscriber number and a voice channel number of a talk state to the standby processor; storing the subscriber number and voice channel number in a working area and connecting a port corresponding to the subscriber number and voice channel number to a time switch of the standby processor; if the call is not generated, checking whether the call is completed; and if the call is completed, transmitting a subscriber number and a voice channel number of a call release state to the standby processor and disconnecting the time switch from the port corresponding to the voice channel number and the subscriber number of the talk state.

Abstract: An in-system programmable (ISP) system can be programmed by remote access from a host programming system. The remote access can be accomplished over a wired data network, a wireless data network, a radio channel, or any combination of the above. In the ISP system, an ISP controller receives control and programming data through the access interface to program ISP devices in accordance with ISP programming conventions. The ISP controller can be provided by an integrated circuit having a microprocessor core.

Abstract: Various system architectures for a state machine-based, hybrid real-time control system, and methods of operation thereof, are disclosed. In one embodiment of a system architecture for use with a state machine capable of controlling a real-time process and having a plurality of states and handlers that govern transitions between ones of the plurality of states, a system for invoking one of the handlers includes an invoke transition that monitors conditions of the real-time process, the invoke transition causing the automatic invocation of the handler when the conditions match predetermined conditions under which the handler is to be invoked, the invoke transition thereby allowing the handler to be invoked without an explicit command.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device test apparatus, a host computer having a data base writes test resultant data in the data base to output the test resultant data in response to a data request. Each of a plurality of testers performs an electric characteristic test based on a test program to generate a test resultant data for each of semiconductor devices to transmit to the host computer. Each of a plurality of handler sections sets the semiconductor devices of a pallet to a test head for the electric characteristic test. A loader section loads the semiconductor devices from a first tray to the pallet. An unloader section unloads the semiconductor devices from the pallet transported thereto to second trays based on the test resultant data from the host computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for performing re-integration of a CPU in a fault tolerant computer system. One of a “remote write” operation and a copy mode is used to copy the contents of the microprogram memory (control memory), all registers and all memories from a current CPU to a faulty CPU. Through the use of special purpose registers this method advantageously simplifies the logic design of the two processors compared to conventional fault tolerant systems with re-integration capabilities. Transfer of re-integration data is efficiently controlled by software in the current CPU so that data which would otherwise be overwritten in the faulty CPU is not transferred. This reduces the required bandwidth and simplifies the mechanical and electrical design of the update bus connected between the two CPU's.

Abstract: A robot apparatus for detecting a sound signal outputted from a sound signal generating unit to move to a position of the sound signal generating device, wherein the sound signal has a specific pattern, includes: at least three sound receiving unit (114) for receiving the sound signal; a phase difference detecting unit (118) for detecting a phase difference between each sound signal from the sound receiving unit (114); a processing unit (125) for determining a position of the sound generating unit using the phase difference, to generate a moving control signal; and a moving unit (130) for moving the robot apparatus in response to the moving control signal.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide a method and system for access control to an information aggregation.

Abstract: A distributing node initiates an install control program in receiving nodes, and then broadcasts or multicasts program data to the receiving nodes. Thereby, the installation of the program into the nodes is carried out in shorter time. In this event, the distributing node and the receiving nodes buffer the program data in units of data block sizes of storage devices associated therewith. The distributing node executes in parallel the processing for storing data read from the storage device in a buffer, and the processing for reading the data from the buffer and broadcasting or multicasting the read data to the receiving node. The receiving node executes in parallel the processing for storing the data received from the distributing node in a buffer, and the processing for reading the program data from the buffer and storing the program data in the storage device thereof.

Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention provide a computer docking system and method for connecting a portable computer to a docking station and method for coupling the docking station to an external monitor and an external keyboard and a technique for customizing the hardware configuration in the docking station for optimum performance. In a preferred embodiment, the technique for customizing the program hardware in the docking station is capable of customizing common hardware in various docking stations.

Abstract: A tool at the service of a distributed application running on machines of a distributed data processing system running in a local area network, intended for balancing the load on each of the machines of the system, includes a master daemon and a plurality of agent demons. The master and each of the agents calculate the load of the machine on which they are running. The master collects the load data of each of the agents at a first sampling interval and sends that collected load data to all of the agents. At the request of the distributed application, the local agent closest to the application indicates to the application which machine has the lightest load. The application then makes the decision to request the machine with the lightest load to execute the services the application requires. As necessary, the tool selects a master from the agents, thereby ensuring the existence and uniqueness of a master at all times, regardless of failure affecting one 1010 or more machines in the data processing system.