Abstract: In the data driven computer system (FIG. 4, FIG. 7), data are transferred between data driven computers (1, 11, 12, 21, 22, 24, 25, . . . , and n), with instruction code (code) and identification numbers to identify data for arithmetic operation. Calculation results obtained by arithmetic units (111, 121, 21n, 22n, 24n, 25n, . . . , and nn) are stored in a data field (data). In parallel, an instruction rewriting units (3, 115, 125, 134, 211, 221, 241, 251, . . . , and nl) calculates an instruction code to be used in a following process and then rewrite a current instruction code with the calculated one without any execution of a microprocessor (14) or other controller. The result of the arithmetic operation is transferred to a peripheral device (16) or the microprocessor (14) through the data driven computer (13, 23).

Abstract: A system for dispensing and redeeming electronic discount coupons in a store. A card-dispensing kiosk collects information from a customer and subsequently issues a “smart card” for storing electronic coupons. Upon completion of shopping, the customer redeems the electronic coupons at the checkout area, by inserting the card into the checkout station. During checkout, when UPC product data corresponds to coupons stored on the card, the customer is credited with the value of the corresponding coupon.

Abstract: A process control system includes a plurality of machine controllers for individually controlling a plurality of process chambers and a main controller for controlling the machine controllers. Each of the machine controllers has a function of transferring process data detected by its corresponding process chamber to the main controller. The main controller has a storage device for accumulating process data transferred from the machine controllers and a function of transferring the accumulated process data to a host computer when the main controller is in a predetermined control load state.

Abstract: A scheme for management of uncertainty in control systems that require adaptation is described. The scheme removes as much uncertainty as possible at design time and manufacturing time by taking advantage of available compute resources in pre-computing a large set of robustness-performance tradeoff based model controllers at different operating conditions for different values of uncertainty parameters that occur in-use and in manufacturing. A group of control models, and corresponding model controllers with an uncertainty bound larger than the best-tuned controller, are generated. A subset of the model controllers is implemented in the system at manufacturing time based on characterization of the system. The subset of model controllers is switched at run time based on transient information received during operation of the system.

Abstract: A radio (20) having a power supply (24); a power reservoir (25); a plurality of processors (22, 36), having inner registers which store a first flag indicating whether a power failure occurred; a plurality of memory banks (28, 38), coupled to the plurality of processors (22, 36); a power failure sensor (26), coupled to the power supply (24) and to the plurality of processors (22, 36); a power on reset unit (34), coupled to the power failure sensor (26); a clock generator (32), and a power failure recovery controller (30′), coupled to the power supply (24), the energy reservoir (25), the power failure sensor (26), the clock generator (32), the plurality of processors (22, 36) and to the power on reset unit (34).

Abstract: In a conventional method for controlling successive machine processes, a central control unit only communicates the start commands to the individual decentralized control units when the decentralized control unit responsible for a previous machine process has communicated an end message to the central control unit. As a result of overloading the central control unit with other, a time delay arises between the individual process steps. In the method disclosed herein, the central control unit communicates a preparatory command for a second machine process to the decentralized second control unit during the execution of a first machine process together with a start condition. The second machine process is only started when the second control unit receives a completion signal directly from the first control unit to satisfy the start condition.

Abstract: A data communications protocol converter for interfacing manufacturing process equipment with a host computer comprises a controller that converts the messages transmitted by the host computer and equipment into messages that meet the protocol of the receiving side. A data acquisition system coupled between the controller and equipment provides a parallel interface to the process equipment and allows the converter to check for/activate logic signals from/to the process equipment. A user interface circuit provides the controller with a user friendly interface that enables the user to set any message parameters and conversation scheme and to interactively communicate with each attached device and edit and re-transmit previously send messages. A software support workstation coupled to the controller through a network provides capability for remote target machine access, software maintenance and configuration modification via the network.

Abstract: A microprocessor system intended for safety-critical control systems includes two synchronously operated central units (1, 2) which receive the same input data and process the same program, in addition, read-only memories (5, 10) and random-access memories (6, 11) for useful data and test data, and comparators (18, 19) which check the output signals of the central units (1, 2) and issue disconnecting signals in the event of non-correlation. The central units (1, 2) are connected to the memories and the input and output units by way of separate bus systems (3, 4) and coupled by driver stages (15, 16, 17) which enable the central units (1, 2) to jointly read and process the data available in the two bus systems (3, 4).

Abstract: A process controller implements an overall, user-developed control strategy in a process control network that includes distributed controller and field devices, such as Fieldbus and non-Fieldbus devices. A user defines the control strategy by building a plurality of function blocks and control modules and downloading or installing user-specified portions of the control strategy into the Fieldbus devices and the non-Fieldbus devices. Thereafter, the Fieldbus devices automatically perform the downloaded portions of the overall strategy independently of other portions of the control strategy. For example in a process control system that includes distributed field devices, controllers and workstations, portions of the control strategy downloaded or installed into the field devices operate independently of and in parallel with the control operations of the controllers and the workstations, while other control operations manage the Fieldbus devices and implement other portions of the control strategy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for checking the validity of an item of data stored for access by a first data processor of a data processing network having at least two interconnected data processors. The first data processor provides a second data processor with a copy of an item of data and the second data processor determines whether the item of data is valid. The second data processor then reports to the first data processor on the validity of the item of data so that the first data processor can prevent access to any invalid data.

Abstract: An interface between a remote communications network and a process control system includes a storage device, a communication software stack and a user software layer. The user software layer enables interfacing between the remote communications network and the process control system by directing the communication software stack to operate in the process control system using a process communication protocol, by monitoring the message traffic on the communication software stack, and by copying requested message traffic to the storage device. The user software layer also includes media interface software that allows access to the storage device by the remote communications network to thereby deliver specific data to a device connected to the remote communications network.

Abstract: A distributed digital control system includes a plurality of control modules which are interconnected by a communication link. Each module includes a processor unit for running a control program, and a plurality of system databases which correspond to nodes in the system. Each module further includes a selector such as a Dual Inline Package (DIP) switch for inputting a node number. The program automatically selects the database corresponding to the input node number when the module is powered up. The system preferably utilizes the industry standard LonTalk® protocol, with each database including Standard Network Variable Types (SNVTs) and Standard Configuration Parameter Types (SCPTs) for the respective node. A default database is also stored in each module, which is automatically used by the program if the system databases are not found.

Abstract: A network of electronic controllers adapted for controlling operation of a plurality of output devices. Each of the controllers is programmed with an algorithm which causes the controller to analyze its external connections to identify its assigned tasks and functions, thereby allowing the controller to automatically configure itself for use. Each of the controllers is programmed with instructions for performing the assigned tasks and functions of all of the controllers.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for optimizing a production output of a processing device for processing flat articles, the processing device including at least one processing arrangement for receiving and processing the flat articles and which has function parameters controllable through actuators. Actual values of the function parameters are detected. Deviations of the actual values of the function parameters from set values are thereafter evaluated according to an empirically determined algorithm. A correction value for at least one of the actuators is calculated based on results of the above evaluation, and the actuator is operated based on the correction value for controlling the function parameters.

Abstract: A microprocessor configuration for a control system of a vehicle comprises a plurality of microprocessor systems (4,5,6) which are interconnected by bus systems (1,2,3) and include an anti-lock and/or traction slip control system and further control systems, which require complex computing operations, as well as an input signal conditioning system (SC). For the purpose of error detection one part of the data processing is performed “symmetrically” redundantly in a plurality of microprocessor systems and another part of the data processing is additionally performed (“asymmetrically” redundantly) in accordance with simplified algorithms. Two like master microprocessor systems (5,6) are provided which serve the symmetrically redundant data processing. The input signal conditioning and the processing in accordance with simplified algorithms are installed in a third microprocessor system (4).

Abstract: A computer-implemented building automation system is provided with an asynchronous communication architecture for supporting object-oriented applications that interact with distributed building automation devices. Standard application objects which need to be informed of changes to the value of another object's attributes use a connection object to establish an asynchronous link between standard objects. A source object has a control attribute that changes based upon the execution of this object's control method which in turn is linked to a second control attribute of a destination object. By linking these attributes, a connection object is defined to manage information being passed between these two objects. Upon instantiation of the connection object, it registers the second control attribute with the source object to receive "significant" changes in the value of its control attribute.

Abstract: A networked computer online gaming system and process arranged in a client/server online gaming architecture and utilized to run gaming programs. The client computers are configured to run a gaming client program. The server computers are coupled to the client computers via a network. The server computers run server programs including a master control program (MCP) that governs access of the server programs to the online gaming architecture, a servorum program (SV) for creating instances of a server program, a matchmaker program (MM) that supports rendezvous services, a game instances class server program (GICS) that enables games and provides user to user communication, and game upper level protocol server program (GULP) that supports the user to user communication provided by said GICS.

Abstract: A first microprocessor controls an actuator according to a control program stored in a program storage memory, using a learnt value stored in a learning value storage memory. The learnt value is updated in response to an action of the actuator. A second microprocessor is connected to the first microprocessor to replace the control program with another control program which also has a function to initialize the learnt value. However, when the learnt value has been updated, the first microprocessor prohibits the second microprocessor from replacing the control program, thereby preventing the impairment of control response due to initialization of the learnt value.

Abstract: An electronic control unit has a microprocessor having a nonvolatile memory which is electrically reloadable. Data, with a predetermined loading voltage, is supplied as a condition. The microprocessor controls an object of control during normal operation by executing a control program made up of data stored in the nonvolatile memory. When a predetermined reloading condition has been established, the microprocessor carries out a loading process for loading load data, transmitted thereto from outside the nonvolatile memory, as an update. Along with executing the control program, a monitor signal is generated at predetermined time intervals indicating normal. A system monitoring circuit is also provided for monitoring the monitor signal outputted from the microprocessor. As such, when the monitor signal is not outputted within a predetermined time, a reset signal for resetting the microprocessor is sent to the microprocessor.

Abstract: An architecture and electric system for controlling various devices is disclosed. The system uses modular, interchangeable components that can perform one or several tasks, such as interacting with a human user, controlling an external device, communicating and managing communications between several modules, storing and retrieving information, and acting as a master module. The modules are stackable and can interface with any other module.

Abstract: An image forming system, of the present invention, which has an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a paper sheet in accordance with image data output from a computer includes a plurality of storage units, provided to the image forming apparatus, for storing the paper sheet, a plurality of detecting units for detecting the paper sheet on each of the plurality of storage units, a display unit, provided to the computer for displaying a detection result from each of the plurality of detecting units, an input unit, provided to the computer, for inputting an instruction for selecting the storage unit, and a control unit, provided to the image forming apparatus, for selecting the storage unit in accordance with the instruction input from the input unit. With this arrangement, the operator of the computer can detect the sheet storage status of the storage unit while staying in front of the computer, thereby selecting a desired storage unit.

Abstract: A peripheral communications terminal and interfacing method whereby host terminal intercommunication can proceed when the communications terminal is off-line without requiring host driver interface modification. This communications terminal incorporates a communications enabling unit that selectably uses DTR signaling or similar handshaking to notify the host whether data can be received. This communications enabling unit is set to either a first "busy" mode indicating that receipt of streaming data is not possible when the processor of the communications terminal, which possesses at least a printing function, cannot further process data, or a second "override" mode which allows receipt of incoming data to continue even when the processor cannot process data.

Abstract: GPAE is a dynamic and generic object-oriented process automation engine that provides workflow management (WFM) services in a heterogeneous distributed computing environment. This invention decouples process definitions, run-time process management, and process execution agents. The system consists of three major parts: (a) a build time part used to capture and store process definitions, and to request the enactment of a process; (b) a run time part used to schedule, execute, and monitor the requested process; (c) a CORBA bus to plug-in software applications needed to execute processes, and to allow interactions among the system components. This GPAE invention, based on CORBA, and event-driven and constraint propagation models, provides near optimal scheduling and resource allocation schemes. This invention is generic, scalable, flexible, and enables the process automation in a distributed heterogeneous platform environment, while sharing global resources and services efficiently.

Abstract: A method and system for allocating programming objects of a control program configured to control a distributed control system having a plurality of distributed control modules. A graph model of the distributed control system is constructed which represents all the possible allocations of the control program's virtual programming objects to the processing resources associated with the system's control modules. A maximum matching algorithm is applied to the graph model to determine an optimum allocation, which, for instance, may be the allocation that provides the maximum benefit. The system and method also provide for intervention by the user to refine or "tune" the allocation process.

Abstract: A programmable controller includes a BPU that executes first-class instructions, a CPU that executes second-class instructions, and a memory that is shared by the BPU and the CPU and stores a program, which is formed of a combination of first-class and second-class instructions. The programmable controller also includes a judgment-data storage section that stores judgment data for judging whether a second-class instruction is a skippable instruction or not, and a skip processing section that judges whether the operation result of the preceding instruction satisfies a skip condition or not. If judging that the operation result satisfies the skip condition, then the skip processing section judges whether a current instruction of the second class is a skippable instruction or not, based on the above judgment data, and skips the current instruction without transferring control right to the CPU, if the current instruction is a skippable instruction.

Abstract: An information processing system comprises a plurality of systems (1, 3, 4, 6) communicating through a transmission path (2) and performing a processing base on their own function. One of the plurality of systems acts as as an supervising system having a supervising function. The supervising system (1, 4) sets a goal for each of the plurality of systems, collects the processing result on each system and evaluates the processing result; and on the basis of the processing result, the supervising system sets a new goal for each system considering a goal of the entire system comprising said plurality of systems.

Abstract: A method of storing data in an internal storage device included in a process controller for controlling a molding machine divides storage areas of the internal storage device hierarchically into a molding condition data storage area for storing molding condition data specific to a product or an operating environment, a changeable machine data storage area for storing changeable machine data specific to the molding machine and necessary for setting operating conditions and subject to change when necessary, and an unchangeable machine data storage area for storing unchangeable machine data specific to the molding machine. The molding condition data storage area, the changeable machine data storage area, and the unchangeable machine data storage area can selectively be initialized individually or in an optional combination.

Abstract: A reflex I/O card for an industrial controller receives enabling inputs from the executed control program and triggering inputs from an industrial process to provide outputs at a fixed delay in time or portion of a machine cycle after the inputs through dedicated hardware thus avoiding transmission delays and processing delays associated with the communication of information to a central processor and the execution of the control program.

Abstract: A communication control system includes a first communication control apparatus connected to one end portion of each of a clock signal line and a data signal line, and a second communication control apparatus connected to the other end portion of each of the clock signal line and the data signal line.

Abstract: Auto-configuration support for a multiple processor-ready pair or FRC-master/checker pair is achieved through the use of an initialization signal issued to each agent on a bus during system reset. The agents on the bus are interconnected using a rotating interconnect scheme which causes each agent to sample a signal issued from another agent on a pin different from the pin on which the other agent issued the signal. When operating in FRC-master/checker mode, the checker agent operates as if it were the master agent, thereby checking the operation of the master agent. The initialization signal modifies the input and or output lines connected to the pins of the checker agent based on this rotating interconnect scheme, thereby ensuring the checker agent properly checks the master agent's operation.

Abstract: A tandemized data processing system has a first and a second programmed logic controller and centralized governance for alternatively governing one controller in a master state, whilst allowing the other controller in a standby state. Each controller has a local powering facility and a local bus, and furthermore is attached via a respective bus interface element to a general bus provided with input/output subsystems. The system further has a high-speed serial link between the two controllers. In particular, each local bus has local communication facilities, for consistently enabling user interaction with the master controller.

Abstract: A specification interpreting distributed control system is disclosed which eliminates the need for application programs to distinguish among a wide variety of object models of adjustable transducer parameters. The specification interpreting distributed system enables an application program to configure transducers using specification messages that transport specifications for actions to be performed in the distributed control system in terms of attributes provided by the application program. The task of translating from the specification to particular object models is performed by mechanisms associated with each transducer.

Abstract: Functional elements within a two-wire, loop-powered, two-way digital communications environment are interconnected using selective redundant connections and selective redundant functional elements. The redundant functional elements and redundant connections provide a smooth transition from operation of a primary process loop element to a secondary process loop element in the event of a failure of the primary process loop element. Redundancy is selectively implemented using a redundant pair of field devices or a redundant bus pair having a primary bus and a redundant bus. In a first case, redundancy is selectively implemented using a single set of communication media, such as a single communication loop, but implementing redundant functional elements, such as field devices, so that recovery is achieved upon failure of a functional element but not upon failure of the communication media.

Abstract: A system and method for debugging and tuning a process control network having distributed control functions implemented by a set of field devices communicatively linked over a bus includes an operational scheduler that schedules the execution of each of a number of process control functions and communication functions performed by the field devices to define a process control scheme and an indicator that indicates one or more process control scheme locations at which the process control scheme is to be automatically or conditionally interrupted to thereby enable debugging and/or tuning of the process control network. A controller interrupts execution of the process control scheme at the indicated flow locations, communicates process data to a user to display the current or a past state of the process to a user and waits for user input before continuing with operation of the process control scheme.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for simulating and optimizing a plant model. The plant model having a multiplicity of equipment models for a desired processing plant and a multiplicity of local property models for the material components within the plant includes providing a set of initial values for each property model in a data storage area. A first set of coefficients in each property model is determined. A set of equations representing the equipment models and property models, wherein the property models having a complementarity formulation, are executed simultaneously by the digital processor by using the first set of coefficients to determine a second set of coefficients in each property model. The second set of coefficients are stored in the data storage area.

Abstract: A communication module of a controller for outputting a command relating to an operation and a monitor for auxiliaries to be operated and a communication module of a switch gear for generating information relating to a protection and an interlock for the auxiliaries to be operated are connected through a serial transmission cable wires. Each of the switch gears is connected each other through a serial transmission cable wires. By controlling a CPU in the switch gear, an activation of the auxiliaries to be protected which are connected to a power circuit is commanded and then the protection operation and the interlock operation for the auxiliaries to be operated are carried out. A small scale of the apparatus can be attained and the wiring cables can be lessened.

Abstract: An all digital physical parameter sensing network. Sensors under control of a central computer measure factors such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, filter efficiency and the like at numerous locations in a system such as a water treatment plant. Each sensor is precalibrated with voltage offset information, sensitivity variations, corrections for nonlinear behavior, etc. stored in memory at the sensor. All sensors generate corrected voltage signals conforming with the measured physical parameter, so that any sensor can be replaced without requiring recalibration. Basically, the system comprises a central computer, a communications interface between the computer and a single bus, plural sensor nodes along the bus each including a sensor for sensing a physical condition and processing the sensed information to correct for sensor individual characteristics and for transmitting the corrected sensed information to the central computer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for estimating cardinalities for query processing in a relational database management system. The present method is suitable for use with a query optimizer for estimating cardinalities for sets of columns or keys resulting from a grouping operation or a duplicate removal operation.