Abstract: A controller capable of being employed in a distributed control system, where the distributed control system controls operations of a plurality of devices that operate together to perform a process, and a method of communicating information between a first program portion and a second program portion of such a controller, are disclosed. The controller includes at least one processing component configured to perform a first plurality of program portions that operate in relation with one another as a first agent. The plurality of program portions includes a first program portion that controls agent-type behavior of the controller, and a second program portion that at least one of controls and monitors at least one of the devices. The controller further includes at least one memory component that stores a data table that is accessed by each of the first and second program portions to allow communication between those program portions.

Abstract: A time-shared communications architecture for communicating digitized information for an industrial process control system, which architecture includes various programmed operating units (8, 10, 11) in particular site units (8) situated at a process interface level, which units process and store information which can be accessed by at least one other unit internal to the system or by an external computer, via at least one industrial local area network of said communications architecture. At least some of the units contain servers (9) of the HTTP type so as to be capable of sending optionally interactive computer documents in response to requests received from another unit of the system or from a computer, in particular external to the system, equipped with an HTTP/TCP/IP protocol stack and acting as a customer, without disturbing the priority and deterministic interchange related to the real time control of the process.

Abstract: A vehicular electronic control system includes multiple electronic control units (ECUs) to which a tester is connectable for diagnosis. Each ECU stores a vehicle identifying number (VIN) code that is transmitted to the tester for providing various kinds of information on a vehicle. A priority level is assign to each ECU so that the ECUs transmit the VIN code in order of precedence when the ECU having higher priority is unable to transmit the VIN code when another ECU has not transmitted the VIN code. Moreover, each ECU monitors a communication line when received a VIN code transmission request from the tester and detects an output indicative the VIN code sent from another ECU to the tester. When the ECU has detected the output, it terminates the VIN code transmission and do not transmits the VIN code to the tester.

Abstract: A device for automating and/or controlling machine tools or production machines is described. The device includes at least one computer which is located remote from a machine. The computer operates like a handheld controller and is connected via at least one bus system, which can be wired or wireless, with each machine for unidirectionally or bidirectionally transmitting data and control signals. All control functions of the machine are integrated in the remote controller. This device can automate and/or control machine tools and production machines in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A serial communication interface (SCI) cable 4 is provided between the slave processor 2 and the master processor 3. Both processors are connected with a communication interface for peripheral units (SPI: Serial Peripheral Interface) which enables fast transmission. The slave processor 2 transmits a transmission request command which requests at least one of data transmission and reception from the command communication section 220 to the master processor 3 through the SCI cable 4.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for control using field and control devices that provide a virtual machine environment and that communicate via an IP network. By way of non-limiting example, such field device can be an “intelligent” transmitter or actuator that includes a low power processor, along with a random access memory, a read-only memory, FlashRAM, and a sensor interface. The processor can execute a real-time operating system, as well as a Java virtual machine (JVM). Java byte code executes in the JVM to configure the field device to perform typical process control functions, e.g., for proportional integral derivative (PID) control and signal conditioning. Control networks can include a plurality of such field and control devices interconnected by an IP network, such as an Ethernet.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.

Abstract: A printing apparatus having a plurality of discharge portions (bins) to which a printed sheet is discharged. Control information on the plurality of bins is stored as discharge portion control information, and a printed sheet printed by a printing unit in accordance with a print job inputted from a host computer, is discharged to a bin specified based on a discharge destination identifier included in the print job. At this time, if any bin corresponding to the designated discharge destination identifier does not exist, the discharge portion control information is referred to, then an unused bin is specified among the plurality of bins, and the printed sheet is discharged to the specified bin. Further, an identifier of the specified bin is notified to the host computer, so that a user of the host computer can acquire information of the bin to which the printed sheets as the result of printing is to be discharged, in advance.

Abstract: In an Internet Based Distributed Control System, communication between one or more Clients and one or more controllers is managed by an Internet Hub. A small, inexpensive Web Server reduces the hardware and software resources required to remotely manage controllers through the Internet. One or more Internet Hubs maintain control of the human-machine interface of the system's controllers, increasing security and reducing system cost. Controllers only accept data packets from authorized Internet Hubs and send regular status update information to those Hubs. If alarms are generated, the system is capable of generating and transmitting human readable messages or alarms via e-mail, fax, SMS, or telephone. Controllers are grouped into Local Control Systems in either Peer-to-Peer networks or Master-Slave configurations.

Abstract: A field controller for use in a distributed control system including an area controller and at least one field controller. The field controller manages at least one controlled device in an industrial process operation. The field controller comprises a processor module segment through which it can control a selected number of devices, and it may also include one or more expansion module segments to enable it to control a larger number of controlled devices. The processor module segment includes a processor module and at least one local interface module for interfacing to a controlled device, and the expansion module segment includes interface modules for interfacing to other controlled devices. In the processor module segment, the processor module and said local interface module are interconnected by a bus segment, which is also connected to an upstream off-module connector.

Abstract: A main CPU transmits data used in determination of whether or not a target throttle opening degree calculation logic and an estimated target throttle opening degree calculation logic are normal (a target degree and an estimated target degree of throttle opening, and a dummy estimated target degree of throttle opening and an expected value) to a sub-CPU. The sub-CPU compares the data pieces in each of the pairs so as to calculate monitor data for monitoring whether or not the determination result in the main CPU is correct. In this manner, it is possible to enhance reliability of the routine for determining whether or not the respective logics are normal.

Abstract: A method of accessing data from field equipments by the host through intelligent network gateways which link field equipments over control network and the host over local area network is disclosed. A configuration software in the host is used to install intelligent network gateways and field equipments as virtual equipment data servers. After finishing installation, the virtual equipment data servers accessupdate store data of the field equipments continuously. Now, the virtual equipment data servers always possess the last field equipment data and can link any application program with a standard communication protocol. The application can integrate easily and high speed access data of a various of field equipments in the factory with only one standard communication protocol through distributed virtual equipment data servers.

Abstract: A circuit for processing a first image including two image supply blocks, two image processing units, a control unit and a plurality of buses. The image supply blocks assert selected lines of image data onto a respective one of first and second plurality of buses. The image processing units each process the data according to respective algorithms and provide respective update ok signals that each indicate that the respective image processing unit has completed use of the first sub-portion of data. The image supply blocks provide respective update signals to the image processing units in response to the update ok signals from both of the image processing units, transfer data from the second sub-portion to the first, and assert new data on the second sub-portion. Each image processing unit, in response to receiving both update signals, changes state to track the data without losing bus cycles to maintain performance.

Abstract: A control system for a plastics processing machine with at least one central processing unit with a real-time operating system is described. The central processing unit is connected to a plurality of actuators and/or sensors via a bus system, with at least one actuator and/or sensor directed to a rapidly fluctuating variable with a high-resolution. The first central processing unit can be released of overly burdensome control and communication tasks by using a first pre-processing unit which performs signal pre-processing for several sensors and/or actuators and by using a second pre-processing unit, which relieves the central processing unit directly of the bus communication.

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 periodic 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: A sequence of events detection system for use in a process control system uses sequence of events detection cards to detect and store indications of events and the times at which these events take place within the process control network. The sequence of events reporting system includes a stable master time source that is used to periodically time synchronize secondary clocks within each of the nodes of the process control system. Free running counters are located within each of the sequence of events detection cards at each node and these free running counters are used to mark each event with a counter value when the sequence of events detection card first detects the event.

Abstract: A logic circuit realizes an “if then else” branch based upon information carried at an input node and information stored in a register. The logic circuit includes at least one register and a corresponding comparator coupled to the register and an input data node. A multiplexer is coupled to the register. A control block is coupled to the multiplexer, the comparator, the input node and an input control node.

Abstract: The invention provides a computer system for realtime control of machines. The computer system continually switches between a realtime programs EP providing control of peripheral devices A1, An, including control and/or regulation, and other programs within the realtime clock periods. The computer system has communications system KS and a a control system SS connected to the peripheral devices A1, An, particularly motor driver devices, over the communications system KS. A realtime clock signal T is generated from an independent cyclic communications clock T2 of the communications system KS, which has a communications processor KP that operates in realtime. When the control processor SP is remote from the communications processor KP, the realtime clock T may be regenerated an incoming bus clock signal B by a counter Z having upper and lower thresholds K2 and K1.

Abstract: An improved image data processing architecture utilizes a negotiation protocol with an information push technique to provide a more efficient and effective image data rendering pipeline. The improved image data processing architecture allows the optimization of data transfer through the use of image transfer parameters and flags. In another aspect of the invention, a selection mechanism is provided to allow a client application to easily select an image frame as the current frame in a multi-dimensional image. Image sinks within the invention may further support non-blocking behavior.

Abstract: An electronic control system for cycles, for use in association to a set of sensors, a set of actuators, and a set of control members associated to the cycle, comprises: a first processor unit having the function of processing and displaying information; a second processor unit with the function of communication control unit and of interfacing with said set of control members; and a third processor unit having the function of interfacing with said set of sensors and said set of actuators. The first processor unit, the second processor unit, and the third processor unit are connected together via asynchronous bi-directional communication channels.

Abstract: The process control system (5) according to the invention comprises at least one master computer (7), at least one master system bus (9,10) and at least one communications network (11), wherein the communications network (11) is physically decoupled from the master system bus (9,10). The master computer (7) is connected both to the master system bus (9,10) and to the communications network (11) and enables data exchange between said systems using Internet browser technology (70). At least one technical facility that is to be controlled can thus be advantageously controlled both by the master computer (7) and by at least one computer (47) connected to the communications network.

Abstract: An asymmetric data record processor and method includes host computers and job processing units (JPU's) coupled together on a network. Each host computer and JPU forms a node on the network. A plurality of software operators allow each node to process streams of records. For each operator in a given sequence within nodes and across nodes, output of the operator is input to a respective succeeding operator. Data processing follows a logical data flow based on readiness of a record. As soon as a record is ready it is passed for processing from one part to a next part in the logical data flow. The flow of records during data processing is substantially continuous and of a streaming fashion.

Abstract: To provide an information processing apparatus and the like, in which even when a plurality of other information processing apparatuses are connected on a single serial bus system, a required one of the information processing apparatuses can be rapidly and easily selected and the information from the other information processing apparatuses can be input.

Abstract: An automation system as well as a method for programming a data communication for an automation system are described. Components are stations participating in the data communication. Sub-components can be associated with the components. A data message of the data communication includes data locations which can be freely associated with a sub-component. Data messages are generated automatically if the configuration of the automation system and the associated structure of the data communication are known.

Abstract: In a manufacturing process management system 10, each of input terminals 401 to 40n located respectively in multiple manufacturing processes of a process flow with regard to a preset product reads a barcode 164 attached to a target 160 and inputs a start of processing with regard to the product. The manufacturing process management system 10 maps the product to a processing status and stores the mapping into a database 130. In response to input of an acquisition request of the processing status with regard to the product from a client PC 50, the manufacturing process management system 10 reads the processing status according to the acquisition request from the database 130, creates a response message, and outputs the created response message to the client PC 50. This manufacturing process management system enables a current location of the preset product to be readily managed in the process flow of the multiple manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus forming a sensor, an actuator or a control is described comprising a control engine and an integrated bus interface. The apparatus can be connected via the bus interface to a data bus for the communication of the apparatus with at least one further apparatus forming a sensor, an actuator or a control and connected to the data bus. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a device-specific definition engine in which parameters required for the communication, function and/or configuration of the electronic apparatus are stored, with the device-specific definition engine being present in a device-specific format and the parameters being able to be accessed via the control engine.

Abstract: A method for controlling energy systems such as multiple boiler systems to meet an energy need includes a controller configured as a sequencer with the remaining controllers act as individual boiler controllers which periodically send status messages to the sequencer. The energy need is determined by measurements at the sequencer which maintains runtimes of the boilers. The sequencer periodically sends control commands to the boiler controllers to add or delete boilers. The control commands give consideration to the run times of the boilers.

Abstract: In a method and device for monitoring speed, in particular for monitoring the rotation speed of an electric machine, two processors are employed which monitor the speed using different checking modes and cross-compare results. The first processor executes a conventional control algorithm and checks on the basis of an estimated or measured value of the speed whether a speed limit has been exceeded. The second processor determines the actual output frequency, which is also indicative of the speed, of a converter either from actual current values, which are measured anyway, or by reconstructing the voltage from control signals of transistors. Both processors thus monitor if a rotation speed limit has been exceeded and/or execute corresponding response actions. The method also recognizes faults in the power section based on the evaluation of the phase current. The system can also be designed to manage pulling loads.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for implementing a multi-variate process control system. A workpiece is processed using a primary process control function during a first time period. A secondary process control function is performed during at least a portion of the first time period for processing of the workpiece. The secondary process control function is capable of modifying at least one secondary control parameter.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility includes a plurality of programmable logic controllers that contain operating programs and process parameters. The programmable logic controllers are connected to a network such that the operating programs and process parameters from the programmable logic controllers can be backed-up to a remote data storage device. Preferably, the backing-up of the programmable logic controllers takes place automatically and periodically in a manner that does not interrupt the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A control system architecture suitably includes sufficient computation redundancy and control command management to isolate and recover a faulted processor and/or to recover all processing units in the redundant system without adverse effects. Computational redundancy may be provided with multiple processors and/or processing units within computers or computing platforms. In addition to isolating and recovering from internal faults, various embodiments allow computing units to detect faults in other system elements such as sensors, adaptors, actuators and/or effectors. Further embodiments may also include one or more actuator adaptor units that detect faults in other system components and issue discrete instructions to trigger a recovery. In some embodiments, the recovery is performed within one or two computing frames, or otherwise in a short enough time period so as to have only minimal affects, if any, on system performance or redundancy.

Abstract: An integrated sensor processing cell device capable of transforming, reshaping, and modulating an original sensed image includes a sensing medium. At least one memory device stores weight bits. Multiplexers are associated with at least one of the memory devices. At least one transconductance amplifier is associated with at least one of the multiplexers. A multiple input logic gate, associated with at least one of the memory devices, is configured to store a signed pixel output derived from the sensing medium output.

Abstract: A system for controlling and/or regulating operational sequences in a motor vehicle having several equal-access control units for controlling and/or regulating certain functions in the motor vehicle. Control units each have a volatile memory, and a nonvolatile memory in which a loading routine is included. They are connected to one another via a time-controlled communications system.

Abstract: A multiplicity of processor elements, which individually execute data processing in accordance with instruction codes that are individually set and for which the connection relation between processor elements is switch-controlled, are arranged in a matrix; and the instruction codes of the multiplicity of processor elements are successively switched by a state control unit. The state control unit is composed of a plurality of units that intercommunicate to realize linked operation, the multiplicity of processor elements is divided into a plurality of element groups, and the plurality of state control units and the plurality of element groups are individually connected, whereby a plurality of small-scale state transitions can be individually controlled by the state control units, or a single large-scale state transition can be controlled through the cooperation of the plurality of state control units.

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 digital signal processor system, for example, an FIR filter, enabling a reduction of the memory capacity of a ROM storing various programs, provided with an input digital signal processor arranged at an input side, an output digital signal processor arranged at an output side, and an intermediate digital signal processor interposed between the input digital signal processor and output digital signal processor connected in cascade, the digital signal processors storing inherent programs P1, P2, and P3 and an identical common program Pc shared by these digital signal processors.

Abstract: A CPU unit writes a command for instructing a control CPU specified information for each I/O unit, each I/O unit decodes a command instructed by the CPU unit so as to determine whether or not it is information specified by the control CPU, and holds the corresponding information specified by the control CPU in the I/O unit, the CPU units issue commands for instructing the reset control to all the I/O units, and each I/O unit decodes the command instructing its reset control, and when it has determined that the corresponding command is instructed from the CPU unit of the controlling end, it follows the reset controlling instruction so that the resetting operation of the specific I/O unit on the system specified by the CPU unit is controlled.

Abstract: Data processing architecture comprises one or more data processing components associated with a logical level such that a data processing component associated with a logical level only accepts input from one or more data processing components in a logically higher or lower logical level or an external source; a data processing component associated with a logical level only provides output to one or more data processing components in a logically higher or lower level or an external recipient system. Each data processing component can not accept input or provide output from or to a data processing component in the same logical level; and a data processing component will only accept an input that conforms to an ontology related to the logical level with which the data processing component is associated.

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

Abstract: A method and device such as a database for storing and providing controlled access to objects and associated documents by multiple users according to predetermined privileges set by the owner, or host, of the stored information. Individual users, or guests, can be given access to the objects, its attributes and associated documents as determined by the host of the information. The host of the information can set up access privileges based on any type of relationship. This is particularly useful in complex business relationships between a host and a plurality of users, both of which may be sensitive about their trade secrets and other confidential information.

Abstract: Post-production processing may be performed by receiving a film series of one or more data units of content related to a motion picture, determining a state for the film series, determining an operation to be performed on the film series based on the state of the film series, identifying a resource that is appropriate to perform the operation to process the film series, and interfacing with the resource to enable the operation to be performed by the resource on the film series.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus which continuously executes oxidation and CVD in a multiprocess apparatus includes an internal apparatus controller which selects the type of process and supplies a start signal and stop signal for the process to the multiprocess apparatus, and a process controller which calculates the process state for each process on the basis of the internal information of the apparatus. Upon receiving the stop signal from the controller, the controller sends the stop signal to the multiprocess apparatus to stop the current process by the multiprocess apparatus and switches to the next process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling a system that operates responsive to a plurality of input control signals are disclosed. During operation the system generates a plurality of output status/control signals. A master controller has at least first and second controllers. The first controller outputs and inputs signals over a first communication path, and the second controller outputs and inputs signals over a second communication path. The first and second controllers output signals based on input signals received over the first and second communication paths, respectively, and also based on stored control data. A plurality of input/output modules are provided. Each of the input/output modules has first and second slave controllers. The first slave controller of each of the input/output modules inputs and outputs signals over the first communication path to the first controller, and the second slave controller outputs and inputs signals over the second communication path.

Abstract: A method for the orderly execution of multiple tasks in a data processing system and a circuit for implementing that method include a plurality of task modules which construct bids based upon the order of the task and its priority. The highest priority highest order number tasks are switched to available system execution resources. The system permits the orderly execution of round-robin task sets in an environment of dynamically changing priorities. When a round-robin task set is interrupted, the system is able to return to the round-robin task set after execution of the higher priority task at the exact point the interruption occurred.

Abstract: Method and system for a direct transmission of motion path data (310) from a generating system (204) to a control system (205) for use in controlling a servo-driven machine. For example, a machine tool for machining stock material, and the data generating system includes a computer-aided-design software package (301). Tool paths for directing the tool members of the machine tool can be extracted from a design file opened by the CAD software through the operation interface of the CAD software (302). Alternatively, the design file can be used to specify motion paths rather than end product geometry. The CAD interpreter application extracts the motion path data from the design file, eliminating the need to translate the data into another or intermediate form for controlling the machine tool.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for configuration of networked controllers in a vehicle that can be manufactured with various outfitting variants (that is, differing components and features), at least one controller being configurable to different outfitting variants of the vehicle, characterizing information is stored for the various outfitting variants of the vehicle. The data for configuring the controllers are stored in an outfitting variant controller on board the vehicle. A particular controller that is to be configured in this manner transmits characterizing information to the outfitting variant controller for configuration to a specified outfitting variant of the vehicle in which it is installed. The outfitting variant controller assembles the data for configuring the particular controller using the characterizing information and the data stored on the outfitting variant controller.

Abstract: A system comprises a site data appliance (SDA) having a Universal Data Appliance Protocol (UDAP) adapter coupled with one or more data source equipments (DSE). The SDA is connected to a supply chain network. The SDA collects specification information from the one or more DSE. The specification information comprises event information. A server is coupled with the SDA and is connected with the supply chain network. In response to the server requesting for the specification information, the SDA sends to the server the specification information from the one or more DSE in a Description Document. A data center (DC) is coupled with the server and is connected with the supply chain network. The DC receives the Description Document from the server and maps the event information in the specification information with event handlers. A map of the event information with the event handlers and the event handlers are sent from the DC to the server.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for executing different applications associated with several connections using at least one processing unit is provided. The arrangement includes a controller and a database that has several applications. The at least one processing unit and the controller are connected to the database. The controller allocates an available processing unit for each connection at the beginning of the connection, identifies the applications required by the connection concerned, and loads the applications from the database to the allocated processing unit.

Abstract: A component interface module (CIM) arbitrates through priority logic component command signals from redundant systems and integrates the selected priority command signal with component feedback signals in component logic to generate a control signal for a component in a complex plant. The non-software based CIM is programmable for use with a variety of plant components. The component logic includes blocking logic that prevents or terminates generation of the control signal such as when component activation has been completed. Diagnostics incorporated into the CIM include: an input port interface test, a pulse test that continuously checks for proper propagation of test pulses through the priority and component logic, and a test of the functioning of the CIM output device such as a relay.

Abstract: A data processor has sixteen processing elements that each include a register file and an arithmetic logic unit. A network unit connects between the register files of the processing elements and the arithmetic logic units of the processing elements. The network unit has a selector for simultaneously performing a plurality of data transfers which are each made from a register file of one processing element to an operation unit of another processing element. With the provision of this selector that can perform such simultaneous data transfers, the processing efficiency of the processing elements can be maintained even if a change occurs in operand assignments and the like.