Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for managing Profibus device information in a distributed control system. After receiving input parameter data originating from a Profibus device message, the I/O module assembly performs steps for processing, maintaining and providing the input parameter data to a requesting control processor. The processing step includes extracting input parameter values from a received Profibus device message. The extracted input parameters are then deposited in a repository on the I/O module assembly, such that for a primary input parameter, the I/O module assembly stores at least: (1) a measured value, and (2) a status value. Furthermore, the I/O module assembly maintains a reference linking the first status parameter to the first input parameter. The I/O module assembly provides a data status value with the measured value for the first input parameter in accordance with an I/O read operation. The data status value is based on the status value for the first status parameter.

Abstract: A process control loop monitor includes a housing configured to mount in the field of an industrial process. A loop interface circuit couples to a process control loop and receives data from the process control loop. A memory stores data received by the loop interface circuit from the process control loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus and the like capable of performing exclusive control in a network without adding a new configuration to an existing apparatus to be controlled and, even in the case where the apparatus to be controlled or the like drops from the network, capable of maintaining and continuing the original exclusive control state. In a bus system S in which an apparatus C to be controlled and a control apparatus CC are exclusively associated with each other and the operation of one apparatus C to be controlled is controlled by one control apparatus CC, exclusive control information indicating correspondence between operation of each of the apparatuses C to be controlled and a control apparatus CC which controls the operation is stored similarly in all of the control apparatuses CC with respect to each of the apparatuses to be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control apparatus and the like capable of performing exclusive control in a network without adding a new configuration to an existing apparatus to be controlled and, even in the case where the apparatus to be controlled or the like drops from the network, capable of maintaining and continuing the original exclusive control state. In a bus system S in which an apparatus C to be controlled and a control apparatus CC are exclusively associated with each other and the operation of one apparatus C to be controlled is controlled by one control apparatus CC, exclusive control information indicating correspondence between operation of each of the apparatuses C to be controlled and a control apparatus CC which controls the operation is stored similarly in all of the control apparatuses CC with respect to each of the apparatuses to be controlled.

Abstract: A safety master configured to communicate with a plurality of safety slaves over a safety field network or with a plurality of safety local I/O units connected by a safety back plane bus of the safety master, wherein each of the plurality of safety slaves and safety local I/O units allow connection to safety I/O devices in a plurality of cell equipment, and wherein the safety master receives a status signal indicating a “safe state” or an “unsafe state” related to cell equipment from each of the corresponding plurality of safety slaves or safety local I/O units, and controls operation/stop of cell equipment by executing an interlock operation program with the received status signal as an input to output an operation instruction signal.

Abstract: An industrial control system communicating among various control elements via a serial network synchronizes the scanning loops associated with collecting and forwarding data along the network so as to substantially reduce transmission delay and jitter, using synchronization information passed along the network.

Abstract: A medical apparatus comprises a user interface for setting parameters and includes: a screen for visualizing values of said parameters, a main control unit connected to the interface, a first memory and a video memory both connected to the main control unit for storing data corresponding to images on screen; the main control unit allows setting of a new value for a parameter, displays the new value on a screen region, stores the new value in the first memory, captures from the video memory data representative of said screen region, verifies from said representative data if the displayed value corresponds to the value in the first memory. A method for setting up a medical apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An effective bus arbitration unit is described in which it is possible to reduce, as much as possible, the waiting time until a bus master obtain bus ownership and improve the rate of operating the bus while improving the throughput of data transfer. A bus master issues a size signal (for example, signal “CDSZ”) indicative of the size of data to be read or written. A state machine 155 grants bus ownership to the bus master for the bus cycles corresponding to the size signal in order to enable the bus master to successively read or write data. Arbitration is performed once for every series of bus cycles corresponding to the size requested by the bus master. Since the size signal is issued by the bus master as a size signal indicative of the necessary and sufficient size for data transmission, the state machine 155 can set an optimal number of bus cycles.

Abstract: Processes and techniques for environmental monitoring in a data facility are described. A network of environmental sensors is arranged to monitor a variety of environmental conditions of the facility. The sensors can be queried to generate data describing specific environmental conditions, and the data can be processed to generate an environmental image of all or part of the data facility. The environmental image can optionally be viewed by data facility personnel and can be used to manipulate one or more environmental conditions of the data facility.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides an editor system for employment in an industrial automation environment that enhances programmability of at least one of a controller and an industrial process. An interface component can facilitate the receipt of instructions relating to programming a programmable logic controller. A programming assist component communicatively coupled to the interface component can program the programmable logic controller in accordance with the received instructions; the programmable logic controller is programmed in accordance with a hierarchically structured data model that utilizes a naming convention.

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: The invention relates to an input/output channel control block that comprises a number of successive input/output modules. The first is a control master module and the subsequent ones are expansion slave modules. Each expansion slave module comprises a processing logic unit as well as respective first signal port and a respective equal number of second signal ports and an equal number of third signal ports which are arranged at identical positions of each expansion slave module. The first signal port is connected to the processing logic unit, to which at least one fourth signal port for connecting an input/output bus terminal subscriber belongs, and a respective second signal port is connected to a third signal port. The control master module likewise possesses a number of third signal ports and a control logic unit for data exchange with a data bus and for targeted driving of the signal ports.

Abstract: A method of automatically identifying whether intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in a power monitoring system are in multiple electrical grids. A controller sends an instruction to each IED in a predetermined time sequence such that each IED receives the instruction at a different time, commanding each IED to begin logging variation data indicative of frequency variations in a current/voltage signal monitored by the IED and to send the variation data to the controller and an associated cycle count of a point in the current/voltage signal. The controller receives the variation data and associated cycle count and determines a peak correlation using a data alignment algorithm on IED pair combinations. If the IEDs are on the same electrical grid, the peak correlations should occur at cycle count offsets that match the order that the IEDs received the instruction. Any discrepancies in the expected order of peak correlations are flagged, and the corresponding IEDs are determined to be on different grids.

Abstract: Improved robotic surgical systems, devices, and methods include selectably associatable master/slave pairs, often having more manipulator arms than will be moved simultaneously by the two hands of a surgeon. Four manipulator arms can support an image capture device, a left hand tissue manipulation tool, a right hand tissue manipulation tool, and a fourth surgical instrument, particularly for stabilizing, retracting, tool change, or other functions benefiting from intermittent movement. The four or more arms may sequentially be controlled by left and right master input control devices. The fourth arm may be used to support another image capture device, and control of some or all of the arms may be transferred back-and-forth between the operator and an assistant. Two or more robotic systems each having master controls and slave manipulators may be coupled to enable cooperative surgery between two or more operators.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system including a communications channel, a first channel master, and a second channel master. The first channel master is configured to obtain latency values and maintain a first schedule of data traffic on the communications channel based on the latency values. The second channel master is configured to obtain the latency values and maintain a second schedule of data traffic on the communications channel based on the latency values. The first channel master manages data on the communications channel via the first schedule and the second channel master manages data on the communications channel via the second schedule.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling slave devices with a master device. The device performs specific functions to control operations of slave devices with a master device, and includes a user input receiving unit that receives an input from a user, a memory unit that stores command sets, each command set corresponding to a series of operation controls of the master device or one of the slave devices, and a control unit that generates operation control signals of the master device or one of the slave devices when an operation control command set is selected, the operation control signals corresponding to the selected operation control command set.

Abstract: For operating controlled machines, a slave motion of at least one movable machine element of the machine is controlled using a motion profile specific to that motion, and this motion profile of the motion of the machine element is subdivided into a plurality of profile segments. The profile segments are each assigned masters, and the masters depend on predetermined command variables, motion profile in the individual profile segments depends in each case on the respective masters, at least two masters are different from one another, and at least two masters of the motion profile depend on command variables that are different from one another.

Abstract: A computer system having two or more controllers operating in a Master/Slave configuration is disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer system includes: a sensor panel having a first portion for generating a first set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the first portion, and a second portion for generating a second set of sense signals indicative of a touch or no-touch condition on the second portion; a first device for receiving and processing the first set of output signals from the first portion of the panel; and a second device for receiving and processing the second set of output signals from the second portion of the panel, wherein the first and second devices operate cooperatively in a Master/Slave configuration.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates data transportation between two ore more systems. A manufacturing execution system (MES) can include a portion of recipe data associated with discrete manufacturing. An MES interface component can seamlessly communicate with the manufacturing execution system (MES) to delivery and execute the portion of recipe data within a controller-based discrete automation environment.

Abstract: A system for storing data from an industrial control system having an industrial controller including a communication module and first memory containing data for controlling an industrial process is provided. The system comprises a computer separate from the industrial controller and having a second memory and an application for automatically accessing the data from the first memory of the industrial controller via the communication module and storing the data on the second memory.

Abstract: When registration of favorite is designated in a group printer driver capable of comprehensively controlling a plurality of member printer drivers, a name input window is presented. When the name of the favorite is input, DEVMODE information is acquired from each member printer driver in the present member printer configuration (e.g., printers A, B, and C). These pieces of DEVMODE information are registered in one-to-one correspondence with printer IDs. If the registered favorite is designated, the registered DEVMODE information is transferred to each registered member printer driver to restore the set state. This provides a mechanism capable of efficient printing setting for a plurality of printer drivers.

Abstract: A method for network energy controller that can optimize total system power consumption is provided. The controller (100) collected device loads and report to a common device (270) for optimization. The controller is able to communicate both to other controllers on the same power source or to the internal device (205) that is connected to the controller. The common device is able to respond to power changes reported by controller and request other controller to reduce power so that the entire system power consumption can meet or optimized toward the power policy goal.

Abstract: A machine includes a master electronic control module and at least one secondary electronic control module. A method of operating the machine includes steps of determining whether preconditions are satisfied for changing the master electronic control module from an operating state to a low power state, and determining whether preconditions are satisfied for changing the secondary electronic control module from an operating state to a power off state by opening a power supply circuit. The method also includes steps of changing the secondary electronic control module from the operating state to the power off state, and changing the master electronic control module from the operating state to the low power state.

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. The master processor 3 transfers data to and from the slave processor 2 in communication with the slave processor 2 by means of the data communication section 310 through the fast SPI cable 5 in response to a transmission request command sent from the slave processor 2 With this, the processing ability of a multi-processor system can be increased.

Abstract: A linking system automatically sets communication protocol and station numbers for multiple consoles. One console is set as master console and the remaining consoles are set as slave consoles. Each console comprises a serial input end, a serial output end and a master/slave communication end. The serial output end of one slave console is connected to the serial input end of a next console to form a console series, while the master/slave communication ends of all consoles are in parallel connection. The master console sends communication protocol data to all slave consoles to set up the slave consoles. The first slave console generates a serial number of one and sends the serial number to next slave console. The serial number is added by one in the next slave console. This process is performed for each slave console and the final serial number is sent to the master console. Therefore, the maser console identifies the number of slave consoles and can assign station number for the slave consoles.

Abstract: An electrical control system is disclosed for controlling a plurality of variable transmittance windows. The electrical control system of the present invention comprises a master control circuit for supplying control signals representing transmittance levels for the variable transmission windows, and a plurality of window control circuits coupled to each of the master control circuits. Because the window control circuits can sense abnormal load conditions in the variable transmission windows, the system further includes an interface to a security system to inform of a potential intrusion. Each window control circuit controls the transmittance of at least one of the variable transmission windows in response to control signals received from the master control circuit.

Abstract: In order to synchronize the timings at which a plurality of IC recorders start recording contents, a contents recording system including a plurality of IC recorders includes first and second preparation portions to allow all of the plurality of IC recorders to make transition to a standby state in which contents can be recorded immediately, a detection portion to detect a state of each of the plurality of IC recorders, and a start control portion to allow the plurality of IC recorders to record, on condition that all of the plurality of IC recorders make transition to the standby state.

Abstract: Lighting devices are configured to communicate with one another and with external systems. Sensors located at such lighting devices communicate with the external systems and with others of the lighting devices. Lighting is controlled to maintain safety, to drive customer traffic within a retail facility, or to conserve energy. An application programming interface provides a common mechanism for control of various lighting device types.

Abstract: This invention provides a semantic appliance control system consisting of a computer or cellphone interface that allows a user to compose command sentences remotely; one or more control boxes that each can send and/receive control signals to/from one or more specific appliances; and a control software on a server that receives and compiles a command sentence from a user into one or more control commands. The control software further schedules the control commands from one or more users and sends each control command to one or more control boxes at one or more scheduled times. The control box may as well include one or more sensors to collect and report the status of the appliance and the environment. Users may assert a set of rules in the control software such that whenever the status of an appliance or the environment satisfies certain condition(s), the control software may take one or more user-specified actions or that it can enforce certain conditions be satisfied all the time.

Abstract: The invention provides robotic surgical systems which allow selectable independent repositioning of an input handle of a master controller and/or a surgical end effector without corresponding movement of the other. In some embodiments, independent repositioning is limited to translational degrees of freedom. In other embodiments, the system provides an input device adjacent a manipulator supporting the surgical instrument so that an assistant can reposition the instrument at the patient's side.

Abstract: An industrial control system includes an industrial controller and a series of bridge devices logically connected in a cascaded arrangement to facilitate data communication between the industrial controller and an I/O device. The control system further includes a programming interface connected to the industrial controller to provide modifications to the program and component configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for a generic robot architecture providing a framework that is easily portable to a variety of robot platforms and is configured to provide hardware abstractions, abstractions for generic robot attributes, environment abstractions, and robot behaviors. The generic robot architecture includes a hardware abstraction level and a robot abstraction level. The hardware abstraction level is configured for developing hardware abstractions that define, monitor, and control hardware modules available on a robot platform. The robot abstraction level is configured for defining robot attributes and provides a software framework for building robot behaviors from the robot attributes. Each of the robot attributes includes hardware information from at least one hardware abstraction. In addition, each robot attribute is configured to substantially isolate the robot behaviors from the at least one hardware abstraction.

Abstract: To obtain a safety control device capable of shortening a response time without using a high-speed CPU, command judging units judge whether an output command that has been input is an ON command or an OFF command; comparing units transmit a judgment result of their command judging units to each other and compare the judgment results of the command judging units with each other. Output units output an output signal to turn off a switch if the judgment result of the command judging units is the OFF command or if the comparison result of the comparing units indicates disagreement.

Abstract: A system is provided herein for remotely controlling and monitoring machinery, the machinery having a control network for control thereof, one or more switches coupled to the control network for controlling the machinery via the control network. The system includes a controller hardwired coupled to the control network of the machinery. The controller is configured to control the machinery via the control network separately from the switches, and the controller is configured to monitor operation of the machinery. In addition, the system includes an arrangement for receiving signals for controlling the controller from a remote location and an arrangement for transmitting, to a remote location, information collected by the controller resulting from the controller monitoring operation of the machinery. Advantageously, with the subject invention, the system can control and monitor machinery from remote locations directly.

Abstract: There is provided a control system comprising: a master device that includes: a first transmission section that transmits, to a plurality of slave devices connected thereto through a network, a control command for the slave devices to control a device to be controlled and a flag that have two or more values; and a second transmission section that transmits, to the plurality of slave devices, a control start command for the slave devices to simultaneously start performing control based on the control command transmitted by the first transmission section, and a slave device that includes: a reception section that receives the control command and flag transmitted from the master device; a control command storage section that stores the control command received by the reception section in a storage section in the case where the flag received by the reception section has a specified value; and a first control start section that receives the control start command transmitted from the master device and starts perfor

Abstract: A sense-and-response system that may include a server with a rules-engine where the server may receive sensor values for rules-engine operation from a plurality of sensors. The system may further include a controller that provides controller parameters to the server for the rules-engine operation. The server may provide to the controller rules-engine output based upon the controller parameters and sensor values related to the controller parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a system for providing diagnosis information, and to a corresponding system. The aim of the invention is to simplify the provision of information for diagnosing technical installations or technical processes. To this end, components pertaining to an automation system and having diagnosis interfaces for providing diagnosis information for diagnosing the respective components are collected in at least one group, and the diagnosis information of the respective group is provided by combining the diagnosis information of the components collected in the respective group.

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: An apparatus and method for forming a control node in a programmable architecture, is disclosed. The node includes a plurality of user-programmable, microprocessor-based modules connected together. The modules are connected to create a parallel-processing environment with a selected functionality. Hot-swapping of the modules can be determined in the node. Power is distributed throughout the modules in the node. The modules may be automatically programmed to accommodate a target independent device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing a first master component with access to a first slave component while a second master component is accessing a second slave component in a system. The system may include a processor core and peripherals implemented on an integrated circuit. A slave side arbitrator corresponding to a single slave component and coupled to multiple master components can be used to provide a master component access to a slave component.

Abstract: A method to supervise a local dynamical system having multiple preset control objectives and operating in conjunction with other dynamical systems. The method includes receiving state input from dynamical systems in an environment at a distributed soft computing level, generating weights and applying the weights to the preset control objectives using soft computing methods to form weighted control objectives. The weights are computed based on the received state input. The method also includes generating a command signal for the local dynamical system based on the weighted control objectives and transmitting the command signal to a controller in the local dynamical system.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling a power distribution system is provided. The system includes a plurality of circuit breakers and a plurality of node electronic units. Each node electronic unit is mounted remotely from an associated circuit breaker that is electrically coupled with one of the node electronic units. The system also includes a first digital network, and a first central control unit. The first central control unit and the plurality of node electronic units are communicatively coupled to the first digital network. The method includes receiving digital signals from each node electronic unit at the central control unit, determining an operational state of the power distribution system from the digital signal, and transmitting digital signals to the plurality of node electronic units such that the circuit breakers are operable from the first central control unit.

Abstract: Provided are an alarm system and an alarm device which are capable of enhancing a fail-safe function. A fire alarm device (A) operating as a master unit transmits a switching request signal to fire alarm devices operating as slave units at a predetermined timing, the switching request signal containing at least an own address and an address of a fire alarm device (B) that is to operate as the master unit next (S20). Upon reception of the switching request signal, among the fire alarm devices operating as the slave units, the fire alarm device (B) that is to operate as the master unit next judges whether or not switching is possible based on switching availability judgment information for judging whether or not the switching to the master unit is possible (S30), and, when it is judged that the switching is possible, starts operating as the master unit (S31).

Abstract: A building appliance controller is disclosed that includes a safety feature. In one illustrative embodiment, the building appliance controller may include a controller and a safety element. In some cases, the controller may include a control panel configured to provide an interface, and one or more option cards configured to communicate with the control panel via the interface and to provide additional functionality to the appliance controller. The safety element may include a first relay or other switching element that is configured to selectively pass power to the building appliance. In some illustrative embodiments, when an unsafe operating condition is detected by the control panel and/or the one or more option cards, the control panel and/or the one or more option cards may open the first relay of the safety element to cut off power to the building appliance.

Abstract: A method for input control of multiple computing devices from a single set of input devices begins by providing, by a master input device of the single set of input devices, a connection request to the multiple computing devices via a wireless channel, wherein the connection request identifies one of the multiple computing devices. The method continues by interpreting, by each of other ones of the multiple computing devices, the connection request to determine that the connection request is not addressing the each of the other ones of the multiple computing devices. In response to the connection request, the method continues by providing, by the one of the multiple computing devices, a connection response to the master input device via the wireless channel. The method continues by providing, by the one of the multiple computing devices, a slave connection request to at least one slave input device of the single set of input devices via the wireless channel.

Abstract: An automation control system can be efficiently developed and maintained as a hierarchical arrangement of configured components that pass process control parameters received from a control component and return reports back to the control component. In particular, control components compare a current configuration to a validated, saved configuration in order to report a configuration status as to whether a process can be conducted as validated. Yet, changes to the configuration of the automation control system that do not affect a validated portion do not preclude continued validated processing.

Abstract: A complex servo control system includes a host control end, a servo master controller, and a plurality of servo streams. The host control end sends control commands, and the servo master controller receives the control commands to generate corresponding control signals. Each control signal includes an identification code and a setting value. The servo streams are electrically connected to the servo master controller in parallel. Each of the servo streams includes a plurality of servos and each of the servos has a given an identification code. The servo master controller sends the control signals to one of the servo streams according to the identification code carried by the control signals, and the control signals are then received and sent downwards in sequence by the servos of the servo stream. When the identification code carried by control signals match the given identification code of one of the servo, the servo having the identification code activates according the setting value.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for service and/or business for coordinating tasks of performance management and application placement management in a dynamic fashion. An example process is dynamic in the face of fluctuations in the request load to the distributed computer system and the periodic adjustments to the placement of applications onto servers in said distributed computer system. There are two opposite functional flows in said process: a demand estimation function and a capacity adjustment function. The coordination system involves two subsystems: a demand estimator and a capacity adjuster, along with appropriate interfaces to of the performance manager and the application placement manager.

Abstract: When a read command is sent from a command device to a communication control apparatus, a communication program refers to a PLC address table and cites a PLC address, including a communication protocol of the PLC identified by the read command. The communication program translates the read command using a protocol translation table and transmits the translated read command to the PLC. The communication program translates data read from the PLC using the protocol translation table, and stores the translated data in a tag file.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method for accessing a functional module (118, 128, 138) of an automation system, wherein the automation system comprises a device in the form of higher-level device (200) and at least one lower-level device (110, 120, 130) arranged under this higher-level device and wherein the functional module (118, 128, 138) is in the form of part of the one or more lower-level devices (110, 120, 130) and for executing at least one device function. In addition, a device in the form of the higher-level device (200) for performing the method in an automation system is also proposed, wherein at least one device (110, 120, 130) comprising a functional module (118, 128, 138) for executing at least one device function is arranged under the higher-level device.