Abstract: A railroad vital signal output module provides a predetermined output signal in response to a certain module input only under conditions that insure vitality of the output signal. The module includes a master microcontroller and a plurality of slave microcontrollers. The master microcontroller generates a periodic clock signal and a plurality of pseudo-random numbers in a predetermined sequence. Each slave microcontroller generates a plurality of pseudo-random numbers in the same predetermined sequence as the master microcontroller. The numbers from the master microcontroller are compared with the numbers in the slave microcontroller if the clock signal is received at a slave master controller in a predetermined window of time and if there is identity between said pseudo-random numbers, the module provides a predetermined output signal which is assured to be vital.

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

Abstract: An improved technique of interfacing a computer lighting device to a control computer is disclosed, wherein a hardware device is interposed between the control computer and the lighting device. The hardware device handles certain functions in hardware, thereby permitting the microprocessor at the lighting device to incur substantially less processing load.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a block oriented control system that allows interoperability between devices made by different manufacturers. A block oriented control system is a system which includes a plurality of field devices incorporating a physical layer, communication stack, and user layer, with the field devices being connected by a transmission medium, such as a bus. The physical layer receives signals from the bus and translates the signals into a message for the communications stack, and receives messages from the communications stack and translates the messages into signals for the bus. The communication stack controls the communications between devices operating in the control system. The user layer is a block oriented approach to the system's control functions, and includes function blocks and system management. The function blocks are standardized encapsulations of control functions, such as analog input or proportional/derivative.

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

Abstract: An industrial control system employs a primary and secondary controller each having a processor and at least one I/O data table. Updating of the secondary processor's I/O data table is performed prior to the same data being transmitted to the controlled process. This eliminates possible retrogressive control at the time of switch-over of control from the primary industrial controller to the secondary industrial controller. Additional I/O data tables may be provided in each of the primary and secondary industrial controllers. In the case of the secondary industrial controller, this duplicate I/O data table temporarily holds data until the transmission is complete preventing the partial update of the working I/O data table of the secondary industrial controller. The duplicate I/O data table in the primary industrial controller allows simultaneous outputting of the I/O data transmitted to the controlled process without corruption while the user program of the primary industrial controller resumes execution.

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

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing power system data gathered in response to unscheduled power system events such as faults. A plurality of protective devices communicate over a peer-to-peer communication network, and when a first device detects the occurrence of a power system event, the device records cycles of power system data before, after, or surrounding the power system event. The first device informs remote devices via the network of the event and a time tag associated with the event, and the remote devices record synchronized power system data.

Abstract: The present invention, Layered Detection Architecture (“LDA”) is useful to enhance the detection of command control processing errors and also facilitate survivorship among properly functioning flight critical Core Processing Modules (“CPM”) while eliminating faulty CPM responsible for processing execution errors. LDA is contemplated for use with lock-step execution verification schemes and other result comparison command-processing error detection methods also implementing redundant independent processing units.

Abstract: A method for generating an asynchronous controller includes a process controller formation step S100 of forming a signal transition graph representing a state of change in input/output signals of a plurality of process controllers PC1˜PC4 for outputting control signals necessary for executing a process corresponding to a node in a data flow graph showing a performance sequence between a plurality of nodes each representing a process and a plurality of processes, a process sequencing controller formation step S400 of forming a signal transition graph of a process sequencing controller PSC according to a performance sequence of the process controllers PC1˜PC4 from the data flow graph, and a logic synthesis step S500 of generating an asynchronous controller in a logic synthesis program, by using the state of change in the input/output signals on the signal transition graph of the process controllers PC1˜PC4 formed in the process controller formation step S100 and the state of change in the inpu

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

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

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

Abstract: Instrumentation systems and methods for monitoring an environmental condition at a location are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include wireless communication elements which can transmit pictorial image data from a location being monitored to a server computer. Persons at one or more client computers can view a pictorial image generated from the pictorial image data from any suitable location at any suitable time.

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

Abstract: A deviation between a target value of a quantity of state and an actual value of the quantity of state that is caused to follow the target value or a time-integral of the deviation is filtered. Based on the filtered value, a switching surface &sgr; is calculated. Based on a value of the switching surface &sgr;, a control input value u is outputted. The filter is set through comparison in Bode diagrams between a design model of a control system based on an ordinary sliding mode control method and a characteristic variation model of the control system, and by performing compensation in such a direction as to cancel out the variation. The filtering process makes it possible to properly control the control system having a dead time by the sliding mode control method.

Abstract: A bus for data transmission, bus switches for slicing the bus, and four arithmetic blocks are provided to perform a series of fixed-point arithmetic operations. Each of the four arithmetic blocks has a plurality of digit-serial arithmetic units, namely a multiplier, an adder/subtracter, and a shifter. Each of the digit-serial arithmetic units has the functions of receiving a plurality of input digits representative of an input operand and a digit position indicator of each of the input digits and providing a plurality of result digits representative of an arithmetic result of the input operand and a digit position indicator of each of the result digits to any other one of the plurality of digit-serial arithmetic units. Particularly, the digit-serial adder/subtracter contains therein a selector for input switching so that the digit-serial adder/subtracter can perform butterfly arithmetic.

Abstract: An electronic control system has an engine control computer and a throttle control computer. The engine control computer has a monitor program separate from an engine control program. The monitor program is for checking the operation of the throttle control computer and executed by the engine control computer as a timer interrupt routine. A watch dog timer is connected to the engine control computer to detect malfunction of the monitor program in response to a watch dog pulse produced during the execution of the monitor program. The watch dog timer disables an electronic throttle control by the throttle control computer upon detection of the malfunction of the monitor program. At the same time, the engine control mode is changed from a normal engine control to an engine power reduction control thereby to ensure a limp-home operation of the engine.

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: A distributed control system including self-organizing components which are preselected on the basis of built in behaviors which are needed to perform a particular application. The built in behaviors enable the components to automatically self-organize and perform the application once coupled to the network.

Abstract: A network type exposure unit connected via a communication network to other exposure units or to an information processor determines whether or not exposure work information of the instructed kind of exposure work is in the storage thereof. When the instructed exposure work information is determined to be non-existent, the unit inquires of the other exposure units or a host equipment whether or not there is therein the exposure work information, and decides executability of the exposure work requested to be started from the result thereof. The exposure work information can be transferred between arbitrary units, thereby alleviating complexity of maintenance and management of the exposure work information.

Abstract: A line controller (115) for controlling a manufacturing process comprises a data entry device (225) for receiving product identification information and determining circuitry (310, 315) coupled to the data entry device (225) for receiving the product identification information and determining whether the product identification information is indicative of a first product or a second product. A control unit (320) coupled to the determining circuitry (310, 315) automatically generates, in response to the determining circuitry (310, 315) determining that the product identification information is indicative of the second product, a request for information relevant to the processing of the second product. The line controller (115) further comprises a data port (330) coupled to the control unit (320) for transmitting the request and for receiving in response thereto the information.

Abstract: Time variation of communication delay may contribute directly to the instability of a distributed control system, such as a teleoperator system, for example, by communication paths themselves acting as sources of energy. The invention provides a distributed control system, such as a teleoperator system or a virtual reality system, that includes a master system, a slave system, and a communication system coupling the master system and the slave system. The communication system includes a bidirectional communication channel with time-varying delay, and an energy conservation filter coupled to the bidirectional communication channel for limiting a total energy provided by the communication system to the master and slave systems, thereby contributing to the overall stability of the system. The communication channel can be a data network, such as the Internet, which can exhibit significant variation in transmission delay.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a fieldbus configuration on a computer system. The user assembles a graphical program or wiring diagram on the screen which comprises a selected plurality of function block icons which are linked with one or more wires connecting the function block icons. As the user assembles the fieldbus configuration wiring diagram, the system automatically creates and displays a schedule which visually presents the schedule being created. The schedule comprises one or more schedule bars for graphically or visually indicating the order of execution of the function blocks. The user can change the order of execution indicated by the schedule by graphically manipulating the schedule bars in the schedule. The user can also place one or more loop structures in the editor window which encapsulate a group of function block icons. The loop structure is used to specify a rate for the function block icons comprised within the loop structure.

Abstract: A control device having control logics that respectively generate operated quantities by simutaneously parallel-processing observed quantities obtained from a controlled object. A switch selectively outputs one of the operated quantities to the controlled object based on instruction data.

Abstract: It is determined that, when starting of direct memory access is newly requested, whether or not the direct memory access can be started, using a rate of using the bus at the present time by data transfer performed by all the direct memory access controllers which have already started direct memory access until then and all the processors, a data transfer rate needed by the newly requested direct memory access, a size of data which is transferred in one direct memory access operation or a size of data which a memory can accept, a latency for accessing the memory, and a latency for bus-right arbitration. The newly requested direct memory access is started when it is determined that the direct memory access can be started. Starting of the newly requested direct memory access is kept waiting when it is determined that the direct memory access cannot be started.

Abstract: A method for controlling the properties of a sheet of material to be manufactured on a sheet making machine using a network of intelligent actuators distributed across and down the length of the paper machine. The method includes the steps of measuring and acquiring properties data about the sheet of material and communicating the measured properties data as the data becomes available to the actuators that control the properties of the sheet of material. A control action for each actuator is calculated and implemented using a control model of each actuator's influence on the properties of the sheet so as to minimize the variation of the measured properties data from a desired target. The control action made at an actuator and the predicted changes in the measured properties based on the control model are also communicated to all the actuators.

Abstract: Medical apparatus includes a patient table (7) with a table support (9) and a table top (11) which is movable at least in its longitudinal direction relative to the table support, there being provided a first drive mechanism (21) to assist said movement, if desired; the table top can be locked relative to the table support by means of a locking mechanism (23). The apparatus comprises a common control member (43) for moving the table top (11) in the longitudinal direction and for operating the first drive mechanism (21) and the locking mechanism (23). The control member comprises a link rod (57) which is movable in its longitudinal direction and which cooperates with a switch (67) for operating the locking mechanism, and also comprises a control element (71) which is movable transversely of the longitudinal direction of the link rod and which cooperates with a sensor (73) which supplies an output signal for control of the drive mechanism.

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