Abstract: An information processing apparatus, which is capable of improving security and operationality in handling of storage media, includes a system bay and a data bay that are provided on the main body of the information processing apparatus and allow respective disks to be removably mounted therein, and a second control portion that controls the system bay and the data bay. The second control portion controls the system bay and the data bay in such a way as to prevent the disks from being removed from the system bay and the data bay when the disks have been mounted in the system bay and the data bay.

Abstract: A method and system detects and diagnoses faults in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Internal state variables of the HVAC equipment are measured under external driving conditions. Expected internal state variables are predicted for the HVAC equipment operating under the external driving conditions using a locally weighted regression model. Features are determined of the HVAC based on differences between the measured and predicted state variables. The features are classified to determine a condition of the HVAC equipment.

Abstract: A construction of RTU assembly having a number of independently operational cells for systems functions is provided. Each cell is formed from a configurable component and effectively could be of the same construction as a conventional RTU that would be used for a particular function. There is inter-cell communication for the continuous downloading of information between cells. Ideally the information is controlled in such a way that each cell is aware of all the information that is being transferred, but only receives that information that it requires. In this way all the functions can be performed and the cells operate as equal peers and no one cell has priority over the other cells, such that the failure of one cell will cause the failure of all the others. There can be duplication of function in the cells and various “redundancy” of power, and I/O ports is built into the system.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for a nuclear reactor safety related application. The method includes executing two forms of a same application-specific logic, one of the two forms implemented as hardware logic, and the other of the two forms implemented as software instructions for execution by microprocessor-based controlling software. Each form of the application-specific logic is executed with a same set of inputs. The method compares a result produced from the execution of the hardware-implemented form to a result produced from the execution of the software-implemented form. When the compared results concur, the controlling software performs actions associated with the concurring results by executing microprocessor-based software. When the compared results fail to concur, the controlling software reports the failure of the compared results to concur to an operator by executing microprocessor-based software, and thereafter places the microprocessor-based software system into an inoperative (INOP) mode.

Abstract: A method of using an APC system to perform a data pre-population function is described in which the APC system is coupled to a processing element. The APC system comprises an APC computer including operational software, a database coupled to the APC computer, and a GUI, and the processing element comprises at least one of a tool, a processing module, and a sensor. When the APC system operates, the APC system collects data from the processing element and stores the collected data in the database. When an APC malfunction occurs, a data recovery (data pre-population) can be performed. When some of the historical data is missing, a data recovery (data pre-population) can be performed. When an APC system is coupled to a new tool having some historical data, a data recovery (data pre-population) can be performed.

Abstract: Safety units 1d to 1f for executing a safety function processing are connected to a non-safety controller constituted by connectting a plurality of units 1b, 1c including CPU units 1a. A CPU bus 10 to be connected with the CPU units and a safety dedicated bus 11 for mutually connecting the safety units are provided to the safety units. Since the safety dedicated bus is isolated from the non-safety system, reliability of the safety function can be secured. The CPU unit can read out data through the CPU bus irrespective of the safety unit and the non-safety unit.

Abstract: Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with simulating a processor performance state by controlling a thermal management signal are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes a data structure for storing bit patterns that facilitate controlling a GPIO (General Purpose Input Output) block and addresses of locations to which the bit patterns can be written. The example system may also include a logic configured to receive a request to produce a performance state in a processor and to cause a frequency and voltage to be established in the processor in response to a thermal management signal being generated in response to writing the bit pattern(s) to the address(es).

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for balancing the read and write requirements of applications running in a computerized system against the requirements to protect a motion sensitive device in the system and requirements to protect data. The apparatus includes an application interface, a motion policy module, and a control module. The application interface delivers configuration parameters and system information to the motion policy module which establishes a policy for controlling the motion sensitive devices. The control module is configured to selectively communicate with one or more applications running in the computerized system and motion sensitive devices on the system. The control module executes actions to protect motion sensitive devices and system data and to maintain data read and write rates on the system in accordance with the configured protection policies and inputs from motion sensor devices.

Abstract: A system comprises at least one non-hardened processor configured to run a plurality of mission related processes; at least one threat detector configured to detect one or more conditions which indicate the onset of a threat to the operation of the at least one non-hardened processor; and at least one hardened processor configured to elevate at least one health monitoring process of the at least one non-hardened processor from a background process to a foreground process when the at least one threat detector detects a condition indicating the onset of a threat, wherein the at least one hardened processor manages the operation of the at least one non-hardened processor based on the results of the at least one health monitoring process.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system comprises a solid state power controller in communication with an aircraft system main data bus via a gateway module and a condition based maintenance module in communication with the solid state power controller via a communication network distinct from the main data bus. A method of load/feeder health assessment for an electrical power distribution system includes applying a controlled excitation to a load; sampling information from the load/feeder system for the load; characterizing a normal behavior of the load/feeder system for the load; determining if the load characteristics are within the normal behavior profile for the load; and shutting down power to the load if load characteristics are not within the profile when immediate action is indicated or generating a health message for the load when immediate action is not required.

Abstract: A configurable system for automating a control sequence, in particular a motion sequence, has several components which exchange in regular time intervals during the control sequence with each other information via communication relationships. The system selects exactly one system project design from a plurality of system project designs based on the topology and functionality of the components. Each component of the system has a component project design, which is used by the system to design the components according to the corresponding component project designs. Each component arranges the communication relationships of the other components according to its own component project design.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for process control, wherein at least one process device to be controlled is controlled by at least one process module and by at least one safety module, in that process signals not relevant to safety are transmitted to a local control unit associated with the process device by the process module and safety signals relating to the process safety are transmitted by the safety module, wherein the process signals and the safety signals are logically linked to one another in the control unit and the result of the logical link is made available at a control output of the control unit to which the process device to be controlled is connected. The invention moreover relates to a system for process control, in particular for the carrying out of the method in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A system for visually presenting data receives signal processing data generated signal processing data collection blocks corresponding to devices associated with a process plant. The signal processing data collection blocks may generate data such as statistical data, frequency analysis data, auto regression data, wavelets data, etc. The system displays an image representative of the devices and representative of a context of the devices within the process plant. Additionally, data based on signal processing data corresponding to one or more devices is displayed. For example, the signal processing data for the device could be displayed. As another example, data may be generated based on the signal processing data and this generated data may be displayed.

Abstract: A close loop control system includes a controlled system having a controlled variable and a control variable, a first detecting unit, a second detecting unit, and a feedback control unit. The first and the second detecting units detect the controlled system to output a first and a second feedback values corresponding to the control variable. The feedback control unit controls the controlled system according to the differential value of the first or the second feedback value and a predetermined value to stabilize the controlled variable to the predetermined value. The absolute differential value of the first and the second feedback values determines if detecting units are regular. When the absolute differential value is smaller than an error value, the controlled variable is controlled according to the first feedback value. When the absolute differential value is not smaller than the error value, the controlled variable is fixed to a fixed value.

Abstract: An on-line diagnostics system and method enable equipment information stored in each piece of industrial equipment to be safely disclosed to maintenance personnel to the extent permitted by the user of the industrial equipment. The on-line diagnostic system comprises industrial equipment and a maintenance apparatus for the maintenance of the industrial equipment, which are connected via the Internet. Equipment information indicating the state of the industrial equipment is encrypted using a specific common key, and the encrypted equipment information is transmitted to the maintenance apparatus in response to a request therefrom. The fact that the common key has been transmitted from the industrial equipment to the maintenance apparatus is outputted. After receiving the encrypted equipment information and the common key that have been transmitted, the encrypted equipment information is decrypted using the common key, and the decrypted equipment information is outputted.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system is applied in a computer. This system comprises a signal generating module, a signal receiving unit and a processing unit. The signal generating module is for sending a signal to the computer. The signal receiving unit is disposed on the computer for receiving a signal. The processing unit is disposed in the computer to reduce or shut down an interference source generated by the computer based on the signal received by the signal receiving unit. Accordingly, noise is therefore reduced, and the computer is efficiently hidden.

Abstract: A field device resident algorithm receives one or more diagnostic inputs and generates actionable service information. The algorithm(s) can be changed or updated after the manufacture of the field device. The actionable service information can be displayed locally or sent over a process control loop. A prediction engine can be employed to determine a period within which such service should be completed.

Abstract: Each of controllers includes: a transistor; a data processor for executing predetermined data processing and turning the transistor on or off in accordance with the data processing result; a pull-up resistor connected to an output terminal of the transistor; and a level separating resistor connected to the output terminal of the transistor, and the data processor of each controller detects a signal level of a control signal output from the output terminal of the transistor and judges whether or not any defect has occurred in its own controller, based on the detection result.

Abstract: An information delivery system and its method and a program of the system, in which plural robots are used and users can obtain information effectively via the plural robots from the wider range than the range where only one robot moves, are provided. Each of the plural robots provides an information delivering means to users and an information exchanging means with an information server. The plural robots and the information server connect to a network. The robot obtains information to be delivered to an identified person from the information storing in the information server. And the robot delivers the obtained information to the identified person.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automation system, wherein error reaction is improved. This is achieved by providing a method for the treatment of errors in a real time automation system, wherein at least one error reaction function is triggered by at least one processing error and/or access error. The improvement is achieved by providing a method for the treatment of errors using the error reaction function, and by providing a method for the treatment of errors in an automation system which has at least two levels of execution, wherein at least one error reaction function is triggered by at least one processing error and/or one access error on at least one of the other levels of execution.

Abstract: An electronic disconnect switch module (12) in a motor vehicle has one or more pairs of high-current, high-side solid state switch devices (30A, 30B, 32A, and 32B). The source terminal of one device of each pair is connected to vehicle load circuits (27), the source terminal of the other device of each pair is connected to the vehicle battery bank (16), and the drain terminals of the devices of each pair are connected in common. The module also has a microcontroller (34) that interfaces the switch devices with the vehicle electrical system. Four feature groups are provided: Vehicle Electrical System Protection, Battery Charge Control, Battery Disconnect, and Battery Monitoring.

Abstract: Method of controlling a current through a coil (L) for the generation of a magnetic field (H) in which: a parameter is determined which is a measure for the value of the resistance (RL) of the coil (L), the current (IL) through the coil (L) is controlled by data (DS) delivered by a data control circuit (DSS), and a stop data signal (SPD) is delivered to the data control circuit (DSS) for (at least) temporarily stopping the control of the current (IL) when the parameter exceeds a certain limit.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for monitoring electronic circuit units during an initialization phase. The device has at least one internal data line (103) for forwarding internal data (105) in the electronic circuit unit (101) and at least one data connection line (104) for outputting the internal data from the electronic circuit unit (101) and for inputting external data (106) into the electronic circuit unit (101). A changeover unit (102), which is intended to change over the data connection line (104) either to the internal data line (103) or to internal signal lines (113), and a combinational logic unit (111) for combining an initialization signal (109), which is provided by the electronic circuit unit (101) to be monitored, with an external changeover signal (108), which is supplied via a changeover signal input (107) of the electronic circuit unit (101) to be monitored, are also provided.

Abstract: When a power system experiences a disruptive event, conditions may exist that threaten the survival of power devices used in the system. Embodiments described herein provide an improved means of protecting these devices under such circumstances.

Abstract: An apparatus for concealing a display of the flat panel type, and for supporting and extending the display to a viewing position. The apparatus includes a display cover that operates between a concealed position and a revealed position, and a display support that operates between a retracted position and an extended position. There is also a display support interlock that is coupled to disable operation of the display support when the display cover moves away from the revealed position, and a display cover interlock that is coupled to disable operation of the display cover when the display support moves away from the retracted position. A controller with a wireless remote is coupled to the components of the apparatus to enable remote operation thereof. A housing with decorative frame surrounds the flat panel display and presents a display opening. The display cover may be a fabric sheet that is furled from a motor driven roller within the display opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automation system with a programmable controller (6), the programmable controller (6) exhibiting deterministic behavior and being provided to produce at least one first result value (13) from at least one first input value (3, 4, 5), as well as a method for controlling a technical process or a technical system with an automation system of this type. To improve the reaction of the automation system in situations for which no account is taken at the engineering stage, it is proposed that additional means for affective control (7) are provided which produce at least one state value (9) by means of situation evaluation means (8) from at least one second input value (1, 2) and for linking the state value (9) with an attribute profile (10) in order to form a second result value (11), the linkage means (14) being provided to link the first result value (13) to the second result value (11) in order to form at least one output value (15).

Abstract: A process plant includes a safety system that is physically and logically integrated with a process control system such that the safety system and the process control system can use common communication, configuration hardware and software within the process plant while still providing functional isolation between the safety system controllers and the process control system controllers. This integrated process control and safety system uses a common data communication structure for both the safety system and the process control system so that the configuration application can send data to and receive data from devices in either system in the same manner, e.g., using the same communication hardware and software.

Abstract: A method and system detects and diagnoses faults in heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Internal state variables of the HVAC equipment are measured under external driving conditions. Expected internal state variables are predicted for the HVAC equipment operating under the external driving conditions using a locally weighted regression model. Features are determined of the HVAC based on differences between the measured and predicted state variables. The features are classified to determine a condition of the HVAC equipment.

Abstract: A safety controller with redundant controllers, each executing safety tasks and comparing their results, provides an improved interface in which a user interacts with a single processor and the second processor is invisible. The interacting processor provides for the transmission of programs and variables to both processors when they are safety tasks and coordinates synchronization of the two programs and comparison of their operation all without additional user input.

Abstract: A portable weather detection and alarm device includes an electromagnetic signal receiver that receives digital time signals and atmospheric phenomenon signals. A processor connected to the electromagnetic signal receiver processes the atmospheric phenomenon signals to determine when an atmospheric event has occurred. An alarm connected to the processor that indicates the occurrence of an atmospheric event.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system including a device which has a short-range wireless communication section in a device body and an attachment unit, removably mounted on or connected to the device body, for performing weak, short-range wireless communication between the device and the attachment unit. When it is detected that the device body and the attachment unit are disconnected, the weak communication is started between the body-side short-range wireless communication section and the unit-side short-range wireless communication section. If a body-side attachment unit authentication section does not detect a legitimate attachment unit within a weak communication range or if it is detected that the attachment unit is mounted on or connected to the device body, a controller of the device body notifies an error and the lock function of the controller inhibits the use of the device.

Abstract: An array of logic gates is configured to implement a predefined strategy for an emergency response system in a hardware-only runtime environment. The array of logic gates receives a plurality of input signals from a set of sensors and actuators located within an industrial processing system. Based upon the received plurality of input signals, the array of logic gates determines an emergency response using the predefined strategy. The array of logic gates implements the emergency response to control the industrial processing system based upon the predefined strategy. The array of logic gates can be reconfigured based upon a change in the predefined strategy.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a microcontroller in a control unit in a motor vehicle, having a processor core, at least one read-only memory area and at least one rewritable memory area, at least one control program which is intended to be processed by the processor core being stored in the rewritable memory area. In order to provide a method for controlling a microcontroller in a control unit that better protects the verification of memories of the microcontroller against unauthorized intervention, a verification program is stored in a write-once memory area of the rewritable memory area and a service program is stored in the read-only memory area. The verification program is called by the control program via the service program at regular intervals and verifies at least part of the rewritable memory area. In addition, the service program resets a counter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety controller and to a method for loading a new operating program onto such a safety controller. The safety controller has an input module for automatically reading process signals, a failsafe signal processing module for automatically processing the process signals, and a failsafe output module which produces control signals as a function of the signal processing module. The signal processing module comprises at least one programmable processor and at least one read only memory. A current operating program for the processor is stored in a non-volatile form in the read only memory. A download device for transferring a new operating program is provided in the safety controller, with the download device enabling or inhibiting the transfer of a new operating program in a failsafe manner as a function of enabling information.

Abstract: A safety device for a machine has a first machine part for carrying out a working movement towards a second machine part. It also has at least a first and a second optical barrier moving along with the first machine part during the working movement. The first optical barrier runs ahead of the first machine part by a first distance, and the second optical barrier is arranged at a second distance from the first optical barrier. A control unit is designed to stop the working movement of the first machine part when the first optical barrier is interrupted. A test unit allows to test whether the second optical barrier has been interrupted once the first machine part has been stopped. A blocking unit serves for blocking the working movement as a function of the test result from the test unit. Using this safety device it is possible to determine an overtravel of the first machine part in a simple and reliable manner.

Abstract: A process device is configured for coupling to a two wire process control loop. Loop current output circuitry is configured to apply an output current to the two wire process control loop. Loop current verification circuitry is coupled to the two wire process control loop and configured to detect errors in the applied output current. At least a portion of the loop current verification circuitry is independent from the loop current output circuitry.

Abstract: There is provided a control system for controlling safety-critical processes that includes a fieldbus, a bus master for controlling a communication via the fieldbus, at least one signal unit for linking to at least one of the safety-critical processes, and a first control unit for controlling at least one of the safety-critical processes. The bus master and the at least one signal unit are connected to one another via the fieldbus to provide communication between at least one signal unit and the bus master. The at least one signal unit and the first control unit have safety-related devices. Failsafe communication is provided to control at least one of the safety-critical processes, and the first control unit is connected to the bus master independently of the fieldbus.

Abstract: An error tolerant computer controlled system comprises several computers working redundantly and controlling actuators based on signals from sensors and input devices. Each data item emitted by each computer is simultaneously sent through differing communication paths to each actuator, such that in normal operation each actuator receives each data item through several paths. This system continues to function properly even in case of a failure without requiring any re-routing of the data items, which makes it easier to design, analyze and test and thereby increases its reliability.

Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to be used to create software and programming instructions for a distributed process control system having a user workstation remotely located from a distributed controller that controls one or more field devices using control modules. The apparatus includes a computer having a memory and a processing unit as well as a configuration application and a controller application stored on the computer memory to be executed on the processor. The configuration application is further capable of being executed on the user workstation of the distributed process control system to create the control modules for execution by the distributed controller while the controller application is adapted to be executed on the distributed controller to implement one of the control modules during operation of the distributed process control system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for processing, at a sensor node within a sensor network, a set of sensor readings to determine whether an event has occurred, the set of sensor readings including one or more sensor readings for corresponding environmental conditions. The processing includes determining whether a sensor reading exceeds its corresponding threshold value for an environmental condition, and if so, comparing the set of sensor readings with a history log file to determine whether a false alarm event has occurred. The history log file includes one or more sets of historic sensor readings for corresponding environmental conditions, each set being associated with an environmental situation.

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 field apparatus for controlling a controlled element includes a diagnosis unit for diagnosing abnormality of the field apparatus and/or the controlled element and a bidirectional digital communication device to send a digital signal which shows a diagnosis result to outside and to receive a digital signal from outside in order to execute a control of the controlled element. Other predetermined functions are effected based on a command signal in the form of an analog signal received from outside by a analog communications device of the apparatus. Electric power for operation is supplied through a switching means that can switch either a electric power that is supplied by the analog communications device or a electric power that is supplied by the bidirectional digital communication device.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool has a packet based network medium attachment unit, a measurement interface, a network interface, and a microprocessor for reading DLPDUs from a network segment and for taking simultaneous measurements of DLPDUs on the segment. The measurement data is associated with a stored DLPDU if the DLPDU is still active on the network segment when the measurement data is read by the microprocessor. The diagnostic tool utilizes a currently active attribute to determine the status of a DLPDU.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sending an encrypted command message from a remote keyless entry device to a receiver in a motor vehicle. The method comprises defining a key generating key within the remote keyless entry device, and using that key generating key to generate a working key. The working key is transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the receiver during a training session without transmitting the key generating key. The working key is modified each time the remote keyless entry device is placed in the training mode. After the training session, a message encrypted with the working key can be transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the motor vehicle receiver where the encrypted message is decrypted with the working key.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a field-mountable process device that receives digital information from one or more process devices, and provides an associated analog output. Embodiments of the present invention include providing a wireless interface to the field-mounted process device such that configuration and/or diagnostic information can be communicated between the field-mounted process device and one or more additional devices. In some embodiments, the field-mounted process device can be completely powered by the digital process communication loop to which it is coupled. Finally, embodiments of the present invention also include generating and storing within the field-mounted process device a mapping between one or more field devices communicating in accordance with a digital process communication protocol and an analog output of the field-mounted process device.

Abstract: A system and method of interacting with a multi-agent distributed control system employing a plurality of controllers on which are programmed a plurality of agents in which the controllers are coupled by a network are disclosed. The method includes providing a computer program capable of operating a user interface, where the computer program is in communication with the agents via the network. The method further includes displaying agent-related information on the user interface by way of a plurality of windows, where within a first of the windows is further displayed a workflow among at least some of the agents, and within a second of the windows is further displayed at least one of a plurality of messages communicated among at least some of the agents, a work unit requested by at least one of the agents, and message content associated with at least one of the messages.

Abstract: A system comprising a housing, an electrical bus, a connector module for connecting the electrical bus to a power source, a battery module so as to provide power to the electrical bus when the power source is not supplying power to the electrical bus, a sensor module for monitoring temperature and utility power status with respect to the space and detecting an alarm condition, a user interface module for permitting a user to (i) store at least one telephone number, and (ii) store the current location of the system, and a cellular telephone module configured to (i) place a cellular telephone call to a stored telephone number when the alarm condition is detected by a sensor, and (ii) advise the call recipient of the current location of the system.

Abstract: A process control system uses a data collection and distribution system and an asset utilization suite to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the process performance monitoring functional areas. This data and information is manipulated in a coordinated manner by the data collection and distribution system and is redistributed to other applications where this it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, area, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.

Abstract: A medical instrument, in particular a generator for high-frequency surgery, comprises setting elements for presetting functions, and also functional elements for performing functions according to the settings. A controller interrogates the setting elements and controls the functional elements accordingly. Furthermore, a safety controller is provided for performing plausibility checks with the aid of information from the setting elements and also the functional elements, and for deactivating, or putting into a safe operating condition, the functional elements in the case of inadmissible working conditions.

Abstract: An electronic system may comprise a variable speed fan, a first source coupled to the fan, and a second source coupled to the fan. Either of the first or second sources may control the speed of the fan.