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: An apparatus for and a method of operating an automation system. A processing unit subjects useful information which is received via a telegram to a user designated logic operation and drives an output channel in accordance with a result of the logic operation. The processing unit monitors a time sequence of process data transmitted with the useful information and drives the output channel only when the time sequence lies within predetermined tolerances. A monitoring unit monitors the processing unit and shifts the output channel to a safe condition as soon as a malfunction of the processing unit is detected. The output channel may include a readback channel which reads back a signal applied to the output channel whereby the monitoring unit compares the applied signal and the readback signal and shifts the output channel to a safe state if the applied signal and the readback signal differ.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and process is provided for communicating safety-related data, over an open system, from a sender to a receiver. Safety-related components, including function blocks, flexible function blocks, resource blocks and transducer blocks, as well as, safety-related objects are provided. Also, an extended safety-related protocol provides for authenticating communications between safety-related components over an existing black channel, such as one using a fieldbus Architecture.

Abstract: To control articulated robots by dynamically modifying a combination of a hardware-dependent middleware layer and a hardware-independent application layer. An interface and a database for semantically performing operation are prepared between a middleware layer which depends upon the hardware configuration of a robot and an application layer which does not depend upon the hardware configuration, thereby making it possible to always guarantee normal operation even if a combination of the middleware and the application which is to be introduced onto the robot is modified. The application can acquire appropriate input data via the middleware, and can issue an appropriate command.

Abstract: A safety network system is constructed by connecting a safety PLC to a safety slave through a safety network. The safety slave obtains safety input informations from a plurality of safety devices connected thereto and transmits information based on the plurality of safety input informations in response to a request from the safety PLC. At this time, the safety slave determines whether or not a safety condition is satisfied based on the plurality of safety input informations, includes two notification modes, that is, a result notification mode in which a result of determination of safety determined by the above determination is transmitted and a detailed information mode in which the plurality of safety input informations are transmitted as they are as aggregated data, and returns a safety response in any of the modes according to a command from the safety PLC.

Abstract: A network master (M) having charge of an operation of a main device (L) and one or more network slaves (S1 to S3) each having charge of a safety determining device (A to C) for determining safety which is an operating permission condition of the main device (L) are connected on the network. Each network slave comprises means for selectively performing a first operation for transmitting information including data for maintenance of the safety determining device or both determination output of the safety determining device and data for maintenance of the safety determining device, to the network master and a second operation for transmitting information including the determination output of the safety determining device but not including the data for maintenance of the safety determining device at all or hardly including it to the network master.

Abstract: The safe PLC1 and the safe slaves 2 are connected with each other via the safe network 3. The safe PLC has the function of transmitting a request of safety information by broadcast message to the safe slaves. The safe slaves are each provided with a safety information transmission function for transmitting safety information indicative of whether the safe slave is in a safe condition or not; and a changing means for changing a priority of a transmission frame which carries the safety information. As a result, when the safe slaves send back safe responses at once in response to the broadcast message, safety information (danger) with a higher priority is transmitted ahead of others to the safe PLC.

Abstract: A medical support system for supporting a medical care of a patient includes: a wireless tag carried by the patient; a medical information database for storing medical information of the patient; and a medical support apparatus for communicating with the wireless tag and the medical information database. The medical support apparatus includes: a patient ID acquisition unit for obtaining a patient ID that identifies the patient from the wireless tag when the patient approached the medical support apparatus; a suitability determination unit for referring to the medical information database and determining whether or not the medical support apparatus is suitable for the patient identified by the obtained patient ID; and a warning unit for issuing a warning to the patient when the suitability determination unit determined that the medical support apparatus was unsuitable for the patient.

Abstract: A safety PLC 1 and at least a safety slave unit 2 are connected through a safety network 3. The safety slave unit has the safety information transmission function for transmitting the safety information for determining whether a safe state prevails or not and the unsafety information transmission function for transmitting the unsafety information containing no safety information. The unsafety information transmission function transmits the unsafety information on condition that the safety slave unit is in a safe state. Specifically, in the case where it is determined that no safe state prevails at the timing of transmitting the unsafety information, the unsafety information is not sent but the safety is transmitted. A safety controller, upon receipt of the unsafety information, estimates that the safety slave unit at the transmitting end of the particular unsafety information is in a safe state.

Abstract: A method for generating nominal position values for a position control loop of a numerically continuous-path controlled machine. The method includes presetting nominal position values with a defined interpolator clock rate, digitally filtering the preset nominal position values and transmitting the digitally filtered nominal position values to a position control loop, which with them controls motion of a machine on a path curve at a defined position control clock rate. Adjusting the digitally filtering nominal position values as a function of dynamic characteristics of the machine and adjusting an interpolator clock rate as a function of the dynamic characteristics of the machine.

Abstract: An impending fault of a component operated within a closed-loop control system can be detected. The close-loop control system is disabled. An actuator of the closed-loop control system is operated at one or more test values. A sensor reading of the actuator is taken while that actuator is operated at the one or more test values. A warning is generated if an impending fault condition is detected. An impending fault condition may be detected if the component operates at a value exceeding a maximum defined operating value, if the component operates at a value below a minimum defined operating value, or if an operating range that is narrower than a defined full operating range for the component is detected.

Abstract: An alerting system is provided for proactively ensuring awareness of pending customer generated trouble tickets which have not been resolved for at least a predetermined time duration corresponding to an escalation level. A customer service center selects the time duration. The alerting system includes a manager module which periodically monitors the pending customer generated trouble tickets and determines whether each pending customer generated trouble ticket remains unresolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system also includes an alerting module which sends an alert to a recipient assigned to the escalation level when the manager module determines the pending customer generated trouble ticket has not been resolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system may also include a parsing module which parses the pending customer generated trouble tickets to remove extraneous and invalid information.

Abstract: A side load detection and protection system (10) operable using pressure sensors (26, 28) to determine side load as a function of a difference in media pressure between two ports (40, 42) of a pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22). When the side load exceeds a pre-established limiting value, the system (10) shuts off functions that could be causing the side load. The system (10) includes a visual display (34) to communicate the actual amount of side load and to present a warning when the limiting side load value has been reached or exceeded. The system (10) is able to differentiate between loads applied to the rotation mechanism through operation of the pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22) and loads due to external forces acting directly or indirectly on the system (10). Furthermore, in order to account for different efficiencies, the system (10) can have separate set-points for side load in clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: A method for programming a failsafe control system comprises the steps of defining logical interconnections between input signals of the failsafe control system and of assigning interconnection products to output signals of the failsafe control system. The steps of defining and assigning take place on the basis of predefined function-specific program modules, which are selected from a set of such program modules.

Abstract: A method for controlling the functioning of a tire includes the steps of determining estimations or measurements of the slip Gi and the coefficient of friction &mgr;i prevailing at such slip for at least one pair “i” of values (Gi, &mgr;i); determining the corresponding values of the slope &agr;i of the straight line passing through the origin and through each pair (Gi, &mgr;i); calculating a coefficient B by direct calculation or by a regression from a sufficient number of pairs of (&agr;i, Gi) so as to estimate the value of slope &agr;0 at the origin; and using &agr;0 in an indicator of the longitudinal stiffness of the tread pattern.

Abstract: A highly reliable industrial control system is produced such as may use a standard network for configuration by symmetrically transmitting configuration data to intercommunicating controller components. The configuration data provides a unique identification to each component to reduce the possibility of misdirected messages and provides the protocols to be used by the components reducing the chance of garbled messages. The two components trade configuration data prior to communicating to ensure that they have the correct party.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and equipment for monitoring the operation of an industrial process. The industrial process is used as a basis for compiling a document comprising a group of cause-effect relationships dependent on the industrial process. From the industrial process is collected status data of the process. A document server compares the process status data with the data provided by the group of cause-effect relationships and produces a plain-language account of the status of the industrial process.

Abstract: An alarm event generation method and apparatus for signaling an alarm (436, 1400) for a process control system (100). The process control system (100) monitors a production run using a computer system (108). The computer system (108) collects process data corresponding to the production run from operator workstations (104, 106) and stores the process data in a process data database (110). The process data includes a plurality of process parameter counts (430) each corresponding to a process parameter type (428). The process parameter counts (430) are polled from the computer system (108). Each process parameter count (430) has a corresponding manufacturing limit (434) to which it is compared. When a polled process parameter count (430) exceeds its corresponding manufacturing limit (434), an alarm (436, 1400) is signaled. While an alarm (436, 1400) is being signaled, the computer system (108) is prevented from collecting and storing process data.

Abstract: A system and method which partitions a parameter estimation model, a fault detection model, and a fault classification model for a process surveillance scheme into two or more coordinated submodels together providing improved diagnostic decision making for at least one determined operating mode of an asset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing early fault detection and alert generation in a multi-parameter process is provided. The method comprises defining a multi-dimensional space, each dimension representing a parameter of the process; applying an analysis of the process to the space in order to define regions of high and low probability of occurrence; measuring and mapping parameter values onto the space; and generating an alert whenever a parameter value is mapped into a region of low probability. The method and apparatus are also useful for identifying the cause of faults, adjusting the process to avoid faults and predicting a process-specific maintenance schedule.

Abstract: A system for monitoring temperature control elements that are used for altering temperatures of liquids comprises a tank, a temperature control element, and logic. The temperature control element is configured to alter a temperature of a liquid residing within the tank. The logic is configured to monitor the temperature control element and to provide a warning when the logic detects imminent failure of the temperature control element.

Abstract: A system for automatically resetting an oil condition alarm light after an oil change includes an in-vehicle digital processing apparatus electrically coupled to a warning lamp and to an oil sensor installed in an engine oil pan. The digital processing apparatus further includes a warning lamp reset module to automatically reset the oil sensor following an oil change, based on an oil parameter difference value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing near real-time fault detection in a manufacturing process is provided. The apparatus includes a processing tool adapted to manufacture a processing piece and an interface, coupled to the processing tool, for receiving operational data from the processing tool related to the manufacture of the processing piece. In one embodiment, the processing tool is in the form of semiconductor fabrication equipment and the processing piece is a silicon wafer. A fault detection unit is provided to determine if a fault condition exists with the processing tool. An Advanced Process Control (APC) framework is further provided to receive the operational data from the first interface, and to send the data to the fault detection unit as the data is received by the first interface.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides a fire prevention automation commanding control system using satellite-location/geography-information, which uses a central processing computer to integrate radio transmission, satellite location, geography information, facility control, image monitoring, underground piping control, piping monitoring, mobile/stationary communication, and a fire detection alarm device into an integrated fire prevention system performing automatic command, control, communication, information processing and on-site evidence collection, i.e., so-called C31 system, so that it is possible to rapidly detect fire and effectively command and control the rescue operation.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for providing a warning upon retrieval of objects that are incomplete. An object is provided with at least one missing attribute. Upon receipt of a request from an application for the object access to the attributes of the object is allowed by the application. A warning is provided upon an attempt to access the attribute of the object that is missing.

Abstract: A fuel metering device (101) and method for metering fuel to an engine (129) provides bumpless transfer to a backup mode. A common cavity (125) provides pressure relief, fuel metering and bypass of fuel flow. A metering valve (120) for scheduling fuel flow to the engine (129) and the metering valve (120) is controlled in either a primary mode or a backup mode. A pressure relief valve (123) limits the maximum pump discharge pressure of a fuel pump. A bypass valve (122) maintains a constant pressure across the metering valve (120) by redirecting non-metered fuel flow back to a pump stage inlet. An electrical clutch (131) determines whether the metering valve (120) function is accomplished by said primary mode or said backup mode. Bumpless transfer to a backup is accomplished automatically.

Abstract: A method for estimating the life of an apparatus under a random stress amplitude variation, involving determining a probability density function of a cumulated damage quantity and estimating the life of the apparatus on the basis of the probability density function, characterized by: approximating a damage coefficient indicative of a damage quantity per unit by a linear expression when the random stress amplitude variation is in a narrow band; and representing the random stress amplitude variation &sgr;(t)(instantaneous) in terms of the sum of a time averaged value &sgr;(t)(mean) and a stochastic variation &sgr;′.

Abstract: A yarn winding machine for winding at least one yarn and a method of controlling such a winding machine. In the winding machine, a plurality of rotatably driven components are used, whose drives are controlled via a controller. A data module is associated to at least one of the components, with the data module being writable and/or readable by the controller.

Abstract: In the movable shaft (32) constructed by a plurality of motion modules (31), since the moving command based on the machining program (1) in unit of the movable shaft like the prior art is converted into moving commands of the motion modules (31) to control this movable shaft (32), the machining can be executed if the machining for the movement of the movable shaft is defined like the machining program in the prior art. Also, assignment of a plurality of motion modules (31) to the movable shaft (32) can be set arbitrarily and then the pulse distribution to the movable shaft (32) is executed in response to this assignment. In addition, if the failure is caused in the motion module (31), such motion module (31) can be disconnected.

Abstract: An alarm management system is provided which includes a hierarchical database of alarm source identifiers. Each alarm source identifier is associated with a corresponding software entity capable of generating an alarm. The system further includes a corresponding alarm controller for each software entity and an alarm processor. The alarm processor receives an alarm from one of the software entities, accesses the hierarchical database to identify a parent software entity of the one of the software entities, invokes a corresponding alarm controller for the one of the software entities and invokes a corresponding alarm controller for a corresponding alarm controller for the parent software entity.

Abstract: A numerically controlled machining apparatus that displays data, such as a tool reduction allowance, a tool core gap amount, and a tool shape and the like for a tool. The data is displayed along with the setting condition of a tool as it is set by a tool exchanging device. The data is detected by a tool set detecting device. A tool setting condition display identifies a tool which is set in the tool exchanging device and a tool that is not set in the tool exchanging device by use of a different color.

Abstract: The sensor signals relating to the equipment are input from the sensors. The scalar distances of the recognition spaces of every combination of the sensor signals are computed. The flag signals of every combination of the sensor signals are outputted according to whether or not the scalar distances are included in the normal ranges of the recognition spaces. The failures of the equipment are determined according to the flag signals.

Abstract: An electronic control unit includes a first microprocessor monitoring the operation of a second microprocessor and has a monitoring operation blocking unit for preventing the second microprocessor from being reset by the first microprocessor while the second microprocessor is loading from a memory thereof so that even when a control program is loaded into the monitoring microprocessor before one is loaded into the monitored microprocessor, the control program can be loaded with certainty. Each microprocessor executes a control program stored in the memory, and when a predetermined reloading condition has been established, executes a loading process for receiving load data transmitted thereto from outside into the memory.

Abstract: A system and method of improving security during power-on-self-test (POST), particularly the ROM scan portion identifying ROM adapters, while selectively allowing user input. While a user input during ROM scan may be normally locked out to prevent the user from making changes to the configuration of the system, when the ROM scan during POST detects a ROM adapter which uses an input from the user, the system can override the lockout and allows for a user input. An optional control, such as a password or other personal identifier, can provide security, allowing the user input only when the user is authorized to provide the input (in response to an appropriate password or personal identifier such as a biometric identifier).

Abstract: A side load detection and protection system (10) operable using pressure sensors (26, 28) to determine side load as a function of a difference in media pressure between two ports (40, 42) of a pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22). When the side load exceeds a pre-established limiting value, the system (10) shuts off functions that could be causing the side load. The system (10) includes a visual display (34) to communicate the actual amount of side load and to present a warning when the limiting side load value has been reached or exceeded. The system (10) is able to differentiate between loads applied to the rotation mechanism through operation of the pneumatic/hydraulic rotation motor (22) and loads due to external forces acting directly or indirectly on the system (10). Furthermore, in order to account for different efficiencies, the system (10) can have separate set-points for side load in clockwise or counterclockwise directions.

Abstract: Enhanced HART device alerts enable HART devices within a process control system to report alarm or alert conditions that are detected within the devices to a system user or operator using a plurality of intuitive device status conditions, each of which corresponds to a different level of severity and each of which may require a different type of response by the system user or operator. The status conditions are consistent with enhanced Fieldbus device alerts and include a condition associated with a failure of a HART device, a condition associated with maintenance needed by a HART device and an advisable action in connection with a HART device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that includes attaching a controller to a piece of equipment so that it may be monitored from a remote location. The controller communicates to an apparatus as to the operability and condition of the equipment. This data is stored and available for viewing. The apparatus also alerts appropriate individuals to any problems when detected.

Abstract: This invention is a maintenance/inspection support apparatus including an inspection information storage section storing inspection information of a plurality of equipments serving as maintenance/inspection targets, an inspection information write section for writing, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage section on a plurality of information recording media corresponding to the plurality of equipments, an inspection information read section for reading, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information written on the information recording media by the inspection information write section, and a display section for displaying the inspection information read by the inspection information read section.

Abstract: An alarm system for a semiconductor device fabrication facility for monitoring the current operation state of the facility performing a process, such as ion-implantation, includes a lamp tower which is visibly recognizable from a distance via lighted lamps. The alarm system includes a logical circuit for executing logical-combination based on at least one input signal indicating respective operation states of the facility; and a driver which outputs at least one driving signal for driving a lamp based on the result from the logical circuit. The number of the lamps is identical to the number of driving signals output from the driver based on a one-to-one correspondence, and each of the lamps indicates a particular result for the respective operation states of the facility.

Abstract: An alarm display and interface system method for use in a process control system enhances device alarm messages to enable the integrated display device alarms with process alarms. The system and method receives a device alarm message from a field device and the device alarm message has a first set of message fields including a first set of device information. The system and method appends a second set of message fields containing a second set of device information associated with the field device to the device alarm message based on the first set of device information to form an enhanced device alarm message and selects a device alarm table based on the second set of device information within the enhanced device alarm message. The system and method maps the first set of device information within the enhanced device alarm message to the selected device alarm table to identify a set of information fields containing displayable alarm information and displays a portion of the displayable alarm information.

Abstract: A process and equipment for optimizing production includes identifying the breakdown that is actually responsible for a shutdown on a machine production line, and hence of introducing this specific criterion into the process for handling malfunctions, at the level of a man-machine interface. Thus, the true cause of a given breakdown is determined, and it becomes possible to act on this primary cause, and not just on the secondary breakdowns generated downstream; therefore productivity control is improved considerably.

Abstract: A novel, portable coordinate measuring machine comprises a multijointed (preferably six joints) manually positionable measuring arm for accurately and easily measuring a volume. In addition to the articulated measuring arm, the present invention employs a software interface which permits the arm to be used in connection with one or more applications programs.

Abstract: Enhanced Fieldbus device alerts enable Fieldbus devices within a process control system to report alarm or alert conditions that are detected within the devices to a system user or operator using a plurality of independently reportable device alarm parameters, each of which corresponds to a different level of severity and each of which may require a different type of response by the system user or operator. The independently reportable device alarm parameters include a parameter associated with a failure of a Fieldbus device, a parameter associated with maintenance needed by a Fieldbus device and an advisable action in connection with a Fieldbus device.

Abstract: Device (1) for controlling and/or monitoring external technical processes, in particular a device for use in connection with safety-related controls. The device includes an input functionality, an output functionality and a processing functionality that can be connected with at least one higher-level unit (5) for transfer of process-influencing and/or process-monitoring signals by way of a bus system (4) to and/or from actuators (3) and/or sensors (2) connected to the device. A guaranteed response time over the bus system (4) is determined on one hand by the cycle time of the higher-level unit (5) and on the other by the signal cycle time over the bus system (4) itself. In order to provide a shorter response time than this in appropriate circumstances, the device (1) uses the processing functionality thereof to execute logical links internally.

Abstract: A system is described for monitoring an industrial cleaning process or machine. A plurality of operating devices are used for controlling the process or operation of the machine. The system comprises a processing unit and a plurality of sensors for sensing operating parameters of the process or machine. The sensors provide parameter dependent signals to the processing unit. At least one set of at least two sensors sensing mutually dependent parameters is provided and the processing unit is programmed with at least one algorithm using as input signals the parameter dependent signals of a set of sensors sensing mutual dependent parameters. The algorithm comprises an alarm setting for at least one of the input signals and this alarm setting is activated by at least the other input signal.

Abstract: The device (1) for controlling an installation (2) comprising means (9,10,11,12,13, for monitoring and/or commanding the operation of the installation (2), and a central data processing unit (14) adapted to communicate with the means for monitoring and/or commanding (9,10,11,12,13) for reading, sending and/or processing the data concerning the operation of the installation. The central unit (14) comprises memory means (16) for storing at least one parameterized task acting on said data concerning the operation of the installation, memory means storing at least one table, each table being associated with a parameterized task and comprising values of parameters of the considered task, for executing the latter, and, connected to each memory means (16,17), means (15) for executing said parameterized tasks by using said values stored in said table or tables when executing said parameterized tasks.

Abstract: An alarm event generation method and apparatus for signaling an alarm (436, 1400) for a process control system (100). The process control system (100) monitors a production run using a computer system (108). The computer system (108) collects process data corresponding to the production run from operator workstations (104, 106) and stores the process data in a process data database (110). The process data includes a plurality of process parameter counts (430) each corresponding to a process parameter type (428). The process parameter counts (430) are polled from the computer system (108). Each process parameter count (430) has a corresponding manufacturing limit (434) to which it is compared. When a polled process parameter count (430) exceeds its corresponding manufacturing limit (434), an alarm (436, 1400) is signaled. While an alarm (436, 1400) is being signaled, the computer system (108) is prevented from collecting and storing process data.

Abstract: An Event Management System (EMS) for logging and correlating alarm events in a network, and a method of efficiently integrating the EMS, which communicates in a standard format, with external devices and external viewers which communicate in device-specific formats. A plurality of core EMS components which log and correlate events are functionally separated from a plurality of EMS boundary components which interact with external devices and external viewers. The boundary components perform both generic external interface functions and device-specific functions. An external device's information, including a class and location for a protocol handler and a content handler for the external device, is stored in an information repository associated with the EMS. When a connection is initiated from the external device to one of the boundary components, the boundary component obtains the external device information from the information repository.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and maintenance of unattended robot liquid storage and dispensing sites, including a site controller and site monitor. The site monitor continuously appends text strings received from the site controller to HTML text log files and HTLM text report files and simultaneously compares the stored text strings representing site events to be monitored with evaluation messages. Each evaluation message is linked to an alert code, which in response to an evaluation message text string match initiates a particular set of responses, including sending notice of site failures and other remote site information to a home office via fax, pager and/or email. The site monitor also collects the information gathered from the site controller, the tank monitor, alarm system and any other site devices and stores the information in a one or more HTML text files, which information then takes the form of a web page with hypertext links to images related to the stored information.

Abstract: A process control terminal may be used in a computer network consisting of a process control network of process controllers and an application network of host computers. The process control terminal allows a process control operator access to both process control functions and application programs being executed by a host computer. The process control terminal includes an Ethernet controller and it emulates a standard DEC terminal in order to facilitate its use in preexisting computer systems. The process control terminal displays information relating to process control functions in a first portion of its associated CRT screen and information relating to applications programs in a second portion of the CRT screen, the second portion being exclusive of the first portion so that process control information is not overwritten by applications information.