Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically modularly integrating sensor devices (16) in a central controller (11) of a network having at least one first server comprising at least one first communication module (12) and the central controller (11) for at least one part of the network. The method comprises at least the following steps: a.) determining the sensor devices (16) actually associated with the at least one first server by the at least one first communication module (12); b.) comparing the determined actual sensor devices (16a, 16b) to a quantity of detectable sensor devices defined in a detecting order and determining matching sensor devices (16a); c.) transmitting data associated with the matching sensor devices from the first communication module (12) to the central controller (11); d.

Abstract: A method of causing movement of at least one target device based on at least one of a plurality of motion programs stored on a content server connected to a network. At least one identified characteristic of the at least one target device is identified. At least one selected motion program is selected from the plurality of motion programs stored on the content server. The at least one identified characteristic and the at least one selected motion program are transferred to the motion server. A motion media data set is generated at the motion server for the target motion device based on the at least one identified characteristic of the target device and the at least one selected motion program. The motion media data set is transferred from the motion server to the target motion device to cause the target device to perform the desired sequence of movements.

Abstract: A field device management apparatus that includes a device communication unit that provides a connection with a field device; an operation accepting unit that accepts an operation for the field device; an automatic-operation-program generating unit that generates an automatic operation program which is recorded information representing the accepted operation; a storage unit that stores the generated automatic operation program; and an automatic-operation-program executing unit that executes the automatic operation program stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the generation of a program for a programmable logic controller having a programming input unit for the selection and compilation of a plurality of symbols, a generation unit for the generation of a program code for the programmable logic controller from an arrangement of symbols compiled at the display unit of the programming input unit. In accordance with the invention an investigation unit for investigating the resulting possible influences of input signals of the programmable logic controller, onto output signals of the programmable logic controller at the actuator outputs from the arrangement of symbols generated by the program code or compiled at the display unit of the programming input unit is provided. In accordance with the invention an implementing unit for implementing the possible exertion of influence in a matrix and a display unit for the display of the matrix are also provided.

Abstract: A method for reconfiguring a partially manufactured product for a canceled custom-built order during a manufacturing process includes canceling a custom-built order for a product that has been partially manufactured. The method also includes reading a configuration of the partially manufactured product for the custom-built order that has been canceled, and reading at least one order for a different manufactured product, wherein each order is associated with a target configuration. The method yet further includes reading a set of rules that match a given configuration with one of a set of target configurations and executing the set of rules upon the configuration of the partially manufactured product so as to match the configuration of the partially manufactured product with one of a target configuration of the at least one order.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods that integrate and/or control motion of a plurality of axes in a motion control environment. Grouped axes can be linked (e.g., via a tag) to provide desired multi-axis coordinated motion as well as provide control for corresponding aspects of motion such as acceleration, velocity, etc. Such axes can be integrated with other control functionality such as process and/or machine control to provide the user with a comprehensive control. The foregoing can provide simple mechanisms for moving devices in multiple axes of a coordinate system in a coordinated fashion. Such coordinated move functionality can provide a user-friendly interface for linear and circular moves in multi-dimensional space. The algorithm employed for path planning can provide fast execution and dynamic parameter changes (e.g., maximum velocity, acceleration and deceleration) along a desired path of motion.

Abstract: The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-1 controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

Abstract: A system that enables controlling motion over a network comprises an interface that receives motion control data that includes a time stamp from the network. Additionally, the system includes a motion control component that utilizes the received motion control data to update properties associated with the motion control component based at least in part on the time stamp. The system can also include a clock that is synchronized with disparate clocks associated with disparate motion control components located on the network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

Abstract: A mechanism for constructing generic control logic with versions of the logic automatically generated and stored for one or more protocols. The complexity of the one or more protocols may be hidden under a hood of the mechanism from the view of engineers, programmers and users so as to improve their productivity relative to control logic designs and applications.

Abstract: An approach to automatically encode application enumeration values to enable reuse of applications across controller of different protocols. Protocols may use different sets of enumerations to denote various application values and states. The present approach may permit defining a common set of enumerations which can be encoded automatically by a tool that enables reuse. Application designers may define enumerations to be used by the control application and the tool will automatically encode them into communication protocol specific enumeration values.

Abstract: An approach for switching between point types without affecting control logic. The control logic may have a function block, input and output points connected with links to the function block. A point may be changed from one type to another type of point without affecting its link. A type of point may be modulating, binary, software, constant, or other.

Abstract: A system providing control and communication is provided including at least one automation unit being adapted to run an operation program, and an engineering unit being adapted to modify the operation program, the engineering unit including a code-configurator, which is adapted to project automation functions of the operation program in the form of at least one configured data structure and to modify the configured data structure, the at least one automation unit including an interpreter framework, which is adapted to include a catalogue of necessary automation functions of the operation program and an empty data structure, the interpreter framework being further adapted to interpret the modified configured data structure and to provide a modified operation program on the basis of the automation functions of the catalogue and the modified configured data structure.

Abstract: A controller is provided with a first memory area and a second memory area, where a pre-update software is stored with the first memory area as the active area and an updated software is downloaded with the second memory area as an inactive memory area. A microprocessor for simulations performs a simulation of the control of the operation of a Held device using the updated software that has been downloaded. The execution status of the simulation can be monitored using a host computer. If the evaluation result of the state of execution of the simulation by an operator is “Pass,” then an activate command is sent to the controller. As a result, the active/inactive are switched in the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of synchronizing and interpolating axes of a multi-system are provide. According to the number M of operating systems, the apparatus analyzes a multi-axis process program of N axes to generate M system process programs, wherein, N?M?2. A synchronous code is added to the M system process programs. According to the specifications of the operating systems, a delay time compensation program is added to the M system process programs to ensure the synchronization of the systems therebetween. The characteristics of the controllers and the servos of the operation systems are adjusted to unify the characteristics of the systems. The M system process programs are outputted to the operating systems correspondingly.

Abstract: A safety PLC includes an I/O module to which a safety device for detecting a predetermined condition at any time is connected, a CPU module that executes a safety program for managing the I/O module, and a communication unit that interconnects the I/O module and the CPU module with each other. The CPU module includes: a PIN code memory that stores a PIN code for authenticating that the safety program satisfies a predetermined standard; a PIN code input unit that allows a user to designate the PIN code; a program auto-creating unit that automatically creates the safety program; and a program authentication unit that puts the safety program into an executable condition when the PIN code designated by the user coincides with the PIN code stored in the PIN code memory.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for creating a display for a valuable item. On one example, the method includes the steps of selecting an item to be display, selecting a base material to create a display, creating a three dimensional map of the item to be displayed, and milling the base using an instruction program to create a cavity within the base that is configured and adapted to receive the valuable item. The present invention is also directed to a novel base display for displaying an item of value.

Abstract: It is an object to acquire a program creating device for a programmable controller which is able to create a sequence program without grasping a procedure of an address of an individual parameter area allocated to an object module when a setting of parameters of various functional modules for the programmable controller is executed. The device constitutes setting information creating means 12 for preparing module setting information of a parameter type for the programmable controller by using specific information which is included a functional module, analysis and conversion means 14 for creating a source file to be converted into a sequence program which programmed an operation of the programmable controller according to an analysis of a parameter of the module setting information, and program converting and inserting means 31 for converting a file created by the analysis and conversion means into the sequence program.

Abstract: There are provided a method and system for testing software for an industrial machine with continuous test values reflecting actual environmental factors, using a simulator before the software for the industrial machine is embedded into an actual industrial machine. A method for testing software for an industrial machine, the method comprising the steps of: coding a program for a diagram through which the industrial machine is driven; compiling the program into an instruction with which the industrial machine is driven; downloading the compiled program onto a simulator for implementing a programming interface provided by the industrial machine; executing the compiled program in the simulator: generating a first data for testing the compiled program: transmitting the first test data to the simulator having the downloaded program from a testing tool; and outputting a result data obtained after executing the program having the transmitted first test data and then transmitting the result data to the testing tool.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one load connected to a primary and a backup power supply having sensor for sensing a voltage on the primary power supply with a first voltage sensor; sensor for sensing a voltage on the backup power supply with a second voltage sensor and implementing a control algorithm in a controller to augment power from said primary power supply with power from the backup power supply in response to an input from the first and second voltage sensors and an input from at least one external sensor wherein the algorithm controls a switch between the at least one load and the primary and backup power supplies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drag-and-drop workflow editor associated with a multifunction peripheral (MFP). In one embodiment, a drag-and-drop workflow allows a user to define multiple source, transformation, and destination processes in a graphical, drag-and-drop workflow editor. In some embodiments, the source processes may be dynamic processes that are executed at different times.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to programming a foot pedal and switches located therewith that is used with a medical device and/or medical device system. A user may select any switch or directional movement available on the foot pedal for programming by activating the switch and/or moving a treadle located on the foot pedal or by selecting a foot pedal feature on a display. The programming options available for the selected switch or directional movement are displayed on the display screen. Using the foot pedal, the display screen, voice command or combinations thereof, the user can navigate through different options to select one or more options and confirm the chosen option(s) for the particular switch or directional movement. The control and feel of the movement of the treadle and/or switch provides the user with the ability to program custom settings that suit the user's foot position(s) and/or particular style of surgery.

Abstract: There is provided a device information setting apparatus. The apparatus includes: a storage format storing unit configured to store a first storage format of first device information in a first field device and a second storage format of second device information in a second field device; an acquiring unit configured to acquire the first device information based on the first storage format; a conversion unit configured to convert the first device information into the second device information, based on the second storage format; and a writing unit configured to write the second device information in the second field device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for controlling fluid flow in a wellbore containing a plurality of production devices, wherein the method includes the steps of defining a first setting of each production device in the plurality of production devices, defining a change in a parameter relating to fluid flow in the wellbore and using a model to determine a second setting for at least one of the plurality of production devices based on the change in the parameter. The method also includes the step of generating a script corresponding to the second setting, wherein the script is configured to be implemented without modification, and storing the script in a suitable storage medium.

Abstract: An extensive and powerful XML meta-data rule-based language and system for developing a use-interface for configuring, monitoring and provisioning a telecommunications system is provided. The language is based on rules that define configuration objects and relationships. The rules are organized into files that define the individual objects used to configure the telecommunications system. The rules are interpreted at run-time to instruct the system to present appropriate user-interface controls to create, edit, and manipulate the objects. The rules will direct the specific editor for objects' properties, sometimes consisting of edit controls, combo box controls, multiple selection controls, or dialog boxes for IP addresses, point codes, or dates. The rules can enforce dependencies and cardinalities, as well as display customized data tables across different objects.

Abstract: A method performed by one or more computer processors imports data from a machinery monitoring system into a control system. The machinery monitoring system is a system that measures machine measurement parameters of a machine, and the control system is a system that controls processes in which the machine performs a function. The method includes accessing a first knowledge base containing information about communicating with the machinery monitoring system, and accessing a second knowledge base containing information about communicating with the control system. The method also includes extracting configuration information from the machinery monitoring system via a communication bus. Information is entered by a user for use in creating an import configuration file, which file is used in preparing the control system to receive data from the machinery monitoring system. The entering of information is performed via a user interface operatively connected to the one or more computer processors.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate utilizing a motion control timing model to coordinate operations associated with controlling motion within an industrial automation environment. For example, a cycle timing component can implement timing set forth by a timing model (e.g., that can be selected, preset, . . . ). Pursuant to an illustration, the cycle timing component can utilize the timing model to coordinate transmitting data, receiving data, performing calculations associated with data (e.g., to generate command(s)), capturing data, applying received commands, and so forth.

Abstract: A modular representation of a physical system is generated using modules and variables, each module representing a portion of the physical system, each variable representing a parameter of the physical system. Code is generated according to the modular representation such that the code is suitable to be compiled into a machine code that can be executed on hardware to simulate the physical system. The code contains instructions to cause the hardware to solve a system of differential algebraic equations that represent relationships among the variables.

Abstract: A technique for controlling an irrigation system is disclosed. The technique comprises receiving landscape information, receiving environmental information, deriving an irrigation schedule based on the landscape information and the environmental information, and sending the irrigation schedule to an irrigation control unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

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

Abstract: System(s) and method(s) are provided for implementing a set of interface components across a set of layers of an industrial environment, and for managing at least one interface component or at least one layer of the industrial environment. To implement an interface component in at least one layer in the set of layers, a specification that defines the interface component is acquired and, based at least on the specification, a service is generated. Execution of the service implements the interface component. The managing includes deploying or discovering the at least one interface component or the at least one layer of the industrial environment. The managing also includes indexing specific functional feature(s) of the at least one interface component and searching across the set of layers for one or more interface components that satisfy specific functional criteria. Moreover, the managing can include supplying metadata related to interface component(s) or layer(s).

Abstract: A process control application development environment provides an abstraction layer for vendor-independent process control application development. Various features such as validation of high-level representations of process control applications, exception handler agents, structured interactive operation of multiple machines, and multiple device states can be implemented for process control applications.

Abstract: A system and a method for validating a model for a control system as per a set of specifications. The method includes obtaining a model code corresponding to the model, where the model-code is generated by a modeling tool. Further, a test-code capable of monitoring one or more model parameters that need to be validated is generated using a testing tool. The model-code and the test-code are combined to obtain an integrated-code. The integrated code is executed in the testing tool that compares the obtained output values with the expected output values as provided in the specifications. Further, the model is identified as valid or invalid based on the comparison based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method for employment in an industrial automation environment that facilitates utilizing data within a programmable logic controller. An interface component can facilitate receipt of a portion of data related to a programmable logic controller. An access component integrated within a programmable logic controller (PLC) and communicatively coupled to the interface component can employ programmatic access to the name and respective data space during runtime.

Abstract: A trainer for training a human to use a physical robot in a physical environment, the physical robot being controlled in the physical environment by an operator control unit, the trainer comprising an input device; a visual display; a computer connected to the input device and the visual display; and computer software disposed in the computer for creating a virtual robot and a virtual environment on the visual display, the virtual robot and the virtual environment being simulations of the physical robot and the physical environment wherein interaction between the virtual robot and the virtual environment simulates interaction between the physical robot and the physical environment.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, improved apparatus for configuring a control system. The apparatus includes a model made up of objects representing devices of such a system, including, at least one device that defines and/or controls communications on at least a portion of a network within that system. That device is referred to, here, as a “bus master” and the portion of the network is referred to as a “segment.” The object (or objects) representing the bus master can include information defining timings, port assignments and/or other aspects of the configuration of the segment. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. This includes transferring to the bus master communications configuration information for the segment. A download service according to this aspect of the invention generates—e.g., for logging by a change tracking system—indicia of the configuration information transferred to the bus master.

Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, improved apparatus for configuring a control system. The apparatus includes a model made up of objects representing devices of such a system, including, at least one device that defines and/or controls communications on at least a portion of a network within that system. That device is referred to, here, as a “bus master” and the portion of the network is referred to as a “segment.” The object (or objects) representing the bus master can include information defining timings, port assignments and/or other aspects of the configuration of the segment. A download service transfers configuration information from objects in the model to devices in the control system. This includes transferring to the bus master communications configuration information for the segment. A download service according to this aspect of the invention generates—e.g., for logging by a change tracking system—indicia of the configuration information transferred to the bus master.

Abstract: A processing program preparing apparatus for a numerically controlled punch press includes a processing intention data generator for generating, on the basis of product shape data, processing intention data for specifying a processing region to be processed to manufacture a product. The processing program preparing apparatus also includes a tool data adding section for adding, to the processing intention data, data for specifying a punch and a die to be used to process the processing region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for programming and/or executing programs for industrial automation systems. Modules and functions that respectively represent partial tasks of an automation solution are modeled and/or generated by using input aids and optionally a display device. The modules and functions are structured and networked by input aids and optionally the display device in such a way that they form at least one hierarchical tree, as at least one machine-independent program. According to the invention, each machine-independent program in the form of at least one hierarchical tree is loaded into the corresponding components of the automation system. The corresponding components of the automation system execute each machine-independent program.

Abstract: Automated program validation components are provided to facilitate software program development for industrial control systems and processes. In one aspect, a simulation tool is provided for an industrial automation system. The simulation tool includes a transform component that receives one or more program chart components as input and outputs a subset of model components for simulation. A simulation component executes the subset of model components in order to validate the program chart components.

Abstract: A method is provided of generating and using a control program for a obtain plasma process. The method comprises obtaining predetermined process data defining, in a series of time steps, changes in at least one control parameter for the plasma process during the said process. Control data are generated from the process data, the control data defining the at least one control parameter at a plurality of discrete times within each step. The control data are presented graphically to a user, using an interactive display device. The control data are modified in response to the operation by the user of the interactive display device, so as to generate the control program.

Abstract: A production program creating system creates a production program having a module in which a processing for producing a board is described. The board is produced by mounting an electronic component supplied from a component feeding device onto the board by means of a component mounting device. The component mounting device is described in model form, and a configuration information of the component mounting device is stored in a database. The module is created such that the module works with respect to the component mounting device that is described in model form, and such that the module performs a generalized processing by acquiring the configuration information of the component mounting device from the database.

Abstract: An installation comprises at least one sensor for providing sensor data representing a real system state of the installation and at least one actuator for acting on the real system state. A controller for controlling the installation comprises a data memory for storing the sensor data and a program memory for storing a machine code program. A programming tool for programming the controller includes a program editor, a debugging tool and a compiler. A machine code program is executed on the controller while the debugging tool is activated, and the debugging tool determines a reverse relationship between the machine code running on the controller and at least one high level control instruction shown in the program editor. The debugging tool reads sensor data from a data memory in the controller and assigns the sensor data to the at least one high level control instruction, thereby linking the at least one high level control instruction to a real system state during the execution of the machine code program.

Abstract: A compiler for a drilling machine includes an operation module, an operation parameter module, a process setting module, a control unit setting module, and a cutting tool module. The operation module stores a plurality of action codes corresponding to drilling tasks, and transmits the action codes of selected drilling tasks to the process setting module. The operation parameter module stores a plurality of working parameters corresponding to the plurality of drilling tasks. The control unit setting module stores a plurality of object codes corresponding to the plurality of drilling tasks. The cutting tool module calculates information of operation cutting tools. The process setting module generates a source program according to the action codes of the selected drilling tasks. When the compiler is executed, the source program is translated to a control program based on the object codes of the selected drilling tasks and the information of the operation cutting tools.

Abstract: A method is specified for operating an automation system, wherein a description object appropriate to a type of the respective program code object and a description object reference referencing the respective description object are created when a program code object is instantiated, so that it is possible to completely decouple applications, in other words the program code object as a component of the respective automation solution, and information data compiled in the description object.

Abstract: A method or system for executing a control logic sequence for a device (chiller) includes using a device mounted internal microprocessor in data communication with the device, converting a software language representation of the control logic directly into a binary representation of the control logic; compiling the binary representation of the control logic directly by the device mounted internal microprocessor; loading the binary representation of the control logic dynamically into a random access memory portion of the internal microprocessor; and executing the binary formatted representation of the control logic to control the device according to the software language representation of the control logic.

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