Abstract: An automation interface is provided for interacting with industrial controllers. The automation interface provides for programming, editing, monitoring and maintenance of industrial controllers programmatically from a local or remote location. The automation interface component is adapted to communicate with industrial controllers by integrating a computer process interface library into the automation interface component. The computer process interface library exposes the automation interface component to client application processes, so that the client application processes can communicate with the at least one industrial controller programmatically. The automation interface is provided with functionality for downloading, uploading and programming of control programs to the processors of the industrial controllers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control any one of a plurality of devices. The method comprises, for each device of the plurality, receiving a definition language. The definition language including a command description to be associated with the device. The method further comprises accepting input from a user. The method further comprises generating one or more control signals for at least one of the devices of the plurality. The generating is to control the at least one of the devices according to the accepted input. The generating uses the definition language and the accepted input.

Abstract: A memory updating system for a field device involves a fieldbus, one or more field devices that incorporate a nonvolatile memory and are connected to the fieldbus, a host system that is directly or indirectly connected to the fieldbus and transmits an updating instruction and updating data to one of the field devices in order to update the nonvolatile memory of the field device, and a current control circuit that controls a current provided from the fieldbus. The current control circuit increases the current provided from the fieldbus to a value greater than a normal value before the field device erases data stored in the nonvolatile memory, and returns the current provided from the fieldbus to the normal value after the field device completes the erasing of the data stored in the nonvolatile memory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating automated audit recording and tracking of PLC-based interactions. A recording component is provided that interacts with an application that can change or alter one or more characteristics of PLC operations. The recording component can be client-based on the same or associated platform as the application or can be embedded within a control system component. When interactions have been recorded, a tracking component aggregates such interactions in a file or record stored in a local or remote database, wherein audit reports that document control interactions or changes can automatically be generated from such files. Recorded interactions can be stored in a substantially real time manner and include records of all interactions with a control system as opposed to merely saving a final program or resultant image of such interactions, thus facilitating a more controlled and secure auditing environment.

Abstract: A configuration system for an intelligent assist system is provided. The intelligent assist system includes a module, and a computational node on the module. The configuration system includes a host computer system capable of executing a stored program. The host computer system is in communication with the computational node via a communication link. The system also includes a graphical user interface enabling a user to manipulate objects related to the module or the computational node, and a plurality of visual indicators corresponding to a status of the module, the computational node, or the communication link.

Abstract: A method of controlling an industrial process by a programmable process control has the steps of taking data in form of resulting values which are decisive for the process, storing the data in a storage of a programmable process control, during starting a control program reading pre-defined configuration data which are stored in a storage in the control and connected with a control program, based on the configuration data selecting a subset of the resulting values adapted to a resulting value storage available in the control, and subsequently storing it in this storage.

Abstract: A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine.

Abstract: A device control system is provided, in which a host device uploads optimal program code suitable for its own system environment from a target device for control. In the target device 2, a plurality of pieces of program code 231 through 23n used for different system environments and a header object 221 associated with the respective pieces of program code are stored in advance. The host device 1 obtains the header object 221 from the target device 2, and then parses the obtained header object 221 to determine program code 23x (x is one of 1 through n) optimal for its own system environment. The host device 1 then uploads the determined program code 23x from the target device 2 for interpretation, thereby controlling the target device 2.

Abstract: A control system includes a programmable controller having a CPU unit that carries out cyclic operations of processes. An additional temporary user memory is provided in addition to a regular user memory. When an on-line editing of a user program is to be carried out, the program is stored in both memories and the program stored in the temporary memory is called by an instruction execution engine to be executed. After the on-line editing is completed on the user program stored in the user memory, the program execution is based on the edited user program stored in the user memory.

Abstract: In the processing preparation operation for checking a processing program and the tool compensation amount, a series of confirmation operations for all the tools are easily made using the processing program as conventionally used, without having limitations on the creation of the processing program. When a read skip signal 110 is externally input into a numerical control apparatus, the same instruction as stored in mandatory execution instruction storing means 104 is executed, when commanded in the processing program 100, until the same instruction as stored in read skip end instruction storing means 105 is commanded, but the other instructions are skipped, until the same instruction as stored in read skip end instruction storing means 105 is commanded. Then, when the instruction stored in the read skip end instruction storing means 105 is read, the instruction and subsequent instructions are executed.

Abstract: A microprocessor system includes a plurality of modules, among them a microprocessor and at least one storage module for storing the code and/or data for the microprocessor. Stored, in a non-changeable manner, in at least one of the modules, referred to as exchange-protected module, is a serial number of this module. A control module is configured to receive a data value specified by the at least one serial number and to block, at least partially, the function of the microprocessor system if the received data value does not match an expected data value encoded in the control module.

Abstract: Documents used for process control can be managed and maintained from a document server and a terminal. In order to update the documents quickly so that an operated process is always kept in the most preferable state of operation, the document server stores and manages production documents used for actually controlling and monitoring a control system plant, whereas the terminal system is used to refer and edit plant documents. The terminal can synchronize contents of the plant documents in the document server with those in the control system before storing the synchronized plant documents in the terminal.

Abstract: A universal computer for a vehicle, comprising a microprocessor for the processing of control programs, a storage unit, for the data thus calculated and an interface which permits a connection of the computer to a databus in the vehicle. The computer comprises control programs for controlling device provided in the vehicle, whereby the control commands are transmitted to the device to be controlled via device interfaces. The computer also comprises reconfigurable hardware, which permits a retroactive reconfiguration of peripheral components or an interface in the assembled state of the computer. A transmission of an algorithm for reconfiguration of the hardware is provided to the storage unit on the vehicle, so that a process for reconfiguration of the hardware associated with the peripheral components or the interface may be carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a simple user interface for programming scenes and multi-way groups in a home automation and control system is provided. Each device participating in the home automation and control system is equipped with control logic for providing the simple programming interface. Through the control logic, each device maintains its status in a system-wide programming mode and retains knowledge of its inclusion or exclusion in the current scene or multi-way group being programmed. When any device in the system receives indications that affect the system programming mode, such as a press on one of the buttons on the devices, the device broadcasts a notification message to all devices within the home automation and control system. The message maintains the integrity of the system programming mode. Each device knows when a scene or multi-way group being programmed is finally captured and the programming of a new scene or multi-way group has started.

Abstract: A technique for configuring a Boolean logic function block displays a matrix associated with the Boolean logic function block on a display screen of a computer. A programmer may then enter configuration data into the matrix to configure the Boolean logic function block. The matrix may include a plurality of cells, some of which correspond to variables to be used in generating a function block output, and the programmer may enter configuration data into the cells. The configuration data entered into cells are indicative of logic functions to which the variables corresponding to the cells are to be provided as inputs.

Abstract: A system and method for specifying and satisfying move constraints when performing a motion control sequence. One or more motion control operations may be included in a sequence in response to user input. User input specifying one or more move constraints for a first motion control operation in the sequence may be received to a graphical user interface. When the motion control sequence is subsequently performed, the first motion control operation may be performed in such a way that the one or more specified move constraints are satisfied. The specified move constraints preferably do not cause the trajectory of the first motion control operation to be altered.

Abstract: A software object approval system is integrated with a process control or safety system environment and, in particular, with a process control or safety system design environment to implement and manage electronic approval of new software objects created within the process control and safety system environment. The software object approval system electronically generates identification information representing a group of entities whose approval is needed prior to implementing a software object within the process control or safety system. The system may then send the software object to the entities and receive from each entity an electronic indication regarding approval of the software object. The approval system prevents the process control or safety system from implementing the software object until each entity within the group of entities approves the software object.

Abstract: A system and method for employing a file system and file system services on the industrial controller. The file system allows industrial control programs to implement many functions previously performed within the industrial control program and stored in the same memory as the industrial control program. An execution engine is provided that interprets instructions included in an industrial control program. The instructions utilize services in the file system for including user defined routine files loaded from local or remote locations, to load and unload recipe files from local and remote locations, to log and retrieve measured data and trend data to files at local or remote locations, to select different operating systems and to select a running program from a plurality of running programs utilizing the file system.

Abstract: In a method for controlling mechanisms or technical systems, the mechanisms or technical systems to be controlled are stored in a controller with their states, and with associated signal formers of sensors and actuators, whereby starting from a defined reference state at the onset of the activation of the controller, the actual states signaled by the technical system via the sensors are continuously compared with the specified state, the specified state being stored in the controller, and, based on this comparison, every deviation from the specified state is identified in the technical system, and, when initiated, a new instruction that changes the state of the mechanisms or of the technical system updates the specified state for the comparison and monitors the time till the acknowledgment of the new state, and sensor signals and comparable information exclusively serve the state identification of elementary functions and state changes exclusively ensue upon the initiation of elementary instructions.

Abstract: The invention comprises a modem apparatus adapted to provide full messaging and communications interface between a control device and a communications medium such as a telephone line. The modem can comprise an interface adapted to communicate directly with a control system device, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), using a communications protocol compatible with the normal network communications used in a distributed control system. The apparatus advantageously interfaces directly with unmodified control system devices, providing the ability to send and receive messages from remote devices or personnel via a communications medium. The invention also comprises a control system including a modem device providing full communications between a control device and remote personnel and/or devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods to port controller state and context via non-volatile portable memory to controllers employing an open operating system. The present invention provides for saving a controller's state and context, for example after the controller has been suitably configured. The saved image can then be employed for subsequent controller startups to resume a particular state and context, utilized during maintenance to return a controller to a previously saved state and context, and employed to efficiently configure similar controllers via porting and/or loading the saved image to the similar controllers, which mitigates manual controller configuration. The present invention can be employed in connection with various industrial controller designs, memory configurations, and data transfer techniques. In addition, the present invention provides for serial and/or concurrent state and context transfers between controllers and memory devices.

Abstract: A numerical control apparatus for machine tool, includes: an NC program storage portion for storing an NC program; a block skip command detection portion for detecting whether a block skip command for skipping execution of blocks after a position where the block skip command is described is present in the NC program stored in the NC program storage portion or not; a block skip end command detection portion for detecting whether a block skip end command provided in connection with the block skip command to permit execution of blocks after a position where the block skip end command is described is present in the NC program or not; and a coordinate comparison portion for performing comparison concerning a difference between coordinates on at least one control axis in the block skip command and the block skip end command.

Abstract: A method of generating control commands to be executed by a motion control system under control of a plurality of system users to move an object in a desired manner. At least one restricted program element associated with the motion control system is identified. An application program used by the system users when controlling the motion control system is provided. The application program employs the at least one restricted program element. A plurality of access levels are determined. Each restricted program element is associated with one of the access levels. Each of the plurality of system users is associated with one of the access levels. Motion control commands are generated based on the application program, the access level of each system user, and the access level of each restricted program element.

Abstract: A machining system displaying operation programs and associated information for a plurality of components of the system on the same display screen for confirming, creating and editing of the operation programs and associated information. A machine tool, a jig device for fixing/unfixing a workpiece on the machine tool, a handling robot and a visual sensor are connected with an information processing device by a communication path. A list of items specifying operation programs and associated information for the respective components is displayed with respect to different kinds of workpieces on a display screen of the information processing device. When one or more of the items are selected by an operator, the operation program or programs and the associated information specified by the selected item or items are displayed in the form of a window on the display screen.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

Abstract: Re-certification of a control program loaded in a safety controller is avoided through the use of a digital snapshot and digital signature, the snapshot providing a rapidly loadable memory image file and the signature providing a confirmation that the file loaded matches a previously certified copy so as to avoid the need for time consuming re-certification.

Abstract: A motion control system comprising a source application program, a target device, a parser, an emitter, a program engine, and a parser interface. The source application program is defined by a source language specification. The target device creates motion under control of application programs defined by a target language specification. The parser component contains logic for converting application programs defined by the source language specification into a generic format. An emitter component containing logic for converting application programs in the generic format into application programs defined by the target language specification. The program engine component directs the parser component to convert the source application program into a generic application program. The program engine component further directs the emitter component to convert the generic application program into a target application program defined by the target language specification.

Abstract: Foreground program execution means executes a program, and outputs movement commands to a control object. Meanwhile, background program execution means checks abnormalities by executing the program, without outputting the movement commands, obtained by executing the program, to the control object. If a program abnormality is detected by the background program execution means, the abnormality is stored in association with the block in which the abnormality is detected. When the program is executed by the foreground program execution means, the program is interrupted at the end of a preceding block for which a program abnormality was stored.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus used for an exposure system. The apparatus includes a generation unit which generates a parameter file described in a markup language based on a parameter used in the exposure system, the parameter file including information for displaying an image concerning at least one of a shot layout and a sample shot for an exposure process to be performed by the exposure system, and a program for editing the image, and a providing unit which provides the parameter file to another information processing apparatus out of the exposure system.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing digital media signals, comprising a digital processor for controlling the apparatus; a graphic user interface, having a wireless remote control providing a command input to the processor; a network interface for transmitting digital information from the processor to a remote location over a communications network, the information identifying a digital media signal for desired reproduction based, at least in part, on an input received from the remote control; and an output, controlled by, and local to, the processor, for transferring the desired digital media signals for reproduction thereof.

Abstract: A reconfigurable digital processing system for space includes the utilization of field programmable gate arrays utilizing a hardware centric approach to reconfigure software processors in a space vehicle through the reprogramming of multiple FPGAs such that one obtains a power/performance characteristic for signal processing tasks that cannot be achieved simply through the use of off-the-shelf processors. In one embodiment, for damaged or otherwise inoperable signal processors located on a spacecraft, the remaining processors which are undamaged can be reconfigured through changing the machine language and binary to the field programmable gate arrays to change the core processor while at the same time maintaining undamaged components so that the signal processing functions can be restored utilizing a RAM-based FPGA as a signal processor.

Abstract: A programmable controller for controlling one or more outputs based on position indicated from a position transducer. The controller includes an interface that converts the transducer signals into a change in position, a transducer position counter that accumulates the change in transducer position, and a net forward position counter that accumulates the net forward position. The position counter updates when the transducer signals indicate a change of position. The net forward position counter updates when the value of the net forward position counter and the value of the transducer position counter are equal and the transducer interface indicates a forward movement. Each controller output has an independent comparator and width counter. The comparator examines the net forward position to determine when to change the output or begin a pulse. The width counter counts down to zero, which ends a pulse.

Abstract: A method and configuration system are used for producing an application-specific functional module from a predefined functional module for a programmable controller. In this context, a marking device is useable to mask out subfunctions of the predefined functional module, so that just the software code for those subfunctions which is required in order to satisfy the functionality of the application-specific functional module are readable into the programmable controller. In this case, it is simultaneously necessary to ensure that only that software code which is not imperatively required for calculating a result for at least one of the unmarked subfunctions is masked out and is therefore not read in.

Abstract: An input data check control portion, which compares input data with a decimal point check target word (step 64, 65) and, issues a warning when the input data is the decimal point check target word and the numerical value data of the input data is not given a decimal point (step 66), is provided. This structure enables the prevention of input mistakes of coordinate data and the like, which are easily made at the time of manual programming of a machining program for an NC machine tool, and also enables said input mistakes to be easily found.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for representing control functions in a user application. A group of control palettes is provided in an application window of the user application. A user input associates the group of control palettes with a location within a region extending along one or more borders of a user interface. A stashed palette group is generated in response to the user input. The stashed palette group has an active state and an inactive state. The active state includes an expanded view that includes a representation of control data and/or control functions of one or more of the control palettes, arranged in a floating, non-modal window that covers a portion of the user interface in an area proximate to the location. The inactive state includes a collapsed view of the group arranged along the border in an area proximate to the location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a simple user interface for programming scenes and multi-way groups in a home automation and control system is provided. Each device participating in the home automation and control system is equipped with control logic for providing the simple programming interface. Through the control logic, each device maintains its status in a system-wide programming mode and retains knowledge of its inclusion or exclusion in the current scene or multi-way group being programmed. When any device in the system receives indications that affect the system programming mode, such as a press on one of the buttons on the devices, the device broadcasts a notification message to all devices within the home automation and control system. The message maintains the integrity of the system programming mode. Each device knows when a scene or multi-way group being programmed is finally captured and the programming of a new scene or multi-way group has started.

Abstract: The engineering of automation systems is configured more simply where the functionality of a control system is implemented via an object model. The object model permits the functional interconnection of technological objects. For this purpose, a project browser ensures the display of the interplay of all the components involved in an application in their mutual relationships.

Abstract: An NC apparatus 1 replaces a required machining shape of a workpiece 5 with a predetermined canned machining cycle depending on a specification of machining conditions including a machining start point, a machining end point, and the size of an end mill E to be used. Calculation of an estimated value of cutting force exerted on the end mill E fed along the assumed tool path during the replaced canned machining cycle is repeated until a predetermined comparison and evaluation result is obtained in comparison with a predetermined appropriate value. Accordingly, the tool path of the end mill E together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path is determined. This permits generation of an NC program which is used in a NC machine equipped with an end mill serve as a cutting tool, and which optimizes the tool path of the end mill together with the feed rate in each portion of the tool path such as to achieve high machining efficiency and accuracy.

Abstract: A device control system is provided, in which a host device uploads optimal program code suitable for its own system environment from a target device for control. In the target device 2, a plurality of pieces of program code 231 through 23n used for different system environments and a header object 221 associated with the respective pieces of program code are stored in advance. The host device 1 obtains the header object 221 from the target device 2, and then parses the obtained header object 221 to determine program code 23x (x is one of 1 through n) optimal for its own system environment. The host device 1 then uploads the determined program code 23x from the target device 2 for interpretation, thereby controlling the target device 2.

Abstract: A method and system for remote programming of serialized semiconductor devices using web or Internet protocols. Semiconductor device programmers access at least one web server for unique numbers to program the serialized semiconductor devices.

Abstract: In an autonomous cooperative control system a job description of job steps is drafted in a scripting language and compared to corresponding machine steps associated with each independently controlled machine also drafted in the same scripting language for simple comparison and generation of sub-bids for further bidding. The machine steps generated for each ACU provides a vocabulary for the job description language which may be further simplified by hiding lower level machine steps in the ACUs to be activated only upon a matching with a job step. The ACUs may select between connected and unconnected messaging based on historical communication patterns to reduce network traffic.

Abstract: A software object authorization system includes the ability to select signers who must approve a software object before it is downloaded to a process control system. The signers are presented with a form allowing them to authenticate their identity with a username and a password. Signers that have authenticated their identity may approve or reject the software object. A software object is authorized when all approvals needed for that software object have been received. Authorized software objects may then be downloaded to the process control system.

Abstract: A computer is connected to a system formed by combining a robot with a peripheral device (such as a welder). The computer receives robot mechanical unit motion position information supplied from a robot controller and command information to be outputted to the peripheral device, and displays motions of the robot mechanical unit and the peripheral device on its display screen in an animation form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that provides a process whereby the parameters and/or functions of a hardware field device, e.g., field controller, can be altered dynamically by the use of a downloadable data table. This programming method is being called “Full Dynamic Linking” (abbreviated as FDL), and provides a mechanism by which software and firmware is written in such a way as to provide extreme flexibility in the application of control processing.

Abstract: A control system includes a nonvolatile memory chip and a controller. The controller transfers a group of data from exterior to the nonvolatile memory chip based on the capacity of the nonvolatile memory, and enables the programming of the transferred data in the nonvolatile memory chip while transferring a new group of data. When transferring the group of data to the memory chip, the controller determines whether all the data are transferred from the exterior to the controller, and, if the all the data are transferred to the controller, transfers the group of data to the memory chip. Also, the controller controls the period of the data programming according to the capacity of the nonvolatile memory. Thus, data transfer and program operations are performed at the same time regardless of the memory capacity.

Abstract: Information available in an automation installation can be accessed via the automation installation by a computer that is coupled to the automation installation. The computer can access, via an interface, a search machine stored in the automation installation. The search machine selects the information available in the automation installation according to at least one criterion defines by an alphanumeric character string.

Abstract: An executing apparatus for executing a motion program which contains both a motion instruction for controlling operation of a machine, and an instruction for controlling input/output with respect to an external appliance. The apparatus comprises a motion executing unit, an IO executing unit and an event managing unit. The motion executing unit contains an object memory for registering the motion instruction. An event registers an execution condition of the motion instruction. An action memory registers an execution command of the motion instruction. The IO executing unit contains an object memory for registering an output instruction used to control an output signal supplied to the external appliance. An event memory registers a condition of an input signal state supplied from the external appliance. An action memory executes the output instruction.

Abstract: A remote track editor system, method, and computer readable medium is provided to remotely edit track flows and recipes of semiconductor processing tools. The editor system includes a processing track, a track controller, and a remote track editor for remotely editing recipes of at least one semiconductor processing tool. The editor system communicates with remote terminals and accesses multiple flows and recipes stored on network databases through a SECS/GEM interface. The remote track editor edits recipes without interrupting the process track and correctly renumbers line and flow numbers of the recipes when editing, deleting, or inserting steps. The remote track editor also performs side-by-side comparisons of multiple recipes, verifies the contents of recipes to master recipes, and provides indicators of mismatches.

Abstract: A parallel flash programming system for use in motor vehicle assembly includes an input receptive of information relating to a predetermined number of processors connected to a system bus, processor flash programming attributes, and system bus attributes. An incremental flash programming times determination module is adapted, based on the information, to determine incremental flash programming times of a processor in relation to multiple interframe wait times respective of multiple parallel flash programming schema in accordance with the predetermined number of processors. A global flash programming time resolution module is adapted to determine, based on incremental flash programming times respective of multiple processors of the predetermined number, an assignment of the multiple processors to a number of parallel programming tracks yielding a global flash programming time in accordance with predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Documents used for process control can be managed and maintained from a document server and a terminal. In order to update the documents quickly so that an operated process is always kept in the most preferable state of operation, the document server stores and manages production documents used for actually controlling and monitoring a control system plant, whereas the terminal system is used to refer and edit plant documents. The terminal can synchronize contents of the plant documents in the document server with those in the control system before storing the synchronized plant documents in the terminal.