Abstract: A gaming system includes a central server or controller operable to communicate a plurality of different commands to a plurality of gaming machines to provide non-tournament game play and to provide tournament game play on the same gaming machines.

Abstract: In one aspect a factory automation system for a wafer fab is provided. The factory automation system is adapted to facilitate cross-AMHS transfers of wafer lots within a semiconductor foundry. The factory automation system may include a first MCS and an associated first AMHS; a second MCS and an associated second AMHS; and a third MCS and an associated third AMHS. The system may also include a first bridge connecting the first AMHS and the second AMHS to allow a FOUP to travel between the first AMHS and the second AMHS. The system may also include a second bridge connecting the second AMHS and the third AMHS to allow a FOUP to travel between the second AMHS and the third AMHS. The system also includes a unified control unit in communication with the first, second, and third MCSs, the unified control unit for coordinating transfers of FOUPs between the first, second, and third AMHSs.

Abstract: A test instrument network for testing a plurality of DUTs includes a plurality of communicating script processors, the script processors being adapted to execute computer code; and a plurality of measurement resources controllable by the script processors in response to executed computer code, the measurement resources being adapted to test the DUTs. Each script processor and measurement resource may be arbitrarily assigned by the controller to one of at least two groups, only one script processor being assigned to be a master script processor, any other script processor being a slave script processor and any group not including the master script processor being a remote group. The master script processor is exclusively authorized to initiate code execution on any script processor in a remote group. Any slave script processor is only able to initiate operation of measurement resources in it own group.

Abstract: In a method for operating a field device working according to the block model for a distributed automation system, which exchanges data via a fieldbus, a first function block application serving for process control is provided, which makes available to other system participants process data via a first virtual field device object. In addition, a second function block application is provided, which serves for plant monitoring and which makes available to other system participants plant monitoring data via a second virtual field device object, wherein the first and second function block applications are executed according to different schedules.

Abstract: An automation system including a service-oriented architecture and decentralized, distributed components and/or devices in a flexible and reconfigurable production environment. The system includes at least one host computer which is connected to service-oriented components and/or devices by means of a data transmission system such as Ethernet. In order to establish service-oriented systems of devices/components, the execution thereof in a virtual network and the synchronization thereof with real, physically existing components is provided such that the at least one host computer includes a virtual simulation-based engineering-environment including a virtual service-oriented communication platform for exchanging messages and interactions based on web services between virtual models of components and/or devices, in which the functionality thereof is available in the form of services.

Abstract: A method for providing a user interface for an industrial control system includes a computer and a plurality of process graphics having software objects for controlling and/or monitoring real world objects controlled by the control system. A display of selected process graphics, a designated view arranged with a tab or other selection mechanisms, is automatically generated. The designated view is generated dependent on selecting one or more logical groupings to which control system software objects representing the real world objects belong.

Abstract: A data structure comprising a link to a set of binding points enabling connection to a building control system and a model of said automation control system is disclosed. The model comprises a plurality of virtual components arranged in a structure associated with functions of said automation control system. Each virtual component is assigned a set of properties for viewing a representation of said virtual component. Each set of properties comprises a first sub-set of properties being linked to said binding points such that actual values for corresponding actual component are provided to said virtual component, and a second sub-set of properties for how said representation of said virtual component is to be viewed with respect to said actual values. Each property of said second sub-set of properties selectably comprises a locally or a globally assigned parameter. An automation system management tool utilising the data structure, and an automation control system comprising the tool are disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a line balance control method, a line balance control apparatus, and a component mounting machine, which do not require a higher-level device. A production line 100 is equipped with a printing machine 120, a coating machine 130, a component mounting machine 101, a component mounting machine 102, and a reflow machine 140, and they are connected through a communication line 110, respectively.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a controller that facilitates implementing a workflow within an industrial automation environment system. An interface component can facilitate the receipt of data associated with a workflow at the programmable logic controller. A controller communicatively coupled to the interface component incorporates an execution engine that can execute the workflow and allow a seamless data flow between applications to provide at least one service.

Abstract: Supervision of industrial plants can be improved by comparison and analysis of process information and network information. The comparison may be used to provide alarms and operator information for network-related or process device failures. The information may also be used to identify a cause of a failure. A method is described for supervising an industrial control system, including a plant network for supervision, a client/server network for server connection with workstations, and a control network connected to industrial controllers. The method comprises the steps of gathering process information, and gathering network information, and by comparing information provided by data communications network monitoring with process control information and using the result of the comparison to assist in determining a cause of a problem or possible problem in a process controlled of the industrial control system.

Abstract: A fabrication history a group of wafers is provided, having a record for each wafer of the manufacturing events that did or did not occur in its fabrication, and having the measured value of a given target. A binary decision rule is formed based on the fabrication history, the rule being that if a wafer has a particular pattern of manufacturing events in its fabrication history then the statistic of the given fabrication target for that wafer is a first value; otherwise, the statistic is a second value having at least a given distance from the first value. The pattern of manufacturing events in the binary decision rule is identified in the generation of the binary decision rule. The identified pattern is significant with respect to the given target.

Abstract: A supervisory process control and manufacturing information system application is disclosed. The components of the application are distributable to a plurality of networked computer devices in a multi-layered hierarchical manner wherein lower layers host higher installed layers of application components. Application objects reside at a relatively high level of the distributed application architecture and model entities within a process control system. Engine objects host execution of the application objects in a run-time environment. Thus, application objects are not deployed until a host engine object with which they are associated have been deployed. Engine objects are hosted by platform objects. The platform objects correspond to a physical computer system component for executing the engine objects and associated application objects. A configuration facility presents a variety of views including deployment and model views of the application.

Abstract: A centralized controller 2 controls facility equipment 3a and 3b according to a sequence control program corresponding to standard functions of the facility equipment 3a and 3b. In addition, the centralized controller 2 receives control information for controlling a unique function of the facility equipment 3a and 3b and a PIN code, which are transmitted from a programmable controller 1, and transmits, if the PIN code is a valid code, the control information to the facility equipment 3a and 3b.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a first computer having a first operating system, the first computer having a memory containing software derived from field controller software executed on physical field controllers of a building control system. The physical field controllers employ a second operating system. The software further contains an operating system abstraction layer operable to convert at least some operating system calls of the field controller software to corresponding calls in the first operating system.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for gathering and packetizing data from networked building automation equipment, and for transmitting data packets as instant messages to remotely located users. An instant messaging (IM) server-based system is provided to facilitate communication between networked building equipment and a remotely located service contractor. When a registered router is operated, the router establishes a continuous pass-through communication link with the IM server and with building equipment connected to the router. The router automatically polls connected building equipment for alarms, faults and system failures, and also receives, processes, and responds to user requests for specific data from particular items of building equipment. Data gathered by the router is packetized, and the packets are then encapsulated into an instant message that is transmitted to the IM server.

Abstract: There is disclosed a protection system for a power distribution system. The system has a processor, a breaker; a network coupled to the processor, a first module coupled to the network and the breaker, a second module coupled to the network, and an algorithm. The algorithm monitors for a permission to trip request. If a plurality of permission to trip requests are received during a given time period, the algorithm issues a permission granted command to the first module and a hold command to the second module.

Abstract: There are provided an alarm information processing device and an alarm information processing method capable of handling alarm information in unification and of exhibiting flexible adaptability in response to the circumstances. A collection unit collects alarm information having a plurality of mixed formats. A normalization unit normalizes alarm information collected by the collection unit. An information processing unit executes information processing relative to the alarm information normalized by the normalization unit. A user setting unit is used for setting a logic for normalization by a user in the normalization unit.

Abstract: A method for operating a process plant, in which at the process level a number of items of alarm information are generated to display improper operating procedures of the process plant, has a defined number of process states of the process plant, wherein each process state is correlated with the total of all items of alarm information that can be generated. A first value or a second value is allocated as the correlation value to each pair formed from a process state and an item of alarm information. A current operating state of the process plant is determined As a function of the determined process state, items of alarm information are not displayed to which the first value has been allocated as the correlation value.

Abstract: An automation system includes at least one device that detects measured values and is connected to a automated process, at least one field device connected to the at least one device detecting measured values, and a master computer connected to the at least one field device. In order to simplify the design of such an automation system as much as possible, the device detecting measured values, the field device, and the master computer are connected to a common data transmission network which is equipped for transmitting digital measured data from the device detecting measured values to the field device according to a first communication protocol and for transmitting digital control data between the field device and the master computer according to a second communication protocol.

Abstract: A system and method for providing operational control and/or remote monitoring of a manufacturing device as in a foam dispenser device such as a foam-in-bag dispensing device. In architecture, the remote monitoring system includes a server device containing a remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring system further includes a transceiver to receive an indication of a help condition, connect to the manufacturing device; and receive data from the manufacturing device. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for providing remote monitoring of a manufacturing device. The method operates by (1) receiving an indication of a help condition; (2) connecting to the manufacturing device; and (3) receiving data from the manufacturing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that allow a user to monitor, diagnose, and configure a process. A user interface may be presented that displays data received from process monitors, sensors, and multivariate models. The user interface may be interactive, allowing a user to select which composite and multivariate models are displayed. The user interface and multivariate model may be constructed and updated in real time. The user interface may present various data and interfaces, such as a representation of a composite variable in a multivariate model, a representation of the contribution of process variables to the composite variable, and a representation of a subset of the process variables. The user may select a point of the composite variable for analysis, and the interface may indicate the contribution and values of process variables at the selected point. The interface may be transmitted to a remote user.

Abstract: A system for virtual control of electronic laboratory equipment includes a local computer system. One or more items of electronic laboratory equipment are connected to the local computer system. Each item of electronic laboratory equipment has a physical control panel including one or more displays or controls. A virtual control panel generation unit generates a virtual control panel accessible from a remote computer system. The virtual control panel is substantially similar to the physical control panel in appearance. A command interpretation unit monitors interaction between the remote user and the virtual control panel and generates electronic laboratory equipment commands for exploiting the functionality of the electronic laboratory equipment.

Abstract: An automation system having an automation device for realizing a plurality of automation functions and a control device for controlling the automation device is disclosed. The control device has a plurality of data records with handling instructions for several different types of automation devices. Further, the automation system has a communication network for a communication between the control device and the automation device, the control device being configured to identify connected automation devices in the communication network, to read out the automation functions from the identified automation devices, to identify at least one data record for each identified automation device with the aid of the read-out automation functions, and to initiate each identified automation device for execution of the handling instructions of the at least one identified data record.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a control device monitoring, a program flow control being implemented for at least one event-synchronous process in the control device monitoring. The monitoring module is developed for carrying out a control device monitoring, A program flow control is implemented for at least one event-synchronous process in the control device monitoring.

Abstract: A uniform resource locator (URL) is embedded in computerized or digital documentation for a physical and/or a software process control element existing within a process control environment to thereby provide an automatic link to documentation or other applications that exist in other processing or data environments, such as in a word processing environment or in a data manipulation environment. The URL may include a generalized field having a descriptor that identifies a property of the process control element and that operates so that, when the URL is selected, the generalized field is replaced with the property identified by the descriptor.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating a production line process control system (PCS) with production line machine controllers to record data about processes completed on a production line. The PCS receives data from line controllers regarding processes that are completed on each part. Process data including process order data is stored by the PCS and used to instruct line controllers on whether a particular part should be accepted for machining or handled in another way. Rejected parts are flagged electronically so when they arrive at a subsequent line controller, they are directed to a chute containing parts removed from the production process. The PCS and line controllers exchange data about each part and applicable processes as it proceeds through production. The PCS records the data to develop a complete part history. The PCS integrates with a plant quality and tracking system that records the historical data.

Abstract: In a method for assessing a plurality of electronic devices, cooling efficiencies for the plurality of electronic devices are calculated, where the cooling efficiencies comprise measures of energy usage requirements to respectively maintain the plurality of electronic devices within predetermined temperature ranges. In addition, the plurality of electronic devices are ranked according to their cooling efficiencies and the plurality of electronic devices are stored according to their rankings.

Abstract: Information describing an automation system is input into a control device of an automation device. The information the information includes a description of elements of the automation device, a description of interaction between the elements, and safety-related reliability information associated with the elements. The control device independently determines from the provided information reliability information for the automation device as a whole.

Abstract: This device for controlling at least one operating variable of a regulated system comprising: a filter module for filtering at least one setpoint input to the control device, the module using a first order integrator; and a correction module for correcting the variable by servo-control, the module taking account of a measurement of the variable and of the setpoint as filtered by the filter module in order to generate at least one command for the system; a control module suitable for generating a gain control factor ? on the basis of at least one parameter of the system and of an operating limit value associated with the parameter; and weighting means for weighting the gain of the filter module as a function of the factor and of the residue between the setpoint and its filtered value.

Abstract: A controller with configurable connections between data processing components is provided. In one embodiment, the controller includes a number of configurable inputs and outputs that may be used with digital and/or analog signals. The controller includes a data processor with a plurality of data processing components. The inputs and outputs are configurable to the plurality of data processing components and transfer of processed data between the plurality of data processing components is also configurable.

Abstract: A system for implementing operational process control servers includes an application server for receiving operational process control data from operational process control servers associated with components of the monitored process, a data visualization server for receiving the data from the application server and producing reports based on the data, and a server configuration user interface for facilitating specification of configuration parameters of the operational process control servers according to operational process control unified architecture standards.

Abstract: A system comprising an interchangeable electronic controller is provided with programming that allows the controller to adapt a behavior that is dependent upon the particular type of function performed by a system or subsystem component. The system reconfigures the controller when the controller is moved from one group of subsystem components to another. A plurality of application programs are provided by a server from which the application program for a particular electronic controller is selected. The selection is based on criteria such as a subsystem component group identifier that identifies the particular type of function associated with the system or subsystem group of components.

Abstract: The subject innovation provides for systems and methods to optimize control systems for networked industrial sensors or devices and methods for self sensing, communicating with, monitoring of, controlling and optimizing utilization of networked industrial sensors and related control systems primarily in an industrial automation environment. The invention provides self-sensing and communication with sensors, and integration of control methods and strategies with decision support and logistics systems, to optimize specifically defined operational and performance objectives.

Abstract: It is an object to enhance the reliability of an emergency stop in a control system, such as an NC apparatus system, in which, in order to reduce a dedicated line for an emergency stop, emergency-stop information is embedded in an ordinary serial-data frame. For that purpose, extracting units (125) and (126) are provided in a client control apparatus, for extracting emergency-stop data and frame-error check data from a frame that is transmitted from a host control apparatus or other client control apparatuses to the client control apparatus.

Abstract: An Intelligent Data Multiplexer (“IDM”) can be used to interface a plurality of host computers with a semiconductor manufacturing tool. In one embodiment, the IDM has a plurality of host-side ports configured to receive messages from each of the host computers interfaced with the semiconductor manufacturing tool. The IDM also includes a multiplexer configured to multiplex the messages received from the host-side ports. To process possible conflict messages from the host computers, the IDM has a conflict resolve module. The messages are then delivered from the IDM to the semiconductor manufacturing tool through a tool-side port used to connect the semiconductor manufacturing tool to the IDM.

Abstract: With this invention, expert knowledge from machine manufacturers is applied quickly at any time to a machine via the Internet, by providing a main computer (host) for the production and provision of machine-related data and/or services and a machine-side working computer (client), which is connected to the main computer via a data communication link and by means of which (client) machine state data can be acquired in real time and transmitted to the main computer, and by means of which machine-related data and/or services generated by the main computer as a function of such machine state data can be received by means of an analysis and evaluation unit.

Abstract: A control system and method for achieving economic operation of CHP systems. A plurality of factors, including power source prices and operational needs, are assessed using multiple strategies. The solutions achieved by each strategy are compared, and the best performing strategy is selected. The solution can then be implemented. The assessment of factors and strategies can be updated periodically. A further embodiment includes a method of designing a CHP system using similar methods applied to simulated or estimated future loads and costs.

Abstract: A device control apparatus (100) according to the present invention includes: a specification-conforming device identification unit (105) which identifies a device which conforms to a specification-related condition that should be satisfied by a device with an abstract name described in the application; a use situation-conforming device identification unit (106) which identifies a device which conforms to a use situation-related condition that should be satisfied by a device with an abstract name described in the application; and a device control unit (109) which controls, based on the application, the device identified by both the specification-conforming device identification unit (105) and the use situation-conforming device identification unit (106).

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to facilitating communication between industrial automation devices such as controllers and data systems and/or services. Systems and methods are provided that receive statements or other unit of data interaction from an automation device, provide the statements to an appropriate system or service for processing, and optionally return a response such as a result set. Furthermore, in accordance with an aspect of the invention native controller code, variables, or tags can be mapped to stored data, procedures or combinations of data and/or procedures and updated automatically or semi-automatically.

Abstract: Monitoring and controlling apparatus and related methods for use with collective protection shelters or other isolation environments utilizing one or more digital processors to monitor and control the operation of the shelter. The apparatus affords shelter design and functional growth flexibility, along with diagnostic and prognostic capability, including condition based maintenance, interactive electronic manuals, and access to systems for replacement parts requisition. Further, the physical and functional expandability of the apparatus affords easy incorporation of shelter design changes, user interface design changes, and sensor design changes as well as improved functional and operational flexibility. The system also decreases volume and weight over prior designs.

Abstract: A method for quantifying damage in a test structure having a plurality of transducer units coupled to at least one portion of the test structure includes: (a) training an evaluating algorithmic system coupled with the transducer units to establish a trained algorithmic system able to recognize a plurality of characteristics of signals traversing a plurality of paths through a training structure substantially similar to the test structure after the training structure is damaged. Each path is situated between a respective pair of transducer units coupled to the training structure; the plurality of characteristics relates each path to a plurality of physical aspects of the damage. A trained algorithmic system is employed to recognize the plurality of characteristics of signals traversing paths in the test structure to effect the quantifying. The plurality of physical aspects includes less than ten physical aspects.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a monitoring and response system for an actor in a daily living environment that relies upon learned models of behavior for adapting system operation. The learned model of behavior preferably includes sequential patterns organized pursuant to assigned partition values that in turn are generated based upon an evaluation of accumulated data. Based upon reference to the learned model of behavior, the system can generate more appropriate response plans based upon expected or unexpected activities, more readily recognize intended activities, recognize abandoned tasks, formulate probabilities of method choice, build probabilities of action success, anticipate and respond to actor movement within the environment, optimize response plan effectiveness, and share learned models across two or more separate system installations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for error response when an error occurs in response to a motion, particularly of a drive mechanism in a machine, the motion taking place while using at least one master axis and at least one cam disk having at least one input and one output and being controlled by the master axis, in which, in response to the occurrence of the error at the least one input of the at least one cam disk, current process variables that are present are used for the initiation and the execution of the error response. The invention also relates to a corresponding computer system.

Abstract: A fabrication history of a group of wafers is provided, having a record for each wafer of the manufacturing events that did or did not occur in its fabrication, and having the measured value of a given target. A binary decision rule is formed based on the fabrication history, the rule being that if a wafer has a particular pattern of manufacturing events in its fabrication history then the statistic of the given fabrication target for that wafer is a first value; otherwise, the statistic is a second value having at least a given distance from the first value. The pattern of manufacturing events in the binary decision rule is identified in the generation of the binary decision rule. The identified pattern is significant with respect to the given target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling the Blow out preventer (BOP) used in well drilling operations comprising: BOP control unit, master control panel connected to the BOP unit for acquisition of data and processing the said data, comprising an input module, an output module and analog I/P module; a plurality of slave panels connected to master panel through the connecting means comprising input module, output module for controlling the BOP control unit; wherein the said slave panel is a programmable logic controller(PLC) for controlling BOP control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for distributing control information such as event notifications and status in a substantially real time manner. Such information can be provided in a parallel and concurrent manner to many locations/devices and/or users. In addition, multi-directional network communications are provided to facilitate system diagnosis, status, and troubleshooting among various parties and/or devices. In one aspect of the present invention, messaging components may be installed on local control components and remote diagnostic equipment that communicate across a network such as the Internet. If an event is detected, various parties can be contacted by the control components, wherein the parties may communicate in a concurrent manner while receiving control information from the control components.

Abstract: Abnormality diagnosing method in which a highly reliable abnormality diagnosis of an image forming apparatus can be initiated immediately following the delivery of the image forming apparatus to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for embodiments for efficiently and flexibly controlling hardware devices in a semiconductor processing system are provided for use in a distributed control arrangement. In general, the distributed arrangement includes at least one upper-level controller that is configurable with a computer program sequence of instructions for controlling one or more hardware devices of a processing tool. The hardware devices are controlled through one or more lower-level controllers. Prior to execution of the program sequence of the upper-level controller, at least one instruction of this program is pre-compiled so as to translate the instruction for execution by a selected lower-level controller and to add an at least one interlock check to such pre-compiled instruction and make the translated instruction accessible to at least one lower-level controller. The interlock check specifies one or more condition(s) for the selected lower-level controller to execute the pre-compiled instruction.

Abstract: An industrial control system implementing a multi-tasking operating system employs a primary and secondary controller each having a processor and an I/O data table. The processors are configured to execute one or more priority ranked programs. A tracking of changes in the I/O data table of the primary processor is used to independently track changes to controller specific data that has been changed and program specific data that has been changed and to transmit controller specific data that has been changed by any program and program specific data that has been changed only for completed programs to the secondary processor.

Abstract: An industrial automation system comprises a security access device, an industrial automation device, a user interface, and a security interface. The user interface is configured to provide a user with access to data stored inside the industrial automation device. The security interface is configured to receive information from the access device and, based on the information received from the access device, to provide authorization for the user to access the data stored inside the industrial automation device using the user interface.