Control systems and methods utilizing object oriented hardware elements
US6154680A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 7, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/25428
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Computer-based industrial control systems and methods employing object oriented hardware elements. An object oriented hardware element may comprise a processor core coupled one side to a universal real-world interface circuit, and on the other side to an open bus interface. In a preferred embodiment, the open bus interface provides downloading software programming objects to the microprocessor core. A computer-based control system in accordance with the present invention may comprise a personal computer or central processing unit coupled to a communications network, at least one zone interface module coupled to the communications network and to an open bus, at least one zone device module coupled to the open bus and, if required, one or more zone processor modules coupled to the open bus. Software object may be downloaded from the personal computer or central processing unit to the various modules to achieve modular, exception-based, distributively intelligent (MEDI) I/O control within the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.