Methods and apparatus employing an action engine for monitoring and/or controlling dynamic environments
US9494926B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 11, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B2219/2231
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A dynamic environment (e.g., an automated industrial process) has multiple conditions in response to which corresponding actions are required, and comprises various equipment, control device(s) to control the equipment, and one or more sensors to generate input signal(s) representing a monitored condition of the environment. A control system for the environment comprises a master processor and one or more co-processors, wherein the master processor configures a given co-processor to evaluate only a first subset of conditions expected to occur in the environment within a specified time period (e.g., less than a response time of the master processor), and to provide first control information representing an action to be taken if a particular condition of the first subset is satisfied. The co-processor receives the input signal(s) representing the monitored condition, processes the input signal(s) so as to determine if the particular condition of the first subset is satisfied, and provides the first control information to the control devices so as to control the equipment. Exemplary applications include dynamic environments in which machine vision techniques and/or equipment are emplo…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.