Abstract:
A pool or spa system includes networked pool or spa devices that can be dynamically configured with network addresses by a controller. The controller can transmit a device discovery request on a network and can receive a discovery response from pool or spa devices that require a network address. The system determines and assigns the network addresses for the pool or spa devices based on unique device identifiers associated with the responding pool or spa devices. The network addresses assigned to the pool or spa device are transmitted to the pool or spa device to be used by the pool or spa devices to communicate with the controller over the network. The system can be used to discover and assign addresses to various types of pool or spa devices, such as pumps, underwater lights, chlorinators, water feature controllers, remote controllers, and/or other types of devices.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for operating a motor control center. The invention includes determining a hardware configuration of functional modules within a motor control center; downloading the hardware configuration to a programmable logic controller; configuring a program to run on the programmable logic controller based on the hardware configuration; and executing the program. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.
Abstract:
An electric motor addressing system and method for a planter implement receives, at an electronic control unit (ECU), an address claim request from each motor of a plurality of motors coupled to the ECU via a first bus. Each address claim request includes a requested bus address and a binary value corresponding to a pin connector setting associated with a harness connector of the respective motor. The system associates the binary value with a physical address for each motor without reference to the bus address and maps each bus address to the physical address.
Abstract:
A method for servicing a field device having a first wireless transmission module, preferably a transponder. An adapter is provided, which has a corresponding second wireless transmission module, preferably a reading device, for querying the transponder. The field device has, furthermore, a first communication interface for communication via a fieldbus, preferably a wired fieldbus, wherein the adapter has a second communication interface likewise for communication via the fieldbus, preferably a wired fieldbus. Data stored in a memory unit of the field device are wirelessly retrieved and transmitted to the adapter by means of the first transmission module and by means of the second transmission module, wherein the adapter is connected with a service device, and wherein by means of the retrieved data a connection is established between the field device and the service device via the field bus.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for use with a plurality of resources integrated within a space for performing a process and a program run by a processor for controlling the process, the apparatus for associating the resources with the program and comprising a processor running a program to perform the steps of identifying at least a first reference point within the space, identifying the relative juxtaposition of at least a first resource with respect to the first reference point and associating the first resource with the program as a function of the relative juxtaposition of the first resource to the reference point.
Abstract:
Electronic control apparatus of a kind used in low voltage industrial equipment such as assemblies of motors or circuit breakers. Where an overall controller, e.g. a programmable logic controller (PLC) controls an array of (e.g.) motors (M1, M2, M3) by way of respective control units (13, 23, 33) identification or location of selected motors is usually effected by an address stored in the respective control unit. A faulty control unit entails replacement and loss of the location address which has to be reentered as a skilled operation. The invention provides a separate non-volatile memory (15, 25, 35) for the location address, this memory being physically associated with the particular motor (M1, etc.). A replacement control unit (13, 23, 33) is automatically loaded with the location address which was retained.
Abstract:
A system includes a high speed bus and a plurality of multi-function modules coupled to the high speed bus. The plurality of multi-function modules includes at least one controller configured to execute control logic for the system. The plurality of multi-function modules also includes at least one arbitrator configured to manage the at least one controller. The plurality of multi-function modules further includes at least one input/output (IO) manager configured to interface between the at least one controller and at least one field device.
Abstract:
A visual display method involves storing, in multiple portable display units, visual information to individually be displayed by each of the multiple portable display units located within a venue in response to instructions broadcast wirelessly for receipt by at least some of the multiple portable display units within the venue; establishing, for each portable display unit within the venue, a first ad hoc address based upon each portable display unit's physical location; and wirelessly broadcasting instructions for receipt by the portable display units instructing at least some or the multiple portable display units to display a specific portion of the visual information associated with their respective first ad hoc addresses, so that each of the multiple portable display units will display their specific portions of the visual information associated with their ad hoc addresses as specified by the broadcast instructions.
Abstract:
A method for operating an automation device comprising at least one master unit and at least one slave unit that is connected by a first bus, wherein messages are transmitted over the first bus while controlling a technical process. The messages comprise a process image data area for planned field devices, which are connected to the at least one slave unit by a second bus, and a planned reserved process image data area that is intended for possible expansions of the automation device with further field devices is connectable to the at least one slave unit. In accordance with the invention, the method is used to expand the automation device with field devices, i.e., field devices that comply with the Fieldbus Foundation specification, during control operation (RUN operation).
Abstract:
A programming device for a network of control nodes includes a recording module for determining the control nodes connected to the network and a system object module connected to the recording module. The system object module includes a system object model representing the control-node configuration of the network, the system object module being configured to define the communication relations between the determined control nodes on the basis of the system object model. The programming device further includes a configuration output module connected to the system object module for transmitting the communication relations between the control nodes in the network to the control nodes, the communication relations being determined by the system object module.