Microprocessor-based control/status monitoring arrangement
First Claim
1. An arrangement for generating commands in controlling operation of and displaying status of a plurality of remotely located devices in an operating system, said arrangement comprising:
- first operator responsive means for designating a plurality of remotely located devices and for generating display, display control and device control signals;
visual display means coupled to said first means and responsive to said display and display control signals for providing a visual display of the status of, as well as a last command provided to, each of said plurality of designated remotely located devices, to permit the status of said first operator responsive means to be determined by comparison of the visual display of the status of and the last command provided to a remotely located device, and for controlling a manner in which the status of and said last command provided to each of said plurality of designated remotely located devices are presented on said display means; and
signal processing means coupled to said first means as well as to each of said plurality of remotely located devices for providing operator generated control signals to one or a plurality of designated remotely located devices in controlling the operation of said designated remotely located devices.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A microprocessor-based control/status monitoring arrangement allows for replacement of mechanical memory, cam-operated control board switches, such as used in controlling and monitoring the operation of a conventional electrical power generating station. The control/status monitoring arrangement includes and operator input device, such as a keyboard or "touch screen" cathode ray tube (CRT), to permit operator entries, as well as a video display to provide visual information relating to the operating system, e.g., power generating station, being monitored and controlled. The control/status monitoring arrangement not only offers the advantages of the prior art cam-operated mechanical switches in a solid state system with programming flexibility, but also provides additional equipment status indications and controls, e.g., Lockout, Tripped, Auto Started, etc., and special interlocks to ensure operating safety. The present invention is adapted for integration with existing cam-operated mechanical switches and their replacement on a step-by-step basis and makes use of software timers to mimic the period an operator previously had to hold the prior art mechanical switches in a given position. The programmability of the control/status monitoring arrangement allows great flexibility in the manner in which status and control information is visually displayed.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An arrangement for generating commands in controlling operation of and displaying status of a plurality of remotely located devices in an operating system, said arrangement comprising:
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first operator responsive means for designating a plurality of remotely located devices and for generating display, display control and device control signals; visual display means coupled to said first means and responsive to said display and display control signals for providing a visual display of the status of, as well as a last command provided to, each of said plurality of designated remotely located devices, to permit the status of said first operator responsive means to be determined by comparison of the visual display of the status of and the last command provided to a remotely located device, and for controlling a manner in which the status of and said last command provided to each of said plurality of designated remotely located devices are presented on said display means; and signal processing means coupled to said first means as well as to each of said plurality of remotely located devices for providing operator generated control signals to one or a plurality of designated remotely located devices in controlling the operation of said designated remotely located devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification