Graphically constructed control and scheduling system
First Claim
1. A method for defining a finite state machine to control a system, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a graphic environment running on a computer, under which a control application is run to enable a user to define the finite state machine and to control the system in accordance with the finite state machine;
(b) while running the control application on the computer, developing a schedule manager grid that comprises the finite state machine using state vectors, by graphically associating together selected symbols from among a plurality of different symbols, the different symbols representing corresponding different possible events and possible control actions for the system, at least some of the different symbols representing events that can occur external to the computer as indicated by signals input to the computer from the system, each state vector of the state machine comprising one of a row and a column of the schedule manager grid, said schedule manager grid thereby graphically defining with the selected symbols a desired control action that should occur when an event associated with the desired control action occurs; and
(c) starting with a first state vector each time, evaluating the state vectors in succession and producing a control signal with the computer that effects the desired control action on the system when the vent associated with said desired control action occurs in a state vector.
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Abstract
A system and method for controlling a model train system and for defining a finite state machine for implementing control of the system. A computer (32) that is running a graphic user operating system is coupled through its serial port to a master control unit (MCU) (48). The MCU is coupled to slave control units (SCUs) (50, 52) and to a hand control unit (HCU) (152) through a token ring network (69) over which the computer transmits commands to energize selected track sections and to control the speed of locomotives (88, 90) running thereon. The MCU and SCUs are coupled to the sections of tracks and to electromagnetic switches (42, 44, 46) that determine the route of the trains over the sections of track. Furthermore, detector circuits (126) monitor a detector pulse to sense the presence of a locomotive or train on a particular section of track, producing an indicative output signal that is provided to the computer. The user graphically defines events, conditions, and control actions that are to be carried out on a visually displayed schedule manager grid. In addition, the user can graphically define a control panel that includes graphic controls, which can be manipulated by the user to establish the speed of a locomotive and to control the status of the electromagnetic switches. The control system can also be applied to control other systems that include electrically energized components.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for defining a finite state machine to control a system, comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a graphic environment running on a computer, under which a control application is run to enable a user to define the finite state machine and to control the system in accordance with the finite state machine; (b) while running the control application on the computer, developing a schedule manager grid that comprises the finite state machine using state vectors, by graphically associating together selected symbols from among a plurality of different symbols, the different symbols representing corresponding different possible events and possible control actions for the system, at least some of the different symbols representing events that can occur external to the computer as indicated by signals input to the computer from the system, each state vector of the state machine comprising one of a row and a column of the schedule manager grid, said schedule manager grid thereby graphically defining with the selected symbols a desired control action that should occur when an event associated with the desired control action occurs; and (c) starting with a first state vector each time, evaluating the state vectors in succession and producing a control signal with the computer that effects the desired control action on the system when the vent associated with said desired control action occurs in a state vector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for defining a control system for a plurality of devices, wherein the control system reacts to events meeting predefined conditions occurring, to control the plurality of devices, comprising the steps of:
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(a) on a computer display, graphically representing a plurality of different events that can occur with event symbols, each different event being represented with a corresponding different event symbol; (b) on the computer display, graphically representing a plurality of control actions that can be implemented with a plurality of action symbols, each control action being represented by a corresponding different action symbol; (c) for each device to be controlled, defining a control scheme by selecting one of the event symbols and at least one of the action symbols and associating said selected symbols together in a graphical representation of a finite state machine that comprises a grid of rows and columns; and (d) in accordance with the events, and the control actions respectively represented by the corresponding event symbols, and action symbols in the computer display of the graphical representation, controlling the plurality of devices to effect specific control actions represented by the action symbols selected, when the events associated with the specific control actions occur. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for controlling a plurality of devices, wherein the system reacts to events meeting predefined conditions that have occurred to control the plurality of devices, comprising:
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(a) a computer that includes a display, a central processing unit, an operator interface, a memory, and a port coupled to the central processing unit for input and output of electrical signals, said central processing unit responding to program instructions stored in said memory that cause the computer to function as; (i) means for graphically representing on the display a plurality of events that can occur, using event symbols, each different type of event being represented with a corresponding different event symbol; (ii) means for graphically representing on the display a plurality of conditions using condition symbols, each different condition being represented with a corresponding different condition symbol; and (iii) means for graphically representing in a grid of rows and columns on the display a plurality of control actions that can be implemented using a plurality of action symbols, each control action being represented by a corresponding different action symbol; (b) said central processing unit responding to an operator'"'"'s input through the operator interface, which for each device to be controlled, defines a control scheme by selecting one of the event symbols and at least one of the action symbols and graphically associating said selected symbols together on the display so as to represent a finite state machine; and (c) a switching network that is coupled to the central processing unit, said central processing unit implementing control of the plurality of devices by producing output signals conveyed to the switching network to effect specific control actions in accordance with the events and the control actions respectively represented by the corresponding event symbols and action symbols on the display, when the events occur.
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Specification