Method and apparatus for use of multiple control systems
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling at least a first control system and a second control system comprising:
- providing an operator interface that is communicatively coupled to the first and second control systems;
determining if a key-press from said operator interface is shared by the first and second control systems and communicating said key-press to the first and second control systems if said key-press is shared, said key-press actuating an operation parameter adjustment of said first and second control systems; and
determining which of the first and second control systems owns said key-press if said key-press is not shared by the first and second control systems and communicating said key-press to the first or second control system that owns said key-press.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for simultaneously controlling multiple control systems is provided. The resulting hybrid control system provides for sharing of inputs and outputs on a control surface membrane between the multiple distinct control systems. A unified tactile/LED interface for both systems is achieved, allowing for a single hybrid control system experience for operators in industrial, manufacturing and control-room environments.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method of controlling at least a first control system and a second control system comprising:
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providing an operator interface that is communicatively coupled to the first and second control systems; determining if a key-press from said operator interface is shared by the first and second control systems and communicating said key-press to the first and second control systems if said key-press is shared, said key-press actuating an operation parameter adjustment of said first and second control systems; and determining which of the first and second control systems owns said key-press if said key-press is not shared by the first and second control systems and communicating said key-press to the first or second control system that owns said key-press. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of modifying a first control system comprising:
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communicatively coupling a control surface membrane to the first control system; communicatively coupling a second control system to said control surface membrane; determining if a key-press from said control surface membrane is shared by said first and second control systems and communicating said key-press to said first and second control systems if said key-press is shared, said key-press actuating an operation parameter adjustment of said first and second control systems; determining which of said first and second control systems owns said key-press if said key-press is not shared by said first and second control systems and communicating said key-press to said first or second control system that owns said key-press; generating an annunciation for either or both of said first and second control systems; determining if said annunciation is shared by said first and second control systems and communicating said annunciation to said control surface membrane if said annunciation is shared; and determining which of said first and second control systems owns said annunciation if said annunciation is not shared by said first and second control systems and communicating said annunciation to an indicator of said control surface membrane that corresponds to said first or second control system that owns said annunciation. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A hybrid control system comprising:
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a first control system and a second control system; a control processing unit having an operator interface, said control processing unit being in communication with said first and second control systems, wherein said control processing unit determines if a key-press of said operator interface is shared by said first and second control systems and communicates said key-press to said first and second control systems if said key-press is shared, said key-press actuating an operation parameter adjustment of said first and second control systems, and wherein said control processing unit determines which of said first and second control systems owns said key-press if said key-press is not shared by the first and second control systems and communicates said key-press to said first or second control system that owns said key-press. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A computer readable program embodied in an article of manufacture comprising computer readable program instructions for modifying a first control system with a second control system, said program comprising:
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program instructions for causing a computer to determine if a key-press of an operator interface is shared by the first and second control systems and for causing said computer to communicate said key-press to the first and second control systems if said key-press is shared, said key-press actuating an operation parameter adjustment of said first and second control systems; and program instructions for causing said computer to determine which of the first and second control systems owns said key-press if said key-press is not shared by the first and second control systems and for causing said computer to communicate said key-press to the first or second control system that owns said key-press. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification