In this method, a unit (24) is tested by a test instrument (22) with the aid of a master (MC), an intermediate (30) and a slave (SL) computer. The latter connects to the test instrument (22) for sensing its measurements. The method includes the step of dispatching one of a plurality of instruction signals to the intermediate computer (30) from the master computer (MC). Another step is issuing to the slave computer (SL), when it is not halted, a signal to halt from the intermediate computer (30) after receipt by the intermediate computer (30) of one of the instruction signals. Another step is transmitting from the intermediate (30) to the slave (SL) computer, after the latter has halted, that one of a plurality of command signals corresponding to the currently dispatched one of the instruction signals. The method also includes the step of forwarding a go signal to the intermediate computer (30) from the master computer (MC) and issuing to the slave computer (SL) from the intermediate computer (30) a run signal signifying a request to run and sense measurements from the test instrument (22).
An electrostatic dust collection system (100) includes adaptive control system (10) for substantially maximizing performance of the electrostatic dust collection system (100). Adaptive control system (10) includes dual processor control unit (14) which has the capability to learn new system operating parameters in response to feedback signals from the high voltage transformer/rectifier (70). The self learning feature is implemented with a dual memory architecture coupled to main processor (300). A first non-volatile memory unit (320) holds predetermined system operating parameters for initial use by the adaptive control system (10). The second memory unit (310) is an electrically alterable non-volatile memory unit which is used to store new system operating parameters which have been computed to substantially improve system performance, as determined by measurements of the feedback signals from the high voltage transformer/rectifier (70).
A portable vibration monitoring device (10) for use in connection with a base computer (11) which stores data regarding the nature and parameters of vibration measurements to be made on preselected machines for predictive maintenance purposes. The device includes a power module (36) which energizes the various components. A vibration sensor (14) produces an analog signal which is representative of selected vibration parameters. The signal generated by the vibration monitor is conditioned by a signal conditioning module (16) which includes anti-aliasing filters which enhance the accuracy of the data collected. A multiple function module (18) includes various selectively energized modules which enhance the speed and reliability of the data collected. This data is analyzed by a microprocessor and displayed as desired.
A diagnostic system wherein a central diagnostic center receives sensor data relative to the operating condition of a plurality of remote plants. Each plant records just certain sensor signals and transmits them at respective prescheduled transmisssion times. If certain activation limits are exceeded, a data link with the diagnostic center is immediately established so that the data may be transmitted ahead of its normally scheduled transmission time in order that an immediate diagnostic analysis be made on the plant. A communication link between the plant and diagnostic center is kept open for a predetermined period of time in which more data may be sent from the plant to the diagnostic center, and results and instructions, sent from the diagnostic center back to the plant. Such instructions may include the changing of certain parameters in the examination of the sensor signals.
In an electronic system, such as a digital data processing system, comprising a number of circuit boards, each circuit board being of a particular functional type and also uniquely identifiable by a manufacturing revision number, there is provided a status detection circuit for polling various programmable status information from the board, including a unique board identity number and the manufacturing revision number. The status detection circuit includes a microcomputer (60, FIG. 2) on each board 50. The data inputs of the microcomputer are responsive to a unique combination of switches (e.g., 42) representative of the manufacturing revision number. Other microcomputer inputs are responsive to a unique combination of edge connectors (e.g., 47) for uniquely identifying the particular board in the system. Another microcomputer input is responsive to an on-board status indicator, such as an LED. The status detection circuit can sequentially address each of the circuit board microcomputers and input any of several commands to them. For example, each board identity number, manufacturing revision level, and LED status can be read. Each board microprocessor can also be commanded to output any of several types of control signals, such as power on reset, system reset, set LED, and reset LED.
A master-slave processor human interface system. An electronic device, a slave processor for controlling the electronic device and performing certain computational functions, a master processor for controlling the slave processor, an input device and an output device associated with the master processor, and an information storage device are provided. Individual slave processor programs are selected, retrieved from the information storage device, and loaded into the slave processor for implementing corresponding functions of the slave processor and electronic device, while a single master processor program which adapts itself to the selected slave processor program accepts input data and operational selections and displays output information according to a predetermined spatial arrangement for each such function, thereby providing the human interface.
