In the conventional distributed control system, since each control device updates the data area at a timing when a control packet is received, in a case where there is a difference in communication delay between the control devices or in a case where the communication delay includes jitter, it is difficult to match the contents of data in all the control devices in a case of focusing on a certain moment during system operation. Therefore, depending on the start timing of a control application, the control application operates on the basis of different data between the control devices, thus limiting control performance improvement. Accordingly, time slots on the network are allocated according to the result of a calculation unit, and a cyclic memory synchronization update unit synchronizes the timing of reflecting data in the input/output and the cyclic memory and the timing of using data of a cyclic memory.

According to some embodiments, a system and method comprising a plurality of automation tools; and a shared automation module, coupled to the plurality of automation tools including: a computer processor; a computer memory, coupled to the computer processor, storing instructions that, when executed by the computer processor cause the shared automation module to: receive a selection of a first automation tool of the plurality of automation tools; receive a selection of a second automation tool of the plurality of automation tools; execute the first automation tool to generate a first automation tool output; and execute the second automation tool using the stored first automation tool output to generate a second automation tool output. Numerous other aspects are provided.

An accessory control system for a vehicle includes a controller configured to be installed on the vehicle and a wire harness connected to the controller to communicate output signals from the controller. The wire harness has an input connector and an output connector. The input connector is connected to the controller. The output connector is configured to be selectively connected to one of a first vehicle accessory and a second vehicle accessory. The output connector of the wire harness is configured to be disposed at a selected location on the vehicle. The controller is preprogrammed to transmit at least one first accessory signal through the wire harness to control the first vehicle accessory. The controller is configured to be reprogrammed to transmit at least one second accessory signal through the wire harness to control the second vehicle accessory.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium for communicating between an operational asset and a backend network that include the actions of receiving first data from an operational asset through a first communication interface that is configured to communicate with an operational asset, and where the first data is formatted according to a first data format that is specific to the operational asset. Processing the first data according to an asset template to generate second data, where the second data includes the first data and being formatted according to a second data format that is specific to the backend network. Causing the second data to be transmitted to the backend network by a second communication interface that is configured to communicate with a backend network.

A method of monitoring and controlling an industrial process includes capturing images of a non-sensible process condition of the industrial process with an image capture device, receiving the images of the non-sensible process condition with a computer system, and converting each image into a corresponding numeric value with a machine learning model stored in and operable by the computer system. The corresponding numeric value is then received and compared to a predetermined numeric value for the non-sensible process condition with a closed-loop controller, and an actuator operates with the closed-loop controller to adjust operation of the industrial process when the corresponding numeric value fails to match the predetermined numeric value or is outside of a defined threshold near the predetermined numeric value.

An engineering system for an industrial process automation system, wherein components of the industrial process automation system are each represented by a computer-based object within the engineering system and are continuously stored in an engineering database, where functions of the engineering system are made available as services via a standard service interface, process sequences and states for retrieving or processing objects stored in the engineering database are stored in an order database that is separate from the engineering database, and access to process sequences and states that are stored in the order database occurs via an order interface that is separate from the standard service interface.

An output module for an industrial controller provides electrical isolation between each of the output terminals in the module. The output module receives control signals from the industrial controller indicating a desired output state for each of the output terminals and selectively connects power from the output of the electrical isolation to the output terminal. During normal operation, a switching device connects the power to the output terminal responsive to the control signal. A current sensor monitors the current conducted at the output terminal. If the current exceeds a predefined threshold, a current limit circuit clamps the current being output at the terminal. A control circuit may allow the output terminal to ride through a temporary spike in current or disable the output terminal if a fault condition is detected.

A sensor module includes a first sensor device that outputs first measurement data from a first measurement circuit receiving a signal from a first sensor element and performing a measurement process, a second sensor device that outputs a second measurement circuit receiving a signal from a second sensor element and performing a measurement process, and a microcontroller that receives the first measurement data and the second measurement data, in which the first sensor device includes a first terminal that is used for input of an external synchronization signal or a synchronization signal which is a signal based on the external synchronization signal, and input or output of a communication signal, and the second sensor device includes a second terminal that is used for input of the synchronization signal, and input or output of the communication signal.

A Multi-Purpose Dynamic Simulation and run-time Control platform includes a virtual process environment coupled to a physical process environment, where components/nodes of the virtual and physical process environments cooperate to dynamically perform run-time process control of an industrial process plant and/or simulations thereof. Virtual components may include virtual run-time nodes and/or simulated nodes. The MPDSC includes an I/O Switch which delivers I/O data between virtual and/or physical nodes, e.g., by using publish/subscribe mechanisms, thereby virtualizing physical I/O process data delivery. Nodes serviced by the I/O Switch may include respective component behavior modules that are unaware as to whether or not they are being utilized on a virtual or physical node. Simulations may be performed in real-time and even in conjunction with run-time operations of the plant, and/or simulations may be manipulated as desired (speed, values, administration, etc.). The platform simultaneously supports simulation and run-time operations and interactions/intersections therebetween.

A load control device may be used to control and deliver power to an electrical load. The load control device may comprise a control circuit for controlling the power delivered to the electrical load. The load control device may comprise multiple actuators, where each of the actuators is connected between a terminal of the control circuit and a current regulating device. The number of the actuators may be greater than the number of the terminals. The control circuit may measure signals at the terminals and determine a state configuration for the actuators based on the measured signals. The control circuit may compare the state configuration to a predetermined dataset to detect a ghosting condition.