US 5,862,401 A · Programmable central intelligence controller and distributed intelligence network for analog/digital control systems

Abstract

The present invention involves a programmable microprocessor based controller having the capacity to store multiple operational instruction sets for independently controlling system components. The invention further involves a distributed intelligence network of such programmable controllers having the capability to interface with one another, Host computers, and system control components to provide system-wide automation for simultaneously monitoring and controlling video, audio, and electro-mechanically operated equipment. The programmable controller accepts analog and digital inputs and provides a wide range of user defined control functionality through its analog and digital outputs and its many external connections. The controller can support one and possibly two communication buses, depending upon the application, upon which a plurality of system components may be connected to each. Automatic control system applications include, but are not limited to: concert sound systems, stadium sound systems, theme park automation, video-conferencing, etc. The invention further involves firmware for implementing smooth output limiting, automatic standby, short detection, enhanced ODEP conservation, and interrupt driven reporting.

Claims21

Dependent claims

An apparatus for controlling a plurality of electronically controllable devices, said apparatus including:

first and second independent processor, each of said first and second independent processors including a set of instructions for generating and sending control signals to a plurality of electronically controllable devices, each of said processors including a plurality of inputs;
one memory accessible by both said first and second independent processors;
and
dataframe information stored in said memory, said dataframe information accessible by said first and second independent processors, said first and second independent processors generating and sending said control signals according to said dataframe information, at least one of said first and second processors being adapted to prioritize said dataframe information in accordance with a predetermined condition.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Programmable central intelligence controller and distributed intelligence network for analog/digital control systems

Life of this patent

Programmable central intelligence controller and distributed intelligence network for analog/digital control systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21