Machine control integrating event based model with task based model
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsRaymond I. Mason, Michael D. Dixon, Thomas G. Beaman, Robert P. Ferraro, Robert M. Vanduyn, James J. Des rivieres
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Abstract
A method of use of real time machine control software integrating both event based mode and task based components. In particular, a collection of constructs have been created that allow machine control applications to be expressed in event based terms and the event based constructs to be seamlessly integrated with task based constructs. The method includes the use of response time specifications, in particular in conjunction with ReactiveTask and Task constructs. The method also includes the use of Register, ReferenceClock, and SchedulerLock constructs.
Claims25
In an electronic image processing apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of modules, the controller integrating both an event based mode and a task based mode, a method of operation comprising the steps of:
- executing tasks in the task based mode for processing requiring sequential processing, and
- responding to events in a state machine mode concurrently with executing tasks in the task based mode including the steps of
- notifying event responsive tasks of the occurrence of events,
- event responsive tasks, having a stake in selected events, modifying their states in response to the selected events, and
- said event responsive tasks taking appropriate action.
An electronic image processing apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of modules having input and output functions for creating image impressions, the controller integrating both a state machine paradigm and a sequential tasking paradigm, the controller including:
- constructs for state machine programming,
- logic for integrating the constructs for state machine programming with the sequential tasking paradigm, and a
- scheduler for scheduling operations of the plurality of modules based upon response time specifications.
In an electronic image processing apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of modules, the controller integrating both an event based mode and a sequential task based mode of operation, a method of control comprising the steps of:
- supporting first tasks in the event based mode for image processing concurrently with tasks in the sequential task based mode, the first tasks incapable of being suspended,
- supporting second tasks in the sequential task based mode for image processing, the second tasks capable of being suspended and incapable of event notification, and
- responding to both first and second tasks for scheduling wherein a seamless integration of both the event based mode and the sequential task based mode of operation is provided.
In an electronic image processing apparatus comprising a controller and a plurality of modules, a method of operation comprising the steps of:
- providing a first collection of constructs to control operation of the machine based upon events,
- providing a second collection of constructs to control operation of the machine based upon tasks, and
- seamlessly integrating the first and second collection of constructs in order to control the machine in both an event based mode and a task based mode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.