Patent ID: 8195844
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
1. A system, comprising: a controller adapted to: provide a start condition system function that allows a user to define a start condition via a set of start condition parameters, said set of start condition parameters comprising a parameter that causes a recognition of a beginning of a message transmitted via a serial communications port connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC), said message preceded by a plurality of predetermined sequential start characters, said plurality of predetermined sequential start characters one of said set of start condition parameters, wherein the transmitted message includes the sequential start characters, and wherein the predetermined sequential start characters determine whether the message is received; provide an end condition system function that allows a user to define an end condition via a set of end condition parameters, said set of end condition parameters comprising a parameter that causes a recognition of an end of said message, said message followed by a plurality of predetermined sequential end characters, said plurality of predetermined sequential end characters one of said set of end condition parameters, and wherein said controller is adapted to permit a customer to specify multiple, different character sequences, that include don't-care characters, to satisfy a series of different start and/or end conditions; and wherein a don't care character is a set of bits adapted to represent a symbol indicative of a lack of preference for any particular alternative of a predetermined set of alternatives.