Patent ID: 6546297
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: G05B

Abstract:
A method of designing a control system for a device, the method comprising:storing software representations of pre-existing control panel components on a computer: storing software representations of pre-existing control processes on the computer; using the computer to develop a control panel for the device by selecting and placing software representations of pre-existing control panel objects in a software representation of the control panel; using the computer to develop control software for the device by selecting software representations of pre-existing control processes and associating the selected control processes with the selected control panel objects; downloading the control software from the computer to control hardware to be included in the device; and testing the device using the control software running on the control hardware and under the control of the computer; generating a virtual control panel at the computer, the virtual control panel embodying the control panel designed for the device; permitting a user to manipulate the virtual control panel to generate virtual control inputs; and transmitting the virtual control inputs to the control hardware to control the control hardware.