Patent ID: 6216046
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: H05K

Abstract:
A method for controlling a plurality of successive decentralized machine processes, comprising the steps of:providing a cental control unit;providing a plurality of decentralized control units including at least a first decentralized control unit and a second decentralized control unit;providing respective first communication paths between said central control unit and each of said first decentralized control unit and said second decentralized control unit, and providing a second communication path between said first decentralized control unit and said second decentralized control unit;controlling a first decentralized machine process with said first decentralized control unit and controlling a second decentralized machine process with said second decentralized control unit;transmitting a start command via said first communication path from said central control unit to said first decentralized control unit for starting said first decentralized machine process;said first decentralized control unit starting said first decentralized machine process in response to said start command and transmitting a start signal via said communication path to said central control unit;during execution of said first decentralized machine process, transmitting a preparatory command via said communication path from said central control unit to said second decentralized control unit and including in said preparatory command at least one start condition for said second decentralized machine process;upon completion of said first decentralized machine process, transmitting a completion signal directly from said first decentralized control unit to said second decentralized control unit via said second communication path, said completion signal satisfying said start condition for said second decentralized machine process; andsaid second decentralized control unit starting said second decentralized machine process upon reception of said completion signal.