Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software upgrading or updating – Including multiple files
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-13
2004-08-17
Nguyen-Ba, Antony (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software upgrading or updating
Including multiple files
C717S175000, C718S100000, C700S095000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06779176
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to control systems and more specifically to industrial control systems that use embedded programs as a part of an industrial control system.
Known electronic systems are extensively used in process control applications. These electronic systems are usually modular, that is, a central processing unit (CPU) communicates with a series of replaceable modules, sometimes called input/output (I/O) modules that are connected to the CPU in a bus arrangement. I/O modules are configured with a common interface to the electronic system. In addition, specific input/output circuitry is contained within a particular I/O module depending on the function performed (i.e. the specific input/output requirements of a particular industrial control application). In one aspect of industrial control, the CPU monitors inputs and outputs from various I/O modules.
Typical electronic systems, such as those used in industrial control applications execute a plurality of program blocks, as part of an integrated control system. A typical integrated control system contains multiple modules used to control various hardware interfaces. One problem with electronic systems of this type is that when it is necessary to update a program block, the electronic system has to be stopped, even though the program block to be updated is not executing. Stopping the electronic system also means that the process being controlled, an assembly line for example, has to be stopped.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It would therefore be desirable to provide a method where program blocks can be updated without stopping execution of other program blocks within the electronic system or the stopping of the entire electronic system.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of implementing program updates in an electronic system is described. The method includes requesting the system to accept a program update and loading replacement programs for execution.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4530054 (1985-07-01), Hamstra et al.
patent: 5359730 (1994-10-01), Marron
patent: 5699275 (1997-12-01), Beasley et al.
patent: 5873097 (1999-02-01), Harris et al.
patent: H001804 (1999-09-01), Browning et al.
patent: 5948104 (1999-09-01), Gluck et al.
patent: 5978916 (1999-11-01), Randall
patent: 6044461 (2000-03-01), Agha et al.
patent: 6052761 (2000-04-01), Hornung et al.
patent: 6201488 (2001-03-01), Sato et al.
patent: 6240550 (2001-05-01), Nathan et al.
patent: 6256723 (2001-07-01), Hudson et al.
patent: 6301710 (2001-10-01), Fujiwara
patent: 6347396 (2002-02-01), Gard et al.
Chambers, II Robert Baxter
Ibrahim Abdulaziz M.
Armstrong Teasdale LLP
General Electric Company
Nguyen-Ba Antony
Vick, Esq. Karl A.
LandOfFree
Methods and apparatus for updating electronic system... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Methods and apparatus for updating electronic system..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Methods and apparatus for updating electronic system... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3279696