Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput – Computer conferencing – Priority based messaging
Reexamination Certificate
1998-01-20
2001-02-13
Harrell, Robert B (Department: 2758)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: multicomput
Computer conferencing
Priority based messaging
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189028
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a display controller which controls the display of messages originating from message sources producing messages according to different message protocols and having different message formats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many data communication systems, such as process control systems, require the display on a single display device of data from multiple processors. An example of a process control system having multiple processors is a binding line for binding books, magazines, and the like. A binding line typically includes a line controller for controlling a plurality of packer boxes for feeding signatures to a gathering conveyor, a binder for binding the signatures together, a trimmer for trimming excess paper off the bound signatures, and the like. An auxiliary controller, which communicates with the line controller, transmits and receives certain information to and from the line controller of the binding line. The auxiliary controller may be arranged to control all equipment on the binding line not controlled by the line controller.
It is often advantageous to display messages to the operators of binding lines in order to help these operators perform their duties efficiently. When the line controller provides messages according to a first message protocol and the auxiliary controller provides messages according to a second, different message protocol, a first display controller capable of managing messages according to the first message protocol may be provided in order to display the messages from the line controller on a display device, and a second display controller capable of managing messages according to the second message protocol may be provided in order to display the messages from the auxiliary controller on the same display device.
However, the use of multiple display controllers adds unnecessary complexity and cost to a process control system such as a binding line or a binding line system. The present invention is directed to a single display controller that is capable of responding to different message protocols from multiple message sources in order to provide display on a single display device of messages having a common format.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a display controller system, which controls the display of messages provided by first and second controllers of a process control system, comprises a display device, a first database specific to a first message protocol, a second database specific to a second message protocol, and a processor coupled to the display device and the first and second controllers. The first and second message protocols are different. The processor is arranged to retrieve from the first database a first display message corresponding to a first input message in order to direct the first display message to the display device. The first input message is received from the first controller and is in accordance with the first message protocol. The processor is also arranged to retrieve from the second database a second display message corresponding to a second input message in order to direct tie second display message to the display device. The second input message is received from the second controller and is in accordance with the second message protocol.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of displaying messages provided by first and second controllers of a process control system, the method comprises the following steps: a) receiving first and second input events in accordance with a first protocol; b) receiving a third input event in accordance with a second protocol, wherein the first and second protocols are different; c) storing the first and second input events in a first database as corresponding first and second display messages; d) addressing a third display message in a second database in accordance with the third input event, the third display message being substantially in accordance with the second protocol; e) if input events in accordance with the first protocol have a higher priority than input events in accordance with the second protocol, displaying one of the first and second display messages before the third display message; and f) if input events in accordance with the second protocol have a higher priority than input events in accordance with the first protocol, displaying the third display message before the first and second display messages.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a binding line system comprises a display device, a line controller arranged to control a binding line, an auxiliary controller interfaced with the line controller, a first database receiving line controller event messages having a first event message format, a second database receiving auxiliary controller event messages having a second event message format, and a display controller coupled to the display device, the line controller, and the auxiliary controller. The first and second event message formats are different. The auxiliary controller is arranged to provide an auxiliary controller event message, and the line controller is arranged to provide a line controller event message. The display controller is arranged to retrieve from the first database a line controller display message corresponding to the line controller event message in order to direct the line controller display message to the display device, and the display controller is arranged to retrieve from the second database an auxiliary controller display message corresponding to the auxiliary controller event message in order to direct the auxiliary controller display message to the display device. The line controller display message and the auxiliary controller display message have a common database format.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a display controller system comprises displaying means for displaying display messages, a first database specific to a first protocol, a second database specific to a second protocol which is different from the first protocol, and display controlling means responsive to a first event transmitted in accordance with the first protocol and to a second event transmitted in accordance with the second protocol for converting the first and second events to corresponding display messages having a common database format and for controlling the displaying means in order to display the display messages.
REFERENCES:
patent: 6034970 (2000-03-01), Levac et al.
Harrell Robert B
Marshall O'Toole Gerstein Murray & Borun
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
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