Device controller with intracontroller communication capability,

Abstract

Featured is a device controller in a system having a multiplicity of such controllers and a conveying system and method for controlling a multiplicity of devices using such controllers. Each controller includes a plurality of bi-directional communications ports, a processor that processes information and provides outputs, where at least one output controls the device, and an applications program for execution within the processor that includes instructions and criteria for processing the information and providing the processor outputs. Specifically, the applications program includes instructions and criteria for communicating information between and among controllers; instructions and criteria for processing information received by a controller; and instructions and criteria for modifying the operation of a device responsive to the communicated information. For a conveying system having a multiplicity of conveying sections, a controller is provided for each section. Preferably, the applications program for a conveying system controller also includes the instructions and criteria needed to operate any one of a number of different conveying section types. Further, the conveying system controller includes a memory for storing parameters that are used so the corresponding conveying system section operates in the desired fashion.