Multi-Level Controller System

Abstract

The invention is a state machine having a host controller that controls a level-1 controller, wherein the level-1 controller controls the level-2 controller. The level-2 controller controls system component controllers, which in turn control system components to execute a process segment. For example, the machine includes a host controller that selects a set of states to be executed, a level-1 controller that activates the set of states in a predetermined order, wherein each state includes commands, and a level-2 controller that controls system components according to the commands. A method of executing a process includes identifying a set of states to be executed, issuing state commands that need to be issued to execute the current state in the set of states, and activating a next state only after all expected status reports have been received for the current state.

1 . A system comprising:
 a controller;   at least one system component; and   a processor for controlling the controller according to a table, the table comprising:
 a first column containing instructions in a first language that is not readable by the controller; and 
 a second column containing corresponding instructions in a second language that is readable by the controller for controlling the system components, wherein the corresponding instructions in the second column are translated versions of the instructions in the first column; 
   wherein the controller controls the at least one system component according to the instructions in the second column.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a user interface configured to input the instructions in the first column.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to translate the instructions in the first column to the corresponding instructions in the second column. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a user interface configured to modify at least one of the instructions in the first column, wherein the processor is configured to translate the modified at least one of the instructions to the second language for replacing the corresponding instructions in the second column.   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the table further comprises:
 a third column of status reports to send to the processor or a higher level controller;   a fourth column of tests for checking whether a predefined condition is fulfilled; and   a fifth column defining a course of action if the predefined condition is fulfilled.