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Smart Alec® User Manual - Alpha

1. 85 Creating variable rules Item Name Description G Boolean operators Choose as appropriate from the following list elf e And eOr e Then e Else The choice depends on what you want the rest of the row to do in relation to the other phrases The first row always starts with IF Items F G H and possibly J must be completed The last row you use must always start with THEN or ELSE and end Item 1 with the command you want to be done when the entire statement is executed A THEN statement can be used to activate a command to turn on a message and the ELSE statement can be used to activate a command to delete that message when the conditions to turn on the message are not met You can have rows in between the first and last rows and these can start with either AND or OR to create additional conditions that must be met before the command will be done H Operand 1 From a list of date day time or existing variables choose the variable to test by clicking editto the left of this column for this phrase Operator Choose from the following list for comparing Operand 7 with Operand 2 e Is equal to e Is not equal to e Is greater than gt e Is greater than or equal to gt e Is less than lt e Is less than or equal to lt J Operand 2 Specify the value to compare Operand 7 to Can be a variable or a literal value Se
2. Notification Device Interface Sehin ag Event Log Manager Ele Edt View Tools Help a x evi ey x PacketlD not found setting to 0 DDEInputHandler shutdown DDE conversations list empty no topics items to con 0 14 TECHWAI SAEVTMGR 7 17 TECHWRI DDEINPUTHANI 1 6 TECHWRI DDEINPUTHANI 1 9002 TECHWRAI DEVICEINTERF rere _ 5 1 20002 02 30PM 1 4 N1008 TECHWRI DEVICEINTERF IMO Field cannot be Empty To continue Please enter a _ 5 1 20001 5355PM f1 4 1008 TECHWRI DEVICEINTERF IMO Field cannot be Empty To continue Please enter a _ 5 1 20007 42 03PM 1 l1 N1001 TECHWRI DEVICEINTERF IPWA0 A modem is not attached to this computer 5nz00347374M_ ft 0 1 TECHWRISOCKHANDLER Listening Port 8150 _Jsvi20003 47 324M f2 i rT i 1571 2000 9 47 27 Abd I gt KS al Ready CAPS INS 5 5 00 1 41 PM A Item Name Description A Write to file Create a tab delimited print prn file with user selected fields from the database B Delete Delete selected event s C Archive Save the entire database as a text txt file 119 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events Item Name Description D Filter Select only events that fit specific criteria data time and or database field E Sort Ascending Sort A to Z or 0 to 9 F Sort Descending Sort Z to A or 9 to 0 G Search A
3. Data Type Format of data for the variable e Integer a whole number with no fraction e Float any number other than an integer Can include decimals e String text including alphabetic numeric and other characters 44 gt ECE Identifying variables 3 Complete the Presentation tab to indicate how the variable will appear in a message on a sign The Low Range and High Range sections are optional Add Variables Low Range Limit Color Flashing Trigger Variable Speed Line 1 x Presentation Normal High Range Limit I Color fs Yellow E Default x Color Green x Flashing v Flashing X wor cont Item Name Description A Trigger Variable The variable to be used as the basis for setting range limits The trigger variable defaults to the variable being set up You can choose a different variable from the list to use as the trigger Choosing a different variable would indicate that the value of the other variable is to be used as the trigger for the evaluation but the value of the variable being set up is to be displayed B Limit Limit threshold between this high or low range and the normal range C Color Color to use for displaying the variable Default uses whatever color state is set for the message immediately preceding the variable D Flashing Whethe
4. 27 Working with Smart Alec application components 2 The window for adding an item will appear Change the name of the item and any properties that are different Add Display Command Line 2 Coun aid Add Display Comman2 Rese EE pea 5 4 2000 3 30 00 PM 3 Then click either Add or Apply Clicking the Add button takes you out of the window for adding an item and the new item is shown in the list Clicking the Apply button adds the new item into the list but leaves the dialog box open for additional editing if needed To close the dialog box after using Apply choose Add or Cancel You will only see the new item in the list when you exit the window for adding an item with either Add or Cancel 28 Working with Smart Alec application components 4 When themain window is displayed again the new item isin thelist Command Manager Production Hammer 1 Pressure Production Line 1 count Production Line 1 Defects Line 2 Defects gt iE n Display Command C i Production goal Line 1 Display Command Production goal Line Group E Total defects Display Command Total defects L1 amp 2 Group Changing an item 1 Highlight the row for the item to change Then either choose File gt Update click the Update button or right click on the row and select DupLicate Update button as Command Manager Hammer 1 Pressure Productio
5. M Use Variable Categories Power variables Production variables Speed variables Temperature variables Fiscal variables Add Item Name Description Administration Levels Allows you to see security settings or to hide them from a user system In this case all users except Alec are set to level 50 for Update and Detail auth ng set Administration Levels to ount Security Setup and or Application Security Setup This in effect creates a multi user system installation default is hidden for a single applications To change 50 to any other setti Shown and make the changes in User Acc T screens The system orization for all Administration Levels must be set to Shown for Default Ownership to be available Default Ownership Sets a default for ownership of system resou and commands The actual setting for any r any time rces i e noti esource for an ication devices variables y user can be changed at e Public Resources will be available to everyone Use this in a single user system You may also use this if desired in a multi user system e Private Resources will be available only to the creator Use this if desired only in a multi user system Socket Handler Sets the port number for the Socket Handler connection The default number is 8150 If you wish you can type a different port number See Importing external d
6. Data Error lt Msg ID gt Class lt Class gt lt Subclass gt Argument lt of Arg gt has no value Cause System Response Corrective Action 1 Theuser has sent a packet with data elements having size 0 Sends a message to the trace and log with the text above Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above The system discards the packet and flushes the message queue Check the data to see if the user application is sending packets with 0 size element Change the data to conform to the API guidelines 151 Appendix 7 Troubleshooting Appendix 7 Troubleshooting Questions and Answers 152 How can I tell what messages should be running The Command Manager lists all the commands that are set up In the list each command that is currently scheduled has a start time and end time If there is no start time or end time it means that the command and thus the message is shouldn t be running Recurring commands always have a start and end time even if that time period does not include the current time N ote that you may need to update the list of commands by choosing Update for a command which shows an end time earlier than the current time Or you can close the Command Manager and reopen it Why isn t my message showing up There could be several reasons e Theremay be no command to add the message for the notification device e If avariableis supposed to trigger the mes
7. 6 When thereare no errors in the message the syntax check so indicates A Message Syntax Check EE Start Message Syntax Check gt OK Message Syntax Check Completed 75 Using commands to control messages Using commands to control messages A display command is used to control messages on a notification device On notification devices a display command can e Add a single message e Delete a single message Eraseall messages from the display e Replace all messages with a single message A display command can be implemented by scheduling it for a specific date and time or for a recurring time period Scheduling is discussed below in this section A display command can also be implemented by setting up a Display Command Rule so that the value of a variable will trigger the command See Adding a display command rule on page 34 Accessing the Command Manager application From the System Use group on the SA Bar click once on Command Manager A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing commands 76 Using commands to control messages qunos uojonpoid z aury r l yunoo uononpoid aun Wd 00 005 00 p 9 WY O0 0E 8 00 79 s aa dnom qunoa aur l SJP Z Sur MOUS Wd 00 DE LL 00 4 9 Wd 00 00 00 679 saa Seuopuyor s1oajep z eu soap zI sqoajap aur moys soap 11 4 a ee sabeuep puewwog Jabeuey puewwog 77 Using commands to control messages
8. A Message Manager 11 Choose File gt Update 18 QuickStart Sending a simple message 12 You will be prompted to verify that you want to update this message Select the OK button Rg Update Message Run the message 13 From the System Use group on the SA Bar click once on Command Manager A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing commands Choose the button for a new command Command Manager Variable Rule Manager Add a new command PILI defects Display Command 30 P L2 defects Display Command tee 2 defects John es Ke 6 24 99 3 00 00 PM L1 count Display Command Add message Line 1 count Group Yes 6 24 99 8 30 00 AM F L2 count Display Command i 6 24 99 8 30 00 AM 19 QuickStart Sending a simple message 14 By either typing or using the drop down arrows to select from alist fill in the information as shown below for the Line 1 production count on the Line 1 sign Click the Destination button to bring up alist and select a Destination by clicking on the Line 1 Destination and then on the double arrow button Then click OK Leave the start and end dates as they show on your screen and also the start time but specify end time as three minutes from your current time See below Add Display Command Command Name Ju count Description Production Line 1 display Action Add message z Message Name L1 count z If these appear leave them s
9. A way for a user to communicate a request for a desired physical action at a notification device A command consists of message content notification device destination and running priority It is formatted according to what is needed for each particular notification device A command can but does not always trigger action depending on priorities and prerequisite conditions Pre set variable display command rules can control when commands are processed or commands can be scheduled by date time Data that is made available to only one individual user the creator Data public Dead band Delta value Destination Details Device Display Display command rule Dynamic Data Exchange Appendix 8 Glossary Data that is made available to all users The smallest percentage of change necessary for variables to be sent to Smart Alec by the OPC server Similar to delta value but is expressed as a percentage applies to the OPC server and to all numeric variables in the Smart Alec group The number that is used to set a plus or minus range for the value of a variable The value of the variable is compared with this range If the value of the variable is outside the range higher or lower then that value of the variable is used to update the variable wherever the variable is used for a command Otherwise the value of the variable is not updated A place where a message is to be displayed If you have enough
10. 3 Establish the specific OPC links to use between Smart Alec and the external server See the discussion below 4 Smart Alec requests the data periodically 54 Establishing OPC input data sources Accessing the OPC Data Source Setup application From the System Setup group on the SA Bar click onceon OPC Data Source Setup to display a screen likethe one shown below listing any existing OPC data sources SA Bar jorx ST Notification D NOTE Ifyou deletea variable which receives its value from an OPC data source besure to also delete the link to that OPC data source 55 Establishing OPC input data sources Adding a link to an OPC data source 1 Choosethe button to add anew OPC datasource or choose File gt New Eile View Help Add an OPC data source Variable Name Delta Valu gt ICONICS 1 PLC PumpS peed Pump Speed 2 For this example we will add a link to specific pump speed data coming from an OPC server on a networked computer See the table below for explanations A _ OPC Link B mart Alec Variable to Update Pump Speed x New ore Server Browse C en D p default Value E T Fiter an F 0 Value G H MV In Service _ _ P Advanced Add Apply Cancel Item Name Description A Smart Alec Variable fo The variable in Smart Alec for
11. details authorization to use an application that application will appear in the SA Bar for you You will be able to use that application and view details of any data in it but you will not be able to make any changes to it Any hardware component attached to the computer system Some notification devices are used for displaying messages Verb To cause a message to be shown Noun A device on which a message is shown Predefined condition s with resulting action s for how to use a variable to trigger a command to be issued Set in Variable Rule Manager Dynamic Data Exchange or DDE for short isa programming method by which Windows based computer applications can exchange data when running simultaneously generally on the same computer This way they can communicate directly and actions in one system can be triggered by data in another system 159 Appendix 8 Glossary External data source Field File Message 160 A source of data or information outside of the Smart Alec system Also known as a data server One example of an external data source could be a production line system such as Intellution or WonderWare providing machine statistics like the number of parts produced per minute or a machine s temperature Another example of an external data source could be a Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1 2 3 spreadsheet One item of information about something Examples name action or destination for adisplay
12. 166 Delete message 72 Duplicate 24 27 View 27 View details 24 27 31 l Integer 44 50 L Logging into Smart Alec 15 21 104 M M essage M anager About 9 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Uses for 160 Using 15 17 66 75 Multi user environment 7 37 102 108 109 161 N Notification Device Group M anager About 8 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 87 89 Notification Device Interface Setup About 10 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 16 114 118 Notification deviceinterfaces 114 Notification Device Setup About 8 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 38 41 87 Notification devices 6 O OPC Data Source Setup About 9 Locating 23 Using 54 63 P Password Alec 103 Authorizing 105 107 Email 117 Smart Alec 15 21 104 Sockets 64 104 141 145 Priority Execution 66 79 161 Run 66 79 161 R Resources system 6 37 94 96 98 101 102 161 162 Run priority 66 79 161 S SA Bar About 8 Applications shown in 98 101 159 162 Closing 34 Using 22 23 Security system 102 About 6 7 10 37 Using 96 101 Serial address 17 39 162 Shutting down Complete system 35 Processor applications 34 User applications all 34 168 User applications individual 33 Single user environment 7 37 102 108 109 162 Smart A lec Password for 15 21 103 104 Smart Alec Shutdown About 10 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 21 33
13. 6 Choose any notification devices from the list on the left by clicking the device and then the arrows button or by double clicking the device 7 Choose either Add or Apply 89 Grouping display commands Grouping display commands Display Command Group Manager is used to designate logical groups of display commands Then you can create another command to submit the command group Doing this lets you essentially issue a series of commands all at once NOTE Display commands are created using Command Manager See Using commands to control messages on page 76 Accessing Display Command Group Manager From the System Use group on the SA Bar click once on Display Command Group Manager Display Command Group Manager OF x Fle View Help Command Manager Variable Rule Manager gt Line defects Lines 1 amp 2 defects Notification Device Group hd ananar 1 Smart Alec Shutdown 90 Grouping display commands Adding a Display Command Group 1 Choose the button to add anew display command group Display Command Group Manager Add a display command group I Line defects Lines 1 amp 2 defects 2 For this example we will add a display command group called Line counts as shown here Click on either Add or Apply See the table below for explanations f Add Display Command Group LAJ Line counts B Production for Lines 1 amp 2 C Hammer 1
14. Adding a command 1 Choose the button to add anew command as Command Manager Iof x Adda Eile View Help command op ES emma caw faeson epee ont ascmerce tine gt L1 defects Display Command Add message Line 1 defects John Jones Yes 6 4 00 6 30 00 ext L2 defects Display Command Add message Line 2defects John Jones Yes 6 4 00 3 00 00 Display Command Add message _ Line 1 count Group Yes 6 4 00 8 30 00 Display Command Add message Line 2 count Group Yes 64 00 8 30 00 Ready S 11 27 AM 2 This example creates a command to add the message for the Line 1 production count on the Line 1 sign The table below and the next steps explain each item and how to create it A B Command Name fu count Description Production Line 1 display C Action Add message z D gt Message Name L1 count z E Execution Priority 5 x _ Run Priority E F Destination G gt H Owner iT Public Private a I Schedule Command J Schedule Information K a Start Date 8 7 2000 Start Time 2 30 00 PM End Date 8 7 2000 End Time 2 3300PM Recurrence L gt Recurrence Add Apply Cancel 78 Using commands to control messages Item Name Description A Command Name Name of the command B D
15. Choose the button to add a new variable Add a variable Variable Setup File View Help CHAE Variable Variable Name Description horain Data Type Level gt Temperature Vat 1 Temperature of coolant in Vat1 Temperature variables Float Hammer 1 pressure Pressure of ammer Th in Ib in Power variables There are three tabs on the screen for adding a variable Details Presentation and Security The Security tab is only available if activated by the Smart Alec administrator For this example we will add a variable called Speed Line 1 as shown here See the table below each tab s picture for explanations 2 Complete the Details tab to set up basic information for the variable Add Variables A Name Speet Insc B Description Speed of Line 1 belt in ft min C Integer G Float C Category Powervariables D Padding Leading Spaces z E Number of characters to be displayed pooo F Number of digits after decimal point R Apply Cancel Item Name Description A Name Name of the variable as it will be known B Description Description of the variable for clarity Optional C Category User defined category for the variable Optional Available only if activated by the Smart Alec administrator 43 Identifying variables Item Name Descriptio
16. If lt valuel gt compares favorably to lt criterial gt and or lt value2 gt compares favorably to lt criteria2 gt then do lt display command gt Examples 1 If temperature of machine gt 212 then display the temperature alarm message 2 If counter 1000 then display the production goal message 3 If sales gt 1000 and net profit gt 1 million then display the congratulations message 83 Creating variable rules Accessing the Variable Rule Manager From the System Use group on the SA Bar click once on Variable Rule Manager A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing variable rules amp Variable Rule Manager b Line 1 Defects Line 1 defects gt 8 Display Command Rule Adding a display command rule 1 Choose the button to add anew display command rule Variable Rule Manager Add a display command rule b Line 1 Defects Line 1 defects gt 8 Display Command Rule 84 gt gt Add Display Command Rule Rule Name PD Tigger Variable gt Description Creating variable rules 2 Enter the information to define usage of this display command rule The final result of this window creates a statement expressing a conditional command that is a command that will only be executed if all the preceding conditions are met See the table below for explanations NOTE Usecare when setting
17. Middle Bottom Fill most seven rows of that graphic will be displayed If the last piece of text to be displayed towards the end of the message is only one line worth of text the sign will place 4 blank rows of dots at the top and the bottom of the text in order to center the last line of text vertically If the sign is operating on the top row the bottom of that row is assumed to be the 7 row of dots All text is started from there and worked up 5 row characters will use rows 3 7 while 7 row characters will use rows 1 7 If thesign is operating on the bottom row it works its way up from row 16 5 row characters will use rows 12 16 while 7 row characters will use rows 10 16 Exception conditions e If thesign receives top bottom or fill modes and also a font that is larger than 7 high it will size it down e 7 high normal characters are substituted for any 15 high normal characters e 7 high fancy characters are substituted for any 15 high fancy characters received etc e If agraphic is received that is larger taller than 7 rows high 15 high for middle mode the top 7 rows top 15 for middle mode are displayed e If agraphic is received that is longer than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e If acharacter set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used Triple line 7000 series and Alphavision Full Matrix Top Bottom These two
18. a otification Variable Command Authorization Select a user by clicking here The Smart Alec system comes installed with a default user of Alec so you can access the system immediately as user Alec Alec has no password assigned You can keep the user as Alec or you can change the name or authorization of this user as desired H owever be sure to create a new user with full access before changing or deleting Alec Default Authorizations The default authorization for applications and system resources for user Alec is 5 These authorizations give high level administrative access The default authorization for applications and system resources for any other user is 50 These authorizations give normal access In a single user environment you should not change this setting For a conceptual understanding see Security authorization on page 96 103 Creating user environments Adding a user To add anew user do the following 1 Fromthe File menu choose New or click on this button J 2 Fill in the values as appropriate for the new user A UserName B Password smartalec mr o 3 Application Authorization Full Access 50 s Details Access g E c m Authorization Levels Notification Device g 4 Variable ai Command g EE Item Name Description A User name Name by which this user is known This ti
19. the data is displayed Otherwise it is not Similar to data processing display commands can be designated as public or private Classes of users Security authorization Given all the above points it is possible to have authorization to access an application for a specific system resource and to create one of those system resources but not have enough authorization to use that system resource For example you could be authorized to use Notification Device Setup to initialize a new notification device but not be authorized in Notification Device Group Manager to group that new notification device with others While security is set up such that there are levels of authority from 1 greatest authority to 99 least authority it is easiest to work with just a few levels A default level of 50 has been established for a general level user whilea default level of 5 has been established for an administrative level user Any other levels are acceptable for customized users but 25 and 75 might be good choices because they are easy to use See Creating user environments on page 102 for detailed instructions for setting up individual users General user lower authorization set by system administrator The default authorizations for a general user are as follows These authorizations give normal access for applications and system resources for routine management of the system This is how all users are initially set up in Sm
20. window shows Server jan m and tem filled in Default Value T Filter On Delta Value I InService Advanced 59 Establishing OPC input data sources 5 Next choose a Smart Alec variable to associate with the OPC tag for updating If you need to create a new variable either 1 right click on the Smart Alec Variable to Update and then choose Add Variable on the pop up menu or 2 click on the New button Add OPC Link Smart Alec Variable to Update Pump Speed Add Variable OPC Server SAMSDN1 icor Duplicate Variable Update Variable Item JPLCPHASED Rarr Details of Variable Default Value l T Filter On Delta Value I In Service Add Apply Cancel Add Variables Details Advanced Name Select Add after completing the information for the new variable You can then C Integer Float Description Speed of production line 1 ramp mph Production variables Noe Nupber of characters to be displayed fs mber of digits after decimal point EB Category choose that variable as au Add Apply Cancel shown below Add OPC Link Smart Alec Variable to Update OPC Server SSAMSDNIMICONICS 1 Browse ltem PLCPHASED Ramp1 Default Value I Filter On Delta Value IV In Service Advanced Apply Cancel 60 Establishing OPC input data sources 6 Complete the Def
21. 112 Notification Device Interface Setup 10 16 23 110 112 114 118 Notification Device Setup 8 23 38 41 87 110 112 OPC Data Source Setup 9 23 54 63 SA Bar 8 22 23 34 98 101 159 162 Smart Alec Shutdown 10 21 23 33 35 110 112 Socket Handler Setup 9 64 65 104 System Administration 10 23 64 93 95 110 112 User Account Security Setup 10 23 101 102 107 109 110 112 Variable Rule Manager 8 23 83 86 110 112 Variable Setup 8 23 26 42 46 110 112 Application Security Setup About 10 Locating 23 Using 108 113 Authorization Details 98 101 108 111 Update 98 101 108 111 C Command M anager About 9 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Uses for 66 73 90 160 Using 19 76 82 D Data type float 44 50 integer 44 50 string 44 50 56 DDE Data Source Setup About 9 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 47 53 Dead band 57 62 159 Delta value 50 51 52 57 61 62 Details authorization 98 101 108 111 Display Command Group Manager About 9 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 90 92 E Environment Multi user 7 37 102 108 109 161 Single user 7 37 102 108 109 162 Event Log M anager About 10 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 119 122 Execution priority 66 79 161 F Filter on 50 51 52 57 61 Float 44 50 Function application 24 27 37 96 97 102 108 161 Add new 24 27 Change message 72 Change update 24 27 29 Delete 24 27 32
22. 140 From the Advanced group on the SA Bar click once on System Administration A screen like the one shown below will appear Importing external data using sockets System Administration olx d nt Security Setup FFocalvoies a Power variables Production variables Speed variables Temperature variables Event Log Manager The default port number for the Socket H andler connection is 8150 If you wish you can type a different port number Valid port numbers are 1025 and higher System Administration Temperature variables 3 Click OK For more detailed information about using sockets for Smart Alec data see A ppendix 6 Socket Interface on page 140 65 Creating messages Managing the Smart Alec system When using the Smart Alec system you can Creating messages 66 Create messages Create and schedule commands for messages Create rules for variables Group notification devices and display commands A message is a unique unified set file of information a thought It can be saved and or sent to a notification device Its look and feel is based on that specific device A message is defined using the Message Manager It may include some or all of the following properties either specified or defaulted Text Formatting modes spacing justification font color width height flashing true descenders Objects time date animation temperature coun
23. 35 Smart Alec logging into 15 21 Socket Handler Setup About 9 Using 64 65 104 String 44 50 56 String initialization 116 System Administration About 10 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Uses for 64 93 Using 93 95 System resources 6 37 94 96 98 101 102 161 162 T Troubleshooting Additional help 157 Hardware diagnostics 155 Questions and Answers 152 What to provide 157 U Update authorization 98 101 108 111 Update rate 57 62 162 User Account Security Setup 101 102 109 About 10 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 102 107 V Variable Rules 8 163 Variable Rule Manager About 8 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 83 86 Variable Setup 26 About 8 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 42 46 Variable Rule M anager About 8 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 83 86 Variable Setup 26 About 8 Application names 110 112 Locating 23 Using 42 46 170
24. Pressure Line 1 Count Line 1 Defects Line 2 Count Line 2 Defects D New Prod goal Production goal Line 1 91 Grouping display commands Item Name Description A Group name Name of the display command group as it will be known B Group Description Description of the display command group for clarity Optional C Ownership Specify who can access and use this display command group Available only if activated by the administrator e Public This group will be available to everyone Use this in a single user system e Private This group will be available only to the person who created it Use this only in a multi user system D Display Command Choice of display commands available to be included in the group Click on any you wish to include The list on the left shows all available display commands The list on the right shows the display commands to be included in the group 92 3 Specify aname for the group in this case Line counts 4 Optional Providea description 5 Designate ownership Available only if set on by the administrator 6 Choose any display commands from the list by clicking the check boxes 7 Choose either Add or Apply System Administration Advanced functions The functions in this section are those for which higher authority is needed in a multi user system or which are seldom needed Higher authority is needed to create multi
25. Terminal server interface for main Terminal Server Serial interface 1 Wired interface for Alec Serial 2 For this example we will add a wide area pager interface as shown here See the table below for explanations NOTE A modem must be installed on this computer for a wide area pager A gt Interface Name SkyTel Pager B Description wide Area Pager C P Modem Name Sportster 28800 Internal x D P_ Number to Dial p 555 123 4567 E BaudRate o0 F gt _ comPor 3 7 G Packet Size 175 Databits Parity Stopbits settings H _ gt C 7 Even 1 8 None 1 Advanced Dang Pov Add Apply Cancel 115 Identifying notification device interfaces Item Name Description A Interface name Name of the interface as it will be known B Description Description of the interface for clarity Optional C Modem name Name of the modem used for the pager At least one modem must already be installed If only one modem is attached to this computer its name is automatically chosen Otherwise choose the correct modem from the list D Number to dial Type the complete phone number to be dialed to access the paging service This includes any external access code international code area code number and any other codes needed for example 70 to disable call waiting You can us
26. User Account Security Setup Application Security Setup Notification Device Interface Setup Event Log M anager 23 How the Smart Alec windows work How the Smart Alec windows work The picture below is representative of the windows in Smart Alec The table following indicates its features and functions Duplicate Update change Details view and Delete are described generically below The New add Item function is described in general below and is described in detail individually in the section for each Smart Alec application G H MEK rc Sorting You can sort any column of data by double clicking on Variable One Variable Two Variable Three Variable Four Variable Five Variable Six click sorts ascending the second sorts descending If more than one column is selected the right most o Z Variable Seven column is used for the sort Ready CAPS INS 10 27 98 4 01 PM Feature Name Function A Menu button Pull down menu for the application B New item Create a new item of this type The properties will need to be filled in using the dialog box that appears The icon for New Item may vary in some applications and some applications have more than one type of new item C Duplicate this item Duplicate the item selected and show its properties s
27. access the _ System4dministration exe 5 5 application VariableRuleManager exe 50 50 VariableS etup exe Application Application name AppSecurity exe Application Security Setup CommandManager exe Command Manager DCGroup exe Display Command Group Manager DDEInput exe DDE Data Source Setup Devicelnterface exe Notification Device Interface Setup EventLogManager exe Event Log Manager Message Manager exe Message Manager NDGroup exe Notification Device Group Manager NotificationDeviceSetup exe Notification Device Setup OPCDataSourceSetup exe OPC Data Source Setup SAShutdown exe Smart Alec Shutdown Security exe User Account Security Setup System Administration Variable Rule Manager Variable Setup SystemAdministration exe VariableRuleManager exe VariableSetup exe 110 Authorizing applications and application functions Authorization for each application can be changed individually as follows 1 Highlight the application to change by clicking in the column to the left of that application Then click Update Application Security Setup E File View Ts Update button __JAppSecurity exe gt CommandM anager exe __ DCGroup exe 50 S0 DDElnput exe 50 50 Devicelnterface exe 50 50 _ EventLogManager exe 50 50 za Message Manager exe 50 50 __ NDGroup exe 50 50 _ NotificationD eviceS etup exe 50 50 JOPCDataSourceS etup exe 50 50 _ SAShutdown exe 50 50 _ Se
28. administrator 10 If you wish to specify a date and time for the If you do not set a schedule for command to be executed click on the Schedule this command you can Command checkbox implement the command using 11 Next set the schedule s Start and End Date Do this by clicking on the down arrow by the date A monthly calendar will pop up Select a date from the current month or move to a different month with the left or right arrow Click on the desired date on the calendar It will be used for the schedule date In this example 8 7 00 is chosen for the start date as in the picture below a display command rule See Adding a display command rule on page 84 80 Using commands to control messages IV Schedule Command Schedule Information Start Date 8 7 2000 Start Time End Date August 2000 Recurrence 1 1 2 6 aps 3 13 14 15 16 20 2 22 23 27 28 29 30 Recurrence 12 Complete the scheduling by setting the Start and End Time Do this by clicking on each element of each time that is the hour minute or second and then using the up or down arrows to increase or decrease the setting You can also type the number Start Time 2 30 00 PM End Time 2 RE 00 PM 13 You can set recurrence timing by clicking on the If you set a schedule for this Recurrence button This gives these options command the Recurrence e None column in the main window will indicate eit
29. codes or messages according to established rules The construction must be correct for a message to be displayed correctly The Message Manager can check the syntax of messages for you Follow the steps below to determine and fix any errors 1 Asan example say you accidentally deleted the name of a variable to be used in a message A Message Manager File Edit Tools Help Lihighdetects H O X Ss AGI Fill Hold Speed 0 SS Green Line 1 max defects R 73 Creating messages 74 Choose Tools gt Message Syntax Check A Message Manager Fill Hold Speed 0 SS Green Line 1 max defects Red V If there are errors as there are here a window will show the cursor position of the start of the error and when the process is complete Rg Message Syntax Check B Start Message Syntax Check gt Error position 0058 Message Syntax Check Completed x Place the cursor in the message where indicated by the column number and message statistics Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help Fill Hold Speed O SS7 Green Line 1 max d Determine the error and correct it It may be more efficient to delete the variable information Creating messages and re enter it since Smart A lec is sensitive to spelling Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help Uhighdetects O WR Ee Fill Hold Speed O SS7 Green Line 1 max defects Ready Cursor 61 07 06 1999
30. connection The elements of the packet are explained further below but the basic ordering is as follows Class Subclass Message ID Priority Set of arguments After the packet has entered the system the Socket Input Handler parses the packet header for information 141 Appendix 6 Socket Interface 142 on how to process the data The handler knows from the class and subclass how many arguments to look for and to where the packet needs to be routed Since the Socket Input Handler utilizes a synchronous transfer protocol after each packet it receives it responds to the client with either a Success Packet or an Error Packet It is recommended for the Description Name Type Description Name Type Description Name Type Appendix 6 Socket Interface Specific identifier for the type of mes sage packet Message ID long int 32 bits Used by client system to identify a message Upon response the Message ID will be identical to the ID of the packet being responded to Priority short int 16 bits Used internally by Smart Alec for rout ing priority This feature is not cur rently implemented Send a short int with a value of 0 Arguments Set of null terminated 0O ASCII character strings All ASCII characters are valid except ASCII 0 O Description A set of null terminated strings of data Data Source Variable COS Description The strings are sen
31. eecceete tees eeeeeeeteteteseseeeeteeeseaeaeeeeeteaeeeaeeeneeeaeeeneeeeenees 38 Identifying Variables sciceeca wis iiini ieu eniai Taaa iaia ae 42 Establishing DDE input data SOUrCeS ssssssseesessressssrirrsrtsntrinnnsntnntnnnnnnnntnnnn nnn nnannonne ntent 47 Establishing OPC input data SOUrCeS s essssssssesssesrtssssrirrsrtnininnintnntnnnnnnannnnnn nnn nnnnan nenen nns 54 Importing external data USING Sockets s ssseeseessessssresrrsrtsnsrisntsntsntnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnannnnne nennt 64 Managing the Smart Alec system ss ssssesssssssrrsrtsssssirrsrtntsnientrtnnnentnntnnnnntentnnnannnnnnnnnnnannnn nannte 66 Creating MESSAGES nidi a a A a ta 66 Using commands to control MESSAGES eseeeeeeeeeeee tees tes eeeeeeeeteseeeaeeeeeteaeeeeeeeeeneaeaeeeeeetenees 76 Creating Variable rules eecccssesssesecescseseseseceeeseaeseseeeecscacseseeeecacacaeseenesecatatseenesecatataeenesetaas 83 Grouping notification DEVICES 0 ceeeeeeetsteteteseseseseseseseeeacaeaeseeeacacaeaeseeeeeasaeataeesesasatanaeeseeatatas 87 Grouping display COMMANAS csestsseseeeteeeeseseseeeecaeaeseseeeacaeaeaeseeeesataeaeseesaeatataeseeseeneatas 90 Advanced fUNCH ONS eei aha a a aa 93 System AGMINISHAtON siiin a A a a a tee 93 Security authori Zad ON s iiai iiaa T Aaaa 96 Creating user environments ceeeeseesescseteseceseeeseseseeeeeacaeseseeeesacacaeseceesesataeseeeesasatanseeneeasas 102 Authorizing applications and application fUnCtIOnS sssesssssssssessss
32. or mi nus range for t Otherwise the value of the variable is not updated he value of the variable value of the variable is 5 and the Delta Value is 2 then the range to 7 The value of the variable is compared with this range If the the variable is outside the range higher or lower then that value of the o update the variable wherever the variable is used for a command Establishing DDE input data sources An example using a Microsoft Visual Basic application Below is an example specifying a Visual Basic application which processes data and provides that data directly to Smart Alec Add DDE Link Smart Alec Variable to Update New Jv ASG Paintable Gheracters Ony Server Path f Program Files HighLevelT est exe Browse Service C Program FilesSHighLevelTestexe Topic flopicS Item ist Default Value fo I Filter On D elta Value Booo Add Apply Cancel Setting Value Smart Alec Variable to Update Hammer T pressure ASCII printable checkbox N A Server path CAProgram Files HighLevelTest exe Service C Program Files HighLevelTest exe Topic Topic5 Item Label1 Default Value 0 Filter On checkbox off Delta Value N A 51 Establishing DDE input data sources An example using a Microsoft Access application Below is an example specifying a Microsoft Access application which processes data and provides that data directly to S
33. port for your computer and select Alpha SA Then click Start M Comi M Com2 M Com3 Alpha M Com4 G Alpha SA 155 Appendix 7 Troubleshooting 156 The application will send out test messages to every sign on the network that is signs with addresses 1 through 255 It starts with message 0 zero and goes to message 999 and then repeats the cycle as long as itis running or until the Stop button is clicked M Comi J Com2 M Com3 C Alpha Eo Alpha SA Sending Broadcast 1 J Sign Addr 1 Msg 1 At the end of each message test the status indicates the test is complete M Comi T Com2 M Com3 C Alpha I Com4 G Alpha SA To stop the testing click the Stop button or close the program Where to go for additional help Appendix 7 Troubleshooting If you need assistance please follow this procedure 1 Refer to relevant topics in this manual 2 Refer to online Help for the specific application 3 Contact your authorized Smart Alec distributor What you need to provide when you need assistance If you need technical assistance you will need to provide full description of the problem the sequence of steps that lead up to the problem computer system hardware and relevant software application version numbers the version number of Smart Alec found in the splash screen when Smart Alec starts and also found in the About screen from the Help menu of any Smart Alec application t
34. system performance QuickStart Sending a simple message Smart Alec basics QuickStart Sending a simple message This section takes you through the process of setting up the minimum system to accomplish the task of sending a message immediately from the Message Manager through a wired connection to an ALPHA sign See A ppendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces starting on page 124 for descriptions of available connections Log into Smart Alec 1 From the Start button click Programs gt Smart Alec 2 The SmartAlec introductory splash screen will appear temporarily 3 If the Login screen appears as shown below fill it f you are the first or only person in as appropriate Then click on the Login button ogging into the system you will If you don t know how to fill in this screen not see this screen If you are the check with your Smart Alec administrator administrator and there are other users already set up in the system accept Alec as the User Name ee user name with no password except if you know the password Pesserord is different Change Password Cancel 15 16 QuickStart Sending a simple message Set up a wired connection 4 OntheSA Bar click onceon the System Setup bar then click once on Notification Device Setup System Setup bar System Setup group DDE Data DDE Dat OPC Data Add ALPHA SA device P HO Email il MAPI Server
35. threshold number to overwrite the oldest records never as needed or after x number of days and to state the wording of the warning 121 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events message when the number of events in the database has reached the limit Preferences 122 Appendix 1 Smart Alec computer requirements Appendices Appendix 1 Smart Alec computer requirements Make sure your computer system fits these minimum requirements Personal computer IBM or compatible Pentium 200 MHz processor minimum Microsoft NT Workstation 4 0 strongly recommended or Microsoft Windows 98 or Microsoft Windows 95 64 MB RAM 25 MB hard disk storage space SVGA 800 x 600 color monitor Mouse CD ROM drive 123 Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces Serial interface 124 The Smart Alec system includes the following notification device interfaces For specific networking information refer to Network Configurations PN 9708 8046 NOTE You may have purchased notification devices from other third party sources Hardware support for these devices is not provided by Adaptive Micro Systems You will need to consult the third party source for any needed technical support A serial notification device interface uses cables to directly connect ALPHA SA signs to a computer and messages are sent over this cabling A serial interface works best wh
36. up and is set with a Remote Control Zero is not a valid address 39 Identifying notification devices Item Name Description D Interface name Specific notification device interface to use with this notification device The list of available interfaces includes those that are already set up and also those types of interfaces that can be set up serial on specific COM ports pager local on specific COM ports pager wide area or terminal server If an interface is not already set up it will be set up automatically using defaults when the notification device is added Additional properties Depending on the type of notification device interface chosen there may or may not be other properties to specify These properties are set when a new notification device interface is set up Some properties may be changed when a new notification device is set up To change notification device interface properties after set up see Identifying notification device interfaces on page 114 Serial has no additional properties Additional properties for local pager e Pin Pager identification number e Packet size Contact your network administrator to determine this Additional properties for wide area pager e Pin Pager identification number e Packet size Contact your wide area paging service to determine this NOTE A wide area pager needs an attached modem Additional properties for T
37. user system wide security authorization using System Administration User Account Security Setup and Application Security Setup Seldom used are Notification Device Interface Setup and Event Log Manager System Administration System Administration is used by the system administrator for system wide or high level settings Accessing the System Administration application From the Advanced group on the SA Bar dick once on System Administration A screen like the one shown below will appear System Administration User Account Security Setup Application Security Setup Notification Device Interface Event Log Manager System Administration of x Fiscal variables Add Delete Power variables Production variables Speed variables Temperature variables Authorization Levels m Default Ownership r Socket Handler Shown Public Port Jeiso Hidden Private m Variable Category Settings W Use Variable Categories 93 System Administration Components of the System Administration window D _ P gt Variable Category Settings The picture below is representative of the System Administration window See the table below for explanations of the components A B System Administration Public C Private Authorization Levels 4 Default Ownership Socket Handl Port Jen 50 BEES ier 7
38. which this data will supply the value The variable is Update automatically filled in with the last entry that was used The variable must first be established before it can be selected here but you can establish a new variable with the New button See Identifying variables on page 42 NOTE The same OPC server item can be used to update more than one variable by creating more than one link B OPC Server Name of the OPC server sending the data as well as the computer location if remote C Item The specific source of data to be used D Default Value The value to be used for the variable when none is supplied by the OPC data link such as if the OPC server stops running for any reason Can be any alphanumeric value string 56 Establishing OPC input data sources Item Name Description Filter On Indicates that you want to filter the OPC data with a Delta Value If you do not check this on Smart Alec will update the value of the variable whenever the value changes however small that change is This may cause more processing than you want Checking the Filter On checkbox and setting a Delta Value limits updating of the variable to when the change is greater than the plus or minus range To limit processing you can also use the Update Rate and Dead Band by clicking the Advanced button described below Delta Value The smallest amount of change plus or minus necess
39. Column width Click and drag the right edge of the column to adjust the width of the column The picture below is representative of the add update details dialog boxes in Smart Alec The table following indicates its features and functions Property One B Property Two Property Three C Cancel D Feature Name Description A Item name Name of the item selected Cannot be changed after the item is created IT you need to change it duplicate the item change the new item s name then delete the original item B Item properties Must be added can be updated with proper authorization can not be updated in details mode Completion of these properties can be by typing or in some cases by using a Drop down selection button NOTE Single quotes such as in the middle of John s sign to show possession can not be used C Drop down selection Allows selection of items already created button D Add Update Adds or updates this one item and exits this window N A for details E Apply Allows you to save the values for this item and then view update the values for any other item of the same type N A for details F Cancel Exits this window without making any changes 25 How Smart Alec uses variables How Smart Alec uses variables 26 Variables are entities used in Smart Alec to represent values that can change at any time The values can come from anumber of places such as a production line a spreadsheet and o
40. Description of the device for clarity Optional C Interface name Specific notification device interface The only types available are pager local or pager wide area D Pin Pager identification number E Packet size For details refer to the documentation for the pager or contact your network system administrator or wide area paging service to determine this To change this for an interface that s already set up use Notification Device Interface Setup F Notification device Authorization level a user would need to access this notification device authorization level Available only if activated by the Smart Alec administrator Email device Item Name Description A Name Name of the device as if will be known B Description Description of the device for clarity Optional C Email address Destination address for the email message D Interface name Specific notification device interface To create a new interface for email choose Mapi Server A new interface will be created using a name composed of the Email profile plus Profile For example the interface for an email user named Joe would be called Joe Profile E Email profile The network system name of the person to receive the email messages R Email password The authorized password belonging to the Email profile G Confirm new password Repeat the Email password for confirmation H Notification device A
41. F John Jones Pager Local F Warehouse 1 Alpha SA sign Serial QuickStart Sending a simple message 6 Fill in anameand description as desired Specify the serial address of the sign Choose Serial Interface 1 for the Interface Name Click the Add button NOTE Theserial address is displayed when the sign is powered up Valid addresses for Smart Alec signs are 1 through 255 Zero is not a valid address Use the hand held Remote Control to change the address as needed Name ee Description O O Address it Interface Name Serial interface 1 z Additional Properties No Additional Properties for Serial Interface Advanced Apply Cancel Create a simple message 7 From the System Use group on the SA Bar click once on Message Manager A gray screen like the one shown below will appear the first time you start Message Manager After you create one or more messages when you start up Message Manager it will show awhitescreen with the first message in the list of created messages Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help PD a Xi Se AO wba Klar 4 8 Mw Message Manager Command Manager Variable Rule Manager 17 QuickStart Sending a simple message 8 Choose File gt New A Message Manager File a OP lX SS alene 0 MI Delete CieD a 9 Enter a name for the message Click OK Za New Message P CE _ coe 10 Type the message as shown below
42. NOTE Even if you click Cancel in Step 3 above the processing applications remain running To shut them down log into Smart Alec and click Smart Alec Shutdown on the SA Bar 21 Starting the Smart Alec system Using the SA Bar The SA Bar is where you start all the Smart Alec applications for which you are authorized Message Manager pores Eanes Button group bars Button group Variable Rule Manager Authorized applications Notification Device Group Display Command Group Manager How to use the SA Bar e Click on any of the button group bars to show the applications available within that group of applications The button group bars slide up and down as needed to reveal component applications below each bar e Click onceon any application to start that application e Usethe Close button to close any currently running Smart Alec user applications in addition to closing the SA Bar See Shutting the Smart Alec system down on page 33 NOTE Background processors will remain running unless full shutdown procedures are followed 22 Starting the Smart Alec system Smart Alec applications in button group bars System Setup System Use Advanced Notification Device Setup Variable Setup DDE Data Source Setup OPC Data Source Setup Message M anager Command M anager Variable Rule M anager Notification Device Group M anager Display Command Group Manager Smart Alec Shutdown System Administration
43. Smart Alec Version 3 0 User Manual 1999 2000 Adaptive Micro Systems Inc Part No 9709 2030 8 11 00 NOTE Dueto continuing product innovation specifications in this document are subject to change without notice Copyright 1997 2000 A daptive Micro Systems Inc All rights reserved Trademarked names appear throughout this document Rather than list the names and entities that own the trademarks or insert a trademark symbol with each mention of the trademarked name the publisher states that it is using the names for editorial purposes and to the benefit of the trademark owner with no intention of improperly using the trademark BetaBrite BETA BRITE BIG DOT POWERVIEW and SMART ALEC are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems Inc registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office ADAPTIVE Alec ALPHA AlphAlert AlphaNET AlphaNeET plus AlphaNET plus Il ALPHAVISION Automode BetaBrite Director Director EZ KEY II E295 PagerNET PPD PrintPak Solar and TimeNet are trademarks of Adaptive Micro Systems Inc Visit us at our Internet World Wide Web site http Avww ams i com or e mail us at sales ams i com Table of Contents Installing Smart Alec software oo eee cetetcteteteeeseeeteeeteseaeeeseeeeseasaeaeeeeasasaeseeeeasasieasieeeasasaeeeeeeneaes 5 Introduction to the Smart Alec software oo eeeseseetececeteteeeteteseseseseseseneaeaeaeseseasasaeasseseasaeatataseeeeaeas 6 OVEVIEW aiaia iaaa aaa a a
44. a aA aaa iaaa ieaiaia lape aaa aaea 6 Smart Alec applications ssiri iiae aie ba aana arataa aE saa aaa anae aae 8 Flowchart for setting up and using Smart Alec ssssssssesssessssresrrsrtsnsnresnrsrisnnninnrsnnsntnnnnnns 11 What s new in Smart Alec 3 0 ssssssssessssssssrssrssrisresresrisrtsntnnenntntnntnnnnnnnnnnnn nnn nnannannn nnn nnann nnna 14 Smart Alec Has a e E a a a aE R a AEA E a a AANO AEA REE EATERS 15 QuickStart Sending a simple MESSAGE se sssssesssssisrrssrsssssrerrrnestestnntennnntennnnnnnnnnnennnnnnnns 15 Starting the Smart Alec System s sssssssessssrissrssrssrerrssresnssientnnnnsnnntnnnnnnnnnnnn nnn nnnnnnn nnmnnn nannan 21 How the Smart Alec WINdOWSWOFK n ssssssssssssssisrrsrtssssienrsntsnsnninnnsnnnntnnnnnnnnnnnnennnnnannnnnen nenns 24 How Smart Alec USES Variable eeeeceecceeseece ces eeeeeeeeeeseeeeeaeeeeeaeaeaeaeeeeeaseeaeaeeeneaseeseeeeaeaees 26 Working with Smart Alec application COMPONENS ceccscseseeseseeeeseseeeseeetatseeeeeneates 27 Shutting the Smart Alec system GOWN ou eeeceeeseseeseceeeeesestseeeeeeeataeseesesasataeseesesetatatseeteeaeaeas 33 Setting up the Smart Alec system o seeeeeeseseseseteteseseseseseseseaeaeaeaesessaeacaeaeseeeaeasaeasaeesaeasaeatseeseeneaeas 37 OVEVIEW E E Mack Bettis acne Si donate athe daniel abate teed ee aes 37 Setting up the Smart Alec software oe eeeteseeeeteseseeeseeeseseseeeeeeeaeatseeceeasatanseesesasatataeeteeneneas 37 Identifying notification devices oo eece ce
45. arate system administration application is now available for system wide or high level settings See System Administration on page 93 Security has been set so that a single user system is the default You can set up a multi user system at any time To do so see System Administration on page 93 Creating user environments on page 102 and Authorizing applications and application functions on page 108 Interfaces for notification devices do not need to be set up before the notification devices themselves There is one default interface of each type pre installed You can set up others if needed when you set up a notification device See Identifying notification devices on page 38 and Identifying notification device interfaces on page 114 Two types of variable rules have been removed Counter Ruleand Counter with Alarm Rule The functionality for these has been included in the definition of the variable itself See Identifying variables on page 42 OPC OLE for Process Control has been added as a means to import data for variables See Establishing OPC input data sources on page 54 The method for including graphics in a message has been defined See A ppendix 5 Including graphics in Smart Alec messages on page 138 The background processors have been redesigned so that most applications will operate more quickly Reported software inconsistencies have been resolved for better
46. art Alec for all applications and system resources Notice that all authorization level values are the same and therefore all users have the same system access Type of authorization Scope of authorization ee Application Applications full access 50 Application Applications details access 50 Processing Commands 50 System resource Notification Devices 50 System resource Variables 50 99 Security authorization Administrative user greater authorization set by system administrator The default authorizations for an administrative user such as Alec areas follows These authorizations give high level administrative access to set up applications and system resources Type of authorization Scope of authorization Authorization Custom user uniquely set up as needed Authorizations for a custom user vary according to an individual s need to access applications and systen resources Great care must be taken when setting up custom user authorizations and matching them with the settings for applications and system resources Otherwise some users may be inadvertently denied access level Application Applications full access 5 Application Applications details access 5 Processing Commands 5 System resource Notification Devices 5 System resource Variables 5 The following is an example of one possible way to create another class of user Type of authorizatio
47. ary for a variable to be processed by Smart Alec Similar to Dead Band but is expressed as a specific number applies to the Smart Alec server and to only one variable The Filter On box must be checked for Delta Value to be available The Delta Value number is used to set a range for the testing the value of the variable The prospective value of the variable is compared with this range If the value of the variable is outside the range higher or lower then that value is used to update the variable wherever the variable is used Otherwise the variable is not updated Example If the current value of the variable is 5 and the Delta Value is 2 then the range would be from 3 to 7 If the OPC server sends a value of 8 Smart Alec will update the variable If the OPC server sends a value of 6 Smart Alec will not update the variable In Service Indicates that the OPC server and item are to be considered active If you have n Service un checked you can use OPC Data Source Setup to set up the server and item before they are actually active Later when they are validly active return to this screen and make n Service checked The OPC server and item will be recognized by Smart Alec automatically Advanced Allows you to modify the Update Rate and Dead Band which are properties for the entire group of OPC tags for Smart Alec See page 62 57 58 Establishing OPC input data sources 3 Y
48. ase If the address and port are correct and the socket handler is running on the host computer the handler accepts the connection The system supports unlimited users from different or the same IP Address as the host computer s resources permit Login Sequence Standard Operation Appendix 6 Socket Interface Initiate a standard socket connection with the host computer using the IP Address of the host computer and the port number found in the Smart Alec database The Smart A lec Socket Input H andler accepts the connection and logs the IP address of the client system The client sends a Login Packet described later in this document The Socket Input H andler verifies the login name and password with the database entries to determine if the client is a valid user If the user login is not valid the Socket Input Handler sends an Error Packet containing a message to that effect back to the client system It then immediately terminates the connection If the user login is valid a Success Packet is returned to the client and operation continues as normal After a successful connection has been established a valid user login has occurred and a Success Packet has been returned the Socket Input Handler sits in an idle state waiting for new packets to comein At that point new packets can enter the system at any time A packet is introduced into the system by sending data serially across the socket
49. ata using sockets on page 64 for more information Variable Category Settings Creates user defined categories for variables Optional See below 94 System Administration Managing categories for Variables To create a new category for variables 1 Check Use Variable Categories 2 Typethe desired name in the box for a new category 3 Click the Add button 4 Click OK or make other changes To delete a category from the existing list 1 Check Use Variable Categories 2 Highlight the desired category in the existing list 3 Click the Delete button 4 Click OK or make other changes For more information about variables see Identifying variables on page 42 System Administration Jol x Public Port e150 C Private m Authorization Levels Default Ownership Socket Handler m Variable Category Settings WM Use Variable Categories New gt Fiscal variables Add Delete Existing Power variables gt Production variables Speed variables Temperature variables cm 95 Security authorization Security authorization Security concepts Example 1 User can access the system resource 96 Authority granted 5 Smart Alec security is used to permit or deny access to applications functions and system resources in order to separate administrative and setup functi
50. ation of this version be sure to turn security on with authorization levels in the System Administration application Refer to System Administration on page 93 you must have Microsoft Internet Explorer installed on your computer Internet Explorer is included on the Smart Alec installation CD Overview Introduction to the Smart Alec software Overview Smart A lec is a software system that integrates data from many sources and sends that data to ALPHA electronic signs alphanumeric pagers and email systems Input vs output Data can come into the system from many sources and can bein a variety of formats This data can be placed into messages which can be sent to anumber of viewing destinations These destinations are called notification devices Messages can be sent to the notification devices in a number of ways Setup vs management Normally the applications that are needed to set up the Smart A lec system are available only to an administrator while the applications needed for routine management of messaging needs are available to all users In an environment where only one person is responsible for using Smart Alec this user is also the administrator with full access to all applications System security Security for Smart Alec is available to be able to limit access to some features or functions This security applies to Smart Alec applications and what users can do with the applications
51. ations and application functions Authorizing applications and application functions The purpose of Application Security Setup is to designate what level of authorization is needed by users to access specific applications and the functions in each In a single user environment all users have the same access authority for all application categories and all functions for each application This access authority is automatically preset to 50 for applications and application functions In amulti user environment the system administrator can set unique levels for the access authority required for each application The level can be set for both update make changes to data and details only view details of data functions If the level of authorization assigned to a user is equal to or greater than the level of authorization required for a given application the user can access that function for that application Levels of authorization go from a low of 99 to a high of 1 A lower number gives higher authority Understanding application functions 108 Update Details A user with sufficient authorization for update application access can use all functions in any Smart Alec application for which he has authority This is especially common in a single user environment where all authorization values are the same for all users so all users can access all applications and all application functions A user with sufficient au
52. ault Value Also if you need to provide a Delta Value for numeric variables check the Filter On box and then fill in the Delta Value Add OPC Link SSAMSDNIMICONICS 1 PLC PHASED R ampl 7 Advanced functions apply to the entire group of Smart Alec OPC links to this OPC server When you change these you are asked to confirm the change See the picture and table below for explanations 61 Establishing OPC input data sources SSAMSDNIMCONICS 1 PLC PHASED R ampl JOPC Server SAMSDN1 ICONICS 1 Properties SAOPCSetup Item Name Description A Update Rate ms The interval time in milliseconds for the OPC server to wait before updating the values of all the items in the entire Smart Alec group In the example above the updates would occur every 1000 milliseconds which is once a second B Dead Band The smallest percentage of change necessary for variables to be sent to Smart Alec by the OPC server Similar to Delta Value but is expressed as a percentage applies to the OPC server and to all numeric variables in the Smart Alec group Example If the Dead Band is zero percent the OPC server will not filter out any data thus sending all data to Smart Alec If the Dead Band is 50 percent the OPC server will send changes for tag items only if their values have changed by more than 50 If the Dead Band is 100 percent the OPC server will filter all data thus sending n
53. ayed The line of text is then vertically centered based on that largest object For example if you havea line of text which has mostly 5 high characters but has one 10 high character the line is viewed as a 10 row high line and since this is a 16 row sign that leaves 6 extra rows 3 blank rows on the top and 3 blank rows on the bottom All text and objects are then lined up to this new virtual bottom the 13 line and treated the same as in a single line sign Exception conditions e If the sign receives a font that is larger than the sign can display it will sizeit down On this sign in the middle position the only characters that are too large would be characters using the double high control code This control code is ignored e If agraphic is received that is taller than the display can show the top sixteen rows are displayed e If agraphic is received that is wider than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e If acharacter set is not established in the message 16 high normal characters are used On a 4000 series sign the fill position indicates that you wish to useno more than 7 high characters and that you want to fit as much text on the screen as you can When in this mode the sign views itself as having two lines of 7 high characters and no means of doing a character set larger than 7 high If agraphicis selected at Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top
54. ce supplying the data Smart Alec uses the server path to automatically start the server when Smart Alec starts The server path is not mandatory if the server is always running before Smart Alec starts If you re using NetDDE with a source on a computer other than the one where Smart Alec is running you do not need to include the server path since Smart Alec can not start a Source on a different computer Therefore when using NetDDE the DDE server application must be running before the DDE link can be active See Accessing DDE input data below If the server is an application for which you have a specific file to use you can include the full path to and including the file in quotes after the full path to the application not in quotes In this example the server path is C Program Files Microsoft Office Office Excel exe C My Documents Fiscal Report xls The effect of this is that when Smart Alec is started both the server and the specific file are automatically started along with Smart Alec 49 Establishing DDE input data sources Item Name Description D Service Topic Name of the application not file the data comes from This may or may not be an executable program Refer to the documentation or software vendor for your DDE server application to determine the correct service for that application Refer In this example the service identifies the Exce ap
55. command Compare with file and record A unique unified set of information Examples a Smart Alec database a list of the event log a source of DDE data input a Smart A lec application Compare with field and record A unique unified set file of information a thought It can be saved and or sent to a notification device Its look and feel is based on that specific device A message is defined using the Message Manager It may include some or all of the following properties either specified or defaulted e Text e Graphics e Formatting font font size color etc e Time date temperature e Variables e Animation A message does not include the following which are designated using Command Manager for the message e Scheduling e Location destination e Priority Multi user environment Notification device Notification device interface Password Priority execution Priority run Record Appendix 8 Glossary A multi user environment is appropriate when users should not necessarily have access to the same applications and application functions that is access can be restricted for some users for applications application functions or system inputs or resources For example you may want to restrict a clerk s authority and not allow that person to send messages to the signs on the production floor But you would want the building security manager to be able to send a f
56. cription A Message name Name you want to give to the message B Message selection Drop down box to select from the full list of created messages C Preview button Allows you to send the current message to the sign to see how it will appear This temporarily overrides any other messages on the sign D Mode button Allows you to set modes which are special effects that change the way a message appears on a sign and the position of a message on the sign Mode should always be the first setting in a message E Mode pause speed Allows you to set the length of time to pause before repetition of this message button F Justification button Allows you to set character spacing and left center or right justification G Fonts button Allows you to select the font and the number of LED rows to use for characters that follow H Color button Allows you to set the color to use for whatever follows Width button Allows you to set characters that follow to display as wide or double wide J Height button Allows you to set characters that follow to display as double high or not K Flash button Allows you to turn flashing on or off for whatever follows this control until changed by another Flash control 68 Creating messages Item Name Description L True descenders Dutton Allows you to indicate that characters that follow are to be displayed using true descenders so that fo
57. curity exe 5 5 _ SystemAdministration exe 5 5 VariableRuleManager exe 50 50 VariableS etup exe 50 50 Click in this column to select an application Ready CAPS INS 5 5 00 4 Remember the lower numbers 2 Assign the values needed for a user to have authority to update and to view details Then click either Update or Apply mean that more authority is needed to access the application Update Value indicates the level of authorization a user needs in order to be able to change any values in a CommandManager exe x that application Update Value D5 a Detail Value indicates the level of _ P Pasivas ag authorization a user needs in order to be able to view any values in that application Without sufficient authority here the user will not Use this drop down even be able to access see the arrow to select another application application to view and change 111 Authorizing applications and application functions 3 The following are suggested values for both update and details levels for a single user environment and for a multi user environment with an administrator and one or more general users Values System application name Common application name Single user Multi user environment environment Appsecurity exe Application Securit
58. devices Notification Device Setup Eie View Help MAPI Server Email interface 1 Pager Local Local pager interface 1 Serial Serial interface 1 This column is available only if activated by the Smart Alec administrator Identifying notification devices Adding a notification device ALPHA pager email 1 Choose the correct button for the type of notification device you wish to add Add pager device Add ALPHA SA Add email device device Notil ication D evice Setup MAPI Server Email interface 1 Pager Local Local pager interface 1 m Warehouse 1 Alpha S sign fAlpha SA Serial Serial interface 1 Ready 1273 98 11 20 AM 2 For this example we will add an ALPHA SA sign with a direct serial interface connection as shown here Seethetable below for explanations N ALPHA SA Device Name welcome sign Ni Description fExtemal corporate sign Address 2 Interface Name Seacon Additional Properties o e gt m No Additional Properties for Serial Interface F SP authorization Level mz gt Advanced Apply Cancel a Item Name Description A Name Name of the device as if will be known B Description Description of the device for clarity Optional C Address Serial address assigned to the ALPHA SA sign This is displayed when the sign is powered
59. e Item K K Resulting display action Choose the display command to be executed when all conditions are met Make the choice from a list of existing display commands or groups of display commands by clicking editto the left of this column for this phrase L Variable literal value Click as needed to set this as checked or unchecked Item G can not be Then switch e Checked The choices for Operand 2 consist of variables in a drop down list e Unchecked You can type in your own specific value for Operand 2 3 Click either Add or Apply for the Add Display Command Rule window 86 Grouping notification devices Grouping notification devices Notification Device Group Manager is used to designate logical groups of devices to facilitate sending a message to multiple notification devices simultaneously NOTE Notification devices are created using Notification Device Setup See Identifying notification devices on page 38 Accessing Notification Device Group Manager From the System Use group on the SA Bar click once on Notification Device Group Manager Message Manager Notification Device Group Manager Fle View Help CTS E p oes ih gt Offices All office location signs __ Warehouses Warehouse 1 amp 2 Command Manager Variable Rule Manager anager Display Command Group Manager 87 Grouping notification devices Adding a Not
60. e 5 5 VariableRuleManager exe 50 50 ariableS etup exe 50 50 Ready CAPS INS 5 5 00 4 2 You can now see the values needed for a user to Remember the lower numbers have authority to update and view details for mean that more authority is this application Then click Close No changes needed to access the will be saved application Details of Application Authorization Application CommandM anager exe Update Value indicates the level of authorization a user needs in order to be able to change any values in Update Value oH that application Detail Value og Detail Value indicates the level of authorization a user needs in order to be able to view any values in that application Without sufficient Use this drop down authority here the user will not even arrow to select another be able to access the application application to view 113 Identifying notification device interfaces Identifying notification device interfaces Notification Device Interface Setup is used to designate the type of hardware to be used for sending messages to notification devices A notification device interface is normally set up the first time that a notification device needing it is initialized but it also can be set up beforea deviceis initialized for instance before the hardware is actually installed Types of notification device interfaces There are several types of notification device interfaces For descripti
61. e Manager File Edit Tools Help Uthighdetects H O AK Ss AOR Ene Fill Hold Speed 0 SS Green Line 1 max defects Red V Defects 1 Select the message to be changed Make the changes you need Choose File gt Update You will be prompted to verify that you want to update this message Select the OK button Select the message to be deleted Choose File gt Delete You will be prompted to verify the delete AP Message x Would you like to Delete L1 high defects OK Cancel Creating messages 4 Themessage will be deleted and the next message in the list will be displayed in the Message Manager Displaying a message on a notification device To actually display a message on a notification device there must be a command for it and it must be scheduled See Using commands to control messages on page 76 Changing a message while it is being displayed If a message is changed while it is being displayed it will be displayed as changed under these conditions a If the command for it is time date based the message will be displayed as changed after its command is deleted from and resent to the notification device with Command Manager b If the command for it is based on a variable the message will be displayed as changed after a change in the value of the variable Checking the message syntax Syntax refers to the construction of words phrases sentences formatting
62. e Rule Manager 50 In this example a high level of authority is needed to gain access to Application Security Setup and User Account Security Setup The user in this example does not have that level of authority So these applications would not appear in the SA Bar for him But he does have sufficient authority for full update access to Notification Device Group Manager and for details read access to both Notification Device Setup and Variable Rule Manager Therefore he would be able to make updates in Notification Device Group Manager and he would be able to see details but not make updates in Notification Device Setup and Variable Rule Manager See Authorizing applications and application functions on page 108 for detailed instructions 101 Creating user environments Creating user environments The Smart Alec system is designed so that it can be used by many different people in a company in different ways The purpose of User Account Security Setup is to establish users and to assign levels of authorization to any user for applications variables commands and notification devices In other words you decide if users can access a given resource application device etc and what functions they can do with it In asingle user environment you only need to establish who the users are All users have the same access to all system resources so there is minimal setup for users However in a multi user envir
63. e any character that is valid for your modem A comma denotes a 2 second pause Other characters such as spaces parentheses dashes and periods are acceptable for visual clarity but are not required E Baud rate The speed of the modem used when sending to the pager The default setting is 9600 baud which is the baud rate that must be used with an ALPHA sign F Com port The COM port to which the modem is attached G Packet size The maximum number of bytes the pager can process at a time The default is 175 Contact your wide area paging service if needed H Communications Choose one of the available sets of properties for transmissions The default setting properties of 8 bits no parity and one stop bit is recommended Advanced dialing Choose this button to set up the modem initialization string and the number of properties retries This function is only for the wide area pager interface 3 For the dialing properties for this example choose the correct settings for the wide area pager interface See the table below for explanations A Modem Initialization String ATZ B Number of Retrys 2 a Item Name Description A Modem Initiation String Initialization string to use for this modem See the documentation for your modem for more information B Number of retries Number of times to attempt connection 116 Identifying notification device interfaces Settings for additional notification device interfac
64. either read only Details or both read and update Update access Security also applies to system resources such as hardware and data A user will be able to use an application or resource only if he has authorization greater than or equal to the level determined to be needed for that application or resource Overview Administrator vs user security Security is available so that for instance applications needed only by the Smart Alec administrator to set up the system are not accessible by normal users for general management of the system Single user vs multi user environments A single user environment in Smart Alec might have more than one user but all users have full access rights to all applications application functions and system inputs and resources A multi user environment is appropriate when users should not necessarily have access to the same applications and application functions that is access can be restricted for some users for applications application functions or system inputs or resources For example you may want to restrict aclerk s authority and not allow that person to send messages to the signs on the production floor But you would want the building security manager to be able to send a fire alarm to every sign Also you might not want either of these people to be able to set authority for other users Smart Alec applications Smart Alec applications SA Bar T
65. eld is not case sensitive B Password For security a set of characters to be entered by the user when logging into the system May be left blank if desired except that to use the Socket Handler Setup see page 64 there must be a password This field is case sensitive C Application Authorizations System processors validate requests against the level authorized for the user If the and levels user s level of authorization is equal to or higher than that required the request is processed These are set to a default of 50 In a single user environment these should not be changed from 50 In a multi user environment these are normally set to either 5 administrator or 50 general but they can be set to any desired level NOTE For better understanding see System security on page 6 and Security authorization on page 96 104 Creating user environments Authorizing user passwords User authorized password You aS a user can add or change your own password at the Login screen If you change your own password the system administrator will not be notified and will not have access to what your password is If you forget your password the administrator can only change it for you to anew password You can then changeit back to what you want it to be 1 When logging into Smart Alec click Change Password You do not need to supply a password on the main Login screen User Name Sam Password L
66. en all the notification devices arein one building PC sign sign sign etc ALPHA sign I I ALPHA sign f ALPHA sign Email interface Local pager interface Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces An email notification device interface sends messages over a network using an email service A local pager notification device interface uses a transmitter attached to a computer and a wireless receiver attached to a notification device M essages are sent from the computer via the transmitter to any TAP compliant wireless pager and then to the receiver at the notification device The advantage of this connection method is that wiring does not have to be strung between notification devices and or the computer 125 Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces Wide area pager interface 126 A widearea pager notification deviceinterface uses a modem attached to your computer and a wireless receiver attached to a remote notification device either a display or a pager Basically when a message is sent it is transmitted to the remote notification device when the computer modem calls the device s modem Specifically a message is sent from your computer to the attached modem The modem then dials a paging service such as SkyTel and this paging service actually transmits the message to the wireless receiver A modem connection is often used for devices tha
67. en will appear This simply shows the settings for the item You can not change any of the settings here Details of Commands You can choose another item by using the Name drop down arrow SP ieilies S Eiivete J schedule Command 31 Working with Smart Alec application components Deleting an item Delete button Click in this column to select an item 32 1 Highlight the row for the item to change Then either choose File gt Delete click the Delete button or right click on the row and select Delete as Command Manager Hammer 1 Pressure Production Line 1 count Production Line 1 Defects Line 2 Count Line 2 Defects gt Line 3 Count Display Command Add message Line 3 Count Production Production goal Line 1 Display Command Add message Production goal Line Group p Total defects Display Command Add message Total defects L1 amp 2 Group 2 You will be asked if you want to delete this item 3 Choose Yes to delete the item Shutting the Smart Alec system down Shutting the Smart Alec system down From time to time you may wish to shut down all or part of the Smart A lec system based on your own circumstances However under the following conditions you must shut down the Smart Alec system and then restart it before you can use the change 1 After adding a notification device 2 After adding a notification device interface 3 After losing a connection
68. er has sent a login packet with a username not in the system Sends a message to the trace and log with the text above Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above The system automatically boots the user by closing the socket connection Reconnect and send the right password Appendix 6 Socket Interface Login Error lt Msg ID gt User lt Username gt chose an invalid port number lt Port gt Not currently being used Cause 1 The user has sent a login packet with a port number outside the valid range System Response 1 Sends a message to the trace and log with the text above 2 Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above 3 The system automatically boots the user by closing the socket connection Corrective Action 1 Reconnect and send a valid port 1024 65535 No User Logged In Closing Connection Cause 1 Theuser has tried to send a packet other than a login packet into the system before the user has logged in System Response 1 Sends a message to the trace and log with the text above 2 Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above 3 The system boots the user by closing the socket connection Corrective Action 1 Log back into the system and make sure to send a login packet first User lt Username gt is already Logged In Cause 1 The user is trying to send a login packet after a valid login System Response 1 Sends a messa
69. ere originally started by Smart Alec asf5 3972 0 TD n you 53 Establishing OPC input data sources Establishing OPC input data sources Introduction OPC Data Source Setup is used in Smart Alec to designate what data will be coming from outside of Smart Alec using OLE for Process Control OPC where it will come from and how you want to useit The link to this data is used to provide values for variables Smart Alec acts an OPC client It needs an OPC server to communicate with in order to provide values for variables M any existing programs already function as OPC servers such as Cimplicity Steeplechase Visual Logic Controller or Iconics To use these or any other OPC server applications with Smart Alec you must specify the OPC server and item names which are to supply values for the variables The OPC server application s documentation should provide these General steps for communications using OPC data sources In general the steps for using OPC data servers with Smart Alec are as follows 1 BesuretheOPC data server is installed and registered When running and accessing a valid OPC source it feeds data to the Smart Alec system and variables are updated Even if the OPC data server is installed and registered ona different computer it must also be registered on the Smart Alec computer Otherwise you will be able to choose the OPC links to use in Step 3 but it won t work 2 Start and log into Smart A lec
70. erminal Server ac e IP address Internet Protoco Port Number Must be 3001 address assigned to the terminal server if the terminal server is an Alpha Ethernet Adapter Authorization level Authorization level a user wou Available only if activated by t d need to access this notification device he Smart Alec administrator Advanced Choose this button for more advanced functions Only available for use with serial interfaces See the next step 3 Foranew serial ALPHA SA notification device the Advanced button is for these properties Advanced ALPHA SA Device Properties A gt We Disabled Time Out gt firmation m Cancel Item Name Description Message contirmation When Message Contirmation is enabled the sign sends a response to the sender to confirm that the message has been received Time Out The time in seconds to get a response from the device before timing out The Message Confirmation must be enabled 40 Settings for additional notification devices Identifying notification devices In addition to the ALPHA SA device illustrated above the settings below are available for pager and email devices Pager device Item Name Description A Name Name of the device as if will be known B Description
71. es In addition to the wide area pager illustrated above here are settings for serial email local pager and terminal server interfaces Note that there is no modem interface Serial interface Item Name Description A Interface name Name of the interface as it will be known B Description Description of the interface for clarity Optional C Interface settings For an ALPHA sign the default settings of 9600 baud 8 bits no parity and one stop bit are recommended Specify Com Portas appropriate for your computer Email interface Item Name Description A Interface name Name of the interface as it will be known B Interface Description Description of the interface for clarity Optional C Email profile Email identity to use This is the default user of the computer not necessarily the Smart Alec user name See your system administrator if unsure D Email password Password that is valid in the network for the email profile When an email interface is set up there is an additional prompt to confirm the password This password is only used for sending email through the network Local pager interface Item Name Description A Interface Name Name of the interface as it will be known B Interface Description Description of the interface for clarity Optional C Interface settings Choose appropriate settings for this interface To find these settings except fo
72. es security lock status alarms Since its value can change or vary it s called a variable Variables values are typically acquired and handled by Smart Alec s DDE or socket interfaces Variables can be used in two ways 1 They can be embedded in messages The value of the variable gets filled in wherever the variable is used in an active message and it is refreshed whenever the value changes 2 Variables can also be used to trigger commands for messages and events to start and stop Asan example you could have a variable called Temperature which is continually filled in with values froma thermometer The variable could change for instance whenever there is at least a 1 degree change at the thermometer Then whenever temperature equals or exceeds 212 F a message showing the temperature could be sent to a sign and an alarm could be triggered to sound A ruleto govern a variable what is done with it and what happens when its value changes 163 Appendix 8 Glossary 164 A Administrator Smart Alec 15 99 100 102 106 108 109 158 Application Application Security Setup 10 23 108 113 Command Manager 9 19 23 66 73 76 82 90 110 112 160 DDE Data Source Setup 9 23 47 53 110 112 Display Command Group Manager 9 23 90 92 110 112 Event Log Manager 10 23 110 112 119 122 Message Manager 9 15 17 23 66 75 110 112 160 Notification Device Group Manager 8 23 87 89 110
73. escription A more complete explanation of the command Optional C Action What you want to be done with the message s e Add a single message to the queue of all messages e Delete a single message from the queue of all messages e Erase all messages from the display Replace all messages with the single message specified D Message Name Select a message for the action Valid for all Actions except Erase all messages E Execution Priority The level of authority needed by a user to execute this command The range of authority available to a user is determined by the Smart Alec administrator using User Account Security Setup Available only if activated by the administrator F Run Priority The priority of this command on the display to be compared with other commands being executed on that display For example a message with a Aun Priority of 5 will override a message with a Run Priority of 6 Available only if activated by the administrator G Destination button Click this to bring up a list of available notification devices to select from H Destination The list of one or more notification devices selected for executing this command Owner Specify who can access and use this command Available only if activated by the administrator e Public This command can be used by anyone Use this in a single user system e Private This command can only be used by the person who created it Use this only in a multi user system J Sched
74. et as they are for now Execution Priority Js Run Priority E Destination m Owner Public Schedule Command r Schedule Information Start Date 8 7 2000 gt End Date 8 7 72000 gt End Time Recurrence Recurrence 2 30 00 PM 2 33 00 PM Member Group List Select Type Name or Select From List Add John Jones 1 Tea Line The message is processed immediately and appears on thesign and runs until the end time 20 Starting the Smart Alec system Starting the Smart Alec system Logging into Smart Alec To log into the Smart Alec system 1 Fromthe Start button click Programs gt Smart Alec 2 The SmartAlec introductory splash screen will appear temporarily 3 Next the Login screen will appear as below User Name alec Password Change Password Cancel NOTE You will not see this screen if 1 this is the first time you re starting Smart If you are the first or only person Alec after installation or 2 you arethe logging into the system or if only user and have no password you are the administrator accept f Alec as the user name with no 4 Typein your user name and password and click password on the Login button 5 Processing applications are started and run in the background as needed Also the window called the SA Bar will appear for your use See Using the SA Bar below
75. evice Setup Areyou using real time data for variables 11 Flowchart for setting up and using Smart Alec Do you need to group variables into categories Yes Set up variable categories Page 93 System Administration Set up variables Page 42 Variable Setup Do values for variables come from DDE Do values for variables come from 7 Set up DDE input OPC data sources Page 47 DDE Data Source Setup Set up OPC data sources Page 54 OPC Data Source Setup Follow the process for Importing external Page 64 data using sockets 12 Flowchart for setting up and using Smart Alec Create message s Message Manager Do you need to send messages to groups of notification devices Yes Group notification devices Notification Device Group Mgr Create schedule display command s for messages Command Manager Do you need to group display commands Yes Group display commands Display Command Group Mgr Will a variable trigger an action Define the conditions for the action to occur Variable Rule Manager Are you getting errors or having other problems Yes Check the event log Event Log Manager or contact your Smart A lec distributor Page 66 Page 87 Page 76 Page 90 Page 83 Page 119 13 What s new in Smart Alec 3 0 What s new in Smart Alec 3 0 14 L A sep
76. existing programs already function as DDE servers such as Wonderware s Intouch and Microsoft Excel To use these or any other DDE server applications with Smart Alec you must use the service topic and item names which are to supply values for the variables from the DDE server The DDE server application s documentation should provide these The discussion in the following sections uses Microsoft Excel as an example After you establish a connection with the DDE server the DDE server sends the value of the item to Smart Alec each time the item changes value NOTE When using DDE Smart Alec must be installed on the same computer as the external data source When using NetDDE Smart Alec must be installed on the same network as the external data source In both cases the source must be Windows based 47 Establishing DDE input data sources Accessing the DDE Data Source Setup application From the System Setup group on the SA Bar click once on DDE Data Source Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing DDE data sources Production goal Line 1 Bl Hammer 1 pressure Adding a link to a DDE data source 1 Choose the button to add anew DDE data source P DDE Data Source Setup Add a DDE data source Production goal Line 1 C Program Files Microsoft Office Office excel Fiscal report xls _ Hammer 1 pressure il i a C Program FilesSHir Topic5 48 Establis
77. for a client s message The error packet is returned when a problem has occurred either with the incoming packet or within the Socket Input Handler application The argument within the packet gives information on the nature of the error It is recommended that the client system examine the nature of the error and make a determination whether it should continue sending data Packet Definition Class 0 SubClass 3 Arguments 1 argument is expected for this type of message packet Name Success Message Limits 32 characters Description A string indicating nature of the error that the Socket Input Handler encoun tered with this packet These errors are explained in the Return Information Reference below 147 Appendix 6 Socket Interface Return Information Reference Login Errors Login Error lt Msg ID gt User lt Username gt not found in system Cause System Response Corrective Action The user has sent a login packet with a username not in the system Sends a message to the trace and log with the text above Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above The system automatically boots the user by closing the socket connection Reconnect and send a valid login name Check the Smart Alec program for registered users Login Error lt Msg ID gt User lt Username gt entered an invalid password Cause System Response Corrective Action 148 The us
78. fter selecting a column use this to search for a specific value H Value to search for Enter the value to find Options for viewing the event log database in the Event Log Manager 120 e Write to a file Create a tab delimited print prn file with user selected fields from the database Write To File Settings Date and Time e Filter Select only events that fit specific criteria date time and or one or more database fields Managing the log of Smart Alec system events e Refresh from Edit menu Update the list of events File Edit View Tools Help Invert selection from Edit menu Select only those records not already selected Eile Edit View Tools Help a Select All D Invert Selection e Sort Sort high to low or low to high H Event Log Manager Of x Options for managing the event log database e Select all From the Edit menu choose Select All to highlight all records This allows you to then delete all records at one time e Select some records To select specific records you can click on one and then shift click or control click on more This allows you to delete individual records Deleting records With records selected as above press the Delete key You will be prompted to confirm the deletion e Control database size From the Tools menu choose Preferences to set preferences to limit the number of events listed in the database to a specific
79. ge to the trace and log with the text above 149 Appendix 6 Socket Interface Corrective Action Data Errors Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above The system continues normal operation No corrective action is necessary J ust don t send any more login packets Data Error lt Msg ID gt Class lt Class gt lt Subclass gt is not a valid packet type Cause System Response Corrective Action The user has sent a packet with an unrecognized class and subclass Sends a message to the trace with the text above Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above The system discards the packet and flushes message queue Make sure the user is sending packets that are known by the system Check the SA version to make sure that type of packet is supported Data Error lt Msg ID gt Class lt Class gt lt Subclass gt Argument lt of Arg gt is out of range Size lt Size of Arg gt Cause System Response 150 1 Theuser has sent a packet with data elements out of the domain set by theA PI Sends a message to the trace and log with the text above Sends an error packet back to the user with the text above The system discards the packet and flushes message queue Corrective Action Appendix 6 Socket Interface Check the data to see if the user application is sending packets out of range Change the data to conform to the API guidelines
80. ging or tracing is enabled This type of packet is used to issue a command directly to the Socket Input Handler The scope of these commands is limited but can prove to be useful The tools currently available are based on dynamically controlling tracing and logging Packet Definition Return Packets Success Packet Description Class 0 SubClass 1 Arguments 1 argument is expected for this type of message packet Name Command Limits 32 characters Case Insensitive Description A control command to be issued directly to the Socket Input Handler Available commands None These packets are returned upon completion of the processing of a submitted packet by the Socket Input Handler The packet format is the same as with packets sent into the socket handler The Message ID that comes back in this packet is the same ID that was sent in the original packet The success packet is a return packet used in the synchronous transport protocol to indicate that a packet entered into the system has been processed by the socket handler and routed to its proper destination After Appendix 6 Socket Interface receiving this packet the client system is safe to send another packet Packet Definition Error Packet Description Class 0 SubClass 2 Arguments 1 argument is expected for this type of message packet Name Success Message Limits 32 characters Description A string indicating that processing is complete
81. guments 3 arguments are expected for this type of message packet Name User_Name Limits 64 characters Description The name used to identify the account of a Smart Alec user Log Message Description Appendix 6 Socket Interface Name User_Password Limits 255 characters Description The password for this Smart Alec user account Name Callback_Port Limits Between 1024 and 65535 in ASCII characters Description The number of a port on the client s system that has a listen connection open in the event of outstanding notifi cations after a broken connection In this case the socket handler opens a socket to that port on the client s sys tem This feature is not currently implemented Send a null terminated string containing the number 0 1 e 0 or ASCII 40 This type of packet is primarily used as a diagnostic or debugging tool It places a message or note directly into the Smart Alec Event Log the Socket Input H andler local log file and the Smart A lec Trace System Packet Definition Class 0 SubClass 0O Arguments 1 argument is expected for this type of message packet Name Message Limits 64 characters Description A message or note to place directly into the Smart Alec event log the Socket Input Handler local log and the Smart 145 Appendix 6 Socket Interface 146 Socket Command Description Alec event trace system Smart Alec logs this message regardless of whether log
82. he applications programs available in Smart Alec and their respective functions are as follows The initial Smart Alec application from which you can start any other Smart Alec application for which you are authorized See Starting the Smart Alec system starting on page 21 Notification Device Setup Designate the names and properties to be used for places where messages will be displayed i e signs pagers and email See Identifying notification devices starting on page 38 Notification Device Group Manager Variable Setup Designate groups of notification devices so a user can send a message to multiple devices simultaneously See Grouping notification devices starting on page 87 Designate variables to be available in Smart Alec Variables represent values that can change at any time These values come from data sources external to Smart Alec using DDE OPC or sockets see below When there is a changein a variable s value actions set up in Variable Rule Manager see below can be triggered and also where the value of the variable is included ina message the value changes See Identifying variables starting on page 42 Variable Rule Manager Designate rules to govern variables what is done with them and what happens when their values change A ruleis a pre defined set of one or more conditions with possible resulting actions A rule is associated with a variable and is implemented when t
83. he product serial number found on the outside packaging and on the registration card the version number of any relevant Smart Alec application found by right clicking on the application in Explorer choosing Properties then clicking on the Version tab and also found in the About screen from the Help menu of the application 157 Appendix 8 Glossary Appendix 8 Glossary Administrator Application Authority Authorization details Authorization update Command Data private 158 Normally the applications that are needed to set up the Smart Alec system are available only to an administrator while the applications needed for routine management of messaging needs are available to all users In an environment where only one person is responsible for using Smart Alec this user is also the administrator with full access to all applications Security is available so that for instance applications needed only by the Smart Alec administrator to set up the system are not accessible by normal users for general management of the system A software program which a user can see and use to create authorize or change data An application can be accessed from a menu or a toolbar Indicates the level of rights given to a user Provides the capability to read view but not to change the information about a subject Provides the full capability to read view and also change the information about a subject
84. he value of that variable changes When the rule is implemented its conditions are evaluated Based on the result of that evaluation the rule s resulting actions may be initiated See Creating variable rules starting on page 83 Smart Alec applications Message Manager Define messages which can be displayed on notification devices Messages can include text graphics formatting variables time date temperature and animation See Creating messages starting on page 66 Command Manager Designate display commands which are used to add delete erase or replace messages sent to notification devices Commands can be triggered by a variable s value or can be scheduled for a specific date and time or for a recurring time period See Using commands to control messages starting on page 76 Display Command Group Manager Designate logical groups of display commands so that you can then create another command to essentially issue a series of commands all at once See Grouping display commands starting on page 90 DDE Data Source Setup Designate what data will be coming from outside of Smart Alec using DDE Dynamic Data Exchange where it will come from and what to do with it This data can be used to provide the values for variables See Establishing DDE input data sources starting on page 47 OPC Data Source Setup Another way besides DDE to bring data into Smart Alec to provide values for variable
85. her yes or no If e Daily every x number of days or every there is no schedule it will be weekday blank See the picture in e Weekly every x number of weeks on specific Accessing the Command days Manager application on e With an end date none after x number of page 76 occurrences or by a specified date 81 Using commands to control messages After you set the recurrence options click OK i Recurrence Information Dialog 14 Click either Add or Apply for the Add Display Command window 15 Command execution If you do not set recurrence timing the command will be executed for the scheduled date and time only If you do not specify a schedule for this command it will be executed based on a display command rule that must be set up for this command in Variable Rule Manager See Adding a display command rule on page 84 82 Creating variable rules Creating variable rules Variable Rule Manager is used to designate display command rules pre defined conditions with resulting actions for how to use a variable to trigger a command to be issued For more information please see H ow Smart Alec uses variables on page 26 A display command ruleidentifies variables to use as tools to trigger display commands which in turn trigger actions such as displaying a message based on comparing the value of a variable with another value A display command ruleis in the format of
86. hing DDE input data sources 2 For this example wewill add a link to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as DDE data source See the table below for explanations FA B Smart Alec Variable to Update Production goalline1 New M ASG Rimae Gharacters Only C Server Path C Program Files Microsoft Office O Browse D Service fee E Topic fiFiscalreportxis Sheetl F Y lten ct LJ A Default Value 200 G Pain H oy Delta Value 0 l Update Apply Cancel Item Name Description Smart Alec Variable to Update The variable in Smart Alec for which this data will supply the value The variable is automatically filled in with the last entry that was used The variable must first be established before it can be selected here but you can establish a new variable with the New button See Identifying variables on page 42 ASCII printable checkbox ASCII control codes non printable characters will be deleted before sending the data on to Smart Alec leaving only data that is valid for presenting on a notification device Valid only for a variable of string type NOTE All DDE data is restricted to 125 characters If the value is longer it will be truncated cut off to 125 Server path The full path to the file or application if not a specific file for the DDE data sour
87. ice rebooting the computer To restart the background processors from the Start button click Programs gt Smart Alec All setup and manager user applications To close all of the currently running Smart A lec user applications for setup and useof the system found in the SA Bar close the SA Bar by any of the following methods NOTE This will not close the Smart Alec background processor applications See the prior section e Choose Close on the SA Bar menu e Click the Close button on the SA Bar e Press Alt 4 34 Shutting the Smart Alec system down SA Bar menu button button Message Manager Command Manager Variable Rule Manager Complete Smart Alec system 1 Click Smart Alec Shutdown on the SA Bar 2 ClosetheSA Bar 35 Shutting the Smart Alec system down 36 Overview Setting up the Smart Alec system Overview Typically Smart Alec is used by only one person in an organization Even if there is more than one person using Smart Alec all users can be set up to have full access rights to all applications application functions and system inputs and resources This setup is called a single user system However if there is more than one person using Smart Alec your system may require security to be set so some users have limited usage and others have unlimited usage of Smart Alec This setup is called a multi user system In a multi user system those users with limited u
88. ification Device Group 1 Add a notification device group Choose the button to add a new notification device group Notification Device Group Manager Sf i Y akre Offices All office location signs F Warehouses Warehouse 1 amp 2 For this example we will add a notification device group called Front offices as shown here See the table below for descriptions Add Notification Device Group i Signs in foyer reception amp outside Welcome sign 88 Grouping notification devices Item Name Description A Group name Name of the notification device group as it will be known B Group Description Description of the notification device group for clarity Optional C Ownership Specify who can access and use this notification device group Available only if activated by the administrator e Public This group will be available to everyone Use this in a single user system e Private This group will be available only to the person who created it Use this only in a multi user system D Notification Device Choice of notification devices to be included in the group The list on the left shows all available devices The list on the right shows the devices to be included in the group 3 Specify a name for the group in this case Front offices 4 Optional Provide a description 5 Designate ownership Available only if set on by the administrator
89. ire alarm to every sign Also you might not want either of these people to be able to set authority for other users An individual hardware component in the Smart A lec system which is capable of displaying Smart Alec messages Examples are ALPHA SA signs email and pagers All notification devices need notification device interfaces Hardware with software settings needed to communicate properly with a hardware notification device Please see Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces on page 124 for descriptions and examples A special word to allow a user access to a computer application or application function The level of authority needed by a user to execute a command The priority of acommand on the display to be compared with other commands being executed on that display For example two messages each with a Run Priority of 5 will alternate on the sign On the other hand a message with a Run Priority of 5 will override a message with a Run Priority of 6 A collection of related fields Example all the information about one display command Compare with field and file 161 Appendix 8 Glossary SA Bar Single user environment Serial address System resource Trigger Update Update rate User 162 The initial Smart Alec application and window from which you can start any other Smart Alec application for which you are authorized A single user environment in Smart Alec migh
90. l bottom the 21 line and treated the same as ina single line sign Exception conditions e If agraphic picture is received that is larger than what the display can show the top most rows are displayed e If agraphic picture is received that is longer than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture e If acharacter set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used On a 7000 series or Alphavision sign the fill position indicates that you wish to fit as much text on the screen as you can On these signs as opposed to the 4000 series you can select character sets larger than 7 high in the fill 135 Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill Alphavision Character Matrix 136 mode The sign will start from the top of the screen working down If you select a 15 row character set the sign will fit as many 15 row lines of text on the screen as possible As soon as the sign detects that the next line will not fit it will stop creating the current page and display it The next page will begin with the line that would not have fit If the text does not use up the entire display the sign will center the text vertically splitting the blank space between the top and the bottom Exception conditions If a graphic is received that is taller than seven rows high the top seven rows are displayed If a graphic is received that is wider than the disp
91. lay it will size it down e 7 high normal characters are substituted for any 15 high normal characters e 7 high fancy characters are substituted for any 15 high fancy characters received etc If a graphic picture is received that is taller than the display can show the top seven rows are displayed If a graphic is received that is wider than the display can show it will show the left most columns of the picture If a graphic is received that is smaller than seven dots tall it will be displayed from the bottom of the sign working up similar to the 5 dot character set shown above If a character set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used If top bottom or fill positions are received middle is used On adoubleline sign the top position is defined as the top 7 dots of the sign and operates in the same manner as a one line sign See exception conditions for a single line 7 row sign 131 Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill 132 Bottom position Middle position Fill position The bottom position is defined as the bottom 7 dots of the sign and it also is treated as a one line sign See exception conditions for a for a single line 7 row sign The middle position is treated as though it was one line of 16 dots Each line of text presented on that lineis prescanned to determine the largest piece of text or graphic object to be displ
92. lay can show it will show the left most columns of the picture If agraphic is received that is smaller than seven dots tall it will be displayed from the bottom of the sign working up similar to the 5 dot character set explained above If a character set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used This sign works exactly like the Tripleline 7000 series and Alphavision Full Matrix signs with the following exceptions Exception conditions If a mode other than a Wipe mode is received itis replaced with Hold AnAlphavision sign ignores any of the following e graphics e any character set command except 5 and 7 high normal e wide e doublewide e double high e true descenders Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill e proportional spacing e animations e f acharacter set is not established in the message 7 high normal characters are used 137 Appendix 5 Including graphics in Smart Alec messages Appendix 5 Including graphics in Smart Alec messages Graphics can be included in a message as well as text and variables 1 Create the necessary graphics if not already created Store them all in the same folder e The graphics must bein bitmap bmp format e The graphics must be 256 colors or less True color is not valid e Set the number of pixels x by y equal to the sign size or less e Neither black nor white in a g
93. le the way these work varies slightly on different types of signs the basic concept is shown in the pictures here Line What appears in the What is displayed on a 2 line sign position Message Manager Top Top Hold Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 Middle Middle Hold Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 Bottom Bottom Hold Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 Fill Fil Hold Las Vegas 85 Chicago 199 New York 235 Types of signs Signs are categorized by number of lines of text 1 Singleline BETAbrite 215R amp 215C 220 300 series 400 series Big Dot These signs are of varying lengths but are always 7 dots high 2 Doubleline 4000 series These signs are of varying lengths but are always 16 dots high 3 Tripleline 7000 series and Multipleline full matrix Alphavision These signs are of varying heights and widths 4 Multipleline character matrix AlphavVision Director These signs are of varying heights and widths but have character blocks with spaces between 130 Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill Single line BETAbrite 215R amp 215C 220 300 series 400 series Big Dot Double line 4000 series Top position On asingle line sign all characters line up at the bottom of the sign and work their way up for as many dots as the font supports Example Exception conditions If the sign receives a font that is larger than the sign can disp
94. mart Alec Add DDE Link Smart Alec Variable to Update Sales this month vy New Jv ASGil Printable Gharecters any Server Path E Program Files Microsoft Office O Browse Service MSAccess Topic Sales mdb SQL select Sales_This_Month from Item wa Default Value fo J Giter Gr D elta Yalue Booo Setting Value Smart Alec Variable to Update Sales this month ASCII printable checkbox N A Server path C Program Files Microsoft Office Office MSACCESS EXE Service MSAccess Topic Sales mdb SQL select Sales_This_Month from Sales_Table where Product Widget Item data Default Value 0 Filter On checkbox off Delta Value N A 52 Establishing DDE input data sources Accessing DDE input data When running and accessing a valid DDE source DDElInputH andler exe feeds data to the Smart A lec system and variables are updated For accessing DDE input data DDEInputH andler must be running See All background processor applications on page 34 When the Smart Alec system is started DDEInputH andler exe is started automatically and it starts the service application s that have been established It tries to connect to the specified topics Let Smart A lec start DDE server applications since there will bea conflict if they are started before starting Smart A lec If you want to shut down and restart SmartA lec you do not need to shut down DDE server applications which w
95. mn by column It looks as if it s washing over the old message You can choose to roll up down left right in or out Appendix 3 Understanding modes on signs Table 3 Modes available on signs Sign Modes FM Full Matrix Py CM Character Matrix T amp LM Line Matrix y 3 3 8 e e lt HP ALPHA g i3 E S15 8 1 o 2 fo z le sign 5 3 Oo b 18 a Series 200 M e e e l el el el e elele elje e e e ele Alpha 220C F e e e e e e e e e e o Series 300 Mie jeooo oj ojojo 0 0 oOoj o Series 400 F e e e e e e e e o Series 4000 Miej ojojo e e e e e Series 7000 e e e e e e e e e e e Big Dot FI e e e e e e e e e Alphavision FM F 0 0j o e Alphavision CM C 0j e 790i e e e e e e e e e e Solar F 0000 o e o Director C o e 2 1 inch CM C e e e 3 2 inch CM c o e PPD L e e e e e e e e e e e 129 Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill Line positions on signs The line position refers to where a message can be displayed on asign thetop middle bottom or fill positions Line position are available with most modes eg Hold Snow Sparkle etc Whi
96. n D Padding Determines the positioning and any fill characters for the value of the variable within a message e Leading Spaces Value is right justified filled with spaces blanks in front of the value Leading Zeros Value is right justified filled with zeros in front of the value e None Value has no padding Any extra spacing between the message and the variable s value is deleted e Trailing Spaces Value is left justified filled with spaces blanks after the value Number of characters to be displayed Sets the length to be allocated for the value of the variable when used in a message Maximum number of characters to allow for the length of the variable to display Number of digits after decimal point Sets the level of precision for fractional numbers If the value for the variable has a decimal the Number of digits after decimal point indicates how many decimal places to use in the value for the variable For example if the value for the variable has 5 characters with a Number of digits after decimal point of 2 then the number 123 456 would be displayed as 123 45 If the value for the variable has 6 characters with a Number of digits after decimal point of 4 then the number 123 456 would be displayed as 3 456 NOTE The Number of digits after decimal point setting is only available if the Data Type of the variable is float Otherwise you will not see this setting
97. n Scope of authorization Authorization level Application Applications full access 75 Application Applications details access 25 Processing Commands 50 System resource Notification Devices 50 System resource Variables 75 This example gives limited access to variables and to update full access applications gives broad access to view details in applications and gives normal access to commands and notification devices Security authorization Setting minimum security levels for applications and system resources Security levels authorized for users work together with security levels for applications and system resources Authorization levels are set for each user for applications in general as shown above In addition minimum authorization levels are set for each specific application If auser s authorization rangeis greater than or equal to the minimum needed for an application then access is granted to that user Normally default authorization levels for both users and applications are set to 50 However in the Smart A lec system with the custom user illustrated above application security could be set up with these settings for the applications shown here Minimum Specific application authorization level needed Application Security Setup 5 User Account Security Setup 5 Notification Device Setup 50 Notification Device Group Manager 15 Variabl
98. n Line 1 count Production Line 1 Defects Line 2 Count Line 2 Defects Click in this gt Line 3 Count Display Command Add message ne n Production Yes c ol umn to F Production goal Line 1 Display Command Add message Production goal Line Group F Total defects Display Command Add message Total defects L1 amp 2 Group select an item 29 Working with Smart Alec application components 2 Makeyour changes Then click Update Update Display Command You can not change the item s Name here You can change anything else You can change more than one item in sequence this way 1 Make the changes in the first item 2 Click Apply 3 Choose another item using the Name drop down arrow 4 Make changes in the new item 30 Working with Smart Alec application components Viewing details of an item 1 Highlight the row for the item to change Then ether choose File gt Details click the Details button or right click on the row and select Details Details button Command Manager Delete all messages Hammer 1 Pressure Line 1 Count Production Line 1 Defects i Warehouse 1 Alp Ne Line 2 Count i Production IW Line 2 Defects i Click in this gt Line 3 Count Jisplay Command Add message 05 04 2 column to _ Production goalLine 1 Display Command Production goal Line lect it L Total defects Display Command Total defects L1 amp 2 select an item dA 2 The Details scre
99. o they can be changed as needed to create another item that is similar to the original D Update this item Show all properties for this item so they can be changed as needed You can also access the screen to update an item by double clicking to the left of the row Also see tem selection E Details Show all properties for this item but do not allow any updating F Delete this item Delete this item from Smart Alec G Locate function Use this after selecting a column to search for a specific value Used in conjunction with Locate value If more than one column is selected the right most column is used H Locate value Type the value to search for Used in conjunction with Locate function l Minimize button Put the application down to the Windows task bar 24 How the Smart Alec windows work Feature Name Function J Resize button Toggle the size of the window K Close button Close this application L Item selection Click in this column to select the row for an item or double click to open the item Also see Update this item When a row is selected you can right click on the row to get a pop up menu for all the file functions new update etc M Right click Right click on the name of the item to create a new item N Row height Click and drag the bottom edge of the row to adjust the height of the row 0
100. ogin i Cancel 2 Iftherewasan existing password you must type that on this next screen Then type the new password and retype it again exactly the same way You can use a new password as shown below or you can usea blank password for New Password Using a blank new password in effect deletes any old password Change Password User Name g pm Old Password poo New Password e Retype New Password SSS 3 Click Change 4 You will next be logged into Smart Alec 105 Creating user environments Administrator authorized password The administrator can add or change the password for a user L Fromthe User Account Security Setup and Security application highlight the entire row for the user by clicking in the column to the left of that user User Account Security Setup Update button e wat eel co EERE Click in this column ss 0 0 oo to select a user 2 From the File menu choose Update or click on this 3 Click New Password Update User 106 Creating user environments 4 Typein the new password Regardless of what the old password was the default password supplied is smartalec You can use smartalec as shown below you can use a different password or you can usea blank password Using ablank password here in effect deletes any old password Then click OK New Password 5 Click Update Update User 107 Authorizing applic
101. one to Smart Alec 62 Establishing OPC input data sources 8 When all values are set click Add or Apply and the new OPC link is shown in the list of links Add OPC Link SSAMSDNIMICONICS 1 PLC PHASED Ramp1 I ICONICS 1 SAMSDN1 PLC PumpSpeed _JIcoNics 1 SAMSDNI PLC PHASED Ramp 63 Importing external data using sockets Importing external data using sockets Sockets are a way besides DDE and OPC to import data into Smart Alec from external data sources using a client server relationship NOTE There must be a user with a password in order to send data to Smart Alec using sockets For information on how theuser and password are used see Login Sequence on page 141 For setting up users with passwords see Creating user environments on page 102 General steps for communications using sockets Setting the port number 64 In general the steps for using sockets with Smart Alec areas follows L Start and log into Smart A lec See Logging into Smart Alec on page 21 Establish the specific computer port number to use between Smart Alec and the external system See Setting the port number below Initiate a socket connection between the systems Send data from the external data source to Smart Alec For detailed instructions on using sockets to send data into the Smart Alec system please see A ppendix 6 Socket Interface on page
102. onment some people may need to have different access to various applications For example an administrator will need to have full access to all applications while regular users might have access to only a few applications that they use The Smart Alec security system allows users who have sufficient access authorization for applications to create update and delete users Accessing the User Account Security Setup application 102 Susie station User Account Security Setup Application Security Setup Notification Device Interface From the Advanced group on the SA Bar dick onceon User Account Security Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing users User Account Security Setup OF x E File View Help Cel li pae Command pod bea Deviz uuhorenion ied Creating user environments Setting up a user In the user security screen each row shows all the security authorizations for a given user e Select a user by clicking to the left of the row once e Add anew user by clicking the New User button e View duplicate update or delete the chosen user by using the buttons on the toolbar or from the drop down File menu e You can also access the screen to update a user by double clicking to the left of the row Update this user View details Delete for this user this user Duplicate User Account Security Setup this user New user a gt E a
103. ons please see Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces on page 124 Accessing the Notification Device Interface Setup application From the Advanced group on the SA Bar click once on Notification Device Interface Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing notification device interfaces System Administration Notification Device Interface Setup Eie View Help DESEA User Account Security Setup Application Security Setup Interface Name ES Email interface 1 _ Local pager interface 1 _ Main terminal server interface Serial interface 1 Email interface for Alec MAPI Server Local pager interface for Alec Pager Local Terminal server interface for main Terminal Server Wired interface for Alec Serial Notification Device Interface Setup Event Log Manager 114 Identifying notification device interfaces Adding a notification device interface 1 Choose the correct button for the type of notification device interface you wish to add Local Pager Interface Terminal Server Wide area Interface Pager Interface Serial Email Interface Interface Nes tification De vice Inter ace Setup Interface Name ipti Category M Email interface 1 Email interface for Alec MAPI Server m Local pager interface 1 Local pager interface for Alec Pager Local __ Main terminal server interface
104. ons from general management functions Security is set up such that there are levels for authority from 1 greatest authority to 99 least authority That is the lower the number the more authority you have up to the point of your being number 1 The security level is set for each user to determine how much authority the user is granted to access applications functions and system resources The security level is also set for each application function and system resource to determine the minimum authority needed for a user to access them If a user s authorization level is greater than or equal to the minimum needed for that application function or system resource then access is granted to that user User security Security authority authority needed 1 Authority needed minimum 75 99 Security authorization Example 2 User security Security authority User can access the authority needed system resource Authority Authority needed granted 50 minimum 50 m 1 99 Example 3 Security authority User can not access authority needed the system resource Authority needed minimum 5 Authority granted 75 1 99 Where security is used The security system is used for e creating and using system resources i e notification devices variables commands e using applications programs to run some of which can create authorize or change system resources e using application f
105. ou can browse the network to select an OPC server and desired item When the server and item are found OPC considers an item to be a tag until the server and tag are connected to the Smart Alec system NOTE You need to have Microsoft Internet Explorer 4 0 or higher installed to use this function OPC Universal Tag Browser a H E My Computer E i Network Neighborhood cell Seite These Bele ee buttons are e not used by Smart Alec Remove ys These columns are not used by Smart Alec Establishing OPC input data sources 4 When you locate the tag highlight it and click OK In this example indicates that the server ison aremote computer not the local computer where Smart Alec is running Use care when typing the server name in by hand instead of browsing for it Filter allows you to use wild card and gt characters to limit the list of available tags For example you could limit the list of tags shown here to only i Ramp1 through Ramp5 A Random by using a filter of ris te Ramp Since only i Randomd is used here all He Random values are listed ote S Data Access lS ICONICS 1 PLC Bool After clicking OK above Smartt alee Variable to Update New the Add OPC Link OPE server SAMSDNINICONICS Browse
106. plication o the documentation or software vendor for your DDE server application to determine the correct topic for that application In this example the topic identifies the specific worksheet within the Exce workbook specified in the Server Path Item The specific piece of data to be used In this case the cell row and column is used Default Value T such as if the DD d a phabetic and o her special charac he value to be used for the variable when none is supplied E server stops running for any reason Any ata type is string Any numeric values can be ers can no be used used for integer or float but by the DDE data link values can be used if the Filter On checkbox ndicates thai his on Smart Al however small th variable to when DDE server appli he values chang Checking the Filter On checkbox an at change is This the change is grea e you want to filter the DDE data w ec will update the value of the variable whe may cause more processing than you want a Delta Value limits updating of the d setting er than t he plus or min ith a Delta Value If you do not check never the value changes us range NOTE Some cations such as Microsoft Excel update all values whenever any of 50 Delta Value The number that So if the current would be from 3 value o is used to set a p variable is used us
107. positions work in tandem with each other There is an imaginary line between the top half and the bottom half to the display We will call this line the centerline In the example below the Centerline is between the HELLO and the lots of text about basically The centerline divides what is used on the 133 Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill sign for top position commands from what is used for bottom Centerline Establishing the position of the centerline The centerline position is typically established by the first top command received and the rest of the space is used for the bottom If the bottom command comes first the centerline is placed at its highest possible position row 8 allowing for one line of 7 dot characters on the top If the top command comes first and not a bottom the centerline s position is determined by the amount of text following the position command Examples If one 7 dot high line of text is received following atop command the centerline will be fixed at row 8 If one line of 10 dot characters is received following atop command the centerline will be placed at position 11 If two lines of 5 dot high characters are received following atop command the centerline is placed at row 12 5 for each line of text plus the 2 blank rows between the lines Two exceptions to the above rules are as follows 1 2 The cente
108. r Packet Size click Start gt Settings gt Control Panel gt System Next click the Device Manager tab and then Ports Finally double click the COM port you need and then the Port Settings tab The default settings of 9600 baud 8 data bits no parity and one stop bit are recommended D Packet Size The maximum number of bytes the pager can process at a time The default is 175 For details refer to the documentation for the pager or contact your network system administrator 117 Identifying notification device interfaces Terminal server interface Item Name Description A Interface Name Name of the interface as it will be known B Interface Description Description of the interface for clarity Optional C IP Address The four node Internet Protocol address of the terminal server for example 192 40 13 10 Consult your network system administrator if needed 118 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events Managing the log of Smart Alec system events For system support purposes Smart Alec monitors and creates a log of all events that occur within the system This log is available to view by using the Event Log Manager Accessing the Event Log Manager From the Advanced group on the SA Bar dick once on Event Log Manager A screen like the one shown below will appear See the table below for descriptions B 2 F H
109. r instance the tail of a g drops below the main base line of text M New line New page button Allows you to indicate that whatever follows is to go on the next line or the next page of the sign N Object button Allows you to insert time date animation and temperature Counter is also an option but it is not used in the Smart Alec system 0 Variable button Allows you to insert a placeholder for an existing variable P Close box Not available Q Message area Area for message text variables etc as well as controls for the message and its contents R Status bar Indicates current status and error messages S Cursor position indicator Shows the position of the cursor in the message T Date indicator Shows the current date U Time indicator Shows the current time Creating a new message 1 Choose File gt New 2 Enter aname for the message Click OK AC Message Enter the name of the New Message to create Line 1 count Cancel 3 Use the Message Manager buttons and their pop up screens to define the formatting and components of the message An example is shown below 69 Creating messages Rg Message Manager B Fie Edit Tools Help trom a o aon 0 Top Automode Speed 0 Fixed Width Center SS7 Green Line 1 count V Count 1 Mode Mode Justification Font Color Text Variable pause 4 Choose File gt Update 5 You will be prompted to verify that you want to update
110. r or not the variable will flash Default uses whatever flashing state is set for the message immediately preceding the variable E Low Range Optional For a range lower than normal settings e Whenever the value of the trigger variable is equal to or lower than the value set here the variable will be displayed using the color and flashing settings for this low range e Color to use for displaying the variable when in the low range e Whether or not the variable will flash when in the low range e Default uses whatever color or flashing state is set for the message immediately preceding the variable 45 Identifying variables Item Name Description F Normal settings For the normal rang e f Low Limit and or High Limit are set whenever the value of the trigger variable is higher than the low limit and or lower than the high limit the variable will be displayed using the color and flashing settings for this normal range If no limit is set color and flashing for the normal range apply to any value e Color to use for displaying the variable when in the normal range e Whether or not th e variable will flash when in the normal range e Default uses whatever color or flashing state is set for the message immediately preceding the vari able High Range settings Optional For a ran ge higher than normal e Whenever the va here the
111. ranted to any user for applications variables commands and notification devices In other words you decide if users can access a given resource application notification device etc and what functions they can do with it See Creating user environments starting on page 102 Notification Device Interface Setup Event Log Manager Designate the type of hardware the computer uses to send messages to notification devices This is usually done with Notification Device Setup when designating notification devices but can also be done separate y See Identifying notification device interfaces starting on page 114 View alog of all events that occur in Smart Alec See Managing thelog of Smart Alec system events starting on page 119 Flowchart for setting up and using Smart Alec Flowchart for setting up and using Smart Alec Do you need a multi user system Yes Set up application authorizations Page 108 Application Security Setup Set up users User Account Security Setup Page 102 Set up authorization and ownership options Page 93 System Administration NOTE Standard default options are listed in Identifying notification device interfaces starting on page 114 Do you need interfaces with non standard options Yes Set up notification device interfaces Page 114 Notification Device Interface Setup Set up notification devices Page 38 Notification D
112. raphic show up on the sign e Other colors in thegraphic are approximated by thesign as closely as possible using the sign s colors 2 In Microsoft Access open SmartAlec mdb In the database open the TB_Global_Init table 4 For PathToGraphics specify the full path where the graphics files are saved ending the path name with a forward slash Save and close this table 5 Still in Microsoft Access and SmartA lec mdb open theTB_ graphic table 6 Specify the graphic files to be used e Specify name and description as desired e For the Filename specify the complete name of the graphic including the extension but not the full pathname 7 Saveand closetheTB_graphic table and SmartA lec mdb 8 Open Smart Alec If Smart Alec was open before setting the PathToGraphics restart Smart Alec so the new path in Step 4 will be registered correctly 9 Open the Message Editor and choose a new or existing message w 138 Appendix 5 Including graphics in Smart Alec messages e Enter any desired text e Specify the graphic to display using this format 11 1 e The 11 indicates that it s a graphic to be included and the 1 is the graphic D number as seen in the TB_graphic table These ID numbers are automatically generated and remain static for the life of the record in this table 10 Save the message 11 Optional Check the syntax of the message Tools gt Message Syntax Check If a mes
113. rator applications System Administration User Account Security Setup and Application Security Setup In asingle user environment the authorization level should remain at 50 for all new users To create a multi user environment the Smart A lec administrator can change either the update or detail values for any application in Application Security Setup or for a user s security in User Account Security Setup Doing this can block access to functions for these users The graphic below indicates the meaning of the Application Security Setup window 109 Authorizing applications and application functions Details button allows you to view but not to change values in this application Update Value indicates the level of authorization Update button allows you to view and change values a user needs in order to be able to change any values in that application Application Security Setup mE pea S Detail Value indicates the Click in this MA AppSecurity exe column to aa exe jo E level of authorization a select an DDElnput exe 50 50 user needs in order to be application afent a able to view any values in __ Message Manager exe 50 T50 that application Without sufficient authority here _JOPCDataS ourceSetup exe 50 50 the user will not even be s ae a a able to
114. rline is never placed higher than 8rows from the top of the sign The centerline is never placed lower than 8 rows from the bottom of the sign Note This ensures that there is always room for one line of 7 dot high characters on the top or bottom including one blank row Onceits position is established the centerline remains fixed at that position until a fill or middle position command is received All subsequent top or bottom position commands use the amount of space set 134 Centerline Middle position Fill position Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill by the position of the centerline You cannot change the position of the centerline with a second top bottom command Example Message Top H old Green SS5 Bottom H old lots of text about basically nothing The middle position is treated as though it were one line as many dots high as the sign is tall Each line of text presented on that line is prescanned to determine the largest piece of text or graphic object to be displayed The line of text is then vertically centered based on that largest object For example if you have a line of text which has mostly 5 high characters but has one 10 high character the line is viewed as a 10 row high line Assuming this is a 24 row sign that would leave 14 extra rows 7 blanks on thetop and 7 blank rows on the bottom All text and objects are then lined up to this new virtua
115. rt automatically Simply follow the on screen instructions Table 1 Installation notes Condition Instructions Ifthe Smart Alec installation process does not start automatically you can start if manually 1 Select Start gt Run 2 Type E setup exe where Eis the letter of the CD ROM drive 3 Click OK If you already have Smart Alec installed on the computer this version of Smart Alec will ask if you want to migrate your database If you answer No you will lose all data It is also suggested that you back up your database before installing this version of Smart Alec Should you have problems with migration call Adaptive s Technical Support department at 1 800 558 7022 If you get a message that the database cannot be migrated it may be because there is more than one DDE source for providing data to the same variable Please contact Adaptive Micro Systems Technical Support department at 1 800 558 7022 for assistance If you get a message that you need to update your Windows 95 computer for Y2K fun these programs located on the CD in this order 1 w95y2k exe 2 w95ws2setup exe Then manually reboot 3 y2kvdhcp exe 4 corpupd exe he computer If you have been using security authorization in the current system In order to use the online Help system for Smart Alec or to supply OPC data to Smart Alec after install
116. s function differs from these generic functions it is described in a section for that application The function for Add is described for each application and gives explanations for all properties for the item being added Duplicating an item You can duplicate any item and changethename and Since you can t change the name any properties of an item with the Update 1 Highlight the row for the item to copy Then function use duplicating to either choose File gt Duplicate click the Duplicate rename an item button or right click on the row and select 1 Create a copy DupLicate 2 Rename it 3 Delete the original Duplicate button as Command Manager Command Name m Delete all messages Display Command Erase all messages Production Hammer 1 Pressure Display Command Add message Hammer 1 Pressure Production ha ee Line 1 Count Display Command Add message Line 1 count Production 0 pT Line 1 Defects Display Command Add message Line 1 Defects Warehouse 1 Alp 0 Click In this column to gt Line 2 Count Display Command Add message Line 2 Count Production Yes 0 i ine 2 Defects isplay Comman message Line 2 Defects arehouse 2 Alp Yes select an item Line 2 Def Display C d Add Line 2 Def Wareh 2 Alp 0 m Production goal Line 1 Display Command Add message Production goal Line Group i Total defects Display Command Add message Total defects L1 amp 2 Group
117. s is by using OPC OLE for Process Control See Establishing OPC input data sources starting on page 54 Socket data source setup Sockets area third way besides DDE and OPC to bring data into Smart Alec to provide values for variables Smart Alec does not havea specific application for sockets but there is a process to follow See Importing external data using sockets starting on page 64 Smart Alec applications 10 Smart Alec Shutdown Close all of the Smart Alec applications that do the background processing See Shutting the Smart Alec system down starting on page 33 System Administration Used by the system administrator for system wide or high level settings See System Administration starting on page 93 Application Security Setup There are two applications which can be used to create a multi user system with security capability Application Security Setup and User Account Security Setup Application Security Setup designates what level of authorization is needed by any user to access specific applications and the functions in each If the level of authorization assigned to a user is greater than or equal to the level of authorization needed then access is granted See Authorizing applications and application functions starting on page 108 User Account Security Setup In a multi user system User Account Security Setup can be used to designate what level of authorization is g
118. s the data correctly I deleted a variable and now the Smart Alec system is running very slowly Why might this be The variable may have been supplied with data by an OPC datasource If so you also need to delete that link in OPC Data Source Setup This is not a problem if the data is supplied by a DDE data source It doesn t seem as if messages are getting sent to notification devices What can I do Under any of the following conditions you must shut down the Smart Alec system and then restart it before you can use the change e After adding a notification device e After adding a notification device interface e After losing a connection to a device e After adding a DDE or OPC input data source You should not need to shut down and restart Smart A lec under these conditions e Adding or changing a variable e Adding or changing a message e After losing a connection to a DDE input data source Even if you did not recently add a component listed above try Start gt Programs gt Smart Alec again You do not need to shut down Smart A lec before doing this If any Smart Alec background processing applications were not running for any reason this will re start e SABar exe the primary user interface SA evtmgr exe the background event manager Sockhandler exe the background socket data manager Saopcsv exe the background OPC data manager DDEInputH andler exe the background DDE data manager If this does not run i
119. s the message or specified text in a fixed place for several seconds Alternating rows of dots enter from each direction of a sign and interlock to form the message in the center of the sign Rolls the characters in the message in their entirety onto the sign in the desired direction You can choose to roll up down left right in or out Rotates a message from right to left across the sign without stopping For certain signs text can be condensed or standard Moves the message one line at a time from bottom to top of the sign The previous line is pushed off the sign The message moves onto the sign from one direction to the other one character at a time The dots of each character in the message fall randomly onto the sign as if it s snowing The message sparkles onto the sign by randomly filling the letters of the message at the start of the message display only The message is sprayed onto and across the sign left to right column by column and character by character Random starbursts explode over and around letters of the message on the sign Alternating characters of the message slide onto the sign from different directions that is the first character slides up the next down etc The message appears in its entirety in a twinkling effect with lights flickering off and on for the duration of the message display The message is wiped onto the sign in the direction specified filling in each of the characters row by row or colu
120. sage be sure that there is a rule for the variable set in Variable Rule Manager e The address might not be correct for that notification device See Adding a notification device ALPHA pager email on page 39 e Thesign might not have Smart Alec firmware e The RS232 RS485 jumper for a 4000 or 7000 series sign might not be set correctly See the Network Configurations manual PN 9708 8046 Double check to make sure everything is set up correctly You can use the Flowchart for setting up and using Smart Alec on page 11 as a guide Why aren t variables in my messages showing up Be sure there is a source for the data DDE OPC or sockets See Establishing DDE input data sources on page 47 Establishing OPC input data sources on page 54 or Importing external data using sockets on page 64 A DDE OPC or socket server may not be running or the link may not be correctly set up Check the server and the physical connections to it Q4 Q5 Q6 Appendix 7 Troubleshooting Why aren t the variables in my messages getting updated even though they showed up in the message when it started Most likely the DDE or OPC server is no longer running Check the server and the physical connections to it However the variable should still be displayed with the default value What happens if the DDE or OPC source is already running before Smart Alec starts This is not a problem Smart Alec is able to acces
121. sage of Smart Alec generally can only access applications for using the system not those for setting up the system Setting up the Smart Alec software A number of things must be set up in the Smart A lec environment for first time use e Identify system resources notification devices notification device interfaces and variables and possibly variable categories e Establish input data sources such as DDE OPC or sockets Default settings are provided for Also if thisisa Ue system each system resource user and e Create user environments application e Authorize applications and application functions for each user The sections following explain what must be done 37 Identifying notification devices Identifying notification devices Notification Device Setup is used to designate the names and properties to be used for places where messages will be displayed i e signs pagers and email Notification devices have properties Examples of some properties that may be required are e Device name e Description e Address e Notification device interface to use e Pin number e Packet size e Authorization level Accessing the Notification Device Setup application Variable Setup chs DDE Data Source Setup OPC Data Source Setup 38 From the System Setup group on the SA Bar click once on Notification Device Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing notification
122. sage with a graphic included is running and then the graphic is changed the graphic in the current message will not change To use the changed graphic send acommand to delete the original message Then either 1 create a new message including the changed graphic and send a new display command for the new message or 2 select the original command with the original message and choose File gt Schedule Activities reset the schedule and send this command for the original message 139 Appendix 6 Socket Interface Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide Purpose Definitions Theory of Operation 140 The purpose of this appendix is to serve as a guide for a developer writing software to interface with Smart Alec through the Socket Input Handler e ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange A set of values corresponding to numbers letters symbols and codes for exchanging information Used in computing to send data across various lines of transmission e Null terminated string A series of ASCII characters ending with a byte valued at 0 Thisis similar to the standard implementation of a C character string class The Socket Input H andler acts as a direct interface into the system It handles a Data Source Variable change of state COS process You connect to the socket handler using a standard socket implementation for any computer platform and the Port number found in the main Smart Alec datab
123. srssrssrssrssresresnesnesrses 108 Identifying notification deviceinterfaces sessssesssessrsssesresresnssresrenntsnentesnnnnnnnntnnnnnnns 114 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events s se seessessssrisrrsrrssisrirrsrrninninnrsnrennenne 119 AppadidES e aoier aaar aaa aN eaaa a aiana aaa aa a aaa 123 Appendix 1 Smart Alec computer requirements se sesssessessssrtsrrsrtssierrsrrentenienrsntennns 123 Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces eect eeteteteeeeeteteteneneneees 124 iii iv Appendix 3 Understanding modes ON SIGNS eeeeeee tees eeteteeeteeeeeseeeeeeeteaeeeeeeeeeneee 128 Appendix 4 Understanding line positions Top Middle Bottom Fill s s s 130 Appendix 5 Including graphics in Smart Alec Messages eeeeeeeteteteteteteteteteeeeeteees 138 Appendix 6 Socket Interface oo eceeececcteteeeeeceeeeeeeeeceseeeeeeeeneaeseaeaeeeneasaseeeeeeasasieeeeeeneaees 140 Appendix 7 Troubleshooting o ee eeeeeeteteteteeeeeseeteeeeeteseeeeeeeeteasaeaeseeeteaseeaeeeeeaseeeeeeeneaees 152 Append ix 8 GlOSSary inisi araia ied aa Rare aE Naa Aaaa TERET A a Audie tical 158 Installing Smart Alec software NOTE Please be sure that your computer system meets the requirements for installation These are listed in Appendix 1 Smart Alec computer requirements on page 123 To install the Smart A lec system insert the Smart Alec CD in your CD drive The Smart Alec installation process will sta
124. t are not in the same building and possibly not in the same city It works best when message data does not change rapidly tr Ta Modem PC with Smart Alec software Terminal server interface Appendix 2 Types of Notification Device Interfaces A terminal server notification device interface uses a Local Area N etwork cabling system to transmit messages to a device with an IP address on the LAN For specific information about Alpha Ethernet A dapters refer to Networking ALPHA signs with ALPHA Ethernet Adapters PN 9708 8093 PC LAN network terminal server box sign sign sign etc PC with mart Alec software D A VUELTA ALPHA sign a ALPHA sign ff Alpha Ethernet Adapter PC with Smart Alec software Terminal Server LAN 127 Appendix 3 Understanding modes on signs Appendix 3 Understanding modes on signs Mode Automode Flash Hold Interlock Roll Rotate Scroll Up Slide Snow Sparkle Spray Starburst Switch Twinkle Wipe 128 Modes are special effects used to change the way a message appears on a sign Table 2 How modes function Function This is the default mode which actually consists of using all other modes available to each sign If no other mode is selected the message will appear in Automode All characters flash off and on from the point of flash mode until the point where another mode is selected if any Hold
125. t have more than one user but all users have full access rights to all applications application functions and system inputs and resources A unique number identifying one notification deviceina system A serial notification device interface uses cables to connect ALPHA SA signs into a network and messages are sent over this cabling See Serial interface on page 124 Hardware and or data within the Smart Alec messaging system that are created and managed by Smart Alec applications Examples are notification devices notification device interfaces and variables Verb Initiate cause start Noun Something that causes an action to occur Adjective If you have enough update authorization for an application that application will also appear in the SA Bar for you You will be able to view details and in addition you will be able to make changes using that application Verb To change to current value The interval time in milliseconds for the OPC server to wait before updating the values of all the items in the entire Smart Alec group Any person who is both authorized and set up to submit information in any way to Smart Alec Each user has not only a name and password but also is authorized for applications system resources data and processing Variable Variable rule Appendix 8 Glossary A variable represents real time as it happens data that can change e g temperature or production rat
126. t may be that the external data source is not running before starting Smart Alec Start the external data source and then start Smart A lec e Ez95dm the data manager for data in messages to signs Ez95sv the server for messages to signs e Alphaout converts messages that people can read into a format that the notification device can use e Actsrvr the manager for all activities 153 Appendix 7 Troubleshooting In Windows you can see which programs are running by pressing Ctrl Alt Del together onetime Be sure to choose Cancel here rather than End Task or Shut Down Q8 How can I be sure that a pager notification device is set up as alphanumeric A All pager devices are assumed to be alphanumeric 154 Hardware diagnostics Appendix 7 Troubleshooting When adding signs to a network of signs in the Smart Alec system you can perform atest to determine if anew sign is correctly connected The Hardware Diagnostics program allows instant verification that the network is set up correctly and a sign is connected correctly Signs can be attached to the network at any time which means that a sign can be connected to the network while Hardware Diagnostics is running and the sign will respond to the tests within seconds 1 In Explorer run HW Diag exe which is found on the original Smart Alec CD in a directory called Support I Com I Com2 M Com3 C Alpha x Alpha SA 2 Select the correct COM
127. t sequentially with only the null terminator in between Each class and subclass has its own packet definition for number of strings to send and rules for format This type of packet alters the value of a variable already existing in the Smart Alec system Typically this is used to update a variable on a display device give notice of an event or display general information Packet Definition Class SubClass 8 8 143 Appendix 6 Socket Interface 144 Login Packet Description Arguments 2 arguments are expected for this type of message packet Name Var_Name Limits 32 characters Description Name of the variable as identified in the database Name Var_Cur Limits 128 characters Description Updated value of the variable in null terminated string format This is the first packet that needs to be sent into the system If the login values do not match up with a user in the Smart Alec system the Socket Input Handler returns an Error Packet indicating an invalid login and the connection will be terminated If this is not the first packet sent an Error Packet is returned indicating that the user is not logged in yet and the session will be terminated If a second login is attempted after a successful login has already occurred on this connection an Error Packet is returned indicating that the user is already logged in and the session continues Packet Definition Class 1 SubClass 1 Ar
128. ter Variables Graphics See Appendix 5 Including graphics in Smart Alec messages on page 138 A message does not include the following which are designated using Command Manager for the message Scheduling Destination Execution or Run Priority Creating messages Accessing the Message Manager application From the System Use group on the SA Bar click once on Message Manager A gray screen like the one shown below will appear the first time you start Message Manager After you create one or more messages when you start up Message Manager it will show the first message in the list Ea Message Manager File Edit Tools Help A X Ss AS Ewen Klan 4 Oo Command Manager Variable Rule Manager NOTE When you first create messages and the commands for them you may want to practice with afew messages to achieve different effects on the notification device You can use the preview function described starting on page 70 for this 67 Creating messages Components of the Message Manager window The picture below is representative of the Message Manager window See the table below for explanations of the components AILBICT 0 LE LE TS I LT GE USI Ba EP lag o w ow EH R S T U Item Name Des
129. thers Some examples of variables are temperature production speeds counts on off settings alarms and security lock status See Identifying variables on page 42 for detailed instructions In this example the amount of sales 12 345 is the variable D SALES NEWS f Sales today 12 345 Rules predefined conditions with resulting actions can be set for governing what happens when the value of a variable changes Smart Alec constantly monitors variables for a change in their values When there is a change any rule associated with that variable will be analyzed and its actions may be triggered Examples of possible actions include starting or stopping a message and updating the value of a variable if it is included in any message See Managing the log of Smart Alec system events on page 119 for detailed instructions One of the most important concepts to understand is that you can use variables and variable rules to control things that happen in Smart Alec Both a variable and a rule controlling the results of a change in its value can trigger an action in Smart Alec Working with Smart Alec application components Working with Smart Alec application components The functions for Duplicate Update Details and Delete are similar in each Smart A lec application This section describes these functions generically using the Variable Rule Manager as an example for the application items Where an application
130. this message Select the OK button Ate Message x lt Would you like to Update L1 count Previewing a message 1 Click on the Preview button Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help L1 count x Top Automode Speed 0 Fixed Width Center SS7 Green Line 1 count 2 This gives a list of notification devices available for previewing Messages can only be previewed on ALPHA SA signs Choose the sign to which 70 Selecting a different message Creating messages you want to send the message Then click on the Send button Preview Message Name L1 count Warehouse 1 Alpha SA sign Fen ea 3 The message will appear on the chosen sign temporarily overriding any other messages When you are done previewing the message click the Done button Any other messages will resume display Preview Message Name L1 count Warehouse 1 Alpha SA sign 4 oon 1 Click on the message selection drop down box Top Automode Spee NUE Width Center SS7 Green Line 1 count 71 Creating messages Changing a message Deleting a message 72 PWNE This gives a list of all the messages available Click on the message you want to edit New message E L1 count L2 count PX Ss A Owe Middle Roll Lef SS7 Green Line 1 temperature V Temperature 1 v L1 temperature The message you choose is shown in the message name box and the message area A Messag
131. this statement If this statement is not set correctly either nothing will happen or the wrong action will be taken Ownership Public e D Line 1 defects New Private fline 1 defects is critical only total is tracked IF Line 1 defects gt 10 oy ME etc en ce Each row of this H J K L aaa table creates a IF faaitftine Tdefects is geaterthan gt IO Tike the phrase in the ano lleaiftre2aeecsTegewerten gt E seem conditional THEN al zj edit Total defects T tohea command a E A statement fe Add Apply Cancel Item Name Description A Rule name Type the name by which the rule is to be called B Trigger Variable Select the variable to be used to start this rule s test C New Use this button when you need to create a new variable to use as the trigger for the rule s evaluation D Ownership Specify who can access and use this rule Available only if activated by the administrator e Public This rule can be used by anyone Use this in a single user system e Private This rule can only be used by the person who created it Use this only ina multi user system E Description Type the description of the rule for clarity Optional F Format Shows the complete format of the rule you create Automatically entered by Smart Alec as you complete the sections of the rule
132. thorization for details application access but not enough to update applications can only access the details function in any Smart Alec applications to which he has authority This is especially common in a multi user system configuration where some users only need to view data in the Smart Alec system Authorizing applications and application functions Accessing the Application Security Setup application From the Advanced group on the SA Bar click once on Application Security Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing existing settings Application Security Setup Ele View BA D exe __ DCGroup exe 5a a DDElnput exe 50 50 _ Devicelntertace exe 50 50 Bs EventLogManager exe 50 50 _ Message Manager exe 50 50 Bw NDGroup exe 50 50 __ NotificationD eviceS etup exe 50 50 JOPCDataS ourceS etup exe 50 50 SAShutdown exe 50 50 Security exe 5 5 SystemAdministration exe 5 5 VariableRuleManager exe 50 50 Variable etup exe System Administration User Account Serurity Setup Notification Device Interface Setup Event Log Manager Authorizing application security The initial value for update and detail authorization levels is automatically preset to 50 for all users except for the system installed user Alec and for all applications except for the administ
133. to a device 4 After adding aDDE or OPC input data source You do not need to shut down and restart Smart Alec under these conditions 1 Adding or changing a variable 2 Adding or changing a message 3 After losing a connection to a DDE input data source Individual user applications To close any individual user application for setup and management of the system use any of these methods e Click the Close button available for all Smart Alec applications e Choose Exit from the application s File menu e Press Alt 4 File menu Application Name Jf File View Help File R button C New cN ey Five Variable One Oh Duplicate ou Variable Two Variable Three tj Update g e i i Variable Four X Delete Ctrl D i Variable Five Variable Six Variable Seven Ready CAPS IS 10 27 98 4 01 PM 33 Shutting the Smart Alec system down All background processor applications To closeall of the Smart A lec applications that do the background processing click Smart Alec Shutdown in the System Use button group on the SA Bar Display Command Group Manager q Smart Alec Shutdown NOTE Running Smart Alec Shutdown will stop all processing of messages and commands In Windows you can seewhich programs are running by pressing Ctrl Alt Del together but then be sure to choose Cancel here rather than End Task or Shut Down Also be sure you don t press Ctrl Alt Del tw
134. ule Command Check this on if you want to specify a time frame for this command Optional checkbox K Schedule Information Allows you to set the start date and time and end date and time L Recurrence button When the command is scheduled you can click this button to bring up the options for repeating his command The o ptions are e Daily every x number of days or every weekday e Weekly every x number of week With an end date none after x number of occurrences or by a specified date s on specific days 3 4 Specify the Command Name and Description Choose an Action from the available options in the drop down list Choose a Message if applicable from the available options in the drop down list Set the Execution Priority and Run Priority Click the Destination button to bring up the list as in the next step 79 Using commands to control messages 8 Select one or more Destinations by clicking or Control Click or Shift Click on a Destination and then on the double arrow button Then click OK Member Group List Select Type Name or Select From List Single destinations_ John Jones Line 1 Warehouse 1 Alpha Sa sign Welcome sign Offices Warehouses Group destinations lt _ To remove a destination from the list on the right click on it and press the Delete key Cancel 9 Specify the Owner Available only if activated by the
135. unctions view details make updates 97 Security authorization Security system controls Applications Resources Data Processing 98 If you have enough details authorization to use an application that application will appear inthe SA Bar for you You will be able to use that application and view details of any data in it If you have enough update authorization for an application that application will also appear inthe SA Bar for you You will be able to view details and in addition you will be ableto make changes using that application Some applications can create and manage system resources If you have sufficient details authorization for a system resource you will be able to view details of any system resource data For system resource applications if you have sufficient update authorization you will be able to view details and in addition you will be able to make changes to system resources Some applications can create data that can be designated as public or private Each user who creates data in one of these applications determines whether that data is to be available to other users public or to only himself private when anyone is using that application Then when that application is to present data to any user the application checks to see if the data requested is for public use or only for private use If the user is the creator of the data or if the data is for public use
136. uthorization level a user would need to access this notification device authorization level Available only if activated by the Smart Alec administrator Only available when setting up a new email interface 41 Identifying variables Identifying variables Variable Setup is used to designate real time as it happens variables to be available in Smart Alec Variables represent values that can change at any time The values for the variable can come from a number of places outside of Smart Alec such as a production line a spreadsheet manual data entry and others For amore complete definition of variable see page 163 Accessing the Variable Setup application From the System Setup group on the SA Bar click once on Variable Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing variables SA Bar Tor System Setup Variable Setup OF x Eie View Help Co CS we Xx amp Variable Variable Name ipti Category Authorization Data Type Level Float Notificatinn Device Setup Variable Setup 3 DDE Data Source Setup gt Beene Temperature of coolant in Vat1 Temperature variables 5 Hammer 1 pressure Pressure of Hammer 1 in Ib in Power variables OPC Data Source Setup NOTE Ifyou deletea variable which receives its value from an OPC data source besure to also delete the link to that OPC data source 42 Identifying variables Adding a variable 1
137. variable high range ue of the trigger variable is equal to or higher than the value set will be displayed using the color and flashing settings for this e Color to use for displaying the variable when in the high range e Whether or not the variable will flash when in the high range e Default uses whatever color or flashing state is set for the message immediately preceding the vari able 4 Complete the Security tab if your Smart Alec system is using Authorization Levels This tab wi II not be present if the administrator has not set Authorization Levels on Refer to Components of the System A dministration wi ndow on page 94 Add Variables Security Authorization Level wor ceea Item Name Description Authorization Level Security level needed to use the variable Default is 5 46 5 W hen all values are set click Add or Apply and the new variable is displayed in the list of variables Establishing DDE input data sources Establishing DDE input data sources DDE Data Source Setup is used to designate what data will be coming from outside of Smart Alec using DDE Dynamic Data Exchange where it will come from and how you want to use it The link to this data is used to provide values for variables Smart Alec acts a DDE client It needs a DDE server to communicate with in order to provide values for variables Many
138. y Setup 5 5 CommandManager exe Command Manager 50 50 DCGroup exe Display Command Group Manager 50 50 DDEInput exe DDE Data Source Setup 50 5 Devicelnterface exe Notification Device Interface Setup 50 5 EventLogManager exe Event Log Manager 50 5 Message Manager exe Message Manager 50 50 NDGroup exe Notification Device Group Manager 50 50 NotificationDeviceSetup exe Notification Device Setup 50 5 OPCDataSourceSetup exe OPC Data Source Setup 50 5 SAShutdown exe Smart Alec Shutdown 50 5 Security exe User Account Security Setup 5 5 SystemAdministration exe System Administration 5 5 VariableRuleManager exe Variable Rule Manager 50 50 VariableSetup exe Variable Setup 50 5 112 Authorizing applications and application functions Viewing application authorization levels 1 Highlight the application by clicking in the column to the left of that application Then click the Details button Application Security Setup Eie View Help BG e pplication fee Details button Update n 5 5 Click here to AppSecurity exe CommandM anager exe 50 50 select the a DCGroup exe 50 50 application DDEInputere 50 50 Devicelnterface exe 50 50 m EventLogManager exe 50 50 a Message Manager exe 50 50 __ NOGroup exe 50 50 _ NotificationD eviceS etup exe 50 50 JOPCDataSourceS etup exe 50 50 __ SAShutdown exe 50 50 Security exe 5 5 SystemAdministration ex

Smart Alec® User Manual - Alpha

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Smart Alec&reg; User Manual - Alpha

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Smart Alec® User Manual - Alpha