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Smart Alec® User Manual - Alpha

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1. Feature Name Function M Right click Right click on the name of the item to show properties and allow updating N Row height Click and drag the bottom edge of the row to adjust the height of the row O 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 windows in Smart Alec The table following indicates its features and functions Ko Field gt key One x Property One Property Two Type Three x Property Three flocationSik sss e m Feature Name Description A Item name Name of the item selected Cannot be changed after the item is created If 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 C Drop down selection Allows selection of items already created D Add Update Adds or updates this one item and exits this window 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 F Cancel Exits this window without making any changes 21 Working with Smart Alec application components Working with Smart Alec application components Duplicating an item Since you can t change the name of an item with the Update function use duplica
2. I Io mn My oO ya oy e a A 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 Add Display Command 8 2 1999 6 00 00 AM 8 2 1999 4 00 00 PM Using commands to control messages 70 Item Name Description A Command Name Name of the command B Description A more complete explanation of the command C Action What you want to be done with the message s e Add a single message e Delete a single message e Erase all messages from the display or e Replace all messages with a single message D Message Name Select a message for the action Valid for all Actions except Erase all messages Execution Priority The level of authority needed by a user to execute this command F Run Priority The priority of this command on the display to be compared with other commands being executed on that display G Destination button Click this to bring up a list of available destinations to select from H Destination The list of one or more destinations selected for executing this command Owner Specify who can access and use this command 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
3. Add DDE Link Service Excel Topic fie ook1 xls Sheet1 A B C p 13c2 D p Server Path JC Book1 xls TE _ lt P Default Value E F LG H Datta Class Ascii Printable 7 FT Smart Alec Variable to Update l Max defects Line 1 z M Filter On a Delta Value fo Apply Cancel Item Name Description A Service Name of the application the data comes from B Topic Refer to the documentation for your DDE server application to determine the correct topic for that application In this example the topic identifies the specific Excel workbook you want set off by brackets and the specific worksheet within that workbook For Excel you must identify both the workbook and the individual worksheet if there is more than one worksheet If there is only one worksheet in that workbook then you can simply type the name of the workbook rather than specify workbook and worksheet C Item The specific piece of data to be used In this case the cell row and column is used D Server path The full path to the file for the DDE data source If the file is on a computer other than the one where Smart Alec is running you must include both the server and full path to the file See your network administrator to determine the best way to specify the Server path to that computer NOTE The DDE server application must be ru
4. DDE Data Source Setup Email MAPI Server Email interface 1 System Resource Management AlphaNumeric z Pager Local Local pager interface 1 4120 Serial Serial interface 1 12 3 98 11 20 AM 46 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 Notilication Device Setup P HO Email l _ Email 5 __ MAPI Server _ Emailinterface 1 m John Jones AlphaNumeric 5 Pager Local Local pager interface 1 Warehouse 1 Alpha SA sign 4120 5 Serial Serial interface 1 Ready 11 20 4M 2 For this example we will add an ALPHA SA device as shown here See the table below for explanations A Add Alpha SA Device B Name welcome sian Welcome sign C Ne Description JExtemal corporate sign D Device Type noce O CS L interface Category Seia t lt s sYS E Interface Name Serialintertacet I F Notification Device Authorization Level 5 A Device Address Booo H l gt Advanced Apply Cancel Item Name Description A Device name Name of the device as it will be known B Device description Description of the device for clarity Optional C Device type Mo
5. sew Two Pope Thee e Variable One 50 50 Variable Two 50 5 Variable Three 5 Variable Four 5 Variable Five 5 Variable Six 5 Variable Seven Oo Z 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 C Duplicate this item Duplicate the item selected and show its properties so 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 updated as needed You can also access the screen to update an item by double clicking to the left of the row See L 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 What s this button After you click on another section of the window information about that section will be displayed Not in effect in Smart Alec at this time H Search function Use this after selecting a column to search for a specific value Minimize button Put the application down to the Windows task bar J Resize button Toggle the size of the window K Close button Close this application L Item selection Click in this column to select an item or double click to open it See D 20 How the Smart Alec windows work
6. A Message Manager File Edit Tools Help Uhighdefects ay X AlO iEn 4 Fill Hold Speed 0 SS Green Line 1 max defects Red V Defects 1 Changing a message 1 Select the message to be changed 2 Make the changes you need 3 Choose File gt Update 4 You willbe prompted to verify that you want to update this message Select the OK button NOTE A changed message will only be displayed as changed after a it is deleted from and resent to the notification device with Command Manager or b the Smart Alec system is restarted Deleting a message 1 Select the message to be deleted 2 Choose File gt Delete 63 Creating messages 3 You will be prompted to verify the delete Rg Delete Message Would you like to Delete L1 high defects OK Cancel 4 The message will be deleted and the next message in the list will be displayed Displaying a message on a notification device To actually display a message on a notification device there must be a command for it See Using commands to control messages on page 67 If you have changed a message the change will only take effect after 1 acommand is issued for a different message and then a command is issued to replace the old changed message with the new changed message or 2 the Smart Alec system is restarted NOTE Restarting the system does not reissue commands which were in progress before the restar
7. 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 level of 50 has been established for a general level user while a 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 28 for detailed instructions for setting up individual users General user lower authorization discretionarily 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 Smart Alec for all applica
8. General steps for communications using sockets In general the steps for using sockets with Smart Alec are as follows 1 Start and log into Smart Alec See Logging into Smart Alec on page 7 2 Establish the specific computer port number to use between Smart Alec and the external system See Accessing the Socket Handler Setup application below 3 Initiate a socket connection between the systems Send data from the external data source to Smart Alec Please see Appendix 6 SA 2 1 Socket Interface API Process Guide on page 104 for detailed instructions on using sockets to send data into the Smart Alec system Accessing the Socket Handler Setup application From the System Resource Setup group on the SA Bar click once on Socket Handler Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear 56 Establishing socket input data sources ij Socket Handler Setup of x Eie Help Port Number DPE aout HUD LI Socket Handler Setup cl Command Manager L Message Manager System Resource Management Setting the port number 1 Type the port number to use for the socket connection Valid port numbers are 1025 and above The default port number is 8150 2 Click OK 57 Creating messages Managing the Smart Alec system When using the Smart Alec system you can e Create messages e Create and schedule commands for messages e Group notification devices
9. Security exe User Account Security Setup SocketHandlerS etup exe Socket Handler Setup VariableRuleM anager exe Variable Rule Manager VariableS etup exe Variable Setup 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 Authorization Application Authorization P Eg Eile View Help a E y Application E Detail Value Pee ecurity exe i Update button Click in this column to select an application _ Command anager exe DCGroup exe DDEInput exe Devicelntertace exe _ DisplayCommandS etup exe EventLogAck exe _ EventLogManager exe NDGroup exe NotificationDeviceS etup exe Saeditor exe SAShutdown exe Security exe _ SocketHandlerSetup exe _ VariableRuleManager exe VariableS etup exe Remember the owerinumoers 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 Application AppSecurity exe
10. A way for a user to communicate a request fora 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 Details If you have enough 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 Dynamic Data Exchange Dynamic Data Exchange or DDE for short is a 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 100 External data source Message Appendix 5 Glossary 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 examp
11. Class 0 SubClass 3 Arguments 1 Argument is expected for this type of message packet Name Success M essage Limits 32 characters Description A string indicating nature of the error that the Socket Input Handler encoun 111 Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide tered with this packet These errors are explained in the Return Information Reference 112
12. Designate the type of hardware the computer uses to send messages to notification devices See Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces on page 96 for descriptions and examples Variable Setup Designate variables to be available in Smart Alec Variables represent values that can change at any time When there is a change ina variable s value actions set up in Variable Rule Manager see below can be triggered Variable Rule Manager Designate rules to govern variables what is done with them and what happens when their values change A rule is a pre defined set of one or more conditions with possible resulting actions A rule is associated with a variable and is implemented when the 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 Smart Alec applications User Account Security Setup Designate what level of authorization is granted 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 Application Security Setup Designate 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 authorizatio
13. 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 34 for detailed instructions 17 How Smart Alec uses variables How Smart Alec uses variables Variable Setup is used to identify variables to be used in Smart Alec Variables represent values that can change at any time The values can come from a number of places such as a production line a spreadsheet and others Some examples of variables are temperature or production rates alarms and security lock status See Identifying variables on page 50 for detailed instructions In this example the amount of sales 12 345 is the variable A SALES NEWS Sales today 12 345 Types of variable rules 18 Various rules pre defined conditions with resulting actions govern variables what is done with them and what
14. Optional C Ownership Specify who can access and use this display command group 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 79 Using variable rules Using variable rules Use Variable Rule Manager to designate rules pre defined conditions with resulting actions Please see How Smart Alec uses variables on page 18 for more information Accessing the Variable Rule Manager From the System Resource Management 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 Variable Rule Manager _jolx Eile View Help S eco Khe poene a ee ape gt Units Line 1 Number of units processed on Line 1 Counter Rule Count 1 eal Temperature 1 alarm Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 1 3 41 PM Adding a variable rule There are three types of variable rules They are explained in Types of variable rules on page 18 All three will be shown here 80 Using variable rules Adding a counter rule 1 Choose the button to add a new counter rule Variable Rule Manager of x El
15. You will need to consult the third party source for any needed assistance Serial interface A serial notification device interface uses cables to connect ALPHA SA signs into a network and messages are sent over this cabling A serial interface works best when all the notification devices are in one building PC sign sign sign etc ALPHA sign a ALPHA sign Email interface An email notification device interface sends messages over a network using an email service PC LAN network PC used as email distributor PC email PC with email recipient PC with Smart Alec software PC as email distributor O HW E 96 Local pager interface Wide area pager interface Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces A local pager notification device interface uses a transmitter attached to a computer and a wireless receiver attached to a notification device Messages are sent from the computer via a transmitter to wireless receivers and pagers attached to the notification devices The advantage of this connection method is that wiring does not have to be strung between notification devices PC pager base station pager or pager to sign Data Receiver Data Receiver op PC with Smart Alec software A wide area pager notification device interface uses a modem attached to your computer and
16. message If the value goes outside either the high or low threshold it will be displayed with a different appearance from the normal way it s displayed e g color flashing or not Only works on variables used in a message not the text Display Command Rule A rule to identify 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 This rule is in the format of 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 Ifsales gt 1000 and net profit gt 1 million then display the congratulations message 19 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 Details and Delete are described generically below The New Item function is described in general below and is described in detail individually in the section for each Smart Alec application DI E F G H IJ J K
17. once on Application Security Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing existing settings Application Authorization Application Authorization P Eg Ele View Help urity e z p ee com lt anager exe Application Security Setup DCGroup exe DDEInput exe __ Devicelntertace exe _ DisplayCommandS etup exe EventLogAck exe EventLogManager exe NDGroup exe __ NotificationD eviceS etup exe Saeditor exe SAShutdown exe Security exe SocketHandlerSetup exe _ VariableRuleManager exe VariableS etup exe System Resource Setup System Resource Management Authorizing application security The initial value for update and detail authorization levels is automatically preset to 50 for all users and for all applications Ina single user environment the authorization level should remain at 50 The Smart Alec 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 The result will create a multi user environment and can block access to some functions for some users The graphic below indicates the meaning of the Application Security Setup window 35 Authorizing applications and application functions Details button allows you to view but ee agi te Value indicates not to change values
18. 5 VariableRuleManager exe Variable Rule Manager 50 50 VariableS etup exe Variable Setup 50 5 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 Authorization Application Authorization PE Eg Be File View Help ef cs x 3 i ae ay sare Details button Click here to 0 Jecurity exe 50 50 _ CommandManager exe select the DCGroup exe application DDEInput exe Devicelnterfaceexe eal DisplayCommandS etup exe EventLogAck exe zl EventLogManager exe NDGroup exe _ NotificationD eviceS etup exe Saeditor exe SAShutdown exe Security exe SocketHandlerSetup exe _ VariableRuleManager exe VariableS etup exe 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 needed to access the application Update Value indicates the level of ee authorization a user needs in order PEP late Value 50 to be able to change any values in ii bo g that application Detail Value fo 4 Detail Value indicates the level of authorization a user needs in order to be able to view any values in t
19. N Eo Hel FJ ae Alxi v ainis Event ie Manager _ ad g _ _ _ p J Event Log Manager Fle Edt View Tools Help nee y Biel Es Se e _ 7 8 99 11 38 59 AM 1 0 1 JEANZ SOCKHANDLER Listening Port 8150 m 7 8 99 11 39 00 AM 2 0f 2020 JEANZ ACTSRYR Activity 42 Command 2 Operation 1 Processed at 07 78 99 11 39 07 AM 2 0 2 JEANZ DDEINPUTHANI DDEConnect call failed returned Error Code DMLERR_I E 778 99 11 39 13 AM 2 0 6 JEANZ PAGEROUT Unknown region command 3 E 778 99 11 39 13 AM 2 0 2 JEANZ DDEINPUTHANI Connection failed with source Excel Book1 xls Sheet1 P 78 99 11 39 14 AM 1 0 102 JEANZ SAEVTMGA SELECT SA_Device_ID Cat FROM TB_Device WHERE P 778 99 11 39 14 AM 2 0 5 JEANZ DDEINPUTHANI Failed to establish DDE connections with any of the sour E 7 8 99 11 39 15 AM 1 0 102 JEANZ SAEVTMGA Dev 3 Cat 2 0480004005 Unspecified error E 7 8 99 11 39 16 AM 2 0 1 JEANZ DDEINPUTHANI DDElnputHandler shutdown hd 4 gt Ready CAPS INS 7 9 99 11 02 4M 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 D Filter Select only events that fit specific criteria data time and or database field E Compact database Makes the event log database smaller by removin
20. Ports Finally click the COM port you need and then the Port Settings tab D Packet size The maximum number of bytes the pager can process at a time refer to the documentation for the pager for details Terminal server interface Item Name Description A Interface name Name of the interface as it will be known 44 Identifying notification device interfaces Item Name Description B Description Description of the interface for clarity Optional C IP address The four node Internet Protocol address of the terminal server 45 Identifying notification devices Identifying notification devices Use Notification Device Setup 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 Device type e Device address e Authorization level e Name of the notification device interface to use e Cap code Accessing the Notification Device Setup application From the System Resource 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 devices Notification D evice Interface Sctup Notification Device Setup Notification Device Setup Variable Setup File View Help oe
21. Smart Alec 2 1 system through the Socket Input Handler Definitions 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 This is similar to the standard implementation of a C character string class Theory of Operation The Socket Input Handler is to be packaged with the first release of Smart Alec 2 1 as a direct interface into the system It is currently able to handle a Data Source Variable Change of State COS process The user connects to the socket handler using a standard socket implementation for any computer platform and the Port number found in the main Smart Alec database If the address and port are correct and the socket handler is running on the host computer the handler will accept the connection The system is designed to support unlimited users from different or the same IP Address as the host computer s resources permit 104 Login Sequence Standard Operation Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide 1 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 2 The Smart Alec Socket Input Handler will accept the connection and l
22. 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 and that source must be Windows based When using NetDDE Smart Alec must be installed on the same network as the external data source and that source must be Windows based Also the external data source must be running before starting the Smart Alec system Otherwise the Smart Alec DDE processor DDEInputHandler exe will not run Establishing DDE input data sources Accessing the DDE Data Source Setup application From the System Resource 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 iF DDE Input Setup oy x Eie View Help BS lomma Default Smart Alec Variable Loncan encena eee ene nn Soret Pete prom eas a erat Book1 xls Sheet1 r3c2 C Book1 xls 5 Ascii Printable Max defects M aane Soi ea DDE Data Source Setup Adding a link to a DDE data source 1 Choose the button to add a new DDE data source a DDE i DDE Input Setup olx ata source File View Help b Oee ee ee gt Ecel Book1 xls Sheet1 r3c2 C Book1 xls 5 53 Establishing DDE input data sources 2 For this example we will add a link toa Microsoft Excel spreadsheet as DDE data source See the table below for explanations
23. a message it may be easier to delete the message and create a new message 59 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 A B C D JE FIG H 0 SJ K T M IN A Message Manager File Edit Tools Help the components E 0 New message z X 53 A Q R S T Item Name Description 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 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 D Mode pause speed Allows you to set the length of time to pause before repetition of this button message E Justification button Allows you to set character spacing and left center or right justification F Fonts button Allows you to select the font and the number of LED rows to use for characters that follow G Color button Allows you to set the color to use for whatever follows H Width button Allows you to set characters that follow to display as wide or double wide Height button Allows you to set characters that f
24. 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 that are not in the same building and possibly not in the same city It works best when message data does not change rapidly 97 Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces PC modem pager base station pager or pager to sign Data Receiver Data Receiver i lt og 5 PC with Smart Alec software Radio Paging Network Terminal server interface A terminal server notification device interface uses a Local Area Network cabling system to transmit messages to a device on the LAN with an IP address PC LAN network terminal server box sign sign sign etc ALPHA sign T ALPHA sign I ALPHA sign T PC with Smart Alec software Terminal Server TUTE ee ea 98 Appendix 4 What modes are available on signs Appendix 4 What modes are available on signs Modes are special effects used to change the way a mess
25. and display commands e Create rules for variables e Monitor and manage events that occur in Smart Alec Creating messages 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 e Text e Graphics e Formatting 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 58 Creating messages Accessing the Message Manager application From the System Resource Setup 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 a blank white screen with the message called New message Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help a XE A bwEr Rian E Socket Handler Setup Ez cummand Manaye gt A Message Manager NOTE When you first create messages and the commands for them you may want to practice with a few messages to achieve different effects on the notification device If you don t achieve the desired effect with
26. 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 to not match up with a user in the Smart Alec system the Socket Input Handler will return an Error Packet indicating an invalid login and the connection will be terminated If this is not the first packet sent an Error Packet will be 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 will be returned indicating that the user is already logged in and the session will continue Packet Definition 108 Class 1 SubClass 1 Arguments 3 Arguments are expected for this type of message packet Log Message Description Name Limits Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide User Name 64 characters Description The name used to identify the account Name Limits of a Smart Alec user User Password 255 characters Description The password for this Smart A lec user Name Limits account Callback_Port Between 1024 and 65535 in A SCII characters Description The number of a port on
27. it will be known Rule Description Description of the rule for clarity Optional oO O w m Variable Name Text Length Text Justification Name of the variable to be displayed Maximum number of characters to allow for the length of the variable to display Whether text will be right or left justified Text Attributes For each range e Limit threshold between this high or low range and the normal range e Color to use for displaying the variable e Whether or not the variable will flash Owner Specify who can access and use this rule 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 in a multi user system Decimal Value If the value for the variable used in this variable rule has a decimal the Decimal Value indicates how many decimal places to use in the value for the variable For example if the value for the variable has 5 digits with a Decimal Value of 2 then the number 12345 would be considered as 123 45 NOTE The Decimal Value property is only available if the Data Type of the variable is float Otherwise you will not see this property 83 Using variable rules Adding a display command rule 1 Choose the button to add a new display command rule Variable Rule Manager of x Eie View Help ei et NP Add a display comma
28. select the OK button or tab to it RgNew Message Enter the name of the New Message to create Line 1 count E 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 61 Creating messages Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help O om X 5 A Oita 24 W Top Automode Speed 0 Fixed Width Center 557 Green Line 1 count vV Count 1 Mode Mode Justification Font Color Text Variable pause 4 Choose File gt Update NOTE You should choose File gt Update to save your message There is no prompt to save when you close the Message Manager with the close box However there is a prompt to save when you close the Message Manager with File gt Exit and also when you select a different message 5 You will be prompted to verify that you want to update this message Select the OK button Rg Update Message Would you like to Update L1 count Cancel Selecting a different message 1 Click on the message selection drop down box Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help L1 count NE Width Center SS7 Green Line 1 count 62 Creating messages 2 This gives a list of all the messages available Click on the message you want to edit New message P L1 count j L2 count A a a ar 3 The message you choose is shown in the message name box and the message area
29. to ALPHA electronic signs alphanumeric pagers and email systems Data can come from many sources and can be in a variety of formats This data can be placed into messages which can be sent to a number of viewing destinations These destinations are called notification devices Messages can be sent to the notification devices in a number of ways 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 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 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 manage
30. to specify a date and time for the If you set a schedule for this command to be executed click on the Schedule command the Recurrence Command checkbox column in the main window see 11 Next set the schedule s Start and End Date Do Accessing the Command 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 August 2 is chosen for the start date Manager application on page 67 will indicate either yes or no If there is no schedule it will be blank Schedule Command Schedule Information Start Date 8 2 1999 gt Start Time End Date Recurrence is sche 71 Using commands to control messages 72 12 NOTE NOTE 13 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 Start Time 8 30 00 AM End Time 00 00 PM You must set the start time and the end time to a time which is at least one minute later than the current time on your computer These times cannot be the same as the current time If you do not specify a schedule for this command it will be executed based on t
31. z that application Update Value o a Detail Value indicates the level of __ P PstaVaue fso 3 authorization a user needs in order to be able to view any values in that application Without sufficient authority here the user will not even Use this drop down be able to access the application arrow to select another application to view and change 37 Authorizing applications and application functions 38 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 Value for Value for System application name Common application name single user multi user environment environment Apps ecurity exe Application Security Setup 50 5 CommandManager exe Command Manager 50 DCGroup exe Display Command Group Manager 50 50 DDEInput exe DDE Data Source Setup 50 5 Devicelnterface exe Notification Device Interface 50 5 Setup DisplayCommandSetup exe not used as a user application 50 50 EventLogAck exe Event Log Acknowledgement 50 EventLogManager exe Event Log Manager 50 5 NDGroup exe Notification Device Group Manager 50 50 NotificationDeviceSetup exe NotificationDeviceSetup 50 T5 Saeditor exe Message Manager 50 50 SAS hutdown exe Smart Alec Shutdown 50 5 Security exe User Account Security Setup 50 5 SocketHandlerSetup exe Socket Handler Setup 50
32. 46 Identifying Variables on nnen eeo ara AER Eae EE E ETRE e E EAE SEA 50 Establishing DDE input data SOUrCeS se sssssesisssssstrtessttrttssseestettesttssteestenteesseentententet 52 Establishing socket input data sources s sessessssssssssrrtssstssttsseestesstesttsrterstenteesntentesnten tes 56 Managing the Smart Alec system s ssssssssesssssissesssssssississessinsissessenninnienesstenienieninnnenieneenennneneen 58 Creating MeSSa Ses oein raea e e paa p EE a R a 58 Using commands to control Messages cscsescecseesesesesesceesesssesneneneseseeneeseseesenenesesesnanenes 67 Grouping notification devices ccccc ccc cecccceeescecscssseseececscssseseececscsnssseececscsssnseeseeeeesen 74 Grouping display commandS se sssessssseesisissessessisstssesniesissisnssniesinnesntnnienienensnnnieseenesneeseet 77 Using variable rul Senesrsiocenri riean a E EE E Ea A E EE aal 80 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events s see sssisrsessssesttsssesttrteestentiesseentesssertes 86 Appendice 1 Troubleshooting serei e aiee ie an Taaa TE A E 93 Appendix 2 Smart Alec computer requirements ccscecceecseseseseeceneesesesnsneseseeceeeeseeeenans 95 Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces cccccsccesesssteteescecesesesceneenesescsneesesesceneseseseenans 96 Appendix 4 What modes are available On Signs ccscsseseesceseseseseeteesesesesneeseseeceeeseseseenens 99 JA PPENAIXDs Glossary e Ar a e H EEV Sos E daa od
33. Smart Alec User Manual version 2 1 TVE 1999 Adaptive Micro Systems Inc Part No 9709 2040 7 29 99 NOTE Due to continuing product innovation specifications in this document are subject to change without notice Copyright 1997 1999 Adaptive Micro Systems Inc All rights reserved The distinctive appearance of this product is a Trade Dress of Adaptive Micro Systems Inc 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 AlphaNET 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 www ams i com or e mail us at sales ams i com Table of Contents Introduction to the Smart Alec SOfWATLE ccccccssescsessetseseseenesesescecenesessseseaneneseseeceeseseecanenens 1 Installing Smart Alec software siasii niisiis niiet siksikin eksi
34. TMGR Dev 3 Cat 2 0x80004005 Unspecified error 20 JEANZ ACTSRYR Route to Output Handler Error 2147467259 52 20 JEANZ ACTSRYR Error Description Method of object failed 7 2 99 8 52 47 AM 20 JEANZ ACTSR R Pi Groupi MemFlag 1 4 b Ready CAPS INS 7 9 99 11 04 AM AA Item Name Description A Sort Ascending Sort A to Z or 0 fo 9 B Sort Descending Sort Z to A or 9 to 0 C Filter Select only events that fit specific criteria data time and or database field D Search After selecting a column use this to search for a specific value 90 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events Options for viewing the event log in Event Log Acknowledgement Filter Select only events that fit specific criteria date time and or database field Date and Time 0670871999 12 00 AM To 0770971999 12 00 AM C Select where Category Add Remove Remove All Options for acknowledging events Refresh Update the list of events 53 Event Log Acknowledgement Eile Edit View Tools Help Sort Sort high to low or low to high FA At Preferences Sets the refresh rate Also sets whether to always run the Event Log Manager in the background when Smart Alec starts up without waiting for a user to start it from the SA Bar Acknowledge Displays a window for the selected record showing all of the values for the event Allows you to view the previous next record When you acknowledge a sele
35. after x number of days and to state the wording of the warning message when the number of events in the database has reached the limit e Archive Save the entire database as a text txt file e Compact Make the event log database smaller by removing obsolete references Accessing the Event Log Acknowledgement application When you acknowledge a record in the Event Log database it is marked as acknowledged and is removed from the list of events needing acknowledging You can use this list as a checkoff list for things to review and or check into From the Event Log group on the SA Bar click once on Event Log Acknowledgement A screen like the one 89 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events shown below will appear See the table below for descriptions B D p Event Log Acknowledgement es EESC Event Log Manager ini 5 Event Log Acknowledgement 6 29 99 5 12 37 PM 6 29 99 5 21 51 PM 6 29 99 5 32 23 PM 7 2 99 8 52 37 AM SOCKHANDLER Listening Port 8150 1 JEANZ COMMANDMAN Initializing the Command Manager MDI form 4 JEANZ COMMANDMAN The Added command name is DisplayCommandM anage 1 JEANZ SOCKHANDLER Listening Port 8150 yololololololololo is m m b N 7 2 99 8 52 43 AM 102 JEANZ SAEVTMGR SELECT SA_Device_ID Cat FROM TB_Device WHERE SAEV
36. age appears on a sign Table 1 Modes available on signs Sign Modes FM Full Matrix b CM Character Matrix 5 LM Line Matrix a E b 5 Fle lalg Slsicrerzlelalelzlzl lzls Sls lFIZIBIZE IBIS lelala le lFls 2 3 l ALPHA g ale ia SIS n a la jE sign S ze 416 Series 200 FM e 0 0 o ojo ee Series 300 FM e elj e e e e e e e e Series 4000 FM e BE BE HE BE EE EEHEHE Series 7000 FM e elj ei e e e e e e e Big Dot FM e 0000 ojo ojoj oOo Alphavision FM FM e e e e Alphavision CM CM o e 790i FM e 0 o oooO 0o o o Solar FM e e e Director CM e e 2 1 inch CM CM e e 3 2 inch CM CM e e PPD LM e 0000 oOo 0O O o 99 Appendix 5 Glossary Appendix 5 Glossary Administrator 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 Command
37. and down as needed to reveal component applications below each bar e Click once on any application to start that application e Use the 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 10 Smart Alec applications in button group bars Security Setup e User Account Security Setup e Application Security Setup System Resource Setup e Notification Device Interface Setup e Notification Device Setup e Variable Setup e DDE Data Source Setup e Socket Handler Setup Starting the Smart Alec system Command Manager Message Manager System Resource Setup Event Log Startup Shutdown Variable Rule Manager Notification Device Group Manager Display Command Group Manager Event Log Acknowledgement Event Log Manager Smart Alec Shutdown Shutting the Smart Alec system down Shutting the Smart Alec system down Individual 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 F4 User Security File menu M File J New Ctrl N O Duplicate OY Update X Delete Ctrl D rt Security File View Help ome eres les oe Close button All background processor applicat
38. ation functions In a multi user environment the system administrator can set the access authority required for each application to unique levels The level is 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 The lower the number the higher the authority Understanding application functions 34 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 authorization 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 Authorizing applications and application functions where some users only need to view data in the Smart Alec system Accessing the Application Security Setup application From the Security Setup group on the SA Bar click
39. blic 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 in a multi user system Adding a counter with alarm rule 1 Choose the button to add a new counter with alarm rule Variable Rule Manager Jof x Ele View Help Add a counter with m eX e E alarm rule 82 poene PE nee DEA P Units Line 1 Number of units processed on Line 1 Counter Rule Count 1 _ Temperature 1 alarm Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 1 3 41 PM Using variable rules 2 Enter the information to define usage of this counter with alarm rule Click either Add or Apply See the table below for explanations Add Counter Alarm Rule Rule Name Rule Description ol o w gt Variable Name gt Text Length Temperature 1 alarm Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Temperature 1 x 2 Decimal Value n Text Justification Right _ Left Text Attributes High Range High Limit Color Red IV Flashing J212 X Normal Range Color J Flashing Low Range Low Limit Green 7 Color J Flashing 100 Erber Owner Public Private sav ove Item Name Description Rule name Name of the counter with alarm rule as
40. ce Group Offices All office location signs Warehouses Warehouse 1 amp 2 74 Grouping notification devices Adding a Notification Device Group 1 Choose the button to add a new notification device group Notification Device Group Manager iof x Add a notification Ele View Help device group meee eal J Eaa Sini gt Offices All office location signs Warehouses Warehouse 1 amp 2 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 A Group Name Front offices B Group Description Sions in HQ foyer reception amp outside 75 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 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 Click on any you wish to include 76 Grouping display commands Grouping display commands Use Display Command G
41. components Viewing details of an item 1 Inthe far left column highlight the entire row for the item for which you wish to view details Details button Variable Rule Manager F Click in this column to select an item 2 From the File menu choose Details or click on this Ey 3 The Details screen will appear This simply shows the settings for the item You can not change any of the settings here Details of Counter Rule 4 You can choose another item using the name drop down arrow 25 Working with Smart Alec application components Deleting an item 1 Inthe far left column highlight the entire row for the item you wish to delete from the system Delete button Vemm Click in this column to select an item Number of units processed on Line 1 Counter Rule Count 1 nonstrate deleting an item Counter Rule Defects 1 Temperature 1 alarm Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 1 Temperature 2 alarm Temperature 2 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 2 Units Line 1 ek 2 From the File menu choose Delete or click on this 3 You will be asked if you want to delete this item 4 Choose Yes to delete the item 26 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
42. cted record it is marked as acknowledged in the Event Log database and is removed from the list of events 91 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events 92 needing acknowledging You can use this list as a checkoff list for things to review and or check into Acknowledge P4 Class 11 Acknowledge All Same as Acknowledge but applies to all records in the list without viewing any records Appendix 1 Troubleshooting Appendices Appendix 1 Troubleshooting Starting the background processing applications If the Smart Alec applications that do the processing do not start with Start gt Programs gt Smart Alec for any reason you can manually start them In Explorer double click on alecstart exe in the Smart Alec directory This will start e SABar exe the primary user interface e SAevtmgr exe the background event manager e Sockhandler exe the background socket data manager e DDElnputHandler exe the background DDE data manager If this does not run it may be that the external data source is not running before starting Smart Alec Start the external data source and then start Smart Alec In Windows you can see which programs are running by pressing Ctrl Alt Del together Be sure to choose Cancel here rather than End Task or Shut Down Where to go for additional help If you need assistance please follow this procedure 1 Refer to relevant topics in this manual 2 Refer to online Help for
43. curity authorization Security system controls Applications Resources Data Processing 14 If you have enough 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 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 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 the data is displayed Otherwise it is not
44. del of ALPHA SA sign D Interface category Type of notification device interface serial pager local or terminal server 47 Identifying notification devices 48 Item Name Description E Interface name Specific notification device interface The only options available are those belonging to the selected Interface category F Notification device Authorization level a user would need to access this notification device authorization level G Device address Serial address assigned to the ALPHA SA sign This is displayed when the sign is powered up H Cap code For Pager Local interface category or or Interface port address For Terminal Server interface category Advanced Choose this button for more advanced functions See the next step 3 Fora new ALPHA SA notification device the Advanced button is for these properties A gt Message Confirmation Ba 2 Enabled B Machine Address pPoO g Item Name Description A Message confirmation When Message Confirmation is enabled the sign sends a response to the sender to confirm that the message has been received B Machine address Address of the computer where the ALPHA SA sign is installed or associated The sign might be wired directly or associated by modem LAN or wireless transmission etc The Machine Address is currently not used Identifying notification devices Setti
45. do with it In a multi user environment 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 However in a single 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 Accessing the User Account Security Setup application 28 4 User Account Security Setup Application Security Setup System Resource Setup System Resource Management From the Security Setup group on the SA Bar click once on User Account Security Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing users c Security Jof x Elle View Help mA Command oa Zale Lge Aathonzaton eA Setting up a user Creating user environments 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 scre
46. e View Help Add a counter rule gt Ot st x he poene as aii ecole gt Units Line 1 Number of units processed on Line 1 Counter Rule Count 1 m Temperature 1 alarm f Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 1 6723 99 3 41 PM 2 Enter the information to define usage of this counter rule Click either Add or Apply See the table below for explanations A B Rule Name Display Counti Rule Description Display daily production count on Line c Variable Name Cont H D P TestLenath jf m Text Justification E Right C Left Text Attributes F Color Default z I Flashing r Owner Public G Private Apply Cancel Item Name Description A Rule name Name of the counter rule as it will be known B Rule Description Description of the counter rule for clarity Optional C Variable Name Name of the variable which will be displayed D Text Length Maximum number of characters to allow for the length of the variable to display E Text Justification Whether text will be right or left justified 81 Using variable rules Item Name Description F Text Attributes Color to use when displaying the variable and whether or not the variable will flash Colors available depend on the notification device G Owner Specify who can access and use this rule e Pu
47. e phone line being used for dialing has call waiting Number of retries Number of times to attempt connection J Local call Indicates that this is a local call 43 Identifying notification device interfaces Settings for additional notification device interfaces 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 use 9600 baud 8 bits no parity and one stop bit Email 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 Email profile Email identity to use See your system administrator if unsure D Email password Password that is valid for the email profile Local pager 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 Choose appropriate settings for this interface To find these except Packet Size click Start gt Settings gt Control Panel gt System Next click the Device Manager tab and then
48. en to update a user by double clicking to the left of the row Duplicate this user Update this user New user Select a user by clicking here Default Authorizations Delete this user t4 Security 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 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 29 Creating user environments See Security authorization on page 12 for a conceptual understanding Adding a user To add a new user do the following 1 From the File menu choose New or click on this button m 2 Fill in the values as appropriate for the new user A UserName p o 3 B gt Password smartalec m Application Authorization Full Access it Details Access ue Authorization Levels Notification Device Variable EA Command Kuk Ki ER Item Name Description A User name Name b
49. es catia EE T E Melee AE 100 Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide c ccceccecsssesesescenesssesnensneseseeneneseseeeens 104 iii iv Installing Smart Alec software Introduction to the Smart Alec software Installing Smart Alec software To install the Smart Alec system insert the Smart Alec CD in your CD drive The Smart Alec installation process will start automatically Simply follow the on screen instructions NOTE Ifthe Smart Alec installation process does not start automatically you can start it manually 1 Select Start gt Run 2 Type setup exe 3 Click OK NOTE Ifyou already have Smart Alec installed on the computer this version of Smart Alec will not install Please contact Adaptive Micro Systems Technical Support department at 1 800 558 7022 for assistance NOTE Ifyou are installing on a computer with Windows 98 after the Data Access installation you will be prompted to restart the computer Do not restart at this time Instead click Exit Setup and allow the Smart Alec installation to complete When complete you will again be prompted to restart the computer Do so at this time NOTE Ifyou click Cancel at the Smart Alec Registration Information screen the Smart Alec files will remain on the computer Overview Overview Input vs output Setup vs management System security Smart Alec is a software system that integrates data from many sources and sends that data
50. g obsolete references F Sort Ascending Sort A to Z or 0 to 9 G Sort Descending Sort Z to A or 9 to 0 H Search After selecting a column use this to search for a specific value 87 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events Options for viewing the event log database in the Event Log Manager e Write to a file Create a tab delimited print prn file with user selected fields from the database Write To File Settings yp Computer Event Occurred At Event Source Resource ID Event Description a JEASMART ALEC EvertLep anager wee era e Filter Select only events that fit specific criteria date time and or one or more database fields 06 08 1999 12 00 4M 07 09 1999 12 00 AM a Category d 7 2 1999 12 00 AM To 7 3 1999 12 00 AM e Refresh Update the list of events 88 Managing the log of Smart Alec system events e Invert selection Select only those records not already selected File Edt View Tools Help B Select al Invert Selection e Sort Sort high to low or low to high H Event Log Manager olx Ele Edt View Tools Hap Bixevg an Options for managing the event log database e Select all Highlight all records This allows you to then delete all records at one time e Control database size Set preferences to limit the number of events listed in the database to a specific number to overwrite the oldest records never as needed or
51. gt Smart Alec 2 The Smart Alec introductory splash screen will appear temporarily 3 Next the Login screen will appear as below User Name alec Password el If you are the first or only person logging into the system or if Change Password Cancel you are the administrator accept Alec as the user name with no 4 Type in your name and password and click on password the Login button 5 Processing applications are started and run in the background as needed 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 NOTE While using the system if Smart Alec does not seem to be processing see Appendix 1 Troubleshooting on page 93 6 Also the window called the SA Bar will appear for your use See Using the SA Bar below 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 lt 4 Close button amp SA Bar Pal aes User Account Security Ser Authorized applications Application Security Setup p p B utto n g rou p bars System Resource Setup System Resource Management Startup Shutdown 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
52. happens when their values change 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 updating the value of a variable if it is included in any message and setting off an alarm See Using variable rules on page 80 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 defining it or controlling the results of a change in its value can execute an action in Smart Alec There are three types of rules for variables e Counter Rule A rule to define a variable and its appearance when it s displayed e g what color flashing or not When there is a change in the value of the variable the counter rule is used to update the variable s value counter on a How Smart Alec uses variables notification device where the variable is part of an active message Counter Rule with Alarm A rule to define a variable and to set high and low thresholds for a variable in addition to a normal range When there is a change in the value of the variable the counter with alarm rule is used to update the variable s value counter on a notification device where the variable is part of an active
53. hat 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 39 Identifying notification device interfaces Identifying notification device interfaces Use Notification Device Interface Setup to designate the type of hardware to be used for sending messages to notification devices Notification device interfaces must be set up before notification devices can be initialized since the notification devices use the interfaces Types of notification device interfaces There are several types of notification device interfaces Please see Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces on page 96 for descriptions Accessing the Notification Device Interface Setup application From the System Resource Setup 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 Resource 5 a i Device Interface Device Interface ioi x Eile Edi View Help Notification Device Interface tJ o bl amp E X R Setup ereenn E Serial interface 1 Serial Email interface 1 Email interface for Alec MAPI Server E Local pager interface 1 Local pager interface for Alec Pager Local Notification Device Setup Main terminal server interface terminal server interface for main Te
54. 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 unlimited usage and others have limited usage of Smart Alec This setup is called a multi user system In a multi user system those users with limited usage of Smart Alec generally can only access applications for managing the system not those for setting up the system Setting up the Smart Alec software Default settings are provided for each user application or resource A number of things must be set up in the Smart Alec environment for first time use e Create user environments e Authorize applications and application functions e Identify system resources notification device interfaces notification devices variables e Establish input data sources such as DDE or sockets 27 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
55. he display command rule set up for this command in Variable Rule Manager You can set recurrence timing by clicking on the Recurrence button This gives these options e None e Daily every x number of days or every weekday e Weekly every x number of weeks on specific days e With an end date none after x number of occurrences or by a specified date Using commands to control messages After you set the recurrence options click OK Recurrence Information Dialog NOTE If you do not set recurrence timing the command will be executed either for the scheduled date and time only or based on the display command rule set up in Variable Rule Manager for this command depending on how you have set it 14 Click either Add or Apply for the Add Display Command window 73 Grouping notification devices Grouping notification devices Use Notification Device Group Manager 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 46 Accessing Notification Device Group Manager From the System Resource Management group on the SA Bar click once on Notification Device Group Manager System Resource Setup System Resource Management Notification Device Group Manager ioj x Ele View Help Ji eer a Notification Devi
56. in this application poate valence Update button allows you to view and change values Application Authorization Application Authorization f E3 the level of authorization a user needs in order to be able to change any values in that application 36 Click in this gt as ecurity exe Detail Value indicates the column to E Boe level of authorization a select an DDEInput exe user needs in order to be 7 i __ Devicelntertace exe application _ DisplayCommandSetup exe able to view any values In EventLog ck exe that application Without foe ae sufficient authority here NotificationDeviceSetup exe the user will not even be ce able to access the Security exe application SocketHandlerS etup exe VariableRuleM anager exe VariableS etup exe Application Application name Apps ecurity 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 DisplayCommandS etup exe not used as a user application EventLogAck exe Event Log Acknowledgement EventLogManager exe Event Log Manager NDGroup exe Notification Device Group Manager NotificationDeviceS etup exe Notification Device Setup Saeditor exe Message Manager SAS hutdown exe Smart Alec Shutdown
57. ination address for the e mail message 49 Identifying variables Identifying variables Use Variable Setup 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 See page 103 for a more complete definition of variable Accessing the Variable Setup application From the System Resource Setup group on the SA Bar click once on Variable Setup A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing variables Notification Device Interface Variable Setup els DDE Data Source Setup 50 Identifying variables Adding a variable 1 Choose the button to add a new variable Add a variable 2 For this example we will add a variable called Defects 1 as shown here See the table below for explanations A P vicbe Name Deess O B Desciiption Number of daily defects c cae liei o D P Vaiche Authorization Level 5 H Data Type integer E Float C Sting Item Name Description A Variable Name Name of the variable as it will be known B Description Description of the variable for clarity optional C Category User defined category fo
58. int 32 bits Description Broad identifier for the type of mes sage packet Name Type Description Name Type Description Name Type Description Name Type Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide Subclass long int 32 bits Specific identifier for the type of mes sage packet M essage ID long int 32 bits Used by client system to identify a message Upon response the M es sage ID will be identical to the ID of the packet being responded to Priority short int 16 bits Used internally by Smart A lec 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 0 ASCII character strings All ASCII characters are valid except A SCII 0 0 Description A set of null terminated strings of data Data Source Variable COS Description The strings are sent 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 107 Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide Packet Definition Login Packet Description Class 8 SubClass 8 Arguments 2 Arguments
59. ions To close all of the Smart Alec applications that do the background processing click Smart Alec Shutdown on the SA Bar You can see which programs are running in Windows by pressing Ctrl Alt Del together Be sure to choose Cancel here rather than End Task or Shut Down NOTE Running Smart Alec Shutdown will stop all processing of messages and commands To restart the background processors from the Start button click Programs gt Smart Alec 10 Shutting the Smart Alec system down q Smart Alec Shutdown D All setup and manager applications To close all of the currently running Smart Alec user applications for setup and management of the system found in the SA Bar close the SA Bar by either 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 F4 button User Account Security Setup Application Security Setup Complete Smart Alec system 1 Click Smart Alec Shutdown on the SA Bar 2 Close the SA Bar 11 Security authorization Security authorization Security concepts Smart Alec security is used to permit or deny access to applications functions and system resources in order to separate administrative and setup functions from general management functions Security is set up such that there are levels for authority from 1 greate
60. ist of variables in a drop down list e Unchecked you can type in your own specific value for Item H Owner Specify who can access and use this rule 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 in a multi user system 85 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 Some of the events may be serious enough that someone should review them and decide if something should be done about them Smart Alec identifies these events and allows a user to acknowledge having seen them by using the Event Log Acknowledgement application All events listed in the Event Log Acknowledgement application must be acknowledged before they can be deleted from the log Accessing the Event Log Manager 86 From the Event Log group on the SA Bar click once on Event Log Manager A screen like the one shown below will appear See the table below for descriptions Managing the log of Smart Alec system events B D fA Security Setup System Resource Setup System Resource Management Event Log S pr Eyer Loy ackrumeccement SS we N
61. it Use this only in a multi user system J Schedule Command Check this on if you want to specify a time frame for this command checkbox Optional 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 this command The options are e Daily every x number of days or every weekday e Weekly every x number of weeks on specific days e With an end date none after x number of occurrences or by a specified date 3 Specify the Command Name and Description Choose an Action from the available options in the drop down list 5 Choose a Message if applicable from the available options in the drop down list 6 Set the Execution Priority and Run Priority 7 Click the Destination button to bring up the list as in the next step 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 R Offices Group destinations Warehouse 1 Alpha Sa siga Warehouses Welcome siga To remove a destination from the list on the right click on it and press the Delete key Cancel 9 Specify the Owner 10 If you wish
62. k 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 integrity of the system that data is never sent from an individual source until a return packet has been received The Socket Input Handler was written using the MEC implementation of the CSocket class Because of this it is important that regardless of the system the client computer is running data being sent to the handler is sent in network byte order The issue comes about because manufacturers of different microchips have different views on how data should be stored in memory For instance a 32 bit DWORD on one system would be stored in the order Byte 0 1 2 3 whereas another system might store it in the order Byte 3 2 1 0 When it comes to networking this issue has come about before Some implementations of sockets have the ability to take care of this If the developer notices that nothing is coming into the Socket Input Handler right then there is a possibility that byte order is the issue MFC CSockets are set to read from network byte order Big Endian and thus so is this application The user sends information into the system serially 106 as a packet The structure for all types of socket packets is as follows Name Class Type long
63. l be known B Description Description of the interface for clarity Optional C Interface settings Choose appropriate settings for this interface Contact your wide area paging service if needed D Dialing properties Choose this button to set up how and where to dial This function is only for the wide area pager interface 42 n mol oo coy rea Code Identifying notification device interfaces 3 For this example choose the correct settings for the wide area pager interface See the table below for explanations Modem Name FHayesmodem O gt Dialing Prefix E County Code United States of America 1 it fara T Is this a local call Item Name Description odem name ame of the modem used for the pager At least one modem must already be installed B Dialing Prefix The prefix to dial to access a public telephone line C Country Code Country where the paging service is D Area Code Area code where the paging service is E Phone Number Phone number to use to access the paging service F Number to Dial Complete phone number to dial created automatically by Smart Alec from the components you use in this window G Modem Initiation String Initialization string to use for this modem See the documentation for your modem for more information H Call Waiting settings Set these if th
64. le of an external data source could be a Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1 2 3 spreadsheet 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 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 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 fire alarm to every 101 Appendix 5 Glossary Notification Device sign Also you might not want either of these people to be able to set authority for other users An individual hardware component to which you send messages Examples are ALPHA SA signs email and
65. ment 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 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 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 The applications programs available in Smart Alec and their respective functions are as follows SA Bar The initial Smart Alec application from which you can start any other Smart Alec application for which you are authorized Notification Device Setup Designate the names and properties to be used for places where messages will be displayed i e signs pagers and email Notification Device Group Manager Designate groups of notification devices so a user can send a message to multiple devices simultaneously Notification Device Interface Setup
66. n needed then access is granted Message Manager Define messages which can be displayed on notification devices Messages can include text graphics formatting time date temperature variables and animation Command Manager Designate commands which are used to add delete erase or replace messages Commands can be scheduled for a specific date and time or for a recurring time period 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 will be used to provide the values for variables Socket Handler Setup Set a user defined port number to use as a socket to receive data from an external system Event Log Manager View a log of all events that occur in Smart Alec Event Log Acknowledgement Some of the events that occur in the Smart Alec system may be serious enough that someone should review them and decide if something should be done about them Smart Alec identifies these events and allows a user to acknowledge having seen them by using the Event Log Acknowledgement application Smart Alec applications Smart Alec Shutdown Closes all of the Smart Alec applications that do the background processing 10 Starting the Smart Alec system Smart Alec basics Starting the Smart Alec system Logging into Smart Alec To log into the Smart Alec system 1 From the Start button click Programs
67. nd rule hene Rule Category Variable Name gt Units Line 1 Number of units processed on Line 1 Counter Rule Count 1 Temperature 1 alarm Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 1 Ready CAPS INS 6 23 99 3 41 PM 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 Use care when setting this statement If this statement is not correctly set either nothing will happen or the wrong action will be taken Add Command Display Rule Ownership Rule Name Defects 1 alarm K Pinte SP Tigger Variable Deets a Pipes gt dessin St IF Defects 1 gt Max defects 1 THEN Do Action Send defects 1 alarm CO OQ gt E Each row of this table creates a phrase in the conditional command statement AAAA AAI I I 84 Using variable rules Item Name Description Rule name Type the name by which the rule is to be called Trigger Variable Description Select the variable to be used to start this rule s test Type the description of the rule for clarity Optional ol o w Format Shows the complete format of the rule you create A
68. ne sa ibanai 1 OVErV EW icici ia E RA E S E RE E E i a EAR 2 Smart Alec applications ccccccccccescsceesescsssnseseseseeesesescecesesssesnsnsnessseeseeseseecenenesesesnsensieses 4 Smart Alec basics y sisc coti ckeet sucht cea ties Woke eat cused teak che E N Eia sob duet abel vera bees 7 Starting the Smart Alec SYSteM cccccceccscsesesesesceseesesescsesesesesesesssesesesesesssesesesesessseseseees 7 Shutting the Smart Alec system GOWN ccc cc ceeeecscscsseeseececscsnseseeceescssensneeeseeenees 10 Sec rity a thorizatio Nesa nenie eiei T o thesia ESEE EE O E EELEE 12 How Smart Alec uses variables cece cs ceeeeececessseeseececssessnseesecesssensneeesenenens 18 How the Smart Alec windows work essssesssssssssssesssssssissesssssinsennessennienienennnenieneenenneeseen 20 Working with Smart Alec application components 0 0 0 sees ee teeeeeeeeeteteeeeeeeeees 22 Setting up the Smart Alec SYSteM snieni eiae asee A EES Aa EREE ER EEEE 27 EAE tAE E EEEE E E E EES 27 Setting up the Smart Alec SOftWALE ccceccesesesteeseeteteeececesesescsnaeneseseseeseseseeeecenesesesesnanenes 27 Creating user ENVITONMENES siie a e e ea TE AA Ea AAEE PEAS TEE ERTA 28 Authorizing applications and application functions sse ssssessssssssstsrtsssterteessestssssestes 34 Identifying notification device interfaces se se sssssrrtssetsttstseesttsstesttsrtesstenteesseestestentet 40 Identifying notification d vices sonsos nr n e a E e aa
69. ngs for additional notification devices In addition to the ALPHA SA device illustrated above here are settings for pager and email devices Pager device Item Name Description A Device name Name of the device as it will be known B Device description Description of the device for clarity Optional C Device type Choose numeric or alphanumeric D Interface category Type of notification device interface pager local or pager wide area E Interface name Specific notification device interface The only options available are those belonging to the selected Interface category F Notification device Authorization level a user would need to access this notification device authorization level G Pin Pager identification number Advanced Choose this button for more advanced functions as for the ALPHA SA device above Email device Item Name Description A Device name Name of the device as it will be known B Device description Description of the device for clarity Optional C Device type Choose email D Interface category Type of notification device interface pager local or pager wide area E Interface name Specific notification device interface The only options available are those belonging to the selected Interface category F Notification device Authorization level a user would need to access this notification device authorization level G Email address Dest
70. nning before the DDE link can be active E Default Value The value to be used for the variable when none is supplied by the DDE data link such as if the DDE server stops running for any reason 54 Establishing DDE input data sources Item Name Description Data Class The type of data sent into the Smart Alec system from the DDE server e Raw data All data received from the DDE server will be sent to Smart Alec without any preprocessing or formatting This assumes that all the data sent to Smart Alec is valid for presenting on a notification device e ASCII printable 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 NOTE Regardless of the Data Class all DDE data is restricted to 128 characters If the value is longer it will be truncated cut off to 128 Smart Alec Variable to Update The variable in Smart Alec for which this data will supply the value The variable must first be established See Identifying variables on page 50 Filter On checkbox Indicates that you want to filter the DDE 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 NOTE Some DDE server applications update all values whenever any of the values change Microsoft Excel i
71. og the IP address of the client system 3 The client will send a Login Packet described later in this document 4 The Socket Input Handler will verify the login name and password with the database entries to determine if the client is a valid user 5 If the user login is not valid the Socket Input Handler will send an Error Packet containing a message to that effect back to the client system It will then immediately terminate the connection 6 If the user login is valid a Success Packet will be returned to the client and operation will continue 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 come in From there the user is free to send new packets into the system at any time A packet is introduced into the system by sending data serially across the socket connection The elements of the packet are explained better later in the document but the basic ordering is as follows e Class e Subclass e Message ID e Priority e Set of arguments 105 Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide General Packet Layout After the packet has been introduced into the system the Socket Input Handler parses the packet header for information on how to process the data The handler knows from the class and subclass how many arguments to loo
72. ollow to display as double high J Flash button Allows you to turn flashing on or off for whatever follows this control until changed by another Flash control K True descenders button Allows you to indicate that characters that follow are to be displayed using true descenders so that for instance the tail of a g drops below the main base line of text 60 Creating messages Item Name Description L New Tine New page Allows you to indicate that whatever follows is to go on the next line or the button next page of the sign M 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 N Variable button Allows you to insert a placeholder for an existing variable O Close box Closes the Message Manager P Message area Area for message text variables etc as well as controls for the message and its contents Q Status bar Indicates current status and error messages R Cursor position Shows the position of the cursor in the message indicator S Date indicator Shows the current date T Time indicator Shows the current time Creating a new message 1 Choose File gt New 2 Enter the message name Click OK NOTE There is no default button selected anywhere in Message Manager so you need to actually select the OK button not just press Return on the keyboard You can either use the mouse to
73. orization 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 a user s authorization range is 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 Alec 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 75 Variable Rule Manager 50
74. pagers All notification devices need notification device interfaces Notification Device Interface Priority Command Priority Running Hardware with software settings needed to communicate properly with a hardware notification device Please see Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces on page 96 for descriptions and examples The level of authorization needed by a user to send a command to or change a command for a notification device A lower number indicates more authority The level of priority of a command sent to a notification device A lower number indicates a higher priority Each command has a priority Messages with commands of the same priority are displayed on the notification device on a rotating basis Messages with commands of a higher priority are displayed while messages with commands of a lower priority are temporarily not displayed until the messages with commands of a higher priority expire Single user environment Update 102 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 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 User Variable Appendix 5 Glossary An
75. pends on the type of rule to copy 3 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 you won t see that until you exit the window for adding an item with either Add or Cancel Variable Rule Manager b Units Line 1 Number of units processed on Line 1 Counter Rule Temperature 1 alarm Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 1 P Temperature 2 alarm Temperature 2 alarm for too cold or hot__ Counter Alarm Rule 23 Working with Smart Alec application components Changing an item 1 Highlight the row for the item to change Then either choose File gt Update or click the Update button Update button Variable Rule Manager Click in this y gt eee Number of units p n Line 1 Counter Rule Count 1 column to select Lf eneerate aam Temperature 1 alarm cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule an item Temperature 2 alarm Temperature 2 alarm for too cold or hot _ Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 2 Update Counter Rule 3 7 ont ee 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 24 Working with Smart Alec application
76. r the variable optional D Variable Authorization Security level needed to use the variable Level E 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 51 Establishing DDE input data sources Establishing DDE input data sources Use DDE Data Source Setup to designate what data 52 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 can be used to provide values for variables Smart Alec can act as a DDE client It needs a DDE server to communicate with in order to provide values for variables Many 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 Smart Alec establishes a request and advise loop when it requests an item from a DDE server This means that Smart Alec requests the item s value once from the DDE server and then the DDE server is responsible for sending the item to
77. rminal Server Variable Setup a g DEEE ET System Resource Management 40 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 Please see Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces on page 96 for descriptions of the various types New Local Pager Interface New Wide area Pager Interface New Terminal Server Interface New Email Interface New Serial Interface Device nterfa e Device Interface d B Da Ss eax erene Pees oe ES Serial interface 1 Serial Email interface 1 Email interface for Alec MAPI Server _ Local pager interface 1 Local pager interface for Alec Pager Local _ Main terminal server interface terminal server interface for main Terminal Server 41 Identifying notification device interfaces 2 For this example we will add a wide area pager interface as shown here See the table below for explanations Add Pager Wide Area Interface _ gt Interface Name FC S y O Description DO y O Baud Rate so a Com Port Ro H Packet Size fis oo Data Bits Parity Stop Bits v None ce 1 C6 C Even Cis C Odd 38 C Marked Space Apply Cancel Item Name Description nterface name ame of the interface as it wil
78. roup Manager 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 67 Accessing Display Command Group Manager From the System Resource Manager group on the SA Bar click once on Display Command Group Manager System Resource Management Display Command Group Manager cor ie View Hep PEL alle ia eu ssi gt Line defects Lines 1 amp 2 defects Variable Rule Manager Notification Device Group fre rages Display Command Group Manager 77 Grouping display commands Adding a Display Command Group 1 Choose the button to add a new display command group Display Command Group Manager _ Add a display command group p Line defects FS 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 Add Display Command Group A Line counts B Production for Lines 1 amp 2 78 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
79. s one application that does this This may cause more processing than you want depending on the frequency of the changes Delta Value The number that is used to set a plus or minus range for the value of the variable So if the value of the variable is 5 and the Delta Value is 2 then the range would be from 3 to 7 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 Accessing DDE input data For accessing DDE input data DDEInputHandler exe must be running See All background processor applications on page 10 Before this application starts you must be running any application which is to provide data using DDE This is because if DDEInputHandler exe does not find any DDE data source it shuts itself down without retrying When running and accessing a valid DDE source DDEInputHandler exe feeds data to the Smart Alec system and variables are updated 55 Establishing socket input data sources Establishing socket input data sources Sockets are a way besides DDE to import data into Smart Alec from external data sources using a client server relationship NOTE A user must have a password in order to set up sockets See Creating user environments on page 28
80. st 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 Example 1 Security authority User can access the authority needed system resource 1 99 Authority granted 5 Authority needed minimum 75 12 Security authorization Example 2 User security Security authority User can access the authority needed system resource Authority granted 50 Authority needed 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 E 1 99 Where security is used The security system is used for e create and use system resources i e notification devices variables commands e use applications programs to run some of which can create authorize or change system resources e use application functions view details make updates 13 Se
81. t Checking the message syntax Syntax refers to the construction of words phrases sentences 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 64 Creating messages 1 As an example say you accidentally deleted the name of a variable to be used in a message A Message Manager File Edit Tools Help ax Chec wW z Fil Hold Speed 0 557 Green Line 1 max defects Red v 3 Hf 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 A Message Syntax Check B Start Message Syntax Check gt Error position 0058 Message Syntax Check Completed ox 4 Place the cursor in the message where indicated by the column number and message statistics Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help Lihighdefects ay X Aleki E Fill Hold Speed 0 SS7 Green Line 1 max defects Red V Cine cas 65 Creating messages 66 5 Determine the error and correct it Rg Message Manager File Edit Tools Help Uhighdefects X Es A Oley Fills Hold Speed O SS7 Green Line 1 max defects Ked v Defects 1 N Ready Cursor 61 07 06 1999 6 When there are no errors in the message the syntax check so indica
82. tes Rg Message Syntax Check gt Start Message Syntax Check gt OK Message Syntax Check Completed Using commands to control messages Using commands to control messages A command is used to control messages e Add a single message e Delete a single message e Erase all messages from the display or e Replace all messages with a single message Commands can be scheduled for a specific date and time or for a recurring time period Accessing the Command Manager application From the System Resource Setup group on the SA Bar click once on Command Manager A screen like the one shown below will appear listing any existing commands 67 Using commands to control messages Command Manager 4 Manager ommand Manager left end Command Manager 6 24 99 6 30 00 AM line deen pees re 6 24 99 3 00 00 PM Group Yes 6 24 99 8 30 00 AM Command Manager right end 68 6 24 99 8 30 00 AM Adding a command Adda command a Command Manager Fed ee ee cee eral renew 1 Using commands to control messages Choose the button to add a new command L1 count Display Command Add message Line 1 count Group PL1 defects Display Command Add message Line 1 defects JohnJones Yes 6 24 99 6 30 04 L2 defects Display Command Add message Line 2defects JohnJones Yes Yes Yes L2 count Display Command Add message Line 2 count Group
83. 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 will opena 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 ie 0 or ASCII 40 This type of packet is primarily used as a diagnostic or debugging tool It will place a message or note directly into the Smart Alec Event Log the Socket Input Handler local log file and the Smart Alec Trace System Packet Definition Class SubClass 0 0 Arguments 1Argument is expected for this type of message packet 109 Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide 110 Socket Command Description Name M essage Limits 64 characters Description A message or note to place directly into the Smart A lec event log the Socket Input Handler local log and the Smart Alec event trace system Smart Alec will log this message regardless of whether logging 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 pretty limited but can prove to be useful The tools currently available are based on dynamically controlling tracing and logging Packet Definition Return Packets Class 0 SubClass 1 Arguments 1 Argument is expected for this type of message packet Name Command Limi
84. the specific application 3 Contact your authorized Smart Alec reseller 93 Appendix 1 Troubleshooting What you need to provide when you need assistance If you need technical assistance you will need to provide e full description of the problem e the sequence of steps that lead up to the problem e computer system hardware and relevant software application version numbers e the version number of Smart Alec found in the splash screen when Smart Alec starts e the product serial number found on the outside packaging and on the registration card e the version number of any relevant Smart Alec applications found by right clicking on the application in Explorer choosing Properties then clicking on the Version tab 94 Appendix 2 Smart Alec computer requirements Appendix 2 Smart Alec computer requirements Make sure your hardware system fits these minimum requirements Personal computer IBM or compatible Mouse and CD ROM drive SVGA 800 x 600 color monitor Microsoft Windows 95 Microsoft Windows 98 or Windows NT Workstation 4 0 64 MB RAM Pentium 120 MHz processor minimum 25 MB hard disk storage space 95 Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces Appendix 3 Notification Device Interfaces The Smart Alec system includes the following notification device interfaces NOTE You may have purchased notification devices from other third party sources These are not supported by Adaptive Micro Systems
85. ting to rename an item 1 Create a copy 2 Rename it 3 Delete the original The functions for Duplicate Update Details and Delete are similar in each Smart Alec application This section describes these functions generically but uses the Variable Rule Manager as an example for the application items Where an application 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 You can duplicate any item and change the name and any properties 1 Highlight the row for the item to copy Then either choose File gt Duplicate or click the Duplicate button Duplicate button Variable Rule Manuger Elle View Help 3 N Units Line1 Number of units processed on Line 1 Counter Rule Click in this column to MA Temperature 1 alarm Temperature 1 alarm for too cold or hot Counter Alarm Rule Temperature 1 select an item Ready 22 3 53AM 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 Then click either Add or Apply Add Counter Alarm Rule Add Counter Alarm vtule Temperature 2 alarm Temperature 2 alarm for too cold or hot Temperature 2 NOTE In the Variable Rule Manager the Add Rule window used de
86. tions 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 15 Security authorization Administrative user greater authorization discretionarily set by system administrator The default authorizations for an administrative user such as Alec are as follows These authorizations give high level administrative access to set up applications and system resources Type of authorization Scope of authorization Authorization level Application Applications full access 5 Application Applications details access 5 Processing Commands 5 System resource Notification Devices 5 System resource Variables 5 Custom user uniquely set up as needed Authorizations for a custom user vary according to an individual s need to access applications and system 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 The following is an example of one possible way to create another class of user Type of authorization Scope of auth
87. ts 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 will be the same ID that was sent in the original packet Success Packet Description Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide 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 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 M essage Limits 32 characters Description A string indicating that processing is complete 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
88. utomatically entered by Smart Alec as you complete the sections of the rule Boolean operators Choose as appropriate from the following list elf e And Or e Then 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 and Items F through J must be completed The last row you use must always start with THEN and end Item I with the command you want to be done when the entire statement is executed 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 Operand 1 Choose the variable to test from a list of existing variables Operator Choose from the following list for comparing Operand 1 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 I less than or equal to lt Operand 2 Specify the value to compare Operand 1 to Can be a variable or a literal value See Item J Resulting display action Choose the display command to be executed when all conditions are met The choice is from a list of existing display commands or groups of display commands Variable literal value switch Click as needed to set this as checked or unchecked e Checked the choices for Item H cons
89. word Retype New Password a Cancel 3 Click Change 4 You will next be logged into Smart Alec 31 Creating user environments Administrator authorized password The administrator can add or change the password for a user 1 From the 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 Security Update button Click in this column to select a user 2 From the File menu choose Update or click on this 3 Click New Password Update User 4 Type in the new password and click Ok Regardless of what the old password was the 32 Creating user environments default password supplied is smartalec You can use smartalec as shown below you can use a different password or you can use a blank password Using a blank password here in effect deletes any old password New Password 33 Authorizing applications 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 Ina 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 applic
90. y 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 Avariable represents real time as it happens data that can change e g temperature or production rates 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 As an example you could have a variable called Temperature which is continually filled in with values from a 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 103 Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide Appendix 6 Socket Interface API Process Guide Purpose The purpose of this appendix is to serve as a guide for a developer writing software to interface with the
91. y which this user is known 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 56 there must be a password C Application System processors validate requests against the level authorized for the Authorizations and user If the user s level of authorization is equal to or higher than that levels required the request is processed These are set to a default of 50 n a single user environment these should not be changed from 50 n a multi user environment these are normally set to either 5 administrator or 50 general but they can be set to any desired level 30 Creating user environments NOTE For better understanding see System security on page 2 and Security authorization on page 12 Authorizing user passwords User authorized password You as a user can add or change your own password at the Login screen 1 When logging into Smart Alec click Change Password User Name Sam Password Cancel 2 If there was an existing password you must type that in 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 use a blank password for New Password Using a blank new password in effect deletes any old password User Name Sam Old Password Doo O New Pass

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