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MSA PASS Develops Program Scheduler for RPC Video, Inc.
PITTSBURGH, PA – February 22, 2001 – MSA PASS (Process Automation Solutions and Services) has developed a new supervisory control system for RPC Video, Inc. of Pittsburgh, PA. The Program Scheduler allows the user to create, modify, save and download program event schedules to a video controller, according to Patrick J. Gallagher, president, MSA PASS.
RPC Video engineers and integrates hardware and software systems for a wide range of clients. These custom systems are used for Distance Learning, Video Teleconferencing, Corporate and Educational Presentation Rooms, Teleproduction, Theatres and Satellite facilities. Unified control of these systems is a hallmark of RPC Video.
Mr. Gallagher said the new Program Scheduler permits choosing from multiple schedules that are stored by the application. The user can manipulate one 24-hour schedule at any given time, scheduling down to a one-second interval. The Program Scheduler alerts the schedule builder to overlaps and overlapping resource usage (a machine that is already scheduled at the time). The schedule builder is also able to select clips, sources, destinations and programs from lists.
The process of communicating operator-entered schedule data to a Panja Controller and receiving information from the controller is handled by a detached I/O Coordinator, a process that runs continually on the PC. It awaits requests from the Program Scheduler to transmit data to the controller. Bi-directional communication between Program Supervisor and the controller is accomplished using standard serial communications. The transport layer (software control and message handling) was developed as part of the application, Mr. Gallagher said.
MSA PASS is a Pittsburgh-based process automation specialist working in turnkey computer systems, process control, systems design and facility-wide management systems for a variety of process and manufacturing industries. The company is perhaps best known for its work in automating steel mills, but in recent years has also worked in chemical process, pulp and paper and other industries.
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