Combined chart recorder and device controller

摘要

An improved chart recorder integrates a variety of flexible control functions, including the ability to program a plurality of set points, which are advantageously made visually apparent on the chart recorder paper and used for direct equipment control. In a preferred embodiment, a reversible stepper motor is used in conjunction with an operator input, enabling a user to incrementally advance one or more pens in two dimensions in conjunction with paper travel. The chart paper may further optionally include a machine-readable code containing chart- related information, including scale resolution, with the recorder being programmed to detect and interpret the machine-readable code and adjust pen movement to ensure compatibility with the scale resolution. By providing a single unit which both indicates set points and delivers control outputs in accordance therewith, ambiguity is removed as to which piece of equipment may be responsible in the event of a malfunction, since the chart recorder may, itself, communicate all relevant information.