Abstract: A control device includes a first processor that acquires a synchronization signal that is generated every first period, and a second processor that generates a second period that is obtained by dividing the first period by n (n?1), generates a control signal, using a timer, every third period that is obtained by dividing the second period by m (m?2), where at least one of a plurality of control signals generated in the first period is a control signal that should be synchronous with the synchronization signal, and in a case where occurrence of an error between timings of the synchronization signal and the control signal that should be synchronous with the synchronization signal is detected, the second processor corrects the error by temporarily changing a width of the timer that is to be started at next and later times.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes an electrically powered window mounted air conditioning unit including a power cord attachable to an electrically powered wall outlet. A small cell wireless communication device is attached to or located within the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning unit. The small cell wireless communication device is configured to be powered through the power cord of the electrically powered window mounted air conditioning unit. The small cell wireless communication device includes at least one antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless information. The small cell wireless communication device is configured to communicate with a nearby wireless data communication router, wherein the wireless data communication router is configured to provide backhaul communication capabilities for the small cell wireless communication device.

Abstract: A charging method is provided. The method includes the following. After a mobile terminal recognizes a type of a power adapter, the mobile terminal transmits indication information to the power adapter. The indication information is configured to indicate that the mobile terminal has recognized the type of the power adapter and instruct the power adapter to activate a quick charging process. The power adapter then negotiates with the mobile terminal via the quick charging process to determine charging parameters, and charges a battery of the mobile terminal in a multi-stage constant current mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for communicating between at least one first system (2) and at least one second system (3) via a full-duplex synchronous serial link (4) capable of simultaneously routing data between said systems (2, 3), said data comprising: at least one message (12; 43) from the first system (2) to the second system (3), at least one message (16; 45) from the second system (3) to the first system (2), and a clock signal (13; 44). According to the method: the second system (3) receives a message (12; 43) and a clock signal (13; 44) sent by the first system (2), delayed and substantially in phase; the second system (3) sends the first system (2) a message (16; 45); the clock signal (13; 44) received by the second system (3) is returned (17; 46) to the first system (2) along with the message (16; 45) sent by the second system (3); and the first system (2) receives the message (16; 45) sent by the second system (3) and the returned clock signal (17; 46), delayed and substantially in phase.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for quick charging. In the method, after a mobile terminal recognizes a type of a power adapter, the mobile terminal transmits indication information to the power adapter. The indication information is configured to indicate that the mobile terminal has recognized the type of the power adapter and instruct the power adapter to activate a quick charging process. The power adapter then negotiates with the mobile terminal via the quick charging process to determine charging parameters, and charges a battery of the mobile terminal in a multi-stage constant current mode.

Abstract: A method of configuring and managing a DALI network includes displaying rows of cells on a display of a mobile device. The cells are associated with addresses on DALI networks. The method further includes selecting, by the mobile device, a DALI controller, where DALI controller is connected to a DALI network. The method also includes detecting, by the DALI controller, DALI devices that are on the DALI network, where the DALI devices are controlled by the DALI controller. The DALI controller is configured to detect the DALI devices in response to a request from the mobile device. The method further includes displaying, within some or all cells in the row of cells displayed on the display of the mobile device, icons representing the DALI devices, where each cell having an icon displayed therein is associated with an address of a respective DALI device on the DALI network.

Abstract: A guide system and method of projecting visual indicators onto a physical object to guide actions of an individual comprises providing a guide system having a guide system controller and a projector, with the guide system controller including a plurality of addressed display features. An input signal is provided to the guide system controller whereby an addressed display feature is selected based on the input signal and the projector projects a visual indicator corresponding to the selected addressed display feature onto a physical object. The guide system controller may also include a plurality of positional identifiers, with the method including the selecting of a positional identifier based on the input signal and the projecting of the visual indicator onto a physical object at a location corresponding to the selected positional identifier.

Abstract: The present relates to a node to be integrated in a network of wirelessly connected nodes, to a network system, to method for operating a node of a network, and to a method for communicating within a network. A method is disclosed for communicating within a network of cooperatively synchronized nodes, configured to broadcast data packets to the network during broadcast phases through a flooding mechanism, each data packet comprising hop data. The method comprises, for each broadcast phase, broadcasting a data packet from a source node during a predetermined time slot; and receiving the data packet at one or more destination node during said predetermined time slot. The broadcasting and receiving are repeated according to the hop data, at respective predetermined time slots, wherein each destination node corresponds to a source node in a next execution of broadcasting and the data packet received corresponds substantially to the data packet to be broadcasted in the next repetition.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first control circuit controlling a first child clock source to receive a clock signal from a parent clock source, a first channel management (CM) circuit transmitting a first clock request to the first control circuit in response to a second clock request received from a first IP block, a second control circuit controlling a second child clock source to receive the clock signal from the parent clock source, a second CM circuit transmitting a third clock request to the second control circuit in response to a fourth clock request received from a second IP block, and a power management unit transmitting a power control command to the first CM circuit and the second CM circuit to control a power state of the first IP block and the second IP block. The first CM circuit and the second exchange signals to maintain a master-slave relationship.

Abstract: A controller comprises a controllably conductive device adapted to be coupled in series electrical connection between an AC power source and a load control device. The controller also comprises a control circuit coupled to the controllably conductive device for rendering the controllably conductive device conductive each half-cycle of the AC power source to generate a phase-control voltage. The control circuit is operable to render the controllably conductive device conductive for a portion of each half-cycle of the AC power source. The control circuit is operable to transmit a digital message to the load control device for controlling the power delivered to the load by encoding digital information in timing edges of the phase-control voltage, where the phase-control voltage having at least one timing edge in each half-cycle of the AC power source when the control circuit is transmitting the digital message to the load control device.

Abstract: A home automation data storage system is provided that can include a plurality of home automation components, each component including a storage device. The system can also include a controller database for storing control data for the home automation system. The system can also include an electronic device communicatively coupled to the plurality of home automation components, the controller database, and a computing device, the electronic device having programming instructions that cause the electronic device to receive data from the computing device, store at least a portion of the data in the storage device of a component from the plurality of home automation components, and store information associating the storage device of the component and the at least a portion of the data in the controller database.

Abstract: A variable speed drive for an electrostatic motor provides feedback control by conversion of measured current phases provided to the motor into a vector in a rotating rotor framework. This vector is used for evaluating corrective voltages and then reconverted to a non-rotating framework for application to the motor electrodes. Current-source drive circuits provide current stabilized outputs making such sophisticated control tractable.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems are provided for controlling volume of a media system. A remote control is configured to control volume of a media unit and an external device simultaneously or consecutively.

Abstract: A client having at least one memory location is provided for use with an appliance network. The client includes an arbitrary software component for performing a useful function, a software architecture or a software architecture driver configured to generate or enable transmission of messages, and means to communicate by message over a network. Thus, the client can have full capability to act as an accessory to an appliance to communicate with and to enhance or alter the operation of the appliance.

Abstract: RFID tags are used for many purpose including tracking. RFID interrogators are used to retrieve information from tags. In many applications, a plurality of RFID interrogators are required. Synchronization between interrogators in the same theater of operation is critical to ensure that their broadcasts do not interfere with each other. In fixed RFID interrogator applications, RFID interrogators can be wired together allowing a channel to synchronize the transmissions of the RFID interrogators. Methods described herein can ensure that synchronization is maintained in the event of the failure of a synchronizing master. Furthermore, additional methods for synchronizing RFID interrogators in wireless applications are described allowing synchronization in the absence of wired connections between interrogators.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control device, a far-end device, a multimedia system and a control method thereof. Said remote control device comprising: a communication unit for establishing a connection with a far-end device and performing communication; an operating unit for operating a specific program in said far-end device by the operation of the user; and a mode change unit for switching a operating mode in said remote control device according to feedback information associated with the specific program which is fed back by said far-end device in response to the operation in said operating unit. Through the remote control device, the far-end device, the multimedia system and the control method thereof, it may be operated in any device possessing communication function in despite of the hardware and system configuration of said device.

Abstract: A smart outlet and a smart grid electrical management system, wherein the outlet is adapted to fit in a typical gang box, to swivel, to detect and retain a plug, to automatically respond to a change in electrical demand and to provide a standby mode and includes a circuit board and an operably coupled touch screen GUI display controller, and wherein the management system includes a display controller for receiving user inputs and power data, for controlling the system and for outputting information, a ZigBee enabled load controller and a wired or wireless communication network linking the display controller, the load controller and one or more outlets, power sources, and/or electrical appliances or devices.

Abstract: A universal remote control (URC) is programmed to control a particular type and make of electronic consumer device using a graphical user interface. A plurality of images is displayed on the user-interface. Each image of the plurality of images is a digital photograph of an electronic consumer device or a remote control device usable to control the corresponding electronic consumer device. A user selects the digital photograph of the particular type and make of electronic consumer device or its corresponding remote control device. Codeset information associated with the selected device is transmitted to the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device, if the codeset information is a codeset identifier, then it is displayed on the user interface. The user enters the codeset identifier into the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device.

Abstract: A hand-held controller includes a controller body having right and left grips. The controller body defines a left control zone adjacent the left grip and a right control zone adjacent the right grip. A first set of input devices disposed in the left control zone includes a first analog joystick, a 4-way directional control adjacent the first analog joystick, and a left rocker control located adjacent the 4-way directional control. A second set of input devices disposed in the right control zone includes a second analog joystick, an array of at least four buttons adjacent the second analog joystick, and a right rocker control adjacent the button array. The hand-held controller also includes a display disposed on the controller body adjacent the left and right control zones.

Abstract: A power unit includes an AC/DC converter for converting VAC input to DC, a zero cross unit for modulating the AC/DC converter output to facilitate zero crossing detection based on the output, and a high pass filter (HPF) for filtering data signals, where the data signals are transmitted and received on the same medium from which the VAC input is received. A method for providing power and data signals from a single powerline source, including receiving incoming VAC in an external power unit, converting the incoming VAC to DC, modulating the DC in accordance with zero crossings from the incoming VAC, filtering the VAC to isolate high frequency data signals, where the data signals are transmitted and received on a same medium from which the incoming VAC is received, and providing the DC, modulated DC, and data signals to an embedded processing unit capable of processing the data signals.

Abstract: A transceiver includes a transmit pin configured to receive a signal from a microcontroller, a receive pin configured to transmit a signal to a microcontroller and a bus pin configured to transmit and receive signalling to/from a network. The transceiver also includes a wake-up detector for selectively waking up the microcontroller connected to the transceiver, and one or more switches operable to put the transceiver in a first mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, the transmit pin is connected to the wake-up detector, and the wake-up detector is configured to activate a wake-up code in accordance with a signal received at the transmit pin.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to enhanced control of user configurable devices, such as robots. One system may include a user-configurable device and an on-vehicle programmable controller coupled to the user-configurable device. This system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the on-vehicle programmable controller via one signal wire, where a substantial portion of the receiver-controlled communications occur using the one signal wire. Another system may include (alternatively or in combination as appropriate) a user-configurable device including an on-vehicle programmable controller and a first tether port. The system may also include a remote control transmitter with at least one wireless output and a second tether port, where the transmitter is communicably coupled to the user-configurable remote control device.

Abstract: RFID tags are used for many purpose including tracking. RFID interrogators are used to retrieve information from tags. In many applications, a plurality of RFID interrogators are required. Synchronization between interrogators in the same theatre of operation is critical to ensure that their broadcasts do not interfere with each other. In fixed RFID interrogator applications, RFID interrogators can be wired together allowing a channel to synchronize the transmissions of the RFID interrogators. Methods described herein can ensure that synchronization is maintained in the event of the failure of a synchronizing master. Furthermore, additional methods for synchronizing RFID interrogators in wireless applications are described allowing synchronization in the absence of wired connections between interrogators.

Abstract: A system for remote control of a portable electronic device comprising one or more than one remote control, one or more than one portable electronic device operably connected to the remote control, one or more than one microcontroller connected to the one or more than one remote control and computer instructions operable on the microcontroller stored on a storage connected to the remote control for manipulating the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing, monitoring, and controlling home appliances in a media exchange network by establishing a communication link between a communication initiation device and at least one home appliance and communicating at least one command from the communication initiation device to the at least one home appliance via the communication link. The at least one home appliance then generates at least one response to the at least one command. The commands may include turning the home appliance(s) on and off, parameter adjustment commands, access commands, monitoring commands, mode change commands, and programming commands. Appliance responses may include powering on, powering off, changing a mode of operation, sending a status to the communication initiation device, adjusting an operational parameter, and changing a programmed operational step.

Abstract: Methods and systems for injecting information into a power signal, and techniques to capture the injected information are disclosed. Various processes for using the information are also presented, which may relate to the type of device receiving the information. Moreover, techniques for determining the distance of a consumer device are disclosed, as have a specific implementation which relates to mobile consumer devices. Also various ways of encrypting both in-band and out-of-band transmission are disclosed.

Abstract: A multifunction unit for control of multimedia equipment; the unit might act as a stand-alone device or being integrated into the multimedia equipment. Different individual combinations of individual objects enable for different functional capabilities. The multifunction unit for control of multimedia equipment has access to external sources via standard network interfaces and protocols.

Abstract: An embodiment of a communication system can control transmission of a data signal to a power distribution network based on signal data measured from the power distribution network. The signal data may represent an amount of crosstalk or an amount of noise experienced on the power distribution network. The signal data and an identification of at least one active power line coupler unit can be used to determine an adjustment to one or more power line coupler units. A control signal that represents the adjustment can be used to adjust the power line coupler units.

Abstract: A power line communication system transmits a dimming level to an electronic ballast to regulate the power consumed by a lamp. The power line controller has a notch generation circuit that generates notches on an AC power signal with a time duration in accordance with the dimming level of the lamp. A dimming interface associated with the electronic ballast detects the notches on the AC power signal. The dimming interface generates a ballast dimming level signal with a signal level related to the time duration of these notches.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing, monitoring, and controlling home appliances in a media exchange network by establishing a communication link between a communication initiation device and at least one home appliance and communicating at least one command from the communication initiation device to the at least one home appliance via the communication link. The at least one home appliance then generates at least one response to the at least one command. The commands may include turning the home appliance(s) on and off, parameter adjustment commands, access commands, monitoring commands, mode change commands, and programming commands. Appliance responses may include powering on, powering off, changing a mode of operation, sending a status to the communication initiation device, adjusting an operational parameter, and changing a programmed operational step.

Abstract: The inventive method makes it possible to communicate in a network comprising wireless nodes provided with communications means enabling to communicate through a wireless channel and wire nodes provided with communication means enabling to communicate through a wire channel. Said method is characterised in that the wire node repeats a message received exclusively through a wireless channel if a signal acknowledging the message reception is not received, wherein the transmission of said acknowledgement signal is generated in a first time slot upon the reception of the signal though a wire channel.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that adapt or configure an electronic device to be capable of detecting movement of the plug of a headset relative to a socket therefore (i.e. be capable of detecting relative movement of the coupling between the headset and the device). The plug can then be used to control functions on the electronic device, including those associated with audio programming. The resultant auxiliary controls can also be used for other applications, even those where the device is actively being used, e.g. a video game, to provide further control inputs for the electronic device.

Abstract: Herein disclosed a power line communication apparatus which may be assigned a band window and a communication band in alternate and cyclical fashion, the band window being one to which a coexistence signal for band reservation is assignable, the communication band being one to which desired information is assignable, the power line communication apparatus may include a reception processor; a coexistence signal detector; a coexistence signal generator; a transmission processor; and a controller.