Abstract: An adaptive interface for a programmable system, for predicting a desired user function, based on user history, as well as machine internal status and context. The apparatus receives an input from the user and other data. A predicted input is presented for confirmation by the user, and the predictive mechanism is updated based on this feedback. Also provided is a pattern recognition system for a multimedia device, wherein a user input is matched to a video stream on a conceptual basis, allowing inexact programming of a multimedia device. The system analyzes a data stream for correspondence with a data pattern for processing and storage. The data stream is subjected to adaptive pattern recognition to extract features of interest to provide a highly compressed representation that may be efficiently processed to determine correspondence.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing configuration information to an operator of a work machine adapted to be configured for performing a plurality of work functions. Whether the work machine control system is in power up mode is determined. Configuration parameters are read from memory and provided to the operator.

Abstract: An enhanced programmable controller for enabling access to data using internal variable names and public variable names on a communication control interface. The enhanced programmable controller includes a data storage device for storing data required for control. A program memory stores a sequential program. A communication interface communicate with other programmable controllers. A central processing unit executes the sequential program and controls a variable name conversion unit. The variable name conversion unit converts variable names, that are actual functional names, into physical addresses when variable name access is demanded from other programmable controllers.

Abstract: A method of selecting pneumatic devices that satisfy specified load, speed and strength conditions to construct a pneumatic system. Data concerning pneumatic actuators, solenoid-controlled selector valves, drive controllers, pipes, pipe joints and exhaust treatment devices is stored in a pneumatic actuator database, a solenoid-controlled selector valve database, a drive controller database, a pipe database, a pipe joint database and an exhaust treatment device database, respectively, for each item number, and conditions required for pneumatic devices constituting a system are calculated. Then, pneumatic devices conforming to the calculated conditions are selected from the respective databases. At the first step, a pneumatic actuator satisfying a load condition, a strength condition and a speed condition is selected from the pneumatic actuator database on the basis of a calculation according to a basic equation.

Abstract: A method of manipulation of cells within a table on an interactive user display comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a subset of cells of the table as a block on the display, the block having an orientation of fields of the cells along at least one dimension; (b) determining data characteristics of the block for each the field in the direction of the orientation; (c) selecting representative data from the block for each the field in the direction of the orientation; (d) generating a first interface displaying for each the field (i) one or more of the data characteristics; and (ii) corresponding the representative data as an editable element; (e) making user desired modifications to each the editable element to form a changed elements; (f) applying corresponding modifications of each the changed element to all cells of the block in a direction perpendicular to the orientation to form an altered block; and (g) outputting the altered block to the table for display.

Abstract: Computer-based industrial control systems and methods employing object oriented hardware elements. An object oriented hardware element may comprise a processor core coupled one side to a universal real-world interface circuit, and on the other side to an open bus interface. In a preferred embodiment, the open bus interface provides downloading software programming objects to the microprocessor core. A computer-based control system in accordance with the present invention may comprise a personal computer or central processing unit coupled to a communications network, at least one zone interface module coupled to the communications network and to an open bus, at least one zone device module coupled to the open bus and, if required, one or more zone processor modules coupled to the open bus. Software object may be downloaded from the personal computer or central processing unit to the various modules to achieve modular, exception-based, distributively intelligent (MEDI) I/O control within the system.

Abstract: An architecture and electric system for controlling various devices is disclosed. The system uses modular, interchangeable components that can perform one or several tasks, such as interacting with a human user, controlling an external device, communicating and managing communications between several modules, storing and retrieving information, and acting as a master module. The modules are stackable and can interface with any other module.

Abstract: A modular control system for an automated manufacturing facility, especially for use with a semiconductor fabrication facility having a number of discrete process components, provides a master control computer connected by a parallel bus to a series of modular interface cards. Each of the interface cards are organized to communicate with all the I/O located on a specific process component or group of process components. A plurality of daughter cards are provided on each of the interface cards. The daughter cards contain data translation and acquisition circuitry for translating the various forms of I/O signals from and into a database format. The signal list used to communicate between the master computer and the I/O is generated at startup, enabling easy modification, addition and deletion of I/O. Network-based communication protocols can also be employed for communication between the interface cards and the master computer.

Abstract: An improvement in an industrial controller having a processor with a memory holding an I/O table used for storing inputs and outputs transmitted between the industrial controller and a controlled process, via multiple I/O devices, uses templates associated with each I/O device to define the partitioning of the I/O table for the data. The templates define data types and ordering of data required for the particular I/O device permitting the space in the I/O table to be efficiently and intuitively allocated. The templates also relate physical addresses in the I/O table to program variables used by the control program.

Abstract: A shower temperature and flow rate memory controller is provided including a cold and hot water valve coupled to a cold and hot water inlet line, respectively, and further connected to a shower head of a shower for allowing a controlled rate of flow of cold and hot water to the shower head upon the actuation thereof. Next provided is a temperature sensor coupled a main inlet line connected to the shower head down stream of the water valves. The temperature sensor is adapted to generate a current temperature signal indicative of a temperature of water within the main inlet line. Next provided is a housing mounted within the shower. Memory is situated within the housing for storing a plurality of settings each consisting of a predetermined temperature set signal. Associated therewith is a plurality of memory buttons situated on the housing and adapted to transmit an associated one of the settings stored within the memory.