Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method for controlling an electronic device according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of: detecting at least one user and acquiring user information of the detected at least one user; determining a user mode on the basis of the acquired user information; determining a service to be provided to the detected at least one user, by inputting the user information and the determined user mode as input data to a model learned by an artificial intelligence algorithm; and providing the determined service corresponding to the user mode. A method for providing the service by the electronic device may at least partially use an artificial intelligence model learned according to at least one of machine learning, neural network, and deep learning algorithms.

Abstract: An irrigation communicates wirelessly with irrigation control valves. A wireless controller transceiver unit obtains signals from the irrigation controller and transmits these signals wirelessly to a valve transceiver. The irrigation control valves open or close according to the signals received by the valve transceiver. The irrigation system also includes an auxiliary communication device that communicates user commands to the controller transceiver. The user commands are used to create associations between the controller transceiver and each of the valve transceivers. The communication link between the auxiliary communication device and the communication transceiver or the valve transceiver can be an RF communication link such as Bluetooth, a close field communication link such as an inductive communication link, or an optical communication link.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method for controlling an electronic device according to the present disclosure comprises the steps of: detecting at least one user and acquiring user information of the detected at least one user; determining a user mode on the basis of the acquired user information; determining a service to be provided to the detected at least one user, by inputting the user information and the determined user mode as input data to a model learned by an artificial intelligence algorithm; and providing the determined service corresponding to the user mode. A method for providing the service by the electronic device may at least partially use an artificial intelligence model learned according to at least one of machine learning, neural network, and deep learning algorithms.

Abstract: Techniques for a virtualized fabric management server for a storage area network are described herein. An aspect includes operating a storage area network, the storage area network including a hybrid control plane. Another aspect includes managing, using a virtualized fabric management server and the hybrid control plane, the storage area network, wherein the virtualized fabric management server is disposed in a container that is hosted on an element of the storage area network.

Abstract: A slave device coupled to a master device via a bus and including a serial interface, a code generator circuit, and a control circuit is provided. The serial interface is configured to be coupled to the bus. The code generator circuit is configured to generate a unique code. The control circuit is coupled between the serial interface and the code generator circuit. In a set mode, the control circuit triggers the code generator circuit to generate the unique code. In an operation mode, the control circuit determines whether to perform commands provided by the master device according to the unique code.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic feedback control are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method for automatic feedback control may commence with receiving high-level control references by a low-level controller communicatively coupled to a high-level controller via the network connection. The method may further include generating, by the low-level controller, low-level control references for a hardware asset based at least in part on the high-level control references. The method may continue with transferring control of the hardware asset to the low-level controller in response to a loss of the network connection. The method may further include adjusting the low-level control references by a low-level control mechanism associated with the low-level controller in response to the loss of the network connection.

Abstract: A method for performing a safe guard detection of unexpected operations launched by an operator for a manufacturing execution system (MED system) is based on a first database containing a set of operations, a set of operators, calendar information for a shift and calendar information for the equipment of the MES-system. The MES-systems further has a second database containing a login history of carried out logins of the operator. The detection of a malicious operation is carried out as to whether the operation complies with a set of rules defining allowed operations or with a learning module, in which specific roles of operators are contained and whether an operation complies with a specific role. In case of non-compliance, the operation is stored as an entry in an event trace file for generating alerts.

Abstract: The present disclosure resides in a method for operating, installed in an automated plant, a field device, which is connected for communication with a field access unit by means of a first communication network, especially by means of a fieldbus of automation technology, comprising: invoking a link of the field device in a client computer, wherein the link is composed at least of a protocol field and a parameter field, wherein the invoking of the link initiates steps as follows: starting a first frame application associated with the protocol field of the link; transferring the link to the first frame application and extracting information contained in the parameter field by the first frame application; configuring a communication path between the client computer and the field device via the field access unit with application of the information; opening a device driver or a device description in the first frame application.

Abstract: A method for data hand-shaking based on EtherCAT protocol is disclosed, the method is implemented by an EtherCAT slave device, and includes: receiving a data packet from a previous device; obtaining self-related data from or inserting feedback data to the data packet for generating a processed packet; transmitting the processed packet to a next device; receiving a returned packet from the next device; transmitting the returned packet to the previous device; performing a packet diversion procedure to at least one of the data packet, the processed packet and the returned packet for generating a backup packet, wherein at least part of the content of the backup packet is identical to the content of the data packet, the processed packet or the returned packet; analyzing the backup packet; and, filtering the backup packet for obtaining designated application data with respect to other EtherCAT slave devices.

Abstract: In order to realize a control apparatus capable of stably controlling a to-be-controlled device, a to-be-controlled device, a control system, a control method, a method for controlling a to-be-controlled device, a program for a control apparatus, and a program for a to-be-controlled device, a control apparatus according to the present invention is provided with: a transmission means for transmitting a control signal at a prescribed transmission interval to a to-be-controlled device that sends out a reply signal upon receipt of the control signal; a reception means for receiving the reply signal; and a control means for calculating a communication delay time from the difference between a transmission time of the control signal and a reception time of the reply signal, and then changing the prescribed transmission interval such that the sum of the prescribed transmission interval and the communication delay time satisfies a prescribed condition.

Abstract: A computing device receives a notification from a remote computing system that an event has occurred, and determines an action to resolve the event. The device may present the action via a user interface element, and responsive to user actuation of the element, perform the action. The device may instead automatically perform the action without first obtaining user approval, and then present the action and a user interface element to roll back performance of the action; responsive to user actuation of the element, the device performs an undo action. The device may alternatively present the action and a user interface element to disapprove performance of the action. If a user does not actuate the element within a length of time, the device automatically performs the action without first obtaining user approval; if the user actuates the element, the device does not perform the action.

Abstract: A method for encoding a data value to be transmitted on an SPI serial bus includes an operation to modify a status register of a memory, at least at one chosen time instant, as a function of all or part of the data value to be transmitted.

Abstract: A device identification device (100) includes: a device feature value extractor (1-1, 1-2) to routinely extract one or more device feature values of an unknown device; a model identifier (6) to identify a model of the unknown device; a change pattern generator (2) to generate one or more change patterns of the extracted one or more device feature values; and a device similarity calculator (3) to compare each of the generated one or more change patterns with each of change patterns of known devices, to calculate a device similarity therebetween, and identify the unknown device, when the maximum value of the calculated device similarities is equal to or greater than a first threshold, as the known device indicating the maximum value.

Abstract: A method and system for contraband detection is provided that allows for the determining whether devices are authorized to receive power from an outlet. A power adapter and/or an outlet authenticate a device when it is connected to the outlet through the power adapter. On the basis of this authentication, a determination is made whether the devices are to receive power from the outlet. If the device is authorized, the outlet is activated, transitioning from inactive state (where no power is relayed through the outlet) to an active state (where power is relayed through the outlet).

Abstract: A node for online firmware upgrade in a process control system includes components. Each component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process as provided by a real time operating system of the node. A new component is created for each of the components to be upgraded such that each new component is implementing a part of the firmware upgrade corresponding to its component to be upgraded. Each new component is a separate executable running in a separate operating system process. Runtime data is synchronized in each new component with runtime data of its corresponding component to be upgraded. Each component to be upgraded is replaced with its new component.

Abstract: A storage system is configured to facilitate memory operations with the memory that avoid the need for defragmentation. The system includes one or more memory devices and a memory interface operatively coupled with the one or more memory devices. The memory interface includes a start page module that provides a start page table having a page number that includes a first part of a corresponding dataset. A link page module of the memory interface provides a link page table that indicates an address for a current page of a given dataset and an address for a next page of the given dataset. Write/read page modules of the memory interface provide write/read page tables that include sub-addresses of a page where a portion of a corresponding dataset is being written/read. The memory interface executes data read, write, and erase operations that are tracked using the tables provided by the various modules.

Abstract: A system includes a communication circuit provided in at least one of multiple devices that are connected to a control device in a predetermined connection relationship. The control device includes: a signal transmitter designating, as a destination, one of the devices provided with the communication circuit, based on the connection relationship, and transmitting a call signal to the device designated as the destination; a receiver circuit wirelessly receiving a recall signal, which is transmitted in response to the call signal; and a determination unit determining that the control device and the device designated as the destination are connected in the connection relationship when the receiver circuit receives the recall signal. The communication circuit wirelessly transmits the recall signal to the control device when the device provided with the communication circuit itself is designated as the destination and when the device provided with the communication circuit itself receives the call signal.

Abstract: A vehicle control device capable of improving safety, even when abnormality in the operation of an arithmetic processing unit occurs. A second microcomputer receives trajectory information transmitted from a first microcomputer via a communication line and calculates control commands to actuators to synchronize the arithmetic processing unit allowing the first and second microcomputers to be synchronized. The second microcomputer performs a calculation and compares the result with the calculation result of the first microcomputer so that the second microcomputer can accurately determine whether or not the first microcomputer is abnormal. When the abnormality occurs in the first microcomputer based on the determination, the actuators are controlled by switching to the control commands calculated by the second microcomputer which is synchronized with the arithmetic processing unit. Thus, the device performs seamless self-driving control without the occurrence of abrupt control gaps.

Abstract: A distributed notification system is described herein. A distributed notification grouping can be created in which a master device is appointed for a subnet. The master device can poll a server periodically on behalf of peer or slave devices so that the peer or slave devices do not poll the server unless they are appointed as the master or are retrieving notification data from the server.

Abstract: A smart power system is described. In one or more implementations, the smart power system comprises a microcontroller and a power converter electrically connected to the microcontroller and is configured to convert electrical energy from one form to another. The system also includes a switch element electrically connected to the microcontroller and configured to control distribution of the converted electrical energy to an electrical load. A sense element is electrically connected to the electrical load and to the microcontroller and is configured to monitor the converted electrical energy distributed to the electrical load and to furnish a feedback signal based upon the converted electrical energy. The microcontroller is configured to verify and to monitor the power converter, as well as to control and to monitor distribution of the converted electrical energy to the electrical load based upon the feedback signal.

Abstract: Techniques for synchronizing a network device to selectively operate according to a selectable operation policy. A system utilizing such techniques can a self-configuring network device operation coordination system and a self-configuring network device operation management system. A method utilizing such techniques can include synchronizing a network device to selectively operate according to a first operation policy and a second operation policy in providing network service access.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a function connection unit for connecting functional modules. The functional connection unit includes a plurality of functional module terminals configured to connect to the functional modules and to communicate according to a first communication protocol, and a service module that includes a service terminal configured to connect to at least one functional module terminal of the plurality of functional module terminals to communicate according to the first communication protocol. The service module also includes a communication terminal to communicate according to a second communication protocol. The service module is configured to supply parameter data available at the communication terminal according to the second communication protocol to the service terminal according to the first communication protocol. The function connection unit is configured to parameterize at least one functional module based at least in part on the parameter data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for verifying functionality of a computing device. A plurality of I/O control codes usable to configure specified actions for a device under test is received. The I/O control codes that were completed without generating an error are determined. The I/O control codes that completed without generating an error and associated binding information are recorded. The I/O control codes that completed without generating an error and associated binding information are stored in a format usable for subsequent replay of the stored I/O control codes.

Abstract: A multi-axis motor control system includes a host control apparatus, motors, motor control apparatuses that drives the motors and each includes circuitry that acquires control related information transmitted and received between the host control apparatus and at least one other motor control apparatus, and controls a corresponding motor of the motors based on the control related information, and a communication channel that connects the host control apparatus and the motor control apparatuses in series.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1), comprising at least two asynchronous computers (2-i), on each of which at least one application (A) is executed, which provides control data (SD) for at least one actuation system (3), wherein the provided control data (SD) are transmitted by a control-authorized computer (2-i) that assumes a master computer status (M-RS) to the actuation system (3) for the control thereof, wherein the computers (2-i) of the system (1) cyclically exchange state data (ZD) and performance data (LD) with each other by means of a data interface in a data exchange (DAS), wherein the computers (2-i) each determine, on the basis of the state and performance data (ZDopp, LDopp) received from other computers (2-j) and on the basis of the computer's own state and performance data (ZDown, LDown, in a master/slave selection (MSA) performed on the computer (2-i), a computer status (RS) as a control-authorized or non-control-authorized computer (2-i) to be assumed by the particular computer (2-i) itse

Abstract: A PLC system includes a plurality of I/O devices each connecting a control target of each of a plurality of PLCs to each of the plurality of PLCs, and a PC. Each one of the plurality of PLCs stores first output data obtained by executing a self-assigned program to control the control target connected to each PLC, and stores second output data obtained when the PC or another PLC executes another program allocated to the PC or the other PLC to control the control target connected to the one PLC. Each of the plurality of PLCs outputs one of the first output data and the second output data to the I/O device connected to each PLC based on selection information transmitted from the PC.

Abstract: A method and system for contraband detection is provided that allows for the determining whether devices are authorized to receive power from an outlet. A power adapter and/or an outlet authenticate a device when it is connected to the outlet through the power adapter. On the basis of this authentication, a determination is made whether the devices are to receive power from the outlet. If the device is authorized, the outlet is activated, transitioning from inactive state (where no power is relayed through the outlet) to an active state (where power is relayed through the outlet).

Abstract: Methods and robots for adjusting object detection parameters, object recognition parameters, or both object detection parameters and object recognition parameters are disclosed. Methods include receiving image data, automatically recognizing an object with an object recognition module based on the image data, determining whether a pose estimation error has occurred, and adjusting at least one object recognition parameter when the pose estimation error has occurred. Methods include receiving image data and automatically detecting a candidate object with an object detection module based on the image data, recognizing an object with an object recognition module based on the detected candidate object, determining whether an object recognition error has occurred, and adjusting the at least one object detection parameter when the object recognition error has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operations of one or more slave controllers connected via a LIN communication includes a controller configured to generate a control message to control the operations of the one or more slave controllers and a status request message to request status information of the one or more slave controllers, a transmitter configured to transmit the control message and the status request message to the slave controllers, and a receiver configured to receive a response message from a response slave controller when the response slave controller included in the one or more slave controllers generates the response message including status information thereof by referring to the control message and status request message.

Abstract: A data storage system includes multiple data storage units and a zonal control plane. The zonal control plane assigns volumes to respective ones of the data storage units. The data storage units include multiple head nodes and data storage sleds. At least one of the head nodes implements a local control plane for the data storage unit. Also, the head nodes of each data storage unit are configured to service read and write requests directed to one or more volumes serviced by the data storage unit independent of the zonal control plane.

Abstract: A hierarchical multiple-level control system approach comprising subsystems, each with their own control system, that can operate in isolation but—when interconnected or networked with additional subsystems associated with other hierarchical levels, assume their respective role in a hierarchy. Applications of the implementation include, for example, hierarchical cooling and energy harvesting systems for data centers and other applications wherein various elements in the hierarchy can be introduced and/or removed in arbitrary order. Additional applications of the implementation include networked high-reliability control systems, robotics systems, networked sensor systems, adaptive communications networks, high-reliability communications networks, and command-and-control applications.

Abstract: Building safety system architecture, methods, and mediums. A method includes receiving substantially-continuous heartbeat communications from a plurality of safety control devices over a packet data network. The method includes monitoring a status of each of the safety control devices. The method includes aggregating the received statuses of the plurality of safety control devices. The method includes transmitting the aggregated statuses to a cloud safety system. The method includes receiving control commands from the cloud safety system. The method includes controlling the safety control devices according to the received control commands.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a master MPC controller from a slave MPC controller, proxy limit values indicating to what extent the slave controller is able to change multiple manipulated variables in multiple directions within a variable space without violating process variable constraints of the slave controller. The variable space includes a first feasibility region defined by the process variable constraints. The method also includes estimating a second feasibility region associated with the slave controller. At least part of the second feasibility region resides within the first feasibility region. The method further includes performing plantwide optimization at the master controller. A solution generated during the plantwide optimization includes a combination of manipulated variable values within the second feasibility region. Estimating the second feasibility region includes identifying edges of the second feasibility region based on the proxy limit values.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processing core, at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processing core, cause the apparatus at least to cause at least one first node to be provided with software and initialized with data, cause the at least one first node to be set to a slave mode, cause a load balancer to be updated with information concerning the at least one first node, and terminate at least one second node, and in connection with terminating the at least one second node, set the at least one first node to an active mode.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a slave device, multiple master devices and logic circuitry. The slave device is configured to communicate with a single master device in accordance with a single-master communication protocol. The multiple master devices are respectively configured to communicate with the slave device in accordance with the single-master communication protocol. The logic circuitry, which is disposed respectively in the multiple master devices, is configured to exchange control signals indicative of whether the slave device is available for access, so as to prevent simultaneous access attempts to the slave device by more than one of the master devices.

Abstract: A user program for a safety controller is created by means of a program editor. The user program has a first program portion and at least one additional program portion. The first program portion defines safety-related logical dependencies between selected sensor signals and actuator signals. The user program is compiled and linked, in order to obtain an executable original program code. The original program code is transferred to a first memory of the safety controller and executed by a processor of the safety controller. The first program portion may be modified and compiled in order to obtain a modified first code portion. The modified first code portion is transferred to a second memory of the safety controller while the original program code is executed. The modified first code portion is then executed in addition to the original additional code portion and instead of the original first code portion.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises: a plurality of bus masters and a plurality of bus arbiters to support routing and failover, wherein each bus arbiter is coupled to a plurality of bus masters; and a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to at least one of the bus arbiters; wherein the CPU is configured to execute a firmware that chooses bus re-routing or failover in response to a bus failure. In another embodiment of the invention, a method comprises: choosing, by a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a plurality of bus arbiters, bus re-routing or failover in response to a bus failure. In yet another embodiment of the invention, an article of manufacture, comprises a non-transient computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that permit a method comprising: choosing, by a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a plurality of bus arbiters, bus re-routing or failover in response to a bus failure.

Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of driving units for powering electronic units comprises interchanging a data frame including a bit sequence, between a master control unit and at least one of a plurality of driving units at slave nodes. A step of applying an ID field comprises indicating the driving unit address using a first bit sub-string comprising N bits, allowing the master control unit to identify whether data should be received or transmitted, or allowing each addressed driving unit to decode which action is required by the master control unit, using an R/T command bit, performing a length decoding step, for including information in the ID field regarding the type of instructions included in the data frame, using an F function bit, and assigning data bits to different electronic units or indicating in the length of the bit string in the data field, using a second bit sub-string.

Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for arbitration of parallel multi-event processing. In one embodiment, a parallel multi-event processing system includes a plurality of hardware components, where each hardware component in the plurality of hardware components is assigned with a unique range of addresses, a plurality of hardware engines, where the plurality of hardware engines are configured to access the plurality of hardware components, a controller configured to perform arbitration on one or more requested transactions among the plurality of hardware engines and the plurality of hardware components based on one or more hardware components in the plurality of hardware components to be accessed, and the plurality of hardware components, the plurality of hardware engines, and the controller are configured to perform the one or more requested transactions according to the arbitration.

Abstract: A transmission system includes: a master device; and a plurality of slave devices including a first slave device and a second slave device, each of the plurality of slave devices having its own identifier. The master device includes a processor configured to: transmit a control signal of a clock length that the first slave device does not respond to, to the plurality of slave devices at a first timing; and transmit an identifier that identifies the second slave device to the plurality of slave devices at a second timing after the first timing. The second slave device transmits data to the master device when the second slave device receives the control signal and the identifier that identifies the second slave device.

Abstract: A redundant PC system includes a plurality of redundant PCs which is to be connected through a network. Each of the redundant PCs includes hardware on which an interface for connection to the network is mounted and a host OS configured to operate on the hardware. The host OS is provided with a virtualization unit, and a redundant unit and a real-time communication unit, the redundant unit and the real-time communication unit being configured to operate as separate processes independent of the virtualization unit. The redundant unit is configured to perform a control monitoring for making a PC redundant via a universal interface.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting memory instructions against faults are described. The system and method include converting the slave instructions to dummy operations, modifying memory arbiter to issue up to N master and N slave global/shared memory instructions per cycle, sending master memory requests to memory system, using slave requests for error checking, entering master requests to the GM/LM FIFO, storing slave requests in a register, and comparing the entered master requests with the stored slave requests.

Abstract: A controller is configured to set total stop in which operations of all of a plurality of water heaters are stopped when an abnormal condition of a fan or an abnormal condition in communication is sensed in any of the plurality of water heaters while at least one of the plurality of water heaters is operating. The controller is further configured not to set total stop when an abnormal condition of the fan or an abnormal condition in communication is sensed in at least one of the plurality of water heaters while a sensing element for sensing a backflow of an exhaust from an exhaust path assembly is connected to the controller.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a first switch terminal or equivalent of a building occupied by one or more building occupants. The first switch terminal includes a plurality of switch terminal parameters and a plurality of wiring terminals. The plurality of wiring terminals is coupled to a plurality of wiring elements without a specific coupling configuration of a wiring element to a wiring terminal. A first computer system is coupled to the first switch terminal or equivalent of the building at a first location of the building. A first plurality of sensors is coupled to the first switch terminal or equivalent and the first computer system. At least a portion of the sensors are configured to provide signal data to the first computer system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing execution of recipe sets are described. One of the methods includes sending by a command controller to a master controller a recipe set and sending by the master controller the recipe set for execution by a sub-system controller of a plasma system. The operation of sending the recipe set from the master controller to the sub-controller is performed during a first clock cycle of a clock signal. The method includes generating by the command controller a recipe event signal and sending by the command controller to the sub-system controller the recipe event signal indicating a time of execution of the recipe set by the sub-system controller. The time of execution occurs during a second clock cycle that follows the first clock cycle. The second cycle is of the clock signal.

Abstract: There is provided a medical system that includes a multi-joint slave arm; a master arm having a joint structure structurally similar to the slave arm; and a control unit that can switch between a first control mode for controlling the rotational motion of each joint of the slave arm on the basis of the amount of rotation of each joint of the master arm so that the slave arm takes a shape similar to the master arm and a second control mode for controlling the rotational motion of each joint of the slave arm on the basis of a displacement of a predetermined region of a distal end section of the master arm so that a predetermined region of a distal end section of the slave arm follows the movement of the predetermined region of the distal end section of the master arm.

Abstract: A method of assigning data processing tasks to workload agents includes receiving workload parameters that relate to available capacities of a plurality of workload agents, identifying a primary workload agent based on at least one of the workload parameters; identifying a plurality of candidate secondary workload agents; identifying a secondary workload agent based on the plurality of workload parameters; and transmitting a job message that contains a command for the primary workload agent to perform a data processing task. The job message includes a forwarding map that identifies the secondary workload agent, and contains a command for the primary workload agent to perform the data processing task using resources of the secondary workload agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for retrieving elements from a linked structure. For example, one embodiment of an apparatus comprises: a decode unit to decode a first instruction, the first instruction to utilize a current address value, an end address value, and an offset; and an execution unit to execute the first instruction to cause the execution unit to compare the current address value with the end address value, the execution unit to perform no additional operation with respect to the first instruction if the current address value is equal to the end address value; and if the current address value is not equal to the end address value, then the execution unit to add the offset value to the current address value to identify a next address pointer within an element structure, the execution unit to further set the current address value equal to the next address pointer.

Abstract: A flexible network building method for a remote-programmable monitoring and controlling system including an intelligent network device, a local area network router, and a dominant host in communication with the local area network router, including: sending a dominant host beacon containing router connection data for the local area network router through the dominant host; the intelligent network device receiving the dominant host beacon sent from the dominant host, and logining to the local area network router; the dominant host logining to the intelligent network device; sending a control command to the intelligent network device through the dominant host; receiving and executing the control command using the intelligent network device; and the intelligent network device responding to the dominant host with an executing status message after the execution of the control command.

Abstract: A universal connector apparatus for a mobile device and in communication with the mobile device, the apparatus comprising: at least one universal serial bus (USB) connector providing at least one connection; at least one USB host controller configured to control the at least one USB connection; a microprocessor configured to control the at least one USB host controller, the microprocessor having an operating system; a USB device control interface on the mobile device configured to communicate and control the universal connector apparatus; and a USB driver configured to operate within the operating system to enable the mobile device to connect to one or more peripherals via the at least one USB connector.