Abstract: A method and computer program are provided for implementing an interactive bargraph that includes associating an interactive bargraph with an independent touch map image having a plurality of pixel values, displaying the interactive bargraph, determining a current level of the interactive bargraph based on the content of the touch map image, and updating the display of the interactive bargraph based on the current level of the interactive bargraph.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for forming annotations for use with a computer that has a desktop for displaying images. Annotations are formed by one or more user interface devices, each located at a different remote location. The computer is provided with an Annotation application that generates a transparent window, or canvas, disposed to overlay all other images displayed on the desktop by other simultaneously running applications. Annotations are transmitted to the computer from respective user interface devices, and are displayed on the transparent canvas, so that the annotations likewise overlay other images displayed on the desktop. User interface devices may include a number of devices, such as other computers or touch sensitive panels.

Abstract: A master controller in a control area network system in a larger control area network may have a plurality of devices coupled thereto. The master controller may further include a device manager which provides a virtual device. The virtual device operates to link a state associated with the virtual device to a plurality of states associated with the devices such that the respective states are maintained in a substantially similar condition. The substantially similar condition is maintained by propagating a change in the state of the virtual device to a change in the state of the devices and a change in the state of one or more of the devices is propagated to the virtual device and all other devices.

Abstract: A method for sending messages to multiple locations in a control system is provided. The method includes defining a set of a plurality of locations in the control system. This set is capable of being dynamically changed to add and remove locations from the set. The method further includes executing an instruction to send a message to the set in order to send the message to each location in the set.

Abstract: A communication protocol includes a packet protocol, which includes a protocol field for indicating the type of protocol, a length of data field for listing the length in bytes of the data field, a data field containing sub protocol data, and a checksum for determining the integrity of the packet.

Abstract: A communication system includes a communication server having a file storage cache, at least one control system coupled to the communication server via a communication path, and at least one client application in communications with the communication server. The communication server is operable to transmit files between the at least one client application and the at least one control system.

Abstract: A master controller (28) in a control area network system in a larger control area network (16, 18) may have a plurality of devices (33) coupled thereto. The devices generate data which the master controller directs to a destination device coupled to the same master controller, a different master controller in the same control area network or to a different master controller in a different control area network. The master controller directs the data using a connections table acquired from one or more other master controllers to which the master controller may communicate with.

Abstract: A system of multimedia display on a monitor screen includes at least one graphics source, a display file defining a page having a plurality of buttons, where each button has a set of properties including a specification of a graphics source. The system further includes a graphics controller operable to generate a pixel map, and a graphics arbitrator coupled to the graphics controller operable to select pixels between the pixel map and pixels from the at least one graphics source to be displayed for the page according to the display file.

Abstract: A system of multimedia display on a monitor screen includes at least one graphics source, a display file defining a page having a plurality of buttons, where each button has a set of properties including a specification of a graphics source. The system further includes a graphics controller operable to generate a pixel map, and a graphics arbitrator coupled to the graphics controller operable to select pixels between the pixel map and pixels from the at least one graphics source to be displayed for the page according to the display file.

Abstract: A control system comprises a master controller and at least one device coupled to the master controller via a network. At least one generic device interface module resides on the master controller, where the device interface module defines a basic protocol for interface with any device. Configuration information associated with the at least one device is used to tailor the at least one generic device interface module to communicate and operate with the at least one device.

Abstract: A master controller in a control area network system in a larger control area network may have a plurality of devices coupled thereto. Software and firmware on the master controller may be updated using an FTP server to contact a content provider in order to retrieve upgrades, updates and patches for the software and firmware on the master controller. In addition, a user may user a web browser in order to perform remote updates over the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling devices on a network, such as household devices on a home automation network is presented. The present invention provides an extended addressing option and an extended packet size option. The present invention further provides packet order control, partial packet support, and multiple bit priority control. The present invention also provides a central controller that avoids the maintenance requirements of a distributed control system. The central controller may be coupled to a computer, allowing the computer to program the central controller and to act as a redundant controller in case the central controller fails or is otherwise unable to effectively control the network. The central controller may communicate with devices and other equipment over a variety of types of networks, including EIA-485 balanced cabling and ethernet networks, as well as other types of networks.

Abstract: Electronic devices (16, 17) can be controlled by a control unit (11), which in turn is responsive to infrared commands (33) received from a remote (12) utilized by an operator. The remote has a touch-panel display (49), on which images can be displayed. The images are part of a user interface created by a program (86) running in a personal computer (13). An operator enters into the computer an identification of the devices (16, 17) which are to be controlled, and the computer then takes predefined images and automatically customizes them for the these devices. Some of the images have a size which is less than the overall size of the display, so that when one of these images is displayed, a portion of at least one other image will also be visible.