Abstract: The invention makes a contribution in order that machines and installations are better utilized, their service life is extended, reliability is improved, the loss of valuable materials is avoided, test results are optimized, and energy consumption is diminished. It is an expert system that acquires and assesses the condition of installations, machines and apparatuses. The mechanism proceeds from a normal condition and permanently observes short-term, medium-term and long-term changes. If variations in the normal condition are detected promptly, major instances of damage can be avoided by promptly performing corrective actions before major instances of damage associated with prolonged downtimes occur.

Abstract: A method and operation for a call announcement service which answers incoming phone calls. The system retrieves identifying information about the calling party and provides that information to the called party. The called party can choose from several options for answering the call, such as completing the call with the calling party, sending the calling party to voice mail or terminating the call. In an alternative embodiment, the calling party can be notified that they have dialed a cellular phone customer, and can be provided the option of accepting the called party's cellular phone charges.

Abstract: A system for tracking changes in technical processes, machines or the like having measurement chains for acquiring measured data, having sensors, sensor lines and interpretation electronics, and having governing software. Interdependent measured quantities are combined into measurement groups, the measurement groups are linked with reference quantities, validity conditions are defined for the measured data, and the measured data is utilized only if the validity conditions are fulfilled. The measured data are examined for errors in the instrumentation. For serious, suddenly occurring malfunctions, an alarm is issued, and malfunctions are reported to the operators.

Abstract: A system for automation, monitoring and measurement acquisition for technical processes, having measurement and control units (2, 14, 15, 16) that are connected to sensors and actuators of the processes (1, 8, 9, 10) via measurement and control lines (3, 11, 12, 13), having a system distributed in a data network (4), in which system automation modules (44, 45, 46) are combined into automation units (39, 31, 32, 18, 19) and automation units are combined into automation groups (99), and having a higher-level information plane (22) whose information programs (23 to 27) have reading access to the automation units.

Abstract: A system for automation of technical processes and/or experiments having a measurement unit and a control unit which are connected to sensors and actuators of the process or of the experimental unit via measurements and control channels, having at least one library that contains visualization objects and control modules, and having software that manages the system. The system enables the user to develop applications without knowledge of programming techniques. Technologists, chemists, scientists using the system no longer need to rely on the aid of programming specialist.

Abstract: A method and operation for a call announcement service which answers incoming phone calls. The system retrieves identifying information about the calling party and provides that information to the called party. The called party can choose from several options for answering the call, such as completing the call with the calling party, sending the calling party to voice mail or terminating the call. In an alternative embodiment, the calling party can be notified that they have dialed a cellular phone customer, and can be provided the option of accepting the called party's cellular phone charges.