Abstract: A system for configuring a controller without a file transfer. Programmable controllers may typically use configuration data structures that are transferred to the controller via a file transfer mechanism. The present controller does not necessarily need a tool with file transfer capability, but only a capability to read and write network variables. Configuration data structures may incorporate replacement specifications, and replacement constants representing replacement data to be selected. Changes of value in public variables may be identified as being replacement variables by virtue of their presence in the replacement specifications. When such changes of values are detected, instructions in the replacement specifications may detail how to modify the configuration file content associated with those public variables.

Abstract: A wall module user interface having a memory with a table driven structure. The structure may incorporate an objects table subject to a dynamic object table capable of rendering display objects such as labels or button icons based on arbitrary comparison conditions against the value of a variable at run time. Also, the structure may incorporate a screen actions table subject to a dynamic actions table to similarly determine an action of the user interface based on arbitrary comparison conditions against the value of a variable. An action may be, for example, going to a next screen, where the next screen is determined by the value of the variable at run time.

Abstract: A flexible fixed-content dynamically changeable wall module user interface having a memory with a table driven structure. The structure may incorporate an objects table subject to a dynamic object table capable of rendering display objects such as labels or button icons based on arbitrary comparison conditions against the value of a variable at run time. Also, the structure may incorporate a screen actions table subject to a dynamic actions table to similarly determine an action of the user interface based on arbitrary comparison conditions against the value of a variable. An action may be, for example, going to a next screen, where the next screen is determined by the value of the variable at run time.

Abstract: A system for configuring a controller without a file transfer. Programmable controllers may typically use configuration data structures that are transferred to the controller via a file transfer mechanism. The present controller does not necessarily need a tool with file transfer capability, but only a capability to read and write network variables. Configuration data structures may incorporate replacement specifications, and replacement constants representing replacement data to be selected. Changes of value in public variables may be identified as being replacement variables by virtue of their presence in the replacement specifications. When such changes of values are detected, instructions in the replacement specifications may detail how to modify the configuration file content associated with those public variables.

Abstract: A controller having logical inputs and outputs and physical options for input and output connections that may be determined at the time that the controller is shipped from a factory. However, after release of the controller from the factory, an end user may have the flexibility to map logical inputs and outputs to physical inputs and outputs, respectively, in any manner as desired. This flexibility may result in optimal use of a limited number of input/output terminals and any available network variables to reduce controller complexity and costs.

Abstract: A system for interfacing information between subsystems of an embedded software system with subsystem independence. It is a public variable system that defines a simple, extensible framework for interfacing between product subsystems such as control engines, input/output subsystems, and communications protocols. Server subsystems within the embedded software system are given the ability to make public information available for use by client subsystems within the system, with isolation between client and server subsystems.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for timing access to a shared communications bus by a plurality of devices. Each of a plurality of nodes is successively provided an opportunity to gain access to a shared bus according to a time slot allocation referenced from a time reference. The successive time slot allocation occurs until one of the nodes has a message to send via the shared bus. The node that has the message to send transmits a frame onto the bus. A new time reference is established at each of the nodes based on an indication provided by the transmitted frame, whereby each of the nodes can then be afforded a new opportunity to gain access to the shared bus according to the time slot allocation referenced from the new time reference.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for timing access to a shared communications bus by a plurality of devices. Each of a plurality of nodes is successively provided an opportunity to gain access to a shared bus according to a time slot allocation referenced from a time reference. The successive time slot allocation occurs until one of the nodes has a message to send via the shared bus. The node that has the message to send transmits a frame onto the bus. A new time reference is established at each of the nodes based on an indication provided by the transmitted frame, whereby each of the nodes can then be afforded a new opportunity to gain access to the shared bus according to the time slot allocation referenced from the new time reference.

Abstract: A system for interfacing information between subsystems of an embedded software system with subsystem independence. It is a public variable system that defines a simple, extensible framework for interfacing between product subsystems such as control engines, input/output subsystems, and communications protocols. Server subsystems within the embedded software system are given the ability to make public information available for use by client subsystems within the system, with isolation between client and server subsystems.

Abstract: A distributed environmental/load control system comprising a thermostat operable to supply signals indicative of sensed and desired values of a parameter in an environmentally controlled space to a first controller operable to control condition changing equipment for regulating the parameter, the signals being transmitted over a communications link between the thermostat and first controller. A second controller which is operable to control a plurality of loads in accordance with predetermined criteria to limit energy consumed by the loads is connected to the communications link through an interface device operable to process the signals produced by the thermostat in response to instructions furnished by the second controller and to supply the processed signals to the first controller.

Abstract: An asynchronous one way digital data communication system is disclosed in which a first microcomputer produces a series of groups of pulses at a first port representative of digits in an information packet to be transmitted, the groups being separated by strobe pulses at a second port. The pulses drive switches in two current paths to control current therethrough supplied by a receiver module including a second microcomputer having a serial input port connected to an internal counter and an interrupt port. Current detectors supply pulses corresponding to currents in the paths to the serial input and interrupt ports, from which the second microcomputer reproduces the information packet.