Abstract: A modular card issuance system comprises a plurality of sequentially ordered modules configured such that each module is in electrical communication with its adjacent modules. This system also comprises a main controller that is in electrical communication with each of the modules. Upon power-up of the system and without assistance from the main controller, each module determines its own identity, its relative position among the plurality of modules and the total number of modules in the system. This information is then reported to the main controller upon request from the main controller.

Abstract: The invention regards a system and method for using a handheld programming device to configure a lighting control system wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one device configured with a processing section is installed in the lighting control system. A communications receiver that is operable to receive a signal from the handheld programming device is also installed in the lighting control system, wherein the signal includes an instruction for configuring the lighting control system. Further, the signal is wirelessly sent from the handheld programming device to the communications receiver, and the instruction is transmitted from the communications receiver to a device in the system. The instruction functions to configure the lighting control system.

Abstract: A self-addressing control unit system and method for controlling a sequence of or an array of display signs comprising of a remote or master controller and a plurality of control units interconnected by a physical or logical parallel electrical bus having multiple connections to transfer data or power between the plurality of control units; wherein the electrical bus further comprises of a main broadcast line, an addressing line and a feedback line to every control unit. The remote or master controller transmits an initial address to a first of the plurality of control units on the addressing line of the bus where a calculator or computer within each of the plurality of control units computes its own address by performing a mathematical operation that changes the initial address by adding a constant of one to the address received to produce its own new address.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of electrical switches. Every switch is associated with at least one monitoring device for detecting the respective switching condition of the switch. All of the monitoring devices are interconnected through a data connection through which the switching conditions of all of the switches are made known to every monitoring device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved antenna device, characterized by the following additional features: that each functional unit (21) can communicate bidirectionally with the remote control unit (RC) by means of the communication bus (23), the configuration, the controller, and/or the querying of one or more functional units (21) of the at least one emitter device takes place over the entire communications bus (23), the communication to the remote control unit (RC) is handled by each addressed functional unit (21), and an internal communications bus (25) is provided for exchanging information and/or action states between the functional units (21) connected in the at least one emitter device.

Abstract: A power line communication apparatus, device control apparatus, and device control method are disclosed. By controlling the phase of AC power with reference to a zero cross point during power line communication, the power line communication apparatus enables not only data to be transmitted and received in a manner robust against noise and impedance but also the receiving end to be miniaturized. The power and operation of household devices can be controlled through the power line communication apparatus, thereby eliminating the need for separate communication networks when a remote control system is built in the home.

Abstract: A transmitter and a receiver are paired that use the same power line and power module. The transmitter associates an identification number with a command message so that a receiver can ascertain that a command message is intended for the receiver. The transmitter uses the time from the power up to the first zero crossing of the AC signal to generate a matching seed for both transmitter and receiver. The transmitter generates an identification number by incrementing a counter each incremental time interval between power up and the occurrence of the first zero crossing of the AC signal and sends the generated identification number to the paired receiver after power up but before a predetermined time interval. The receiver stores the generated identification number and compares the stored identification number with a received identification number that is received in a subsequent command message.

Abstract: A sensor board includes at least one sensor in communication with a controller having a single board address to facilitate sensor polling by standard, product-independent modules of a circuit board for a computer server or network appliance. Miniature low-cost sensor boards can be placed in multiple locations on circuit boards without the necessity of being specified and integrated into the circuit board during the design phase to reduce or eliminate associated design risks or delays.

Abstract: An address configuration circuit and a method for sharing a series bus connected to a first device between two secondary devices by a configuration within each secondary device of a different address, including, in a configuration phase, the temporary configuring of an output terminal of each secondary device in a mode of reading of the voltage present on this terminal to select one address out of two within the device.

Abstract: A method for ordering telemetry messages containing attributes individually not sufficient to establish total ordering is provided. An initial rank value is assigned for a first telemetry message. For a subsequent telemetry message, it is determined if an attribute of the subsequent telemetry message indicates an ordering of the subsequent telemetry message with respect to the first telemetry message. If the attribute indicates the ordering of the subsequent telemetry message, a subsequent rank value is assigned to the subsequent telemetry message one higher than a highest rank value already assigned, otherwise a correct slot of the subsequent message is determined by minimizing a distance from an S slot corresponding to the highest rank value already assigned to a first non-empty slot by application of a Lazy Walker algorithm.

Abstract: Wireless transceivers connect with or in building automation components. The components are bound. Since the transceivers control the access media, the transceivers are likewise bound. The transceiver associated with a component queries the component for the component address. When a request from a controller addressed to the component is received, the transceiver for the component may recognize the component address. In response, the transceiver records the controller transceiver address in the request and transmits a response with the component transceiver address. Other features may assist in binding. For example, the controller transceiver distinguishes between components connected by wire from wireless. Only communications for wireless connections are transmitted. For example, if a binding is not used for an amount of time, the binding is removed. For example, a random or set order is used to avoid or minimize overlapping traffic for the responses for a binding list.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a location having at least one sensor for sensing a change in at least one condition using voice tags to announce alarms. The system includes a registration process where a voice recorder and a digital conversion unit form digital voice tags from recorded speech representing the type and location of sensors. The voice tag is sent as part of an alarm message or pre-stored in a control panel for later retrieval such that the type and location of an alarm is reproduced vocally at the time of the alarm. The registration process may be completed with a registration module which may be a keypad or the voice recorder may be included in the sensors. Additional features include sensor location change notification to ensure the stored voice tag represents the current location of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention regards a system and method for using a handheld programming device to configure a lighting control system wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one device configured with a processing section is installed in the lighting control system. A communications receiver that is operable to receive a signal from the handheld programming device is also installed in the lighting control system, wherein the signal includes an instruction for configuring the lighting control system. Further, the signal is wirelessly sent from the handheld programming device to the communications receiver, and the instruction is transmitted from the communications receiver to a device in the system. The instruction functions to configure the lighting control system.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for controlling control devices in an on-board wiring system of a motor vehicle are provided, in which the on-board wiring system has a bus system divided into sub-networks of buses with groups of control devices for controlling operating sequences, and in which the control devices are controllable by way of at least one access to a data transmission via a test instrument. A multifunctional data transmission device is connected to the input side of the bus system, to which data transmission device the sub-networks are connectable directly in parallel and are controllable in a parallel manner with respect to time by way of several control devices distributed on the connected sub-networks.

Abstract: A network communication and messaging protocol for use in a medical perfusion system, provides the rules which govern how, among other things, information and data is conveyed between the various devices which are connect to the network. The rules define the different types of messages that are used in conveying information and data, as well as the formatting for each of those message types. The various messages provide the ability to configure the perfusion system devices, establish links between the perfusion system devices, and convey various types of information and data, even when the main network controller is unavailable.

Abstract: The invention regards a system and method for using a handheld programming device to configure a lighting control system wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one device configured with a processing section is installed in the lighting control system. A communications receiver that is operable to receive a signal from the handheld programming device is also installed in the lighting control system, wherein the signal includes an instruction for configuring the lighting control system. Further, the signal is wirelessly sent from the handheld programming device to the communications receiver, and the instruction is transmitted from the communications receiver to a device in the system. The instruction functions to configure the lighting control system.

Abstract: A system, device and method for a proximity sensor network are disclosed. The proximity detection device includes a short range wireless receiver, a wireless network transceiver; and a controller connected to the receiver and transceiver. The device receives a short-range radio signal from a user's mobile communications device, and locates the user and takes various actions based on the identity of the user.

Abstract: A robot system includes a base station and a robot. The base station includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate TCP/IP transmissions over a local wireless protocol, a wired Ethernet connector for communicating TCP/IP transmissions over a local wired Ethernet accessing the Internet, and an access point circuit for transferring TCP/IP transmissions between the local wired Ethernet and local wireless protocol. The access point circuit is limited to a predetermined IP address locked to the robot, a predetermined shell level encryption locked to the robot, and predetermined ports to the Internet open only to the robot. The robot includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate TCP/IP transmissions over a local wireless protocol and a client circuit for transferring TCP/IP transmissions over the local wireless protocol.

Abstract: In a method for parametering a field device of process automation technology, wherein the field device is connected via a bus system with a control unit, parameter values are packaged in telegrams of cyclic services and transmitted to the field device whose parameter values are to be changed. No acyclic services are required for changing parameter values.

Abstract: A method for replacing a previously-installed lighting control device with a newly-installed lighting control device in a lighting control system provides for automatic programming of the newly-installed device if there is only one newly-installed device in the system. The system comprises a controller interconnected to the newly-installed device by a communication link. The controller stores a short address and configuration information of the previously-installed device in memory and assigns the short address of the previously-installed device to the newly-installed device. The controller is operable to transmit the configuration information associated with the previously-installed device to the newly-installed device in response to determining that there is only one newly-installed device in the system. The controller is operable to undo the completed address assignment by unassigning the short address from the newly-installed device if there is more than one newly-installed device in the system.

Abstract: An object locator feature is incorporated into a security system that includes a user interface device with a display, keypad and associated transmitter. Wireless RF electronic tags with sounders are attached to different objects, e.g., an inanimate object, or a living being such as a child or pet. Each tag has an identifier such as a serial number that is learned to the user interface device by the user typing in the identifier of each tag. The user also types in descriptive information regarding the object with which the tag is associated, The user can edit the entries by adding or deleting objects, or changing the descriptive information. In a search mode, the user can select an object by its name or an assigned sequence number. In a polling mode, the electronic tags are periodically polled to confirm the presence of the associated object to the user.

Abstract: In a method for the allocation of short addresses in illumination systems, whose illumination components (DALI EB, Lp) are controlled via a DALI bus, the short address is determined and allocated automatically without the intervention of an operator with the aid of a localization device (Tag, 4).

Abstract: A network communication and messaging protocol for use in a medical perfusion system, provides the rules which govern how, among other things, information and data is conveyed between the various devices which are connect to the network. The rules define the different types of messages that are used in conveying information and data, as well as the formatting for each of those message types. The various messages provide the ability to configure the perfusion system devices, establish links between the perfusion system devices, and convey various types of information and data, even when the main network controller is unavailable.

Abstract: Methods and computer readable media for generating displays of user-defined blocks of networking addresses on a map of an associated address space are provided. Each block of networking addresses is described in a user-defined table with a start address and a map size. The display for each block of network addresses may be rendered on the map at a location based on the relative position of the start address within the associated address space and of a size based on the mask size in relation to the associated address space.

Abstract: RF sensors acquire and store RF data in memory. One RF sensor generates a trigger signal when the RF sensor detects a feature of interest in its acquired RF data. The detecting RF sensor wirelessly transmits the trigger signal to the non-detecting RF sensor. The non-detecting RF sensor reads the appropriate RF data from its memory in response to receipt of the trigger signal. The non-detecting RF sensor accesses the appropriate RF data using a time of day when the trigger signal is received and a predetermined time offset.

Abstract: A bi-directional communication system communicates between a control station, which receives and outputs control signals, and one or more display cabinets. LEDs illuminate objects disposed about the cabinets. Addressable nodes interactively communicate with the control station and selectively operate the LEDs, each node being coupled to the control station and to associated LEDs.

Abstract: A security system includes at least one audio sensor located at a premises that receives audio signals and converts the audio signals to digitized audio signals. A server is located remote from the plurality of premises and receives the digitized audio signals from each of the premises. A plurality of clients are in communication with the server, which is operative for selecting the client for receiving digitized audio signals for a selected premises. The client is operative for converting the digitized audio signals from the selected premises into audio for an operator that is monitoring the premises.

Abstract: The invention regards a system and method for using a handheld programming device to configure a lighting control system wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one device configured with a processing section is installed in the lighting control system. A communications receiver that is operable to receive a signal from the handheld programming device is also installed in the lighting control system, wherein the signal includes an instruction for configuring the lighting control system. Further, the signal is wirelessly sent from the handheld programming device to the communications receiver, and the instruction is transmitted from the communications receiver to a device in the system. The instruction functions to configure the lighting control system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assigning a unique device address to a remotely-located control device in a wireless lighting control system having a plurality of control devices. Each of the control devices is operable to couple to a source of power and to be assigned a unique device address. The method first comprises cycling power to the remotely-located control devices, i.e., interrupting and restoring power to the control devices. The control device transmits wirelessly a signal uniquely identifying the control device within a predetermined amount of time after the cycling of power. A list of unaddressed control devices that have recently been power cycled is generated. Each of the control devices on the list is then assigned and transmitted a unique device address.

Abstract: An equipment housing is provided upon which heavy computing equipment, such as servers, routers, switches, and others may be mounted. A computing device is attached to the housing. The computing device is interfaced with the equipment on the housing, and also with a system that is external thereto. The disclosed housing, and others like it, may be used by an organization along with a centralized computing system such that that organization will know the exact location and status of all of its equipment at the same time and may accurately and readily monitor all of its equipment-related-assets at any given time.

Abstract: An intelligent volumetric module for use in metering pressurized syrup to a drink dispenser machine comprises a solenoid driven metering system for controlling liquid flows from a pressurized syrup container and a controller for controlling operation of said solenoid driven metering system according to uniquely addressed instructions received from the drink dispenser's system controller. The controller comprises a self-addressing capability, wherein serial communication to all but one non-addressed volumetric module is disrupted while a first address is assigned to that one module. Communication is the enabled along a serial bus to a next non-addressed module, to which a second address is assigned. The process continues until each volumetric module is assigned a unique address and connected to the serial communication bus.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a call from a data processing system to another address. In a preferred embodiment, a notice of an incoming call received from a server at a data processing system. This notice may include caller identification information as well. The user of the data processing system is prompted for an address to which the user wishes the call to be redirected. The user then identifies and sends to the server a new address to which the incoming call is to be redirected. The server then redirects the call to the new address.

Abstract: A network communication and messaging protocol for use in a medical perfusion system, provides the rules which govern how, among other things, information and data is conveyed between the various devices which are connect to the network. The rules define the different types of messages that are used in conveying information and data, as well as the formatting for each of those message types. The various messages provide the ability to configure the perfusion system devices, establish links between the perfusion system devices, and convey various types of information and data, even when the main network controller is unavailable.

Abstract: An independent radio frequency programming device automates a setup process for a lighting system with lighting control devices and master controls. The programming device intercepts communications between the lighting control devices and the master control during an initial setup phase. A start function permits the programming device to provide automated setup information to the master controls. Once the automated setup process completes, the lighting system is fully programmed with behavior functions for all lighting control devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method combine visual addresses and electronic addresses for identification of electronic units. In which, the apparatus is one device per electronic unit. Each device comprises a circuit board encapsulated in a device enclosure, and the circuit board provides electronic identification for the electronic unit. The electronic identification of the electronic unit is communicated via bus pins attached to the circuit board to the electronic unit upon the bus pins being inserted into the electronic unit. A cabinet label is affixed to the device enclosure provides visual identification for the electronic unit.

Abstract: An intelligent volumetric module for use in metering pressurized syrup to a drink dispenser machine comprises a solenoid driven metering system for controlling liquid flows from a pressurized syrup container and a controller for controlling operation of said solenoid driven metering system according to uniquely addressed instructions received from the drink dispenser's system controller. The controller comprises a self-addressing capability, wherein serial communication to all but one non-addressed volumetric module is disrupted while a first address is assigned to that one module. Communication is the enabled along a serial bus to a next non-addressed module, to which a second address is assigned. The process continues until each volumetric module is assigned a unique address and connected to the serial communication bus.

Abstract: A method for setting a product address in a home network system is disclosed. The method includes a step for requesting a temporary address in which a network controller designates redundant addresses with a predetermined range to each product and requests an arbitrary address among the redundant address as a temporary address; a step for designating a temporary address in which each product designates an arbitrary address among the redundant addresses as a temporary address and informs to a network controller; and a step for confirming an address in which the network controller sequentially sets one of the redundant addresses for each address not doubled among informed temporary addresses from each product.

Abstract: A navigation device for navigating a vehicle to a point comprises a GPS receiver for receiving GPS signals, a processor connected with the receiver for processing the GPS signals, navigation data created by the processor, and a display page. The navigation data includes ground speed, altitude, vertical speed and rate of turn information, and the display page presents this information in individual graphic, circular displays representative of an aircraft instrument panel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for communicating a communications controller with a connected device over a serial bus is provided. The connected device is connected to the bus at one of a plurality of addresses, and the method includes sending a first request to the device over the bus at a first address; waiting for an acknowledgement of the first request by the device; and establishing communication with the connected device if the acknowledgement of the first request is received.

Abstract: An object identification system includes a monitor and a plurality of transceivers that communicate over a common medium. The monitor includes a first transmitter, a first receiver, and a processor. Each transceiver includes a resonant circuit, a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna coupled to the resonant circuit. The processor performs a method for performing transceiver communication that includes the steps of: (a) transmitting from the first transmitter a first frequency for a first duration; (b) after lapse of the first duration, receiving via the first receiver a response signal from at least one of the resonant circuits; (c) determining a second frequency from the received response signal; and (d) performing transceiver communication using the second frequency.

Abstract: A communications network system which is capable of continuously performing a normal communications of data on a communication cable. A Navigation unit 30 transmits an intersection data having ID0001 to an automatic transmission control unit 10 via communications cable. A gateway 50 which accepts communications from an information system network B to a control system network A is intervened on a communications line between both networks. When detecting a sending data having an ID code of ID0001, gateway 50 compares its communication period 0 of the data with previously stored communications period. If they are coincident with each other, the communications from network B to network A is enabled. If communications periods are incoincident with each other, the ID code when the intersection data is transmitted is changed to ID0110 and communications enabling (accepting) ID code by gateway is also changed from ID0001 to ID0110.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless home automation system having controllers for controlling a broad variety of functions via two-way communication with a plurality of devices. More specifically, the invention relates to sharing information related to the system between controllers, e.g. by updating a second controller with the newly learned information of a first controller, or by replicating a controller by making a second controller a complete copy of a first controller. The information can be shared by generating and transmitting, with a first controller, a list of device identifiers of devices controlled by the first controller to a second controller. The list is received by the second controller and stored in a memory of the second controller dedicated to store device identifiers of devices controlled by the second controller. This function proves advantageous when new controllers are introduced or if a controller is lost, worn out, or destroyed.

Abstract: A method and a system for integration of a field device in an installation control system having a communications network and a control station functions in that a field device transmits a functional description of device functions to the control station in a standardized form, whereupon functions associated with the field device are installed on the control station, and communications links are set up between the device functions of the field device and the functions of the control station. In one preferred version of the invention, device functions are automatically or manually combined with an installation structure. The invention is preferably used with high voltage or medium voltage switchgear assemblies and leads to a considerable reduction in the complexity for specification and commissioning of installation internal communications links and to higher quality of a resulting installation control system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving, accessing, and storing medical data relating to a patient during a medical procedure. The invention provides a single interface to many disparate forms of medical data, which is accessible over a local area network, wide area network, direct connection, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, an operating room control system for use during a medical procedure on a patient includes an input device, a display device, and a controller that is coupled to the input device and the display device. The controller receives one or more user inputs, transmits a command to a server located outside of the operating room to retrieve medical data, receives the medical data from the server, and displays the medical data on the display device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a magnetic field strength includes a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field for receipt by a responsive device and a controller in communication with the magnetic field generator for determining a strength of the magnetic field to a level sufficient for use in controlling the responsive device.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates an apparatus and a method for limiting the number of specified messages placed onto a network thus to improve network performance. An element management system, upon detecting that a defined threshold has been exceeded for specified types of messages, determines which network element is generating the greatest number of such messages. Thereafter, the element management system instructs the network element that is generating the largest number of alarm messages to cease transmitting a specified type of alarm message. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, if the event flow rate is still too high, the element management system may instruct the cross connect network element to stop sending all threshold types of alarms. Finally, if the event flow rate is still too high, the element management system may cause all QoS alarms from the one network element to not be transmitted.

Abstract: A system for managing a distributed array of appliances includes a distributed array of the units, at least some of the relay units being appliance controllers having an appliance interface. At least some communications are relayed through at least two other relay units for coverage over a wide range using low power transceivers, based on automatically generated routing tables that are maintained in the relay units.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating over networks, particularly generally-linear networks such as a netowrk of railcars in a railway train. The disclosed system and method include the relaying of packets which may contain plural messages down a line of nodes. Acknowledgement of the packets is obtained implicitly by listening to a subsequenct relay of the packet and retransmission of the packet is effected on a diverse antenna in the event of non-acknowledgement. Message bandwidth is shared among the nodes of the system by a message priority system and by the reservation of portions of a packet for certain types of messages. Message bandwidth is also shared by the use of groups of nodes as relay particpiants and by periodically changing the group which is peforming the relay operations.

Abstract: A remote power meter monitoring system using spread spectrum transmitters, fast frequency shift keying, spread spectrum receivers and a computer. The spread spectrum transmitter uses a chip code generator, preamble register, address register data register and oscillator coupled to a microprocessor to transmit information in a direct sequence spread spectrum signal. The spread spectrum receiver acquires synchronization of the spread spectrum signal using a microprocessor to despread and detect the transmitted information, which relates to data from a power meter.