Abstract: The portable electronic device (1) allows functions and/or data of a vehicle to be controlled and managed. In order to do this, the portable device comprises, in a casing having an upper part (10) fixed, for example, in a removable manner on a lower part (11), means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals for short range personalised communication with the vehicle. It further comprises a microprocessor unit for processing functions and/or data of the device and of the vehicle, at least one display screen (3) having a portion which is visible from outside the casing for displaying different menus or data of the device or of the vehicle, and manual control means (5, 6) for controlling the execution of functions of the microprocessor unit. A power source, such as a battery, is provided in the casing for supplying electric power to all the electronic components of the device.

Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus and method of using are disclosed for controlling an electronic appliance such as a television set, radio, computer, or other. The remote control apparatus may include a hand held housing, a wireless transmitter for sending signals to the appliance, and a manually operated rotary controller for causing operation adjusting signals to be generated and supplied to the transmitter.

Abstract: A domestic appliance, shown in the form of a refrigerator, includes a cabinet within which is defined at least one compartment. A controller is mounted to the appliance for controlling various operating parameters of the appliance. The controller also includes a memory having stored therein a plurality of operating parameters associated with a plurality of appliance models. The appliance has an identification element affixed thereto and a communication device that is operatively connected to the controller. The communication device receives signals that provide programming instructions to the controller to activate particular ones of the plurality of operating parameters associated with the respective appliance model. In this manner, a universal controller can be employed in any one of a wide range of appliance models.

Abstract: A method for providing a user interface for an industrial control system. Information is presented at least in part displayed in layers or filters on one or more display screens of a control system. The control system may include other media for presenting or displaying information. The content for the one or more layers, which also provide an interface to a process state or function, is determined based on information available from the control system, dependent on which of the available items of the information shall be visually displayed or otherwise presented prominently, or displayed less prominently, or hidden. An interface, computer programs and a control system are also provided.

Abstract: A virtual presence of an resident or owner of a monitored premise (home, office, etc.) is provided by automatic detection of the presence of a visitor, automatic establishment of a video feed to a remote device of the resident or owner, and automatic establishment of two-way audio communications between the remote device and a door intercom at the monitored presence. Using the video feed and the two-way communications, the resident or owner can communicate to the visitor as if the resident or owner were actually in the monitored presence viewing the visitor through a peep-hole or security camera, thereby providing the illusion to the visitor that the premise is actually occupied. Additionally, the resident or owner is provided a remote capability to activate an alarm or disarm and alarm, according to the conditions of the visit and the user's wishes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring process, environmental, industrial and other control systems generate and/or utilize models representing configurations of control systems and/or the systems controlled by them. Records of changes to the models or the configurations represented by them are maintained, thereby, for example, providing bases for determining current states, prior states and histories of changes. Objects in the model have characteristics, such as an object type characteristic and an area characteristic. Users can have corresponding permissions. A security mechanism apparatus controls access by users to the objects. Composite objects are defined by definition objects and are displayed in encapsulated or expanded formats. Objects can include an edit control type identifier that determines how they are presented for editing. Functionality responds to user commands by transferring characteristics of a first object depicted by the graphical user interface to a second object.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone which receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.

Abstract: The mesh network remote control device is able to dynamically exchange information with other mesh network devices via a mesh network, partial mesh network, ad-hoc network or with an non-mesh network such as the Internet or an intranet. The mesh network remote control device controls devices connected to such mesh or non-mesh networks. The mesh network remote control device accepts commands from mesh network devices, non-mesh network devices, non-mesh communications networks (e.g., URLs, device commands, social networking logins, etc.), stores the original commands and transforms the original commands into simple display commands that are used by a user to control remote mesh network or non-mesh network devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote control system including a remote commander and a main device having a capability to connect with a subordinate device. The main device includes: a display; a first storage device for storing a plurality of sets of remote control codes; a first signal reception circuit; a first signal transmission circuit for, e.g., transmitting to the remote commander a set of remote control codes corresponding to a subordinate device; and a control unit. The remote commander includes: a second signal reception circuit for receiving the set of remote control codes; a second storage device for storing the set of remote control codes; a second signal transmission circuit; and an operation section for transmitting a remote control code transmission control signal for causing the control unit to perform remote control code transmission control for selecting the set of remote control codes and transmitting the set of remote control codes.

Abstract: A radio communication system of a water heater comprising a slave set which remotely operates a water heater main body by radio communication, and a master set which continuously communicates with the water heater main body by wired communication and which intermittently communicates with the slave set by radio communication to relay communication between the water heater main body and the slave set, wherein after the slave set instructs to change a hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body to a requested temperature by the salve set, the requested temperature previously instructed by the slave set is maintained as the hot water supply temperature displayed on the display section of the slave set for a particular time until the hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body reaches the temperature requested by the slave set.

Abstract: A composite electronic apparatus that prevents misoperation of a remote control device and provides easy remote control operations for electronic devices is provided. When a DVD mode switching key is pressed, for example, in this composite electronic apparatus, a DVD recognition LED is turned on. When a VCR mode switching key is pressed, a VCR recognition LED is turned on. In addition, when one of action command keys is pressed, the DVD recognition LED or the VCR recognition LED indicating an operation target is turned on in accordance with information indicating a transmission mode stored until the action command key is operated.

Abstract: There is described a method for enabling the operation of automation components of a technical system via a mobile control and monitoring device. In a first step, the control and monitoring device receives a first identification from a first transponder device, with the first transponder device being attached to the technical system, with the first transponder device having been activated by the automation components and with the first identification having been transmitted via a wireless communication connection from the automation components to the mobile control and monitoring device. In a further step the communication connection between the control and monitoring device and the automation components is deactivated. The mobile control and monitoring device sends a carrier signal and following that receives the carrier signal modulated by the first transponder device.

Abstract: A remote controller having a plurality of keys arranged thereon, sending a remote control signal allocated to each of the keys upon being operated to thereby remotely control control-target equipment. The remote controller can send a remote control signal corresponded to each of the control-target equipment by mode switching and allows a remote control of selection in which specific equipment out of the control-target equipment can select a signal from the other control-target equipment. The remote controller includes an input selection key for directing the selection on the one specific equipment; a receiver receiving a connected equipment signal; a controller generating and sending a remote control signal corresponding to an operation of the key, and effecting the mode switching based on the connected equipment signal, thereby selecting control-target equipment; a transmitter sending the remote control signal; and a display displaying information of the selected control-target equipment.

Abstract: A method for defining a group from among a plurality of bidirectional objects, comprising the following stages: a) synchronous application to the objects in a group of an initiator event, b) sending of a message containing a group identifier, and c) recording by the objects that have been subjected to the initiator event of the group identifier.

Abstract: In a portrait mode of operation in a mobile communications device a phone camera can be automatically triggered to photograph an image in response to a sensed sound signal,. The portrait mode may be initially activated by the user by depressing a key on the phone keypad and/or a dedicated camera function button. A sound trigger signal can be detected from an input of the phone microphone. An indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED) can be energized in the portrait mode and viewable from the position of image object. Thus the user can confirm that the portrait mode is operational.

Abstract: Aspects include systems, computer readable media and methods for remotely updating properties of Audio/Visual (A/V) performance nodes that can receive A/V content through a wireless network from a central content source. The central content source can maintain information about properties of such nodes, providing such information to a device configured with remote control software, upon request. The remote control device can accept user inputs relating to properties updates, indications of such being provided to the central content source for distribution to nodes whose properties were updated. Examples of updatable properties include on/off toggling, and volume controls. Updating such properties can be protected by passwords. The central content source can be configured as software executing on a personal computer operable to communicate over the Internet for obtaining access to streaming and/or downloadable A/V content.

Abstract: A method for pairing a bidirectional object acting as a command receiver with a bidirectional object acting as a command transmitter, includes the stages of: (a) temporary allocation of at least one bidirectional object acting as a command receiver to a bidirectional object acting as a command transmitter; (b) selection of a bidirectional object acting as a command receiver from among the temporarily assigned objects; and (c) pairing of the selected object.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to wireless systems, and also relating to battery life improvement for wireless devices through activity report combining. According to an example embodiment, a method is provided. The method may include determining a reporting period, detecting user activity at each of a plurality of detection points within the reporting period, and transmitting a message for the reporting period over a wireless link to report the detected user activity for the plurality of detection points.

Abstract: A power semiconductor apparatus is provided with power controlling semiconductor modules connected in parallel to each other. Each power controlling semiconductor module controls driving of a power semiconductor device. The power semiconductor apparatus includes a transmission circuit and a reception circuit provided in one and another power controlling semiconductor modules, respectively. The transmission circuit transmits a predetermined communication signal to another power controlling semiconductor module based on a predetermined activation signal generated by one power controlling semiconductor module. The reception circuit receives the transmitted communication signal, and controls driving control operation of another power controlling semiconductor module based on the received communication signal.

Abstract: An input device of a washing machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. An input device of a washing machine includes an operation part generating a plurality of identical signals for washing course designation, a control part controlling one of a plurality of preset washing courses to be designated sequentially according to a predetermined order if the signal is generated by the operation part and a display part displaying the washing course designated by the control part. A control method of an input device of a washing machine for washing course selection includes generating a plurality of identical signals by a user's operation, designating one of a plurality of preset washing courses separately according to a predetermined order whenever the signal is generate, and displaying the designated washing course.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive motion sensing with location determination is described. In one embodiment, the adaptive motion sensor is based on vibration sensor readings and can identify different states of motions based on modifiable parameters.

Abstract: A method of receiving a plurality of instructions. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) storing a first of the instructions in response to receiving the first instruction at an initial time, and (B) rejecting a second of the instructions that depends from the first instruction in response to receiving the second instruction greater than a maximum delay after the initial time.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a radio remote controller system that, when power saving for a radio remote controller is realized by intermittently setting a data receivable period in the radio remote controller, can easily and flexibly change a length of a period for making it impossible to receive the radio data and reduce power consumption of the radio remote controller. A master set connected to a water heater main body by wire transmits monitor data G(G1, G2, G3) indicating an operation state of the water heater main body, which include transmission time information indicating the next time (t14 at G1, and t17 at G2) of transmission of the monitor data G, to a slave set serving as a radio remote controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of controlling a plurality of signal processing devices from a first signal processing device, wherein the first signal processing device generates a signal representing an on-screen display, including enabling an on-screen display associated with a user interface for one of the plurality of signal processing devices at the first signal processing device, selecting a control feature of one of the plurality of signal processing devices and providing feedback at the user interface of one of the plurality of signal processing devices associated with the selected control feature.

Abstract: An item price notification system automatically interrogates product labels to determine product, pricing, and other unique data. The system uses a radio frequency (RF) radio frequency transceiver to generate an RF field to communicate with radio frequency identification (radio frequency transponders) transponders mountable to product display shelves. The radio frequency transponders contain information such as pricing information, nutritional information, and other unique data about the various products. As the RF radio frequency transceiver moves into proximity to various radio frequency transponders for a variety of products, the unique data are received by the RF radio frequency transceiver and are displayed for the user. The displayed data allows a user to make comparisons between products, and the system display and memory allow a user to store the unique data for those products and to make instant and cumulative product, price, and other comparisons.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a set of power users, in particular household appliances, which users (U) are connected to a first communication network (RE) through appropriate interfacing means (N) for the exchange of information and/or instructions, where transmitter/receiver means (MC) connected to said first communication network (RE) are provided for establishing a communication channel to a second remote network (IN) and/or remote terminal (TC). According to the present invention, said transmitter/receiver means (MC) are associated to one of said electric users (LB) and share one of the interfacing means (N) associated to said user (LB).

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control, a system for programming the remote control, and methods of programming or using the remote control. The remote control is configured to be selectively set up or programmed using a display screen and corresponding function buttons on the remote control. The set up process allows a user to only set up the remote control features of interest to for that particular user. In addition, the remote control includes a module that may be accessed directly by the remote control or via a computer where the module guides the user through the set up process. Thus, the user does not need to set up any feature of the remote control that is not applicable to that user.

Abstract: A remote control, which can control a plurality of devices with UPnP support, and establish or receive a network phone call. Also a mobile memory module is provided for accessing the data of network account, financial account, or personal data stored in a mobile memory device to support the functions of phone number listing, wireless network payment service, or accessing or showing of personal data. The functions of network phone service and remote controlling are combined to increase the versatility and convenience of a remote control.

Abstract: A remote controller that can infer the intention of a user and that can control a plurality of devices based on the inferred intention is provided. A remote controller includes memory, a control circuit, and a transmission portion. The memory stores in advance, in association with a situation sensed by a sensor, information of a first control signal. The control circuit generates, in association with the situation sensed by the sensor and the information stored in the memory, the first control signal. The transmission portion transmits the first control signal generated by the control circuit.

Abstract: Source of input of an instruction to a remote controller is switched between manipulation on hand and external manipulation. A remote controller includes an instruction input portion accepting input of an instruction for controlling equipment, a supply accepting portion accepting supply of power from a cradle, a charging portion, a power storage portion, a control portion controlling an operation of the remote controller, a storage portion, an infrared light emission portion, and a display portion. The control portion includes a placement detection portion detecting whether or not the remote controller is mounted on the cradle, a selection portion switching between sources of input of the instruction from the instruction input portion based on a result of detection by the placement detection portion, and a control signal generation portion generating a control signal for controlling the equipment.

Abstract: According to a remote control apparatus of the present invention, an image and device-specific information acquired by the acquisition section are stored in a non-volatile storage medium being associated with each other. Subsequently, an image stored in the storage medium is displayed, a desired device is selected based on specific information stored in the storage medium, and desired remote control for the device is selected. Then, a remote control signal corresponding to the selected remote control is transmitted to the selected device.

Abstract: A remote operating apparatus includes a selection decision operating device, a controller, a first operation function changing button and a second operation function changing button for changing an operation function of the selection decision operating device.

Abstract: A remote controller is disclosed to include a housing, a control unit mounted in the housing, a communication unit mounted in the housing and electrically coupled to the control unit and controllable by the control unit to communicate with an external host and to download a control content from the external host, and a display unit, which is installed in housing and electrically coupled to the control unit, having a display zone for displaying the control content downloaded by the communication unit and a control zone for inputting instructions for enabling inputted instructions to be sent to a controlled device by the communication unit to drive the controlled device to execute the instructions.

Abstract: A composite electronic apparatus that prevents misoperation of a remote control device and provides easy remote control operations for electronic devices is provided. When a DVD mode switching key is pressed, for example, in this composite electronic apparatus, a DVD recognition LED is turned on. When a VCR mode switching key is pressed, a VCR recognition LED is turned on. In addition, when one of action command keys is pressed, the DVD recognition LED or the VCR recognition LED indicating an operation target is turned on in accordance with information indicating a transmission mode stored until the action command key is operated.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a communication component, an integral display operatively connected to the communication component, an operator input component operatively connected to the display and a processing component operatively connected to the communication component, to the display and to the operator input component. The communication component communicates with external electronic devices via a common software interface to send data to and receive data from the devices and to send control signals to the devices to control the operation of the devices. The processing component processes an operator's input to the operator input component and data received by the communication component to formulate the control signals. A method of controlling external electrical components is also provided.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for controlling a plurality of devices in a building. The technique includes detecting a first network event at a first device, updating a network state on the first device based on the first network event, determining at the first device an action based on the network state, and transmitting a second network event to a second device.

Abstract: A universal in-vehicle remote control automatically assists in appliance activation configuration. The appliance responds to a radio frequency activation signal having characteristics represented by one of a plurality of activation schemes. The user is automatically prompted to select one of a plurality of subsets of possible activation schemes. For each activation scheme in the subset, an activation signal is transmitted. User input is received indicating whether or not at least one transmitted activation signal successfully activates the appliance. If the user input indicates success, data representing the activation scheme is associated with a user activation input channel.

Abstract: Remote control of an operating table which can be motor-adjusted by means of a drive device is provided for. Command signals for controlling the drive device are wirelessly transmitted to the operating table from an operator control unit. A unique association between the operator control unit and an operating table is ensured before command signals are sent by emitting an infrared control signal to the operating table by the operator control unit and then confirming the reception of the control signal from the operator control unit by radio signal from the operating table.

Abstract: A remote controlled system employs a computer-based remote control facilitator to facilitate remote control of a controlled device from a non-dedicated remote controller. The computer facilitator is coupled to the remote controller and controlled device via a wireless or wire-based network. The computer facilitator runs an application that corresponds to the controlled device. Neither the remote controller nor the controlled device need have any awareness of the other, or any knowledge as to how to communicate with one another. The computer tells the remote controller what options to present to a user and translates the selection entered by the user into a command that is sent to the controlled device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is arranged to communicate over a cellular communication system with a control system connected to a plurality of field devices in an industrial process, in order to remote control, configure or monitor the field devices. The mobile terminal accesses through a dedicated data connection established over the cellular communication system an interactive user interface associated with the control system and arranged to utilize the configuration, control and management data of the control system. In the preferred embodiment, the interactive user interface is provided by a World Wide Web server.

Abstract: An industrial plant asset management system comprising of a synchronized multiple view graphical user interface combining simultaneous real time and database display capability, a database including a knowledge manager and having input and output interfaces, a normalizing data acquisition module with real time and database interfaces, and a variety of device dependent data collector modules with associated signal conditioning and processing devices for providing an environment for development and deployment of visual models for monitoring plant assets.

Abstract: A device controller is provided which allows a vehicle occupant to confirm a device to be operated without looking an operation section. When a controller of a microswitch indicates a device such as a window regulator or a sun roof, a control circuit feeds a motion confirmation signal to a corresponding device such as a right-hand front door ECU and a roof ECU. A door glass, a sliding roof or the like then reciprocate slightly (i.e., in an amount that is enough for the vehicle occupant to visually confirm the reciprocation) via a window regulator driving circuit, a sun roof driving circuit or the like. The vehicle occupant can thereby confirm a device to be operated by the operation section without looking an operation section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless home automation system having a controller for controlling a broad variety of functions via two ways communication with a plurality of devices. The controllers and devices of the system comprises means for generating a signal comprising a destination identifier, instructions related to the input/output of the destination or source device, and a repeater identifier. The devices according to the invention are adapted to act as input/output devices and signal repeating devices. The processors of each device comprises means for, upon reception of a signal, processing said information if the destination identifier corresponds to the device identifier of the device, and means for, upon reception of a signal, transmitting a second signal holding at least said destination identifier and said instruction if the repeater identifier corresponds to the device identifier of the device.

Abstract: A method and means is disclosed for remotely reading the status of and controlling irrigation components and ancillary equipment. A handheld remote user interface (RUI) is provided which includes a display and a keypad. The RUI has the ability to communicate with and control the irrigation components using built-in wireless telemetry technology. The RUI allows the user to read the status of and control the irrigation components and ancillary equipment from any location in the field, without requiring the user to be at the irrigation component controls or at a specific location in the field.

Abstract: A home electronics system enabling rapid execution of remote control of controlled devices includes a home server, a cellular phone connected to the home server via a public line network, and devices to be controlled controlled in response to a signal from the home server. When the user selects via cellular phone an area, a state or a type of the devices to, the home server creates an image of the current state information showing the state of the devices for transmitting to the cellular phone.

Abstract: In a medical device, a Tx Clock Button is presented on a graphics display overlain with a touch screen which allows an operator to control multiple functions of the medical device. Various parts of Tx Clock Button may be displayed in different colors, and based on the state of treatment at a given time and in response to the operator touching Tx Clock Button, the colors may change to visually indicate a change in state. When the Tx Clock Button is touched for the first time after a new patient has been selected, multiple functions, times, displays, parameters, and alarms of the medical device are initiated. When the Tx Clock Button is touched for the second time, various ones of the multiple functions, times, displays, parameters, and alarms may be suspended. A third touch of the Tx Clock Button may resume the suspended items.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamic feedback projection from a hand held pointing device is provided. The system includes a hand held pointing device that is capable of two way communication with appliance interfaces associated with appliances that are controllable by the hand held pointing device. The hand held pointer is capable of transmitting signals to the appliance interfaces and receiving response signals from the appliance interfaces. The hand held pointing device further includes a visible light projection apparatus for projecting light onto a remote surface. The projected light is displaced on the remote surface by a light projection modification apparatus such that the projected light creates images corresponding to the response signals from the appliance interfaces.

Abstract: A system including at least one automatically controlled process element (1), in particular an automatically controlled process system, having at least one screen (4) for displaying status data or operational data of said process element (1). The display of the screen (4) is temporarily interrupted by a screen saver function and an activating element (5) is provided for remote-control cancellation of the screen saver function. In addition, an activating element (5) for the system is provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for an adaptive remote controller are provided. The remote controller comprises a user control input, a detector, and a user interface. The user control input is configured to receive user input and issue at least one control signal to a target device. The detector is configured to detect if the remote controller is within a target device feedback range. If the remote controller is out of the target device feedback range, the user interface provides feedback that the control signal was successfully sent to and executed by the target device.