Abstract: A management device according to an aspect of the present invention transmits and receives information to and from a relay device that is able to communicate with a field device installed in a plant. The management device includes a storage unit including a first setting storage area configured to store first setting information that is setting information of the relay device and a second setting storage area configured to store second setting information that is setting information of the field device and a first setting management unit that writes the first setting information and the second setting information to the relay device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for an integrated circuit (IC) comprising an oscillator, an on-off-keying modulator configured to modulate input data coupled to the oscillator, a serial communications transmitter coupled to the on-off-keying modulator, a serial communications receiver coupled to the serial communications transmitter by a set of cables, and an envelope detector coupled to the serial communications receiver. In the IC, power and data are simultaneously delivered across the same set of cables from the serial communications transmitter to the serial communications receiver.

Abstract: An embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for presentation of system alarms. The method includes obtaining information associated with a plurality of sections in an industrial process control and automation system. The information includes, for each section of the plurality of sections, an operating status, an alarm status, and a location within the system. The method also includes displaying a dashboard including the plurality of sections in a hierarchical format. The method also includes, for each of the plurality of sections, displaying an icon for the section and displaying visual indicators for the alarm status of the section and the operating status of the section.

Abstract: A lock button status indicator member for use with a key fob having a depressable lock button for remotely activating a locking mechanism communicating with a door. The lock button status indicator member is formed of a viscoelastic polyurethane foam having a slow recovery time. The lock button status indicator member has a base configured to abut the upper surface of the lock button. An adherent, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, is located on the lower surface of the base of the lock button status indicator member, and is adapted to adhere the lower surface of the base to the upper surface of the lock button.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, computer program products, and methods to provide alert management based on alert rankings are described herein. In an aspect, a plurality of alerts corresponding to a plurality of objects are received. A check is made to determine whether at least two alerts in the plurality of alerts include an identical priority. When the at least two alerts include the identical priority, the alert rankings for the at least two alerts are determined based on a runtime attribute. Further, when two or more alerts in the at least two alerts include the identical alert ranking upon determining the alert rankings based on the runtime attribute, the alert rankings of the two or more alerts are determined based on another runtime attribute. The plurality of alerts including the alert rankings are rendered to provide an order in which the plurality of alerts to be addressed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for heating a powertrain prior to an engine start. One method includes heating a coolant by circulating the coolant through a radiator and operating an electric radiator fan, and flowing the coolant across the powertrain. The coolant is heated and circulated across the powertrain when a temperature of the powertrain is lower than ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses the Internet protocol, TCP/IP, for a home control network. The invention also provides embedded servers, email clients at the electrical boxes. The invention integrates the Internet to the electrical outlet, switch, or appliance boxes using a low cost embedded web server.

Abstract: A control network system may control a control target by using control data. The control network system may include a wireless field device that transmits the control data through a wireless communication, a relay apparatus that relays the control data from the wireless field device, the relay apparatus including a storage unit that stores identification data of the wireless field device, the storage unit storing a flag associated with the identification data, the flag showing a progress state of commissioning of the wireless field device, and a host system that receives the control data from the wireless field device through the relay apparatus, the host system including a control unit that discontinues operation of controlling the control target when the flag is in a nonsteady state.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates an automated mass production method, adapted for an automated mass production system in manufacturing at least an electronic device having a storage unit, the method includes steps of: determining a protocol type of the Auto Handler to select one of the agents; establishing a first communication protocol communication between the MP tool module and the selected agent; establishing a second communication protocol communication between the selected agent and the Auto Handler; the Auto Handler outputting a processing command to the selected agent; the selected agent converting the processing command into a MP tool module executable MP tool instruction; and the selected agent outputting the corresponding MP tool instruction to the MP tool module so as to have the MP tool module executed the MP tool instruction to automatically perform a corresponding mass production process to the electronic device.

Abstract: A wireless adapter for use in a two-wire process control loop includes wireless communication circuitry and first and second terminals configured to couple in series with the two-wire process control loop. A regulator having a regulated input is coupled to the first terminal and an output. A shunt is coupled to the output of the regulator and is configured to provide power to the wireless communication circuitry. A feedback circuit is configured to control current flowing from the regulator to the shunt as a function of a loop current flowing through the two-wire process control loop.

Abstract: A barrier operator feature enhancement device is designed to provide one or more features found in modern barrier operator devices and to incorporate those features into a previously installed barrier operator system. To facilitate ease of use, the barrier operator feature enhancement device can communicate with a large variety of barrier operators. Such communication may be wireless or wired, depending on the communication protocol implemented by a particular previously installed barrier operator. To facilitate the ease of installation, the device is designed to configure itself to operate with the communication protocol of the previously installed barrier operator. Once configured to be able to communicate with the previously installed barrier operator, the feature enhancement device works with the barrier operator to provide one or more additional features to enhance the capabilities of the previously installed barrier operator.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for managing one or more electronic devices. Performance of an electronic device is monitored and presented to a user through a digital agent interface. The performance of the electronic device is controlled automatically by digital agent through the digital agent interface. The invention also enables automatic testing of the electronic device through the digital agent interface by setting up test configurations, activating test signals, and interpreting any error codes that may be generated.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock includes a user interface configured to receive input from a user, the user interface activating operating power for the lock; a memory configured to store access tables, the access tables including information on the keys allowed to open the lock; and an electronic circuitry configured to modify the access tables on the basis of the insertions of an associate master key and an end function key into the lock, the insertion of the associated master key initializing a programming mode and the insertion of an end function key causing the lock to exit the programming mode.

Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.

Abstract: A wireless control system for wireless control of a remote electronic system configured to provide information to a user using a multi-colored LED. The system includes a transmitter circuit configured to transmit a wireless control signal having control data which will control the remote electronic system, a multi-colored light emitting diode display configured to provide an indication of a state of the wireless control system, and a control circuit coupled to the trainable transmitter circuit configured to transmit the wireless control signal through the trainable transmitter circuit based on the state of the wireless control system.

Abstract: A processing circuit may include a command source that receives at least one feature input control signal for a lighting fixture; and an adaptive filtering mechanism that generates a filtered control signal in response to the input control signal, wherein the adaptive filtering mechanism varies a filter function in response to at least a temporal state of the input control signal.

Abstract: A switching function is performed in response to a predetermined rate-of-change of an output signal, thereby providing rate-of-change switching. Rate-of-change switches (63 and 154) each include a user-controlled transducer (38A, 38B, or 39), a differentiator (40A, 40B, 112, or 156), and a discriminator (42, 114, 134, 160, or 162). The rate-of-change switches (63 and 154) perform at least one switching function when an output from the differentiator (40A, 40B, 112, or 156) or a second differentiator (158) exceeds an allowable magnitude. The rate-of-change switches (63 and 154) may be used to control a timed-opportunity switch (26 or 172), a conveyance, such as a wheelchair (12), and such functions as extending and retracting leg supports, and/or an environmental control unit (14 or 174). The rate-of-change switches (63 or 154) may be attached to a body member (18, 64, or 67) and be actuated by body-member gestures.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an energy store for supplying an actuator, an antenna device for receiving, by contactless communication, energy for charging the energy store and one or more control signals comprising a command for triggering the actuator, and a control unit for controlling the supply of energy to the actuator on the basis of the control signals. After the triggering command has been received, the state of charge of the energy store is determined. When this state is less than a state of charge threshold value that is sufficient for triggering the actuator, a response signal to continue contactless communication is transmitted to the transmitting device via the antenna device. When this state is greater than or equal to the state of charge threshold value, the control unit controls the supply of energy from the energy store to the actuator so that it is possible to trigger the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for tracking the status of a lock, comprising: at least one lock tracking device for tracking a status of a lock; and at least one wireless key unit; wherein each of said at least one wireless key unit is connected to one of said at least one lock tracking device, and wherein said at least one wireless key unit includes a transceiver unit for transmitting information obtained from the at least one lock tracking device regarding the status of the lock.

Abstract: A communication control apparatus includes a first connection unit connecting to a power line, a second connection unit to which an external apparatus is connected, a power supply unit for supplying electric power to the external apparatus via the second connection unit, a communication unit for making the communication between a communication apparatus connected to the power line and the external apparatus via the first connection unit and the second connection unit, and a control unit for controlling the power supply unit to supply electric power to the external apparatus, based on information received from the external apparatus by the communication unit.

Abstract: A field device for use in monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes two wire process control loop electrical connections. Digital communications monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrical connections and is configured to control power to the field device electrical circuitry in response to a digital signal on the two wire process control loop.

Abstract: A supervisory control and data acquisition protocol converter having encoded meter register input ports which are able to interrogate, read, and retain data stored in viscous fluid or gas meter registers which communicate with the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) protocols and convert that data upon request to an industrial monitoring and control system protocol such as MODBUS®, DF1, EtherNet/IP™, or ADAM 4000. The present art further provides serial RS-232C and RS-485, and Ethernet ports whereby said data may be transmitted and/or the apparatus may be setup according to user defined specifications. The present art apparatus also provides industrial standard pulse (0-5 volts) and current (4-20 milliamps) inputs. The present art further provides a user configurable display which may display any or only a portion of the aforesaid data along with other user desired data. The apparatus further serves a web page over the Ethernet port with the aforesaid data populating a table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote monitoring system and a method controlling the same, which can selectively monitor according to a condition of power and a control of devices including a washer and a dryer installed in a remote place. The remote monitoring system comprises a communication module provided in each device for transmitting monitoring information after identifying an operation condition of each device according to a user's demand; and a remote monitoring unit for selecting a device to be monitored based on a result after identifying a power condition of each device, as well as displaying an operation condition of each device based on the transmitted monitoring information and the control of each device.

Abstract: A virtual universe can include regions that conserve natural resource usage. A virtual universe natural resource conservation system (“system”) can determine that an avatar is accessing a natural resource conservation region in a virtual universe. The natural resource conservation region is supported with one or more devices that adhere to restrictions on natural resource usage. The system can also apply one or more virtual universe restrictions while the avatar is accessing the natural resource conservation region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a confirmation signal indicating that a vehicle function has been activated. The apparatus comprises an annunciator for generating the confirmation signal. A processor is coupled to the annunciator and is configured to store an annunciation profile that characterizes the confirmation signal as a function of at least one condition, and command the annunciator to generate the confirmation signal in accordance with the profile.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for managing one or more electronic devices. Performance of an electronic device is monitored and presented to a user through a digital agent interface. The performance of the electronic device is controlled automatically by digital agent through the digital agent interface. The invention also enables automatic testing of the electronic device through the digital agent interface by setting up test configurations, activating test signals, and interpreting any error codes that may be generated.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.

Abstract: A dimmer switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to and thus the intensity of a lighting load comprises a visual display operable to provide a visual indication representative of energy savings and usage information. The visual display may comprise a single visual indicator or a linear array of visual indicators. The visual display is illuminated in a first manner when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to a predetermined eco-level intensity, and is illuminated in a second manner when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity. For example, the single visual indicator may be illuminated a first color, such as green, when the intensity of the lighting load is less than or equal to the eco-level intensity, and illuminated a second different color, such as red, when the intensity of the lighting load is greater than the eco-level intensity.

Abstract: A plant monitor-control apparatus includes a control device which controls a to-be-controlled device of a plant, an operation/monitor device which delivers an operation instruction to the plant, operates the plant via the control device and monitors the plant, and a user skill level management device which manages respective user skill levels and determines an operation authority corresponding to each user skill level.

Abstract: A virtual universe can include regions that conserve natural resource usage. A virtual universe natural resource conservation system can determine a measure of comprehensive energy usage of a plurality of devices associated with a controlled energy use region in a virtual universe. The system can determine that the measure of comprehensive energy usage approaches a usage threshold for the controlled energy use region. The system can also impose one or more conservation limitations on at least one of the plurality of devices to maintain the comprehensive energy usage within the usage threshold.

Abstract: A control network system may control a control target by using control data. The control network system may include a wireless field device that transmits the control data through a wireless communication, a relay apparatus that relays the control data from the wireless field device, the relay apparatus including a storage unit that stores identification data of the wireless field device, the storage unit storing a flag associated with the identification data, the flag showing a progress state of commissioning of the wireless field device, and a host system that receives the control data from the wireless field device through the relay apparatus, the host system including a control unit that discontinues operation of controlling the control target when the flag is in a nonsteady state.

Abstract: A keyless entry system includes a portable transmitter that transmits a lock signal and an unlock signal, each of which contains a unique identification code, for a predetermined period, and an operation unit that locks and unlocks doors of a vehicle in response to the lock signal and the unlock signal from the portable transmitter. The operation unit includes a receiver that outputs a lock command signal or an unlock command signal having a predetermined time length, and a controller that drives an actuator to lock or unlock the doors of the vehicle in response to the lock command signal or the unlock command signal from the receiver. The time length of the unlock command signal from the receiver is shorter than the time length of the unlock signal from the portable transmitter.

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 centralized control apparatus includes a data collecting part that gathers data at a predetermined interval from a substrate processing apparatus for each component in the substrate processing apparatus; a data processing part that determines a status of each component based on the gathered data and regulation control information including attribute information about each component, maintenance information and previously established status-determined information about each component, at a predetermined timing established for each component, and performs thinning-out-processing to the gathered data on a determination result and prepares processed data by processing data obtained by the thinning-out-processing; and a data transmitting part that sends the regulation control information including the determination result and the processed data to a terminal unit.

Abstract: A device for communicating with low level controllers and sensors located on the production floor of an enterprise directly from the top level of the enterprise. The device comprises a controller which interfaces with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) via the backplane into which the PLCs are plugged. Users are able to define triggers that specify the circumstances under which data points within the PLCs are transported to the enterprise level where they may be stored in a database or sent directly to enterprise application via one of a number of possible transfer protocols. The invention also includes a software client which allows users to set up transfer triggers and view data points on the PLCs in real time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that records, at a remote location, the current status of a door lock. This invention provides a key fob device, which records the current status of a door look. The key fob indicates to the user the current lock status of the given door(s) in question. The key fob is a small key chain attached device, which records the state of the door locks, or other devices or appliances, as one departs from the door. The system of the present invention comprises a sensor at the door that detects the current lock status of a door and transmits this lock to the key fob. Also incorporated into the key fob is circuitry that receives and records this received lock status. A display component in the key fob displays this current lock status when prompted by the user.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for the transmission of data by a wireless controller connected between a power source and a lighting device. The wireless controller wirelessly receives control signals to control dimming and on/off operation of the lighting device. Furthermore, energy use of the lighting device is monitored and information about the energy use is sent wirelessly to a receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an energy store for supplying an actuator, an antenna device for receiving, by contactless communication, energy for charging the energy store and one or more control signals comprising a command for triggering the actuator, and a control unit for controlling the supply of energy to the actuator on the basis of the control signals. After the triggering command has been received, the state of charge of the energy store is determined. When this state is less than a state of charge threshold value that is sufficient for triggering the actuator, a response signal to continue contactless communication is transmitted to the transmitting device via the antenna device. When this state is greater than or equal to the state of charge threshold value, the control unit controls the supply of energy from the energy store to the actuator so that it is possible to trigger the actuator.

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 network node determines the suitability of coupled devices for being remotely line powered before actually powering them. The node scan its ports to determine which ports are coupled to devices. The node then interrogates the coupled devices. A unique discovery tone or bit pattern is generated and sent to devices coupled to ports. The node then monitors the port for a return signal. If there is a return signal, it is compared to the transmitted discovery signal. The signal will be identical after allowing for line losses if the coupled device is suitable for remote line powering. If the comparison yields a match, the network node supplies remote line power to the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a confirmation signal indicating that a vehicle function has been activated. The apparatus comprises an annunciator for generating the confirmation signal. A processor is coupled to the annunciator and is configured to store an annunciation profile that characterizes the confirmation signal as a function of at least one condition, and command the annunciator to generate the confirmation signal in accordance with the profile.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for a lighting control system which include a control switch to control an electrical device are disclosed herein. The control switch includes a master display to display status information of the electrical device. Additionally, a remote control switch couples to provide user-initiated commands to the control switch for controlling the electrical device. The remote control switch includes a display and receive signals from the control switch to display the same status information of the electrical device which enables a user in a location separate from the electrical device to accurately control the electrical device. A second embodiment of the control system may include a unidirectional switch which generates additional control signals that are transmitted to the control switch for control of the electrical device.

Abstract: There is described a method for electronically operating a machine tool which comprises an electronic machine tool control and is positioned on a working place. Said machine tool is connected, through a data connection, to a server platform which is independent of the working place and on which software model algorithms run for simulating the machine tool behavior. For this purpose, said algorithms effect back the machine behavior in such a way that when process data items available through the data connection are deviated, process data items modified by calculated set values are transmitted through the data switch to the machine tool control and are used thereby. The machine tool control is carried out in sections, i.e. the section(s) are meaningfully considered on the basis of the software models of the machine tool behavior remotely from the software platform.

Abstract: A universal remote control interacts with a user to assist in training to one or more appliances. If the appliance is activated by a rolling code activation signal, a sequence of different rolling code activation signals is transmitted until the user indicates a successful transmission. If the appliance is activated by a fixed code activation signal, a fixed code word is used to generate and transmit each of a sequence of different fixed code activation signals until the user indicates a successful transmission. At least one of the sequences of activation signals inserts a preset amount of time after each activation signal transmission. If user input is not received within the preset amount of time, the next activation signal in the sequence is transmitted.

Abstract: The picture frame comprises: a decorative frame (18), support or hanging means (22, 24), a display screen (12), a driver circuit (46, 48) for driving the screen, and a processor (32). It further includes wireless interface means (34), in particular of the Bluetooth type, for interfacing with a remote appliance such as a mobile telephone in order to receive therefrom digital image data blocks, each corresponding to an image for storing in a memory (40) and for displaying on the display screen. In the event of a change in the state of a change of a screen orientation sensor (50), the processor applies pivot processing to the image data so as to restore the initial orientation of the displayed image. The picture frame also includes self-adaptive means for controlling its brightness level and suitable for detecting and storing successive changes of state in a sensor and for extrapolating from said changes an automatic control relationship for controlling the brightness level of the screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling at least one air conducting element (15) in a motor vehicle. Said device comprises a first gas sensor (51) and a second gas sensor (52) which generate signals in accordance with the harmful gas concentration in the ambient air. An output signal that is used for triggering the air conducting element is generated with the aid of a signal evaluation unit. The aim of the invention is to create a method and a device which are used for controlling an air conducting element, accurately detect and distinguish the different development of harmful gas concentrations in the atmosphere and trigger the air conducting elements accordingly, and are embodied in an inexpensive, reliable, and durable manner. Said aim is achieved by configuring an electronic decision unit (4) that determines which of the two sensor signals is fed to a single signal evaluation unit during the current interval.

Abstract: A load terminal for use in a remote controlled load management system includes a control unit for starting to count a delay time and sending to a central controller monitoring data indicating that an illumination load has been turned off while controlling a power supply ON/OFF unit to keep the power supply to the illumination load when a transmission signal including a control data instructing to turn off the illumination load is received by a transmission signal transceiver unit. The control unit restarts the count of the delay time when the transmission signal transceiver unit receives a transmission signal including a control data instructing to turn on the illumination load during the count of the delay time from the central controller.

Abstract: A door lock drive controller, after outputting a drive signal to a drive circuit of a door lock actuator based on a signal from a remote control terminal, outputs an answer back signal in the form of pulses to a lamp drive circuit to light a hazard lamp. In a buzzer drive controller, pulses are converted to waveforms with changing voltage values at a waveform converter. A repetitive pulse with frequencies that changes is generated by a frequency generator based on the waveform-converted pulses and, in accordance therewith, a buzzer is driven by an output unit. A whistle-like tone can be obtained by causing the frequency of the repetitive pulse to change in the direction of increase.

Abstract: A remote controlled power switch system includes a transmitter (10) having selection elements and emitting different controlling signals each having a predetermined frequency corresponding to different responses of the selection elements; and a number of receivers (11, 12, 13) each adapted to switch an ON/OFF state of an electrical load under control of the corresponding controlling signal transmitted from the transmitter. The switched receiver transmits a feedback signal to the transmitter after receiving the controlling signal. The transmitter has an indicator unit (106) for indicating the receiving of the feedback signal. The indicator unit comprises an LED light (400) for indicating the ON or OFF state of the switched receiver by emitting different color of lights, a number of LED lights (401, 402, 403) for indicating which of the receivers is switched on, or a display (404) for showing a designated number of the switched receiver.

Abstract: A network node determines the suitability of coupled devices for being remotely line powered before actually powering them. The node scan its ports to determine which ports are coupled to devices. The node then interrogates the coupled devices. A unique discovery tone or bit pattern is generated and sent to devices coupled to ports. The node then monitors the port for a return signal. If there is a return signal, it is compared to the transmitted discovery signal. The signal will be identical after allowing for line losses if the coupled device is suitable for remote line powering. If the comparison yields a match, the network node supplies remote line power to the device.