Abstract: A data collecting device collects operation data of facility equipment that constitute a facility device control system. Upon receiving a collection data request command from a monitoring device, the data collecting device reads one or multiple items of operation data of the type specified by the collection data request command from among multiple items of collected operation data, and sends to the monitoring device response data wherein the read data is stored in a prescribed format. When a user inputs an operation that requests monitoring of operation data, the monitoring device has the user select a desired operation data type from among the operation data types that can be disclosed to the user, and sends to the data collecting device a collection data request command wherein the selected operation data type is specified.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of an automotive appliance. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The automobile owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the automotive appliance. Once the desired settings have been made, they are downloaded to the automobile either directly from the server or the automobile owner's computer or indirectly using a portable transfer device.

Abstract: A configuration tool for a programmable HVAC controller is provided. The configuration tool may accept user input, and may generate a corresponding configuration profile based on the user input. The configuration profile may be downloaded to a programmable HVAC controller, which may, among other things, reconfigure the I/O terminals of the programmable HVAC controller. The configuration tool may generate a terminal diagram that labels at least some of the I/O terminals of the programmable HVAC controller based on the particular configuration profile. In some cases, the configuration tool may output the terminal diagram in a format that can be printed on a label, with the label being suitable for adhering to the programmable HVAC controller.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an air conditioner and mobile terminal equipment for performing the method are provided. The method of diagnosing the air conditioner using mobile terminal equipment includes beginning diagnosis of the air conditioner, displaying a diagnostic result of the air conditioner on a screen, and displaying a countermeasure for the diagnostic result.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that enables the managing of environmental conditions within an enterprise workplace and, in doing so, provides an improvement in facilities cost management over some techniques in the prior art. A data-processing system such as a private-branch exchange monitors the workplace by using one or more telephones, or other “telecommunications endpoints” to which the exchange is connected, in the workplace area. The exchange determines whether people are present in the workplace area by monitoring which endpoints are in use. Additionally, the exchange monitors the sounds that are received by the microphones of the endpoints. Based on knowing which endpoints are in use, the exchange generates control signals for the purpose of controlling one or more environmental conditions such as temperature, lighting, and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the exchange examines the audio content of the received signals and bases the control signals on the audio content analyzed.

Abstract: A system for control of apparatuses, in particular of industrial apparatuses, comprising a plurality of interfaces (20), each dedicated to a connection with a respective apparatus (10) to be monitored, and a processing unit (40) to control the apparatuses (10); the processing unit (40) is provided with first receiving means (41) to receive at least one data item from an apparatus (10), a first selection block (42) to select one or more addressees, depending on the received data item, a second selection block (43) to select one or more communication channels (50) for connection with said addressees, and first transmission means (44) to send at least one notification signal representative of the received data to the addressees through the selected communication channel/channels (50).

Abstract: A communication device, such as a telephone or a personal computer, controls one or more remotely controlled devices solely over a signaling path, without necessarily establishing an audio path, thus eliminating the need for the remotely controlled device, or its controller, to include DTMF detection hardware or software or an RTP stack. The communication device can include authentication information, which the communication device uses to authenticate itself to the remotely controlled device, so a user of the communication device can remotely control the device without necessarily entering additional authentication information, such as a passcode. The remotely controlled device (or a controller that controls the device) can register with an element that detects user interactions, such as keypad button presses, with the communication device. The registration can identify one or more patterns of user input.

Abstract: Provided is an intelligent management apparatus and method of a digital home network system.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed that enables the managing of environmental conditions within an enterprise workplace and, in doing so, provides an improvement in facilities cost management over some techniques in the prior art. A data-processing system such as a private-branch exchange monitors the workplace by using one or more telephones, or other “telecommunications endpoints” to which the exchange is connected, in the workplace area. The exchange determines whether people are present in the workplace area by monitoring which endpoints are in use. Additionally, the exchange monitors the sounds that are received by the microphones of the endpoints. Based on knowing which endpoints are in use, the exchange generates control signals for the purpose of controlling one or more environmental conditions such as temperature, lighting, and so forth. In some embodiments of the present invention, the exchange examines the audio content of the received signals and bases the control signals on the audio content analyzed.

Abstract: A wireless switch comprising: a sensor for sensing a change of a state of a barrier; a selector positionable between a first position and a second position; a transmitter operatively coupled to the sensor and selector; and wherein the transmitter transmits a first wireless signal when the selector is positioned in the first position and the sensor senses a change of state, and the transmitter transmits a second wireless signal different from the first signal when the selector is positioned in the second position and the sensor senses the change of state.

Abstract: An arrangement using an Instant Messaging (“IM”) chat-type interface for monitoring and controlling devices in an automated home is provided. The automated home is arranged to be accessible as an IM contact (often called a “buddy”) to a user of an IM service that is located remotely from the automated home. After initiating an IM chat session, the user queries the status of systems and devices in the automated home, and operates devices in the automated home. In various illustrative examples, natural language commands are utilized to enable the user to ask simple questions regarding the status of devices in the home, take a virtual “walk through” the home, and turn devices on and off, among other options. As IM interfaces are being increasingly used on a variety of devices including mobile phones and personal digital assistants, users can conveniently access and control their automated home while traveling.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of a motor vehicle. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The motor vehicle owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the motor vehicle. Once the desired settings have been made, they are transferred to the motor vehicle using a portable transfer device, which may comprise a key for operating the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of a motor vehicle. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The motor vehicle owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the motor vehicle. Once the desired settings have been made, they are transferred to the motor vehicle using a portable transfer device, which may comprise a key for operating the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A telephone network interface is disclosed for facilitating communications through use of a telephone with an embedded device through a gateway and for facilitating communications between a remote service provider and the gateway. The telephone network interface includes a telephone interface for electronic communication with a telephone. The telephone network also includes a gateway interface for electronic communications with a gateway. An external telephone network interface is included for connecting the telephone network interface to an external telephone network. In addition, connection control is also provided. Connection control causes the telephone to be selectively in electronic communication with the external telephone network for telephone calls. The connection control also selectively causes the telephone to be in electronic communication with the gateway for communicating with an embedded device such that device requests from the telephone are communicated to the gateway.

Abstract: A central control system for airconditioner(s) and a method for controlling the same. The central control system can centrally control a plurality of airconditioners connected to the same communication network. In the system, a protocol converter connected to a central controller converts a communication standard of a signal communicated between the airconditioners and the central controller into another communication standard, acquires connection state information by scanning connection state information of individual airconditioners, and transmits the acquired information to the central controller, such that a manager can correctly monitor an airconditioner state using the central controller, resulting in the implementation of a reliable control system.

Abstract: An external bilateral phone interface remote control system is disclosed. The external bilateral phone interface remote control system includes an external remote control host and a separate external addition-type remote control extension. The external remote control host having an input terminal coupled to a phone line. The separate external addition-type remote control extension is coupled to a wire or wireless switch for forming a remote control network as to control the wire or wireless switch by a phone. The separate external addition-type remote control extension includes a feedback module, adapted for feeding back an identified signal to the original super via the network and the phone line for achieving the bilateral control.

Abstract: Connection is established from a communication device having a plurality of platforms, such as a push-button-type telephone 13, a personal computer 14 and a cellular phone 15, to a base station 12 through a public line network 22 and the Internet 20, and an operation guidance is given by means of a voice guidance or a Web page from base station 12, so that the base station 12 remote-controls an electric apparatus 11 in accordance with the user's operation on the communication devices 13 to 15. The guide program, voice guidance and Web pages in the base station 12 are made to be updateable in storing operations 24a, 27a, 27b, 27c in the base station 12, so that it is possible to easily add a function thereto and also change the functions. It becomes possible to correspond to various platforms, easily add various functions, and also to easily update the operation menu.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved device and method for automated cooking foods with a liquid such as water.

Abstract: A remote telemetry system utilizing dual communication pathways comprising low-cost remote communications devices operating on existing wire-based communications systems, wireless communications systems, and/or a combination thereof, to provide real-time reading and control of the remote telemetry units. A central controller directs the operation of the remote telemetry units and receives data from the remote telemetry units. The central controller is configured to utilize a conventional broadcast communications channel to transmit commands to individual remote telemetry units, each of which is assigned a unique identification code. Signals broadcast from the central controller are received at receivers associated with each remote telemetry unit, which performs a directed operation if a unique identification code included in the broadcast signal matches the identification code assigned to the remote telemetry unit.

Abstract: An air conditioner control system and method uses a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The system allows a remote control operator to control a plurality of air conditioners through the PSTN by providing receiving modules connected to the air conditioners which have unique IDs assigned thereto and which all use same telephone line. In an electronic device, a control program is driven to control and monitor the air conditioners. A transmitting module connected to the electronic device converts and codes a control command signal into a DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency) signal, and transmits the DTMF signal through the PSTN to a receiving module connected to a corresponding air conditioner, so that the air conditioner can be remotely controlled.

Abstract: A wireless switch comprising: a sensor for sensing a change of a state of a barrier; a selector positionable between a first position and a second position; a transmitter operatively coupled to the sensor and selector; and wherein the transmitter transmits a first wireless signal when the selector is positioned in the first position and the sensor senses a change of state, and the transmitter transmits a second wireless signal different from the first signal when the selector is positioned in the second position and the sensor senses the change of state.

Abstract: A thermostat system includes a temperature sensor, an LCD for selectively displaying an alphanumeric message and a processor having a memory for storing program and data information. In one embodiment, the data includes a table storing key terms on a predetermined subject. A communications interface connects the processor and a remote correspondent which is a source of current information. Periodically, communications is established with the remote correspondent to read the current information and parse the current information against the stored key terms. If a match is found, the current information is further searched for a value associated with the matched key term in order to display an alphanumeric message which shows a first message component representative of the connotation of the matched key term and a second message component representative of the associated value.

Abstract: For a facility, such as hotels, motels, or apartments, energy expenses especially for air conditioning, heating and room lighting are one of major concerns of the management. This invention is pertaining to how to save the electricity usage by effectively controlling room lighting sand temperatures, from the front office.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distant remote-control device of electric appliance, wherein an infrared signal of an electric appliance to be remotely controlled is learnt using a signal converter, and a corresponding address serial code is provided so that telephone tones can be matched for maneuvering a telephone remote-control mainframe and the signal converter can be used to convert signals for remotely controlling electric appliances remotely controlled by infrared rays. Wireless remote-control electric appliances originally designed according to the present invention can also be remotely controlled in wireless way simultaneously. The present invention directly learns remote-control signals of electric appliances to achieve distant remote control of electric appliances using a telephone. The present invention also has the advantages of simple operation and convenient use.

Abstract: A curtailment module is disclosed for enabling an energy provider to send a request to curtail energy use to a user. The curtailment module includes an interface for electronic communications with a temperature control device. A paging module is used to receive the request from the energy provider through a paging network. The curtailment module also includes a processor in electronic communication with the paging module for receiving the request from the paging module. Memory is also included and is in electronic communication with the processor.

Abstract: Open, horizontal service platforms are described. Service providers can, via network operators, load software associated with a service onto a dedicated, service platform server. The service platform server is connected, via a LAN, to one or more remote devices (e.g., sensors, transducers, processors, etc.). The functionality associated with the service can be distributed among two or more of the entities involved in the architecture. The distributed software operates and/or monitors these remote devices to implement the subscribed service.

Abstract: To control multiple electronic devices in homes and other buildings through telephone lines, a user may establish communication by utilizing Caller ID supplied by a local telephone service supplier and, where such Caller ID service is unavailable, user generated Caller ID tones and simultaneous FAX pilot tones and data transmission, to signal to a device to be controlled or to a receiving station that instructions are received and communication is required.

Abstract: A portable telephone 14 is connected to wire network 11 via a base station 13. To wire network 11 information server 12 for providing various information such as telecast programs and so on is connected. For example, data showing telecast programs are downloaded to portable telephone 14, and the G-code of any telecast program desired to record is extracted and transmitted to video tape recorder 171. There is no need to limit to a case wherein controlling information is transmitted in response to a request from the side of portable telephone 14 to various kinds of information servers 12, and it is possible for the side of information server 12 to appropriately supply the portable telephone with controlling information when any change is made to the controlling information to thereby control a relevant electronic appliance.

Abstract: It comprises a central processing unit (CPU), to which a control panel (PC) is attached, said central processing unit (CPU) being connected to the input of a power control circuit (CCP) that selectively controls the opening and closing of a set of valves of hydraulic systems for the passage of hot water (Q), cold water (F), sinking and draining (Ed) and of odoriferous essence (E); said central processing unit (CPU), besides being controlled by the control panel (PC), allows the remote control by means of data receiving and transmitting interfaces (IT, IRF, IES) which are directly and individually connected to the relevant central processing unit (CPU); a voice synthesizing circuit (CSV) that interconnects the central processing unit (CPU) with the data receiving and transmitting interfaces (IT) being provided; the central processing unit (CPU) being connected to an analog-to-digital converting circuit (CCAD), which in turn receives the signals from the sensors (S) physically disposed in strategic places on th

Abstract: A wireless telecommunications system uses location or position information to initiate actions on behalf of travelers. As position information of a wireless mobile unit is received, it is compared to stored position information of a remote location, such as a home. As the traveler approaches his home, and gets within a certain distance of home, a signal is then sent to a controller within his home to perform an action or instruct the performance of an action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching system which can control a corresponding load by means of manipulating a manual switch and a remote control switch, and optionally turn on/off any load among a plurality of loads via a telephone line even though a user is at any distant places beyond the remote control of loads. The switching system of the present invention recognizes an allowed subscriber by inputting a predetermined password, and confirms an turning-on/off state of loads connected to a switching set unit via a voice to then control turning-ON/OFF of the corresponding load via button manipulation of a telephone set. Accordingly, the switching system can perform manual switching control or remote switching control using a remote controller, and also carry out switching control with regard to any load via the telephone line even under a poor condition of remote control, thereby conveniently confirming and manipulating a state of loads regardless of places.

Abstract: An electronic HVAC monitoring computer continuously monitors the general condition and efficiency of an HVAC system and notifies a central station computer via modem link or other signal transmission means, when the general condition or efficiency of the HVAC system falls below certain industry standard values by a pre-set amount.

Abstract: Open, horizontal service platforms are described. Service providers can, via network operators, load software associated with a service onto a dedicated, service platform server. The service platform server is connected, via a LAN, to one or more remote devices (e.g., sensors, transducers, processors, etc.). The functionality associated with the service can be distributed among two or more of the entities involved in the architecture. The distributed software operates and/or monitors these remote devices to implement the subscribed service.

Abstract: A thermostat system for controlling activation of a temperature management system is operable in an energy-savings mode for enhancing energy savings and in a comfort mode for enhancing comfort, where the operating mode is selectable by a user. The thermostat system has operating mode control circuitry which includes (1) a manual mode control operable to cause the operating mode control circuit to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states when pressed by the user, (2) a wireless receiver for receiving a wireless mode switching signal that causes the operating mode switching circuitry to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states, and (3) telephone communication circuitry for receiving a telephonic mode switching signal that causes the operating mode switching circuitry to switch between the energy-savings and the comfort states. Thus, the present invention offers at least three convenient ways for the user to switch between energy-savings and comfort modes of operation.