Abstract: The present invention includes an irrigation controller utilizing a “virtual” dial. In particular, the present invention contemplates an electronic programming and controlling interface that is controlled according to actuation of a simple on/off switch (i.e., a binary switch), preferably a push button. For example, in one embodiment, an irrigation controller is provided wherein a rotary dial is replaced with a circular liquid crystal display. The LCD contains segments peripherally on its screen that are energized according to the desired function selected by the user. The segment that is “on” at a particular time will correspond to visual indicia on the panel of the controller to inform the user which function is operable at that particular time. The user can then advance to the next segment on the LCD screen by pressing a button located elsewhere on the controller panel.

Abstract: An appliance diagnostic display and interface system providing a centralized user interface for appliance diagnostic information and control of system self-tests is provided. This centralized user interface is provided via an intelligent thermostat that includes an LCD display. The intelligent thermostat interfaces, via wireless or wired communications, with the appliances installed in the home. The intelligent thermostat then generates and displays various user interface screens that allow particular appliances to be selected. Separate appliance specific screens are then generated that allow the user to access the diagnostic information in system test functionality provided by the individual appliance. Soft function keys provided on the intelligent thermostat allow multi-functional access to the features of the invention depending on which screen is currently being displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for semiconductor fabrication management. A processing unit receives an engineering change request (ECR) comprising information regarding new engineering for a wafer lot, generates an ECR reminder comprising information regarding the ECR request, transmits the ECR reminder to a client operator through a communication device, receives a reply corresponding to the ECR reminder, determines a reply result indicating whether the ECR is accepted by detecting the reply, and transmits the reply result to a manufacturing execution system (MES).

Abstract: A hot water supply system operated by linking plural water heaters. A system controller is provided in every specific number of water heaters for centralizing controls thereof. A host system controller is further provided in every specific number of the system controllers for centralizing controls thereof, and finally the controls are centralized in one highest system controller. In this configuration, therefore, the highest system controller controls the operation of individual water heaters by way of the lower system controllers.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a computer system may determine focus areas and non-focus areas of the display screen. The brightness of non-focus areas may then be reduced with respect to focus areas, thereby reducing power consumption of the display screen and, hence, reducing power consumption of the computer system. For example, a focus area may be an active window of the display screen and a non-focus area may be an inactive window of the display screen. As another example, a focus area may be a region of the display screen within a vicinity of a cursor (i.e. data entry point), and a non-focus area may be the region outside this vicinity. The size of the vicinity may be measured in radius or in lines of data (e.g. in a word processing or spreadsheet program) surrounding the cursor. The size and shape of the vicinity may be determined by a user.

Abstract: A clock radio includes a clock a user interface that is dynamically configurable from a remote computer. Once configured, the user interface allows a user to select radio programs that are accessible by the remote computer. When a user selects a radio program via the interface, a signal indicating the selected radio program is transmitted from the clock radio to the remote computer. The remote computer then accesses the selected radio program and transmits the selected radio program to speaker(s) for broadcast.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically converting dates and times in electronic text messages to the local dates and times of the message recipients. For example, when a text message is sent to an intended recipient, a messaging server can recognize date and time strings in the message text string, if any. The server can parse the date/time information into Coordinated Universal Time (“UTC”) form. The server also receives locale and time zone information from the intended recipient's client application, and can send this information to the originating client application. The originating client application can use this locale and time zone information to convert the UTC date/time information from the message string, if any, to the localized date and time of the message recipient. The localized date/time information is inserted into the message string, and the resulting message is forwarded to the recipient.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a safety cabinet with an interior that is enclosed by a housing and a housing front side with a work opening that can be closed with a height-adjustable window. The safety cabinet contains an operating unit for controlling device functions which is integrated into the housing. The operating unit comprises at least one rocker button, the button assignment of which changes depending on the operating state of the safety cabinet in such a way that a certain device function can be controlled in the respective operating state by actuating a button of the rocker button.

Abstract: Even when a power switch is turned off, the controller of an injection molding machine does not shut off a power supply immediately. The controller determines whether the present state of the injection molding machine is a previously-set confirmation-requiring state, such as a lockup state of a mold clamping unit using a toggle link mechanism, or a nozzle touch state of an injection unit. When the present state is not the confirmation-requiring state, the controller shuts off the power supply. When the present state is the confirmation-requiring state, the controller displays on a display screen a confirmation window for confirmation of power shut off. The controller shuts off the power supply in accordance with a shut-off operation performed on the basis of the confirmation window.

Abstract: An operation control system for a plurality of power generating plants and a method of maintaining and managing a plurality of power generating plants which supply power to arbitrary power systems. The operation control system includes a general supervision/diagnosis system which maintains and controls a plurality of power generating plants wherein the general supervision/diagnosis system selects from repairing periods and procedures required to repair failures which occur in the plurality of power generating plants according to levels of failures and performs maintenance and management of power generating plants which have failures. The system also includes means for maintaining a stable total power supply of the plurality of power generating plants.

Abstract: An electronic control system, such as a field oriented control system, is provided, including a device to be controlled; an application control arrangement including a plurality of functional blocks configured to perform a cascaded computation, the application control arrangement configured to generate control signals to control the device in accordance with the cascaded computation; and a master control arrangement communicatively coupled to the application control arrangement and configured to communicate parameter inputs and an initial start pulse to the application control arrangement, the initial start pulse being operable to initiate the cascaded computation; wherein each of the functional blocks is configured to generate output data and a done pulse in accordance with a predetermined partial computation, the output data being valid and stable at least for a duration of the done pulse, the predetermined partial computation of each of the functional blocks being performed as a function of input data and

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and apparatus is provided for workflow configuration and execution in medical imaging. One method embodiment comprises the steps of creating and storing a workflow template (the workflow template comprising a standard form for entering data and activities), filling out the workflow template with data and a sequence of activities, and executing the sequence of activities according to the workflow template.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for processing data relating to conditions in a manufacturing process. The system and method provide a time based relationship between data items of the data collected in a manufacturing process. More abstract and different data models may be defined enabling application of these data models in different systems without having to define the new models from the basic data items for each system. The system and method provide an identifier data type that allows association of a meaningful identifier with a time interval and a source. The identifier is associated with other data items through the relationship of time interval and source. Values of the identifier are dynamically defined and relate to either identity of an article being processed during the time interval or a status of the manufacturing process during the time interval.

Abstract: A data indicator is disclosed which comprises a non-volatile memory (26), control circuitry (24) by which data can be read from and written to the memory, a timer (28) and/or an event detector (30), means such as a terminal (20) for connection to an electrical supply of a host apparatus and an interface (32) through which data can be exchanged with the memory (26). In use, the event detector (30) detects when the host apparatus is switched on and in dependence on the detector output the control circuitry (24) maintains a cumulative history of host apparatus activation which is stored on the memory (26). The data indicator can store other data relating to the host apparatus, e.g. a service interval, and can supply this in conjunction with the actuation history, making it conveniently possible e.g. to establish whether the host apparatus requires servicing. (FIG. 4).

Abstract: An interpretive system architecture for a seamless transfer of energy to a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream, or microwave oven. The interpretive system architecture overlays the operational functions of the process stream or host microwave oven to interpret, control, and implement user independent commands. The interpretive system has at least one interpretive base class for providing operational instance to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system receives an indicia, the indicia being expressive of an externally derived predetermined compiled code disposed on the surface of a specimen, or food package, or associated thereto, the indicia communicating via at least one data entry mechanism to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system interprets the data or code and transforms it into user independent commands.

Abstract: A timer processing section 10 instructs a transmission processing section 11 to control load in accordance with a time schedule stored in a program storage section 12. The transmission processing section 11 is connected to a two-wire signal line and gives a load control instruction to each terminal to which load is connected according to a time-division multiplex transmission system. The time schedule stored in a program storage section 12 is a set of the address related to the load to be controlled and the control contents and the control time of the load. Therefore, when the time set according to the time schedule is reached, the load specified by the address is controlled.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive multi-station sprinkler controller has three pushbuttons: the first selects one of a plurality of predetermined combinations of watering cycle durations and repetition rates; the second selects a starting time, and the third initiates a manual cycle. On power-up, the controller defaults to a predetermined operating cycle and start time. A short circuit at any station stops watering and initiates a fault indication that identifies the short-circuited station. All status information is conveyed by the scrolling, illumination, flashing and/or blinking of one or more of a small set of LEDs. In another embodiment, a fourth pushbutton is provided to allow setting separate combinations for different stations. In a third embodiment, these functions are performed in a single-station controller by just two buttons and one LED.

Abstract: A versatile counting-meter is adapted for use in cycling, jogging and treading on a mini-step, for counting exact exercise amount. The counting-meter includes a casing in which an electronic circuit for a microprocessor and a swing-link counting means for pedometer function is provided. Control keys for selecting a desired function and an LCD for showing counting result are provided at a front surface of the casing. The casing is also provided at a rear surface with a connecting means including an elastic clip located between two parallel rails. The clip is normally pulled by a restoring force thereof to flatly locate in a recess between the rails, so that the casing could be attached to a mating member mounted on a bicycle handlebar or a mini-step by engaging the rails with channels on the mating member, or to a user's belt by clamping the elastic clip onto the belt.

Abstract: The power generated by a power generating means (1) of a power-generating type electronic clock is measured by a first power generating sensing means (101) and a second power generating sensing means (102). The power generation level required when the operation is changed from a normal mode to a power-saving mode and the power generation level required when the operation is changed from the power-saving mode back to the normal mode are made different to prevent the phenomenon that the operation changes frequently by imparting hysteresis characteristics to the power generation level which causes a change in the mode, thereby improving the power-saving effect.

Abstract: A device having a variable output electrical characteristic includes first and second output terminals and a number of switching circuits, each switching circuit having two states. One of the states produces a first electrical effect (such as an increased resistance) between the first and second output terminals, and the other state produces a second electrical effect (such as no change in resistance) between the first and second output terminals. A processor generates control signals that are applied to the switching circuits to place the switching circuits into a desired state such that the variable output characteristic between the first and second terminals is set to a desired value, which may be input from a user.

Abstract: A system that is adapted for determining the delay time between an initiating event and a response to that event. The system includes an optical sensor which is preferably a photo resistor having a resistance inversely proportional to the intensity of a warning light in its proximity. The output of the photo resistor is an analog signal that can be fed to an analog input device such as a strip chart recorder for display versus time. The initiating event signal can also be displayed so that, by comparing the signals, the delay between the initiating event and the changing of the warning light from off to on can be measured and compared to a specified value.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes a system configuration editor for configuring a machine control system and an iconic function sequencer for ordering the execution of functional processes within the machine control system. The system configuration editor graphically reflects how logical functions are connected to electrical functions within the physical machine system and permits a user to set up and alter those connections. Logical function blocks include one or more software program objects that perform logical functions such as dispensing a component in a pick and place machine control system. The system configuration editor permits configuring a logical function to use various electrical functions in performing its programmed function. For example, a user can electrically configure a logical dispensing function to turn on motor #3 and access output #2 from module #4 through graphical connections made between logical and electrical functions using the visual configuration editor.

Abstract: A method for controlling emergency states of equipment in a semiconductor fabrication system includes determining whether on-line communication has been restored between a host computer and semiconductor fabrication equipment after an interruption in communication. If on-line communication has been restored, post-restoration emergency state data are received automatically from the equipment. Then it is determined whether the post-restoration emergency state data indicate the equipment is in a warning state. If the post-restoration emergency state data indicate the warning state, it is determined whether the warning state is a critical state. If the warning state is the critical state, a key value of a variable ID corresponding to the equipment is changed to a value indicative of shutting down the equipment. Then the equipment is shut down by inserting the variable ID into an equipment control message and downloading the equipment control message to the equipment.

Abstract: Electronic control unit comprising an electronic circuit with a programmable processing unit and operating buttons to execute and to vary manually the programming of the processing unit and a display for the visualization of the programming stages. The programmable processing unit is organized to individuate a programming menu that is subdivided into a plurality of parts selectionable at will. Each part comprising at least one chapter. The chapter being formed of at least one setting page of at least one respective programming parameter, and in that each part of the menu is directly selectionable by pressure on at least one respective operating button.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interpretive BIOS machine for controlling the cooking of food in a microwave oven or the conduct of a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream wherein the microwave oven or process stream functionally operates by user independent commands. The interpretive BIOS machine is implemented by a microprocessor or computer having a memory for the storing of a program that contains the operating instruction for the present invention. Data is received into the interpretive BIOS machine from a data entry mechanism. The data is specific code that represents a plurality of desired cooking or process instructions selected by the user of the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention interprets the received data and transforms the data into time duration(s) and scaled power level(s) settings for the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention monitors and adjusts the work performed on a specimen disposed within the microwave oven or process stream.

Abstract: A method (100) for predicting distortion of a sheet metal during a sheet forming process to form the sheet metal into a part. The method (100) of the present invention is for use with a computer including memory and sheet forming tools. The method (100) comprises applying (104-116) the radial return method to compute the total stress for the anisotropic hardening rule of Mroz. The method (100) of the present invention does not divide a given strain increment into hundreds of subintervals as long as the movement of the center of the active yield surface is along a fixed path. If a break occurs, the given strain increment is divided into a few segments (110).

Abstract: An interpretive system architecture for a seamless transfer of energy to a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream, or microwave oven. The interpretive system architecture overlays the operational finctions of the process stream or host microwave oven to interpret, control, and implement user independent commands. The interpretive system has at least one interpretive base class for providing operational instance to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system receives an indicia, the indicia being expressive of an externally derived predetermined compiled code disposed on the surface of a specimen, or food package, or associated thereto, the indicia communicating via at least one data entry mechanism to the process stream or host microwave oven. The interpretive system interprets the data or code and transforms it into user independent commands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for local provisioning of a network interface unit. The local provisioning is performed by depressing a pushbutton on the front panel for an extended set determined time, at which time the NIU enters into the local provisioning mode. During this mode, a plurality of LEDs, corresponding to specific provision options, are sequentially lit. When the desired LED provision option is lit, the button is pressed to achieve the desired provisioning. The local provisioning mode is automatically exited after scrolling through all the LEDs.

Abstract: An irrigation control system including an irrigation controller, a portable data shuttle, and a personal computer. The user creates a watering program comprising watering schedules by using a graphical user-friendly interface of the personal computer. The watering program is then downloaded into the portable data shuttle. The portable data shuttle is coupled to an irrigation controller and a first watering schedule is downloaded from the portable data shuttle into the irrigation controller in a matter of seconds. At a later time, the data shuttle automatically downloads a second watering schedule replacing the first schedule, thereby updating the irrigation programming. For example, a new watering schedule may be automatically downloaded at preselected intervals to accommodate the changing seasons. The portable data shuttle includes voltage regulation circuits so that it can receive power from either the personal computer or the irrigation controller.