Operator Interface (e.g., Display With Control) Patents (Class 700/17)
  • Patent number: 8335842
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a method for premises management networking include monitoring premises management devices connected to a gateway at a premises; controlling premises management devices connected to the gateway at the premises; receiving, at the premises, an uplink-initiation signal associated with a network operations center server; and in response to the uplink-initiation signal, initiating, from the gateway at the premises, communications between the gateway and the network operations center server; and communicating, during the communications between the gateway and the network operations center server, information associated with the premises management devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Raji, Gerald Gutt
  • Patent number: 8332054
    Abstract: An operation target identification system includes at least one terminal device connected to a network, having a first display, devices connected to the network, each of which has a second display, and an identical pattern setting unit provided on the network, which selects one of multiple preset display patterns and sets the selected display pattern to the first display of the terminal device and the second display of one of the devices designated as an operation target of the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sunao Kawai
  • Patent number: 8332773
    Abstract: A method for providing a user interface for an industrial control system includes a computer and a plurality of process graphics having software objects for controlling and/or monitoring real world objects controlled by the control system. A display of selected process graphics, a designated view arranged with a tab or other selection mechanisms, is automatically generated. The designated view is generated dependent on selecting one or more logical groupings to which control system software objects representing the real world objects belong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Kristoffer Husoy, Torgeir Enkerud, Tone-Grete Graven
  • Patent number: 8332069
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing fault tolerance against a failure occurring during driving robot software components includes: a component executor for executing the robot software components, which are assigned with one thread from an operating system and have a same priority and cycle, by using the assigned thread; and an executor monitor for periodically monitoring the operation of the component executor and determining whether or not there is a failure in the robot software components executed by the component executor. The apparatus further includes: an executor manager for generating the component executor which is assigned with the robot software components having the same priority and cycle and, when the executor monitor determines that there is a failure in the execution of the robot software components, generating a new component executor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Choul Soo Jang, Seung-Woog Jung, Byoung Youl Song, Sung Hoon Kim, Joong Bae Kim, Kyeong Ho Lee, Hyun Kyu Cho, Myung Chan Roh, Joong-Ki Park, Chang Eun Lee
  • Publication number: 20120303140
    Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one functional device configured to perform at least one specified task, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one functional device and communicatively coupled to a remote server via a network. The controller is configured to control display of a human machine interface (HMI) via a display device, receive a user input via the HMI to identify a desired application, initiate direct communication with the remote server via the network, and, in response to the initiated communication, to receive data files associated with the identified application from the remote server via the network in response to the user input, wherein the data files include predetermined operation settings associated with the at least one specified task associated with the identified application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick Ryan Cox, David Lepie, Timothy Andrew Gillespie
  • Patent number: 8321806
    Abstract: Graphical representations of operational process control data associated with monitored processes is displayed within the context of the geographical locations at which the processes operate, and in a manner as to model individual components of the processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Iconics, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell L. Agrusa, Simone Massaro, Leonardo Altamore, Vojta Kresl, Roberto Vercelli, Alexander Klimov, Roberto Raimondo, Christopher N. Elsbree
  • Patent number: 8321046
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus including a controller connected to a plurality of sub-controllers for controlling a substrate processing, and an operating section having a display unit for showing an operation screen displaying a daily check data for checking utility equipment relating to each part and having a daily check initial parameter file defined in a client type, a presence of an item and unit conversion. The controller is configured to receive the daily check data from a sub-controller, to convert a unit of the received daily check data, and then to transfer the unit-converted daily check data to the operating section, and the operating section is configured to refer to the daily check initial parameter file and to display the daily check data transferred from the controller on the operation screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Kokusai Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Masako Sueyoshi, Kazuhito Saito
  • Patent number: 8306636
    Abstract: An operator interface terminal receives individual data points from a machine at individual time points. The operator interface terminal correlates the individual data points to the individual time points as the data points are received. The operator interface terminal transfers the data points correlated to the time points to a central information system. The operator interface terminal receives a control instruction from an operator. The operator interface terminal processes the control instruction to transfer a control signal to the machine, wherein the control signal drives the machine to operate based on the control instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Glenn Dorgelo, Brian Alexander Wall
  • Patent number: 8306635
    Abstract: The disclosed invention primarily relates to methods for assisting and motivating persons with respect to various exercise and rehabilitation regimens they might undertake, mentally as well as physically. The invention also has potential application to for diagnosis and/or treatment of certain mental and physical disorders, and in other situations where a form of companionship may be provided the user. In addition the invention herein provides an enjoyable means of social interaction with others providing further motivation for physical and mental activity represented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Motion Games, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Pryor
  • Patent number: 8301270
    Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate home automation via a receiving device. In one embodiment, a home device manager is provided for execution on a receiving device, such as a set-top box. The home device manager is configured to discover home devices and to obtain device control information from the discovered devices. The home device manager is further configured to, based on the obtained device control information, present a user interface operable by a user to specify commands for controlling a home device, receive a specified command, and control the home device by transmitting the specified command to the home device. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Eldon Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Gavin James Quail
  • Patent number: 8294596
    Abstract: Disclosed is to an aircraft radiofrequency communication system. The system includes at least one at least one radiofrequency transceiver device that is configured to transmit and receive data according to a VDL mode 3 standard and to receive status information that relates to at least one radio link of the radiofrequency transceiver device and includes the status concerning the possibility of transmitting on a particular, selected frequency. In one embodiment, a man/machine interface unit is configured to display configuration information and at least a portion of the status information. In an alternative embodiment, at least one radiofrequency transceiver device is configured to further determine status information that represents a possibility of using the radiofrequency transceiver device in transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventors: Isabelle Lavielle, Michel Le Toullec
  • Patent number: 8296669
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a technique for controlling one or more devices within a physical room of a structure is provided. One or more devices in the structure are coupled, either directly or indirectly, to a programmable multimedia controller configured to issue control commands which, when implemented, change the state of the devices. A virtual room-based user interface is displayed on a display screen. The virtual room-based user interface may include one or more virtual rooms, each virtual room including a substantially photo-realistic depiction of a portion of the structure, including substantially photo-realistic depictions of one or more devices located within the portion of the structure. In response to the selection of a particular substantially photo-realistic visual depiction, the programmable multimedia controller may issue control commands which, when implemented, change the state of a particular device. The appearance of the particular virtual room may be updated to reflect the changed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Savant Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Madonna, Nicholas J. Cipollo
  • Publication number: 20120259436
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to manage process control resources are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving a selection of a first process control resource within a process control system to be associated with a logical container, the logical container including other process control resources that have a same user defined characteristic in common with the first process control resource, creating an entry within the logical container for the first process control resource by storing an identifier of the first process control resource in the logical container, and assigning the first process control resource to the logical container so that the identifier of the first process control resource links to process control information associated with the first process control resource.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Enrico J. Resurreccion, Michael C. Lucero, III
  • Patent number: 8285807
    Abstract: A computer implemented system comprises a remote industrial factory automation control system tool stored in a non-transitory computer readable media that, when executed by a processor, configures the processor to modify a web browser to include a control object; request industrial factory automation control system data from a local control system; receive the industrial factory automation control system data; display, by the web browser, the industrial factory automation control system data; and send control instructions to the local control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Slavin, Jay S. Cook, Hatem K. El-Sabaaly
  • Patent number: 8280534
    Abstract: When a system operator selects a message to be analyzed from among a plurality of messages listed in a state change list displayed on an HMI unit, a monitoring target is identified from the selected message and all other messages that correspond to the same monitoring target are automatically searched. Subsequently, a timeline chart is displayed that represents changes in the operating state specified in the selected message and the found messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Kitahara
  • Patent number: 8280530
    Abstract: A plant control system includes: an engineering apparatus for defining change information so as to change definition information about the system; and a control apparatus for referring to the change information downloaded from the engineering apparatus to set an output value of a field device. The control apparatus includes a locking part for inhibiting setting of the output value of the field device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Noriko Kase
  • Patent number: 8272387
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for allowing a user to modify a surgical procedure. An embodiment of the method of the present invention can include: providing a GUI on a touch screen of a surgical console, said GUI comprising a representation of the surgical procedure and representations of one or more surgical steps, wherein the GUI allows a user to modify the representation of the surgical procedure by dragging and dropping representations of surgical steps using the touch screen; detecting that the representation of the surgical procedure has been modified; and modifying the surgical procedure to correspond to the modified representation of the surgical procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Paul J. Essex, Johan Ekvall, Kirk W. Todd
  • Patent number: 8275471
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling communication with a wired sensor are provided. A wired sensor may be adapted for wireless communication using a sensor interface. A sensor interface is communicatively coupled with a wired sensor that provides information about a detected environmental condition. The sensor interface wirelessly transmits information received from the wired sensor to a controller that may control an electrical load based on the wirelessly transmitted information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Adura Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Huizenga, Michael G. Corr, John Douglas Paton
  • Patent number: 8275470
    Abstract: Modular production machines with appliances and components, controlled by means of projects. A project is the establishment of an arrangement of appliances and modules. A plurality of machine objects is associated with the determined arrangement locations in the project. In this way, the projects have a variability in terms of different machine objects, which is enabled by an engineering system. A control system (a run-time system) can affect a corresponding selection from the options. To enable an economical control of production machines some appliances or components can be selectively replaced by other appliances or modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eduardo Bertrand, Klaus Hertinger, Martin Kiesel
  • Publication number: 20120239164
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel techniques for graphically modeling, displaying, and interacting with parametric hybrid models used to optimize and control components of industrial plants and enterprises. In particular, a graphical modeling tool of a control/optimization system for controlling a plant or enterprise is configured to transmit a graphical user interface to a user, wherein the graphical user interface enables a plurality of command inputs relating to a plurality of parametric hybrid models based on a security access level of the user. The parametric hybrid models may be displayed by the graphical user interface as nodes of a network with connections connecting the nodes. The user may graphically manipulate the nodes and connections associated with the parametric hybrids models to either modify optimization constraints of the model network, or actually modify the manner in which the parametric hybrid models function (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alexander Barton Smith, Bijan Sayyar-Rodsari
  • Publication number: 20120236209
    Abstract: A smart remote control device is disclosed having local text editing functionality. User can use the smart remote control device to input and edit text and URL address using the local mini keyboard and display device; the smart remote control device can send the edited text in batch. The particular applications of this smart remote control device include smart TV and media center computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ke Wang
  • Patent number: 8271102
    Abstract: There is provided a method, apparatus and computer program product for controlling parameters of objects in a building control system, the method comprising receiving input from at least one of the objects, wherein the at least one object is associated with a first subset of objects; selecting at least one parameter, wherein the at least one parameter depends on the input; selecting a second subset of objects from the objects, wherein the objects of the second subset are selected based on the at least one selected parameter; and performing a first action on objects in the second subset of objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Buildings AB
    Inventors: Magnus Kennedy, Kevin Sweeney, Jon Williamson
  • Patent number: 8265797
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Ken R. Venegas, Roger S. Neitzel, Susan E. Basch, Andrew M. Nguyen, James R. Musselman
  • Patent number: 8260588
    Abstract: In general, the invention relates to a creating a network model on a host. The invention includes: gathering first component properties associated with a first physical network device on a target network; creating a first container using first component properties; determining that a second physical network device is operatively connected to the first physical network device via a physical network link; gathering second component properties associated with the physical network link; creating a first VNIC associated with the first container; determining that at least one virtual network device is executing on the second physical network device; gathering third component properties associated with the at least one virtual network device; creating a second container, wherein the second container is configured using the third component properties; and creating a second VNIC associated with the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Oracle America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kais Belgaied, Sunay Tripathi, Nicolas G. Droux
  • Patent number: 8260575
    Abstract: A network operation center for a light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers. A plurality of networked luminaire managers, each collocated with a respective luminaire, monitor the status of their respective luminaires. The luminaire managers include transmitters for transmitting status information about their respective luminaires and third-party devices to a network server. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC
    Inventors: Jeff D. Walters, Charles J. Darnell, Zachary S. Gibler, David A. Henderson, Michael M. Minarczyk, William Eric Holland
  • Patent number: 8257582
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an automated peritoneal dialysis (“APD”) machine includes at least one pump, a logic implementer storing a plurality of therapy prescriptions by which to operate the at least one pump, each therapy prescription pre-approved for a particular patient, and an input device operating with the logic implementer to allow the patient to select one of the therapy prescriptions for a particular therapy. In another embodiment, the input device operating with the logic implementer allows a doctor/clinician to select or approve one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the APD machine. In a further embodiment, the logic implementer is programmed to select or suggest one of the therapy prescriptions to be run on the APD machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Anping Yu, Robert W. Childers, Borut Cizman
  • Patent number: 8250163
    Abstract: A smart coupler for connecting two networks has a processor, a memory, a means to connect to a first network, a means to connect to a second network, and a power source. The first network has a client, and the memory has information which must be transferred to the client to enable the client to be usefully operable relative to the second network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rodrigo C. Castaldo, Matthew P. Ebrom, Mark E. Glotzbach, Patrick J. Glotzbach, Gale R. Horst, Randy L. Jeffery, Richard A. McCoy, Christopher S. Moes, Matthew J. Nibbelink, Andre O. Pires, Eduardo K. Yamakawa, Cesario Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8248227
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing a duplicated alarm in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, at least one alarm message associated with at least one event is received. A determination of whether the at least one event exists in a database is subsequently made. The at least one event is recorded in the database if the at least one event does not exist in the database. Conversely, the at least one alarm message is suppressed if the at least one event exists in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel Sheleheda, Michael Singer
  • Patent number: 8248264
    Abstract: When a major failure is detected, display of a measurement value on a display section is stopped, and instead of the measurement value, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the major failure, is displayed on the display section. When a minor failure is detected, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the minor failure, and a measurement value are alternately displayed on the display section by being switched one from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimakata, Miho Egawa
  • Patent number: 8244383
    Abstract: A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed. The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week. An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel A. Bergman, Eugene J. Takach, Marcus D. Stoner, John B. Amundson, Philip O. Readio, Paul G. Schwendinger, Jeff D. Boll, Ian Thomson, Colin T. Ferguson, George J. Mcleod, James A. Wolfbauer
  • Patent number: 8244452
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrated air traffic control management are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a first processing system including a FANS application for implementing a CPDLC and AFN system; a second processing system including an ATN application for implementing a PM-CPDLC and CM system; a third processing system implementing a HMI, the HMI configured to provide access to a first set of pages driven by the FANS application and a second set of pages driven by the ATN application; and an ATC Manager accessed from the HMI, the HMI configured to provide access to a third set of pages driven by the ATC manager, wherein the third set of pages selectively directs a user of the HMI to either the first set of pages or the second set of pages based on a selected ATC center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Judd, Thomas F. McGuffin
  • Patent number: 8244382
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a schedule for testing a fuel cell in a station. Because of the apparatus, the station can test a low-temperature fuel cell or a high-temperature fuel cell. The apparatus enables a user to test the fuel cell through the station manually or enables the station to test the fuel cell automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council—Institute of Nuclear Research
    Inventors: Hung-Yu Wang, Wen-Tang Hong, Yu-Ching Tsai, Tzu-Hsiang Yen, Wei-Ping Huang, Cheng-Nan Huang
  • Patent number: 8239067
    Abstract: The controller may be equipped with a user interface that allows the user to monitor and adjust various parameters of the controller. With more modern designs, the user interface typically comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) or light emitting diode (LED) display inset within a controller housing that contains a microprocessor or the like, an I/O interface, and other components of the controller. The user interface may include a menu-driven interface that allows the user to scroll through one or more menus or screens to adjust the different settings on the controller. In some cases, a routine programmed within the controller prompts the user at each menu or screen to input various commands into the interface to adjust the controller settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Amundson, Gabriel A. Bergman, Brent D. Vick
  • Patent number: 8239047
    Abstract: Individuals can operate processor enabled devices at a high level of performance, even if they have little or no familiarity with those devices, by indirectly operating them through a first processor enabled device. The direct interactions of individuals with a familiar device can be communicated to one or more processors that perform signal processing functions in order to generate control signals that direct the operation of a second, unfamiliar processor-enabled device. In this closed-loop system, individuals can receive real-time feedback on the performance of the second device in a form associated with the operation of the first device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan Bergeron
  • Patent number: 8234014
    Abstract: An irrigation control system with a programmable controller having a high speed central processor and a touch screen monitor for independent and simultaneous operation of multiple watering stations and schedules. The touch screen monitor allows for quick entry of changes to irrigation schedules that can be made while the system is in use, thus preventing service interruption. The irrigation control system will accommodate multiple watering stations with precise accuracy and allows for independent start times for each station. Multiple output terminals permit connection to various watering stations as a pre-programmed, removable thumb drive containing the operating system and application software is connected through a USB port to a high speed central processor. The irrigation method describes using the controller for optimum plant growth and health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Eco-Precise Irrigation Controls, LLC
    Inventor: Edwin C. Ingle
  • Publication number: 20120191223
    Abstract: A system is configured to receive into a computer processor one or more of a map or model of an area monitored by one or more sensors, and display on a display unit a location and orientation of the one or more sensors in the monitored area. The system further is configured to receive into the computer processor, via contacting the display unit, a region or path within the monitored area. The computer processor orients the one or more sensors towards the path or region in response to the contacting of the display unit, and after the orienting of the one or more sensors, the monitored area is displayed on the display unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Pallavi Dharwada, Jason Laberge
  • Patent number: 8229577
    Abstract: A distributed historian framework is provided where historical data is collected in accordance with an organizational model of a hierarchical system that is distributed across various elements of an enterprise. A directory service operates with the organizational model to enable configuration of historian components within the organization and to enable data to be located within the organization. In one aspect, an industrial automation system is provided. The system includes at least one historian component to archive data within an organization. A common data model then exposes functionality and data of the organization to the historian component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. McGreevy, Deborah A. Sadowski, Robert J. Herbst, Justin R. Hartman
  • Patent number: 8229576
    Abstract: There is provided a field device management apparatus for acquiring and managing device information about a field device. The apparatus includes: a device information description unit having: an activation processing algorithm that activates a device information processing algorithm for acquiring the device information from the field device; and a description information that describes the device information; and a device information acquisition control unit that activates the device information processing algorithm using the activation processing algorithm so as to acquire the device information through the device information description unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Kodama, Hiroaki Kanokogi
  • Patent number: 8223349
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus that can provide an online support service is provided. The image processing apparatus includes a user operation data retaining section for retaining user operation data in which contents of user's operation performed by a user is recorded, an input section having a help key for instructing start of execution of an online support function, and a support data retaining section for retaining information about a support connecting destination to be connected in the online support. When recognizing pressing of the help key, the image processing apparatus refers to the user operation data so as to gain at least a part of the contents of the operation performed until a time point of the pressing, selects the support connecting destination according to the gained user operation contents with reference to the support data retaining section so as to request connection of communication with the selected support connecting destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazusei Takahashi, Hisashi Uchida, Yoshiyuki Tamai, Masaya Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8224492
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed method includes receiving a user selection of a machine system type from a plurality of machine system types, where the system types corresponding to specific machine component combination. The method also includes configuring alarms based on the machine system type, configuring calculations of vibration parameters based on the machine system type, wherein the calculations are adjusted for the machine system type, and configuring diagnostic information based on the machine system type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Jason E. Lakomiak, Michael P Burrows, Paul A Lowe, Gilles Lanthier, Ryan C Barrick, Ronald W Falk, Mandi L Hebebrand
  • Patent number: 8219790
    Abstract: A field device of process automation technology containing a plurality of parameters, with which are associated device-internal parameter addresses. The field device is connectable to a fieldbus having a fieldbus-specific parameter addressing system. In such case, the device-internal parameter addresses of the plurality of parameters are determinable by application of a generic mathematical function to belonging fieldbus-specific parameter addresses formed according to the fieldbus-specific parameter addressing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Alain Chomik, Udo Fuchs, Pierre Harnist
  • Patent number: 8219215
    Abstract: A device with controllable mechanical characteristics makes available a list of controllable characteristics for use by a controller or host computer. The list may include not only controllable characteristics but also the available range for each control, the impact of each adjustment, or both. The host computer can evaluate an operating state of the computer or electronic device and determine how best to set the device for compatible operation with the operating state. When controllable characteristics have multiple effects and/or interact with other controllable characteristics, macros may be developed to perform multiple settings as a group to achieve the desired outcome. The list may also be downloaded from a web service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: David Burg, Vlad Sadovsky
  • Patent number: 8219239
    Abstract: Dental unit, which comprises at least one connection for at least one ancillary device, a drive-power and feed system for providing drive power or feed to said at least one ancillary device, and a control system for controlling the drive-power and feed system as well as the at least one ancillary device. For its part, the control system comprises at least one programmed function, which includes at least one predefined control operation directed to at least one ancillary device. In addition, at least one trigger is defined for each programmed function within the control system, in response to which said programmed function is performed. According to the invention, the dental unit comprises configuration means, which are arranged to receive control commands from the user in order to configure at least one programmed function and to configure said at least one programmed function according to control commands received from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Planmeca Oy
    Inventors: Henri Andell, Tero Pihlajamäki
  • Patent number: 8219222
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a controller. The controller includes an input/output (I/O) module and a rule module. The I/O module is configured to present a question for a patient when communicatively coupled to a user interface and receive patient information in response to the question via the user interface. The rule module is configured to apply a rule to the patient information and generate a suggested insulin pump setting from application of the rule. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Blomquist
  • Patent number: 8214881
    Abstract: There is described an automation system comprising at least one programmable logic controller with integrated web server, user interface means, and security means. It is configured to allow a complex and flexible presentation of data at the user interface means while reducing the communication load at the same time. For this purpose, the instructions for presentation of the data are stored within the security means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ahmad-Ramez Madjed Kassou, Mikhail Leonidovich Kruchinin, Maxim Nikolayevich Yazev
  • Patent number: 8214430
    Abstract: Network image processing apparatuses constituting a network image processing system display, in list form, a document in units of action. When a user selection is received, a script that defines document handling is remanded to an apparatus that executed an action corresponding to the user selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Masakazu Murakami, Hironobu Nakata, Kazumi Sawayanagi, Minako Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120165961
    Abstract: A method of activating a function such as unlocking a mobile telephone keypad by an instruction sequence {x1, . . . , xn} of a length n given to a user, who validates the sequence to activate the function. The instruction sequence is determined randomly, and for each instruction xi, the method includes: sending an instruction xi to the user; receiving a response yi from the user; analysis for validation of instruction xi; instruction xi is said to be validated when yi is a valid response for xi and the time elapsed between the sending of xi and the receipt of yi is shorter than a set period ?i; if instruction xi is not validated then the function is not activated; sending the next instruction, if any, after validation of xi; activating the function when at least the last instruction sent is validated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Bruno Folscheid
  • Patent number: 8209061
    Abstract: A multi-zone landscape irrigation and lighting system includes a personal computer equipped with a detachable wireless remote, and a multi-station controller operating a plurality of irrigation valves and lighting circuits in accordance with schedules wirelessly transmitted to it by the computer through the remote. When detached from the computer, the remote can wirelessly operate selected irrigation or lighting zones manually. The computer has an intuitive graphic user interface capable of using actual zone photographs to identify individual zones in a strip of zone icons. The icon strip is movable past a lens-like window, the zone icon under the lens at a given time determining the zone currently programmable. A residential system can be operated by a contractor from the street, and the system can be programmed by e-mail from the contractor's shop. Fully automatic operation may be derived from data obtained over the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Doug Palmer, Alex Korol
  • Patent number: 8207842
    Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring a building control device, the method comprising associating the building control device with an event; storing the event and at least one parameter of the building control device in a database, wherein the database is operatively connected to a plurality of operator devices, and wherein the at least one parameter at least pertains to defining the event to be one from the group of unassigned, pending, or assigned by the plurality of operator devices; traversing, by at least a first of the plurality of operator devices, the database subject to the at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Buildings AB
    Inventors: Magnus Kennedy, Bo Lincoln, Fredrik Tibblin, Jonas Bülow, Camilla Andersson, Joakim Kvarnlöv, Jan Aarni, Anders Jakobsson, Joakim Karlsson
  • Patent number: RE43803
    Abstract: A control system methodology that uses object-oriented software to integrate multiple control systems into a common object model. Object-oriented techniques are used to construct distributed applications in a multi-vendor open system environment for use in controlling and monitoring systems of varying size and configuration. Information is brought into a common object model and made available throughout the system. A custom programming language is included for object creation. Access to objects is controlled through a multi-level security protocol. Data flow is governed by a real-time information synchronization manager. Classes are used to implement the system in a platform independent way according to a “core class hierarchy” in which objects are organized to inherit behavior and perform predictably. A control engine allows the user to control the order of execution of objects. A script is provided for generating custom objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Tridium Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald L. Frank, Danny J. Wahlquist, Jr., Brian S. Frank, John W. Sublett, Daniel P. Giorgis, William G. Rockwell, Jr., Ottie E. Allgood, Robert A. Adams