Abstract: An appliance configured to perform a physical cycle of operation on an article includes a controller that controls the cycle of operation, an interface in network communication with the controller and adapted to connect to an accessory configurable to affect the cycle of operation, and a graphical user interface in network communication with the controller and the interface so that an accessory connected to the interface is configurable using the graphical user interface to affect the cycle of operation of the appliance.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an automated system for tracking a vehicle, associating that vehicle with a vehicle washing selection, and tracking the vehicle until it enters the vehicle washing station for subsequent presentation of the vehicle washing selection to the control computer of the vehicle washing system for subsequent washing.

Abstract: Control method and apparatus for a manual spray gun includes display that is disposed on the spray gun and that provides information to an operator about one or more coating operation parameters. An auxiliary trigger may be used that enables an operator to make selections or changes of one or more coating operation parameters. The display and auxiliary trigger together permit an operator to make selections or changes without having to divert attention or field of view away from the spray gun or the coating area, especially during a coating operation. The display may include numeric information, for example, data relating to a coating function being displayed.

Abstract: A home automation system and method are disclosed for configuring a device state including accessing a graphical user interface (GUI) in a database at a server, sending the GUI from the server to the client device, receiving an input from the client device at the server, configuring the device state in the database at the server in accordance with the input, and sending the configured device state from the server to the client device. The client device receives a device state for configuring home automation controllable devices.

Abstract: An instrument operation apparatus includes a tag reader and a manipulating device. According to a user's manipulation to the manipulating device, the instrument operation apparatus transmits a command signal to one of instruments to operate. The manipulating device includes a detection portion to detect the user's manipulation, and a device information transmission portion to transmit device information according to the manipulation detected by the detection portion using a wireless communications technology. The tag reader includes a reception portion to receive the device information a control circuit to determine a command signal according to the device information received via the reception portion, and a command signal transmission portion to transmit the command signal to the one of the instruments. The instrument operating apparatus is characterized in that an arrangement position at which the manipulating device is arranged or attached is enabled to be changed.

Abstract: Described is a system used in defining and producing a live television broadcast. The system includes one or more control panels, a workstation, a router, and devices. The control panels may be hard control panels or soft control panels. The control panel includes programmable buttons having a display determined in accordance with a show definition. Display and control of a portion of the control panel buttons may vary in response to another control or button selection. Primary and backup communication connections are used to control the live show production.

Abstract: Navigation between process control graphics representative of process control entities in an operator display includes a list of relationship value references and process control graphical element identifications associated with each relationship value reference. Each process control graphical element identification uniquely identifies a process control graphical element of the operator display, each relationship is between various physical/logical entities and each relationship value reference uniquely identifies a logical and/or physical relationship between two or more entities within the process plant. One or more relationships are associated with a graphical object. Each relationship value reference is bound to two or more process control graphical elements of the operator display based on associated process control graphical element identifications.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interacting with and customizing a dynamically extensible and automatically configurable building automation system (BAS). In one embodiment, a graphical user interface (GUI) of the BAS comprises a building summary pages. The invention is also directed to a space summary page and an equipment summary page.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing multiple inputs and outputs in a control system is provided. A digital input/output system provides a localized interface between multiple operator consoles and at least one output device to coordinate and monitor the operation of the at least one output device. The digital input/output system includes an interface device which re-routes discrete lines to and from the operator consoles and output devices and eliminates conflicting signals sent from the operator consoles to the output devices.

Abstract: This invention includes a control device and a maintenance support device. The maintenance support device included in the plant monitor and control device selects temporary setting target logic element among logic elements contained in a control logic data, generates a temporary setting target logic element data, and generates a temporary setting logic element parameter data in accordance with a value of logic element parameter inputted by an operator. The control device memorizes the temporary setting target logic element data sent from the maintenance support device as the temporary setting target logic element data, and also the logic element parameter data before the temporary setting corresponding to the logic element designated by the temporary setting target logic element data among the logic element parameter data.

Abstract: A system for controlling a remotely controlled apparatus includes executing, by a remotely controlled apparatus, a program for controlling actions of the remotely controlled apparatus. The system includes a first network connection between the remotely controlled apparatus and a network hub device configured to extend the range of a computer network may be established. The system also includes second network connection between the network hub device and an endpoint device executing an application for controlling the remotely controlled apparatus may be established. An endpoint device may send data over the first and second network connections for controlling the remotely controlled apparatus. An application executing within a web browser may process the data. A method for controlling a remotely controlled apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device, control method, recording medium, and program, and building, wherein intelligent and active integration of electronic apparatuses and dwelling-places can be realized. A receiving unit 21 receives broadcasting signals, and supplies the signals to a receiving information determining unit 22. The receiving information determining unit 22 acquires a voice signal from the broadcasting signals supplied from the receiving unit 21, and a voice recognizing unit 23 subjects the voice signal to speech recognition. A determining unit 24 detects danger information such as information relating to a person such as a burglar, or information relating to a district where the person has appeared, or the like from the voice signal subjected to speech recognition by the voice recognizing unit 23.

Abstract: A networked health-monitoring system configured to collect and process patient health-related data. A plurality of remote patient sites, includes at least one display; a data management unit configured to facilitate collection of patient health-related data; a memory and stored program instructions for generating health-monitoring related information on the display. A central server connects to the data management unit at each patient site to receive patient health-related data collected at the remote patient sites. The system produces reports, including standardized reports, from the received data.

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.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a process in a process plant includes collecting data from a process control system within the process plant, where the data is representative of a normal operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally, performing a multivariate statistical analysis to represent the normal operation of the process based on a set of collected on-line process data comprising a measure of the normal operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally, and representing a real-time on-line operation of the process using monitored on-line process data as an input to the representation of the normal operation of the process, where the monitored on-line process data comprises a measure of a real-time operation to the process when the process is on-line.

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

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes an operating section. The operating section includes a display unit having an operation screen, a screen file that stores daily check data monitor screen data in which a row number is settable as a data number, and a data name is settable as item data of a daily check. The operating section further includes a daily check initial parameter file that stores parameter data corresponding to the item data. The operating section displays the daily check data monitor screen data by extracting the screen file and placing the daily check data monitor screen data on the operation screen as a daily check data monitor screen, and by extracting the daily check initial parameter file, searching through the daily check initial parameter file based on the data number, and placing parameter data corresponding to the item data on the operation screen as the daily check data monitor screen.

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 network server forwards the received status information from the networked luminaire managers to a computer of an owner/operator of the plurality of luminaires and/or a third-party user. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network.

Abstract: An information integration system for integrating information includes: a local information receiving unit configured to receive information from a plurality of sensors; an information collecting unit configured to collect information from a plurality of remote information sources; and an information processing unit coupled to the local information receiving unit and the information collecting unit, the information processing unit being configured to process the information received by the local information receiving unit and the information collected by the information collecting unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the directed supplying and installation of device specific functionalities and/or data for field devices that are disposed in a distributed system. At least one device-specific component is provided which cooperates with at least two functional units that are linked thereto. Said at least one device-specific component comprises means that automatically cause device-specific functionalities and/or data for the field devices, which are stored in the functional units, to be supplied and installed.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods that integrate and/or control motion of a plurality of axes in a motion control environment. Grouped axes can be linked (e.g., via a tag) to provide desired multi-axis coordinated motion as well as provide control for corresponding aspects of motion such as acceleration, velocity, etc. Such axes can be integrated with other control functionality such as process and/or machine control to provide the user with a comprehensive control. The foregoing can provide simple mechanisms for moving devices in multiple axes of a coordinate system in a coordinated fashion. Such coordinated move functionality can provide a user-friendly interface for linear and circular moves in multi-dimensional space. The algorithm employed for path planning can provide fast execution and dynamic parameter changes (e.g., maximum velocity, acceleration and deceleration) along a desired path of motion.

Abstract: Various graphical displays for plant process operators are provided which combine aspects of alarm priority and alarm age to assist operators in making better choices in responding to alarms. The disclosed graphical displays provide improved contextual information about specific alarms and the relationships with other alarms in the same control module, equipment module, etc. Hierarchically organized presentations of active alarms and alarm age profiles are also provided to assist operators in evaluating causes of “alarm floods” in chain reactions within complex process environments. Various types of alarm or display alerts are also provided for improved monitoring of processed conditions and changes in process controls.

Abstract: A virtual electronic switch system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system includes a switch assembly, a switch interface, and a computer. The switch assembly provides actuators that interface with non-contact sensors in the switch interface. The computer is coupled to the switch interface and assigns functions to each of the actuators. The non-contact sensors detect movement of the actuators and signal the computer, which manipulates an electrical system in the vehicle based on the assigned function.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling conditions of a process are disclosed. In one example, a controller is programmed with a sequence of steps and parameters required to carry out a bioreactor process. The controller receives information related to a condition of the process over a first communication network, determines a control signal based on the received information and the programmed process, and sends the control signal over a second communication network to a benchtop utility tower. In one example, the utility tower can include transmitters for temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen that send information related to a condition of the process to the controller over the first communication network, and an agitation system, a gas control system, a temperature control system and a pump control system that perform a control action based on the control signal affecting the process condition.

Abstract: A system and method for control and maintenance units for utility treatment systems, having a start-up routine, an installation routine and a communication exchange between a user and the control unit of a utility treatment system. Communications from the control unit prompt the user for installation and maintenance information; communications from the user supply installation, set-ups, status, operation and maintenance information. The communication exchange allows a user to contact the system and request information regarding a particular treatment system and the system to display treatment system information. The system and method also include a control unit for a utility treatment system having an electronic controller, an input device connected to the controller, and a storage device connected to the controller, wherein historical repair codes may be inputted to the electronic controller and stored in said storage device.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: A motor control system includes an MMI (man machine interface), an upper-controller, and a motor driver connected in that order. The upper-controller includes a motherboard, a communication control module, and a servo driven control card connected in that order. The motherboard is connected to the MMI and includes a processor. The communication control module includes a plurality of control cards. A control signal is inputted into the MMI and sequentially processed by the processor, the communication control module, and the servo driven control card. A driven signal is outputted from the servo driven control card to the motor driver to drive a motor.

Abstract: A system includes a server configured to generate a request for status information and/or diagnostic information associated with a field device in a process control system. The system also includes an interface component having (i) an emulator configured to emulate a device manager associated with the field device and (ii) a communication manager configured to communicate with the field device over a communication link using a specified protocol. The server is configured to provide the request to the communication manager through the emulator, receive the status information and/or the diagnostic information from the field device through the communication manager and the emulator, and generate a user interface based on the status information and/or the diagnostic information. The communication manager could represent a communication Device Type Manager (DTM), and the emulator could emulate at least some functions of a device DTM.

Abstract: Disclosed is 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.

Abstract: An isolated highway addressable remote transfer (HART) interface with programmable data flow is provided. The isolated HART interface includes a HART channel having at least one pair of terminals configured to connect with a HART device via a current loop. The HART channel is programmable to have each pair of terminals assigned as a current loop input or a current loop output.

Abstract: A controller equipped with a controller interface configured to accept one or more input parameters is disclosed, including methods for programming such devices. An illustrative controller interface may include a number of knobs, slides, buttons, or other input means for setting various set-points within the controller that can be used to control one or more HVAC system components of a building or structure. The input parameters may correspond directly to physical parameters of the building or structure being regulated, allowing the user to program the controller without having an extensive knowledge of HVAC systems or their operation.

Abstract: A control program for using a peripheral apparatus is loaded from the peripheral apparatus to the memory of an information processing apparatus. A management program manages the display form of a control object based on execution of the control program. The control object displayed on the information processing apparatus can be switched between the non-display state and the display state. For example, the management program causes the information processing apparatus to execute return from the non-display state to the display state in synchronism with the user manipulation of the peripheral apparatus.

Abstract: A common process control graphical user interface plant operators, plant maintenance personnel, and management is disclosed which provides a real-time interface to both the process and the plant. The common interface is modular in design and is capable of supporting various specializations for each user type. Operator consoles are dedicated to each section of the plant and include additional functions such as maintenance, configuration, simulation and supervisory information. The unified for common graphical interface replaces control room displays filled with single case analog controllers, meters, and digital indicators. The common interface addresses the functions that previously were provided by the panel motor start/stop buttons and status indications, chart recorders, annunciator panels and subsystem interfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for operating a user interface in an automation installation. The method includes identifying at least one control device, establishing a connection between the user interface and the at least one control device, obtaining at least one user interface parameter from the at least one control device and generating at least one display screen on the user interface using the at least one user interface parameter.

Abstract: A network media appliance, comprising at least one packet data network interface, adapted for communicating data packets with a data network according to an Internet Protocol; a media data interface, and a processor, having an associated memory for storing executable code, said code defining at least a remote virtual interface function, and a data transfer function for controlling transfer of data through said media data interface.

Abstract: A method and system for quickly selecting a device desired by a user from among a plurality of devices on a home network and playing content included in a portable device using the selected device are provided. The method includes displaying a device list of the plurality of content player devices based on the received descriptions, receiving selection of an item on the device list from a user, sending a device notification request message to a content player device corresponding to the selected item, and executing device notification using the content player device that has received the device notification request message.

Abstract: Holistic alarm monitoring may be provided. An alarm display interface may receive alarm messages relating to assorted priorities and/or categories. Users may configure rules for displaying and processing the alarm messages as they are received. Historical alarm messages may be correlated and analyzed to determine trends, as by displaying the alarm messages on a calendar. Users may also configure and share alarm display views, search through received alarm messages, annotate and/or attach files to alarm messages, and categorize alarm messages.

Abstract: A controlling device having an activity mode corresponding to a controllable activity in which activation of a command key within a logical group of command keys of the controlling device causes a transmission of command data to control one or more functional operations of an intended target appliance. For a controllable activity the controlling device has a memory in which is stored a plurality of predetermined appliance to logical group of command keys mappings. To configure the controlling device for the controllable activity one or more predetermined keys of the controlling device are activated to thereby designate one or more intended target appliances for the controllable activity.

Abstract: A zone controller having an electronic board with a plurality of electronic components attached thereto. The electronic components are constructed and arranged to receive a plurality of signals from a plurality of thermostats and to transmit a plurality of signals to a plurality of air control devices for controlling airflow in ducts. The electronic components include a first grouping of electronic components that are not accessed to perform either installation or operation functions, a second grouping of electronic components that are accessed to perform installation functions, and a third grouping of electronic components that are only accessed to perform operation functions. A first cover is provided that covers and prevents access to the first grouping of electronic components. A second cover is provided that selectively covers and prevents access to the second grouping of electrical components but not the third grouping of electrical components.

Abstract: A display for identifying a floor of a building being monitored presents a plurality of groups of floors and a plurality of floors in a group. The groups can be of floors and selected plurality of floors automatically presented to identify one or more floors that are exhibiting a selected ambient condition being monitored. Alternately, a slide can be used to identify one of a plurality of floors. A zoom function can also be provided.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a method comprising a plurality of activities comprising via a graphical editor running on a Human Machine Interface comprising a first embedded operating system, providing a plurality of set points related to a process to a programmable logic controller. The method can comprise, via the programmable logic controller, automatically controlling the process responsive to information received from the graphical editor.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: The invention is a computer programming method that includes inputting a drawing shape or drawing figure into a computer via a user interface of the computer. In response to a prompt that is generated related to the input drawing shape or drawing figure, data is input into the computer via the user interface. Computer program code is then synthesized that is related to the input drawing shape or drawing figure and the input data. The foregoing steps can be repeated for at least one other drawing shape or drawing figure that has an entry point connected to a previously entered drawing shape or drawing figure.

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.

Abstract: A machine tool control system. A machine tool controller is provided to receive commands from an input source and provide control instructions to a machine tool based at least in part on the commands. An operator interface is provided for inputting commands to the controller. The interface includes a display screen having images of individual command functions, the images being selectable on the screen to place into a sequence of command functions selected by an operator. A sequence generator indicates sequential ordering of the command functions represented by the sequence of images on the screen, such that a sequence of images on the screen selected by the operator is translated by the operator controller sequence generator into a sequence of commands to be inputted into the controller. The operator interface may include one or more images each representing a plurality of individual command functions in a defined sequence.

Abstract: Within an industrial automation environment, a human-machine interface (HMI) is provided comprising a HMI computer, a display electrically coupled with the computer, and a controller wirelessly coupled with the computer. The controller is configured to detect motion of the controller, and wirelessly transmit motion data related to the motion of the controller to the HMI computer. The HMI computer is configured to receive industrial automation data, wirelessly receive motion data from the controller, process the motion data into control data, and select a first set of industrial automation data for display in response to the control data.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for centrally and uniformly controlling the operation of a variety of devices, such as communication, consumer electronic, audio-video, analog, digital, 1394, and the like, over a variety of protocols within a network system and, more particularly, a control system and uniform user interface for centrally controlling these devices in a manner that appears seamless and transparent to the user. In a preferred embodiment, a command center or hub of a network system includes a context and connection permutation sensitive control system that enables centralized and seamless integrated control of all types of input devices. The control system preferably includes a versatile icon based graphical user interface that provides a uniform, on-screen centralized control system for the network system.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that is able to detect noise to which the electronic device is exposed and an internal temperature of the device. The device contains a cooling unit to cool at least a portion of the electronic device and a subsystem coupled to the microphone and/or a thermal sensor and further coupled to the cooling unit. The cooling unit adjusts according to the detected noise and internal temperature. A method for cooling an electronic device is also provided. The method comprises monitoring the noise of the device's ambient environment, monitoring an internal temperature of the device, and actuating a user interface. The method provides for cooling the device by adjusting fan speed, clock speed, or power supply voltage applied to the device based on the noise of the ambient environment, an internal temperature of the device, and actuation of the user interface.

Abstract: A system and method for a computer program product is provided. The computer program product generates a graphical user interface for controlling a compartment. The graphical user interface comprises at least one compartment graphical indicator, and at least one compartment function button. In another embodiment, a method of managing at least one compartment through an interface supported by a controller is provided. The method includes selecting at least one compartment from the interface, and selecting a function for the compartment from the interface.

Abstract: A system for programming a computer provides a set of software-based virtual machines each for instructing a computer to carry out a selected operation. Each virtual machine is represented by a virtual front panel displayed on a screen and each virtual front panel graphically displays operator controllable values of input and output parameters utilized by the virtual machine it represents. The system is adapted to synthesize a new virtual machine for instructing the computer to perform a sequence of operations wherein each operation is carried out by the computer according to the instructions of an operator selected one of the existing virtual machines. The system also creates a new virtual front panel for displaying input and output parameters associated with the new virtual machine. The system permits the operator to program the computer by directing synthesis of a hierarchy of virtual machines.