Operator Interface (e.g., Display With Control) Patents (Class 700/17)
  • Patent number: 8718802
    Abstract: A prog analysis and execution system and method. The system includes a computer control system, an interface engine in communication with the computer control system, the interface engine being configured to receive prog information, and an action item development engine in communication with the control system, the action item development engine being configured to analyze received prog information and to determine corresponding action items. The system further includes a sensor engine in communication with the computer control system, the sensor engine being configured to receive input from at least one sensor for use in controlling a well drilling operation, and an operational equipment engine in communication with the computer control system, the operational equipment engine being configured to receive input from the computer control system and to control the well drilling operation in accordance with the determined action items in the prog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Canrig Drilling Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Scott G. Boone
  • Patent number: 8718797
    Abstract: A method includes establishing communication channels between an on-board unit (OBU) of a vehicle and a plurality of nodes, tagging each of a plurality of data from the plurality of nodes with a priority level, storing the plurality of data in a priority queue according to respective priority levels, selecting a medium to present a first data of the plurality of data to a user, and presenting the first data to the user via the medium. In the method, the plurality of nodes includes a remote node and an in-vehicle device. Another method includes receiving a data from a remote node, generating a plurality of data streams from the data and transmitting the plurality of data streams across a plurality of wireless interfaces. Another method includes enhancing audio signals from a plurality of microphones and speakers. Yet another method includes various gesture based user interfaces coupled to the OBU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sateesh K. Addepalli, Lillian Lei Dai, Raghuram S. Sudhaakar, Robert Edward Somers
  • Patent number: 8717599
    Abstract: The present invention is applicable to a peripheral device which performs processing based on information from an information processing device. The peripheral device of present invention is characterized by a storage unit, which stores in it a program of controlling of designated processing, and stores in it data for controlling the peripheral device, and by a communication unit which sends the program stored in the storage unit to the information processing device, and by a control unit which controls operation of the peripheral device based on an instruction information written into the storage unit upon execution of the program on the information processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taketo Ochiai, Hirokazu Higuchi, Chihiro Hiranuma, Kiyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 8712557
    Abstract: A program editor creates a program-edit screen for a control system based on element data for representing circuit elements and operators and their attribute values. Here, the circuit elements and operators are components of sequential programs which constitute functions of the control system. The program editor which edits the element data on the created program-edit screen judges whether the data for representing the circuit elements and the operators is protected-function data or non-protected-function data and displays assembly sets of programs for implementing predetermined functions constituted by circuit elements and operators to which accesses are authenticated on the program-edit screen in a display mode different from those of the other assembly sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Terae, Katsuhito Shimizu, Yusaku Otsuka
  • Patent number: 8712561
    Abstract: A method is provided for specifying the parameters of control curves of equipment for controlling the environmental conditions of climate-controlled enclosed spaces, including the step of specifying at least one control curve for the equipment, which is formed by a sequence of pairs of values introduced in succession. Each pair identifying the value of a predetermined parameter in a corresponding instant of time, the curve, indicating the desired variation of the parameter in time, is used for reproducing the variation of the parameter in time in said space according to the specified curve. The method also includes preliminary plotting of the shape of a curve in a graphic system of Cartesian axes. The curve represents a previously selected variation of the predetermined parameter as a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Unox S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Franzolin
  • Patent number: 8706270
    Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, David Sloo, Michael James Matas, Michael Plitkins
  • Patent number: 8700379
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing microcomputer-based systems. A controller model having at least one parameter is simulated and, similarly, a plant model having at least one parameter and controlled by the controller model is simulated. A user interface then has access to the parameters of the controller model and plant model and optionally suspends the execution of the controller model and plant model in response to a trigger event. The user interface determines the status of the controller model parameters and/or plant model parameters at the time of the trigger without altering the controller model parameters or plant model parameters or the program code of the controller model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Makoto Ishikawa, Shigeru Oho, George Saikalis, Donald J. McCune, Jonathan Borg
  • Patent number: 8700192
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dynamic view in a modeling of an automation system. A first portion of the model may be described in a first sequence description and a second portion of the model may be described in a second sequence description. The sequence descriptions are linked together. In one embodiment, the links are visually provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Heller, Venkata Prasad Mukka, Oswin Noetzelmann, Prithvi Raju, Dirk Schaumburg, Edward Slavin
  • Publication number: 20140100669
    Abstract: Flexible graphic element objects in a process plant are configurable both in a run-time operating environment in which a process is being controlled and in a configuration environment. An instantiated flexible graphic element object may be a display view or may be another graphic element included on a display view. A graphic element object may be linked to and/or derived from another graphic element object, and changes to a particular graphic element object may be propagated to its derivations, e.g., according to a distribution policy. Changes to definitions corresponding to a particular graphic element object (e.g., to the definition of a graphic element attribute such as a shape, animation, event handler or property) may be overridden or modified in another object derived from the particular graphic element object. The modified derived object may be renamed and saved separately from the particular graphic element object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FISHER-ROSEMOUNT SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Gerard Hammack, Stephen Copps Gilbert, Matthew Joseph Sullivan, Larry Oscar Jundt
  • Publication number: 20140094936
    Abstract: A method is provided to simplify programmable control of and/or other electrical devices of at least a portion of at least one room in a building structure. A multi-touch flat panel switch with integrated sensors is adapted to e mounted in a receptacle in the building structure. The switch is Wi-Fi enabled so that function can be controlled by devices connected over a local area network or the Internet. The switch includes a multi-touch screen, sensors (photographic camera, microphone, speaker, infra-red, motion, proximity, temperature) and at least one microprocessor. Signals from the sensors are utilized to control a connected fixture and/or other electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Brent E Saunders
  • Patent number: 8688260
    Abstract: A method enables a user to create, edit, monitor and/or optimize the overall machine process of a programmable machine or system assisted by a graphics editor. The programmable machine or system is initially put together as a system of individual machine units which are involved in the overall machine process during certain times by running a number of partial machine processes that are firstly synchronized with one another once they have been set up and then parameters are set for them. These method steps take place in a two-dimensional process diagram created by the graphics editor that plots all the partial machine processes involved in the overall machine process via assigned process symbols that are positioned or repositioned by the graphics editor so that they are arranged in a machine component dimension and in a time dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Keba AG
    Inventor: Heinz Stummer
  • Patent number: 8688258
    Abstract: A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Miller
  • Patent number: 8688243
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods of controlling a variable-speed fan of an environmental maintenance module that controls temperatures of a plurality of zones of a building are provided. A first critical zone of the building is identified by analyzing the first zone temperature errors, which are used to determine a final speed setting of the variable-speed fan. Systems, apparatus, and methods of calibrating an environmental maintenance module that controls a temperature of a zone of a building are also provided. A location parameter is calculated for a plurality of zone temperatures, and a scale parameter is computed that quantifies a variation of the zone temperatures relative to a location parameter. A first temperature setpoint for the zone is determined and used in controlling the temperature of the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Vigilent Corporation
    Inventors: Clifford Federspiel, Kurt Federspiel
  • Publication number: 20140088733
    Abstract: A method for operating a machine having at least one working device configured to carry out predefined working sequences, and a control device configured to control the at least one working device. At least one operating parameter of the at least one working device being changeable by an input device. The input device includes a portable computer device, and the input device is configured to be operated independently of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Krauskopf, Jens Reckwell, Andreas Sokoll, Christopher Sokoll
  • Publication number: 20140088732
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for configuration and management of an electronic control unit (ECU). According to disclosed embodiments, a method for configuration and management of an ECU includes receiving by a data processing system at least one calibration parameter and a corresponding value for the ECU and generating by the data processing system virtual memory locations representing physical memory locations of the ECU. The method includes receiving by the data processing system allocations for the virtual memory locations, wherein the allocations identify blocks and sub-blocks allocated to the calibration parameter and the corresponding value. The method includes generating and storing by the data processing system an output responsive to the allocations, wherein the output contains a memory layout of the stored parameter and the value, and wherein the output is configured to be stored in the physical memory locations of the ECU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE INC.
    Inventors: Ashok Sivaram, Albino Pereira, Eric Fang
  • Patent number: 8682502
    Abstract: A method for controlling one or more remote vehicles may comprise manipulating a remote dexterous control device, translating movement of the remote dexterous control device into movement of the one or more remote vehicles, and providing a sliding work window allowing control of the one or more remote vehicles' entire range of motion without sacrificing control resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Curtis Jurmain, Aaron John Powers, Marc Vollenweider, Jeffrey Joseph Berkley
  • Patent number: 8676358
    Abstract: A numerical control machine tool has two spindles mounted in opposition to each other. In order to enable consecutive operations of lathe turning machining work in accordance with a speed command, drill machining work for drilling with rotating tools with a work positioned at a given angle, and other machining works while keeping a state where a single work is grasped by both of the spindles, switching means 152, 215 and 225 are provided which switch a reference spindle 314 to a profile control axis in a state where both of the spindles are held in the position control mode selected during spindle synchronized control, in a case where a C-axis control switching command is issued to treat the reference spindle 314 as the profile control axis while spindle synchronized control is performed for the reference spindle 314 and a synchronized spindle 324 and the synchronized spindle 324 is revolving at a command speed given to the reference spindle 314.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinori Yamada
  • Patent number: 8666523
    Abstract: A device, method and timeline user interface for controlling home devices are provided. The method for controlling home devices includes displaying a virtual track on a display unit of a control device, displaying an indicator indicating operation information of a home device connected to the control device through the network along the virtual track, moving the indicator along the virtual track based on a user input; and controlling an operation time of the home device based on the location of the indicator along the virtual track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jihwan Kim, Hyorim Park
  • Patent number: 8666519
    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 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Archetype Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan Bergeron
  • Patent number: 8666518
    Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer program product for managing one or more electronic devices. Performance of an electronic device is monitored and presented to a user through a digital agent interface. The performance of the electronic device is controlled automatically by digital agent through the digital agent interface. The invention also enables automatic testing of the electronic device through the digital agent interface by setting up test configurations, activating test signals, and interpreting any error codes that may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: NeoPhotonics Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony J. Ticknor, Jinghong Li, Robert Lombaerde
  • Patent number: 8656358
    Abstract: This disclosure describes, for a example, a plant control system comprising: program editing means for creating a control program including an interlock condition and diagnosis of interlock; plant control means for executing a program object in the control program; and interlock diagnosing means for updating and displaying satisfaction/dissatisfaction of the interlock condition at a predetermined point before the present, further specifying only a source factor variable of the dissatisfaction even if plural stages of interlock circuits are formed, and automatically displaying the source factor variable in a graphic language, the interlock diagnosing means having a logical operation unit and a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Hajime Taruishi, Akira Nojima
  • Patent number: 8644960
    Abstract: A method, device and system for displaying, via a user interface, an ambiance setting for a bathing system. The user interface is configured to display at least one display page on a display screen. The method comprises displaying on the display screen, a plurality of ambiance settings selectable by a user of the user interface, receiving, at a processor, an indication of a selected ambiance setting from the plurality of ambiance settings displayed on the display screen and in response to the selected ambiance setting, displaying on the display screen a first operational setting for at least one first type of bathing unit component and a second operational setting for at least one second type of bathing unit component. The first operational setting and the second operational setting are pre-programmed in association with the selected ambiance setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu
  • Patent number: 8643485
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ignoring 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: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Daniel Sheleheda, Michael Singer
  • Patent number: 8644966
    Abstract: A device and a method for projecting field devices of a technical system, in particular a power plant system, into a control system of the technical system are provided. The device includes means for a computer-implemented display of two field devices as two data objects and means for a computer-implemented display of a connection between the two data objects of the two field devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Guido Steinhauer, Michael Unkelbach
  • Patent number: 8640038
    Abstract: Systems and methods receive, from a building, an inventory identifying a plurality of electronic devices associated with a building automation system. The systems and methods compare the inventory to an additional inventory associated with an additional building automation system of an additional building to determine that the inventory is the same as or similar to the additional inventory, wherein the additional inventory identifies a plurality of additional electronic devices. The systems and methods further identify an automation scene that coordinates operation of at least a portion of the plurality of additional electronic devices and provide the automation scene to the building for implementation in the building automation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Inventors: Andrew Reeser, Shawn M. Call, Stacy L. Kennedy, Lee C. Drinan, Lisa Ann Frey, Kevin Payne, Michael Jacob
  • Patent number: 8638984
    Abstract: A gesture detection device detects a gesture of a user, which is a movement which is carried out by a hand or by both hands of the user on an existing example of the work piece, or on an image of an existing example of the work piece. An identification device identifies the gesture as a predefined gesture, which represents a symbol. A selection device selects a measurement result in dependence on the identified gesture. The measurement result can then be displayed or marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Robert Roithmeier
  • Patent number: 8633938
    Abstract: A method and a portable device controls output of a display unit to display information accurately and clearly regardless of a background image. Disclosed is an arrangement for calculating a difference between an arbitrary expression value of an arbitrary screen configuration element to be displayed on a given area of the background image and an actual expression value of the given area of the background image. Each expression value includes at least one of a color and lightness. The arrangement automatically selects the expression value of the screen configuration element based on the calculation result. The screen configuration element is displayed at the given area of the background image based on the selected arbitrary expression value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dae Woong Kim
  • Patent number: 8634938
    Abstract: A method for safely parameterizing an electrical device, wherein a parameter input by a user on a control unit is transmitted to the electrical device and stored therein with write protection, the stored parameter is transmitted back to the control unit and displayed at the control unit for confirmation by the user, and the user confirmation is transmitted to the electrical device. In accordance with the invention, the stored parameter is transmitted back together with the name of the parameter, with a code generated by the device and in a data format which cannot be processed by the control unit. The returned parameter, the name of the returned parameter and the code are displayed for the user on the control unit, and the confirmation is checked in the electrical device to determine whether the confirmation contains the code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Adam Lomas
  • Patent number: 8630722
    Abstract: A system and method of managing therapy provided to patients in an institution. The system monitors all aspects of the medication delivery to a patient, as well as other information related to the patient, such as values of vital signs, laboratory results and patient factors such as history, diagnosis, allergies and the like. The system includes one or more databases of information, including institutionally developed rules, guidelines and protocol representing the best medical practices of the institution. The system provides alerts and/or recommendations based on the application of the rules to the information being monitored, and alerts care givers accordingly, providing for dynamic adjustment of the patient's therapy. The system also monitors the status of the alerts, and if no action is taken in a selected period of time, may escalate the priority of the alert and/or halt the delivery of medication to the patient until the alert is resolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Condurso, Cynthia Yamaga, Robert Butterfield, Simon Morling, Clifton Pait, Patricia West, Timothy W. Vanderveen, Richard Crass
  • Patent number: 8626453
    Abstract: A blood glucose level information processing apparatus, method and program provide blood glucose values and blood glucose value information within a period or range desired by a user without imposing cumbersome operation on the user. The apparatus, method and program provide blood glucose values and blood glucose value information within a period or desired range by acquiring blood glucose levels measured by a blood glucose level measuring device and date/time of measurement at which the blood glucose levels are measured, displaying a line graph obtained by plotting the blood glucose values within a predetermined period. A slide bar can also be provided, for example on a graph display screen image, whereupon if the slide bar is moved, only the blood glucose values corresponding to a preceding period backdating in response to the amount of movement of the slide bar are plotted on a line graph along a time series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Myoujou, Tooru Oomori, Jun Tsubota
  • Patent number: 8620460
    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: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    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: 8615613
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Denshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuuki Taguchi, Taketo Ochiai, Hiroshi Komuro
  • Patent number: 8615324
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Broadley-James Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Eugene West
  • Patent number: 8612026
    Abstract: A method and a device for planning an industrial automation arrangement, where an object model is generated from data objects, which represent automation components, and from relationships between these objects, a sequence of control actions by a user is used to select the objects from an object library and to relate them to one another. A plurality of sequences of control actions and their respective effects on the object model are stored as respective entity control trees with control steps, where at least two of the entity control trees are selected and used to generate a generalized type control tree using a first comparison, and the type of control tree is used to automatically plan the industrial automation arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengessellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Banik, Sven Kerschbaum, Ronald Lange, Thomas Talanis, Frank Volkmann
  • Patent number: 8606373
    Abstract: A firefighting monitor system includes a monitor, a controller selectively generating signals to the monitor for controlling the monitor, and a computer. The computer is configured to receive input from a user relative to the monitor or the controller. The computer generates an output based on the input, and the output is transmitted to the controller for controlling the monitor or the controller in accordance with the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd B. Lozier, James M. Trapp, Lee R. Jones, Eric N. Combs
  • Patent number: 8606391
    Abstract: It is proposed that an interaction unit which allows a manual interaction is associated with a visualization unit, that a function selection unit which allows an association of a function of a machine tool with this manual interaction is associated with the visualization unit, and that a function data generator unit is provided that generates operating data which correspond to the manual interaction, while taking the associated function into account, and transmits these operating data to a visualization controller in order to represent, on the visualization unit, using visualization elements, the function specified by the manual interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Index-Werke GmbH & Co. KG Hahn & Tessky
    Inventors: Eberhard Beck, Stefan Grossmann, Joerg Junginger, Matthias Eisele
  • Patent number: 8598995
    Abstract: A graphical audio station of a nurse call system is operable to permit a user to perform one or more of the following functions: establish a two-way voice communication link with another computer device in another patient and/or with a another computer device located in another staff work area and/or with a wireless communication device carried by caregiver and/or with a telephone of the healthcare facility; broadcast a voice page to a group of other selected computer devices; compose and send a text message to a portable device that is carried by a caregiver and that has wireless communication capability; browse web pages and/or view multimedia content, such as videos, hosted on servers of the healthcare facility and/or that are accessible via the Internet; view and/or acknowledge and/or answer and/or cancel alerts or nurse calls originating in a plurality of patient rooms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Schuman, Patricia A. Glidewell, Erik E. Roehl
  • Patent number: 8594814
    Abstract: The invention provides, in some aspects, systems for interaction with a control environment that includes controlled equipment along with control devices that monitor and control that controlled equipment. According to some of those aspects, such a system includes first functionality that generates output representing an operational status of the controlled equipment, as well as second functionality that generates output representing an operational of one or more of the control devices. An engine coordinates the first functionality and to the second functionality to generate an operational status of the control environment. A virtual reality environment generates, as a function of that operational status and one or more physical aspects of the control environment, a three-dimensional (“3D”) display of the control environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurizio Rovaglio, Tobias Scheele
  • Patent number: 8588958
    Abstract: A computer program product and an apparatus for preparing a moving program for controlling the operation of a working robot which can move a known working apparatus relative to a workpiece and which can perform desired work on the workpiece. Movement information of the working apparatus may be input to a text entry screen on a character basis. Movement information of the working apparatus may also be input via a figure entry screen as a path on a two-dimensional plane in correlation with height information. The movement information that is input on the text entry screen is output in real time as the path on the two-dimensional plane and the height information thereof on the figure entry screen. The movement information that is input on the figure entry screen is output in real time to the text entry screen on the character basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Musashi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 8588948
    Abstract: An audio enabled control menu system, method and device is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include an encoder including an input device actuation of the encoder by an operator of the control menu device; memory including a menu structure and a plurality of audio segments stored in the memory; and a microcontroller in operable communication with the encoder and the memory, the microcontroller further configured to receive menu navigation input from the encoder and output one of the plurality of audio segments in response to the menu navigation input, the microcontroller further configured to execute predetermined control actions in response to the menu navigation input. Embodiments of the invention transmit menu options to an operator in an audio format such that the operator can browse and select menu options with one hand and does not need to look at a visually displayed menu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Houghton Lee, Gary Sargeant
  • Patent number: 8583263
    Abstract: An Internet appliance, comprising, within a single housing, packet data network interfaces, adapted for communicating with the Internet and a local area network, at least one data interface selected from the group consisting of a universal serial bus, an IEEE-1394 interface, a voice telephony interface, an audio program interface, a video program interface, an audiovisual program interface, a camera interface, a physical security system interface, a wireless networking interface; a device control interface, smart home interface, an environmental sensing interface, and an environmental control interface, and a processor, for controlling a data transfer between the local area network and the Internet, and defining a markup language interface communicated through a packet data network interface, to control a data transfer or control a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Steven M. Hoffberg, Linda I. Hoffberg-Borghesani
  • Patent number: 8565903
    Abstract: A system and device that communicates critical resource information is described. The resource notification system comprises a resource distributor, a resource notification server, and a networked interface device. The resource distributor generates a demand response action that is associated with a particular resource. The resource distributor is also communicatively coupled to a wide area network. The resource notification server, which is also communicatively coupled to the wide area network, receives and processes the demand response action and generates a demand response event signal that is communicated to a customer list. The networked interface device comprises at least one indicator. The networked interface device receives the demand response event signal that triggers at least one indicator corresponding to the demand response action generated by the resource distributor, wherein the indicator provides a real-time indication that corresponds to the usage of the particular resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Lee Koch, Daniel Allan Hennage, Wesley Clay Collier
  • Patent number: 8560090
    Abstract: There is provided a monitor and control apparatus capable of enlarging a volume of a body, while ensuring a space for routing signal lines between a rear face of the body and a bottom surface of a mounting hole. The body 5 has a rear face including: a first face having terminal sections protruded; and a second face protruded backwardly relative to the first face by a stepped portion. An internal space of the body on the second face side is enlarged backwardly more than that on the first face side. The stepped portion is formed in the middle of the rear face of the body in the horizontal direction, which defines a right-half portion as the first face, and a left-half portion as the second face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoaki Sasaki, Kei Miura, Keisuke Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8560089
    Abstract: A device control method and system that sets a control setting through a user interface generated by using an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) document is provided. Operation control of a device is set through a user interface that is generated using an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) document. A user interface is generated for control settings of a device based on received first information, second information corresponding to control setting values is input through the user interface, and the second information is transmitted to the device and corresponding control settings of the device are set. Accordingly, operation control of the device can be controlled through a user interface by using a single standardized document regardless of the type of device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo-Seong Yang, Chi-Tack Chang, Tae-Kyung Hwang
  • Patent number: 8560093
    Abstract: A common library stores therein user function blocks and ready-made protected function blocks. By being manipulated by the user, an editing device links some of function programs stored in the function blocks in the library to form a control program which controls the exchange of signals between I/O modules and external devices. A control section in the terminal device allows the alteration of the function programs included in the user function blocks, but inhibits the alteration of the function programs included in the protected function blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Ikegami, Tsutomu Araki
  • Patent number: 8554374
    Abstract: A programmable controller for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds, such as thermostat, that has a display and an external interface. The external interface may be use for uploading electronic images and/or other information from an external data source, and may use the uploaded electronic images and/or other information for programming and/or updating the controller and/or for viewing the electronic images and/or other information on the display of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Lunacek, John B. Amundson, Robert D. Juntunen
  • Patent number: 8548606
    Abstract: An apparatus for managing tasks in an industrial plant comprises a task generator for generating at least one task to be performed in the industrial plant; a task scheduler for assigning a priority to each of the at least one task by analyzing the information of the plant; and a communication module for exchanging task information with a mobile device. The information of the plant may comprise static information and dynamic information of the plant. Preferably, the at least one task may comprise an event task dynamically generated by the task generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Naveen Kashyap, Jin Song Qian, Ching Hua Joseph Lee
  • Publication number: 20130253667
    Abstract: A logic diagram processing device has a logic diagram relocating unit which relocates operation elements while maintaining control logics equivalently so that the operation elements as compared overlap in the case where a plurality of designated logic diagrams are overlapped, and a logic diagram overlapping unit which overlaps the plurality of designated logic diagrams in which the operation elements are relocated by the logic diagram relocating unit. The logic diagram processing device also includes a display unit which displays the plurality of designated logic diagrams overlapped by the logic diagram overlapping unit in a predetermined display method by which a common part or the difference of the operation elements can be discriminated, and a display control unit which switches the predetermined display method to display in the display unit in accordance with an instruction from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Mitsunobu YOSHINAGA, Tadashi Oi, Shinichiro Tsudaka, Masayo Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8540937
    Abstract: A system and/or method formulates a chemical solution using both volumetric and weight based measurements of components of the chemical solution. The components of the chemical solution include water and at least one other component, which may take any form, such as, without limitation, liquid, solid, powder or gaseous form. Formulation of the chemical solution is administered by combining water with the one or more other components at an output port, from which this combination is dispensed to a solution storage tank. In response to a user's request to formulate a specified amount of the chemical solution, the volume of water provided to the output port is monitored by a flow meter and the weight of the other component(s) provided to the output port is monitored by one or more load cells. Based on such monitoring, appropriate amounts of water and the other component(s) are combined together to formulate the specified amount of the chemical solution in the solution storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Larry M. Lark, Darren M. Jahnke, Eric Willman, Warren Pannkuk
  • Patent number: 8538562
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for interactively and dynamically undertaking exercise are disclosed which utilize camera means to provide 2D or 3D data relating to locations or movements of exercise undertaken by a person. This data is analyzed by a computer and in a typical example an instructor's image is displayed and both visual and audio assistance to the person is provided via a computer program either resident locally or remotely located. Applications to exercise involving treadmills, bicycles, dance, weight lifting and other exercises are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Motion Games, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy R. Pryor, Marie C. Pryor