Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of machines and at least a first assembly; the plurality of machines comprises at least a first machine and a second machine; the first assembly is associated with the first and second machines and is arranged to provide a first auxiliary function to the first and second machines; control is carried out by at least a first and a second controllers; the first and the second controllers are associated respectively to the first and second machines and are arranged to control a main function of each of the first and the second machines; the first and the second controllers are associated with the first assembly and are arranged to control an auxillary function of the first assembly; the first and the second controllers maintain a dialog between each other to assure that only one controller controls the first assembly at a time.

Abstract: A companion remote control system is usable with smart devices for controlling a plurality of controlled components. An overall control system includes: a companion remote configured for remote communication, and providing command options for a user desiring to interact with a controlled component; a software application configured for running on smart devices, which typically includes a graphical interface for the user to select desired controlled component from plurality of controlled components; and a control processor capable of communicating with companion remote, smart device and controlled components. The control processor is programmed to correlate user commands received from companion remote to appropriate instructions for a specific controlled component selection received from smart device.

Abstract: A method and programming chart having viewable indicia thereon for programming a decoder-based controller is disclosed. The programming chart comprises a specific portion comprising a station number area for one or more stations being controlled by a decoder-based irrigation controller, a decoder address area adapted to receive an entry indicating an address of a decoder being associated with each of the one or more stations and a plurality of other information areas for each of the one or more stations to receive information pertaining to each of the one or more stations. Furthermore, a method is provided for programming a decoder-based irrigation controller comprising associating a decoder unit with at least a first station, removing a decoder address indicator provided with the decoder unit and recording the decoder address indicator onto a programming chart onto an area designated for a decoder address associated with the first station.

Abstract: A controlling system has a computer having a controlling interface, a PDU linking to the computer and multiple electric apparatus connected and linking to the PDU and the computer. The PDU has multiple outlets, a turn-off time for each outlet. The controlling interface of the computer presets that the turn-off time for each outlet and has a shut-down option. The shut-down option has outlet numbers, a main time axis, and multiple variable time axes. Each variable time axis has a start time and an end time. A total period of each variable time axis between the start time and the end time is determined according to the shut-down period of the corresponding electric apparatus. The start time and the end time of each variable time axis are adjustable, but the total time thereof is fixed. Once the start times and the end times are determined finally, the turn-off times for the outlet numbers are calculated and further sent to the PDU.

Abstract: A first alert and a second alert are received. The first alert indicates a first fault related to a first component of the multiple components and the second alert that indicates a second fault related to a second component of the multiple components. The first component affects the second component such that the first fault caused the second fault. A correlation between the first alert and the second alert is determined and, based on the determined correlation, a determination is made that the first fault is a root cause of the first alert and the second alert. An indication that the first fault is the root cause of the first alert and second alert is provided.

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 that 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 system for controlling a plurality of wearable wireless light-bearing units is disclosed. The light-bearing units may comprise lighting elements coupled to garments such as those used in the performing arts and entertainment. The system comprises a control unit wirelessly communicating with light-bearing units. The light-bearing units comprise a control box coupled to a plurality of lights. Operators can control one or more of the light-bearing units in synchrony with each other and with other audio-visual elements using standard protocols. The device also provides a library of preprogrammed effects and can perform self-diagnostic functions.

Abstract: A user can be detected and identified at or near an elevator installation. A record for the user can be read from a database, and based on information in the record, a personalized building action can be performed for the user. A portion of the building can thus be “prepared” for the user.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time power management are provided. The system can include one or more lights, one or more light controllers, one or more meters to detect power demand of a building, and a central controller to modify the light output of the lights responsive to the detected power demand. The system can interface with other utility controls to manage the total power demand of the building on a real-time basis. The light controllers can provide individual metering of the lights for use by the central controller.

Abstract: Method, device, and storage medium for receiving a request to change a state of one or multiple elements of an automation system; changing the state of the one or multiple elements based on the request; storing usage activity data of the one or multiple elements; analyzing the usage activity data using a pattern recognition metric; determining whether a usage pattern exits based on the pattern recognition metric; creating a user activity mode in response to determining that the usage pattern exists; and operating the automation system in accordance with the user activity mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically changing an operational state of an appliance associated with a known fixed location. A current location of an individual is automatically determined with respect to a known fixed location using at least one wireless communication device. The system automatically determines if an operational state of at least one appliance associated with the known fixed location is to be changed based on at least the current location of the individual. The operational state of the at least one appliance is automatically changed if it is determined that the operational state is to be changed.

Abstract: The disclosed software framework and development platform facilitates software development for multi-sensor systems. In some implementations, developers can select a sensor board that includes a desired combination of sensor devices. The sensor board can be coupled to a development board that includes a target processor and other circuitry to facilitate development and testing of a system that includes the target processor and the sensors. Various software support tools are provided including an Application Programming Interface (API) that provides API abstractions for software drivers for the sensors on the sensor board. By using the abstractions of the API, a software developer does not have to write code (“glue”) to interact with the various software drivers. Additionally, the API provides access to a variety of software library functions for performing data scaling, unit conversion and mathematical functions and algorithms.

Abstract: A distributed control system including a housing, at least one module, and a non-galvanic communication link. At least one module is associated with a converter, which is suitable to communicate over the communication link. The converter is suitable to condition the input for the module. Therefore, signals transmitted through the communication link can be processed internally by the module, wherein the range of the communication link is substantially limited to the size of the housing.

Abstract: A power electronic control circuitry device comprises the following intercommunicating distinct hardware physical entities: a digital microcontroller unit (UNMC) for managing the operation of the device, hardened to withstand the effects of radiations in space; a digital fast regulation unit (UNRR) for controlling priority and real-time processes, hardened to withstand the effects of radiations in space; a digital communication unit (UNC) for communications external to the device, hardened to withstand the effects of radiations in space; a digital tracing and debugging unit (UNTD) for detecting errors in the design of the device; and a digital non-volatile memory (MRN) for storing information representative of the initial configuration of the device, hardened to withstand the effects of radiations in space.

Abstract: An automation system for creating and adapting a machine or system model, and for checking a control program of an open-loop control based on a virtual machine or a virtual system has a control system, a data recording unit for recording machine or system data, a data preparation unit for analyzing the data recorded in the data recording unit, and the parameters of the machine or system model that were ascertained via the data analysis are storable, in an automated manner, in the virtual machine or the virtual system, in order to simulate a machine or system behavior of a real machine or system.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices to provide simple adaptive automated resource management of a resource system (such as but not limited to electricity, natural gas, water, data, bandwidth allocation, access to information, etc.) on a local basis, based on automatically detecting, measuring and combining time-varying resource provider preferences, resource market conditions, resource supply source conditions, environmental conditions and resource system impact on the environment, together with resource user locations, user priorities and preferences, and information about other conditions that may be relevant to the operation of the resource management system in order to optimize performance of the resource system to better meet or approach defined goals, and to measure and display the results achieved by the resource management system compared against those goals.

Abstract: Method and a system for managing distributing computing suitable for implementation in an automation system are provided, wherein in a first step, a set of program instructions is partitioned into a plurality of unit blocks, where each unit block comprises at least one program instruction and, in a second set, at least one complementary block corresponding to at least one unit block are identified from the remainder of the plurality of unit blocks, where the complementary blocks are identified based on a comparison between read-write access of global variables in the unit block and corresponding complementary blocks and, in another step, the plurality of unit blocks are executed on a set of multiple processors within the automation system such that at least one complementary block is executed in parallel with a corresponding unit block.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a terminal apparatus includes an input receiving unit, a route selecting unit, and a signal transmitting unit. The input receiving unit receives an input for controlling at least one electrical appliance among a plurality of electrical appliances. The route selecting unit selects one control route among a first control route for controlling the electrical appliance via a server and a control apparatus connected to each other via a network, a second control route for controlling the electrical appliance via the control apparatus that controls the plurality of electrical appliances, and a third control route for directly controlling the electrical appliance. The signal transmitting unit transmits, through the control route selected by the route selecting unit, a control signal for causing the control apparatus to execute control corresponding to the input received by the input receiving unit.

Abstract: State machine engines are disclosed, including those having an inter-rank bus control system, which may include a register. The state machine engine may include a plurality of configurable elements, such that each of the plurality of configurable elements comprises a plurality of memory cells. These cells may analyze data and output a result of the analysis. The IR bus control system may halt a write operation of data to be analyzed by the cells based, at least in part, on one or more conditions.

Abstract: A method and system provides a central controller that can communicate across different types of networks to reach various energy load control devices. Energy load control devices can include, but are not limited to, thermostats, load control switches such as Digital Control Units (DCUs), and gateways or network interfaces coupled to the Internet, etc. This ability to communicate across different types of networks allows the central controller to monitor as well as issue command signals to the various energy load control devices. The central controller can provide geographic maps on displays, such as a computer display, which list the relative locations of energy load control devices with respect to their geography or physical locations. The central controller can also provide a topology that can be customized so that a user can visualize and select groups of energy load control devices according to the user's customized topology.

Abstract: A spa node comprising a spa controller, a power sense adapter configured to compute power being drawn by selected spa components; a spa network adapter, and a home network adapter, each of the three adapters including a wireless transceiver wherein the spa network adapter is configured to receive power data transmitted over a wireless link by the power sense adapter and to further receive status/performance data from the spa controller. The home network adapter is configured to receive power and status data transmitted by the spa network adapter over a wireless link and to convert that data to a form suitable for transmission to an Internet access point. The home network adapter is further linkable over the Internet to a central server, a dealer computer and a spa owner or user computer.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a system providing remote control of Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment comprises Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment for initiating a pairing mode to authorize a virtual remote controller transfer, a Bluetooth enabled wireless device for activating a setup mode so as to pair with the Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment and for downloading the virtual remote controller. The virtual remote controller may be described in an advanced markup language, for example. In one embodiment, a method for utilizing a Bluetooth enabled wireless device to remotely control a Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment comprises initiating a pairing mode of the Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment to authorize a virtual remote controller transfer, activating a setup mode of the Bluetooth enabled wireless device so as to pair with the Bluetooth enabled electronic equipment, and downloading the virtual remote controller to the Bluetooth enabled wireless device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a plurality of machines. The method includes identifying a first prerequisite operating condition for a first machine in the plurality of machines, the first machine having at least one control unit and configured to perform at least a first operation, obtaining at least one current operating condition corresponding to a second machine in the plurality of machines and if the at least one current operating condition meets the first prerequisite operating condition, performing the first operation.

Abstract: A system for adding controls to an area circuit within a building. The system enables specific outlets and fixture switches in the area circuit to be automatically and individually controlled. Smart outlets and smart fixtures switches are used. Each has a receptacle, an internal on/off switch, and a selectively changeable address code. An electrical power cable extends throughout the area circuit. A control unit is coupled to the electrical power cable and generates an addressed control signal within the electrical power cable. The addressed control signal selectively controls the internal on/off switches in the smart outlets and the smart fixture switches. However, the addressed control signal generated by the control unit must be properly addressed to a smart outlet or a smart fixture switch.

Abstract: An object can be used in an industrial control configuration in relation to performing a function or task. Matching can occur such that an object with operational requirements can bind with a host that has capabilities that meet those operational requirements—matching can occur automatically as well as through user operation. Once matched, different functionality can be presented to a user pertaining to the object. To assist the user, the object can include external references, logic, local or private data, as well as others in addition to resources. To facilitate operation, capabilities and resources can be published in a directory that can be accessed by different entities—sometimes with security constraints in order to protect configuration integrity. Likewise, a subscription system can be employed such that when a change to a related entity is made, a notice can transfer to related entities and operation can alter based upon the change.

Abstract: A container data center includes a cooling control system. The cooling control system reads a temperature of a container of the container data center and a direction of wind flowing across the container, and determines whether a first or a second cooling device of the container data center needs to be turned on according to the read temperature. The cooling control system further determines whether the read wind direction is the same to a direction of hot air expelled by the turned on cooling device. When the read wind direction is not the same as a direction of hot air expelled by the turned on cooling device, the cooling control system turns off the turned on cooling device, and turns on the other cooling device.

Abstract: A control element for a sensor network having a set of different sensors. In operation, the control element transfers connections between the control element and the set of different sensors, where the transfer connections are compliant with respective sensor-specific protocols. A sensor controller element is provided for each sensor, and establishes transfer connections between the control element and new sensors in runtime. Information obtained in a sensor-specific protocol format from the sensors is converted into a common format in the sensor controller elements. The common format information is processed by a set of common control components of the control element. The control element provides a service based on the information in the common format to at least one consumer, and updates the service in accordance with the sensors present in the sensor network.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures.

Abstract: Computing devices have fan speeds governing airflows through the computing devices. The rack has a maximum airflow associated with a cooling component for the rack. The computing devices transmit their current airflows. A sum of the current airflows is determined. Where the sum is greater than the maximum airflow, the fan speeds of one or more selected computing devices are decreased. The fan speeds of lower priority computing devices may be reduced before the fan speeds higher priority computing devices are reduced. Fan speed reduction may be achieved in a centralized manner, by employing a centralized management component, or in a decentralized manner, without employing a centralized management component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface device (100) for an electronic sensor system (200) comprising a plurality of sensors (210, 220) and a processing unit (230) for controlling the sensors (210, 220) and/or analyzing sensor data obtained by the sensors (210, 220), where the sensors (210, 220) can be connected to the processing unit (230) via the interface device (100). According to the invention, the interface device (100) is able to accommodate simultaneously at least two sensor interface units (110, 120) for connecting to the sensors (210, 220), where each sensor interface unit (110, 120) can be selected from a plurality of sensor interface units, which differ at least by a different number of sensor channels.

Abstract: Control devices for use in decoder-based irrigation control systems, and related methods, are provided herein. In one implementation, an irrigation control device comprises decoder circuitry located within a first housing and having an electrical connection configured to couple the decoder circuitry to a control wire path of a decoder-based irrigation control system; a coil located within a second housing; a first wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a first connection of the coil; and a second wire electrically coupling the decoder circuitry to a second connection of the coil. The coil is configured to develop an electromagnetic flux sufficient to cause actuation of a device controlling irrigation equipment in response to signaling from the decoder circuitry. The first housing, the second housing, the first wire and the second wire are non-separably and functionally connected together.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed. The control system may have a physical sensor configured to measure physical parameter values of a machine. The control system may also have a virtual sensor network system configured to receive the physical parameter values measured by the physical sensor as input parameter values, and generate output parameter values based on the input parameter values. Further, the control system may have an electronic control module configured to store an output parameter value default rate of change and an output parameter value threshold rate of change, compare a rate of change of the output parameter values generated by the virtual sensor network system to the output parameter value threshold rate of change, and control the machine based on the output parameter value default rate of change if the rate of change of the output parameter values exceeds the output parameter value threshold rate of change.

Abstract: The invention relates to altering the behavior of a networked control system such as the integrating of a device such as a light unit or a light switch in a networked control system such as a networked lighting system.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling to a process control transmitter of the type used to monitor a process variable in an industrial process includes a first connection configured to couple to a first side of a two wire process control loop, a second connection configured to couple to a second side of the two wire process control loop and in series with a first connection to a process control transmitter, and a third connection configured to couple to a second connection of the process control transmitter. Wireless communication circuitry is coupled to at least the third connection and is configured to provide wireless communication for the process control transmitter. Intrinsic safety circuitry coupled to at least one of the first, second and third connections is configured to limit transfer of electrical energy to a value which is less than an intrinsic safety value.

Abstract: A heating-cooling system has a plurality of users, a piping system subdivided into a plurality of zones in each of which a respective group of the users is connected in parallel, a heater or cooler having a supply line and a return line connected to the zones, a pump connected to the heater or cooler and to one of the lines for flowing a heat-exchange medium through the respective users, and respective flow-control valves connected in each of the zones for controlling flow of the medium therethrough and establishing in the respective zones a respective differential pressure. Flow in the zones is adjusted by controlling the respective valves to make a detected actual value of the differential pressure in the zone correspond to a set-point value previously detected and stored, with the differential pressure across each of the control valves being similarly feedback controlled.

Abstract: A laboratory system and a method for controlling a laboratory system comprises multiple subsystems; each subsystem being configured to receive and carry out a command; and a master control device configured to process command groups and/or command(s) within the same command group simultaneously; to process command groups and/or command(s) of different command groups sequentially; and within a command group, to process command group(s) and/or command(s) grouped into a command group before processing other commands command group(s) and/or command(s).

Abstract: A method for registering for an appliance event notification comprises scanning a machine-readable code by a device and sending a request to register for an event notification to an appliance. A user interface corresponding to the appliance is displayed and the user interface includes an identification of at least one appliance specific event. A selection of an appliance specific event is received and a request to register for an event notification corresponding to the selected appliance specific event is sent to the appliance. An event notification is received upon occurrence of the event at the appliance. Additionally, the user interface includes an identification of at least one appliance specific control function. A request to register for control of the appliance corresponding to a selected appliance specific control function is sent to the appliance. Accordingly, instructions for control of the appliance are sent from the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing a configurable, object-oriented, protocol-neutral interface between a physical device and a server. The method includes coupling an application gateway with the physical device, where the application gateway includes a protocol gateway module configured for physical communication with the physical device, and an object adapter module configured for virtual communication between the physical device and a client application running on a server. The method further includes configuring a service starter to launch and bind the object adapter module with the protocol gateway module, configuring the protocol gateway module to define the physical interface between the physical device and the protocol gateway, and establishing communication between the protocol gateway module and the physical device, such that the physical device is exposed as a network device on the server.

Abstract: An automation and motion control system for theatrical objects, such as theatrical props, cameras, stunt persons, lighting, scenery, drapery or other similar types of devices or items, is provided to coordinate the movement of the objects on a large scale and/or to control the operation of the objects.

Abstract: Data comprising a request specifying a desired change in electrical load for a defined period of time is received. The electrical load is associated with a plurality of resources under control of resource agents and on a utility grid. Available capacity of resources within the control of each resource agent over the defined period of time is determined. Each available capacity is determined at least using a resource load model. Using the determined available capacity of resources over the defined period of time, resource scheduling instructions are calculated for a subset of resources. The resource scheduling instructions satisfy the desired change in electrical load of the request. Data characterizing the resource scheduling instructions is provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A network apparatus including a communicator to perform communication with a plurality of devices and a user terminal apparatus to control the plurality of devices is provided. A controller generates control signals to control the plurality of devices based on a user command received from the user terminal apparatus, and controls the communicator to transmit the control signals to the plurality of devices; wherein, in response to a predetermined control pattern to sequentially control the plurality of devices being detected, the controller generates and transmits macro information which corresponds to the detected control pattern to the user terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the signal levels of signals that are generated, for the purpose of detecting a magnetic field, by a plurality of Hall sensors, includes determining an average value of the signal levels. The method further includes comparing a progression of the average value with an expected progression of the average value. The expected progression includes a characteristic temporal sequence of a first value and at least a second value that differs from the first value. An error message is provided if the average value deviates from the expected progression by more than a tolerance range.

Abstract: A group of sensors use power line communication (PLC) technology to collect power usage information and enable power management and control, as well as provide local area networking. The sensors include an intelligent master sensor and one or more slave devices, such as a communication and power management sensor and a power control switch sensor. The master collects and compiles power usage data from the slaves and communicates this data via the web or other communication means to the outside world. The master also receives and distributes instructions for controlling power usage via associated switches in the home or office. These sensors provide integrated sensing and control of home power usage and power management and establish a LAN that has communication capability and that supports streaming media delivery.

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.

Abstract: A control system (10) comprises: a controlled device (15) controlled by a controller (30) having receiving means (34) for receiving command signals (40), and having a first, second and third storage locations (31, 32, 33) for storing a personal ID or address (PID), network ID (NID), and the ID (RCID) of a remote control device, respectively; at least one user-operable remote control device (17), designed for transmitting command signals. A command signal comprises a target address code, a network ID code, a sender address code, and a command code. Normally, the controller only responds to control signals if target address code, network ID code, and sender address code match with the information in memory. The controller is capable of operating in a NO NETWORK mode (200), in which the controller responds to a reset command irrespective of target address code, the network ID code, and the sender address code.

Abstract: A control apparatus has at least one module including first, second and third module parts. The first and second module parts can be mechanically and electrically combined to form a first combined arrangement. The first and third module parts can be mechanically and electrically combined to form a second combined arrangement. The first module part comprises a securing element with an engagement section moveable between a first position, wherein the first and second module part are secured together, and a second position wherein the first and second module parts can be detached from one another. The securing element includes an actuation section. In the first position, the actuation section is located in a first spatial region and, in the second position, is located in a second spatial region. The third module part has a blocking section, which, in the second combined arrangement, occupies at least partially the second spatial region.

Abstract: A multi unit controller has a plurality of base units each of which includes a control unit connector, a base unit connector through which the base units juxtaposed to each other are connected to each other, and a plurality of control units connected to the base units respectively through the respective control unit connector, wherein the base units juxtaposed vertically.

Abstract: Devices can be controlled by group even when multiple devices compatible with different interface standards are connected. An iProduct identifier enabling recognition by the host side as interfaces in the same group is set in the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub in the same publisher. The host side determines if the hubs belong to the same group based on the iProduct identifier, and coordinates operation of the USB devices to connected to the USB 2.0 hub and USB 3.0 hub determined to be in the same group.

Abstract: A network system is provided. The network system includes: at least one component selected from an energy receiving unit receiving energy and an energy management unit managing the energy receiving unit. The energy receiving unit or the energy management unit receives energy rate related information; an energy usage amount or a usage rate of when the component is controlled on the basis of at least the energy rate related information is less than that of when the component is controlled without the basis of at least energy rate related information; if the energy rate related information is high cost information, a function of one component constituting the energy receiving unit is limited; and an operating time or an output of the energy receiving unit is adjusted in correspondence to the limited function of one component.

Abstract: A method of controlling a controller network is provided, the controller network comprising a plurality of devices, a controller for outputting control data to the devices, and a plurality of interface modules, each interface module being arranged to connect a respective device to the controller via the network. The method comprises: outputting, from the controller, a control message addressed to a first device, the control message corresponding to an action to be performed by the first device; receiving, at a first interface module connecting the first device to the network, the control message; storing the control message in a memory of the first interface module; broadcasting, from the controller, a trigger message addressed to at least the first device; receiving, at the first interface module, the trigger message; and passing, in response to the trigger message, the control message to the first device such that the action corresponding to the control message is performed.