Abstract: A plumbing fixture is operated by a user interface that has an enclosure with a faceplate from which a pedestal seamlessly projects outward. An alphanumeric display is visible through the faceplate and a plurality of switches respond to the user pressing different portions of the faceplate. A selector includes a selector ring that has a plurality of permanent magnets and which is positioned to rotate around the pedestal. A Hall effect sensor of the selector is located adjacent the selector ring and produces an electrical signal in response to motion of the permanent magnets. The user interface also enables the selection of a plurality of predefined operating configurations for the plumbing fixture. An optional wireless remote control may be provided by which the user can activate and deactivate the plumbing fixture and select from among the predefined operating configurations.

Abstract: A service receiving method for receiving a component library generated from mounted component data, including component size and mounting conditions, via a communication system that includes the Internet. The method includes the service provider receiving mounted component data having mounting conditions actually realized by a fabrication of non-defective products. The method also includes the service provider deriving a component library from a mounted component database.

Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.

Abstract: An on-line diagnostic system and method enable equipment information stored in each piece of industrial equipment to be safely disclosed to maintenance personnel to the extent permitted by the user of the industrial equipment. The on-line diagnostics systems comprises industrial equipment and a maintenance apparatus for the maintenance of the industrial equipment, which are connected via the Internet. Equipment information indicating the state of the industrial equipment is encrypted using a specific common key, and the encrypted equipment information is transmitted to the maintenance apparatus in response to a request therefrom. The fact that the common key has been transmitted from the industrial equipment to the maintenance apparatus is outputted. After receiving the encrypted equipment information and the common key that have been transmitted, the encrypted equipment formation is decrypted using the common key, and the decrypted equipment information is outputted.

Abstract: There is described a method for enabling the operation of automation components of a technical system via a mobile control and monitoring device. In a first step, the control and monitoring device receives a first identification from a first transponder device, with the first transponder device being attached to the technical system, with the first transponder device having been activated by the automation components and with the first identification having been transmitted via a wireless communication connection from the automation components to the mobile control and monitoring device. In a further step the communication connection between the control and monitoring device and the automation components is deactivated. The mobile control and monitoring device sends a carrier signal and following that receives the carrier signal modulated by the first transponder device.

Abstract: The method governs the operation of a home automation installation comprising a portable remote control, a relay and home automation appliances, and in which at least some home automation appliances can receive, by wireless channel, control commands sent by the portable remote control. The method is such that control commands can be sent selectively according to a scenario to the home automation appliances over the same communication bearer by the relay when the latter receives a specific command sent by the portable remote control to the relay.

Abstract: An appliance configured to perform an operation cycle to effect a physical operation on an article, the appliance includes at least one component configured to effect the physical operation, and a cycle engine on the component. The cycle engine can build a cycle structure for the operation cycle to enable the component to perform the physical operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for remote-control programming and to a machine control system 2 for performing the method. To refine the method so as to simplify and shorten an execution operation of a control program source yet automatically avoid version conflicts between the control program source and the compilate in the machine control system, it is proposed that the program source 3a stored in memory in the machine control system be executed by means of a programming device 1, and after the execution, the compilate of the executed program source is generated and stored in memory in the machine control system, where it is made available to a control module.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for performing remote surgical navigation in multiple systems from a single control center, where there are at least two remote navigation systems in separate procedure rooms having respective control computers. The system includes a Control Center separate from each procedure room that has a set of displays and interface input devices. A switch may also be included for connecting the Control Center to the set of displays, interface input devices, and remote navigation systems. A method is provided for performing multiple simultaneous remote medical procedures that includes displaying information transmitted from a remote navigation system to the Control Center, and accepting user input from a remote navigation system. The method provides for establishing an encryption key with the remote system, converting the user input to a script data and encrypting the data. The transmitted script command is then transmitted to the remote navigation system.

Abstract: A system for facilitating configuration of a process plant may include a process graphics editor and a process module editor. The process graphics editor may facilitate creation and/or modification of a graphical representation of physical entities in the process plant. The process module editor may facilitate creation and/or modification of a process module. A process module may include one or more interconnected process objects representative of one or more corresponding physical entities in the process plant. The system may also include a supervisor module communicatively coupled to the process graphics editor and the process module editor. The supervisor module may be capable of detecting changes made to the graphical representation of the physical entities using the process graphics editor. In response to detecting such changes, the supervisor module may instruct the process module editor to make a corresponding change, if any, to a process module.

Abstract: A wireless network that may include one or more access points, one or more wireless controllers and one or more appliances. The one or more access points include, or may be coupled with, a server location agent that operates to determine or estimate the locations of the one or more wireless controllers. Upon determining the location of the one or more wireless controllers, the server location agent may determine a proximity of one or more appliances to the wireless controllers and may cause the wireless controllers to display a customized user interface that may be configured based on proximity to one or more appliances as well as policies and/or historical data. In addition, the appliances in the user's proximity may be automatically switched on and controlled to serve the user.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for processing data described in a welding operation program of an arc welding robot system.

Abstract: A web-enabled automation control module (ACM) includes an ACM central processing unit (CPU) and a web and file transfer system electrically connected to the ACM CPU, and embedded within the ACM. The system is configured to process hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests from a network.

Abstract: A home entertainment network has a computer with a multi-DVD changer which holds plural DVDs onto which content from an hard disk drive (HDD) can be transferred for storage. Also, DVD content can be ripped to the HDD, and multiple copies of home videos and photographs on the HDD can be made onto several disks simultaneously.

Abstract: Operating parameters as were previously learned by a first movable barrier operator (18) are transferred to a second movable barrier operator (10) such as, for example, to a replacement movable barrier operator. Pursuant to a preferred approach, such information transfer occurs via a receiver interface (13) that ordinarily serves to couple the movable barrier operator (10) to one or more remote user interfaces (11). Pursuant to one approach this transfer occurs during a learning mode of operation.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods for user interface and identification in a medical device. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling a medical device, the method comprising receiving a gesture, processing the received gesture, comparing the processed gesture to a gesture database comprising a plurality of gestures and a plurality of commands for the medical device corresponding to each of the plurality of gestures, identifying one of the plurality of commands from the gesture database corresponding to the received gesture, and executing the command.

Abstract: To facilitate an intuitive operation of an adjustable device of a medical apparatus, a system for the automatic setting of an operating configuration of the portable control module controlling the adjustable device is provided. Different operating configurations regarding the directional control of the movement of the movable device differ are based on the relative spatial position of the adjustable device with respect to the control module. The system includes at least one signal sender unit for sending a signal. The signal sender unit may be arranged on the control module. The system further includes at least two signal converter units for converting and retransmitting or for converting and reflecting the signal. The signal converter units may be arranged on different positions on the device. A signal receiver unit is used for receiving the converted signal, and the receiver unit may be arranged on the control module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for closed-loop feedback control of controllable devices using motion capture systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a motion capture system configured to measure one or more motion characteristics of one or more controllable devices as the one or more controllable devices are operating within a control volume. A processor receives the measured motion characteristics from the motion capture system and determines a control signal based on the measured motion characteristics. A position control system receives the control signal and continuously adjusts at least one motion characteristic of the one or more controllable devices in order to maintain or achieve a desired motion state. The controllable device may be equipped with passive retro-reflective markers. The motion capture system, the processor, and the position control system comprise a complete closed-loop feedback control system.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a first computer having a first operating system, the first computer having a memory containing software derived from field controller software executed on physical field controllers of a building control system. The physical field controllers employ a second operating system. The software further contains an operating system abstraction layer operable to convert at least some operating system calls of the field controller software to corresponding calls in the first operating system.

Abstract: A lead-lag input filter is connected ahead of a positioner feedback loop having one or more valve accessories, such as a volume booster or a QEV, to overcome slow dynamics experienced by the accessories when receiving low amplitude change control or set point signals. A user interface is connected to the lead-lag input filter and enables an operator or other control personnel to view and change the operating characteristics of the lead-lag input filter to thereby provide the control loop with any of a number of desired response characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an extensible automation development environment. A full development environment in its own right, the environment, in addition to supporting its own native objects, allows the integration of foreign (or “custom”) automation objects. Custom commands and custom events are also integrated into the environment and are handled by the same framework that handles native commands and events. Tools provided by the environment are made to work with custom objects as well as with native objects. For example, a common editor expands to incorporate a custom editor that handles custom data fields. A common browser expands to seamlessly incorporate a custom browser that may operate on custom automation objects from a custom database. All software entities, native and custom, can be developed and monitored within a single framework. Users operate seamlessly across heterogeneous automation environments, even though custom entities in the environment conform to their own operating standards.

Abstract: There is described a device for the transmission of data between a portable electronic unit and a field unit, whereby a cable is provided, connected at the one end thereof to the portable electronic unit and comprises a cable coupling piece at the other end thereof, for wireless proximity connection to a corresponding field unit coupling piece, such that the data and also the operating energy for the field unit sufficient for data transmission may be transmitted by means of the wireless proximity connection.

Abstract: A method for providing independent static and dynamic models in a prediction, control and optimization environment utilizes an independent static model (20) and an independent dynamic model (22). The static model (20) is a rigorous predictive model that is trained over a wide range of data, whereas the dynamic model (22) is trained over a narrow range of data. The gain K of the static model (20) is utilized to scale the gain k of the dynamic model (22). The forced dynamic portion of the model (22) referred to as the bi variables are scaled by the ratio of the gains K and k. The bi have a direct effect on the gain of a dynamic model (22). This is facilitated by a coefficient modification block (40). Thereafter, the difference between the new value input to the static model (20) and the prior steady-state value is utilized as an input to the dynamic model (22). The predicted dynamic output is then summed with the previous steady-state value to provide a predicted value Y.

Abstract: A management system (managing field devices of a process control plan) provided according to an aspect of the present invention enables a user to view historical menus (i.e., the menus as displayed at desired prior time points). Such a feature is enabled in an embodiment by storing displayed tree structure as well as associated item values.

Abstract: An industrial automation monitoring and/or control system comprises a receiver component that receives a request for a web page associated with a network adaptor. An execution component executes instantiated objects within the web page to effectuate at least one of monitoring and control of an input/output module that is communicatively coupled to the network adaptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of, computer programs for and apparatus for control and/or observation of a device with communication capabilities by a controller device with hypertext or hypermedia communication capabilities. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to methods of, computer programs for and apparatus for control and observation of a consumer electronics device with communications capability from a mobile controller device with hypertext or hypermedia communications capability over a proximity bearer.

Abstract: Monitoring and controlling apparatus and related methods for use with collective protection shelters or other isolation environments utilizing one or more digital processors to monitor and control the operation of the shelter. The apparatus affords shelter design and functional growth flexibility, along with diagnostic and prognostic capability, including condition based maintenance, interactive electronic manuals, and access to systems for replacement parts requisition. Further, the physical and functional expandability of the apparatus affords easy incorporation of shelter design changes, user interface design changes, and sensor design changes as well as improved functional and operational flexibility. The system also decreases volume and weight over prior designs.

Abstract: A process control system (1) comprises at least one process control computer (2) and field units (4) connected thereto via a bus system. An, in particular, intrinsically safe data transmission device (5) is connected between the process control computer and the assigned field units. This data transmission device comprises a data adaptation device (6) and a data distributing device (7). In order to be able to connect more field units per data adaptation device while simultaneously reducing the costs per field unit, the data adaptation device (6) and its assigned supply devices (8) have an explosion-proof design, and each supply device is connected to the data distributing devices via an explosion-proof line, whereby these data distributing devices or field units connected thereto have a barrier device for limiting the applied power.

Abstract: A service receiving method for receiving a component library including component size necessary for mount production, by inputting, via a service receiver, to a service provider, mounted component data having the results of fabrication of non-defective products, through the communication system that includes the Internet and deriving, by the service receiver, the component library from a mounted component database provided in the service provider, the mounted component database containing the input mounted component data accumulated for each type of component.

Abstract: A light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers and an activation device. 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 apparatus and method for easily setting a macro of a programmable remote control using a PC. The apparatus setting a macro of a remote control including: an input unit, inputting data or commands; a display unit displaying the data input by the user and/or data that is able to be selected by the user; a data transceiver receiving data from the remote control and transmitting data to the remote control; a memory storing device names assigned by the user and a data file of device function control commands received from the remote control via the data transceiver; and a controller displaying on the display unit a list of the device names and the commands included in the data file stored in the memory and setting a command selected from the command list as a macro command corresponding to a macro name.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling first devices existing in an arbitrary place includes a first memory to store a plurality of device lists corresponding to a plurality of places respectively and each including device information items which indicate devices existing in corresponding one of the places, and a second memory to store a plurality of control information lists corresponding to the places respectively and each including control information items which indicate control operations for the devices existing in corresponding one of the places, and acquires first device information items indicating the first devices, detects an existence place of the first devices by comparing the first device information items with the device lists, and controls the first devices, based on one of the control information lists which corresponds to the existence place of the first devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for the graphical recording of system requirements and specifications in electronically readable form. Elements of a plant are graphically represented by selectable components. The components are graphically rendered in a relationship to each other and a control-relevant circuitry automatically specified based on the established relationship and prepared in electronic form.

Abstract: RFID circuitry is used in an endoscopic light source unit to track cumulative light bulb use information. An inductively powered RFID tag is affixed to the light bulb assembly, and communicates wirelessly with an RF transceiver within the light source unit via a low-frequency modulation wave. The RFID tag includes memory which stores a value representing cumulative duration of use of the light bulb. The transceiver reads the value from the RFID tag and communicates the value to control circuitry in the light source unit, which tracks use of the light bulb within the light source unit. Based on such tracking, the transceiver periodically updates the value in the RFID tag via the wireless link. Cumulative bulb usage hours is displayed on the light source unit. The RFID tag also may store a custom password and/or other information.

Abstract: A method and a device for displaying information pertaining to an installation part of an industrial installation on a mobile display device. Each installation part of the industrial installation has a transmitter, which transmits a signal that identifies the installation part. This transmitted signal is received by a receiver of the mobile display device and is relayed to a central analysis station, which makes available information pertaining to the installation part and transmits such information back to the mobile display device, where video signals corresponding to the information sent back are displayed on a display. Preferably, all the aforementioned processes take place automatically as soon as the mobile display device is brought into the vicinity of the installation part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel controllers for filmmaking and/or animation, as well as systems and methods for their use. In a set of embodiments, a controller has an actuator (e.g., a joystick, etc.) that receives input from a user for controlling an object, such as a camera, a light, an animated character, etc. The input is provided as instructions, which are described according to a reference coordinate system, to a movement system for moving the object within a scene (i.e., relative to other objects within the scene). The controller may include an additional control allowing the user to define an auxiliary coordinate system, such that the input from the user is described according to the auxiliary coordinate system. Alternatively and/or additionally, the controller includes a control for allowing the user to select whether input should be described according to the auxiliary coordinate system or the reference coordinate system.

Abstract: A laundry system has a plurality of laundry machines networked together and a remotely located host computer for collecting operation data and audit data from the laundry machines and to program the laundry machines with operation parameters. A bridging controller is provided to bridge the host computer with the network of laundry machines, and communicates with the host computer through a wired or wireless network connection. The host computer may command the bridging controller to collect data from the laundry machines and may send programming data to the laundry machines through the bridging controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control apparatus comprising a controlled appliance and a server being connected via communication means, in which if data stored in the server is present, a notice command is promptly issued to the corresponding controlled appliance, and the controlled appliance having received the notice command automatically transmits a data acquisition request and receives the data stored in the server, whereby complicated operation by the user is not necessary and the capacity of the storage device of the server can be suppressed significantly.

Abstract: An arrangement using an Instant Messaging (“IM”) chat-type interface for monitoring and controlling devices in an automated home is provided. The automated home is arranged to be accessible as an IM contact (often called a “buddy”) to a user of an IM service that is located remotely from the automated home. After initiating an IM chat session, the user queries the status of systems and devices in the automated home, and operates devices in the automated home. In various illustrative examples, natural language commands are utilized to enable the user to ask simple questions regarding the status of devices in the home, take a virtual “walk through” the home, and turn devices on and off, among other options. As IM interfaces are being increasingly used on a variety of devices including mobile phones and personal digital assistants, users can conveniently access and control their automated home while traveling.

Abstract: A technology for achieving energy saving by efficiently controlling each of a plurality of equipment systems is proposed. The equipment control system includes an air conditioner system, a refrigerator system, a refrigerator/freezer showcase system and a central coordinator. Status data related to electric equipment provided in the systems is transmitted to the central coordinator. The central coordinator computes control data for the systems, based on the status data of the electric equipment transmitted. The central coordinator is provided with the function of computing the control data, based only on the status data of the corresponding electric equipment and the function of computing the control data, allowing for the status data of another of electric equipment in addition to the status data of the corresponding electric equipment.

Abstract: A device for remotely controlling the functional status of a computer, including an input that is adapted to receive telephone calls or SMS messages, an output that is coupled to the motherboard of the computer and adapted to communicate with the motherboard of the computer, an electronic circuit that is adapted to control the output responsive to instructions provided to the input; and wherein the device is adapted to turn on the computer responsive to instructions provided to the input by a remote transmission.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bathtub remote control system for automatically controlling the water level, water temperature and the water discharge from remote distance. The bathtub remote control system includes a bathtub driving portion, a bathtub control portion and a remote control portion. The bathtub driving portion is provided with the supply valve, the discharging valve, the water level sensor and the water temperature regulator. The bathtub control portion produces the bathtub control signals on the basis of the setting signals inputted from the key input portion. The remote control portion, which is connected to the bathtub control portion but independently from the bathtub control portion, can input the setting signals by using the wireless remote controller, the internet and the wire or wireless telephone from the remote distance and receive the detection signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for facilitating communications between various components of distributed system. Specifically, the systems and methods of the present invention provide a wireless network for linking the various components of manufacturing equipment or manufacturing systems to one or more central control devices. Each component of the manufacturing equipment and the central control devices include a wireless module for handling communications between the components and the control devices. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may act as a server for other components in the network. In some embodiments, multiple data channels are used for communication between the components and the central control devices.

Abstract: A system enabling one or more persons to control one or more wireless electromechanical devices located in remote locations. The system includes a first personal computer (10) equipped with an internet connection. The first personal computer uses a web browser with a graphical control panel that enables the user to input control requests, and that includes an animated representation of the electromechanical device(s) such that the user can instantly see the anticipated behavior of the electromechanical device. Control signals are sent via the internet to a server (30) which in turn forwards the signals to one or more second computers (50). The second computer(s) transforms the information and sends behavioral signals to a transmitter (100) via a USB link (60). The wireless transmitter sends the signals to a wireless receiver (200) which is connected to an electromechanical device (300).

Abstract: A system for supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) comprising: a remote terminal unit associated with a site; a SCADA hub in communication with the remote terminal unit; and at least one user station removed from the SCADA hub, the remote terminal unit being operable to: identify a change in a property at the site; and initiate communication of data regarding the changed property to the SCADA hub, the SCADA hub being operable responsive to the initiated communication to: transmit data regarding the changed property to the at least one user station by instant messaging.

Abstract: A process plant uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of the process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. This data and information is stored in a database and is sent to and manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and modeling tools. This data is also redistributed to other areas or tools where it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for implementing a universal remote controller and method thereof, by which a multitude of electronic products can be controlled by one remote controller. In a system including an electronic product module storing each remote controller control information of at least one or more products to output the stored remote controller control information according to an external request signal and a remote controller module receiving remote controller control information from the electronic product module and controlling a specific product selected by a user using the received remote controller control information, the present invention receives the remote controller control information from the electronic product module to display a key arrangement plan of the product to be controlled by a user's selection based on the received control information and then outputs key information by selecting a key of the displayed key arrangement plan.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus distinguish the origin of operator inputs in electronic control systems having at least one first operating element and at least one second operating element. A first signal is processed in the electronic control system when the at least one first operating element is operated. The first signal differs from a second signal emitted by the at least one second operating element when the latter is operated, by virtue of an electronic identifier assigned to the at least one first operating element. A printing machine having the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, device descriptions specified using different device description (DD) specifications are converted (represented) into a single format. In an embodiment, the single format corresponds to extended markup language (XML). The device description in the single format is then examined to provide a user interface for management of the corresponding field devices. Due to such use of a common format, integration of field devices (into a management system) having device description defined according to a new device description specification, may be simplified.

Abstract: A complete Direct Digital Numerical Control (DDNC) automation system for a practical measurement system for a manufacturing process where a given slide or ram is moved under power by input of GO-TO location commands to cause a cascade of motion events to an approximate position, then relax, as a low-cost precision lock system completes the power move into exact absolute final position. This low-cost system uses simple switches & drive systems to operate without computer micro-processor (CNC) or program-logic-controllers (PLC), yet provide accurate final positioning. Position commands are simple real number digits meaningful to the Operator in work-station terms. Add-on Digital Readout Displays (DRO) are optional, as is remote input by other digital programs to augment the simple manual control panel GO-TO commands. This system is engineered for small shops in rural communities; for affordable automation of tiny devices; machines; & even provide numerical control (DDNC) for monster-machines.