Operator Control Of Remotely Located Element Patents (Class 700/65)
  • Patent number: 7272455
    Abstract: A control device for controlling a control target device includes a control content acquisition unit, a recognition unit, a device control unit, and a communication unit. The control content acquisition unit acquires control information containing operation instructions and control commands from the control target device and stores the control information in a rewritable form. Each operation instruction corresponds to one of the control commands. The recognition unit recognizes an operation instruction entered by a user. The device control unit carries out a search to check whether the operation instruction recognized by the recognition unit is contained in the control information stored in the control content acquisition unit, and outputs a control command corresponding to the operation instruction when the operation instruction is contained in the control information. The communication unit transmits the control command outputted by the device control unit to the control target device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yosuke Tajika
  • Patent number: 7254403
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a home network system interoperable with a wireless terminal of at least one user registered therein, wherein a terminal server is adapted to transmit and receive data to/from the wireless terminal, and a home server is adapted to manage/control a home network and communicate with the terminal server. The terminal server detects the position of the wireless terminal and transmits and receives voice messages, text messages or multimedia data to/from the wireless terminal. The home server is connected with the terminal server over the Internet. The home server sends, to the terminal server, alarm data regarding a dangerous situation in a home where the home network is constructed, receives information regarding the position of the wireless terminal from the terminal server and displays the received position information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: In Hwan La, Oh Sung Kwon
  • Patent number: 7242318
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a data acquisition and transfer device comprising a sensor responsive to change of predetermined nature, and a transmitter for transmitting over the mobile phone network data concerning the occurrence of such a change to a receiver station. Such devices can be used in monitoring patients compliance when undergoing drug trials and can form part of a system which polls the device for changes and keeps a record of all transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Accenture Global Services GmbH
    Inventor: Alan Harris
  • Patent number: 7231263
    Abstract: A method for controlling an insulin pump through the Internet. The method comprises the steps of ascertaining whether a logged-in person is a physician; determining the logged-in person as a nurse when the logged-in person is not a physician, receiving a patient's blood sugar level data and generating a command to change an insulin injection amount; checking whether the logged-in person is an attending physician when the logged-in person is a physician, and changing the logged-in person to an attending physician when the logged-in person is not an attending physician; and driving a corresponding insulin pump having the patient's ID by transmitting through the Internet and Bluetooth modules a new prescription made in consideration of a current blood sugar level measurement and insulin injection amount, when the logged-in person is an attending physician or when the logged-in person is changed to an attending physician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Soo Bong Choi
  • Patent number: 7231041
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for sending an encrypted command message from a remote keyless entry device to a receiver in a motor vehicle. The method comprises defining a key generating key within the remote keyless entry device, and using that key generating key to generate a working key. The working key is transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the receiver during a training session without transmitting the key generating key. The working key is modified each time the remote keyless entry device is placed in the training mode. After the training session, a message encrypted with the working key can be transmitted from the remote keyless entry device to the motor vehicle receiver where the encrypted message is decrypted with the working key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Forest, Thomas E. Utter
  • Patent number: 7221984
    Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Ameritech Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 7218975
    Abstract: A ystem for localizing and optimizing harvesting of trees or stands of trees, using locating devices for tracking same over time, and geographically tracking same once harvested, and for providing such information to users. Sensors may be provided along with the locator devices in association with each tree or block of trees for sensing characteristics of the tree or block of trees and/or characteristics of the location of such trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: COE Newnes/McGehee Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Stevens, Lyle Baker
  • Patent number: 7216007
    Abstract: A controller includes an execution environment capable of executing an application for controlling a process element in a processing environment. The controller also includes a web server capable of being executed in the execution environment. The web server is also capable of providing direct web access to the controller by providing information associated with at least one of the controller and the process element over a network for display on a web browser. The information could be provided in the form of graphical images embedded in web pages or using a web service, a web form, or a smart client application. Also, the web server could be executed as a background task in the execution environment, the execution environment could represent a deterministic execution environment, and the application could represent a real-time application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7196611
    Abstract: Improvements in human interaction with barrier movement operators are disclosed. A controller of the barrier movement operator is capable of a number of learning modes in which the controller cooperates with a user to learn operating parameters. The controller guides and corrects the necessary actions by the user. The barrier movement operator also includes an input/output unit remote from the main controller of the operator. Human interaction with the remote input/output unit enables diagnosis of operator faults remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Robb, Mark Andrew Edgington
  • Patent number: 7191020
    Abstract: This invention provides an output service provision system which is capable of allowing a user to easily receive a provided output service, providing an output service responsive to the user and flexibly coping with situational variations. Upon determining that a virtual object B is in an area-in state with respect to a virtual object A, a virtual object management device can transmit an area-in notification to a projector. Upon receiving the area-in notification, the projector can transmit a projector display data transmission request to a portable terminal and receive projector display data transmitted in response to the transmission request. The projector can then execute a projection process by a projection device on the basis of the received projector display data. The portable terminal can transmit the projector display data to the projector in response to the projector display data transmission request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiki Fukui, Shinya Taniguchi, Naruhide Kitada
  • Patent number: 7184844
    Abstract: There is provided a central site system for communicating with at least one remote site equipment monitor, the at least one remote site equipment monitor collecting operational data concerning remote site equipment. The central site system includes a data transfer system adapted for receiving the operational data from the at least one remote site equipment monitor. The central site system also includes an operational data access system which receives the operational data from the data transfer system and stores the operational data in a data storage unit of the operational data access system. The central site system also includes a notification distribution system which receives data based on the operational data and distributes the data based on the operational data to a destination according to a predefined schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark E. Dausch, Mark D. Osborn
  • Patent number: 7181296
    Abstract: By applying time-frequency analysis to a given standard iterative learning control or ILC an adaptive filter for the learned feed-forward loop is designed. This time varying filter varies according to the momentary frequency content of the error signal and allows to discriminate between areas of deterministic and stochastic error. Its application results in selective application of ILC to those intervals where error signals of high level are concentrated and allows application of a single ILC acquisition to different setpoint trajectories. The adaptive filter finds particular use in lithographic scanning systems where it is used for varying scan length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Andreea Iuliana Rotariu, Rogier Ellenbroek, Maarten Steinbuch, Gregor Edward Van Baars
  • Patent number: 7177724
    Abstract: A programming system for a robot or similar apparatus comprises a portable programming terminal (6) having a display device (D), a plurality of jog keys (14) for controlling the robot movements and a plurality of teaching keys (15–24, 26). The body of the terminal (6) comprises a first portion (11), wherein the jog keys (14) and the teaching keys (15–24, 26) are arranged, having a width which progressively decreasing until reaching the area of union with a second portion (10) of the body, wherein the display device (D) is positioned; the jog keys (14) comprises two series of keys (14) being positioned in a substantially symmetrical fashion to each other, each series being along a respective longitudinal side of the first portion (11), whereas the teaching keys (15–24, 26) are positioned within or close to the restricted zone of the body, bridging the first and the second portion (11, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Cantello, Davide Ferla, Luca Lachello, Renzo Calcagno, Gianluca Gastaldi
  • Patent number: 7171187
    Abstract: An asset tracking and panic alarm system includes: a tracking device for mounting in an asset; a panic alarm pendant for carrying by a person; a RF receiver module for mounting in the asset for receiving a panic alarm signal from the pendant; and, a server coupled to a cellular telephone network and to a client terminal; the server including means for receiving the panic alarm indication and GPS information from the tracking device via the cellular telephone network; the server including means for determining a location of the asset from the GPS information: the client terminal for displaying the panic alarm indication and the location to a user, thereby notifying the user that the person has activated the panic alarm switch within a predetermined radius from the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Longview Advantage, Inc
    Inventors: Luther Haave, Ric Davies, Kristoffer Haave
  • Patent number: 7167761
    Abstract: A method and system for modifying the operation a device. The method can include obtaining a first reconfiguration kit. The first reconfiguration kit can include a portable memory device. The method can also include connecting the portable memory device to the device and transmitting information between the portable memory device and the device. The method can further include disconnecting the portable memory device from the device and returning the portable memory device to an entity associated with the provider of the portable memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Brian D. Wise, Vipul R. Mistry, Laurie Meyrick, John H. Alday, Andy J. Burris, Regis Giraud, Jean Marc Petillion
  • Patent number: 7164971
    Abstract: A programming system for a robot includes a portable programming terminal (6) having a series of jog keys (14) for controlling the motions of the robot, a key (18) for selecting one among a plurality of possible co-ordinate systems for the jog keys (14) and a key (21) for storing the position reached by a predefined point of a tool supported by the robot, as a result of a motion thereof. The terminal (6) includes additional control keys (40, 41), able to be operated manually instead of the jog keys (14), to cause, independently from the co-ordinate system selected with the selection key (18), a Cartesian and/or angular displacement of the predefined point of the tool relative to a reference point that may be varied at will, which corresponds to the position of the operator who uses the terminal (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Comau S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Ferla, Luca Lachello, Gianluca Gastaldi, Giorgio Cantello, Renzo Calcagno
  • Patent number: 7164956
    Abstract: A remote operation management system for commercial appliances is provided. The system includes a user interface for authorizing use of an appliance and a dedicated appliance controller coupled to the user interface and the appliance for controlling operation of the appliance. An appliance communication controller is coupled to the user interface over an appliance communication connection, and an external host controller is coupled to the appliance communication controller over a host communication connection. The external host controller is configured to communicate a message for the appliance to the appliance communication controller. A remote management system is coupled to the external host controller and configured to control a function of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Hull Bicknell, Donald Richard Dickerson, Jr., Stephen James West
  • Patent number: 7151968
    Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a coffeemaker (116) receives a plurality of timer settings from a network and communicates the state of the coffeemaker (116) to another network device while keeping a real-time clock (1112) synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Salton, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles G. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7142932
    Abstract: An infrared hand-held remote control for handling a single or plural devices such as lights, shades, drapes and the like contains ergonomically selected and placed control buttons that are self-describing and easy to use. It allows explicit, easy-to-use control of different functions by providing for each function to be controlled vertically disposed discrete buttons that provide “all or nothing” control of some physical feature and similar, vertically disposed and horizontally aligned “adjust” buttons that allow for fine and continuous control of the physical quantities between the extremes or limits of the discrete button functions. Successive groups of buttons provide for the control of different appliances or devices, where each group of buttons is identified by easy to comprehend icon or alphabetic representations. A preset button is also provided for setting and recalling an operational preset value for the device(s) from memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel S. Spira, Ethan C. Biery, Andrew Offenbacher, Matthew Skvoretz
  • Patent number: 7142939
    Abstract: A service receiving device is provided for in a production facility such as a component mounting apparatus. A service providing device is provided for on a manufacturer's side of the production facility. The service receiving device and service providing device are configured to communicate with each other through various communication systems including, for example, the Internet. The communication system can be operated by software to create and/or transmit service responses to problems or production matters, including productivity or quality of maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nonaka, Hitoshi Nakamura, Yoshiyuki Hattori, Toshio Yano, Hiroshi Okamura, Yoshihiko Misawa, Yoshinori Isobata, Ken Takahashi, Masuo Masui, Eigo Sarashina, Akira Iizuka
  • Patent number: 7139616
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for real-time monitoring and control of field assets. A monitoring device may be coupled to a field asset to determine the occurrence of one or more error conditions. Error conditions may be detected either as they occur or by testing the field asset at timed intervals. Upon detection of one or more error conditions, the monitoring device may initiate one or more corrective sequences to resolve the error condition. Alternatively, the monitoring device may notify a network operations center of the detected error condition. Users may access the network operations center via an Internet-enabled remote device. From the Internet-enabled remote device, the user may view status information concerning one or more field assets. The user may also use the Internet-enabled remote device to instruct the network operations center to issue commands to be executed by the monitoring device such that the error conditions on the field asset may be corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Isochron, LLC
    Inventors: James Alan May, Miguel A. Cortes, William I. Needel
  • Patent number: 7136709
    Abstract: A home control and automation system and method. The system generally includes one or more wireless remote controls, a plurality of appliances (including network enabled appliances and traditional legacy appliances in the exemplary system), associated control centric devices, and associated content centric devices. Various methods for control and operation of appliances in the networked home control and automation environment are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed which enable advanced home control features such as location based control setup and operation, network enabled legacy appliances and system integration, save and recall capabilities for appliance and media states, generic command based appliance controls, dynamic/complex macro command generation, and Internet based control capabilities from remote locations are disclosed in conjunction with the system of the current invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Arling, Jeremy Black, Christopher Chambers, Mauro Dresti, Patrick H. Hayes, Robert Lilleness, Wayne Scott, Allen Yuh
  • Patent number: 7130701
    Abstract: A system for providing technical support for remote automation or remote control devices, the system including: a device identifier (35), for determining components of pre-determined automation or control devices, such as for example programmable logic controllers, indicated in a device database (33), by periodically querying the devices for component hardware, software, and firmware, and for providing thereby the device database (33) with component identifications for the predetermined devices; and a device configuration manager (36), responsive to the component identifications and further responsive to available device components in a database (34) of available device components, for comparing the installed and available device components and for providing an offer to upgrade installed device components; and also typically including a system diagnostics manager (32), responsive to the component identifications, and further responsive to diagnostics information in a diagnostics database (31), for providing d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer H. Wischinski
  • Patent number: 7117051
    Abstract: A method for communicating with and controlling an intelligent appliance by a user from a remote device. The intelligent appliance includes an integrated controller, such as a single board computer, user-interface and integrated networking capabilities. Typically, the remote device is a personal data assistant, a tablet, a personal computer or a web-enabled cellular phone. The remote device establishes a connection with the intelligent appliance over a computer network, using wired or wireless connection techniques. The intelligent appliance verifies the identity of the user and provides the user with status updates. The remote device transmits a set of cooking instructions to the appliance. The intelligent appliance then cooks or refrigerates in accordance with the set of cooking instructions transmitted from the remote device and communicates this back to the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: TMIO, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Landry, David I. Mansbery, Diane E. Valachovic
  • Patent number: 7113836
    Abstract: Reliable and at the same time simple operation of a plurality of system components using only a single control element is guaranteed by means of the combination of a control lever (10) which can be swiveled manually and a rotational control unit (11) which can be rotated manually. Translatory control motions can be executed intuitively by means of swivel movements (16) of the control lever (10) and rotatory control motions can be executed intuitively by means of rotary movements (14) of the rotational control unit (11). The embodiment of the rotational control unit (11) in the form of a ring element surrounding the control lever (10), which can be can be adjusted by raising or lowering into different operating positions, associated in each case with a specific operating function, is particularly advantageous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Mathias Hörnig
  • Patent number: 7110836
    Abstract: A transmission/reception device is provided merely as an embedded system, and a domestic appliance control program and/or an industrial appliance control program is/are transferred from the transmission/reception device to an external control apparatus, and the latter is used to control the appliances. In addition, the appliances contain at least one sensor for recording state information about the respective appliance, the recorded sensor variables being transferred to the external control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Sturm, Guido Stromberg
  • Patent number: 7110835
    Abstract: Graphic displays, which display information about process elements and the manner in which these elements are connected within a process, process modules, which simulate the operation of the elements depicted within the graphic displays and control modules, which perform on-line control activities within a process, may be communicatively connected together to provide a combined control, simulation and display environment that enables enhanced control, simulation and display activities. Smart process objects, which have both graphical and simulation elements, may used to create one or more graphic displays and one or more process simulation modules, each having elements which may communicate with one another to share data between the graphic displays and the process modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence Blevins, Mark Nixon, Michael Lucas, Arthur Webb, Ken Beoughter
  • Patent number: 7099719
    Abstract: In accordance with a first preferred embodiment, a control method comprises monitoring a position of a motion control axis and controlling an output device responsive to the position of the motion control axis. The controlling step further includes latching a cam element that controls the output device, and unlatching the cam element that controls the output device. The, manner in which the latching step is performed and the manner in which the unlatching step is performed are configurable in a programming interface. The programming interface is capable of receiving a latch position for the cam element and an unlatch position for the cam element. The programming interface is further capable of receiving additional configuration information to configure the manner in which the latching step is performed and different additional configuration information to separately configure the manner in which the unlatching step is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Juergen K. Weinhofer, Jacob S. Baker, Kendal R. Harris
  • Patent number: 7092768
    Abstract: A technique is disclosed for controlling a plurality of devices in a building. The technique includes detecting a first network event at a first device, updating a network state on the first device based on the first network event, determining at the first device an action based on the network state, and transmitting a second network event to a second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Liquid Sky Studios, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Labuda
  • Patent number: 7092772
    Abstract: An improved home automation system that permits the user of the system to remotely control the operation of various devices including garage doors and powered entry gates. The system is packaged in a manner that “walks” the user through the initialization process to thereby reduce or eliminate errors associated with the initialization and set-up of the system. Furthermore, the configuration permits the user to initialize the system without the use of tools, such as screwdrivers. The system is configured with improved functionality that permits the user to readily control individual devices and/or selected groups of devices with a powerful hand-held universal remote transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Murray, Cory Sorice, James R. Raskin, Carolyn M. Martin, William H. Frederick
  • Patent number: 7089066
    Abstract: Distributed control systems and methods. An embodiment of distributed control system may comprise at least first and second nodes operatively associated with one another, the first node issuing a signal to at least the second node in response to an event. A load controlled by the second node, and a distributed controller provided at the second node. The distributed controller executing at least one script corresponding to the signal to control the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Colorado vNet, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Hesse, Gary Kiwimagi, Craig Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7089067
    Abstract: Device abstraction units 28a and 28b respectively transmit various pieces of control information and data to and from devices 34a and 34b, and carry out abstraction of the devices 34a and 34b (that is, abstraction of the hardware) with respect to upper constituents. Interface units 22a and, 22b transmit various pieces of control information and data to and from the device abstraction units 28a and 28b, and provide an application unit 20 with an identical interface. Communications path abstraction units 24a and 24b carry out abstraction of communications paths 26a and 26b in the process of transmission of various pieces of control information and data via the communications paths 26a and 26b across a process boundary or a network boundary. This arrangement of the present invention enables a substantially fixed control according to an applications program, regardless of the type of the device or the type of the communications path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Fumio Nagasaka, Yutaka Hisamatsu
  • Patent number: 7082339
    Abstract: An improved home automation system that permits the user of the system to remotely control the operation of various devices. The system is packaged in a manner that “walks” the user through the initialization process to thereby reduce or eliminate errors associated with the initialization and set-up of the system. Furthermore, the configuration permits the user to initialize the system without the use of tools, such as screwdrivers. The system is configured with improved functionality that permits the user to readily control individual devices and/or selected groups of devices with a powerful hand-held remote transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Murray, Cory Sorice
  • Patent number: 7072987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a proxy server device (1) connected to a field device (FG1–FGN), in addition to a proxy server device. The proxy server device can be connected to the field device and a user device (N1–NN) in order to respectively exchange electronic data in order to monitor and/or operate the field device. The electronic data consists of static data which is transmitted according to a first protocol standard and dynamic data which is transmitted according to a second protocol standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Jurisch, Michael Schwenke, Stefan Walz
  • Patent number: 7058693
    Abstract: A control system includes an Internet web interface to a network of at least one programmable logic control system running an application program for controlling output devices in response to status of input devices. The Web interface runs Web pages from an Ethernet board coupled directly to the PLC back plane and includes an HTTP protocol interpreter, a PLC back-plane driver, a TCP/IP stack, and an Ethernet board kernel. The Web interface provides access to the PLC back plane by a user at a remote location through the Internet. The interface translates the industry standard Ethernet, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols used on the Internet into data recognizable to the PLC. Residing in the PLC is a programming package accessible to a user through this interface which will allow the user to edit programs controlling the operation of the programmable logic controller system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Schneider Automation Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7058461
    Abstract: The invention comprises a modem apparatus adapted to provide full messaging and communications interface between a control device and a communications medium such as a telephone line. The modem can comprise an interface adapted to communicate directly with a control system device, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), using a communications protocol compatible with the normal network communications used in a distributed control system. The apparatus advantageously interfaces directly with unmodified control system devices, providing the ability to send and receive messages from remote devices or personnel via a communications medium. The invention also comprises a control system including a modem device providing full communications between a control device and remote personnel and/or devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel John Malizia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7058894
    Abstract: Techniques are described for providing information about a current state that is represented with multiple attributes. In some situations, the providing includes a first computer receiving indications of multiple characterization modules, each characterization module executing on a computer to model an aspect of a current state related to that computer; receiving an indication of one of the multiple attributes of the represented current state; determining multiple of the characterization modules whose modeled aspects are related to the indicated one attribute; and gathering information about the modeled aspects related to the indicated one attribute from the determined characterization modules so that a value for the indicated one attribute can be generated based on the gathered information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Tangis Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Abbott, Dan Newell, James O. Robarts, Joshua M. Freedman
  • Patent number: 7058460
    Abstract: Measuring units measure state signals of an industrial technical process. The entirety of the state signals represents an image of the process. The measuring units transmit the state signals to a common logic unit which transmits the image of the process at least partially via a transmission medium to a computing device. The computing device executes a control program to determine at least a portion of the control state for the process and transmits the portion to the logic unit via the transmission medium. The control state includes control signals for a number of control devices. The logic unit transmits to each of the control devices the control signals intended for the respective control device. The control devices affect the process accordingly. The above steps are repeatedly executed in real-time with a cycle time in a range of milliseconds or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Dolansky
  • Patent number: 7054793
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for generating a virtual installation model (2) as an image of a real installation (1). As a database therefor, digital picture data (4) representing pictures of a real installation (1) on the one hand and installation components (13) of a component library (6) on the other hand are used. The data of the installation components as well as the digital picture data (4) of the real installation (1) is evaluated by means of an image analysis (5). Based on this analysis, the identified installation components (13) are assigned to the virtually generated installation model (2). The virtual image of the real installation thus created serves to document the actual structure of the installation/facility, to simplify failure analysis, e.g., in areas that are difficult to access, and/or to operate and monitor the installation/facility. In addition to geometric data, functional data, etc. of the installation components are also stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Soeren Moritz, Wolfgang Friedrich, Ali-Reza Bani-Hashemi, Nicholas Craft, Nassir Navab, Frank Sauer
  • Patent number: 7050866
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Pavilion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Martin, Eugene Boe, Stephen Piche, James David Keeler, Douglas Timmer, Mark Gerules, John P. Havener
  • Patent number: 7050861
    Abstract: A caller associates computer software code with a signalling protocol messages such that when the messages are received at a destination processor the computer software code is executed. For example, the messages may be improved SIP protocol messages with incorporated Java code. By selecting different computer software code for association with the messages, the caller is able to control the destination terminal. For example, to display information about the identity of the caller at the destination terminal; to modify the behaviour of the destination terminal according to the priority of the call; to take into account the configuration of the destination terminal, and to allow users to adjust this configuration from a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Eric Lauzon, Bryan J Miller, Michael O'Doherty
  • Patent number: 7050867
    Abstract: A remote controlled system employs a computer-based remote control facilitator to facilitate remote control of a controlled device from a non-dedicated remote controller. The computer facilitator is coupled to the remote controller and controlled device via a wireless or wire-based network. The computer facilitator runs an application that corresponds to the controlled device. Neither the remote controller nor the controlled device need have any awareness of the other, or any knowledge as to how to communicate with one another. The computer tells the remote controller what options to present to a user and translates the selection entered by the user into a command that is sent to the controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Maymudes
  • Patent number: 7047092
    Abstract: A user interface having a plurality of user interface elements including: background, passive elements such as frames and borders, information display elements that present information from application software operating on the control unit, and control elements that cause application software operating on the control unit to initiate programmed behaviors. The user interface as a whole is contextually sensitive in that the appearance of user interface elements (e.g., color, size, font, contrast, order, grouping, arrangement, etc.) and/or the behavior of user interface elements are varied in a manner that is dependent on the context of the control unit. The context of the control unit is represented by state information known to the control unit, which includes context-specific state information known to a particular control unit as well as global context information known to multiple or all control units in a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: CorAccess Systems
    Inventor: William Wimsatt
  • Patent number: 7027881
    Abstract: A remote control system is constructed from a simple device configuration in which a device like a relay is not used. A higher degree of flexibility is provided to types of devices to be controlled which can be remotely controlled, and a control device which performs remote control. ABILITY information indicating the ability of an input operation function of the control device is transmitted from the control device to the device to be controlled. The device to be controlled creates conversion-into-remote-controller data on the basis of this ability information and transmits the data to the control device. Then, the control device creates a GUI by using the received conversion-into-remote-controller data. As a result, an electronic device serving as a control device can function as a remote controller which remotely controls a specific device to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Yumoto, Hiroto Narioka
  • Patent number: 7024255
    Abstract: A motion system comprising a motion enabled device, an event source, a plurality of message transceivers, and a motion services system. The motion enabled device performs motion operations based on motion commands. The event source generates motion messages upon the occurrence of events, where the motion messages correspond to motion operations. The motion messages are transmitted among the plurality of message transceivers. The motion services system maps motion messages transmitted between the plurality of message transceivers to motion commands based on motion operations corresponding to mapped motion messages. The motion services system performs motion operations based on motion commands corresponding to mapped motion messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Roy-G-Biv Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Brown, Jay S. Clark
  • Patent number: 7024256
    Abstract: A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of system components (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, portable stereo, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.) connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the system components from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. One or more control macros can be established to control the operations and/or functions of the system components. A control macro includes commands for enabling the control server to control the system components. The control macro can be manually activated by a user, or automatically executed upon the occurrence of a commencement parameter. The control macro can also be automatically particularized for application in a specific context.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: OpenPeak Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Krzyzanowski, Michael Kelly
  • Patent number: 7010294
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is arranged to communicate over a cellular communication system with a control system connected to a plurality of field devices in an industrial process, in order to remote control, configure or monitor the field devices. The mobile terminal accesses through a dedicated data connection established over the cellular communication system an interactive user interface associated with the control system and arranged to utilize the configuration, control and management data of the control system. In the preferred embodiment, the interactive user interface is provided by a World Wide Web server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Jouni Pyotsia, Markku Simula, Harri Cederlof
  • Patent number: 7010365
    Abstract: A remote controlled system employs a computer-based remote control facilitator to facilitate remote control of a controlled device from a non-dedicated remote controller. The computer facilitator is coupled to the remote controller and controlled device via a wireless or wire-based network. The computer facilitator runs an application that corresponds to the controlled device. Neither the remote controller nor the controlled device need have any awareness of the other, or any knowledge as to how to communicate with one another. The computer tells the remote controller what options to present to a user and translates the selection entered by the user into a command that is sent to the controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Maymudes
  • Patent number: 7010360
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically converting dates and times in electronic text messages to the local dates and times of the message recipients. For example, when a text message is sent to an intended recipient, a messaging server can recognize date and time strings in the message text string, if any. The server can parse the date/time information into Coordinated Universal Time (“UTC”) form. The server also receives locale and time zone information from the intended recipient's client application, and can send this information to the originating client application. The originating client application can use this locale and time zone information to convert the UTC date/time information from the message string, if any, to the localized date and time of the message recipient. The localized date/time information is inserted into the message string, and the resulting message is forwarded to the recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Edward Atkin, Cornell G. Wright, Jr.
  • Patent number: RE39716
    Abstract: A system and method for creating a controlling device. In response to a user specifying one or more operating criteria for the controlling device, the system selects executable instructions from a library of executable instructions and command code sets from a library of command code sets that are to be stored in the memory of the controlling device. In addition, the system uses the criteria to suggest command key/command code mappings for use within the controlling device. The user may interact with the system to modify the selected executable instructions, command code sets, and command key/command code mappings. When stored in the memory of the controlling device, the executable instructions are to be used to perform various operations and functions within the controlling device and the command codes are to be transmitted from the controlling device to command the operation of controllable devices in response to activation of one or more of the command keys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Lan-Ping Huang, Kim-Thoa Thi Nguyen, Han-Sheng Yuh, JianJun Cao, My Thien Do