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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer application in the field of control, monitoring, modification and/or optimization of processes which comprise real process sequences of discrete events, so-called “discrete event dynamic systems”, which cannot usually be described by systems of (differential) equations. Such processes occur for example in technical developments as well as in other business activities in the industrial or tertiary sector. Such a real process is reflected in a process model which is connected to the real process via at least one interface. If the interface(s) is/are bi-directional, real process data can be transmitted into the model directly, i.e. without data conversion, and thus the real process can be monitored; in the model, simulations can be carried out with changed process data; and finally if the result of the simulation is successful, process modifications can be transferred directly to the real process.

Abstract: A remote control system for a laundry appliance which includes a remote control device externally accessible via a communication network, the remote control device including a data base storing coping information used to cope with an abnormal condition occurring during operation of the laundry appliance, a laundry appliance control device connected via the communication network to the remote control device so as to transmit information about an abnormal condition via the communication network to the remote control device when the abnormal condition has occurred in the laundry appliance, and an analyzer for analyzing the coping information corresponding to the abnormal condition in the laundry appliance to infer a cause of the abnormal condition of the laundry appliance. When the analyzer analyzes a plurality of pieces of the analytic information, a higher priority is given to the analytic information corresponding to a cause of the abnormal condition with a larger number of times of occurrence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring and control device for monitoring a technical system having at least one portable and/or mobile and/or immobile device, and more specifically, a handling device that is a arranged in a protective device, and further including at least one preferably central or decentralized control unit and actuators connected thereto to carry out dangerous actions.

Abstract: In an image forming device management system and method, a failure in any of a plurality of image forming devices on a first LAN is detected by a management apparatus. A failure message is transmitted from the management apparatus to a center system via a public switched telephone network when the failure is detected, the failure message including a failure code provided to identify the failure. The failure message, transmitted by the management apparatus, is received at the center system. A database of the center system is accessed by using the failure code of the received failure message so as to produce results of the accessing at the center system. A service department ID is extracted from the database based on the accessing results. A service request message is transmitted from the center system to a service department indicated by the service department ID.

Abstract: A surgical method and a control system is provided. The surgical method and the control system can advantageously be used in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus. The method includes generating a desired surgical instrument movement command signal. It further includes comparing the desired surgical instrument movement command signal with at least one preset surgical instrument movement limitation. Should the desired surgical instrument command signal transgress the preset surgical instrument movement limitation, the desired surgical instrument movement command signal is restricted to yield a restricted surgical instrument movement command signal. A surgical instrument is then caused to move in response to the restricted surgical instrument movement command signal. The method further provides for haptic feedback on a master control in response to restriction of the desired surgical instrument movement command signal.

Abstract: A system including at least one automatically controlled process element (1), in particular an automatically controlled process system, having at least one screen (4) for displaying status data or operational data of said process element (1). The display of the screen (4) is temporarily interrupted by a screen saver function and an activating element (5) is provided for remote-control cancellation of the screen saver function. In addition, an activating element (5) for the system is provided.

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. In one implementation, the computer facilitator is a general-purpose computer that runs an open platform operating system. The computer facilitator runs an application that corresponds to the controlled device. The application contains program code, data, information, and any other intelligence that may be used by the facilitator to assist the remote controller in controlling 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 remote controller gains its power and flexibility from the general-purpose computer.

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 modern 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.

Abstract: A scheme for management of uncertainty in control systems that require adaptation is described. The scheme removes as much uncertainty as possible at design time and manufacturing time by taking advantage of available computer resources in pre-computing a large set of robustness-performance tradeoffs. a plant that is controlled by having model controllers and a data evaluator receive monitored signals. The monitored signals are evaluated to determine when sufficient information is received. One of the model controllers generates a control signal based upon the monitored signals received.

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 care management system in which the management of the administration of care for patients is automated. Hospital information systems are monitored and the information from those systems is used in verifying the administrations of care to patients. The care management system monitors ongoing administrations for progress and automatically updates records and provides alarms when necessary. The care management system is modular in nature but is fully integrated among its modules. Particular lists of data, such as the termination times of all ongoing infusions, provide hospital staff current information for increased accuracy and efficiency in planning. Features include the automatic provision of infusion parameters to pumps for accurate and efficient configuration of the pump, and providing an alarm when an unscheduled suspension of an infusion exceeds a predetermined length of time. A passive recognition system for identifying patients and care givers is provided.

Abstract: An advanced remotely accessible energy control system utilizes a client/server software architecture, and an “open” communication protocol, such as the well known TCP/IP protocol for design-in remote accessibility. Multiple graphic user interface clients can operate on widely available computers incorporating operating systems which are well suited to graphic user interface functions, while the energy control server and the input/output interface components can operate on a separate computer, using other or different operating systems, which are adapted to the processing performed there. According to the invention, the graphic user interface software is resident on one or more graphic user interface consoles or clients, so that processing for formatting data for display, and processing of input actions taken by a system user are offloaded from the server to the graphic user interface clients.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating and controlling remotely devices in an automated facility exchanges electronic messages (“E-mails”) between a server that controls the devices and an operator having a client device that has E-mail capabilities. An automation controller overseeing devices and stations within the facility is configured to send and receive over a network, such as the Internet, E-mail messages containing instructions and information. Accordingly, an operator may be alerted to alarm information, fault codes, and other operational parameters via E-mail, and after correcting the fault code or other problem, the operator may send an E-mail message to the automation controller that the situation has been corrected. The operator may also send and receive other information to and from the devices within the facility. Thus, not only human-to-machine and machine-to-human E-mail communication is facilitated, but also machine-to-machine communications via E-mail.

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).

Abstract: A system and a method for operating and monitoring an automation system, in which, via virtual installation models (1), processes of the automation system are, by means of a display unit (2), displayed or represented as a representation of real installation components (7). The display unit 2 includes input screen sections (4a, 4b, 4c) in order to allow a user to interactively operate displayed installation components 8. The method allows the user to navigate in the virtual installation models 8, which exactly reflect the real conditions and the current conditions of the automation system. By combining 2D and 3D displays or representations, the user can choose the most appropriate form of representation for the individual case at hand. The invention thus facilitates a reality-based representation of the automation system, which makes it possible to intuitively operate and monitor even complex processes.

Abstract: A communication terminal uses a Web printing function to print a Web page of a URL designated through an operation panel, together with the URL of the Web page and an entry column for entering keywords, on a sheet of paper. When an image is read from the sheet of paper, the communication terminal specifies contents written in a specific position. When any URL is contained in the contents and any keyword is specified together with the URL, the communication terminal registers the URL and the keyword associatively in a data table. After that, a user can make the communication terminal print the Web page of the designated URL by designating the URL registered in the data table on the basis of the keyword corresponding to the URL.

Abstract: An IC card 1 (portable card) having an integrated device. The IC card 1 includes a nonvolatile memory 12 and an encryption circuit 10. The nonvolatile memory 12 is accessed after the IC card 1 is placed in a radio wave zone to receive a power supply from a terminal apparatus through a radio wave. The encryption circuit 10 coordinates with a first terminal apparatus to perform a mutual authentication. The integrated device includes a nonvolatile memory 13 and an encryption circuit 11. The nonvolatile memory 13 is accessed after the IC card 1 is placed at a location close to an antenna in the first terminal apparatus and only after the IC card 1 receives a higher-level power supply from the antenna. The encryption circuit 11 coordinates with the terminal apparatus to perform a mutual authentication. Personal information that requires high security is stored in the nonvolatile memory 13 and the encryption circuit 11 performs a mutual authentication whenever the nonvolatile memory 13 is accessed.

Abstract: A dictation system is formed of two personal computers connected by an e-mail system. A hand microphone with control switches is provided at one personal computer and a foot pedal is provided at the other personal computer. The hand microphone is used to generate a dictation file at the first personal computer. In response to actuation of a control switch on the hand microphone, the dictation file is transmitted via the electronic mail system to the second personal computer. The foot pedal at the second personal computer is used to control audible reproduction of the dictation file for the purpose of transcription at the second personal computer. The resulting text file is sent via the electronic mail system from the second personal computer to the first personal computer.

Abstract: A computer implemented Virtual Sensor Object includes an abstract class of Objects, and an actual software instantiation of which performs an abstract observation, evaluation, and expression method in either a static, a synchronous, or an asynchronous Form. The evaluation method of the Virtual Sensor Object allows the substantive meaning of the observations to be expressed in a Form which clarifies the Substance of the observations, so that the substantive meaning of the observations may be perceived directly, with little or no cognitive interpretation being required. The methods of expression and evaluation are dependent on the observation, whereas they are independent as to how they use and express meaning.

Abstract: A method and system for remote programming of serialized semiconductor devices using web or Internet protocols. Semiconductor device programmers access at least one web server for unique numbers to program the serialized semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A photolithography system includes a photolithography tool 32 that includes a stage upon which a semiconductor wafer is mounted. The tool is operable to move the stage to automatically focus a pre-determined image on a surface of the semiconductor wafer. The tool is further operable to log movements of the stage. The system also includes an automation host computer 36 operable to poll the photolithography tool 32 to obtain data reflecting the logged movements of the stage. The automation host computer 36 is further operable to analyze the data and compare the data to pre-determined error conditions. The host computer also takes a pre-determined action, including sending an electronic mail message to the personal computers 38 of relevant line personnel, in the event the data meets the pre-determined error conditions.

Abstract: A method of controlling an intelligent appliance network includes allowing a user to select a desired instruction sequence to be executed by a remote appliance. The instruction sequence contains commands to be completed by both the user and the appliance, as regulated by a CPU, with the sequence being paused when input is needed by the user and wherein the appliance commands are performed automatically. When applied to a cooking appliance, such as an oven, the appliance will automatically perform certain cooking functions according to a recipe being followed by a CPU. When applied to a washing machine, the factory set operating parameter of the machine can be altered to follow an instructed control sequence applicable to the task performed.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted unit includes a controller which changes a setting of a search method of portable units between a simple search method which is based on sending/receiving of simple search signals and simple response signals and an individual search method which is based on sending/receiving of normal search signals and normal response signals, and an ID-storage part which updates and stores the ID of the portable unit authenticated at a latest time as the latest authenticated ID. When the latest authenticated ID is stored in the ID-storage part, the controller searches the portable unit having the latest authenticated ID by priority and by the individual search method.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to monitor the statuses of devices that can operate and transmit current device status information to a storage location. The present invention also provides a method to manage and initiate sets of instructions that will be performed by devices in response to a set of current statuses of one or more devices. Each set of instructions is known as a “workflow routine”. Each workflow routine will be based on a set device statuses. This set of device statuses can be referred as a device scenario. When a status of a device changes, the workflow manager of the present invention will check the statuses of the devices in the scenario to determine if the scenario conditions for the initiation of a specified workflow have been met. When the conditions have been met, the workflow routine will be initiated and perform a set of instructions which could lead to the performance of some activity by one or more devices in the network.

Abstract: A scheme is provided for managing device identification information of an image forming apparatus used by a client. A combination of first device identification information and second device identification information which are obtained from a predetermined device is compared with another combination. In accordance with the comparison result, a notification is issued to a remote monitoring computer that is capable of receiving the notification through a predetermined communications line and that manages a plurality of information processing apparatuses, thereby allowing for prompt processing at the remote monitoring computer.

Abstract: Modular Pool Safety Controller used with swimming pool or spa. The controller stands alone, or integrated with a prior art controller. Emphasis is on safety of swimmers and pool equipment, providing low entry cost. Other modular features can be added. Safety features; Swimmer Protection: Excess Suction triggers latched pump shut-down and suction dump valve that admits air into the pump inlet, instantly releasing suction entrapment. When reduced daylight combines with swimmer activity, Pool Lights are turned on. Remote Control provides Emergency shut-down. Equipment Protection: Low pump Pressure triggers latched pump shut-down. Remote Control initiates draining high water levels. Portable Intelligent Remote Alarms (PIRA) offer specific voice messages when pump shut-down occurs; guidance concerning cause and actions required, plus chimes and red lights. After Startup PIRA delivers a green OK light and specific voice message confirming the communications link.

Abstract: A state machine model analyzes sensor data from dynamic processes at a facility to identify the actual processes that were performed at the facility during a period of interest for the purpose of remote facility inspection. An inspector can further input the expected operations into the state machine model and compare the expected, or declared, processes to the actual processes to identify undeclared processes at the facility. The state machine analysis enables the generation of knowledge about the state of the facility at all levels, from location of physical objects to complex operational concepts. Therefore, the state machine method and apparatus may benefit any agency or business with sensored facilities that stores or manipulates expensive, dangerous, or controlled materials or information.

Abstract: A remote service offering system is provided, which includes a plant having a plant server and a plant controller, an end user terminal, and a center having a center database and a center server, the plant, the end user terminal and the center being connected to one another through a wide-area network. When the center server receives a request for display of accumulated information from the end user terminal, it obtains accumulated information held by the plant server and provides the accumulated information to the end user terminal. When the center server receives a request for display of real-time information from the end user terminal, it obtains real-time information collected by the plant controller and provides the real-time information to the end user terminal.

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.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller for use as part of an industrial control system or as part of an automated system and a corresponding method, the controller including an interface to the Internet, and including a web server allowing a remote computer to access web pages maintained by the controller providing information relevant to the control function of the controller such as control sensor readings and, optionally, information about the status of the control system. The web server is implemented as part of the controller in such a way that the controller scan rate (the rate at which the ladder logic for all associated control system devices is repeated) is unaffected by execution of the web server.

Abstract: A system for servicing a computer controlled machine comprising: a computer controlled machine including a device operable to perform a function, a controller controlling the operation of that device, and a data access port for transferring data and commands from the controller; and a service tool operably connected to the data access port, the service tool including a remote communications capability, a computer, and diagnostics and graphing software; and an expert observer system operably linked to the remote communications capability of the service tool and including historical machine data, machine sales information, software revisions for the controller, additional diagnostics software, and an expert observer capable of providing a mentor capability to the operator of a service tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying configuration information used to control an on-board monitor located aboard a locomotive. Under the control of a remote monitoring and diagnostic center, the on-board monitor periodically collects information from the locomotive and transmits it to the remote monitoring and diagnostic center. When it is desired to change some aspect associated with the data collection process (including the period during which the data is collected, the types of data collected, etc.), it is necessary to change the configuration file that controls the on-board monitor. The configuration file is changed at the remote monitoring and diagnostic center and then transmitted to the on-board monitor.

Abstract: A method of setting user control preferences where a personal communication device communicates user control preferences to a control device. The control device controls the controllable attributes of a location in accordance with the user control preferences. In addition, general control preferences can be communicated to the control device followed by manual adjustment of the controllable attributes where the adjusted controllable attributes are communicated to the personal communication device and stored therein.

Abstract: A system and method for handling quality control data for a manufacturing process among a main computer and a plurality of remote computers, including the steps of establishing a connection between at least one of the remote computers and the main computer via a web browser, inputting quality control data of the manufacturing process from the remote computer into a database of the main computer via the web browser, performing a statistical analysis on the quality control data input into the main computer, and posting results of the statistical analysis on a web site of the main computer accessible to the remote computers through the web browser.

Abstract: Provided is an appliance control system and method for remotely controlling various types of electrical home appliances using a mobile communications terminal, and a home gateway. To operate the electrical home appliances which vary in manufacturer and type, a database 71 in a database center 7 stores each corresponding appliance control program. In a household area 3, the electrical home appliance(s) 4 are connected to a home gateway 6 via a household network 5. The home gateway 6 collectively controls information about the storage locations of the appliance control programs on the database 71 together with various types of information about the electrical home appliances 4. A mobile communications terminal 2 refers to the home gateway 6 so as to acquire from the database 71 only the appliance control program of any electrical home appliance 4 which a user desires to operate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for integrating a personal information device (PID) on a mobile computer that includes activating a first mode to display data originating with the PID in a first display area of a display. The mobile computer switches to a second mode to display data associated with the second mode in a second display area of the display.

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a user profile (204) in the memory of a server (104) is remotely configured by use of a graphical interface on a web device (112) and the data contained in the data structure of user profile is sent to and intelligent appliance (116-122) to configure and update the recipe program data in the intelligent appliance (116-122).

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.

Abstract: A method for optimizing overall characteristics optimizes control parameters in at least one control module required for controlling a device, using an optimization method such as a heuristic method. The method includes the steps of: (a) preselecting values of the control parameters and activating the device; (b) on-line changing values of the control parameters within predetermined ranges under predetermined coding rules; (c) on-line evaluating the performance of the device based on signals indicative of the performance; (d) on-line selecting values of the control parameters based on the evaluation outcome; and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d) while operating the device until desired performance of the device is demonstrated, wherein the at least one control module is optimized. In the method, when two or more control modules control performance of the device, optimization by steps (a) through (d) may be conducted on each control module in repetitive sequence.

Abstract: An Internet based home communications system for allowing a homeowner to monitor and control various features of their home from a distant location via a global computer network. The inventive system comprises a plurality of control devices positioned within a home, a control unit in communication with the plurality of control devices wherein the control unit is connected to a global computer network (i.e. Internet), and a data center having server computers connected to the global computer network and in communication with the control unit. The control devices may be comprised of various units such as lighting controls, heating controls, moisture controls, freeze controls, pet feeding devices, propane gauge, interior cameras, exterior cameras, security system, smoke alarm and various other devices that can be utilized to monitor and control the home.

Abstract: The control system includes a microprocessor based radio frequency receiver module and a radio frequency handset transmitter module. The microprocessor receives a specific input from the remote transmitter. The handset transmitter module contains two joysticks. Two different sets of eight peripheral initiating positions are located in a circular formation with one of the joysticks at the center of each circular formation. Each initiating position activates a switch. Each switch activates a different radio frequency (RF) signal that activates a particular vehicle actuator.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, control system and computer program product are provided for controllably positioning the solar concentrator. The method, apparatus, control system and computer program product determine the respective errors generated by more and different error sources than prior techniques, including error sources selected from the group consisting of a gravitational residue error, an elevation transfer function error and an error attributable to atmospheric refraction. Based upon the respective errors, the method, apparatus, control system and computer program product determine an elevation command and an azimuth command to compensate for the vertical error and the horizontal error between the centerline of the solar concentrator and the sun reference vector such that the solar concentrator can be more precisely positioned, thereby improving the efficiency with which the solar concentrator collects solar energy.

Abstract: A state-of-device remote monitor system capable of applying a general-purpose line as a transmission line for transmitting detection signals of a state of a device, comprises an on-the-spot area, and a management area. The on-the-spot area includes an electric device, a detector for detecting a device state of the electric device, and a first communication signal converter for converting detection data obtained by the detection of the detector into communication signals, and transmitting the communication signals.

Abstract: There is described a method for determining the speed of a wheel on a motor vehicle, for which purpose an acceleration sensor is mounted on the wheel. It is proposed according to the invention to measure the frequency &ohgr; or the period T of an alternating signal contained in the acceleration signal supplied by the acceleration sensor and produced by the influence of gravitational acceleration g. The method is suited for use in automatic tyre-pressure monitoring systems for assigning signals, that have been transmitted by radio from a wheel-mounted electronic module, to a particular wheel position and for controlling the transmission rate of a wheel-mounted electronic module as a function of the speed.

Abstract: Operating values of an electronic operating system, e.g., power switch or motor drive, are parameterized with a hand-held control device with a display device for displaying operating parameters via transmission arrangement, to a data store of the hand-held control device following connection of the latter to the operating system (2). A microprocessor circuit (25) in the hand-held control device facilitates the detection of altered operating parameters and the transfer of those altered parameters back to the control unit of the operating system.

Abstract: An intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) is provided that can fuse data streams from a variety of sources and then locally determine the current state of the environment in which the intelligent microsensor is placed. The resultant state rather than raw data is communicated to the outside world when the microsensor is queried. The intelligent microsensor module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) of the present invention can locally determine and execute an action to be taken based on the determined state of the environment. The module (10, 100, 210, 300, 355, 410) can be readily reconfigured for multiple applications.

Abstract: A sensor communication system comprising an array of sensors adapted to transmit sensor data in extensible markup language (XML) format to be received by a data server, the data server communicating the sensor data to a data store and the data store further communicating the sensor data to a data reporting device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating Internet or Intranet access to selected functions of a machine controller based upon a user network address.