Abstract: A tool joint part has a PIC incorporated therein for storing data which can be used to identify the tool to which the joint part is interconnected. PICs are incorporated into tool conditioning circuits. An intermediate circuit operates to match the identity stored digitally in a first PIC with the identity stored digitally in another PIC and thereby connect the tool to the appropriate tool conditioning circuit.

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.

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.

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.

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 operation of automation components is to be configured conveniently. Consequently, use is made of generally available IT units, for example PDA or mobile radio telephones, as simple HMI (Human Machine Interface). In this case, the nearest automation component can be displayed visually to the operator. The processing of conversion processes or service routines can be controlled by workflows. Furthermore, personalized or unit-specific access rights can be awarded.

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: 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.

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: A clock radio includes a clock a user interface that is dynamically configurable from a remote computer. Once configured, the user interface allows a user to select radio programs that are accessible by the remote computer. When a user selects a radio program via the interface, a signal indicating the selected radio program is transmitted from the clock radio to the remote computer. The remote computer then accesses the selected radio program and transmits the selected radio program to speaker(s) for broadcast.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing digital media signals, comprising a digital processor for controlling the apparatus; a graphic user interface, having a wireless remote control providing a command input to the processor; a network interface for transmitting digital information from the processor to a remote location over a communications network, the information identifying a digital media signal for desired reproduction based, at least in part, on an input received from the remote control; and an output, controlled by, and local to, the processor, for transferring the desired digital media signals for reproduction thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum pump (10) includes a control device (20) for processing operational data and operational instructions. Further, the vacuum pump (10) includes a touch screen (40) serving as display for displaying the operational data callable from the control device (20) and as input for inputting operational instructions into the control device (20). The touch screen (40) includes a display panel (42) and a key panel (44) as display and the input, respectively, and is connected with the control device (20) via a data line (36). By combining the display and the input in a single device, namely the touch screen, the trouble for display and data input is reduced.

Abstract: An actuator control system restrains hindrance to an object under control by an interfering substance that exists on its traveling path when the object is moved toward a target position on one axis while the object has been positioned at a target position on the other axis. A selection controller sets a switching function setting parameter (VPOLE_sl) so that a disturbance suppressing capability level is lower at a set value (VPOLE_sl_l) at time (t31˜) when a shift arm is moved in a shifting direction by a shift controller than at a set value (VPOLE_sl_h) at time (˜t31) when the shift arm is moved in a selecting direction to be set at a certain gearshift position (|VPOLE_sl_h|<|VPOLE_sl_l|).

Abstract: The invention provides an operation control system which is capable of allowing users to easily operate a controlled device over different control ranges, respectively. More particularly, when cards are brought close to a projector, a virtual object management device detects an area-in state of each virtual object of the cards with respect to a virtual object of the projector, and notifies the projector of the area-in state of the card service. The projector, upon receiving the card service area-in notification, transmits a service linkage initiation request to a card management device. Upon receiving an operation command transmitted in response to the initiation request transmission, the projector controls a projection process in response to the received operation command. The card management device transmits the operation command to the projector upon receiving the service linkage initiation request.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring an industrial controller using a portable wireless device. The system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC), a local server for exchanging communication with the PLC, a Internet Service Provider (ISP) server for exchanging communication with the local server using the Internet, and a wireless user communication device for exchanging communication with the ISP server. A user utilizes the Internet to monitor the operation of the PLC and input control commands to the PLC using the wireless user communication device.

Abstract: A method and device that controls one or more apparatus in relation to the expected time of sunrise and sunset at the location of the apparatus. The operator enters a geographic location identifier, such as a zip code or telephone area code, and the controller computes the expected time of sunrise and sunset at the corresponding geographic location. The controller is configured to translate the entered geographic location code into the offset times, based upon the latitude and longitude of the location. The controller is able to either directly retrieve stored time offsets or it retrieves the latitude and longitude that corresponds to the entered geographic location code and determines the time offset from that latitude and longitude.

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 transmits an area-in notification to a projector. Upon receiving the area-in notification, the projector can transmits a projector display data transmission request to a portable terminal and receives projector display data transmitted in response to the transmission request. The projector can then executes a projection process by a projection device on the basis of the received projector display data. The portable terminal can transmits the projector display data to the projector in response to the projector display data transmission request.

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 portable operation section of a controller has an impact sensor. When the controller receives an impact due to the drop or the like of the portable operation section, the impact sensor outputs an impact detection signal to the control section. Upon receiving this impact detection signal, the control section ignores any signal from the portable operation section and thus does not use this signal for the control of the drive of the mechanism section of a machine tool or a robot.

Abstract: A system and software for controlling output devices used in association with machinery is disclosed. The system includes a control module which may be connected to a personal digital assistant (PDA), personal pocket PC, personal computer, organizer, cell phone, or other data storage device. The data storage device has programmed within it particularized manufacturer information for various input devices and output devices available on the market. The system allows an operator to select a particular manufacturer, as well as product information, including product model number and operating parameters. The machine can then be calibrated such that the input device being used, as well as the output device manufacturer information, is used to dynamically adjust, monitor or perform diagnostics on the machine. The system allows for on-site calibration of the machine controllers.

Abstract: A portable electronic device according to the invention comprises a USB connector 4, a USB controller 6 for executing predetermined data communication processing attendant on data communication with a personal computer 2 connected to the USB connector 4, and a main CPU 7 for executing device operation processing for the usual operation of the device, and is adapted to receive a power supply from the personal computer 2 or an external power source 3 as connected to the USB connector 4. Discriminating between the sources of supply of power, the main CPU 7 causes the USB controller 6 to execute the predetermined data communication processing while power is supplied from the personal computer 2, or executes the usual device operation processing while power is supplied from the external power source 3. This assures more rapid and simplified processing even when the USB connector is used also as a connector for the external power source.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to control a plumbing fixture, such as a whirlpool, that has electrically operated components. The apparatus has a dial that is moveable by the user into a plurality of positions to select a function of the plumbing fixture to be controlled. A unique sensor arrangement detects motion and the direction of the motion and provides a signal to a controller that changes the valve of a pointer that designates which function is presently selected. The user then presses a keypad to indicate whether the selected function is to be activated or deactivated and to control the intensity of the selected function. The signals from the keypad also are applied to the controller.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting test data at a customer premises site. A computer receives a customer-specific input record that defines test measurements to be taken at the customer premises site. The computer then directs a test meter to take the designated measurements and receives the measured values form the test meter. In turn, the computer provides a customer-specific output report, which indicates the measured values taken at the customer premises site. The method and system facilitates better control over the taking and reporting of signal quality measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus controlling activation of a home automation system to prevent electric home appliances from being simultaneously activated. The activation control apparatus has an activation control unit receiving an activation instruction for a first electric home appliance from a user, and activating the first electric home appliance, after at least one other electric home appliance is activated and lapse of a predetermined delay time, thus preventing simultaneous activation of the electric home appliances by sequentially activating the electric home appliances. The activation control unit has a user interface terminal and a gateway processor.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a force feedback member able to interact with another member, including a local model for calculating a set point addressed to the force feedback member from a plurality of variables, and a remote model for estimating interactions and variables of the other member, with updating on receiving data from another remote system, and resynchronizer means able to send a resynchronization message to the other system.

Abstract: An image capture device is provided, a portion of which is insertable into an expansion slot of a handheld PC or PDA device, which is configured like a camera familiar to the user. In one embodiment, the image capture device includes a lens unit that is rotatable over about 180 ° degrees. The image capture device additionally includes an optical viewfinder rotatable with the lens unit. The image capture device advantageously includes an indicator visible from either side of the image capture device regardless of the lens position.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for using a combination of explicit and implicit user context modeling techniques to identify and provide appropriate computer actions based on a current context, and to continuously improve the providing of such computer actions. The appropriate computer actions include presentation of appropriate content and functionality. Feedback paths can be used to assist automated machine learning in detecting patterns and generating inferred rules, and improvements from the generated rules can be implemented with or without direct user control. The techniques can be used to enhance software and device functionality, including self-customizing of a model of the user's current context or situation, customizing received themes, predicting appropriate content for presentation or retrieval, self-customizing of software user interfaces, simplifying repetitive tasks or situations, and mentoring of the user to promote desired change.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and system combining the capabilities of a console and controller, having a hand-held form factor including a removable and re-writable cartridge that can be inserted, using a processor capable of general purpose processing. The software can be upgraded, possibly dynamically. Dynamic upgrades can occur in real time. The processor has links to supplemental consoles, and supports multiplayer games. The communication link is coupled to a PC workstation or network router, and supports interactive communication. Multiplayer games can include players in remote locations. Games can include contests among multiple players, and among teams of players.

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.

Abstract: A vacuum pump (10) includes a control device (20) for processing operational data and operational instructions. Further, the vacuum pump (10) includes a touch screen (40) serving as display for displaying the operational data callable from the control device (20) and as input for inputting operational instructions into the control device (20). The touch screen (40) includes a display panel (42) and a key panel (44) as display and the input, respectively, and is connected with the control device (20) via a data line (36). By combining the display and the input in a single device, namely the touch screen, the trouble for display and data input is reduced.

Abstract: A home automation and control architecture that includes one or more controlled devices and one or more control panels coupled by a communication network. Each of the controlled devices is directly coupled to at least one control panel and configured to communicate control information with the coupled panel. The control panels comprise sufficient computing resources for implementing a user interface and executing application software to generate control messages based on user input and/or context information of which the control panel is aware. A message broker implemented within the pone or more control panels conveys control messages from a first control panel that initiates the control message to one or more other control panels that implement the control message.

Abstract: Once attached to a slot of a personal digital assistant PDA, a card module CM executes an application-specific program and transmits a result obtained thereby to the personal digital assistant PDA. The thus received execution result is outputted from an output part. Accordingly, the output part can be provided for shared use among several card modules CM for output of the execution result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for context-dependent user input prediction for at least one device in the environment of at least one user comprising the steps of: detecting the parameters of the actual states of said at least one device, comparing said detected parameters with previously saved parameters of said at least one device, obtaining a most probable next input proposal according to the result of the comparison, and offering said input proposal to at least one user.

Abstract: Provided is a method for optimizing golf car usage and deployment including the steps of recording golf car usage record based on axle revolutions, associating a golf car identification with the usage record, communicating the usage record and associated identification to a data store, calculating total usage data for each golf car identification and transmitting total usage data to a display device.

Abstract: For devices connected to a network using IEEE 1394 or the like, it has not been possible in the prior art to automatically perform grouping of these device based on their physical location relationships. The present invention discloses a network management system which, by utilizing a plurality of infrared signals, performs grouping of devices, i.e., a VTR, a TV-a, a DVD, a TV-b, and a component system, connected to a network, wherein a TV-a infrared receiver, a VTR infrared receiver, a TV-b infrared receiver, a DVD infrared receiver, and a component system infrared receiver are provided as infrared signal receiving apparatuses in the TV-a, the VTR, the DVD, the TV-b, and the component system, respectively, and of these devices, devices whose receiving apparatuses have received the same kind of infrared signal are grouped into the same group.

Abstract: Real-time remote monitoring and controlling of a device is described via a network such as the Internet. A virtual presence is accomplished between geographically distributed remote users and hardware platforms that allow for real-time interactive hardware operation. Using Internet based communications such as e-mail or browser based sessions, a series of remote instructions are sent from a remote computer based device to the device to be monitored and controlled. This operation of includes, but is not limited to, data monitoring, system control, system tuning, distributed learning, distributed monitoring, remote servicing and hardware reconfiguration. Furthermore, monitored data is exchanged between the device being monitored and the remote electronic-based device can be in a spreadsheet format.

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 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: An induced explosion of a firework ball is represented using a small processing volume. A range for an induced explosion is set around a firework ball to be exploded drawn on a display image, for example, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 10A in accordance with attributes of the firework ball. A drawing range of each firework ball under management, the range being indicated by its attributes, is referred to, and any other firework ball drawn in the range is set as a firework ball to be exploded. As a result, the firework ball located around the exploded firework ball is also exploded as shown in FIG. 10B.

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: Methods and apparatus to sense both discrete and continuous magnetic reference systems installed in the roadway, and provide information to support lateral and, to some extent, longitudinal and vertical vehicle control and/or driver assistance. The position of an object, such as a vehicle, relative to a magnetic reference infrastructure, such as that representing a dividing line on a roadway, is determined by sensing, with a sensor associated with the object, at least one axial field strength component of the magnetic field emitted from the magnetic reference, computing a ratio of the sensed axial field strength components, and then determining the positional offset of the object as a function of the ratio. The lateral offset is independent of the magnetic field strength due to the use of the ratio which cancels out the magnetic field strength. The invention is also capable of providing three-dimensional positioning relative to a magnetic reference.

Abstract: Multiple methods of using two sensors to move an object in a one dimensional environment, a two dimensional environment or a three dimensional environment. A method of using two sensors to move a cursor in a secondary mode and edit data in a third mode. A method of using two sensors to edit changes. A method of using two sensors to move a cursor in two axis graphic arts programs. A method of using two sensors to move an object in two directions, three directions, four directions, eight directions, ten directions or fourteen directions. A method of using two sensors to increase or decrease the speed of movement of an object.

Abstract: A handheld medication dosage calculator (100) and method for comparing an inputted, ordered medication dosage with a known medication dosage range in a database including an input device for inputting a desired drug name, indicating whether the drug is for a child or an adult, an amount of the drugs that are ordered, the body weight or body surface of the patient, an amount of drug available in standard packaging, and the available volume associated with the available drug and a computing mechanism for determining the dosage of the drug to be delivered. The handheld medication dosage calculator (100) provides warnings when the inputted amount of drug exceeds the dose range limits or is incorrect. The handheld medication dosage calculator (100) converts an inputted drug unit of measure into a desired unit of measure. The handheld medication dosage calculator (100) lists generic drug names, trademarked product names, drug classifications and cautionary drug warning information.

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: 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 system and method for estimating the position of an object in three dimensions uses two cameras interconnected with a machine vision search tool. The search tool is capable of registering transformation of a pattern in at least two translational degrees of freedom, along the image plane, and at least one non-translational degree of freedom along a camera axis perpendicular to the image plane. The tool can be a rotation/scale-invariant (RSIS) search tool. A nominal position for each camera's acquired image of the object is determined and a set of uncertainty vectors along each of the degrees of freedom is generated. The vectors are weighted, with the respective vectors along the camera axis being weighted more-highly than orthonormal vectors within the image plane. The weighted vectors are combined to define an error.