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: 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 programmable field measuring instrument includes a control unit, and a connector terminal, and a software protection device. The control unit executes a control program. The connector terminal is connected to the software protection device such that the software protection device may be released from the connector terminal. The software protection device includes a connector mating element with an integrated electronic component which allow authorization examination by the control unit.

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: The subject of the invention relates to a positioning system having a control that integrates a GPS receiver for determining the system's operating coordinates. The control can interface with either radio or cellular telephone transceivers, or receivers for receiving GPS coordinate data via remote radio or cellular transceivers or senders, in order to process the local GPS coordinate data using logarithms for solving triangles with various geometrical propositions to establish and control the sensor positioner and to automatically maintain a sensor fix on remote objects or vehicles transmitting their GPS coordinates. The positions control is configured with a target operating mode that permits an operator to manually steer the positioner to desired positions at which information is desired, and to engage the control to make use of, at targeted time, positioner angular data stemming from the positions dive assemblies encoders to automatically maintain a sensor fix on desired targeted positions.

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: The optimized band saw feed speed system of this invention is associated with a saw mill carriage reciprocable past a band saw by a power drive motor. The feed speed control system utilizes a first laser line arranged to allow video scanning of the diameter profile of a log on the carriage for measuring the impending depth of cut by the band saw blade as the carriage moves the log through the band saw. A second laser line is arranged to show on the band saw blade for detecting the lateral deviation of the blade from its path. A video camera is arranged to cover the diameter of a log on the carriage and to view the laser line projections and control the speed of the power drive motor of the carriage, to provide optimum speed of movement of the log through the band saw.

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: The present invention relates to a method for monitoring vehicular traffic flow in a road network 1 in an area served by a mobile telecommunications device network 7 having a call management system 10 provided with a mobile telecommunications device positioning system 11 providing positional data for active mobile telecommunications devices 12. The method comprises capturing geographical positioning data for individual active devices carried aboard vehicles 12 and converting these into probability vectors representing the likelihood of the vehicle having arrived at any of the possible road components 16 of the road network 7 compatible with the geographical positional data. As the vehicle 12 travels along, this process is repeated and new probability vectors constructed based on the probability of any of the available routes between the new probability vector road component position and the immediately preceding probability vector road component position.

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 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 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 control system for controlling a variable of a device by an end element is disclosed. The control system has as its input a magnetostrictive position sensing probe for measuring the value of the variable of the device at time intervals and a digital controller reading the value from the magnetostrictive position sensing probe and having an output and means for calculating control output from the updated value of the variable during the time interval. The digital controller is close coupled to the magnetostrictive position sensing probe to permit time intervals that are very short, such as 500 microseconds to 1 millisecond.

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: A method is provided for providing a work machine with information about a processing machine. Information about a processing machine is determined. The determined information is sent to the work machine. The work machine then communicates the determined information to a controller of the work machine.

Abstract: A vibration control system which comprises an actuator assembly, serves to replace the friction block entirely while improving settling time, or, alternatively, to operate in conjunction with the friction block, providing additional accuracy or speed of operation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention special dynamic modeling techniques are utilized to investigate structural movements and to provide precise motion control.

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: According to a remote operation support system, a physician present in a remote place can view endoscopic images displayed in an operating room over a communication line, and change an image area or a viewing direction represented by endoscopic images in a desired manner by performing manipulations. The physician present in the remote place can thus support an operator present in the operating room. An endoscope system installed in the operating room and a remote control system installed in a control room located in the remote place are linked using a public communication line. The endoscope system has a signal transmission apparatus installed in the operating room. The signal transmission apparatus in the operating room converts a video signal and a control signal or patient data, which are produced by a CCU and a system controller respectively, and outputs resultant signals over the public line. The remote control system has a signal transmission apparatus installed in the control room.

Abstract: An interface apparatus of the present invention includes an external state machine 101 for controlling transmission of data and a control code from an own device to a counterpart device in accordance with an inputted control code, and an internal state machine 102 for judging whether the own device is in a data transmission preparatory state or in a data transmission state, and notifies a result of the judgement to the external state machine. The external state machine 101 invalidates the inputted control code during a period in which the internal state machine 102 notifies that the own device is in the data transmission preparatory state.

Abstract: A handheld Multi-Function Peripheral (MFP) capable of scanning includes the operation panel, the control processing unit, and the scanning apparatus. The operation panel is for the user to input a data and a scanning order. The control processing unit is for proceeding logic operation and data processing, and receiving the scanning order. The scanning apparatus includes the scanning channel, the light source, and the photoelectronic imaging device. The scanning channel is the passage for the to-be-scanned document. The light source and the photoelectronic imaging device are equipped in the one side of the scanning channel to provide the light for scanning and capture image of the to-be-scanned document, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control at least one function of a bed located in a room from a remote location outside of the room. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the at least one bed function, an interface device coupled to the controller, and an input device located at the remote location. The input device is configured to generate a message signal to control the at least one bed function. The message signal is transmitted from the input device to the interface device and from the interface device to the controller to control the at least one bed function from the remote location.

Abstract: An antenna device for a wireless device has a transmitter and an antenna. The first connecting end of the transmiter is connected to the first end of the antenna, and the second connecting end of the transmitter is connected to the second end of the antenna. As a result, the antenna device can be formed as a loop and generates a magnetic field for remotely coupling the wireless device to other devices which can receive the signal emitted from the wireless device.

Abstract: An data interface module is provided for allowing a user to remotely modify a predetermined number of operating parameters of a motor driven by a motor control and for displaying the same. The interface module includes a micro-controller interconnected to a communications network and a visual display structure. The visual display structure has a first screen which displays a scrollable list of the operating parameters and a second screen which displays a data value for a user selected one of the operating parameters. A user may modify the user selected operating parameter when the second screen is displayed.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, method, and system for remote monitoring of need for assistance based on change in velocity. One aspect of the invention includes a portable unit that may be comfortably wearable, having an intelligent control, and a detector capable of detecting a physical parameter related to acceleration, and a transmitter. When an acceleration is determined to exceed a particular threshold, the intelligent control device instructs a transmitter to send an alert signal. Another aspect of the invention includes a method of monitoring for need of assistance by monitoring a physical parameter of the person related to acceleration and transmitting a need of assistance alert. Another aspect of the invention involves a system including one or more monitor units for determining the need for assistance based on physical parameter related to acceleration, a communications network for receiving information from the monitored unit and notifying a third party.

Abstract: A remotely controlled and monitored spa. An interface signal converter is electrically connected to a spa controller. The interface signal converter has an interface means for communicating with a remote computer through a communications link. The signal converter converts communications signals transferred from the remote computer via the communications link and directs the converted signals to the spa controller. Also, the signal converter converts signals from the spa controller to be communicated to the remote computer via the communications link. In a preferred embodiment, the signal converter comprises an IR transceiver. In another preferred embodiment the signal converter also has an RS-485 transceiver. Also, in a preferred embodiment, the interface signal converter is contained within an interface module that is mounted onto the outside of the spa's skirt.

Abstract: The invention is a unit for pneumatically controlling the position of a workpiece relative to a predetermined workpiece configuration, comprising an enclosure, a minimum of one measuring nozzle for a gaseous pressure medium, which measuring nozzle is located in a contact surface a workpiece fixture. A pressure supply line is connected to the measuring nozzle via pressure lines. Separate adjoining modular enclosure components are detachably connected to one another and each is fitted with a connection leading to measuring nozzle. A first enclosure end cover can be connected to a pressure supply unit and a second enclosure end cover is located at a distance from the first enclosure end cover. The first enclosure end cover, the modular enclosure components that adjoin the first enclosure end cover, and the second enclosure end cover that adjoins the modular enclosure components form the overall enclosure 68.

Abstract: Factories (102-104) have host computers (107) for monitoring industrial equipments (106). Each host computer (107) is connected to a management host computer (108) on a vendor (101) side through the internet (105). The host computer (107) on the factory side detects occurrence of a trouble of the industrial equipment (106) and notifies the vendor side of status information representing a trouble state. In response to this, the host computer (108) on the vendor side notifies the factory side of response information representing a countermeasure against the trouble state.

Abstract: Factories (102-104) have host computers (107) for monitoring industrial equipments (106). Each host computer (107) is connected to a management host computer (108) on a vendor (101) side through the internet (105). The host computer (107) on the factory side detects occurrence of a trouble of the industrial equipment (106) and notifies the vendor side of status information representing a trouble state. In response to this, the host computer (108) on the vendor side notifies the factory side of response information representing a countermeasure against the trouble state.

Abstract: The device is meant to move the solar protection means from a first position, among at least two predetermined positions, toward a second position to adapt to a variation in sunshine. It comprises a logic (6) which breaks down movement from the first to the second position into a minimum of two steps separated by a time interval (T1). A command (STOP) activated by a user during said interval (T1) activates the following step and reduces the interval by a fraction. The activation of an order after the interval (T1) and during the operation of the following step increases the interval (T1) by a fraction. The control device is in this way capable of adapting to the behavior of the user.

Abstract: A method of testing an actuation system for positioning an actuator, the actuation system including a primary electronic system, a secondary hydro-mechanical system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring the actual position of the actuation device as set by the primary electronic system; measuring the system inputs and computing an ideal actuator position based thereon; determining the difference between the actual actuator position and the ideal position. The difference is then compared to a first threshold value which represents a disturbance beyond which the system cannot safely operate. Control is transferred from the primary control to the secondary control if the difference exceeds the first threshold. If the difference is less than the first threshold, the difference is compared to a second threshold value which represents an operating condition that can be tolerated for a period of time.

Abstract: An interface apparatus for use with a computer system. The apparatus in the preferred embodiment having three concentric annular rings. The outer most of which is a solid ring, the two inner rings each being segmented into for equal arcs, which arcs form four pairs of two buttons each. The interface also has at its center two buttons. The interface is used to position an object for imaging and also to manipulate and position the image of an object for comparison and analysis. The two center buttons and the outside annular ring are used to generate signals to rotate an object or the image of the object in a common reference frame. The four pairs of arcs of the two inner concentric rings are used to generate signals for translational motion of the object or the image of the object. The four pairs of arcs being positioned to move the object or the image of the object in one of four perpendicular directions within the common reference frame.

Abstract: A robot system wherein the CPU 102 detects that the posture of the system main body has been shifted from the normal posture into an abnormal posture on the basis of the acceleration information obtained as detection output of the acceleration sensor 41. Then, the body restores the normal posture by a playback technique for controlling various drivers 3D through 7D, using route planning data stored in advance in the memory 101 or restoring the normal posture from a falling posture.

Abstract: The control unit sets up the center and an insensitive zone of a zoom seesaw switch provided in a drive unit of an ENG lens by an electrical processing. The control unit is capable of dispensing with a mechanical adjustment of the center and the insensitive zone of the zoom seesaw switch in assembling the product, and the assembly of the product is thus simplified. On turning on a center setting switch while the zoom seesaw switch is released from the operation, an operational position of the zoom seesaw switch at that time is accurately set as the center that brings the moving rapidity of the zoom lens to zero. On setting an insensitive zone size by an insensitive zone setup device, the moving rapidity of the zoom lens becomes zero whenever the operational position of the zoom seesaw switch is within the insensitive zone. Any of these settings is carried out by a processing of a CPU.

Abstract: A machine tool is controlled through a process incorporating the steps of (1) measuring geometric and thermal errors with accurate instruments, (2) creating a global differential wet model of machine tool position, and (3) using this model to control real time compensation of machine tool operation. A controller modifies encoder-type position feedback signals used by the machine to compensate for geometric and thermal errors in the manner dictated by the global differential wet model.

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: A computer-controlled method for automatically positioning a guide for a biopsy needle for its proper insertion into the body of a patient from a selected point on a surface of the body, so as to enter in a straight line passing through a designated target region within the body, in conjunction with an imaging system utilizing radiation from first and second source positions for deriving first and second radiographic images.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are specified for alignment of the shaft W1 of a rotating machine M1 in a predetermined nominal position by moving the machine M1 on the base, as well as an apparatus for carrying out the method. The instantaneous position of the shaft W1 is detected in a known manner by a sensor device 7, which provides electrical position signals corresponding to the difference between the instantaneous position of the shaft W1 and the shaft nominal position. These position signals, the known relative position of the mounting points 6 of the machine M1 on the base with respect to the predetermined reference points on this base, and other geometric measurement data are used by a computer to calculate correction values for position corrections to be made at the individual mounting points 6 of the machine M1, and these correction values are brought to the attention of the alignment technician 4, for the magnitude and direction for each mounting point 6.

Abstract: Method and system for checking and verifying the positions of components on an object such as a circuit board using a probe apparatus. A component of the object, positioned at a particular location on the object, is selected by the user using the probe apparatus. Reference information about a correct component positioned at the location of the selected component is displayed or otherwise provided, and the displayed reference information is compared with the selected component to determine if the selected component is of the correct type and value. Preferably, the selecting is accomplished by moving a probe tip of the probe apparatus within a predetermined distance of the selected component and activating a control, such as a button. The user can initiate a verify signal or a failure signal depending on whether the selected component matches the reference information.