Abstract:
A method for monitoring the functioning of a control unit for the activation of output stages, for example, in a motor vehicle, is provided. The control unit includes a main computing element having at least one microprocessor, and at least one auxiliary computing element having at least one microprocessor. The main computing element and the at least one auxiliary computing element may access a common memory element. The present invention enables monitoring of the control unit that is as simple as possible but is nonetheless secure and reliable, by providing that during normal operation of the control unit, the content of a specifiable memory location of the memory element be queried by at least one of the auxiliary computing elements at presettable times, given a functioning main computing element, the content having previously been written with a presettable value by the same.
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 signalling system providing communications between a controller and a remote unit in a network element is provided. The signalling system comprises a first communication module associated with the controller, a second communication module associated with the remote unit and a communication link for the first and second communication modules. The first communication module generates a command signal and a downstream monitoring signal for the remote unit. The second communication module receives the command signal and the downstream monitoring signal and generates the status signal and the upstream monitoring signal. The communication link carries the signals. The first communication module monitors for receipt of the upstream monitoring signal and the status signal and determines status of the communication link and the remote unit utilizing results of monitoring for the receipt of the upstream monitoring signal, the status signal and the command signal.
Abstract:
A method for transmitting and receiving messages in a home appliance networking system, wherein a first home appliance connected to a network appends a unique message identification number to a header of a message and transmits the resulting message to a second home appliance connected to the network. Messages transmitted and received among a plurality of home appliances can be distinguished from one another, resulting in a reduction in message transfer errors. Moreover, as needed, a group code corresponding to a specific group of home appliances may be appended to a transmitter message for control of the specific group so that the home appliances can be conveniently and efficiently controlled at one time.
Abstract:
A motion activated, voice control communications device interactive with voice mail systems and electronic mail systems and effective as a stand-alone unit. In general, when a motion detector detects motion in the vicinity of the device, a microprocessor receives input therefrom to initiate a software command to check for messages. If messages are present, the device provides an audible report stating the number of messages waiting and provides a list of voice commands by which the user may initiate the next action, which may include review, erase or skip message or end session. The presently described communications device can be used in conjunction with voice messaging platforms or electronic messaging systems via a personal computer.
Abstract:
A system and method for implementing open-protocol remote device control are provided. A user accesses a common user interface for controlling one or more networked devices. Utilizing the interface, the user selects one or more actions. The selection is encoded in a standard protocol and transmitted to a premises server. The premises server obtains the selection, accesses a device interface database and translates the selection into a device-specific protocol. The translated instruction is transmitted to the selected device for implementation. The user interface then obtains any device return data for display on the user interface.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a wireless home automation system having a controller for controlling a broad variety of functions via two ways communication with a plurality of devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a new and flexible way of establishing a wireless network by using devices which functions as both input/output devices and repeaters. By establishing an even distribution of dual-functionality devices, the user can reach any device without use of dedicated repeater stations. The controllers and devices of the system comprises means for generating a signal comprising a destination identifier, instructions related to the input/output of the destination or source device, and a repeater identifier. The devices according to the invention are adapted to act as input/output devices and signal repeating devices in that the processors of each device comprises means for, upon reception of a signal, processing said information in its processor if the destination identifier corresponds to the device identifier of the device, and means for, upon reception of a signal, transmitting a second signal holding at least said destination identifier and said instruction if the repeater identifier corresponds to the device identifier of the device.
Abstract:
In a first aspect, a system is provided for queuing people that are to use a bathroom. The system includes (1) a controller; (2) a monitoring device coupled to the controller and adapted to monitor occupancy of a bathroom; and (3) computer program code operative with the controller. The computer code is operative with the controller so as to allow the controller to (1) receive a request to use the bathroom from a user; (2) enter the user in a bathroom queue; and (3) notify the user when the user should proceed to the bathroom.
Abstract:
A network control system is provided which includes: a network terminal; and a control terminal. The network terminal transmits to the control terminal manipulation information indicating a type of at least one manipulation component and a manipulation requesting signal corresponding to the manipulation component, receives from the control terminal the manipulation requesting signal, and performs an operation corresponding to the manipulation requesting signal upon receipt of the manipulation requesting signal from the control terminal. The control terminal includes at least one manipulation component, receives and analyzes the manipulation information from the network terminal, selects the type of the manipulation component indicated by the manipulation information, corresponds the selected manipulation component and the manipulation requesting signal indicated by the manipulation information, thereby establishing a manipulation environment for controlling the network terminal, and, when the manipulation component is selectively manipulated, transmits the manipulation requesting signal to the network terminal.
Abstract:
A medical perfusion system for use in connection with the medical treatment of a patient is provided with a first type of perfusion device in the form of a blood pump adapted to pump blood through a fluid conduit connected to the patient, a second type of perfusion device in the form of a sensor adapted to sense a condition relating to the pumping of blood through the fluid conduit and to generate a sensing signal relating to the condition, and a data communications network for operatively interconnecting the perfusion devices. The perfusion system also includes means for transmitting messages in the form of digital data packets among the perfusion devices over the data communications network and a controller operatively coupled to the perfusion devices via the data communications network, the controller having an input device for accepting pump control commands relating to the blood pump from an operator.