45829 results about "Automation" patented technology

To test the functionality of a computer system, automated testing may use an automation testing tool that emulates user interactions. A database may store words each having a colloquial meaning that is understood by a general population. For each of these words, the database may store associated computer instructions that can be executed to cause a computer to perform the function that is related to the meaning of the word. During testing, a word may be received having a colloquial meaning that is understood by a general population. The database may be queried for the received word and the set of computer instructions may be returned by the database. The automated testing tool may then perform the function returned to the colloquial meaning of the word. The words stored in the database may be in English or another language.

The improved building automation system of the present invention is modular in the extreme. This diminishes the amount of custom programming required in order to affect control of a particular building. It allows for a relatively open architecture which can accommodate a variety of unique control applications which are scripted for a particular building. By modularizing many of the common processes utilized in the automation system, the custom programming required to control any particular building is minimized. This modularity in design allows for uniform and coordinated control over a plurality of automation subsystems which may be incompatible with one another at the device or machine level, but which can be controlled utilizing a relatively small and uniform set of "interprocess control commands" which define an interprocess control protocol which is utilized in relatively high level scripts and control applications which may be written for a particular building.

The present invention presents embodiments of methods, systems, and computer-readable media for the retrieval, mining, filtering and visualization of information stored on a plural of computers connected to the Internet and on a local computer. Embodiments of this invention generate a conceptual search query using a description provided by a user, perform user selectable conceptual filtering of search results, concept following and link following to expand search results, search for files that may or may not contain certain information, rank concepts contained in search results or one or more files, compute relevancy rank of a file in search results, use conceptual path maps to display logic or statistical relationships among search results, monitor changes in information in a search or a file, and protect files or searches based on information contents.

The present invention is directed to security systems and methods for mobile network-based data environments. The present invention provides an integration of security, mobile computing, wireless and IT infrastructure management technology, to create a new level of automation and enforcement to enable the transparent application of mobile security across an enterprise, while embracing end user “transparency” and “ease of use” and empowering IT administration.

This application describes completely in many unique ways and detail all the devices to reduce a vehicle's speed and/or reduce a machines RPM's and/or stop any piece of equipment's as well as guide it if mobile through automated controls. First to slow it down, and guide it and/or control it if necessary (i.e., other pieces of equipment). Secondly it discusses how to stop any piece of equipment completely. And thirdly, the invention secures it in a safe stationary position either entirely or any number of specific moving parts. Many of these systems are initially here described to slow, reduce speed, steer, stop and/or secure equipment functions. However, they also can be used to increase a piece of equipment's functions. In other words their variations are completely capable to serve any remote or automated controls on a vehicle in the future to provide full robotics systems, e.g., for automated transportation systems, automated manufacturing, etc., either through individually isolated remote control systems and/or interfaced with other off-board systems through communication links, gateway computers, computer networks and the world wide web for inexpensive long distance monitoring and remote control. The invention focuses on the automobile industry but as has always been maintained throughout all these applications these devices and systems are designed to control every piece of equipment. The invention includes various accountable protocols and commercial developments to control speed, brake and steering for an automobile shut down to be performed through automation to a safe controlled secured deactivated state to be considered as a basis for a standard in aggressive vehicle remote control and/or to control and guide a vehicle and/or piece of equipment through many different automated systems.

Novel methods, components, and systems that enhance traditional techniques for detecting malicious software are presented. More specifically, methods, components, and systems that use important contextual information from a client system (such as recent history of events on that system), machine learning techniques, the automated deployment of generic signatures, and combinations thereof, to detect malicious software. The disclosed invention provides a significant improvement with regard to automation compared to previous approaches.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing the flow of semiconductor wafers through a furnace tool having a front-opening unified pod (FOUP) material handling system. The invention provides for an automated control flow to realize greater efficiency and assure process quality. In one aspect of the invention the wafer batch completing its operation is discharged simultaneous with the charging of the next batch. Essentially the operation takes place by overlapping processing operations. An embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising the steps of: providing a first batch of semiconductor material, and loading the first batch into a carrier which transports the first batch into a semiconductor manufacturing process, and while the first batch undergoes the process, forming a second batch of semiconductor material, and pausing a second batch process operation until the first batch completes processing, to reduce the idle time of said process.

A system for substantially automating transcription services for multiple voice users including a manual transcription station, a speech recognition program and a routing program. The system establishes a profile for each of the voice users containing a training status which is selected from the group of enrollment, training, automated and stop automation. When the system receives a voice dictation file from a current voice user based on the training status the system routes the voice dictation file to a manual transcription station and the speech recognition program. A human transcriptionist creates transcribed files for each received voice dictation files. The speech recognition program automatically creates a written text for each received voice dictation file if the training status of the current user is training or automated. A verbatim file is manually established if the training status of the current user is enrollment or training and the speech recognition program is trained with an acoustic model for the current user using the verbatim file and the voice dictation file if the training status of the current user is enrollment or training. The transcribed file is returned to the current user if the training status of the current user is enrollment or training or the written text is returned if the training status of the current user is automated. An apparatus and method is also disclosed for simplifying the manual establishment of the verbatim file. A method for substantially automating transcription services is also disclosed.

A system and method of home entertainment, security, surveillance, and automation control includes a plurality of remote devices, a display device, and various user input devices capable of receiving a home user's commands. The system further includes a main control unit capable of controlling and programming the system, and a communication link capable of transferring various data and control signals between the main unit and the plurality of remote devices. The home user's command enables to select the remote devices, to transmit various automation control signals, and to establish exchanges of various data between the main control unit and at least one of the plurality of remote devices. Finally, the communication link between the main control unit and the remote devices includes power line communication network over existing home AC power line. The home user is also able to control and communicate with the system at remote location over the Internet.

A home control and automation system and method. The system generally includes one or more wireless remote controls, a plurality of appliances (including network enabled appliances and traditional legacy appliances in the exemplary system), associated control centric devices, and associated content centric devices. Various methods for control and operation of appliances in the networked home control and automation environment are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed which enable advanced home control features such as location based control setup and operation, network enabled legacy appliances and system integration, save and recall capabilities for appliance and media states, generic command based appliance controls, dynamic/complex macro command generation, and Internet based control capabilities from remote locations are disclosed in conjunction with the system of the current invention.

A transaction automation and archival system is provided for controlling, real-time logging, and archiving complex commercial transactions such as the purchase and financing of an automobile. The heart of the system is an electronic contract disclosure unit, or ECDU. The ECDU includes a digitizing display that includes a video display for imaging to participants the various documents involved in the transaction and a digitizer for allowing participants to sign, indicate choices, and otherwise interact directly on documents and images presented on the display. A computer controls the entire progress of the transaction, and thus controls the collaborative space occupied by the participants to the transaction. The computer, for instance, controls the order of presentation of documents to a vehicle purchaser, receives the purchaser's signature on the displayed documents when required, offers choices of various packages that can be accepted or declined by the purchaser, and insures that the entire transaction is carried out properly. The ECDU further logs the transaction for future review and preferably includes a video camera and microphone for logging images and sounds of the participants during the transaction. One or more fingerprint readers are associated with the digitizing display for allowing participants to select between options by pressing their thumb or finger on the reader, which simultaneously verifies the identity of the individual making the selection through the fingerprint.

A method to systematically analyze a next generation telecommunications network to result in creating a provisioning plan for provisioning the network to provide services for one or more subscribers. In one specific embodiment, the method involves creating and storing information that represents a logical decomposition of the next generation network into a plurality of discrete functional areas. The information representing the functional areas is analyzed to identify one or more provisioning requirements for each of the functional areas. One or more provisioning procedures are determined, and one or more required provisioning tools are identified for each of the functional areas, based on the provisioning requirements. A sequence of execution of the procedures and tools is created and stored as a provisioning plan.

An security system for an enterprise network and data automates the revision, deployment, enforcement, auditing and control of security policies on mobile devices connected to said enterprise network, through automated communication between a security policy server and the mobile device. Control of the security system is centralized through administrative control of security policies stored on the security policy server. Automation of deployment of security policies to mobile devices occurs through transparent background communication and transfer of updated policies either triggered by a change in a security policy within the central repository of security policies or upon the expiration of a certain time period during which no policies were downloaded to the mobile device. When the mobile device is not in compliance with a security policy, a software security agent operating thereon limits access to said enterprise network and enterprise data. To aid in preventing the overwhelming of the enterprise network and the security policy server as a result of to many synchronization communications coming from too many mobile devices, a randomized timer is set by the software security agent upon receipt by the mobile device of a synchronization command from the security policy server.

A system for providing communications with a plurality of power distribution equipment via a broadband over power line communication system that provides broadband internet access to a plurality of consumers is provided. In one embodiment, the system may include a computer system having executable program code executable to generate control messages for controlling the plurality of power distribution automation equipment and a plurality of interface devices, wherein each interface device is communicatively coupled to one or more of the plurality of power distribution equipment. The computer system may be configured to transmit control messages to the plurality of power distribution equipment via a communication path that includes the broadband over power line communication system and the plurality of interface devices.

A method and apparatus for switching AC appliances and lights of residences and other automation systems through SPDT or DPDT relays connected in electrical circuit with SPDT or DPDT switch including a current sensor and/or a status sensor. The operating key of the relay and the key lever of the electric switch can each be used for operating a dedicated appliance or light, a group of appliance and lights and all appliance and/or lights including scenarios setup via the many well known two way, three way or four way light switches, by operating the switch lever or key in multi steps. The SPDT or DPDT relays are operated via RF, IR and fiber optic communicating two way signal for operating the lights and reporting statuses.

A single platform for controller functionality for each of security, monitoring and automation, as well as providing a capacity to function as a bidirectional Internet gateway, is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a configurable architecture that enables a user to adapt the system for the user's specific needs. Embodiments of the present invention further provide for remote access to the configurable controller, thereby providing for remote monitoring of the state of a dwelling and for remote control of home automation.

A workspace security system having processors, sensors, and actuators for local and remote monitoring, control, and automation of physical and environmental security, safety, efficiency, and productivity. The system includes passive and active access authentication devices and active or passive unlocking and lockdown of office furniture components, work sites, and facilities. The system may include multilevel authentication credentials, automatic lockdown of office furniture and other components based on the proximity of credentials, and video or other imaging systems to detect and record motion.

A software application for enabling creation and execution of an automated browser navigation sequence is provided. The software application comprises a session recording module for recording parameters associated with a manual navigation sequence, a file creation module for converting data of a manual session into data comprising an executable sequence of instructions for conducting an automated navigation sequence, and an application-program-interface module for integrating a functional capability with the automated navigation sequence. The automated navigation sequence is characterized in that a completely automated browser-navigation sequence performed by the browser application is enabled through execution of the executable instruction sequence created from the recorded parameters of the manual navigation sequence.

A method is disclosed which enables travelers to discover other travelers with similar and compatible travel plans, for purposes of contacting them and negotiating shared travel agreements. Travel plans are characterized quantitatively, enabling numerical measurement of the match between a pair of plans. Dependence upon similarity of place names is eliminated. The temporal difference between plans is converted to an equivalent distance difference and summed with the origin and destination differences to yield a single number ranking the match. Plans are ordered by this ranking against a search specification. The method is more compatible than the prior art with computer automation, and is accessible via the Internet.

A system, method and computer program product for processing utility data of a power grid is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a datamart comprised of a plurality of physical databases storing utility data, a plurality of applications comprising an automated meter application configured to process power usage data from a plurality of automated meters, a power outage application configured to identify a location of a power outage, and a power restoration application configured to identify a location of a power restoration. The system may include an analysis engine comprising a plurality of analysis objects with each analysis object configured to process data to provide a specific analysis, wherein said analysis engine is accessible via one or more of the plurality of applications, and the system may include a report module configured to receive an output from the analysis engine and to output a report. The plurality of applications may also include a fault analysis application, a transformer analysis application, a theft detection application, a power flow application, a substation automation application, a load shed application and others.

Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display. The intuitive GUI Software provides the user the ability to easily manage and assemble a series of images, animations and transitions as a single broadcast quality program to be displayed on a remote display device. Another application software system is capable of automating the production of audio narration reports. The disclosed audio concatenation engine automates the creation of audio narration using prerecorded audio segments to minimize the requirement for live, on-air personnel to record audio narration segments.

A single platform for controller functionality for each of security, monitoring and automation, as well as providing a capacity to function as a bidirectional Internet gateway, is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a configurable architecture that enables a user to adapt the system for the user's specific needs. Embodiments of the present invention further provide such functionality by providing for installation of removable, modular communication adapters for communication with a variety of devices external to the security, monitoring and automation controller.

An access portal is provided for establishing communication between an environmental management system used on a premises and an authorized responder equipped with an external access device. In some cases a remote host server is provided for obtaining information from the environmental management system, which in turn can transmit the information to the external access device. The access portal includes a first electronic memory segment configured to store access information associated with at least one authorized responder and a second electronic memory segment configured to store information pertaining to the premises and/or at least one occupant residing in the premises. The access portal also includes a processor for identifying a responder as an authorized responder by comparing identifying information received from the responder through the external access device with the access information stored in the first electronic memory segment. A wireless transceiver is provided for (i) receiving the identifying information and requests from the responder and, (ii) in response to a request, transmitting the premises information stored in the second electronic memory segment and status information obtained from at least one sensor in the environmental management system to an authorized responder.

Through the use of a persistent connection between security, monitoring and automation controller devices and provider supported servers in an operator domain, recordation of sensor fault events, SMA controller events, and communication events is provided. Servers in the operator domain can record events and provide a filtered log of events surrounding an alarm event or other selected timeframe.

The subject innovation provides for systems and methods to optimize control systems for networked industrial sensors or devices and methods for self sensing, communicating with, monitoring of, controlling and optimizing utilization of networked industrial sensors and related control systems primarily in an industrial automation environment. The invention provides self-sensing and communication with sensors, and integration of control methods and strategies with decision support and logistics systems, to optimize specifically defined operational and performance objectives.

A method and system is provided for automating management of document data in a document management system. The document data management automation system suitably permits document management system users to create and define rules for automated management of document data in the document management system. The rules are suitably created by selecting from a variety of criteria permit users to automate tasks that are performed on document data which is preferably received by the document management system.

A configurable operator panel that uses a tactile sensor with electrically conductive elastomer and appropriate electronics is disclosed herein. The device relies on a robust and inexpensive tactile sensor that senses the touch position (and may or may not sense touch pressure as well). The physical interface is easily configurable along with the electronics, which execute the desired function based on touch location and pressure. The configurable operator panel is designed to communicate with most industrial automation equipment, including but not limited to, motion control equipment, programmable logic controllers (PLC), personal computers, and can be made to control other types of machines requiring external analog or digital input.

A multi-level automation control architecture, methods, and systems are disclosed, which provide enhanced scalability, functionality, and cost effectiveness for energy, access, and control. The systems include various combinations of automation controllers, remote controllers and peripheral devices that are used to provide monitoring and control functionality over the various systems in a structure, such as HVAC, water, lighting, etc. In various embodiments, the automation controller and various peripheral devices are implemented to provide an integrated energy management system for the structure. The system allows the user to manage energy based on the day, time, the presence of people, and the availability of natural lighting and heating, as well as prioritize and participate in demand-response program. The system can be implemented using a remote controller and expanded through the addition of automation controllers, remote controllers, and peripheral devices to enable the system to be tailored to specific user requirements.

A single platform for controller functionality for each of security, monitoring and automation, as well as providing a capacity to function as a bidirectional Internet gateway, is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a configurable architecture that enables a user to adapt the system for the user's specific needs. Such configurability includes associating selected audio event tones with selected events associated with sensors and zones coupled to the system.

A rules-based software architecture that provides the infrastructure for the definition and execution of end-user rules logic. This enables end-user automation of data in a unified storage platform using simple IF-THEN rules. The architecture includes a monitoring component that tracks items associated with the data, and a rules component interfaces to the rules component, and employs metadata associated with the tracked items to provide for automated handling of a subset of the items. The system further provides for defining virtual collections and items in the system using content based logic. The system further comprises one or more trigger components that sets items and collections of items dynamically active as a function of trigger logic. Additional components can include a constraint component for imposing constraint logic on items, and a decision component that supports enabling application customization logic at decision points.