Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMPUTER PRESENTATION AND COMMAND
INTEGRATION APPARATUS AND METHOD
BACKGROUND
1. The Field of the Invention
This invention relates to control systems and, more particularly, to novel
systems and
methods for integrated monitoring and control of multiple subsystems.
2. The Background Art
l0 The proliferation of computers, control systems, and other electronic
devices has
created an increasingly difficult problem for the human operators and users
that must monitor
and control them. In many operations and control centers, a user must monitor
and control
three, four, or more separate systems in order to perform designated
responsibilities. Operator
work areas having multiple visual display terminals, keyboards, pointing
devices, etc. are
l5 common.
In many situations, this problem is exacerbated when the various systems being
monitored and controlled employ different operating systems and use different
visual display
devices. Often the most important systems in an operations center or control
room are older
systems that cannot easily be modified or integrated with newer systems.
Accordingly, the
~0 information of greatest importance to a user is often distributed across a
variety of display
devices.
Currently, there are devices such as keyboard, video, and mouse switches
(KVMs) that
allow a user to switch between multiple computer systems, while using a single
workstation.
These devices have significant limitations. For example, they typically allow
the user to view
ZS and control only one system at a time.
Display integrators have also been developed. Typically, display integrators
combine
multiple images, thereby allowing a user to monitor the output of multiple
systems from a
single display device. However, display integrators neither reduce the number
of control input
devices nor permit redirection of command inputs. They merely aggregate
display images.
30 Currently, personal computers and televisions may monitor and control one
or more
systems by displaying images from the connected systems and redirecting
control from a
keyboard and pointer. These devices, however, also have significant
limitations. For
example, they are limited in their ability to work in real time with multiple
diverse systems.
Furthermore, they do not allow the user to customize the display image by
sizing and
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positioning the various display elements at will. Moreover, they do not
support the creation
of arbitrarily selected subwindows or the saving and reuse of information
layout.
What is needed is a system that gives a user the power to integrate the
monitoring and
control of various disparate systems (subsystems). Additionally, what is
needed is a system
that gives a user the power to customize the display image produced on the
display of a
workstation to meet individual needs, facilitate one's work, and accommodate
one's own
preferences.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and
broadly
described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of
the present
invention as including a system providing integrated monitoring and control of
one or more
subsystems. A system providing integrated control may be any arrangement where
a user
issues commands to, and receives monitoring display information from, multiple
subsystems.
In selected embodiments, such a system may include an integrator interfacing
between a
workstation and multiple subsystems.
In certain applications, a subsystem may output a display signal in a
particular form
(e.g. interface standard). Similarly, that subsystem may receive commands in a
particular form.
The display signals and commands of another subsystem may be incompatible with
those of
the first subsystem. In such applications, an integrator in accordance with
the present invention
may function as a translator between a workstation and the otherwise
incompatible subsystems.
In selected embodiments, an integrator may translate the display signals,
received from
the subsystems in various, physically disparate forms, into a common form.
Once in a
common form, the display signals may be integrated into a composite display
signal. The
composite display signal may be passed from the integrator to the display of a
workstation.
Similarly, an integrator may translate the commands received from the various
input devices
of a workstation into commands that may be understood by the various
subsystems to which
the commands are directed.
In certain embodiments, an integrator may include a display processor and a
command
processor. The display processor may receive the various display signals from
the connected
subsystems, generate a composite display signal defining various windows, and
transmit the
composite display signal to the display of the workstation. In some
embodiments, each
incoming display signal may be assigned to at least one window defined by the
composite
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display signal. In other embodiments, only selected incoming display signals
or portions of
incoming display signals may each be assigned a window.
The command processor may direct commands received from one or more input
devices of the workstation to their appropriate destinations. Appropriate
destinations may
include the integrator itself, a neighboring integrator, one or more of the
connected subsystems,
or the like. If necessary, a command processor may translate commands before
directing them
to their destination.
In selected embodiments, a command processor may communicate selected
commands,
received from a workstation, to the display processor. For example, a command
processor may
pass a command to the display processor for implementing commands directed to
opening,
closing, sizing, positioning, or the like. Accordingly, a command processor
may provide the
mechanism through which a user selects, sizes, positions, or otherwise
manipulates the
windows presenting real-time visual feedback from multiple subsystems. In
certain
embodiments, a command processor may support the saving and recalling of
various display
layouts comprising arrangements of windows that the user has created and found
to be useful.
In certain embodiments, a command processor may be configured to receive,
store, and
enforce access limitations corresponding to a user. An access limitation may
be any restriction
on what commands are forwarded by the command processor to the intended
destination. For
example, in selected situations, it may be desirable to limit which users are
able to control
selected critical functions of a subsystem. Accordingly, an access limitation
may indicate that
if a particular user issues a command affecting a critical function of a
subsystem 12, that
command is to be ignored and not forwarded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully
apparent from
the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of
the invention
and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention
will be described
with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying
drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system in accordance with the
present
invention comprising an integrator interfacing between a workstation and
multiple subsystems;
Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an integrator in
accordance
with the present invention;
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Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a display processor
from
an integrator in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 4 is a partial schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a display
processor
equipped with an addressed buffer in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 5 is a partial schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a display
processor
in accordance with the present invention providing a composite display signal
to multiple
workstation displays;
Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a command processor
from
an integrator in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a system in accordance with the
present
invention comprising a first integrator interfacing between a first
workstation and first multiple
subsystems, a second integrator interfacing between a second workstation and
second multiple
subsystems, and a data link connecting the first integrator to the second
integrator;
Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a method for
operating
a command processor in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of a method for
creating
display layouts in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a display layout in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot showing one embodiment
of a
display layout produced in accordance with the present invention to include a
tool bar and
various "thumbnail" windows;
Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot showing an alternative
embodiment of a display layout produced in accordance with the present
invention to include
a tool bar, various thumbnail windows, and a subwindow corresponding to one of
the
thumbnail windows; and
Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a screen shot showing another
alternative
embodiment of a display layout produced in accordance with the present
invention to include
a tool bar, various thumbnail windows, a full window corresponding to one of
the thumbnail
windows, and a virtual control panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS
It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as
generally
described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and
designed in a wide
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variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of the
embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented
in the
drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but
is merely
representative of the various embodiments of the invention. The invention will
be best
understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by
like numerals
throughout.
Referring to Figure 1, selected embodiments in accordance with the present
invention
may include a system 10 providing integrated control over one or more
subsystems 12.
Control may be defined in terms of a control loop. A control loop may include
two flows of
information. Information flowing out may be referred to as a command.
Information flowing
in may be referred to as feedback. Feedback allows the user or system issuing
a command to
verify that the command was properly received, understood, and implemented by
the system
or subsystem being controlled. Accordingly, control may be defined as a
process where in
commands are issued and verification feedback is received.
A system 10 providing integrated control may be any arrangement where a user,
workstation, or the like is empowered with hardware, software, or some
combination thereof
permitting the issuance of commands to, and the reception of feedback from,
multiple
subsystems 12 through a convenient and compact interface. In selected
embodiments in
accordance with the present invention, a system 10 providing integrated
control (i. e. an
Integrated Control System or ICS) may include an integrator 14 interfacing
between a
workstation 16 and multiple subsystems 12.
In certain applications, one or more subsystems 12 may be designed with a
particular
control system in mind. In such applications, a subsystem 12a may output
feedback (e.g.
display signal 18a) in a particular form that may be analogized to a.
particular language.
Similarly, that subsystem 12a may receive commands (e.g. key commands 20a) in
a particular
form that may also be analogized to a particular language. Depending on the
application, the
display signals 18b and key commands 20b of a second subsystem 12b may be in
different
languages or otherwise incompatible with those of the first subsystem 12a. In
such
applications, the subsystems 12a, 12b may be considered physically disparate
or may be said
to communicate through display signals 18a, 18b and key commands 20a, 20b that
are
physically disparate in form.
Physically disparate subsystems 12 are often the result of advances in
technology. For
example, a first subsystem 12a may have been designed and built when displays
of a particular
kind where considered standard. Accordingly, the first subsystem 12a may have
been designed
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to output display signals 18a in a form understood by such displays. However,
as technology
advanced, new display technology may have been developed. A second subsystem
12b,
developed in more recent times, may be designed to output display signals 18b
in a form
understood by the new displays. Thus, the display signals 18a of the first
subsystem 12a may
be incompatible with the display signals 18b of the second subsystem 12b.
In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, an integrator 14 in accordance with
the
present invention is connected to three representative subsystems 12a, 12b,
12c. In other
embodiments, a greater or lesser number of subsystems 12 of various input and
output forms
or languages may be connected to an integrator 14. Accordingly, the following
more detailed
description of Figure 1 is not intended to limit the scope of the invention,
but is merely
representative of selected subsystems 12 to which integrated control in
accordance with the
present invention may be applied.
A first subsystem 12a provides an example of an older computer system using
DOS
(i.e. an operating system used on IBM personal computers and compatible
machines) to run
applications. The first subsystem 12a may be designed to output a display
signal 18a
compatible with a monochrome display. However, rather than sending the display
signal 18a
to a monochrome display, the first subsystem 12a may send the display signal
18a to an
integrator 14. Similarly, rather than receiving key commands 20a directly from
a keyboard,
the first subsystem 12a may receive key commands 20a from the integrator 14.
A second subsystem 12b provides an example of a more advanced computer system
designed to interface with a keyboard, pointing device (e.g. a "mouse"), and a
color, higher
resolution display. Rather than sending the display signal 18b in RGB form to
a color, higher-
resolution display, the second subsystem 12b may send the display signal 18b
to the integrator
14. Similarly, rather than receiving key commands 20b and pointer commands 22
directly
from a keyboard or mouse, the second subsystem 12b may receive key commands
20b and
pointer commands 22 from the integrator 14.
A third subsystem 12c provides an example of a customized subsystem. Such a
subsystem 12c may include a first serial communication port for outputting a
display signal 18c
in the form of ASCII characters to a character terminal. Rather than sending
the display signal
18c to a character terminal, the third subsystem 12c may send the display
signal 18c to the
integrator 14. The first serial port, or a second serial port or other type of
interface, may be
connected to the integrator 14 to facilitate communication of control commands
24.
In addition to the monochrome, RGB, and ASCII display signals 18 discussed
hereinabove, other suitable display signals 18 that may be received and
processed by an
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integrator in accordance with the present invention may include any variety of
component,
composite, or compressed signal, whether digital or analog (e.g. YCbCr, YPbPr,
NTSC, PAL,
S-Video, MPEG, JPEG, or the like). In selected embodiments, display signals 18
may
encompass more than just images. For example, any voltage, current, contact
condition,
encoded digital signal, value corresponding to a state of a component, and the
like may be used
to control any type of display device or indicator device and may be
considered a display
signal.
In selected embodiments, an integrator 14 may function as a translator between
a
workstation 16 and the subsystems 12. An integrator 14 may translate the
display signals 18,
received from the subsystems 12 in various, physically disparate forms, into a
common form.
Once in a common form, the display signals 18 may be integrated into a
composite display
signal 26 that may be passed from the integrator 14 to a display 28 of a
workstation 16. A
workstation 16 in accordance with the present invention may include any
combination of
displays 28. If desired, one or more of the displays 28 utilized in a
workstation 16 may be a
high-resolution display.
A workstation 16 in accordance with the present invention may also include any
combination of input devices 30. Suitable input devices 30 may include control
panels,
keyboards, pointers or cursor-control devices, or the like. In the illustrated
embodiment, a
workstation 16 includes three input devices 30 (i.e. a keyboard 30a, pointer
30b, and custom
control panel 30c). The keyboard 30a may communicate key commands 32 to an
integrator
14. The pointer 30b may communicate pointer commands 34 to an integrator 14.
The custom
control panel 30c may communicate serial, parallel, or other types of commands
36 to an
integrator 14. An integrator 14 may translate the commands 32, 34, 36 received
from the
various input devices 30 into commands 20, 22, 24 that may be understood by
the various
subsystems 12 to which the commands 32, 34, 36 are directed.
Referring to Figure 2, an integrator 14 in accordance with the present
invention may
include a display processor 38 and a command processor 40. A display processor
38 may
receive display signals 18 from the connected subsystems 12, translate (if
necessary) the
display signals 18 to a common or compatible form, and generate a composite
display signal
26. A command processor 40 may receive commands 32, 34, 36 from a workstation,
translate
(if necessary) the commands 32, 34, 36 into commands 20, 22, 24 understood by
the various
subsystems 12 to which the commands 32, 34, 36 are directed, and forward the
commands 20,
22, 24 to the appropriate subsystems 12.
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In selected embodiments, a command processor 40 may communicate selected
commands, received from a workstation 16, to the display processor 38. For
example, a
command processor 40 may pass commands directed to image opening, closing,
sizing,
positioning, or the like to the display processor 38 for implementation.
Accordingly, an
integrator 14 in accordance with the present invention may provide the
mechanism through
which a user may select, size, position, and otherwise manipulate real-time
visual feedback
from multiple subsystems 12.
If desired, an integrator 14 in accordance with the present invention may
include a data
link 41. In certain embodiments, a data link 41 may connect a command
processor 40 of one
integrator 14 to the command processor 40 of another integrator 14.
Accordingly one
integrator 14 may exert control over another integrator 14. Additionally, a
data link 41 may
allow an integrator 14 to be controlled by an external data processing system.
In one
embodiment, such a data link 41 may comprise an IEEE 802.3 network interface.
Referring to Figure 3, a display processor 38 in accordance with the present
invention
may include various interface modules 42. One interface module 42 may service
each
incoming display signal 18. In selected embodiments, an interface module 42
may function
as an emulator, providing the mechanical and electrical requirements normally
presented by
the display to which the display signal 18 is sent. For example, an interface
module 42 may
provide the mechanical attachment, voltage, impedance, or the like that would
normally be
provided by the display device.
After passing through an interface module 42, a display signal 18 may enter an
image
structure converter 44. An image structure converter 44 may convert the
display signal 18 to
a common image structure. In embodiments where an incoming display signal l8
is already
in the common image structure, it may be passed through without alteration:
Any suitable
structure may suffice for a common image structure. In one embodiment, an
image structure
converter may convert all incoming display signals 18 to an RGB structure of
some
predetermined resolution, for example.
In general, an image structure converter 44 may apply any process necessary to
effectuate a conversion. For example, in certain embodiments, an image
structure converter
44 may apply an eight-bit, linear-RGB, progressive scan. In embodiments where
the display
signal 18 is interlaced, monochrome analog, the image structure converter 44
may de-interlace
the display signal 18 and convert the luminance information into the common
image structure.
In embodiments where the display signal 18 comprises serial ASCII characters,
the image
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structure converter may create a virtual image of a character terminal based
on the incoming
display signal 18, then transform the virtual image into the common image
structure.
Display signals 18 of common image structure may be passed to frame rate
converters
46. A frame rate converter 46 may convert each incoming display signal 18 to a
common
frame rate. A common frame rate may be any suitable value. In one embodiment,
a frame rate
converter may convert all incoming display signals 18 to seventy progressive
frames per
second. If desired or necessary, a display processor 38 may include a clock 48
operably
connected to support the operation of the frame rate converter 46.
Display signals 18 of common image structure and frame rate may be passed to
image
resizers 50. An image resizer 50 may manipulate incoming display signals 18 to
permit
multiple display signals 18 to be included within the composite display signal
26. For
example, a display 28 of a workstation 16 may have a limited number of pixels.
For illustrative
purposes, it may be assumed that a display 28 is limited to 1600 x 1200
pixels. A user may
desire a window of 640 x 480 pixels on the display 28 to present a display
signal originally
sized for a display of 800 x 600 pixels. In such a situation, an image resizer
50 may
"down-convert" the display signal 18 by one and one quarter times its
original, linear
pixelation.
Again for illustrative purposes, one may assume that a user desires to create
another
window of 480 x 360 pixels on the display to present a display signal 18
originally sized for
a display of 320 x 240 pixels. In such a situation, an image resizer 50 may
"up-convert" the
display signal 18 by one and one half. In certain embodiments, a display
signal 18 may be
up-converted or down-converted by a factor of up to eight.
In selected embodiments, an image resizer 50 may up-convert or down-convert
display
signals 18 according to commands received from an image controller 52. In
certain
embodiments, an image controller 52 may determine whether to resize a display
signal 18 by
comparing the size of the display signal 18 to the size of the window in which
the display
signal 18 is to be presented.
In certain embodiments, a display processor 3 8 in accordance with the present
invention
may include a graphics generator 54. A graphics generator 54 may add various
graphic
features to the composite display signal 26. For example, in selected
embodiments a graphics
generator 54 may add borders around windows, buttons, and other control icons
as well as
macros that facilitate control over the functions of an integrator 14 or any
subsystem 12
connected to the integrator 14. In certain embodiments, a graphics generator
54 may be
synchronized by a clock 48 with the processed display signals 18.
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In selected embodiments, an image controller 52 may control the various
operations and
processes of a display processor 3 8. In some embodiments, an image controller
52 may receive
commands from a command processor 40. Such commands may reflect how a user
desires to
modify the composite display signal 26 to produce a desired visual output on a
display 28 of
a workstation 16. For example, an image controller 52 may receive, from a
command
processor 40, commands with respect to the opening, closing, sizing,
positioning, and layering
of various windows defined by the composite display signal 16. An image
controller 52 may
also receive commands with respect to which image area of a particular display
signal 18 is to
be displayed within any particular window.
Under the control of an image controller 52, a multiplexes 56 may receive and
combine
the processed display signals 18 of the connected subsystems 12, graphic
features generated
by the graphics generator 54, and input, as needed, from a clock 48 to form a
composite display
signal 26. The composite display signal 26 may be forwarded by a display
driver 58 to a
display 28 of a workstation 16.
Referring to Figure 4, a display processor 38 in accordance with the present
invention
may include one or more buffers 60 as needed. For example, a buffer 60a, 60b,
60c may be
assigned to each display signal 18a, 18b, 18c as it transitions from the image
resizer 50 to the
multiplexes 56. Physically, such buffers 60a, 60b, 60c may be independent
components or
subcomponents contained within either or both of the image resizer 50 and the
multiplexes 56.
In selected embodiments, a buffer 60d may be positioned logically between the
image
controller 52 and multiplexes 56 while being positioned physically as an
independent
component or a subcomponent contained within either or both of the two.
In one embodiment, a buffer 60d between an image controller 52 and a
multiplexes 56
may be an addressed buffer 60d. A conventional buffer may provide an array or
matrix of the
same size or dimension as the display to which the display signal will be
sent. For example,
a conventional buffer for an RGB display of 1600 x 1200 pixels may comprise a
1600 x 1200
matrix with each element containing an RGB value for the corresponding pixel.
In contrast,
an addressed buffer 60d in accordance with the present invention may comprise
an array or
matrix with each element containing either pixel color information (e.g. an
RGB value) or an
address providing one element of indirection wherein pixel color information
may be found
for the corresponding pixel.
For example, an address contained within an addressed buffer 60d may direct
the
multiplexes 56 to look for the actual pixel color information in some other
buffer 60. In
selected embodiments, to facilitate the determination of whether an element
contains pixel
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color information or an address, various bits of data corresponding to each
element may
identify that element as corresponding to pixel color information or an
address. An addressed
buffer 60d in accordance with the present invention may simplify the hardware
and software
required by the display processor 38. For example, control code for the
multiplexes 56 may
be contained within the addressed buffer 60d.
Refernng to Figure 5, in selected embodiments, a workstation 16 in accordance
with
the present invention may include two or more displays 28. Multiple displays
28 may be
desirable when numerous subsystems 12 are included within the system 10 or
when some of
the subsystems 12 provide display signals 18 of comparatively higher
resolution.
In certain embodiments, multiple displays 28 may be treated as a single
logical display.
That is, a multiplexes 56 may partition the composite display image 26 into as
many portions
as there are displays 28. Each portion of the composite display signal 26 may
then be
forwarded to a corresponding display 28. For example, in one embodiment, a
multiplexes 56
may partition the composite display signal 26 into first and second portions.
The first portion
may be forwarded by a first display driver 58a to a first display 28a of a
workstation 16. The
second portion may be forwarded by a second display driver 58b to a second
display 28b of the
workstation 16.
Referring to Figure 6, in general, a command processor 40 in accordance with
the
present invention may process commands 32, 34, 36 of two varieties or types. A
first type may
include commands 32, 34, 36 intended by a user for one or more subsystems 12.
A command
32, 34, 36 to adjust the heat generated in a particular temperature zone
control by a first
subsystem 12a may be an example of a command 32, 34, 36 of the first type. A
second type
may include commands 32, 34, 36 intended by a user for the integrator 14
itself. A command
32, 34, 36 to open, close, size, position, or activate a window presented on
the display 28 of
a workstation 16 may be an example of a command 32, 34, 36 of the second type.
Commands 32, 34, 36 of either type may be entered in any .suitable manner. For
example, commands 32, 34, 36 may be entered by clicking with a pointer 30b,
dragging with
a pointer 30b, clicking and dragging with a pointer 30b, typing on a keyboard
30a, or
manipulating special function keys, knobs, switches, etc. on a keyboard 30a or
control
panel 30c or virtual buttons, knobs, dials, etc. on a screen image console.
In certain embodiments, a command processor 40 may include various interface
modules 62. One interface module 62 may service each incoming command 32, 34,
36 and
outgoing command 20, 22, 24. Similar to the interface modules 42 of a display
processor 38,
in selected embodiments, the interface modules 62 of a command processor 40
may function
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as emulators, providing the mechanical and electrical requirements normally
presented by the
corresponding systems or input devices. That is, for example, interface
modules 62 for
incoming commands 32, 34, 36 may provide the mechanical attachment, voltage,
impedance,
or the like that a system would normally provide to the input devices 30.
Similarly, interface
modules 62 for outgoing commands 20, 22, 24 may provide the mechanical
attachment,
voltage, impedance, or the like that a system would normally receive from an
input device.
In selected embodiments, a command processor 40 may include a command
controller
64. A command controller 64 may receive incoming commands 32, 34, 36 from
selected
interface modules 62 and issue commands 20, 22, 24 to others 62. In certain
embodiments, a
command controller 64 may include a CPU 66 operably connected to a memory
device 68.
The memory device 68 may include data structures in the form of executables
and operational
data. The data structures may comprise various modules. For example, in one
embodiment,
the data structures form a translation module 70, access control module 72,
topology tracking
module 74, and layout module 76.
A translation module 70 in accordance with the present invention may be
configured
to receive incoming commands 32, 34, 36 and determine the destination thereof.
If the
commands 32, 34, 36 are directed to a destination (e.g. subsystem 12, image
controller 52, etc.)
receiving inputs in a different form or language than that of the commands 32,
34, 36, the
commands 32, 34, 36 may be translated by the translation module 70 into
commands 20, 22,
24 of proper form. In selected embodiments, translation of commands 34 from a
pointer 30b
may include appropriate scaling of cursor movements. Commands 20, 22, 24 of
proper form
may be forwarded by the translation module 70 to the destination.
An access control module 72 in accordance with the present invention may be
configured to receive, store, and enforce access limitations corresponding to
any user. For
example, in selected embodiments, each user of a system 10 in accordance with
the present
invention may be required to log in with a username and password. An access
module 72 may
receive the username and apply a corresponding set of access limitations. An
access limitation
may be any restriction on what commands 32, 34, 36 are forwarded by the
integrator 14 to the
intended destination (e.g. subsystem 1~2, image controller 52, etc.).
For example, in selected situations, it may be desirable to limit which users
are able to
restart a subsystem 12. Accordingly, an access limitation may indicate that if
a particular user
directs a restart command (e.g. Control-Alt-Delete) to a subsystem 12, that
command is to be
ignored and not forwarded. In other situations, an access limitation may
prevent a particular
user from opening or closing a particular window presenting the display signal
18 of a
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particular subsystem 12. In certain embodiments, an access control module 72
may receive
access limitations for the various users from an administrator whose username
is associated
with substantially no access limitations.
In selected embodiments, an access control module 72 may control access on a
user-by-
user, or command-by-command basis. For example, each username may be coupled
or
associated with a list of prohibited (or, if more convenient, permitted)
commands.
Alternatively, an access control module 72 may control access according to a
series of access
levels. In such embodiments, each access level may be associated with selected
access
privileges. The access granted a user may be controlled by selecting the
access level assigned
to the user. For example, users assigned an access level of five may have
fewer access
limitations than users assigned an access level of three.
A topology tracking module 74 in accordance with the present invention may be
configured to maintain a current record of all subsystems 12 connected to an
integrator 14. In
selected embodiments, a topology tracking module 74 may also maintain a
current record of
the various input forms or languages used by the various subsystems 12.
Accordingly, a
topology tracking module 74 may work in cooperation with a translation module
70 to identify
how (i.e. into what forms or languages) the various commands 32, 34, 36 are to
be translated.
In certain embodiments, a topology tracking module 74 may be configured to
maintain
a current record of all subsystems 12 associated with any neighboring
integrator 14 connected
via a data link 41. Such a topology tracking module 74 may also maintain a
current record of
the various input forms or languages used by the subsystems 12 so connected.
Accordingly,
a topology tracking module 74 may facilitate translation and forwarding of
commands 32, 34,
36 and display signals 18 from one integrator 14 to another 14.
A layout module.76 in accordance with the present invention may be configured
to
support the creation, storage, and recall of various display layouts. A
display layout may be
any arrangement of windows, virtual control panels, or the like defined or
generated by the
composite display signal 26 on the display 28 of a workstation 16. In selected
embodiments,
a user may issue commands 32, 34, 36 until a desired display layout is
achieved. When
commanded, the desired display layout may be saved by the layout module 76.
Later, when
a user desires to view a saved display layout, he may issue commands 32, 34,
36 causing the
layout module 76 to retrieve or recall that particular display layout.
Referring to Figure 7, in selected embodiments, two or more integrators 14 in
accordance with the present invention may be interconnected. In the
illustrated embodiment,
a first integrator 14a is connected to a second integrator 14b via data link
41. The first
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integrator 14a provides the interface between a first workstation 16a and
first and second
subsystems 12a, 12b. The second integrator 14b provides the interface between
a second
workstation 16b and third and fourth subsystems 12c, 12d. In other
embodiments, a greater
or lesser number of subsystems 12 of various input and output forms or
languages may be
connected to a greater or lesser number of integrators 14. Accordingly, the
following more
detailed description of Figure 7 is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention, but is merely
representative of how multiple integrators 14 in accordance with the present
invention may be
interconnected.
In certain embodiments, a display signal 18 from one subsystem 12 may be
directed to
more than one integrator 14. For example, the display signal 18b of the second
subsystem 12b
and the display signal 18c of the third subsystem 12c may be directed to both
integrators 14a,
14b. If desired or necessary, one or more devices or modules (e.g.
distribution amplifiers 78)
may assist in the division, regeneration, or amplification the signals 18b,
18c.
By receiving display signals 18a,18b,18c from the first, second, and third
subsystems
12a, 12b, 12c, a first integrator 14a may generate a composite display signal
26a dedicating a
window 80 to each display signal 18a, 18b, 18c or a portion thereof. For
example, a first
window 80a may display the entire content corresponding to a display signal
18a of the first
subsystem 12a, a second window 80b may display the entire content of a display
signal 18c of
the third subsystem 12c, and a third window 80c may display a portion of the
display content
corresponding to a signal 18b of the second subsystem 12b. Similarly, by
receiving display
signals 18b, 18c, 18d from the second, third, and forth subsystems 12b, 12c,
12d, a second
integrator 14b may generate a composite display signal 26b dedicating a window
80d, 80e, 80f
to each corresponding display signal 18b, 18c, 18d or a portion thereof.
In such an arrangement, a user of each workstation 16a, 6b may have shared
control of
two subsystems 12 and exclusive control of one subsystem 12. However, each
user may have
exclusive (absent any access limitation to the contrary) control over that
user's own display
layout. That is, each user, independent of the other, may configure the
positioning, sizing, or
the like of the various windows 80 in a manner that best suits that
individual. Accordingly, a
user of the second workstation 16a may prefer a window 80e presenting the
entire content of
a display signal 18b of the second subsystem 12b, while the user of the first
workstation 16a
may prefer a window 80c presenting only a selected portion of the content of a
display signal
18b of the second subsystem 12b.
In selected embodiments, each user may control any connected subsystem 12
having
one or more windows 80 on his or her display 28. Any suitable method may be
used to
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arbitrate control between users. In certain embodiments, only one user may
actively control
(as opposed to simply monitor) a subsystem 12 at any given time. For example,
if desired, the
last user to select and activate a window 80 may have control of the
corresponding subsystem
12.
If desired, other methods may be used to arbitrate control between users. For
example,
in some embodiments, a fixed arrangement may be used. In a fixed arrangement,
each user
may be mapped to specific subsystems 12. Accordingly, only that user may
control those
specific subsystems 12.
In other embodiments, a dynamic arrangement may be used. For example, in a
"round
robin" arrangement, any operator may take control of a subsystem 12.
Accordingly, activation
of control by one user may automatically release control from all other users.
Such an
arrangement may require verbal communication between users. However, it may
facilitate
rapid changes of control.
In still other embodiments, a priority arrangement may be used. In such an
arrangement, higher priority users may take control from lower priority users.
Lower priority
users may take control of a subsystem 12 only if a higher priority user has
not activated (taken
the focus of control for) that subsystem 12. This may require higher priority
users to explicitly
release control of subsystems 12 when finished.
In certain situations, a user may desire to send one or more commands 32, 34,
36 to a
subsystem 12 that is not directly connected to the integrator 14 employed by
the user. For
example, refernng to the illustrated embodiment, the user of the first
workstation 16a may
desire to send a command 32, 34, 36 to the third subsystem 12c. While the
third subsystem 12c
may provide a display signal 18c directly to the first integrator 14a, it may
not receive
commands 20, 22, 24 directly from the first integrator 14a.
In such situations, the first integrator 14a may recognize that the third
subsystem 12c
receives commands 20, 22, 24 directly from the second integrator 14b.
Accordingly, the first
integrator 14a may pass any commands 32, 34, 36 that it receives for the third
subsystem 12c
to the second integrator 14b for delivery. In some embodiments, raw,
unprocessed, or
untranslated commands 32, 34, 36 may be sent from the first integrator 14a to
the second
integrator 14b. In other embodiments, a first integrator 14a may generate and
send processed
or translated commands 20, 22, 24 to the second integrator 14b. In selected
embodiments, the
transfer of commands 32, 34, 36 (translated or otherwise) between integrators
14a, 14b may
be carried out by a data link 41.
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Referring to Figure 8, in operation, a command processor 40 in accordance with
the
present invention may receive 82 a command 32, 34, 36 and determine 84 the
context thereof.
By determining 84 the context of the command 32, 34, 36 the command processor
40 may
determine what should be done with the command 32, 34, 36. In selected
embodiments,
determining 84 the context of the command 32, 34, 36 may include identifying
86 the user who
issued the command 32, 34, 36, which may be done by refernng to the username
under which
the user is logged in. Determining 84 the context of the command 32, 34, 36
may also include
identifying 88 the intended destination of the command 32, 34, 36.
With the user and destination known, a command processor 40 may determine 90
whether the user has access, that is, whether the user has previously been
given permission to
send such a command 32, 34, 36 to such a destination. If the user does not
have access, the
command 32, 34, 36 may be ignored 92 and the user may be informed 94 that the
command
will not be executed due to a lack of proper access. If the user does have
access, the command
32, 34, 36 may, if needed, be translated 96.
A command 32, 34, 36 may be translated 96 in accordance with the present
invention
in a variety of ways. In selected situations, a command 32, 34, 36 may be
translated directly
98. For example, a command 32, 34, 36 to restart in one form or language may
be translated
into a command 20, 22, 24 to restart in a different form or language that may
be understood by
the destination subsystem 12. Direct translation 98 may be analogized to
translating "hello"
in English to "hola" in Spanish.
In other situations, a command 32, 34, 36 may be translated 96 through
expansion 100.
In such situations, the command 32, 34, 36 may, in effect, comprise a virtual,
shorthand
notation for a particular list of actual commands 20, 22, 24. For example,
within a command
processor 40, a list of commands 20, 22, 24 may be assigned to a specific
function key. The
list of commands 20, 22, 24 may include commands to more than one destination.
For
example, one command 20, 22, 24 on the list may be directed to a first
subsysteml2a while
another command 20, 22, 24 on the list may be directed to a second subsystem
12b.
Accordingly, when the specific function key is pressed, the various commands
20, 22, 24
contained in the list may be identified. Expansion translation 100 may be
analogized to
translating "tasks identified in storage location one" to "subsystem one
perform tasks one and
two, subsystem two perform task five," or the like.
Once translation 96 is complete, the resulting commands 20, 22, 24 may be
forwarded
102 to the appropriate destination or destinations. Appropriate destinations
may include
subsystems 12, selected components or modules within the same integrator 14,
selected
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components or modules within a neighboring integrator 14, or the like. In
situations where an
expansion translation 100 has resulted in a list of commands directed to
various destinations,
the commands 20, 22, 24 may be forwarded to the various destinations
substantially
simultaneously.
S Referring to Figures 9 and 10, to create a display layout 104, a user may
first log in 106
at the workstation 16 of a system 10 in accordance with the present invention.
In selected
embodiments, at a new user start up, a default setting may display 108 a
thumbnail window
110a,1 l Ob, l l Oc for each of the connected subsystems 12a,12b, 12c.
Alternatively, a selected
command 32, 34, 36 may trigger a default setting to display 108 a "thumbnail"
or subsized
11 Oa, 1 l Ob, 1 l Oc for each of the connected subsystems 12a, 12b, 12c.
In selected embodiments, a thumbnail 110 may be a complete view of the image
112
defined by a display signal 18. The thumbnail 110 may comprise a real time
image 112 of the
display signal 18 output by a particular subsystem 12. In generating a
thumbnail 110, the
image 112 may be reduced in resolution. Accordingly, several thumbnails 110
may fit within
a display layout 104.
By reviewing a thumbnail 110a,11 Ob, l l Oc of each connected subsystem
12a,12b,12c,
a user may identify the subsystems 12 desired to be included within the
display layout 104.
Accordingly, the user may close 114 the thumbnails 110 corresponding to
unwanted
subsystems 12. In selected situations, an administrator may require selected
subsystems 12 to
be displayed in at least thumbnail 110 form at all times. In such situations,
access limitations
may prevent a user from closing 114 thumbnails 110 corresponding to the
selected subsystems
12. Thumbnails 110 that are not closed may be sized 116 and positioned 118
according to the
preferences of the user.
In selected embodiments in accordance with the present invention, a user may
choose
120 to include additional features within a display layout 104. For example, a
user may choose
120 to generate 122 one or more full windows 124. In certain embodiments, a
full window
may be a complete, full-resolution, real-time image 112 defined by the display
signal 18 of a
selected subsystem 12. Full resolution may reduce the likelihood that
artifacts produced by
sub-sampling will conceal information, distort grids, or the like. Once
generated 122, a full
window 124 may be sized 126 and positioned 128 according to the desires or
preferences of
the user. In some embodiments, sizing of a full window 124 may be limited to
"up-converting"
to ensure that possibly significant details are not lost. In other
embodiments, sizing 126 of a
full window 124 may be prohibited and the full window 124 may simply represent
the full
resolution image 112 defined by the display signal 18.
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If desired, a user may choose 120 to generate 130 one or more subwindows 132.
In
certain embodiments, a subwindow 132 may provide a method to highlight and
emphasize
information that may be critical to the user. For example, in many situations,
only a portion
of the information displayed in an image 112 is needed by a user. Subwindows
132 may give
a user the ability to select and magnify a selected area 134 of the image 112
defined by the
display signal 18 of a selected subsystem 12. In selected embodiments, by
adjusting the
coverage of the selected area 134, the portion of the image 112 displayed
within a subwindow
132 may be adjusted.
Once generated 130, a subwindow 132 may be sized 136 and positioned 138
according
to the desires or preferences of the user. By sizing 136 a subwindow 132, the
effective
magnification of the selected area 134 may be controlled. The portion of the
image 112
displayed within a subwindow 132 may be updated in real time.
In selected embodiments, a user may choose 120 to generate 140 (e.g. create
and
display) one or more virtual control panels 142 or graphical control elements
142. In some
embodiments, a virtual control panel 142 may comprise a bitmap image of one or
more buttons
144, switches 144, knobs 144, or the like that may be activated by the system
cursor (e.g.
pointer 30b), a "hot" or special function key, or some other command 32, 34,
36 or data input.
If desired, activation of a button 144, etc. on a virtual control panel 142
may issue one or more
commands 32, 34, 36 directed to the operation of a corresponding integrator
14, subsystem 12,
or the like.
In certain embodiments, incoming data (e.g. display signal 18) may be used by
an
integrator 14 to determine whether to activate or change a graphical
representation of a lamp,
LED, alpha-numeric display, or the like within a virtual control panel 142. In
one embodiment,
access limitations may ensure that a virtual control panel 142 is always on
the top layer and not
obscured by any windows 80 or the like. Once generated 140, a virtual control
panel 142 may
be sized 143 and positioned 145 according to the desires or preferences of the
user.
If desired, a user may choose 120 to further customize 146 a display layout
104. In
general, any customization that assists a user in differentiating between, or
more logically
organizing, various windows 80, virtual control panels 142, or the like may be
supported within
a system 10 in accordance with the present invention. For example, a ,user may
select a
particular color for the border 148 of a window 80 or virtual control panel
142. A user may
also enter a customized name in the title bar 150 portion of the border 148. A
user may further
select a default layering scheme for any windows 80, virtual control panels
142, or the like that
overlap.
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Once a user has created a display layout 104 that reflects preferences, needs,
etc. to the
extent permitted under application access restrictions, the user may save 152
the display layout
104 so that it may be rapidly regenerated at a future time. If desired, a
saved display layout 104
may be assigned 154 to a particular key. Such a key may be an actual or
virtual button, switch,
S knob, or the like that may be selected or activated by a user with commands
32, 34, 36 entered
into an input device 30. In certain embodiments, a key may be renamed 156 to
reflect the
nature of the display layout assigned 154 thereto. For example, a virtual key
on a display 28
may be renamed 156 to "Heating Systems" to indicate that the assigned display
layout 104 is
a convenient and logical arrangement of the subsystems 12 that control
heating.
When activated 158, a key corresponding to a display layout 104 may issue the
necessary commands to bring that display layout 104 to the display 28. If
desired, a user may
create several display layouts 104 to meet needs, facilitate work, and
accommodate
preferences. In selected embodiments, display layouts 104 may be designed and
arranged to
permit a user to efficiently perform selected monitoring, tasks, or the like.
For example, all the
feedback and commands needed to effectively control heating may be contained
within a
"Heating Systems" display layout 104, while all the feedback and commands
needed to
effectively control ingredient allocation may be contained with an "Allocation
Systems"
display layout 104.
Having created display layouts 104 that meet one's own needs, facilitate work,
and
accommodate preferences, a user need not "reinvent the wheel" every time he or
she logs in
106 to a system 10 in accordance with the present invention. Once logged in
106, a user may
simply activate 158 a key corresponding to the display layout 104 to view. In
selected
embodiments, display layouts 104 and associated keys may be stored according
to username
within a system 10 in accordance with the present invention. Thus, when one
user is logged
on 106 to a workstation 16, he or she may access his or her own display
layouts 104. When
another user is logged on 106 to the same workstation 16, she may access her
own display
layouts 104. If desired, integrators 14 interconnected in accordance with the
present invention
may be configured to share display layouts 104. Accordingly, a user may access
his or her
display layouts 104 from any one of various workstations 16.
In selected embodiments, an integrator 14 in accordance with the present
invention may
record current state information for every window 80. State information may
include position,
size, coverage, whether active or closed, or the like. Accordingly, if an
integrator 14 is ever
unintentionally powered down, the integrator 14 may return, when power is
returned, to the last
known state. This may include automatically logging in 106 the last user as
well displaying
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each window 80 in its last known state. Additionally, in certain embodiments,
when a window
80 is closed, an integrator 14 may record the last state of that window.
Accordingly, if that
window 80 is ever relaunched, it may be presented in its last known state.
Referring to Figure 1 l, in selected embodiments, at startup, the image 160
defined by
a composite display signal 26 may include a thumbnail 110 for each connected
subsystem 12
and one or more toolbars 162 presenting an array of macros 164 or virtual
buttons 164. The
title bar 150 of each thumbnail 110 may be "grayed" indicating no thumbnail
110 is activated
or has the focus of control. However, each thumbnail 110 may continue to
present real time
images 112 from the corresponding subsystems 12.
A tool bar 162 in accordance with the present invention may have any macros
164
desired or necessary to facilitate operation of the system 10. In one
embodiment, a tool bar 162
may include log in 164a, save 164b, recall 164c, layout 164d, shift 164e, and
help 164f macros.
A log in macro 164a may allow a user to be identified by the system 10. In
selected
embodiments, when a user logs in 106, the display layout 104 may continue with
the current
layout 104 or change to the layout 104 last employed by the user. In some
embodiments, the
macros 164 displayed on a tool bar 162 may vary according to the preferences
of each user.
Accordingly, when a user logs in 106, the tool bar 162 may change to an
arrangement last
employed or defined by the user.
A save macro 164b may immediately save 152 the current display layout 104. In
selected embodiments, the layout buttons 164d or macros 164d may "gray" for a
selected
period of time. During this period of time, any of the layout macros 164d may
be assigned 154
(or reassigned) to store the newly saved 152 display layout 104. If desired,
the period of time
wherein a layout macro 164d may be assigned 154 a new display layout 104 may
be controlled
as a setup option.
A recall macro 164c may recall the last display layout 104 saved by the
particular user.
The last display layout 104 may be recalled even if that layout 104 was also
assigned to a
specific layout macro 164d. In selected embodiments, as a setup option, a
recall macro 164c
may be set as a single register, a stack, or a circular buffer with a selected
depth (e.g. up to 16
saves).
In selected embodiments, one or more layout macros 164d may be included as
part of
a tool bar 162. Activating 158 a layout macro 164d may bring to the display 28
the last display
layout 104 that was assigned 154 to that layout macro 164d. In some
embodiments, the name
applied to a layout macro 164d may be customized by a user.
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A shift macro 164e may be configured to control which layout macros 164d are
displayed on the tool bar 162. For example, in one embodiment, a tool bar 162
may only
display five layout macros 164d of a total of ten. Accordingly, by selecting
the shift macro
164e, a user may toggle between layout macros 164d one through five and layout
macros 164d
six through ten. In embodiments employing more than two sets of layout macros
164d, a shift
macro 164e may cycle rather than toggle. If desired, the shift macro 164e may
be visible only
if there are multiple sets of layout macros 164d to display. In selected
embodiments, the
number of sets and the number of layout macros 164d within a set may be
controlled as a setup
option.
Activation of a help macro 164f may invoke a help system. In selected
embodiments,
a help system may be stored locally. In other embodiments, a help system may
be stored
remotely. For example, in one embodiment, activation of the help macro 164f
launches an
Internet browser addressed to a website containing the help system.
In selected embodiments, macros 164 other than those illustrated in Figure 11
may be
included. For example, some embodiments in accordance with the present
invention may
include a setup macro 164. Activation of a setup macro 164 may permit a user
to enter a
system setup mode. The available setup options may depend upon access
limitations put in
place by an administrator. However, in one embodiment, various options to
further customize
146 a display layout 104 may be presented.
Referring to Figure 12, in certain embodiments, when a window 80 is activated
or
selected for the focus of control, the title bar 150 may be highlighted,
colored, or otherwise
changed from an inactive "gray." For example, in the illustrated embodiment,
the
"Automation" subsystem 12 has been selected for the focus of control.
Accordingly, the
windows 80 (e.g. thumbnail window 110 and subwindow 132) corresponding to the
"Automation" subsystem 12 have title bars 150 that are colored.
The title bar 150 of a window 80 in accordance with the present invention may
include
one or more macros 166 or virtual buttons 166. Suitable buttons 166 may
include subwindow
buttons 166a, sizing buttons 166b, closing buttons 166c, or the like.
In certain embodiments, selecting a subwindow button 166a on a thumbnail 110
may
allow a user to create (i.e. define the coverage of) a subwindow 132. If, at
some point, a
subwindow 132 for that subsystem 12 had been created, selecting a subwindow
button 166a
may recall the last defined subwindow 132. That is, the new subwindow 132 may
have the
same size, coverage, and position as the previous subwindow 132. Selecting a
subwindow
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button 166a on a subwindow 132 may enable a user to adjust the coverage of the
selected area
134, and consequently, the coverage of the subwindow 132.
In selected embodiments, as a setup option, a sub-window button 166a on a
thumbnail
110 or full window 124 may either toggle the border delineating the selected
area 134 between
"on" and "off' or permit modification of the coverage of the subwindow 132. If
the border
illustrating the selected area 134 is off and the operator activates the
subwindow button 166a
on the sub-window 132, the border may appear and its position or extent may be
manipulated
to change the coverage of the selected area 134, and consequently, the
coverage of the
subwindow 132.
In certain embodiments, a sizing button 166b, when selected, may allow a user
to
determine the size (e.g. in pixels) that the corresponding window 80 will
occupy within the
image 160 present on the display 28. Changing the size of a window 80 need not
change the
percentage of the image 112 generated by the subsystem 12 that is shown. In
selected
embodiments, only thumbnails 110 and subwindows 132 may be sized.
When activated or selected, a close button 166c in accordance with the present
invention may "close" the corresponding window 80. That is, the window 80 may
be removed
from the image 160 produced on the display 28. In selected embodiments, only
full windows
124 and subwindows 132 may have close buttons 166c. In such embodiments,
thumbnails 110
may not be "closed." Accordingly, a thumbnail 110 for each connected subsystem
12 may be
included as a navigation, monitoring, or selection aid in every display layout
104.
Referring to Figure 13, a full window 124 in accordance with the present
invention may
be generated or launched in any suitable manner. For example, in one
embodiment, a full
window 124 may be launched by double clicking over the thumbnail 110 of the
subsystem 12
for which the user desires a full window 124. When a user is done with a full
window 124, it
may be "closed" by selecting an appropriate close button 166c. In selected
embodiments, if
a full window 124 is subsequently relaunched, it may take the size and
positioning of the most
recent full window 124 for that subsystem 12.
A virtual control panel 142 may take any shape, configuration, or complexity
desired
by a user. Selection or activation of a button 144 on a virtual control panel
142 may cause one
or more commands to be issued to one or more destinations. In some
embodiments, status
information from a controlled system may be communicated through changes in
the appearance
of the virtual control panel 142. For example, if a particular sensor of a
selected subsystems
12 registers a reading above or below at critical value, one or more "lights",
markers, or colors
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may be activated to uniquely illuminate the virtual control panel 142 and draw
attention onto
its status.
In selected embodiments, ari integrator 14 in accordance with the present
invention may
host software to assist a user in graphically designing and generating a
virtual control panel
142. Additionally, such software may also permit a user to articulate the
various commands
32, 34, 36 to be issued upon selection, activation, adjustment, or the like of
a button 144,
switch 144, knob 144, dial, graduated control, etc. of the virtual control
panel 142.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from
its basic functionality or essential characteristics. The described
embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The
scope of the invention
is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing
description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims
are to be
embraced within their scope.
,What is claimed and desired to be secured by Patent is:
