Showing papers on "Serial port published in 2002"

A method and apparatus for reading and controlling electric power consumption

Abstract: An electro-optical, automatic reader (104) for enabling a consumer to view and manage power consumption through a browser (602). A sensor (210) attached to a bracket (202) is mounted to the outside cover (306) of a utility meter without modification of the meter (102) or removal of its housing. A data-collector (106) stores data obtained from the sensor (210) via a serial port which may also provide power for the sensor (210), thus avoiding use of a dedicated power supply. The data-collector (106) connects to a computer (110) which provides a centralized object through which to view and manage power consumption. The real-time and combined historic data can be used to forecast whether usage will fall above or below a predetermined usage level at the end of a given period of time. In response to a forecast exceeding the level, the computer (110) displays the appropriate graph in a red colored bar within a quantity vs. time chart. The computer (110) may control power consuming devices. A communication system (804) may be established to the system for remote management by the consumer or by the utility company (806) for its own billing and management purposes.

System for acquiring data from a facility and method

Abstract: A field instrument and system for obtaining pressure, flow and temperature data from a facility. The field instrument includes an enclosure having an opening therein. An integrated analog sensor is sealingly contained within the opening. The field instrument further contains an external analog sensor. An analog to digital converter converts the analog signals to digital readings. An external digital sensor is also provided, with the digital output being communicated through a second opening within the enclosure. A control member that receives, stores and processes the digital readings is positioned within the enclosure. A communication module is included to transmit the digital readings to a remote computer. The communication module allows for two way communication between the field instrument and remote computer. The remote computer may be a server that allows for access by many users. The communication module also allows for locally accessing the digital readings via a serial port to a local terminal.

Serial interface for a data storage array

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for interfacing a plurality of device controllers to an array of data storage devices by serial connection The device controllers are coupled to a serial interface by a bus and the devices of the storage array are coupled to the serial interface by a serial connection The serial interface receives controller signals through the bus and multiplexes the signals onto the serial connections of the storage array Arbitration between the various device controllers seeking access to the storage array is resolved through bus protocol and through drive based reserve/release registers in the serial interface processor

Power management for interface devices applying forces

Abstract: Power management for an interface device that is manipulated by a user and in communication with a host computer and provides forces to the user. The device includes a sensor and an actuator. One embodiment provides first power from the host computer over a serial interface and second power from a power adapter. Another embodiment provides first power from the host computer and second power from a power storage device on the interface device that supplies power to the actuator. Another embodiment provides a power adapter supplying a portion of the first power to the sensor and a portion to the actuator, and a power storage device on the interface device provides second power to the actuator.

Random access memory architecture and serial interface with continuous packet handling capability

Abstract: A random access memory architecture and method of handling data packets is described. According to embodiments of the invention, an apparatus includes a first processing unit for receiving serial data input, a switch, and a plurality of serially connected random access memory devices. The random access memory devices transmit data packets and commands via write input ports, write output ports, read input ports, and read output ports. A method for routing data includes receiving serial data input in a first processing unit, generating a data packet based on the serial data input, transmitting the data packet to a first random access memory device via a write input port, decoding the data packet, determining whether to perform a command in the first random access memory device based on information in the data packet, and transmitting the data packet to a second random access memory device.

System and method for providing secure remote access to patient files by authenticating personnel with biometric data

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a biometric module, comprising a serial adaptor that inserts into a personal digital assistant's series port, a serial port that accepts an a separate peripheral device's serial adaptor, a means for authenticating a user connected to the microprocessor, whereby the authentication means scans the user's biometric data, and a microprocessor connected to the serial adaptor, the serial port, and the authentication means, where the microprocessor regulates a data flow with the personal digital assistant. A different aspect of the present invention is a method to remotely authenticate a health care worker, the method comprising scanning the worker's biometric data into a PDA, scanning a patient's biometric data into a PDA, transmitting the patient's and worker's biometric data wirelessly from the PDA to a central location, and receiving authorization to access the patient's health care data wirelessly on a PDA from the central location.

Updating flash memory

Abstract: Embedded devices typically have an operating system, one or more file-systems, as well as a bootloader and other data components resident in flash memory. During software development and testing, there is frequently a need to selectively update a combination of such images. The described technique organizes the images in the flash memory such that one can speed up the update process by eliminating relocation of existing images. A command-driven update mechanism provides a flexible process—eg, one can upload the images back to a host, one can update the update code itself, etc. A start handshake is used that enables auto-detection of the embedded serial port that is used for the update.

Device for transferring from a memory card interface to a universal serial bus interface

Abstract: A device is proposed for transferring from a memory card interface to a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. There are a universal I/O device able to simulate signals from a memory card interface; a micro controller able to control the universal I/O device to access the data in the memory card and to generate a USB data package; a USB serial interface engine able to transfer the USB data package from the micro controller to a serial data stream; and a USB transfer/receive device able to connect to a USB storage device and to transfer the serial data stream to a USB electrical signal.

Interpolated motion control over a serial network

Abstract: The invention provides a system for controlling motion in machine tools, industrial robots, and motion stages over a computer serial port. From a process or listing of coordinate data points which define the path of two (or more) servo axes, a computer outputs serial port data to distributed Control Modules which regulate an analog torque or velocity command signal to control each axes' servo drive in a manner that implements a precisely interpolated tool path. A digital I/O link is utilized to synchronize the initial serial port data stream and to compensate for the drift of the individual processor clocks within the separate Control Modules, thereby eliminating the need for network determinism and also reducing hardware costs.

An embedded core for sub-picosecond timing measurements

Abstract: The continued market demand for GHz processors and high-capacity communication systems results in an increasing number of low-cost high volume ICs with multi-GHz clocks and/or multi-Gb/s serial communication interfaces. For such devices, timing specifications, e.g., jitter and skew, in the range of few picoseconds (RMS and/or p-p) are common. We describe an embedded core that allows such measurements. The core is small, functionally nonintrusive, and easily scalable for testing multiple circuits and signals on the chip. To reach the required sub picosecond accuracy, we present a novel measurement and data processing technique, based on noise scaling. The core has a standard low-speed serial interface.

Embedded Linux: Hardware, Software, and Interfacing

Abstract: Introduction. I. GETTING STARTED. 1. Introducing Embedded Linux. Why Linux, Why Now? What Is an Embedded System? What Does Real-Time Mean? Implications of Open Source. Summary. Additional Reading. 2. System Architecture. Introducing Project Trailblazer. The Silverjack Resort Layout. Project Trailblazer Requirements. Safety Requirements. Operations Requirements. Supplier Requirements. The Project Trailblazer System Architecture. Summary. 3. Selecting a Platform and Installing Tool Sets. Sources of Information. The Project Trailblazer Strategic Direction. Building tbdev1, the Embedded Linux Development Workstation. Getting Started. Installing the Linux Operating System. Installing the Native GNU Tool Chain and Other Applications. Building the GNU Tool Chain for Cross-Compiling. Summary. Additional Reading. 4. Booting Linux. The Target PBRs. The Linux Boot Process. The Linux root Filesystem. Required Files for init. Required Files for bash. The root Filesystem Binary Files: Compile or Download? Creating the root Filesystem. Deciding Which Package to Use. The Process for Building the root Filesystem. Running buildrootfilesystem. Installing the TFTP Server. Installing minicom. Booting the Embedded Planet RPX-CLLF. Embedded Planet RPX-CLLF Target PBR Review. Booting the Brightstar Engineering MediaEngine. Brightstar Engineering MediaEngine Target PBR Review. Booting the Tri-M MZ104 and the COTS PC with a Flash IDE Drive. Flash IDE Technology. Preparing the Tri-M MZ104 and the COTS PC. Booting the Tri-M MZ104 Target. Tri-M MZ104 Target Platform Boot Requirements Review. Boot Comparison. Summary. Additional Reading. 5. Debugging. Introducing gdb. Local Debugging. Remote Debugging. Network-Mounting the root Filesystem. Configuring the NFS Server. Configuring the Target Kernels. Summary. Additional Reading. II. INTERFACING. 6. Asynchronous Serial Communication Interfacing. The Project Trailblazer Asynchronous Serial Hardware Development Environment. Target EIA/TIA-232-E Compliance. Linux Serial Communications. Setting the Serial Port Control Signals with setSerialSignal. Reading the Serial Port Control Signals with getSerialSignal. Providing Serial Communication for bash Scripts, Using querySerial. Summary. Additional Reading. 7. Parallel Port Interfacing. Control Using the Parallel Port. Standard Parallel Port Control with Port I/O. Monitoring Lift Operation Using Port I/O. Snow-Making Control Using Port I/O. Standard Parallel Port Control Using ppdev. Developing a Custom Device Driver. Understanding helloworld_proc_module. Compiling, Inserting, and Testing helloworld_proc_module on the MediaEngine. Standard Parallel Port Control Using the Custom Device Driver liftmon_snowcon. Enhancements to helloworld_proc_module to Create liftmon_snowcon. Compiling, Inserting, and Testing liftmon_snowcon on the MZ104. Summary. Additional Reading. 8. USB Interfacing. Learning About USB. Project Trailblazer USB Hardware. USB Audio: Yamaha YST-MS35D USB Speakers. USB Image Capture: Kensington VideoCAM Super-VGA PC Camera. USB Mass Storage: SanDisk USB SmartMedia Card Reader. Summary. Additional Reading. 9. Memory I/O Interfacing. The Hardware Design Process. Developing Lift Monitoring and Snow-Making Control for the MediaEngine. Designing the External Interface Hardware for the MediaEngine. Finding Space in the Memory Map for the MediaEngine. Finding the Register Base Address for the MediaEngine. Configuring the Memory Controller for the MediaEngine. Assigning the Output Module Enable Signal for the MediaEngine. Configuring the I/O Port Controller for the MediaEngine. Writing the helloworldbit Testing Device Driver for the MediaEngine. Writing the liftmon_snowcon Device Driver for the MediaEngine. Developing Lift Monitoring and Snow-Making Control for the RPX-CLLF. Designing the External Interface Hardware for the RPX-CLLF. Finding Space in the Memory Map for the RPX-CLLF. Finding the Register Base Address for the RPX-CLLF. Configuring the Memory Controller for the RPX-CLLF. Assigning the Output Module Enable Signal for the RPX-CLLF. Configuring the I/O Port Controller for the RPX-CLLF. Writing the helloworldbit Testing Device Driver for the RPX-CLLF. Writing the liftmon_snowcon Device Driver for the RPX-CLLF. Summary. Additional Reading. 10. Synchronous Serial Communication Interfacing. Temperature Sensing and Display. SPI Communication and the LM70. Connecting the LM70 to the x86 Parallel Printer Port. Connecting the LM70 to the MediaEngine. I2C Communication with the Philips Semiconductor SAA1064. Connecting the SAA1064 to the x86 Parallel Printer Port. Connecting the SAA1064 to the RPX-CLLF. Summary. Additional Reading. 11. Using Interrupts For Timing. Linux Timing Sources. Measuring Interrupt Latency. Measuring Interrupt Latency on the MZ104. Measuring Interrupt Latency on the MediaEngine. Measuring Interrupt Latency on the RPX-CLLF. Interrupt Latency Test Summary. Implementing the Race Timer. Race Timer Interrupt Processing Using Tasklets. Race Timer Status Display Using System Timers. Summary. Additional Reading. 12. System Integration. Integration Overview. Installing the System Integration Applications. Creating and Testing the Project Trailblazer Database. Developing the Target and CGI Integration Scripts. Collecting and Distributing Temperature Data. Collecting and Distributing Image Data. Collecting Guest Pass Identification and Allowing Lift Access. Summary. Additional Reading. 13. Final Thoughts. GUI Development. Real-time Capabilities. The Embedded Linux Vendor Offerings. Project Trailblazer Hardware. Summary. Additional Reading. Index. 0672322269T03282002

Serial port redirection using a management controller

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for serial port redirection using a management controller A serial controller is selectively coupled with a management controller to facilitate the redirection of serial information The management controller includes a packetizer to packetize the serial information The packetized information may be communicated to remote computing devices over a network connection or a management bus The management controller receives both redirection and non-redirection packets from the communication channel If the management controller receives redirection packets from a remote computing device, it formats the redirection packets as a stream of serial information and communicates the stream of serial information to the serial controller

Adding I/O ports to mobile device via smart interchangeable cover

Abstract: An interchangeable cover is endowed with one or more I/O ports and complementary electronics to add the one or more I/O ports to a mobile device, to which the interchangeable cover is attached. In various embodiments, the I/O ports may comprise a PS/2 mouse port, a serial port, a parallel port, a serial bus port, and so forth. In various embodiments, the complementary electronics are packaged in an ASIC with output pins similar to that of a smart card, which may include a properly equipped protocol processor for de-packaging and packaging data being inputted/outputted in accordance with selected I/O protocols. In one embodiment, the cover is U-shaped. In a wireless mobile phone embodiment, the cover is attached to a rotabable sub-section of a pivotable section.

Multiple bus interface for a computer system

Abstract: A multiple bus, serial interface permits aggregation of a plurality of modular computer peripherals having differing interfaces into a computer system.

Serial interface for an analog to digital converter and a converter including such an interface

Abstract: An analog to digital converter is provided which has a compact serial interface utilising only four pins to define chained and non chained modes of operation. Further more the interface also allows the converter to be configured to indicate immediately that the conversion has been completed. Another variant of the invention enables an analog to digital converter to be provided having only a 3 pin serial interface.

Aircraft location and tracking system

Abstract: An integrated flight safety apparatus containing a 12-channel GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver that networks a flight data recorder to a satellite communications system. This device is capable of providing real-time data acquisition and analysis to a ground-based monitoring and tracking station. The aircraft location and tracking system extracts data from any data collection device by utilizing serial port to serial port communications. A call is established from the tracking station to the apparatus, then the extracted data is polled to the base station at user defined intervals over the satellite link. Simultaneously, the aircraft's location is displayed on a moving aerial map in relation to its global position. In addition, different aerial maps, airspace mapping, waypoints, airports and runway approaches may be downloaded and displayed on the user's monitor and tracked on the remote monitor. This device utilizes voice command technology and can also be used as a satellite telephone device.

On-chip security method and apparatus

Abstract: A boot method an apparatus are described which reduce the likelihood of a security breach in a mobile device, preferably in a situation where a reset has been initiated. A predetermined security value, or password, is stored, for example in BootROM. A value of a security location within FLASH memory is read and the two values are compared. Polling of the serial port is selectively performed, depending on the result of such comparison. In a presently preferred embodiment, if the value in the security location matches the predetermined security value, then polling of the serial port is not performed. This reduces potential security breaches caused in conventional arrangements where code may be downloaded from the serial port and executed, which allows anyone to access and upload programs and data in the FLASH memory, including confidential and proprietary information.

Distributed packet processing system with internal load distribution

Abstract: A programmable packet processing system is disclosed wherein a lower speed processor is used to process higher speed data. The system comprises a plurality of packet processor 'cores', for serial connection one to another. Data packet arbitration is performed by each processor in sequence such that packets for processing by a processor are not passed on down the serial pipeline and those that are not for processing by a present processor are passed downstream. The pipeline also includes an ordering circuit for ensuring that processed packets are provided to an output of the pipeline in the order they are received.

Generic serial port architecture and system

Abstract: A high-speed programmable serial port having a finite state machine, a clock generator capable of controlling shifting of bits from a shift register and a shift register having a bit counter capable of maintaining a numbered count of data bits in a serial output. The clock generator and shift register reduce the burdens on a finite state machine, thus improving data throughput and the ability to provide data according to a multitude of data protocols.

An implementation of IEEE 1451 NCAP for Internet access of serial port-based sensors

Abstract: A major inhibiting factor to the development of networked digital (smart) sensors is the lack of a single sensor network/bus standard. Over fifty networks are in common use and no single standard is likely to emerge in the near future. In response, a NIST-sponsored initiative has developed the IEEE 1451 sensor interface standard which can be considered a universal interface between digital sensors/actuators and the network interface/driver, together with a standard electronic data sheet format. To date there has been little implementation of the standard by the sensor industry, probably due to dissatisfaction with the specific hardware interface (10-line), the complex software features, and the unavailability of a compatible commercial network interface. The device being reported here is intended to address these problems. The IEEE 1451 compatible interface between the Internet/Ethernet and serial ports described here is related to a series of websensors (sensors with a direct Internet address) previously developed by Esensors. The interface is an IEEE 1451 Network Capable Application Processor (NCAP). The NCAP (EM04) connects to the Internet through Ethernet. Within the NCAP is a communication board capable of receiving and sending email using the standard TCP/IP format. A second board formats sensor data to/from the serial ports. The available serial formats are: RS232, RS485, TII, Microlan/1-wire, IEEE-1451.4, Esbus, and 12C. The connector is 25-pin type D connector. Three select pins (eg. 010 for TII) configure the interface to the desired port format (RS232 is default). The external Smart Transducer Interface Module (STIM) or digital sensor must be connected to the appropriate pins assigned to tit at serial format. Included are several versions (some non-standard or proposed) of the Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS). Only parts of the full IEEE 1451.2 software requirements have been implemented.

System and method for managing a serial port.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a virtual serial port (VSP) situated between a serial port in a mobile electronic device, applications that require a serial port connection handle, and other applications that require command-mode access to the serial port. Data-communication applications (e.g. web browsing, e-mail, etc.) connect to the serial port through the VSP. The VSP creates a virtual connection handle that is returned to the application. Command-mode requests (e.g., short messaging requests) are received by the hardware abstraction layer, translated into command-mode messages (e.g., AT commands) and placed in a queue. The VSP multiplexes the serial port between the currently-open data communication session (data-mode) and command-mode messages by periodically suspending the currently-open connection and processing one or more command-mode messages that are in the queue. A buffer continually stores incoming data while the data communication session is suspended. The VSP uses a heuristic calculation to determine the maximum time interval for which the data-communication session can be interrupted. The heuristic calculation takes a percentage of a time-quantum (e.g. 0.5 seconds) based upon the ratio of an average bit rate for air communication (e.g. 7000 bits/sec) and a bit rate for the serial port (e.g. 152,000 bits/sec). This ensures that data-communications are not interrupted for a time interval long enough to result in lost data-packets. The parameter for the time quantum and other parameters may be statically or dynamically adjusted to account for a finite buffer size in the hardware.

Software method for emulating a serial port between applications for enabling communications by mobile bar code readers and computer terminals in wireless networks

Abstract: An application program interface in a computer for allowing application programs executing in the computer to access a wireless RF input/output facility or port in the computer, which emulates a serial port in the computer by the steps of opening a handle to a virtual COM port from an application program executing in the computer; opening and configuring a serial port by the application program; starting a thread to receive characters to be communicated through the RF facility; and utilizing the virtual COM port to open a component interface to allow communications through wireless RF communications.

High-speed serial bus power supply device

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-speed serial bus power supply device to connect a 4-PIN cable receptacle and a USB interface socket on a notebook. It includes a first connector, which is a common 6-PIN cable receptacle and can be connected to an appropriate interface; a second connector, which is a 4-PIN cable plug connected to the first connector and can be inserted into the said 4-PIN cable receptacle of the notebook; and a USB plug, which is also connected to the first connector and can deliver power to the serial port through said USB interface socket which is connected to the notebook.

Nonvolatile memory device with parallel and serial functioning mode and selectable communication protocol

Abstract: An architecture of a nonvolatile memory device, though not requiring dedicated pins and by introducing circuit modifications that require a negligible additional silicon area in the serial interface, allows a selection between at least two different serial communication protocols, thus multiplying the occasions of employment of the same device. The selection of one or of the another serial communication protocol is carried out by setting, during the testing on wafer (EWS) of the devices being fabricated, a certain UPROM cell of the array of UPROM cells that is normally present in a standard nonvolatile memory device for setting during the fabrication the characteristics of ATD, redundancy and other functions of the memory device. Alternatively, the customer can make the selection by placing an appropriate signal level on a specified pin of the memory device.

The Project54 common interface for the intelligent transportation systems data bus

Abstract: Police cruisers have a variety of aftermarket equipment such as lights, sirens, radar units, radios, etc. Most police aftermarket equipment was not designed with integration in mind. In order to allow the integration of electronic equipment in police cruisers a common interface for connecting aftermarket car electronics to an intelligent transportation systems data bus (LOB) was designed and implemented. The interface hardware uses Version 2.0B of the control area network (CAN) protocol as the method of hi-directional data transmission on the IDB. As a means to connect the aftermarket devices to the IDB the interface has two options. The first type of connection offered is a serial port that uses standard RS-232 signaling. The second type of connection is a port that offers five parallel TTL level signals that can be used for a variety of applications including switching The common interface is currently being installed in several New Hampshire State police cruisers. Initial tests show the system to be reliable.

Computer system with improved data capture system

Abstract: A computer system has a plurality of sub-systems each comprising a serial interface and a buffer device coupled with the serial interface for buffering crash data sent by the serial interface having an external serial output. The system further comprises a management controller coupled with the external serial output of the buffer device to retrieve data buffered during a crash.

Arrangement for automated teller machine communications based on bisync to IP conversion

Abstract: A novel translation is used to enable the transport of bisync information from an automated teller machine (ATM) to a host computer via an Internet Protocol network, without the necessity of providing a serial data stream to a host server for transport of bisync information. A router includes a serial interface configured for receiving a bisync serial data stream carrying Base-24 protocol data from the ATM. The router is configured for retrieving the Base-24 data from the bisync serial stream, and generating a new header that specifies attributes of the Base-24 message from the ATM; the Base-24 message and the corresponding new header are sent by the router to the host server according to Internet Protocol, enabling the host server to receive the Base-24 message and any associated status information based on the corresponding supplied header. The router also is configured for receiving via the data network an IP packet having a Base-24 message generated by the host server, and the associated header, and generating a bisync header based on the received header. The router can then output a new bisync frame having the generated bisync header and the Base-24 message generated by the host server, for the local ATM via the serial connection.

Multi-channel buffered serial port debugging

Abstract: In digital signal processors serial data is passed in out and of the chip in a time division multiplexed (TDM) fashion. The TDM stream consists of many independent channels of serial data. The complexity of generating interleaved TDM serial data from multiple sources particularly in the case of multi-processor systems. This process is normally driven by a program resident on each processor. The proper sequencing of the TDM serial stream must be tested prior to making the multi-processor device ready for its application. This invention describes the use of minimal added hardware and a single output pin allowing the test and debug of program errors or device malfunctions in output serial data.

ATA and SATA compliant controller

Abstract: An ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) controller is provided that comprises at least one parallel port for connecting to at least one ATA compliant storage device, and at least one serial port for connecting to at least one SATA (Serial ATA) compliant storage device. Further, there is a port switching unit provided for switching to at least one of the parallel and serial ports to enable data transfer to and/or from a storage device connected to the port. This enables a software driven reconfiguration making it possible to switch between a mode where the controller behaves like a conventional ATA controller, and a mode where the controller behaves like a conventional SATA controller. A significant amount of hardware may be reused.

Remote execution of diagnostic firmware in a block data storage device

Abstract: Method and apparatus for accessing a block data storage device through a computer network to carry out remote diagnostic operations. The data storage device includes a data storage medium, a host interface port, a serial communication (COM) port and a programmable controller with associated platform firmware and associated diagnostic firmware. A client computer and a server computer are connected to a computer network, and the data storage device is connected to the server computer via the host interface port. The server computer is used to transmit a first command to cause the controller to execute the platform firmware, while the client computer is used to transmit a second command to the COM port of the data storage device to cause the controller to concurrently execute the diagnostic firmware to monitor operation of the platform firmware.