A system comprises a plurality of electronic devices and a server. Each of the plurality of electronic devices is configured to report a working status parameter to the server. The server is configured to receive working slams parameters from the plurality of electronic devices, determine a first electronic device being faulty from the plurality of electronic devices based on working status parameters sent by the plurality of electronic devices, and send an indication to a control device corresponding to the first electronic device. The server is further configured to receive a response from the control device indicating a request for maintenance of the first electronic device in response to a user's selection on the control device.

A system comprises a plurality of electronic devices and a server. Each of the plurality of electronic devices is configured to report a working status parameter to the server. The server is configured to receive working slams parameters from the plurality of electronic devices, determine a first electronic device being faulty from the plurality of electronic devices based on working status parameters sent by the plurality of electronic devices, and send an indication to a control device corresponding to the first electronic device. The server is further configured to receive a response from the control device indicating a request for maintenance of the first electronic device in response to a user's selection on the control device.

A system for controlling automation includes a machine which collects data generated by performance of an operation by the machine. A user device displays a machine control interface (MCI) corresponding to the machine. The MCI displays the collected data to a touch interface of the user device, and defines at least one touch activated user interface element (UIE) for manipulating the data. The user device can be enabled as an automation human machine interface (HMI) device for controlling an operation performed by the machine, such that a touch action applied to a UIE of the MCI controls the operation. A prerequisite condition to enabling the user device as an automation HMI device can include activation of an enabling switch selectively connected to the user device. The MCI can be stored in a memory of the enabling switch and retrieved from the enabling switch by the user device.

Systems and methods for time use optimization are provided. One embodiment of a method includes determining time of use pricing data associated with purchase of energy from an energy provider, partitioning a predetermined amount of time into a plurality of segments, where the plurality of segments corresponds with the higher cost tier and the lower cost tier, and creating an energy set point schedule for setting a set point of a controllable device, where the energy set point schedule sets the set point of the controllable device to a predetermined value for each of the plurality of segments. Some embodiments include determining energy utilized by the controllable device during at least a portion of the energy set point schedule and iteratively altering the energy set point schedule, based on a comparison of the energy utilized and a current status of the energy set point schedule.

Systems and methods for time use optimization are provided. One embodiment of a method includes determining time of use pricing data associated with purchase of energy from an energy provider, partitioning a predetermined amount of time into a plurality of segments, where the plurality of segments corresponds with the higher cost tier and the lower cost tier, and creating an energy set point schedule for setting a set point of a controllable device, where the energy set point schedule sets the set point of the controllable device to a predetermined value for each of the plurality of segments. Some embodiments include determining energy utilized by the controllable device during at least a portion of the energy set point schedule and iteratively altering the energy set point schedule, based on a comparison of the energy utilized and a current status of the energy set point schedule.

A method of using a remote server to operate an appliance includes an appliance sending data indicative of usage patterns of the appliance to a remote server. The remote server identifies a routine event based on the data and sends an event initiation prompt including operational data related to the routine event to the appliance or a user of the appliance. The user may confirm that the routine should be initiated, and such confirmation may be communicated to the appliance before the appliance initiates the routine event.

A method of using a remote server to operate an appliance includes an appliance sending data indicative of usage patterns of the appliance to a remote server. The remote server identifies a routine event based on the data and sends an event initiation prompt including operational data related to the routine event to the appliance or a user of the appliance. The user may confirm that the routine should be initiated, and such confirmation may be communicated to the appliance before the appliance initiates the routine event.

A method for monitoring data processing and data transmission in a safety chain of a safety system, and a device for carrying out the method, which achieve the object of further simplifying the monitoring of the safety chain of an overall safety function of a modular safety system, in particular during ongoing operation. For this purpose, the method and device use at least one actual characteristic value for a safety-relevant characterizing attribute of the data processing and/or data transmission.

A method for monitoring data processing and data transmission in a safety chain of a safety system, and a device for carrying out the method, which achieve the object of further simplifying the monitoring of the safety chain of an overall safety function of a modular safety system, in particular during ongoing operation. For this purpose, the method and device use at least one actual characteristic value for a safety-relevant characterizing attribute of the data processing and/or data transmission.

At least one shingle is integrated with logic circuitry and various other components which enable high-level functionality and automated system diagnostics. Each shingle can automatically determine its absolute position on a rooftop and/or its position relative to other shingles in the smart shingle system. Each shingle can also detect various changes in its own power generation, efficiency, and/or operating conditions, as well as those of neighboring shingles. Each shingle can then leverage this information to conduct system diagnostics and possibly to generate and/or execute recommended solutions. In another embodiment, each shingle can be coupled to a centralized controller which can perform the same automapping and diagnostic functions. The controller can also monitor the power usage of the building to help optimize the power generation of the smart shingle system. In some embodiments, the smart shingle system can be outfitted with heating components and/or actuators to help automate the process of keeping the smart shingles clear of debris.