Control interface

摘要

An interface device is interposed between a control server and a controlled device to facilitate communications between the control server and the controlled device. The interface device receives control signals from the control server and relays those signals to the controlled device. Furthermore, the interface device receives sensor readings from the controlled device and forwards them in suit to the server. The control signals may be input into the interface device over a digital connection (e.g., USB connection) and output over an analog channel.

主权项

1. An interface apparatus for connecting a server to a device controlled by the server, the apparatus comprising:
a first interface for connecting the interface apparatus to the device; a second interface for connecting the interface apparatus to the server; a memory for storing a data structure that includes a first variable having a value, the value indicating a control signal characteristic, the control signal characteristic being determined by the server as part of the server's controlling of the device; a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to: search the memory for one or more data structures that correspond to one or more signals transmitted, via the interface apparatus, between the server and the device; identify the corresponding one or more data structures as a result of the search; in response to identifying the data structure, generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the device, the control signal having the control signal characteristic indicated by the value of the first variable; and output the control signal to the device via the first interface.