Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a wireless transceiver, a plurality of sensors configured to sense measurements proximate to a vehicle, and at least one computing device coupled to the plurality of sensors and the wireless transceiver. The at least one computing device can be configured to receive, via the wireless transceiver, an indication to enter an armed mode from an unarmed mode. In response to entering the armed mode, the at least one computing device can set a configuration of at least one property of a subset of the plurality of sensors. The at least one computing device can receive, via the wireless transceiver, a second indication to enter a special mode from the armed mode. In response to entering the special mode, the at least one computing device can alter the configuration of the at least one property of the subset of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A bridge device operable in an air-quality control system is provided. The bridge device is connected to a plurality of sensor devices and includes a radio circuit configured to wirelessly communicate with the plurality of sensor devices over a wireless medium using an air-quality communication protocol; a transceiver configured to communicate with a remote server; a processing circuitry; a memory, the memory containing instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, configure the bridge device to: periodically discover the plurality of sensor devices connected to the bridge device; query each of the discovered senor devices to read at least one senor reading provided by each sensor device, the at least one senor reading is of at least an air-quality level in a vicinity of the sensor device; encapsulate the sensor readings from the plurality of sensor devices into a data frame; and send the data frame to the remote server.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A system and method for deterring theft of a marine vehicles is provided. The system is designed to collect barometric pressure data and analyze it to determine whether there has been a sudden change in elevation that may be indicative of a theft. The system is also designed to collect environmental data pertaining to a marine vehicle's normal environment and compare it to a normal environmental state of the marine vehicle in order to detect changes that may be indicative of a theft. Additionally, the system is designed to monitor equipment of the marine vehicle and alert a user if the equipment has been moved in a way that may be indicative of a theft. When the system determines an event has occurred that may be indicative of a theft, the system may alert the user by triggering an alarm via a computer readable signal.

Abstract: A controlling method of a vehicle includes: checking whether the vehicle is parked; upon checking that the vehicle is parked, guiding a driver to select whether to transmit parking location information; in response to a driver's selection of transmitting the parking location information, receiving the parking location information in a form of an audio signal from the driver; and transmitting the parking location information to a driver's portable device.

Abstract: In one example, the connector includes a body portion configured to be connected to a cord and a connection portion engaged with the body portion and comprising a plurality of conductors. The connection portion includes a conductive shield electrically connected to a plurality of the conductors when the connection portion is not engaged with the article of merchandise, and the connection portion also includes at least one ground conductor that is not electrically connected to the remaining conductors and/or the conductive shield when the connection portion is not engaged with the article of merchandise. At least one of the conductors and/or the conductive shield is configured to cooperate with the ground conductor to define a sense loop when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event.

Abstract: A control module for controlling a cable pulling or feeding apparatus at one endpoint of a pulling operation and for wirelessly communicating with a cable feeding or pulling apparatus at an opposite endpoint. The control module includes a switch input to receive a start signal from a switch for initiating operation of the apparatus and an equipment output that connects to the pulling/feeding apparatus. A wireless communication interface communicates ready state or stop state messages to the other apparatus to coordinate a pulling operation. The control module operates in one of two modes: endpoint mode or repeater mode. In repeater mode, the control module may be positioned between the endpoints to extend the wireless communications between the endpoints.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor includes at least one non-shielded sensor element having at least an antenna and an element made of a liquid absorbing material, the material being configured to drive liquid to the antenna when liquid is in contact with the material; at least one shielded sensor element having at least an antenna and an element made of a non-conducting liquid proof material. The moisture sensor may be included in a system for detecting moisture.

Abstract: Aquatic organism tracking devices, systems and associated methods are described.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formulas for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.

Abstract: The embodiments set forth a technique for coordinating notifications across computing devices placed onto a wireless charging apparatus. According to some embodiments, the technique can involve the wireless charging apparatus (1) receiving, from a first computing device, first information that includes (i) a first unique identifier (ID) associated with the first computing device, and (ii) one or more unique IDs that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device known to the first computing device. Subsequently, the wireless charging apparatus can receive, from a second computing device, second information that at least includes a second unique ID associated with the second computing device. Finally, the wireless charging apparatus can, in response to determining that the second unique ID is included in the one or more unique IDs, and cause both the first and second computing devices to display respective notifications in a coordinated manner.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure provide a goods shelf system and a method of monitoring items of the goods shelf system. The goods shelf system comprises: a goods shelf comprising a bearing body for bearing an item; a signal transmitting unit located on a side of the bearing body; a plurality of signal receiving units, located on the bearing body, for receiving a signal transmitted by the signal transmitting unit; and a processing unit, electrically connected with the signal receiving unit, for acquiring a storage state of the item on the bearing body according to an signal outputted by the signal receiving unit, wherein one or more of the plurality of signal receiving units shielded by the items are not able to receive the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting unit.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an integrated and packaged control system that can be implemented in and compatible with different types of decoys such that the decoys can be remotely controlled via a user's personal computing device. In an illustrative example, the control system may include a package that houses a package that houses a processing engine, a communication interface, a connector, and a data store. The data store may contain different settings of different types of decoys and corresponding control signals. The input/output terminal may be configured to communicate electrical signals between the interior of the package and the exterior of the package. By providing the control system, different types of decoys may be controlled remotely.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: In response to a detected presence of an intended target appliance within a logical topography of controllable appliances identity information associated with the intended target appliance is used to automatically add to a graphical user interface of a controlling device an icon representative of the intended target appliance and to create at a Universal Control Engine a listing of communication methods for use in controlling corresponding functional operations of the intended target appliance. When the icon is later activated, the controlling device is placed into an operating state appropriate for controlling functional operations of the intended target appliance while the Universal Control Engine uses at least one of the communication methods to transmit at least one command to place the intended target appliance into a predetermined operating state.

Abstract: A fusion splicer is capable of sensing whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state in cooperation with a theft sensing device. The fusion splicer includes an authentication processing unit that authenticates the theft sensing device, a storage unit that stores identification information of the theft sensing device subjected to authentication processing, a decision unit that decides whether or not the fusion splicer is in a stolen state based on a communication condition with respect to the theft sensing device, a locking unit that locks at least a part of functions of the fusion splicer when it is decided that the fusion splicer is in a stolen state, a releasing unit that temporarily releases the locked function of the fusion splicer, and an input unit that receives an input of a release ID for releasing the locked state.