Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for enhancing error correction decoding for communications using chirp spread spectrum are disclosed. A chirp signal having a plurality of chirps is received, a codeword is identified based on at least one of the plurality of chirps, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) associated with at least a portion of the codeword is identified, at least one decoding threshold is adjusted based on the identified RSSI, and the codeword is decoded using the adjusted at least one decoding threshold.

Abstract: A window covering for a window having a window frame. The window covering includes a headrail at the top of the window frame, and two window shades suspended from the headrail that can be selectively independently raised and lowered. Each of the window shades has a different light property. Accordingly the two window shades can be deployed selectively independently to achieve a desired property of light passing through the window shade.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing forward error correction techniques for communications using chirp spread spectrum are disclosed. Systems, devices, and methods for error correction coding and decoding are described. On the coding side, K bits of data are sequentially loaded into an M bit by N bit (M×N) matrix in a first direction as Q sequences of D bits, each D bit row of data in the M×N matrix is coded with an error correction code to generate an M bit row of coded data, each Q bit column in the M×N matrix is coded with the error correction code to generate N bits of coded data, N sequences of M bits are sequentially unloaded from the M×N matrix in a second direction, and a chirp signal is generated having a plurality of chirps.

Abstract: Devices and methods for enhancing forward error correction techniques for communications using chirp spread spectrum are disclosed. The method includes receiving a chirp signal having a plurality of chirps, identifying an N bit column that has an uncorrectable bit error, skipping the identified N bit column, decoding each remaining N bit column within the M×N matrix based on an error correction code and N?Q parity bits, decoding each M bit row within the M×N matrix based on the error correction code and M?D parity bits, determining that the uncorrectable error bit in the identified N bit column is remedied as a result of the decoding, and decoding the identified N bit column based on an error correction code and N?Q parity bits.

Abstract: A seal for a multiple-shade window covering array. The seal includes two or more coextensive shades for a window in a window frame. At least one of the shades is a cellular shade. Each shade operates independently without interference from other shades, and each shade has different light properties such that selectively raising and lowering one or more of the shades changes a light property for the window covering array. The seal also includes side seals anchored to the sides of the window frame.

Abstract: A seal apparatus for a window shade having a first side seal on one side of a window and a second side seal on an opposite side of the window. The side seals have a base anchored to a side of a window frame, and an extensible sealing portion coupled to the base and being extensible toward the window shade to enclose a volume between the window and the window shade.

Abstract: A chirp spread spectrum (CSS) receiver may reject, based on a data alignment chirp that includes an identifier that is a mismatch to a preconfigured identifier, a message early and before fully receiving/decoding the message. A receiver may receive a sequence of training chirps for symbol alignment followed by a single opposite chirp for data alignment. Training chirps may be processed through a fast-Fourier transform (FFT) and the resulting values accumulated. The receiver may align, based on the received chirps of the preamble and the accumulated values exceeding the threshold, its symbol reception. Using this symbol alignment, the receiver may await a single opposite chirp after the sequence of training chirps. The single opposite chirp may indicate data alignment and comprise an encoded identifier. The receiver may reject the message and terminate further message processing based on the encoded identifier being a mismatch to a preconfigured identifier.

Abstract: A temperature system for a window shade includes temperature sensors coupled to a side seal for the window shade. The side seal is selectively movable into and out of position relative to the window shade. The temperature sensors convey temperature information to a controller for operating the window shade and the side seal. The controller operates the window shade and the side seals based at least in part upon the temperature information.

Abstract: Data acquisition in a chirp spread spectrum (CSS) signal may use a data alignment indicator of a single down chirp signal or single upchirp signal. A receiver may receive part or all of a preamble comprising a sequence of training chirps for symbol alignment followed by a single opposite chirp for data alignment. Training chirps may be processed through a fast-Fourier transform (FFT), and the values from the FFT may be accumulated. The accumulated values may exceed a threshold for detection. The receiver may align, based on the received chirps of the preamble and exceeding the threshold, its symbol reception. Using this symbol alignment, the receiver may await a single opposite chirp after the sequence of training chirps. The single opposite chirp may indicate data alignment. Upon receipt of the opposite chirp, the receiver may start data acquisition based on chirps following the single opposite chirp.

Abstract: A chirp spread spectrum (CSS) receiver may reject, based on multiple data alignment chirps that includes an attribute identifier that is a mismatch to one or more preconfigured identifiers, a message early and before fully receiving/decoding the message. The multiple data alignment chirps may enable usage of a larger range of IDs than a single chirp signal. A receiver may receive a sequence of training chirps for symbol alignment followed by multiple opposite chirps for data alignment. Training chirps may be processed through a fast-Fourier transform (FFT) and the resulting values accumulated until a threshold is exceeded. Using symbol alignment from the training chirps, the receiver may decode multiple opposite chirps that indicate data alignment and comprise an encoded identifier. The receiver may reject the message and terminate further message processing based on the encoded identifier being a mismatch to preconfigured identifiers or attributes indicated by the encoded identifier.

Abstract: The invention is an an anchor for attaching an automated window mechanism to a sliding panel of a window. The sliding panel has a border with an outer face generally perpendicular to the window. The anchor includes a base configured to be secured to the outer face. The base and mechanism mount has a first tongue-and-groove component protruding from the base away from the outer face. The anchor also includes a mechanism mount configured to be secured to the automated window mechanism, the mechanism mount having a second tongue-and-groove component protruding therefrom. The first tongue-and-groove component and the second tongue-and-groove components are shaped and aligned to permit the mechanism mount to slide relative to the base in a direction generally perpendicular to the window, and to thereafter hold the mechanism in proper alignment relative to the sliding panel of the window.

Abstract: A toilet comprising a frame; a bowl supported by the frame; a seat also supported by the frame; a shroud covering the frame; a lift mechanism supported by the frame for adjusting the position of the seat; a foot platform positioned to support the feet of a user sitting on the seat wherein the foot platform comprises at least one foot platform weight sensor; at least one seat weight sensor between the frame and the seat for measuring the weight of a user on the seat; and a controller receiving data from the at least one foot platform weight sensor and from the at least one seat weight sensor, wherein the controller uses the data from the foot platform weight sensor and from the frame weight sensor to control the at least one lift mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for reversibly dividing a space is disclosed. Independent panels, with track followers attached to both narrow sides, move along parallel tracks. The panels start in an overhead storage space. The tracks are shaped such that as the panels move from the storage space into the space to be divided, one panel stops higher and the next panel slides down and then under the first panel. These panels preferably form a single-plane divider in the space.

Abstract: A system for controlling one or more motorized windows. The motorized windows each have a processor, a network device and wireless transmitters enabling connection via a network. The network is controlled by one or more mobile devices which receive user input. The mobile devices wirelessly connect to a local area network (LAN) via a hub. One or more hubs are connected via the LAN. The motorized windows are networked via a personal area network (PAN). The hubs convert the LAN protocol to the PAN protocol. Sensors send sensor data along with real time weather data to the processor. The processor uses this sensor data to update charts and schedules in memory, then sends commands to the controller based on these updated charts and schedules according to user defined and factory set parameters. The system includes both local and cloud-based control.

Abstract: Devices and methods for internet of things (IOT) discovery/auto discovery are described. A discovery packet is received from a device. The discovery packet includes a first stream identifier and a request to establish a second stream. A stream acceptance packet is sent to the device. The stream acceptance packet includes the first stream identifier and an input for generating a second stream identifier. A first association is added to the registration based on the request to establish the second stream. The first association is between the second stream identifier and a determined destination. A first data packet is received from the device, where the first data packet includes/utilizes the second stream identifier. The first data packet is sent to the destination based on the first association in the registration.

Abstract: The method of confirming consumption of a tagged pharmaceutical or nutritional product includes the step of providing a subject with a pharmaceutical or nutritional product which has been tagged with a safe, for example, a plant-based, compound. These compounds may include asparagusic acid or a derivative thereof which is found in asparagus, garlic or an extract of garlic, or 1,8-cineole. Alternatively, the taggant may be dimethylsulfoxide. A subject may be provided with and instructed to consume the tagged product according to a defined protocol. A sample of bodily waste or other biological sample may be collected from the subject and analyzed for the presence of the tag or a metabolite thereof. This method may be used to confirm compliance with the protocol in clinical drug trials or nutritional studies.

Abstract: A toilet comprising a frame; a bowl supported by the frame; a seat also supported by the frame; a shroud covering the frame; a lift mechanism supported by the frame for adjusting the position of the seat; a foot platform positioned to support the feet of a user sitting on the seat wherein the foot platform comprises a plurality of foot platform weight sensors; a plurality of seat weight sensors between the frame and the seat for measuring the weight of a user on the seat; and a controller receiving data from the plurality of foot platform weight sensors and from the plurality of seat weight sensors; wherein the controller uses the data from the foot platform weight sensors to calculate the weight distribution of the user between the seat and foot platform; and wherein the controller uses the data from the foot platform weight sensors to calculate the weight distribution of the user between the left and right side of the foot platform; and wherein the controller uses the calculated weight distributions to cont

Abstract: An analytical toilet is disclosed. The toilet includes a bowl for receiving excreta, a mechanism that uses a consumable for analyzing a sample of excreta, a storage structure for storing the consumable, a sensor that detects at least one property of the consumable, and a processor that generates an alert when the property is outside a predetermined parameter. The property the sensor detects can be used to determine at least one of the identity of the consumable, the quantity or supply of the consumable, or a property related to the suitability of the consumable.

Abstract: An analytical toilet, comprising a bowl adapted to receive excreta; a source of refill water to the toilet controlled by a refill valve; a P-trap with a height over two inches in a drain from the toilet; a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the bowl; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor and the refill valve; wherein the controller monitors water level in the toilet following a flush and controls the valve so that the toilet is filled to a water level no more than two inches in the P-trap is disclosed. An analytical toilet comprising a bowl adapted to receive excreta; a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the bowl; a drain valve adapted to allow or disallow flow from the bowl to a drain; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor and the drain valve is disclosed.

Abstract: A urine temperature measuring apparatus comprising a receptacle adapted to fit into a front area of a toilet bowl for receiving urine; a channel positioned below the receptacle such that urine in the receptacle may flow into the channel; a temperature sensor in the channel; and an outlet from the channel draining into the toilet bowl is disclosed. An analytical toilet comprising a bowl adapted to receive excreta; a receptacle in a front area of a toilet bowl for receiving urine; a channel positioned below the receptacle such that urine in the receptacle may flow into the channel; a temperature sensor in the channel; and an outlet from the channel draining into the toilet bowl is also disclosed. A method of measuring body temperature using a toilet including the step of providing a receptacle adapted for placement in the front of a toilet bowl to receive urine.