Abstract: A method for operating a train having at least one locomotive vehicle, the method including controlling operation of the train via a first crew member located on-board the locomotive unit, providing information that may be required for operation of the train to a second crew member located remote from the first crew member, and using the information to enable the second crew member to assist the first crew member in the controlling of the train.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a device, system and methods that promote safety and security within an organization. Sensor data from one or more installation sensors is collected, analyzed and used to create a map and/or directions that, when received by a wireless mobile device, facilitate a person's possible egress around or from a detected event. The information provided to the person by the map and/or the directions may be individually crafted to be of maximum use to the specific recipient so the person can understand, plan and execute the most appropriate danger avoidance maneuvers in minimal time.

Abstract: Systems are provided for efficiently managing the effects of a change to a transportation system's state. One example system comprises a plurality of distributed data input and data output terminals, the distributed data input terminal configured to automatically generate data related to a first aspect of transportation system operation, at least one of a distributed database and a synchronized database configured to store data, a plurality of distributed computational engines configured to receive data from at least one database, and based on the data received, automatically manage operations of a second, different aspect of the transportation system operations, and a communications network linking the data input terminals, the data output terminals, the databases, and the computational engines, wherein the change to the transportation system's state is initiated by the data generated at the distributed input terminals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for controlling a turbine clearance in an aircraft engine are provided. A method includes activating a turbine clearance control based on a flight phase of an aircraft using the aircraft engine, and adjusting the turbine clearance based on a preselected turbine clearance value.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a device, system and methods that promote safety and security within an organization. Sensor data from one or more installation sensors is collected, analyzed and used to create a map and/or directions that, when received by a wireless mobile device, facilitate a person's possible egress around or from a detected event. The information provided to the person by the map and/or the directions may be individually crafted to be of maximum use to the specific recipient so the person can understand, plan and execute the most appropriate danger avoidance maneuvers in minimal time.

Abstract: Systems are provided for efficiently managing the effects of a change to a transportation system's state. One example system comprises a plurality of distributed data input and data output terminals, the distributed data input terminal configured to automatically generate data related to a first aspect of transportation system operation, at least one of a distributed database and a synchronized database configured to store data, a plurality of distributed computational engines configured to receive data from at least one database, and based on the data received, automatically manage operations of a second, different aspect of the transportation system operations, and a communications network linking the data input terminals, the data output terminals, the databases, and the computational engines, wherein the change to the transportation system's state is initiated by the data generated at the distributed input terminals.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for controlling a turbine clearance in an aircraft engine are provided. A method includes activating a turbine clearance control based on a flight phase of an aircraft using the aircraft engine, and adjusting the turbine clearance based on a preselected turbine clearance value.

Abstract: A method for operating a train having at least one locomotive vehicle, the method including controlling operation of the train via a first crew member located on-board the locomotive unit, providing information that may be required for operation of the train to a second crew member located remote from the first crew member, and using the information to enable the second crew member to assist the first crew member in the controlling of the train.

Abstract: A system, method and program storage device tangibly embodying a program of instructions for determining whether to allow transmission of data from a source destined for a destination over a network, comprising: acquiring a string of a predetermined length in bits (L) from the data; partitioning the acquired string into a partition of phrases, each of the phrases in the partition being unique and having one or more bits; determining a number of phrases (N) in the partition; estimating a normalized complexity (C) for the Kolmogorov Complexity in the acquired string via C ? N 2 ? L ; and evaluating whether to allow transmission of the data based on a comparison of whether the normalized complexity estimate (C) is within a predetermined normal complexity estimate band.

Abstract: A system for remote control of an electrically operated railroad wayside equipment having a power supply for powering the wayside equipment. a central controller provides central control signals. A transmitter associated with the controller receives the control signals and transmits communications signals corresponding to the control signals. A remote equipment controller controls operation of the wayside equipment in response thereto.

Abstract: An enhanced cryptographic system of high security for a ciphering of a block of data bits under control of a cryptographic key and for generating a one way transformation of a block of data bits with said cryptographic system being based upon the traditional DES but utilizing a variable permutation after the S box substitution function. Said variable permutation is able to be realized in an FPGA implementing the variable permutation via a switching network such as an Omega or Bennes-Waksman network with the switching network control elements under control of the cryptographic key and with an electable mode compatible with the traditional single DES and TDEA and their various modes and with a further capability for a privacy mode within a set of holders of common cryptographic key via a sub key selection mask. A method and process for efficient interruption and resumption of the cryptographic operation are also described.

Abstract: A location system and method for determining the location of a tagged item in a facility. In one embodiment, the location system includes a plurality of room transmitters designed to be located throughout the facility. Each room transmitter has a unique signature. The system also includes at least one item or location tag affixed or otherwise associated with an item. Each tag is operable to send a signal having information related to the signature of a room transmitter within the reception range of the tag and information related to the identity of the tag. Signals from the tags are received by one or more locating receivers. Each locating receiver is operable to determine the identity of an item tag and the likely location of the item tag within the facility based upon the signal from that tag. The invention also provides a method of locating an item in a facility.

Abstract: An electronic device, such as a digital camera, includes sensors to acquire subject data, such as an electro-optical image, as well as additional sensors to acquire meta-data such as temperature, humidity, the identification of the subject data, and the data and time. The electronic device further includes an image evaluator, to determine the best steganographic method to use to combine the meta-data and the subject data, and a steganographic engine, to combine the meta-data and the subject data in an undetectable manner. In this way, meta-data can be associated with the subject data when the subject data is acquired and in a manner that attaches the meta-data and the subject data without requiring generating and maintaining two, linked data sets.

Abstract: A method of distributing wide band data using a neutral-to-ground circuit within an electrical wiring installation includes modifying a load center with an interface module which interfaces to the neutral-to-ground circuit and configuring the interface module to compensate for varying impedance within the neutral-to-ground circuit to improve data transmission characteristics. Multiple embodiments are included within the method for compensation of varying impedance including channel sounding, spectral waterfilling, and communications using spread spectrum techniques, for example, frequency hopping and direct sequencing techniques.

Abstract: A system, method and program storage device tangibly embodying a program of instructions for determining whether to allow transmission of data from a source destined for a destination over a network, comprising: acquiring a string of a predetermined length in bits (L) from the data; partitioning the acquired string into a partition of phrases, each of the phrases in the partition being unique and having one or more bits; determining a number of phrases (N) in the partition; estimating a normalized complexity (C) for the Kolmogorov Complexity in the acquired string via 1 C ≡ N 2 ⁢ L ;

Abstract: A system for collecting and analyzing shipment parameter data, e.g., temperature, vibration, acceleration, shock, humidity, barometric pressure, pH, transit time, container position, etc., affecting predicted statistical variables of articles is provided. Examples of the predicted statistical variables may include article life expectancy, warranty costs, service and/or maintenance schedules, etc. The system is made up of a plurality of data collection subsystems for respectively collecting shipment parameter data encountered by respective articles being shipped, and a data analysis subsystem coupled to receive the collected shipment data for adjusting the respective predicted statistical variables of the articles.

Abstract: A location system and method for determining the location of a tagged item in a facility. In one embodiment, the location system includes a plurality of room transmitters designed to be located throughout the facility. Each room transmitter has a unique signature. The system also includes at least one item or location tag affixed or otherwise associated with an item. Each tag is operable to send a signal having information related to the signature of a room transmitter within the reception range of the tag and information related to the identity of the tag. Signals from the tags are received by one or more locating receivers. Each locating receiver is operable to determine the identity of an item tag and the likely location of the item tag within the facility based upon the signal from that tag. The invention also provides a method of locating an item in a facility.

Abstract: An enhanced cryptographic system of high security for a referable ciphering of a block of data bits under control of a cryptographic key or for generating a non referable ciphering of a block of data bits with said cryptographic system being based upon the traditional DES but utilizing a variable permutation or linear transformation after the S box substitution function. Said variable permutation is able to be realized in an FPGA implementing the variable permutation via a switching network such as an Omega or Bennes-Waksman network with the switching network control elements under control of the cryptographic key and with an electable mode compatible with the traditional single DES and TDEA and their various modes and with a further capability for a privacy mode within a set of holders of common cryptographic key via a sub key selection mask.

Abstract: An electronic energy meter is described. The meter includes, in one form, voltage and current sensors having their outputs coupled to an analog to digital converter. The digital signals output by the converter are supplied to a digital signal processor (DSP) which outputs digitized metering quantities to a microcomputer. Using the metering quantities supplied by the DSP, the microcomputer performs additional metering calculations and functions. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for determining whether an option board is being used and, if so, controlling meter operations in accordance with the coupled option board.In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a high function option board which, when enabled, operates as a master and the meter microcomputer automatically switches from its normal master mode to slave mode.

Abstract: An electricity meter having a protected enabling scheme for activating meter options and upgrades is presented. The meter has a unique serial number, which includes bit-flags indicating which options have already been enabled, stored in the non-volatile RAM. Each option which is not enabled must be requested and a password verified before it can be utilized. At least one password is stored in a read protected location in the non-volatile RAM. The meter is in communication with a computer, e.g., a desktop or laptop type of computer. The password is generated by processing a secret software key and the unique serial number of the meter with an authentication algorithm. The computer is loaded with an upgrade software program, which includes the authentication algorithm. A hardware key which stores a secret software key is attached to a parallel port of the computer.