Abstract: An onboard secure activation module that adds smart device functionality to a variety of devices that do not have smart device functionality. The onboard secure activation module can be attached to a cellular phone, a watch, a watch wristband, a bracelet, jewelry, a key FOB, or other portable device. In addition, the universal intelligent module can also be incorporated into any portable item. The invention enables any non-smart cellular phone, bracelet, watch, item of jewelry. or key FOB, be it vintage or otherwise, to become a smart device. The onboard secure activation module contains all the components necessary for applications such as payments, identification, authentication, and/or other applications. Further, the universal intelligent module can be secured to any existing wristband, or other device can have its functionality expanded as new applications and functions become available.

Abstract: A universal intelligent module that provides smart device functionality to a variety of devices. The universal intelligent module can be attached to a cellular phone, a watch wristband, a bracelet, a key FOB, or other portable device. In addition, the universal intelligent module can also be incorporated into any portable item. The invention enables any cellular phone, bracelet, watch, or key FOB, be it vintage or otherwise, to become a smart device. The universal intelligent module contains all the components necessary for applications such as payments, identification, authentication, and/or other applications. Further, the universal intelligent module can be incorporated into any existing wristband, or device cover such that even what is today considered a smart watch can have its functionality expanded as new applications and functions become available.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention assist customers in managing the four types of energy assets, that is, generation, storage, usage, and controllable load assets. Embodiments of the present invention for the first time develop and predict a customer baseline (“CBL”) usage of electricity, using a predictive model based on simulation of energy assets, based on business as usual (“BAU”) of the customer's facility. The customer is provided with options for operating schedules based on algorithms, which allow the customer to maximize the economic return on its generation assets, its storage assets, and its load control assets. Embodiments of the invention enable the grid to verify that the customer has taken action to control load in response to price. This embodiment of the invention calculates the amount of energy that the customer would have consumed, absent any reduction of use made in response to price.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention assist customers in managing the four types of energy assets, that is, generation, storage, usage, and controllable load assets. Embodiments of the present invention for the first time develop and predict a customer baseline (“CBL”) usage of electricity, using a predictive model based on simulation of energy assets, based on business as usual (“BAU”) of the customer's facility. The customer is provided with options for operating schedules based on algorithms, which allow the customer to maximize the economic return on its generation assets, its storage assets, and its load control assets. Embodiments of the invention enable the grid to verify that the customer has taken action to control load in response to price. This embodiment of the invention calculates the amount of energy that the customer would have consumed, absent any reduction of use made in response to price.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for secure access to secured system functions utilizing a universal access card. The card includes a bank of tuned amplifier circuits and tuned audio transducers to maximize audio output power from the card, such as for telephone communications. The card includes a variety of other interfaces for the user to communicate with a secure access central system. The card includes a keypad, signature input pad, voice audio input, and fingerprint input, to capture data from a user to determine whether the user is an authorized user. The user utilizes the card to conduct a secure access authorization process with the central. After the card and user are authenticated, the user can access certain functions of a system.