Abstract: A set-top box with enhanced features and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box, the set-top box is deployed to provide an interactive portal in a hospitality establishment having multiple rooms, such as a hotel. The set-top box generates a default interactive portal as well as a guest-specific interactive portal, which is generated from a guest configuration profile having information including guest identification, a guest channel preference presentation, and a guest service preference presentation with guest account information. The guest configuration profile may also enable the creation of a local area wireless network with substantially the same behavior as the guest's home wireless network. The guest configuration profile may further enable the control of in-room amenities, such as temperature control, lighting, shades, and availability, for example.

Abstract: Methods and systems for premises management are described. A gateway device may be used to manage communication between a security system and an automation device. The gateway device may receive security data from the security system. The security data may indicate an event. An automation rule may be used to cause the automation device to perform an action based on the event.

Abstract: A universal remote control (URC) is programmed to control a particular type and make of electronic consumer device using a graphical user interface. A plurality of images is displayed on the user-interface. Each image of the plurality of images is a digital photograph of an electronic consumer device or a remote control device usable to control the corresponding electronic consumer device. A user selects the digital photograph of the particular type and make of electronic consumer device or its corresponding remote control device. Codeset information associated with the selected device is transmitted to the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device. If the codeset information is a codeset identifier, then it is displayed on the user interface. The user enters the codeset identifier into the URC such that the URC is programmed to control the selected device.

Abstract: A method of configuring a multimedia device connected to an interconnection device and to at least one terminal is disclosed. The multimedia device includes a service interface to the interconnection device and a terminal interface to said terminal. The method includes an initialization phase including receiving, through the service interface, a first request to obtain an identification parameter authorizing access to a configuration module for the multimedia device, and transmitting, through the service interface, a message destined for the terminal comprising the identification parameter requested.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods to enable a mobile device to be used as a remote control, in order to control one or more remotely controllable objects. In possible embodiments of the invention, proximity-based (or other) remote controls include control authorization to enable the transfer or sharing of control between different remote controls being implemented on different mobile devices, in order to permit different users to transfer or share control of a same remotely controllable object, for example. In other possible embodiments of the invention, a proximity-based (or other) remote control uses control authentication to enable the pairing of a remote control implemented on a device and a remotely controllable object, for example. Various embodiments of control authority and control authentication are possible and anticipated by the invention to address a wide range of practical remote control applications and provide many benefits to users.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for configuring a home automation apparatus including a plurality of home automation devices and a plurality of central control units (U1, U2). The method is executed by a management unit (Sv) connected to the at least one home automation apparatus and includes the following steps: receiving (ETCfSv1) a configuration message (MCf) from a user (Usr) or an application (A) that is executed on the management unit (Sv) or another connected management unit, determining (ETCfSv3) a list (UL) of central control units (U1, U2) capable of executing at least one condition (Cnd) and/or at least one action (AcU1, AcU2) of a conditional expression (CE), and sending (ETCfSv6) a configuration message (MCfU1, MCfU2), including a definition of a conditional software code module (CCM), to the at least one central control unit (U1, U2) included in the list (UL).

Abstract: Embodiments provided herein relate to enforcing a device restriction policy. A device restriction policy may be stored that maps one or more portions of a household with particular household occupants of a plurality of household occupants. A request may be received to activate the device restriction policy on a household occupant. The device restriction policy may be activated against the household occupant based on the received request. One or more electronic devices may be disabled that are located in a portion of the household linked with the household occupant based on the received request and the device restriction policy.

Abstract: A remotely activated vehicle anti-theft device 10 and system 50 for preventing vehicle theft is provided. The device 10 is moved between unlocked, locked and priority locked states using either a wireless vehicle remote 51 or a mobile phone 52. The mobile phone 52 enjoys priority over the remote control 51 and overrides it when the device is in its priority locked state. It includes a pivotal locking member 17 which is movable between an open position (unlocked state) in which the member is spaced away from a gear 12, permitting it to rotate freely, and a locked position (locked and priority locked states), in which the member 17 engages the gear 12 and prevents rotation thereof, thereby immobilising a vehicle. The device 10 includes an ECU 22, wireless communication module 34, actuator 23, GPS 6 and speed sensor 7 housed in a tamper-proof casing 27.

Abstract: An electronic device according to the disclosure includes an infrared signal receiver, an infrared signal transmitter, a memory that stores computer instruction code, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to: receive a first infrared signal output from a remote control device according to a user input for controlling an external device connected with the electronic device through the infrared signal receiver, identify a second infrared signal corresponding to one of control commands for controlling the operation of the external device based on control information included in the received first infrared signal, identify the output timing of the second infrared signal based on the type of the first infrared signal, and control the infrared signal transmitter to output the determined second infrared signal based on the identified output timing.

Abstract: The present invention supports the control of a plurality of controlled devices. With three dimensional accelerometer components, detection of a user action on a remote controller and the orientation of the remote controller are viable through small electronic devices. Aspects of the invention are based on the three dimensional accelerometer components to provide a remote controller that can detect the user action. Based on the user action, the remote controller transmits a signal to the controlled device which conveys the corresponding command. A selected controlled device may be matched to the remote controller. The remote controller and controlled device may also support a learning mode, in which the controlled device sends a list of supported commands to the remote controller. The remote controller then matches an associated action with each command in the command list.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for configuring a home automation apparatus including a plurality of home automation devices and a plurality of central control units (U1, U2). The method is executed by a management unit (Sv) connected to the at least one home automation apparatus and includes the following steps: receiving (ETCfSv1) a configuration message (MCf) from a user (Usr) or an application (A) that is executed on the management unit (Sv) or another connected management unit, determining (ETCfSv3) a list (UL) of central control units (U1, U2) capable of executing at least one condition (Cnd) and/or at least one action (AcU1, AcU2) of a conditional expression (CE), and sending (ETCfSv6) a configuration message (MCfU1, MCfU2), including a definition of a conditional software code module (CCM), to the at least one central control unit (U1, U2) included in the list (UL).

Abstract: A method for managing alarm data of multiple physical locations. The method includes receiving a plurality of sets of alarm data. Each of the plurality of sets of alarm data corresponds to a respective physical location. Each of the plurality of sets of alarm data includes a respective occurrence value corresponding to each of a plurality of alarm categories. The method includes receiving a list indicating one or more alarm preferences. of the or more alarm preferences are associated with one or more priority values. The method includes arranging, responsive to identifying a first of the one or more alarm preferences that indicates a first subset of the alarm categories, a ranking of the plurality of sets of alarm data based on respective occurrence values of the first set of alarm categories. The method includes displaying, via a user interface, the ranking of the plurality of sets of alarm data.

Abstract: An appliance operation signal processing system including an input for receiving an appliance operation signal. The appliance operation signal includes information relating to operation of an appliance. The system further includes an output for outputting information relating to degradation of the appliance and a processor configured to determine a probability that the appliance or a component of the appliance is in at least one degradation state by applying a classifier to a feature vector including information relating to frequency data extracted from the appliance operation signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may be configured to allow a user to grant or deny access to its HVAC system in response to the user receiving an electronic invitation to the system. The granting of access by a user to its HVAC system may allow for remote monitoring of the HVAC system.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to networks of electrochromic windows. The networks may be configured in particular ways to minimize the likelihood that the windows on the network draw more power than can be provided. The network may include particular hardware components that provide additional power to windows as needed. The network may also be configured to adjust how the windows therein transition to prevent overloading the network. The techniques described herein can be used to design networks of electrochromic windows that are undersized when considering the amount of power that would be needed to simultaneously transition all the windows on the network using normal transition parameters, while still allowing simultaneous transitions to occur.

Abstract: A method for managing communication with a building automation device, the method being performed in a gateway, includes the steps of: receiving a packet from the building automation device; determining that the gateway currently fails to support a communication protocol being compatible with the packet; transmitting the packet to a protocol server; receiving, from the protocol server, executable software instructions to be used for communication over the communication protocol being compatible with the packet; and installing the executable software instructions to provide a capability to communicate over the communication protocol being compatible with the packet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling access to a cyber-physical system (CPS). A security tool can perform access authorization by analyzing messages sent through the CPS, creating a plurality of fictitious messages, sending the plurality of fictitious messages though the CPS, and checking whether correct authorization data is included in the analyzed messages to determine authorized or unauthorized access to the CPS. An access monitoring tool can detect a change in a functional CPS module related to unauthorized access to the CPS, and responsive to the detection of a change in a functional CPS module related to unauthorized access to the CPS, change a state of a functional CPS module using a monitoring rule.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a media rendering device of a media rendering system in a WLAN is disclosed. A second device is activated, and detected by a first device. The first and second devices establish a communication channel. The first device accesses biometric user data of a first user of the media rendering system, and records an audio voice phrase of a user of the second device. The system analyzes the audio voice phrase of the user of the second device to compare the audio voice phrase of the user of the second device to the biometric user data of the first user of the media rendering system. The system authenticates the audio voice phrase with respect to the biometric user data and configures the second device to render media according to a first user profile of the first user of the media rendering system.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods to enable a mobile device to be used as a remote control, in order to control one or more remotely controllable objects. In possible embodiments of the invention, proximity-based (or other) remote controls include control authorization to enable the transfer or sharing of control between different remote controls being implemented on different mobile devices, in order to permit different users to transfer or share control of a same remotely controllable object, for example. In other possible embodiments of the invention, a proximity-based (or other) remote control uses control authentication to enable the pairing of a remote control implemented on a device and a remotely controllable object, for example. Various embodiments of control authority and control authentication are possible and anticipated by the invention to address a wide range of practical remote control applications and provide many benefits to users.

Abstract: A method of controlling delivery of video programs from video distribution equipment to video receiver devices includes receiving messages at the video distribution equipment from a mobile terminal operated by a user. The messages contain user defined identifiers that are associated with equipment identifiers of different ones of the video receiver devices. The user defined identifiers are stored associated with the equipment identifiers in a subscriber account. Delivery of video programs from the video distribution equipment to the video receiver devices is controlled in response to commands received from the mobile terminal which request delivery of identified video programs to identified ones of the user defined identifiers. Related video distribution equipment and mobile terminals are disclosed.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system prevents fires or other emergency conditions on a heating device, such as a stove. The system uses sensors to detect the emergency and alert an operator. The system dumps lire suppressant material onto the heating device. The system also may shut-off power to the heating device. An alarm circuit and associated functionality assures the system is in working order by using diagnostic tests and other checks.

Abstract: A new sensor is detected being added to a vehicle sensor bus. A publication topic is created based on the new sensor. The publication topic is made available via at least a server component operating via the proximity networking radio. Data from the new sensor is added to the publication topic. In response to a subscription to the publication topic via a user device, the data is dynamically presented to the user device via the server component.

Abstract: A display apparatus for controlling a peripheral device and a method thereof are provided. The method may include transmitting, to a remote controller, a first turn-on signal to turn on the peripheral device; measuring a time interval between a first time when the display apparatus transmits the first turn-on signal to the remote controller and a second time when the display apparatus starts to receive content from the peripheral device in response to the first turn-on signal; and setting the measured time interval as a threshold time to determine whether the content is received from the peripheral device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) services is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having an aggregator element that aggregates a number of IMS services, and a presentation element that presents a web page with the aggregated IMS services. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle identification system includes one or more displays associated with a vehicle, a transceiver, and a controller communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The one or more displays are located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle. The controller is adapted to generate a first signal to be transmitted by the transceiver to a mobile communication device associated with a driver of the vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a specific location. The mobile communication device associated with the driver is adapted to generate a second signal to be transmitted to the one or more displays. The second signal represents an indicator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for discovering the configuration of a home-automation facility, the home-automation facility comprising a plurality of home-automation devices and a plurality of central control units (U1, U2); the method being executed by a management unit (Sv) or by a mobile terminal (T) connected to the at least one home-automation facility and comprising the following steps: receiving (EDCfT3) a first message (MSScn1) originating from a first control unit (U1) of the plurality of central control units (U, U1, U2), the first message comprising a first piece of signalling information concerning at least one first sub-scenario (SScn11) prerecorded in said first central control unit linked with a scenario identifier (ScnID), the first sub-scenario (SScn1) comprising at least one first control intended for the at least one device attached to said first central control unit (U1); receiving (EDCfT4) a second message (MSScn2) originating from a second control unit (U2) of the plurality of central

Abstract: The invention refers to a method of using a tag in a localisation system, the method comprising at said tag operating a magnetic induction signal detection circuit to detect signals, and upon detection of a magnetic induction signal comprising a first identification code: correlating the magnetic induction signal comprising said first identification code to an ultrasound signal comprising a second identification code, received via an ultrasound signal detection circuit. If said correlation reveals an association between said first identification code and said second identification code: a radio frequency announcement signal is transmitted via a radio frequency signal transmitter circuit to signify said association. The invention also refers to a method of using a beacon in said localisation system, as well as the localisation system comprising one or more tags and one or more beacons.

Abstract: A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a base configured to be attached to a support surface. The base includes an alarm circuit and a tether, and the tether is configured to be extended and retracted relative to the base and to be coupled to one or more items of merchandise. The alarm circuit is configured to detect removal of the base from the support surface, cutting of the tether, and/or removal of the tether. In addition, the security device includes a lock mechanism configured to lock to the tether for securing the one or more items of merchandise to the tether, wherein one or more items of merchandise are removable from the tether when the lock mechanism is unlocked.

Abstract: A digital assistant supported on computing devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, personal computers (PCs), wearable devices, game consoles, smart home devices and the like is configured with a notification system that interfaces with applications and/or other systems and resources so that the digital assistant may collect notifications across a range of a user's devices. The digital assistant may utilize a natural language interface (which may cooperate with touch and gesture interfaces) and applies awareness of context and user's behaviors to intelligently present the collected notifications on a single device for the user as a native digital assistant user experience. The digital assistant can sort notifications, group notifications together, and interact with the user to answer questions, provide information and status, and enable the user to action on a notification from the collection.

Abstract: Described herein are frameworks and methodologies configured to assist configuring devices supported by a building management system. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed to allow commissioning of devices, such as HVAC components, to be performed more efficiently in the field. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.

Abstract: Provided is a configuration that permits confirmation of emergency information viewing results on a reception apparatus, an endpoint of emergency information such as TV. A data processing section of a reception apparatus such as TV that receives and outputs emergency information generates an emergency information viewing result report that contains a record of emergency information viewing result information and sends the generated emergency information viewing result report to a management server and so on. The data processing section generates an emergency information viewing result report that contains a record of an identifier of emergency information output by the reception apparatus and emergency information output time information in accordance with a CDM (Consumption Data Message) format. The CDM keeps a record of not only emergency information output time information but also reception apparatus position information, emergency information sender information, and so on.

Abstract: A remote controller setting device includes a storage unit configured to store setting data on setting contents of a remote controller, and a communication unit connected to a communication line between the remote controller and a device to be operated by the remote controller and, in normal operation of the remote controller, is configured to transmit the setting data stored in the storage unit to the remote controller.

Abstract: A device (10) for controlling an operation, the device comprising: a controller (12); a storage means (14) for storing electronic program instructions for controlling the controller; and an input means (16); wherein the controller is operable, under control of the electronic program instructions, to: receive at least one instruction via the input means, the at least one instruction comprising a command associated with the operation; and implement the operation according to the command.

Abstract: An alarm configuration system simplifies alarm management in industrial control systems by improving scalability and capacity of alarms. A control system device allows alarms to be configured by associating the alarm conditions with controller tags or other components of a control system. Properties of these alarm conditions can be referenced by external systems as well as programmatically as extensions of the associated controller tag or component. The alarm conditions are evaluated independently of the control program executed by the control device. A development system allows association of reusable user-defined alarm conditions with selected data types, such that the alarm conditions are automatically applied to controller tags of the selected data type. Selected alarm conditions can also be grouped into alarm sets, allowing operations to be performed collectively on the set of alarms. The system can also generate collective alarm statistics for the alarm conditions included in an alarm set.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computing devices are described herein for monitoring a premises when residents or other users are present in order to detect patterns of activity at the premises. Such patterns may comprise, for example, a typical schedule indicating usage of one or more devices by one or more users of the premises. When a user is away or otherwise inactive, commands may be sent to various user devices to make it appear (e.g., to those outside the premises) as if the user is present by simulating and/or recreating the patterns that were previously detected.

Abstract: A digital intercom system includes a master station having hardware and software configured to allow duplex communication between a plurality of communication devices. The software runs a plurality of settings for directing communication between the communication devices. The master station is configured to modify the settings based on input entered into a browser based program run on an input/output (I/O) device by a user.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data in a wireless system, wherein the wireless system includes a server, a relay device, and at least one appliance. The method includes that the relay device is connected to the server through an internet; determine whether there is a state information sent from the appliance being stored in the relay device; if so, send the state information to the server; otherwise, send a first interactive command to the server, wherein the first interactive command corresponds to a situation that there is no state information being stored in the relay device; send a second interactive command to the server, and then interrupt a connection with the server, wherein the second interactive command requests the server to interrupt a connection with the relay device. Whereby, the server could determine whether the relay device transmits data normally or not, ensuring the reliability of data transmission.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data in a wireless system, wherein the wireless system includes a first server, a second server, a relay device, and at least one appliance. The method includes that the relay device is connected to the first server through a network; determine whether the relay device stores a state information sent from the appliance; if so, send the state information to the first server; otherwise, send a first interactive command to the first server; receive a data sent from the relay device by the first server, and transmit it to the second server for subsequent process; the relay device sends a second interactive command to the first server, and then interrupt a connection with the first server. Whereby, the first server could determine whether the relay device transmits data normally or not by individually communicating with the relay device, ensuring the reliability of data transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods to enable a mobile device to be used as a remote control, in order to control one or more remotely controllable objects. In possible embodiments of the invention, proximity-based (or other) remote controls include control authorization to enable the transfer or sharing of control between different remote controls being implemented on different mobile devices, in order to permit different users to transfer or share control of a same remotely controllable object, for example. In other possible embodiments of the invention, a proximity-based (or other) remote control uses control authentication to enable the pairing of a remote control implemented on a device and a remotely controllable object, for example. Various embodiments of control authority and control authentication are possible and anticipated by the invention to address a wide range of practical remote control applications and provide many benefits to users.

Abstract: A multi-function thermostat for a building includes a communications interface and a processing circuit. The communications interface is configured to communicate with building equipment and receive data from one or more sensors. The processing circuit is configured to control the building equipment to affect an environmental condition within a first zone of the building when an occupant is detected within the first zone based on the data received from the sensors. The processing circuit is further configured to detect movement of the occupant from the first zone of the building to a second zone of the building based on the data received from the sensors. The processing circuit is further configured to control the building equipment to affect an environmental condition within the second zone of the building when the occupant is detected within the second zone based on the data received from the sensors.

Abstract: A display apparatus for controlling a peripheral device and a method thereof are provided. The method may include transmitting, to a remote controller, a first turn-on signal to turn on the peripheral device; measuring a time interval between a first time when the display apparatus transmits the first turn-on signal to the remote controller and a second time when the display apparatus starts to receive content from the peripheral device in response to the first turn-on signal; and setting the measured time interval as a threshold time to determine whether the content is received from the peripheral device.

Abstract: Methods are described for raising an alarm from an sensor device that is not paired with a sensor network using a broadcast mode. Embodiments at a sensor device include determining that data from a sensor of a sensor device indicates an alarm state, determining that the sensor device is not paired with a hub; and sending a broadcast message to a network. Embodiments at a hub for a sensor network include receiving an alarm message from a sensor device in a broadcast mode wherein the sensor device is not paired the hub; forwarding the alarm message to an alert service; receiving confirmation of the authenticity of alarm message; and generate an alert.

Abstract: Techniques are described for selecting an alarm state based at least in part on determining a security event related to security and automation systems. One method includes receiving, from a sensor, a first indication of a security event at the first location, determining a first threat level based on the security event, and activating a first alarm state based at least in part on the first threat level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing registration at a remote site that may include, for example, a monitoring module that may communicate with a remote site. A registration protocol may be used by the monitoring module and the remote site in generating the messages communicated during the registration process. The monitoring module may gather and generate various identification information to be included in the registration protocol messages. The registration information provided by the monitoring module maybe stored at the remote site in a database server having a database. A confirmation message may be communicated from the remote site to the monitoring module that may either acknowledge successful registration or report that an error occurred during the registration process.

Abstract: A method for personalized intelligent wake-up system based on multimodal deep neural network comprises monitoring a sleeping status of a user; obtaining a current sleeping-stage of the user within a current time frame and a prediction of a next sleeping-stage of the user for a next time frame; correcting the current sleeping-stage of the user through combining the current sleeping-stage and the prediction of the next sleeping-stage; determining a wake up strategy for the current time frame; determining a relationship between each of a plurality of alarm impulses adopted to wake up the user and a corresponding reaction of the user; identifying a change in the current sleeping-stage for the current time frame; determining an alarm impulse to be triggered for waking up the user; and triggering the determined alarm impulse.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include an equipment controller for operating a piece of kitchen equipment. The equipment controller has a memory storing an initial menu of food items each having associated operating parameters for operating the kitchen equipment when preparing the associated food item. The system also includes a supervisory controller in communication with the equipment controller and in communication with a remote monitor that receives an updated menu for the kitchen equipment from a remote terminal. The updated menu includes at least one of a food item modification and an operating parameter modification. The supervisory controller receives the updated menu from the remote monitor and communicates the updated menu to the equipment controller for installation by the equipment controller.

Abstract: A finger-wearable computing device may comprise a processor, a ring base, and a display screen. The display screen is coupled to the ring base and coupled to the processor to display an output. The display screen includes a command area configured to receive user input from a wearer's thumb while the finger-wearable computing device is worn on a wearer's finger. The ring base may be resiliently flexible and may define an overlapping loop with a central opening that expands and contracts to fit the wearer's finger. The display screen may be flexibly coupled to the ring base and may have a vertical axis that is canted at an angle relative to a central axis of the ring base to ergonomically position the display screen while the wearable computing device is worn on the finger of the wearer's hand.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a method for controlling a display apparatus are provided. For example, a display apparatus which has an HCI type dual mode Bluetooth processor, and a method for controlling a display apparatus are provided. Example embodiments disclose a display apparatus which, in a standby mode in which a screen is turned off, controls the screen of the display apparatus having an HCI type dual mode Bluetooth processor, and a method for controlling a display apparatus.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus controls a peripheral device by using a relay apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes an interface connected to the peripheral device; a communication unit that performs communication with the relay apparatus; a receiver that receives a control signal for controlling the electronic apparatus; and a controller that, when the control signal is received, performs an operation based on the control signal, and controls the communication unit to transmit information about the performed operation and information about the peripheral device to the relay apparatus in order to control the peripheral device to perform an operation that corresponds to the performed operation.