Abstract: Provided is a sensor node including: a sensor for measuring biological information; a CPU for acquiring data by driving the sensor; a wireless communication unit for transmitting the data acquired by the CPU; a battery for supplying the control unit, the wireless communication unit, and the sensor with electric power; a RAM for storing the data; a compression unit for compressing the data stored in the RAM when the wireless communication unit cannot carry out the transmission; and a flash memory for storing the compressed data, thereby storing as much sensing data as possible on the sensor node, which is limited in resources, and preventing loss of the sensing data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely obtaining and evaluating vehicular and other information is disclosed, where a field device can be used to wirelessly transmit information to a processor. The processor can compare the information against other information in a database. Based upon the results of the comparison, the results are evaluating by the processor using predetermined criteria and one or more of a plurality of different predetermined instructions are wirelessly transmitted to the field device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a brush holder assembly and/or detecting wear of a brush in a brush holder assembly are disclosed. One method includes sending data from a plurality of remote monitoring locations to a central control unit, where the data may be evaluated in order to monitor states of brushes at a plurality of remote electrical facilities. For example, multiple images of a marker tracking longitudinal movement of the brush may be acquired. A comparison of the images, for example, a comparative imaging technique, such as pixel-by-pixel comparison, may then be performed in order to evaluate a condition of the brush, such as the wear rate, wear state, or life expectancy of the brush.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water).

Abstract: Presented is a communications protocol for use by interconnected hazardous condition detectors, such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for use in dwellings and other structures. This communications protocol provides conventional signaling to indicate the presence of a smoke condition necessitating the generation of a smoke temporal pattern by all interconnected detectors. The protocol further defines a signaling method by which conventional smoke detectors that are incapable of providing temporal patterns other than that required for a smoke alarm condition will not be sent into an alarm mode of operation upon receipt of a signal other than the conventional smoke alarm signal. This communications protocol defines a pulsed signal to indicate a non-smoke alarm condition that is of a duration that will not trigger the conventional smoke alarms.

Abstract: A system allows consumers the ability to remotely transmit order and/or payment preference data to a vendor to facilitate sales transactions. A personal transmitter or key fob functions to transmit a signal to the vendor when the customer approaches the vendor, which signal comprises preferred order information for vendor processing. The vendor may acknowledge order receipt, generate the order, and automatically submit the transaction for payment through a secure connection. A web site acknowledges receipt of the payment request, retrieves specific transaction information for the target vendor, and processes the payments electronically. Customer information, vendor preferences and encrypted Customer payment specific pointers are downloaded to the personal transmitter on an ongoing basis and stored as encrypted data. If multiple vendors are within the proximity of the consumer, the transmitter will signal an error and list the vendors to the consumer, from which list the target vendor may be selected.

Abstract: A method for communicating an arrival notification includes receiving a first destination and determining a location of the first destination. The method further includes calculating an estimated time of arrival for a mobile endpoint to arrive at the location of the first destination and sending a notification message indicating the estimated time of arrival to a communication device associated with the first destination.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for determining the location of a mobile appliance using the reverse pilot channel provided in CDMA 2000 communication systems to determine an attribute (e.g., time of arrival, angle of arrival, time difference of arrival, received power level) of a reverse pilot signal at one or more wireless location sensors. A network overlay of wireless location sensors monitors the reverse pilot channel for a target mobile's reverse pilot signal. The monitored signal may be compared to a reference signal to determine a correlation and thereby determine an attribute of the target mobile's reverse pilot signal. The method may be performed independently from the communication system and without requiring retrieval of information bits from the mobile appliance. The reference signal may be generated from the unique long spreading code mask of the target mobile appliance which is typically a function of the ESN of the target mobile appliance.

Abstract: An asset tracking unit, system, and method. The asset tracking unit, system, and method may include at least one transceiver having communicative connections with at least one SATCOM network and at least one GPS network via at least one antenna, wherein tracking information for at least one asset associated with the at least one transceiver is received from the GPS network and is communicated to the SATCOM network, a first link that provides a multi-code one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one SATCOM network, and a second link that provides a multi-channel one of the communicative connections between the at least one transceiver and the at least one GPS network. The unit system and method may additionally include at least one remote operations center remote from an asset to be tracked, wherein the asset to be tracked is geographically associated with the central processing unit.

Abstract: A control system for an HID lamp, which in one implementation includes a magnetic ballast control system for an HID lamp using Zigbee. A plurality of condensers or choke coils of different capacities is mounted on a magnetic ballast for the lamp, and an electronic switch unit controls illumination according to change of such capacities. RF transmitting/receiving means using a Zigbee-based frequency are employed to turn the HID on and off, and to control illumination through wireless remote communications, thereby achieving considerable energy savings. Operational states of the HID lamp and ballast can be bi-directionally controlled through the communication module, with failures of the HID lamp and ballast automatically detected and notified to users, thereby eliminating inconvenient confirmation processes. The magnetic ballast control system is useful in street lamps, tunnel lamps, factory lamps, warehouse lamps, landscape illuminations, and the like.

Abstract: In order to provide an electronic communication system (100), having at least one base station (10) with at least one antenna unit (16), in particular in coil form; and at least one transponder station (40), in particular in data carrier form, with at least one antenna unit (32), in particular in coil form, for receiving electromagnetic radiation (26) in form of power to be supplied by the base station (10) with a particular carrier frequency and for exchanging data signals (22, 24) with the base station (10), wherein the receiving frequency (f) can be adapted, in particular optimized, during operation, it is proposed that the electronic communication system (100) comprises at least one controller unit (36) for controlling the receiving frequency (f) of the antenna unit (32) of the transponder station (40) during operation of the communication system (100), in particular for adapting the resonant frequency of the antenna unit (32) of the transponder station (40) to the carrier frequency defined by the base st

Abstract: A motor vehicle monitoring system comprises controller 100, processor 110, memory 120, wireless transceiver 200, audio recording device 300, video recording device 400, information storage device 500, vehicle tracking device 600, video display device 700, and stimulus sensing device 800.

Abstract: A network board specifies a connected printer by acquiring a model name and a serial number of the printer. If monitored items of this printer are held in a connected printer list, the network board monitors the printer in accordance with the monitored items. On the other hand, when the monitored items of the printer are not held in the connected printer list, the network board newly acquires the monitored items of the printer from a server. Consequently, it becomes possible for the network board to automatically identify a model of a printer to be monitored and monitor the printer based on held monitored items.

Abstract: A method for communicating operational information for a mission plan to an operator of a powered system, the method including collecting information specific to a mission plan, verifying information specific to the mission, and/or accepting information specific to the mission. The powered system is allowed to be autonomously controlled. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for communicating operational information for a mission plan to an operator of a powered system.

Abstract: A remotely controlled system for the preparation of a user-defined food product or beverage including an input module on a remote device configured to input user-specified parameters associated with the preparation of the user-defined food product or beverage. A user profile module on one or more servers is configured to store one or more of the user-specified parameters, predetermined alerts, and nutritional information associated with the user-specified parameters and send one or more of the user-specified parameters, predetermined alerts and nutritional information for display on the input module. A local controlling computer subsystem is responsive to the input module controlling computer subsystem and is configured to prepare the user-defined food product or beverage based on the one or more commands and interactive instructions from the user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an intrinsically safe (IS) galvanically isolated barrier device. An IS barrier device provides IS galvanic isolation between a non-IS system and an IS system using a two-stage approach. In the first stage, a non-galvanically isolated IS barrier limits energy of electrical transmissions received from the non-IS system to convert such electrical transmissions into IS transmissions. In the second stage, the IS transmissions are transmitted through a galvanic isolator to the IS system to galvanically isolate the IS system from the non-IS system. A digital monolithic isolator cannot be IS certified to be the single bridge between IS and non-IS systems, however, it can be used in a certifiable fashion to isolate between IS systems.

Abstract: A liquid chromatographic system includes columns, column mounting fixtures to which the columns are mounted, a detector, a collector, a controller and a plurality of RFIDs. A first RFID communicates with the controller and cooperating RFIDs mounted to other components provide information such as the history of components, parameters and the like. They also receive information from sensors relating to the operation of the liquid chromatograph, store the information and transmit it. Moreover, the RFIDs may substitute for hard wiring in many applications and may enable a central computer to control several liquid chromatographic systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensing system which is capable of discriminating types of causes of changing loads on a surface, such as the type of motion of a human subject. The system has wide ranging applications including sports performance (e.g. golf club swing analysis). The system comprises a deformable load bearing surface (2), a plurality of mutually spaced sensors (6), a processor (8) and an output (10). The sensors (6) are coupled through the deformation response of the surface (2) to an applied load (4) to receive local sensory data from the surface (2). The processor (8) is operatively coupled to the sensors (6) and is arranged to transform the sensory data into information data relating to a load (4) applied to the surface (2), e.g. by means of a neural network algorithm. In an alternative embodiment, a housing including the deformable load bearing surface (2) contains a flowable material (e.g. liquid) which flows in response to the deformation of the surface.

Abstract: Transponder networks and transponder systems are provided which help to overcome the issues presented to transponders systems by FCC power limitations. One embodiment provides a transponder network that includes a plurality of RFID straps in order to increase the amount of memory that is practically available in the network. Other embodiments provide transponder systems employing a touch probe RFID reader device that enable information to be communicated to and from a transponder or a transponder network by establishing physical contact with the reader device rather than through an air interface.

Abstract: An emergency lighting unit includes a lamp, a backup battery, and controller and a network interface. The controller connects the backup battery to the lamp upon detection of an emergency condition and loss of main power. The network interface interfaces with and receives commands via a fire alarm network. Each emergency lighting unit has a unique identifier with respect to the fire alarm network.

Abstract: A system has at least one sensor and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. In addition, the system has logic that discovers the sensor and stores a unique identifier corresponding to the sensor. Further, the logic further instructs a user to place the sensor at a particular location and store data indicative of the location associated with a unique identifier.

Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a threat sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a threat level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the threat level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the senor pack can output a threat signal to security server.

Abstract: In a method for commissioning radio-based emergency alarm systems, having a master station (7) with a transmit and receive arrangement and peripheral elements (1 to 6), each also having a transmit and receive arrangement, in a cell, the peripheral elements are fitted and supplied with energy, whereupon they transmit search telegrams and then switch to receive mode. Peripheral elements (1 . . . 6), which receive a search telegram from a search peripheral element (1 . . . 6) while in receive mode, transmit a response telegram to the searching peripheral element (1 . . . 6). The availability tables of the peripheral elements (1 . . . 6) in mutual contact with each other are then supplemented and a structure is thereby automatically created among the already fitted peripheral elements (1 . . . 6).

Abstract: A smart coupler for connecting two networks has a processor, a memory, a means to connect to a first network, a means to connect to a second network, and a power source. The first network has a client, and the memory has information which must be transferred to the client to enable the client to be usefully operable relative to the second network.

Abstract: A wireless terminal comprising a radio transceiver for communicating with a base station, an infrared transceiver for communicating with another wireless terminal, a congestion control unit for detecting whether radio communication with the base station is in a collision-free state, and a communication control unit for performing radio communication with the base station by the radio transceiver after detecting unoccupied state in the radio channel by the congestion control unit and transmitting identification information to another wireless terminal by the infrared transceiver when the radio communication with the base station is completed.

Abstract: A monitoring system apparatus used for monitoring a plurality of diagnostic statistics for a plurality of monitoring receivers. All of the monitoring receivers can be linked together. Each monitoring receiver can be programmed to transmit at least one diagnostic statistic to a selected master receiver at a fixed or variable schedule. The master receiver will generate a report according to the pre-programmed parameters. The report can be printed on a printer or sent to at least one computer that is connected to the master receiver.

Abstract: A golf hole marker assembly 10 includes a pole 12 on which a display member 30 is mounted. A cover 32 is mounted over the display member 30 so that matter displayed on the display member 30 is visible through the cover 32. A lower end of the pole 12 is receivable in a cup countersunk into a hole in the ground. An operatively lower end of the cover is spaced longitudinally from the lower end of the pole a sufficient distance so as not to interfere with a golf ball rolling into the hole. The invention extends to an accessory which includes a display member 30 and cover 32 which are mountable on a pole 12.

Abstract: A network includes a smart coupler having a processor, a memory with software, and a power source to energize the processor and the memory, and an appliance configured to perform an operation on a physical article. The appliance is one that consumes at least some of a resource in performing the operation. The network also includes a source of information about the resource. The smart coupler is in communication with the appliance and the source, and the processor and memory operate to request a change to the operation of the appliance in response to a resource parameter or a request communicated by the source.

Abstract: A method of integrating tasks common to the design, installation, and operation of a fire alarm and security system in a facility. Tasks included in the process include the initial design of the system, and any subsequent changes thereto; monitoring of the bidding process by preparing system's requirement statements, review of RFQ's, providing cost estimates and pricing for equipment, wiring, installation, and other system costs, preparing the bid together with necessary compliance and exception statements. Once a bid is accepted, subsequent monitoring and inspection of the system set-up is also done. The result is a single point source for all of the steps involved in putting an alarm system in place. The method further includes use of a single database storing information developed at each stage of system design and installation to provide a logical reporting progression.

Abstract: A system tracks vehicles within a terminal and includes at least one tag interrogator mounted on a vehicle to be identified and tracked within the terminal. The tag interrogator is operative for emitting a signal containing data identifying the vehicle to which the tag interrogator is mounted. At least one tag transmitter is fixed at a known location within the terminal where vehicles are to be identified and receptive to a tag interrogator on the vehicle when the vehicle passes within proximity to the fixed tag transmitter for transmitting a wireless RF signal having data identifying the tag transmitter and identifying the tag interrogator as an identifier for the vehicle to which the tag interrogator is mounted. At least one access point is positioned at the terminal for receiving the RF signal from the tag transmitter for subsequent processing to verify vehicle identity at the known location.

Abstract: An alarm system notification device includes a strobe, a communication port, a manual selector that allows manual selection of strobe intensity, and a communication port through which the device transmits an indication of a selected strobe intensity. The device may also include a commandable selector that selects a strobe intensity in response to a command received from the communication port.

Abstract: A monitoring system apparatus used for monitoring a plurality of diagnostic statistics for a plurality of monitoring receivers. All of the monitoring receivers can be linked together. Each monitoring receiver can be programmed to transmit at least one diagnostic statistic to a selected master receiver at a fixed or variable schedule. The master receiver will generate a report according to the pre-programmed parameters. The report can be printed on a printer or sent to at least one computer that is connected to the master receiver.

Abstract: A disclosed molecular communication system includes a molecular transmitter configured to transmit an information molecule in which prescribed information is encoded, a molecular receiver configured to receive the information molecule, and a molecular capsule configured to carry the information molecule from the molecular transmitter to the molecular receiver. Each of the molecular transmitter, the molecular receiver, and the molecular capsule has an artificial cell membrane in which at least one kind of molecular switch is embedded, the molecular switch being responsive to an external input signal so as to control association and separation between the molecular transmitter and the molecular capsule, and association and separation between the molecular capsule and the molecular receiver, upon application of the external input signal.

Abstract: Provided is a sensing system for use in conjunction with a home automation network controlling an environmental variable in a home, the system including a transmitter adapted to be used with an absorbent article having a sensor, wherein the transmitter is adapted to communicate with the sensor and directly with the home automation network. Also provided is a physiological event notification system including an absorbent article including a physiological event sensor; a home automation network controlling an environmental variable in a home; and a transmitter associable with the absorbent article and in signal communication with the physiological event sensor and with the home automation network.

Abstract: By combining the information acquired from a location system that is tracking equipment and/or personnel within a hospital environment, automatic assignment of the “re-located” patient monitoring equipment can be made in concert with a nurse call system. By utilizing time-based elimination criteria, monitoring equipment that is coupled to generic port can be automatically processed for port priorities, and equipment assignment changes. An event subscription manager with location bridges and nurse call bridges facilitate the automatic association of the patient monitoring equipment to the respective nurse call system and intended information therein. By use of the automatic association paradigms, manual alarm and assignment tasks can be minimized.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system for exterminating pest comprises at least one sensor, installedd at a plurality of zones of a subject site, for sensing movement of the pest in the zones, and producing and transmitting detection signals corresponding to the movement; at least one remote controller installed at the subject site, for receiving the detection signals and processing and transmitting the received detection signals; and a central control apparatus for receiving information from at least one remote controller, analyzing the information and managing the analyzed information by the zones.

Abstract: Alarm systems, wireless alarm devices, and article security methods are described according to some aspects of the disclosure. In one aspect, an alarm system includes a base communication device, a remote communication device configured to communicate with the base communication device, wherein the remote communication device is adapted to be associated with an article to be secured and wherein the remote communication device comprises alarm circuitry, and wherein the remote communication device is configured to generate a reference signal comprising a plurality of identifiable components corresponding to communications intermediate the base communication device and the remote communication device and to control the alarm circuitry to generate a human perceptible alarm responsive to detection of the presence of the plurality of identifiable components in the reference signal.

Abstract: A digital communication system is disclosed, that allows a display of override content to interrupt a display of ongoing content on one or more display units. Ongoing content, such as advertisements, news, entertainment, or other relevant information, is provided on the display units until an urgent or security-related alert is required, and display of override content becomes necessary. Override content can include information relevant to the security of a passenger or passer-by viewing the display. Override content can relate to security threats such as accidents, major delays, fire, missing children, terrorist activity, or other content deemed adequately pertinent to warrant interrupting the display of ongoing content.

Abstract: A sensor interface system and a sensor integration module support individual sensors and sensor arrays, with network connectivity and critical functions required for analog and digital sensors when deployed in field applications used for chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) material identification. The sensor integration module enables efficient integration of a single sensor or for multiple sensors into an array using a modular sensor interface unit and provides individual TCP/IP addresses for each detector element, signal processing for the sensor data and communications capabilities establishing each detector and the sensor array as network elements on a distributed network.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking the presence of persons, particularly security personnel, at a predetermined location within a prescribed window of time. Persons input information at predetermined locations and this input information is transmitted to a central server. The input information is compared to predetermined parameters and alerts are provided if the input information does not fall within permissible parameters.

Abstract: A method and a system for data transmission between a first electronic device and a second electronic device, wherein the second electronic device is in a sleep mode. Transmission of data between the first electronic device and the second electronic device occurs while a microprocessor in the second device is in sleep mode and the wireless transceiver is in a wake mode. The first electronic device transmits data signals and the second electronic device detects the transmitted signal. A base band processor in the second electronic device optionally determines if the signal is from a known source. If the first electronic device is a known electronic device, an interrupt signal is generated to wake up the microprocessor in the second electronic device. The wakened microprocessor opens a communication port and disables the wake-up interrupt. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the data receive line is directly coupled to a line that triggers an interrupt when a signal is detected.

Abstract: A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices, to the remote console.

Abstract: An automation system for programming appliances having programmable controllers, programmable devices and trigger devices that communicate over a communication link. The user programs the programmable devices by placing the programmable controller in its training mode, activating the trigger device to generate a trigger signed and places select programmable devices in their programmed state. After all of the desired programmable devices have been put in then programmed states, the user takes the programmable controller out of its training mode. When the programmable controller is out of its training mode, it monitors the communication link for the trigger event. Upon detecting the trigger event, the programmable controller sends messages to the selected programmable devices instructing them to go to their programmed state.

Abstract: A remotely monitored and controlled building automation system is disclosed providing efficient offsite use of BAS personnel to monitor and control such systems while utilizing relatively inexpensive alarm monitoring services to advice of system emergencies. In a first preferred embodiment, the building automation system transmits a simplified BAS/energy alarm (including only building identity information) via a specially adapted and configured local security panel to an offsite monitoring center. Thereafter, the alarm is re-transmitted to a BAS web server and on to a BAS website. The BAS website provides notification of the energy alarm to trained BAS technicians located at a remote dealer and enables such personnel, via the website to maintain two-way communication with the building automation system from which the alarm originated. Such personnel are thereby enabled to fully analyze and properly respond to the circumstances which resulted in the alarm.

Abstract: A method and a system for emergency evacuation of building occupants and to a method for modernization of an existing building with the evacuation system. The system is used in a multi-story building having a plurality of floors and with at least one elevator positionable at selected landings of the floors. A first device is provided for measuring the number of persons in the building and a second device is provided for detecting an emergency condition in the building. At least one control unit is provided for determining or for estimating a number of building occupants in the building. The control unit defines at least one evacuation zone in the building during the emergency condition. Based on this information, the control unit defines at least one designated floor in the building during the emergency condition. Then the system evacuates the building occupants with the elevator car and/or a stairway from the evacuation zone to the designated floor.

Abstract: In order to provide an operation and maintenance planning aiding system for a power generation installation which prepares an operation plan for a plurality of power generation units by making use of actual plant data and based on a total judgment including a variety of circumstances of the machine and apparatus or the parts thereof in the power generation units, in the system the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, a power supply command center 3 and a service center 1 are arranged and connected via a communication network 6, the service center 1 obtains the plant data via the communication network 6 from the plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52, calculates in real time a power generation efficiency of a concerned power generation unit for every plurality of power generation units 41, 42, 51 and 52 by making use of the obtained plant data and design data of the concerned power generation unit and prepares an operation and maintenance plan for each of the power generation u

Abstract: An evacuation system, which provides enhanced operational control to an operator. In an embodiment, each voice point module capable of playing evacuation messages is implemented as an addressable unit, and an operator can cause different messages to be played on different voice point modules using a central station. The central station enables the operator to play live messages by capturing the voice of the operator and forwarding the voice in the form of voice data. Protocols such as H.323 may be supported on both voice point modules and the central station such that control data can be sent from the central station to the voice point modules. The control data can be used as a basis to provide features such as changing the volume level, storing messages locally in the voice point modules, specifying specific stored message to be played, etc.

Abstract: A system for alerting the public regarding a criminal act; a plurality of law enforcements modes which generate alerts related to a criminal or emergency issue and transmit the same to a central server; a central server system including an administration workstation and database for receiving the alerts and creating broadcast messages; a broadcast system associated with the central server for broadcasting an alert via a televised broadcast, internet transmission or satellite transmission.

Abstract: An integrated intercom and security system including a local integrated intercom and security system and a remote communication in communication with the local intercom and security system via a globally accessible communication network.

Abstract: A Power system protection and control system has protection and control terminals that perform protection and control of a power system by operation of a plurality of CBs in response to state variables input from power system; and a power system monitoring and control host mutually connected in a fashion to permit data exchange through a transmission system (communication network) with protection and control terminals and that performs monitoring and control of power system in accordance with data transmitted from protection and control terminals.