Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a connection to a data transmission network functions by detecting the network signal energy on a network cable while avoiding the problems of excessive power consumption and generation of excessive electrical noise. By monitoring the receive network lines and determining if there is electrical energy on the cable in the form particular to the type of network supported by the network adaptor card, the host computing device can power-down the transceiver associated with the network adaptor card until an active network connection is detected.

Abstract: A portable device-interoperable home network system includes a home server controls data transmission and reception of an internal network to which a plurality of home appliances are connected in a home. An image server outputs information regarding at least one image in the home to the home server. A portable device server receives the image information from the image server via the home server and transfers it to a portable electronic device. Therefore, a user can recognize a situation in the home through the portable electronic device from anywhere outside of the home, resulting in an increase in convenience of use.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract: In a method for offline parametering of a field device with the help of an operating program B running on an operating device B, the operating program B communicates with a copy of the device software program GS that runs in the field device F1.

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 judgement 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: A system for sending an effective warning signal to receivers in a predetermined area. A transmitter, activated by a local authority, sends a severe weather warning signal to a plurality of receivers. Cities or counties within the predetermined area are divided into subdivisions thereof called sectors, each of which represents an area that is selectively addressable by the transmitter. Each of the receivers has a programmable sector code which has been programmed according to the location of the home or office in which it is placed. When activated, the transmitter sends radio frequency warning signals which contain digitally encoded information indicating the sector to which the warning applies. Upon receiving the warning signal, each receiver that has been programmed with the sector code being transmitted responds by generating an audible alert or other warning signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying event information from a building system includes a display device coupled to a processing circuit. The processing circuit is operable to cause the display to display information regarding a building system in a first portion of the display, the information being selectable and changeable by a user. The processing circuit is further operable to cause the display to display, independent of the displayed information in the first portion, an alarm graphic element in a second portion of the display, the alarm graphic element including building system event information.

Abstract: An electric power line communication system operates with an electric power distribution system to provide through premises power distribution lines highly reliable communication links among power line communication devices electrically coupled or located in proximity to the premises power distribution lines. Each power line communication device associated with a set of premises power distribution lines has an identification address. A master code identifies the power line communication devices as members of a system domain of power line communication devices associated with the set of premises power distribution lines. Association of the master code with the identification addresses renders the member power line communication devices capable of operation without unintended communication with power line communication devices associated with a separate, different set of premises power distribution lines.

Abstract: A curtailment module is disclosed for enabling an energy provider to send a request to curtail energy use to a user. The curtailment module includes an interface for electronic communications with a temperature control device. A paging module is used to receive the request from the energy provider through a paging network. The curtailment module also includes a processor in electronic communication with the paging module for receiving the request from the paging module. Memory is also included and is in electronic communication with the processor for storing a curtailment message and history data. The curtailment module also includes a sound component in electronic communication with the processor for outputting an audio verification. A code generator is stored in the memory and executable by the processor to generate a verification code using the curtailment message and the history data as inputs.

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 security system has: a multichannel image processor for selectively receiving image signals transmitted through a plurality of input channels and for outputting the image signals; and a user's computer connected with the multichannel image processor through a communication interface, the user s computer controlling channel selection of the multichannel image processor in accordance with a set-up mode, displaying signals inputted from the multichannel image processor through a display device corresponding to the set-up mode and/or record in a memory, supplying a main image display window for displaying the transmitted image signals and a manipulation key window for displaying keys for selecting the mode to be integrally displayed on a main frame, and having a multichannel image driver to process in accordance with the selected key.

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: In transmitting a first pair of differential clock signals UCLK, UXCLK having an extremely small amplitude voltage based on a power-source potential and a second pair of differential clock signals LCLK, LXCLK having an extremely small amplitude voltage based on the power-source potential, an inverting circuit as a signal receiving circuit is composed of a CMOS inverting circuit. A PMOS transistor composing the CMOS inverting circuit has a gate electrode and a source electrode receiving the first pair of differential clock signals. An NMOS transistor composing the CMOS inverting circuit has a gate electrode and a source electrode receiving the second pair of differential clock signals. When the potentials of the differential clock signals change, potentials at the respective gate and source electrodes of the two transistors shift in opposite directions, which surely cuts off the transistors.

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: The present invention relates to a method and to a device enabling data to be input, and also to an optical system for detecting the position of an article or a member and suitable for being used (or incorporated) in such a method (or device). The technical field of the invention is that of making keyboards and similar devices enabling manual input of data for processing by a digital computer. The method of the invention for determining the position of an article in a zone uses the steps of structuring a neural network by training, applying data to the input of the structured neural network, the data being the result of converting signals delivered by a plurality of detectors sensitive to illumination of said zone, and determining the position of the article in the zone as a function of at least one data item output by the structured neural network.

Abstract: A device or a method to realize virtual cycling: the method includes simulated motion, rotary wheel inspection, speed detecting and dynamic scene display; the said simulated motion include auto damp adjustment which is applied on resistance varying with the said scenes. The said equipment include bicycle, direction detector fixed on faucet devices for direction sense purpose, the speed detector fixed on pedal devices and damp force device, computer system and display system connected with the above three devices which is applied in data conducting, virtual scene and resistance adjusting signal output. The above two detectors are provided with sensors; the damp device has a generator with a convertible interior magnetic field. The virtual bicycle and cycling method as defined in the afore said invention bring full fun of striding over different scenes, as well as a kind of exercise effect.

Abstract: A novel paging technology allows a group of subscribers to share and take advantage of bargain, promotion, and special pricing information that may otherwise be difficult to obtain or only useful for a very limited time. A service provider collects and stores such information. The information is then compared to a profile for each subscriber detailing what type of information that subscriber is interested in receiving. Information matching the interest profile of each subscriber this then transmitted to that subscriber's pager. Each subscriber's pager may include an input device, such as a virtual keyboard, so that each subscriber can submit information to the system to be shared with other subscribers.

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: According to the National Commission on Terrorism (U.S.), terrorists are becoming more dangerous, crossing borders and making use of available technologies to communicate quickly and securely. Today, terrorists are aimed at attacks that cause as many fatalities as possible and will go into any territory they can.

Abstract: A method and apparatus reports alarm events detected by an alarm system having a plurality of users, each user having a name and identified by an identifier other than the name. The system detects an event of interest relating to a user, creates a data stream indicative of the event and indicative of the identifier of the user, extracts from the data stream the identifier of the user, determines the name of the user based upon the identifier of the user, selects a message recipient based upon the event of interest, creates a text message addressed to the selected message recipient, the text message communicating the name of the user and communicating information indicative of the event of interest, and transmits the text message via a global communications network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a visual messaging device for use with a high speed network. The message data is communicated to the network by a remote device, such as a computer or server. The visual messaging device includes a network interface circuit that receives the message data from the network and arranges it in a memory unit in usable form (packets) for use by a processor at the high network speed. The processor includes a central processing unit (CPU) and is a multi-tasking device, which sequences the messages in real time for display by the display device according to programmed instructions stored or provided to the visual messaging device. A display driver activates and deactivates the visual elements, such as individual LEDs, according to the processor's instructions. The various elements of the visual messaging device communicate in real time over a common data bus. The network may be a local area network, wide area network or the internet.

Abstract: A message announcement system for broadcasting announcements at predetermined locations has an autonomous announcement computer at each predetermined location, wherein a plurality of event announcements and associated event identifiers are stored therein and, upon receipt of an event announcement command, the announcement computer broadcasts a particular event announcement at the location. A master computer is in communication with each announcement computer for adding, deleting or editing event announcements. This arrangement permits a modular system, whereby autonomous announcement computers, along with their associated public address systems and sign systems, may be added or removed as stations are added or removed. The system is also capable of broadcasting live announcements at each location.

Abstract: A device for transmitting signals between an automation system and field device comprises a supporting plate and modules which are attachable to said supporting plate. The modules are provided with terminals especially for field devices. The supporting plate has arranged thereon data lines of a local bus and voltage-supply lines. The modules have at least local bus interfaces. The device additionally comprises at least one bus coupling module which is attachable to the supporting plate and which is provided with a local bus interface and a field bus interface for communication with said modules and said automation system.

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 judgement 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: Device for controlling a locking system, of the type including a bolt (18) intended to restrict access to a confined space and comprising an electric power supply, a clock formed of a time base and a counter, to define a time reference, an electronic circuit including a microprocessor and a memory (32); and a key board for entering commands and data, particularly with the purpose of controlling the opening of the bolt. In order to avoid any manipulation of data relating to the intervention dates, the counter includes an incrementation input exclusively connected to the time base. In this way, the information recorded in the counter is only incremented by the time base and cannot be modified by a person.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for activating one or more warning devices, such as weather warning sirens, environmental warning devices, flash flood gates, and the like, from a remote or central location. Warning devices situated across geographically dispersed areas can be remotely controlled from a central location, such as a weather center, on the basis of detected and predicted weather patterns and other environmentally hazardous events. One or more warning devices can be quickly and easily activated through a computer-implemented user interface that allows a user to select a group of warning devices that are in the path of an approaching hazardous event. Each warning device is activated through a communication line that transmits an activation code to each device. Each device provides confirmation that it has been activated, and the resulting activation is indicated on a computer screen.

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: The invention makes it possible to call a resident of collective housing even when a room number of the resident is unknown. A collective housing entrance substation is connected to residential master stations through a controller thereof, and a name retrieval module is connected to the controller, the name retrieval module having a memory in which a name and/or room number of a resident is registered in advance, a button operated to display the name and/or room number of the resident registered in advance, a name indicator for displaying the name and/or room number of the resident registered in advance, and a call button that is operated with the name and/or room number of the resident registered in advance displayed to call the residential master station of the resident.

Abstract: Apparatus for communication for a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, the SCADA system comprising: an enterprise server; at least one intelligent electronic device (RTU), wherein the RTU measures a physical process and stores digital data representative of the measurement in a memory area for transmission; a configuration tool (AES) linking the SCADA server with the RTU; a connection device (TAC) for installing the SCADA system on related software program; a gel encapsulation layer (GEL), the method comprising the steps of: (1) communicating a command from the enterprise server to said RTU via the AES to configure said RTU; (2) permitting said RTU to receive data input and to store said data; and (3) transmitting said data back from the RTU to the enterprise server.

Abstract: A freight-loading system in a cargo hold of an aircraft is provided that offers enhanced operating safety. The freight-loading system comprises a plurality of power drive units (PDUs), which can be actuated by control signals in such a way that items of freight can be maneuvered into or out of the cargo hold as well as within it. The power drive units (PDUs) are connected by control leads to control panels for actuation by personnel. A control maintenance computer (CMC) is provided and connected to the power drive units (PDUs) and the control panels, and is so designed that status information from the power drive units (PDUs) and the control panels can be read out, and that the power drive units (PDUs) and/or the control panels are controllable by the control maintenance computer (CMC).

Abstract: A medical communication system for exchanging information between a plurality of rooms, comprising transmission means for transmitting information inputted from within one of the rooms, to the other room, and display means for displaying the information received in the other room, as visual information.

Abstract: A function selecting control system is provided, which modularizes a plurality of wiper control systems, builds them in an integrated circuit, and selects a desired system on the basis of a selection signal of the system from the outside, thereby drive-controlling a wiper motor. The function selecting control system includes: input device 30a for inputting a selection signal which selects a control logic block 30h corresponding to a starting control mode out of the control logic blocks provided for every control mode of the motor; judgment device 30c for reading the input selection signal for a standard number of times and for judging the coincidence among the read selection signals; count device 30e for counting the number of times of the coincidence; settlement device 30f for settling the selection signal when the number of times of the coincidence reaches the predetermined standard number; and system starting device 30g for starting a control logic corresponding to the settled selection signal.

Abstract: An ingress monitoring device (400) for monitoring and detecting reverse signals that may include ingress signals. The ingress monitoring device (400) includes a processor (430) for resolving the reverse signals into predetermined sub-bands at a first resolution. A power computation circuit (435) computes a power level for each of the sub-bands. A threshold comparison circuit (445) then compares the power level that is indicative to the power level of the ingress signals for each of the sub-bands with a predetermined threshold value. When ingress signals are detected by the ingress monitoring device (400), an alarm signal is sent that indicates the specific communications equipment in which the ingress signals have been detected.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for remotely provisioning a network element to eliminate a false alarm is provided. A request is received to provision a network element to eliminate a false alarm generated by the network element. In response to the request, a communications connection is established with the network element. Commands are transmitted to the network element instructing the network element to provision one or more features to an “in service” state. The identified features correspond to features supported by the network element for which a false alarm should be reset. The network element is then queried for the identities of one or more active alarms present in the network element following the provisioning of features to an “in service” state. For each alarm present in the network element following provisioning the features to an “in service” state, the features corresponding to each active alarm are provisioned to an “out of service” state.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal (i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transaction related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Abstract: To generate a target frequency from a basic frequency, a phased signal of the basic frequency and of a phase controllable by a phase clock signal is generated in accordance with the invention, the target frequency being generated by dividing the frequency of the phased signal by an output dividing factor and the phase clock signal being generated from the phased signal irrespective of the target frequency. A wider range of target frequencies can be obtained in this way. Also, the switching pattern in which the phase of the phased signal is changed can be made independent of the state of the phased signal, thus giving further possible ways of acting on the target frequency.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an apparatus for totaling and analyzing replies for totaling and analyzing replies to presented questions at meetings and conferences. The purpose is make setting and removing easier expand its use by changing known apparatus for totaling and analyzing replies to wireless diminishing wired connection between replying unit and center apparatus. In this invention, each of replying units has its identification code, and a space transmitting infrared light is used for communications between replying units and a center apparatus. Replying signals from the replying units are sent at each replying period designated to each replying unit by the identification code obeying a command signal from the center apparatus. The center apparatus recognizes the code of the replying unit, which sent signals for received replying signals from the timing of the signal and uses for totaling and analyzing.

Abstract: An ingress monitoring device (400) for monitoring and detecting reverse signals that may include ingress signals. The ingress monitoring device (400) includes a processor (430) for resolving the reverse signals into predetermined sub-bands at a first resolution. A power computation circuit (435) computes a power level for each of the sub-bands. A threshold comparison circuit (445) then compares the power level that is indicative to the power level of the ingress signals for each of the sub-bands with a predetermined threshold value. When ingress signals are detected by the ingress monitoring device (400), an alarm signal is sent that indicates the specific communications equipment in which the ingress signals have been detected.

Abstract: A plurality of pieces of medical equipment each of which includes a microcomputer and has a program used to control the microcomputer stored in a reproqrammable storage device such as an EEPROM is linked to a remote computer over a communication line. Using a rewriting/updating program sent from the computer, each piece of medical equipment rewrites or updates the program stored in the storage device. When a plurality of programs is stored, if one of the programs is rewritten or updated abnormally, the other program is used to activate medical equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method to alert the computer operator to events. The inventive device includes a computer, the computer sound file, an audio connection, and an alerting device. The computer will preferably present text, graphics, video, animation, and sound in an integrated way. In addition, it will play operator-selectable sound files in response to an event. A sound file comprises a quantity of data that may be decoded as an audible sound. For this invention, the sound file will additionally contain a distinct sound known as a trigger-sound. The alerting device plugs into the audio-output port on the computer and allows the speakers to be connected inline. The alerting device selectively activates on computer output of the trigger-sound to gain operator attention. Example alerting devices include: a wireless pager, incremental counter, an animated figure, or a flashing light.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network.

Abstract: A user 100 wears a bracelet-type data reception apparatus 200. When the user touches a contact point 402 on an information plate 300, the user receives data via the human body from a data transmission apparatus 200 associated with the information plate 300. The bracelet-type data reception apparatus 200 is provided with a full-color LED 209. Indications on this full-color LED 209 are used for notifying initiation of data reception, data reception in process, completion of data reception, and the like. A similar full-color LED 402 is installed on the information plate for notifying initiation of data transmission, data transmission in process, completion of data transmission, and the like.

Abstract: A simple yet effective technique is provided for visibly identifying the location of computing devices in a networking environment. A unique address is allocated to an LED indicator, and that indicator is associated with a given computing device, or group of neighboring devices. The indicator is mounted on or adjacent the device with which it is associated. In the event that the device needs to be physically accessed, a command is sent to the IP address of its associated LED indicator to thereby provide a visible signal which can be easily recognized, to thereby locate the device of interest. The LED indicator can be activated in one of a plurality of different modes, such as flashing or continuously illuminated, to indicate different states or identify different devices. If the LED is capable of emitting different colors of light, the number of different types of indication is increased.

Abstract: A system for routing messages electronically is provided. A sensor is in communication with a central computer server. The server is adapted to receive and preferably store information detected by the sensors from a variety of different data transports. When a sensor detects an exception condition , the server forwards at least one outgoing exception message to at least one predetermined user-defined communication device based on and in accordance with a user-defined message profile. The message profile is remotely configurable by the user.

Abstract: A portable medication reminder device is provided. The portable medication reminder device includes: (a) processing unit being for generating a medication regimen and an interactive game; and (b) at least one output device for conveying said medication regimen and interactive game to a user, said interactive game being designed and configured for motivating a user to interact therewith and thus to develop an avidity for said portable medication reminder device, thereby ensuring that said medication regimen is communicated to said user.

Abstract: A redundant power and communications network that is generally fault tolerant and generally immune to single point failure. A primary or master node communicates via a standard multiplex protocol to the control infrastructure of a vehicle. The master node, in a subnetwork or supplementary communications bus, further communicates with one or a plurality of slave nodes in a local vehicle area or structure such as a seat. The main multiplex network and subnetwork are bridged by the master node, which transfers information between the main multiplex network and the subnetwork.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method and apparatus for basketball referees, game management staff and other officials to notify the audience of a basketball game of the successful completion of a three-point shot. The preferred apparatus generates a tone that may be reproduced on the stadium or arena public address system or on the stadium or arena scoreboard or large screen video device. The tone generated by the apparatus is a unique sound that is readily recognized by the audience. The method involves a official, either an on-floor basketball official or an official observing the game from the side of the floor, activating a sound producing electronic card and the sound is then reproduced over the arena or stadium public address system. The major purpose of the method and device is to increase the enjoyment of observing basketball games by providing an audible alert to the successful completion of a three-point shot.

Abstract: A display apparatus configured to add variations to displayed contents to prevent the user from getting bored and sufficiently utilize the characteristics of a display panel such as an organic EL display panel which excels in displaying a moving image. The display apparatus is suitable for use in an electronic equipment, and comprises a display panel for displaying images, a storage unit contained in the electronic equipment for storing display data representative of display images for display on the display panel, and a writing unit for writing display data into the storage device from the outside. In one embodiment, a device body is provided with a rewritable memory such as a flash memory to provide an environment in which previously provided data can be captured through the Internet, or images created by the user can be uniquely captured.

Abstract: A vehicle status device and system for remotely updating and monitoring the status of a vehicle. The vehicle status device is located in a vehicle and reports status information for the vehicle and an owner to an interrogating unit. The device includes a database of status information for the vehicle and owner. An update receiver in the device receives updated information from a wide area paging network for storage in the database. An interrogation receiver receives an interrogation signal from the interrogating unit, and a response transmitter transmits encoded status information, including a vehicle identification (VID), to the interrogating unit in response. The updating and monitoring system also includes an interrogating unit which includes an interrogation transmitter for transmitting the interrogation signal to the vehicle status device, and a response receiver for receiving the encoded status information from the vehicle status device.