Abstract: Disclosed is a method for originating a call. The method for originating the call enables a user to conveniently originate a call to a phone number and a web address input from the user. To this end, the method includes the steps of displaying an image and information corresponding to the image, determining if a key allowing connection to one of a phone number and a web address included in the information is input, and connecting to one of the phone number and the web address if it is determined that the key is input.

Abstract: Included are methods for providing crowd determination. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving presence data related to at least one subject in an environment and determining at least one occupancy statistic of the environment from the received presence data. At least one other embodiment of a method includes providing at least one occupancy statistic of the environment.

Abstract: A method for identifying available resources for responding to an incident is provided. The method includes receiving a communication from each of a plurality of first responders, where the communication is responsive to an incident generated request, processing each of the communications to generate a response status for each of the plurality of first responders, and sending the response status for each of the plurality of first responders to a remote program.

Abstract: A lobby detection device 100 placed in a lobby reads out an ID of an elevator user 300 from an individual identification tag 400 and transmits the ID to an authentication device 600, the authentication device 600 registers the ID if the ID has not been registered and performs a call registration for an elevator car 500 after an authentication processing, a car detection device 200 inside of the elevator car 500 reads out the ID from the individual identification tag 400 and transmits the ID to the authentication device 600, and when the same ID as a registered ID that has been registered becomes no longer transmitted from the car detection device 200, the authentication device 600 deletes a registration of the registered ID after a specific time elapses, so that even when the ID is read out by the lobby detection device 100 in the lobby where the elevator user 300 lands on at the time the elevator user 300 leaves the elevator car 500, a call registration is not performed since the registration is held.

Abstract: A server signaler includes a lamp and a housing containing a battery and a switch. The server signaler may be attached to an advertising support or placed directly on a table top or other surface. Actuation of the switch illuminates the lamp to alert the server that service is required. Another server signaler according to applicant's invention includes an elongated base and telescoping portions to extend the lamp upwardly above the elongated base. Another server signaler provides a card-receiving channel containing switch contacts which are closed by insertion of a card into the channel.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for diarizing the performance of janitorial services that includes an electronic display unit for indicating when a service was last completed and an input device for signalling when the display is to be updated. The apparatus can include a chassis mountable on a wall of a facility being maintained by a janitorial service, and at least one electronic display framed by a window on said chassis, said chassis for displaying a time when said facility was last maintained. The apparatus can also include a central processing unit connected to said display and for updating the display based on a user-input received from an input device that is mounted to said chassis and connected to the central processing unit. The input device is actuated at a time that is substantially coterminous when said facility was last maintained.

Abstract: A message and security system comprising a visitor message device and a host message device is disclosed. The host message device allows a host to select a message or status which is indicated or displayed on the visitor message device. The messages can be personalized so that a visitor after inputting identification information is given an appropriate message. A lock controller connected to the host message device locks and unlocks entrances. A host remote device remotely controls and communications with the host message device and the visitor message device.

Abstract: A call cord comprising an electrical wire or cable having one end thereof located at a nurse's station or other remote location to which it is desired to send an alert signal and a second end terminating proximate a medical patient or other user and including a push-button type switch. Intermediate the opposite ends of the call cord, there is provided a housed switch of the present invention whose actuation is a function of the physical engagement of the house switch within a operatively cooperative fixed mounting bracket for the housed switch. In the present invention, actuation of the housed switch may be accomplished as a function of the association or disassociation of the housed switch relative to the bracket.

Abstract: An intelligent medical vigilance system that observes and analyzes, and, only in the event of a clinically significant negative condition, notifies and reports the event to the care staff utilizing the hospital's existing nurse call system. The device includes a bedside unit connected to a pad or coverlet with a sensor array (placed under the patient) and also to an existing hospital nurse call system via an interface. Within the physical bedside unit are a signal processor and an alarm processor that measure data and evaluate whether a clinically significant event is occurring. The bedside unit is a wall-mounted unit with a display that becomes active when an alarm condition is enabled. The sensing pad or coverlet is a thin, piezoelectric film, or other similar sensing technology, with an array of sensors sheathed in soft padding and is not directly in contact with the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A method provides a communication link between a first location such as a digital cinema theater and a second location such as a support station. According to one exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of initiating a communication link between a first location and a second location in response to an activation by a user, automatically providing an identification associated with the first location to the second location via the communication link, and wherein the identification enables the second location to obtain information relating to an undesirable operating condition of the first location.

Abstract: An elevator system (10) includes a wireless batteryless hall call switch module (22) that transmits a unique wireless code when a person presses a hall call button (32, 34) requesting elevator service. A hall indicator module (24) includes an RF transceiver (64) that receives the wireless code from the switch module (22), activates a display to indicate that a button has been pushed, and transmits the hall call information to the elevator control system (14). When the elevator controller (14) informs the transceiver (64) of car arrival, the hall indicator module (24) causes the display to indicate car arrival.

Abstract: An information and notification system onboard an aircraft includes a databus that receives information transmitted from outside the aircraft via an interface and a director or control unit, as well as information from onboard data storage units via a flight attendant panel, whereby the information content can be selected, changed, and controlled. The databus may be a hard-wired or wireless databus, by which the information is provided to variable universal notification displays incorporated in passenger service units in the passenger cabin. The display can thus provide variable and selectable information content for the passengers.

Abstract: An alert system for a communications network has a plurality of client devices and a plurality of alert servers each adapted to provide alerts to a respective subset of the client devices to provide scalability. Users at the client devices subscribe to receive alerts by selecting a scope of distribution of alerts. The selection involves selecting a type of alert to receive, a level of severity of alerts to receive, and a geographic scope. In response to receiving a request to issue an alert, an alert server notifies the other alert servers of the alert. Each alert server determines which client devices of the respective subset of client devices are to receive the alert. Each alert server then sends an alert message to its client devices that are to receive the alert.

Abstract: An emergency location identification system is provided. The system includes a monitoring unit and an emergency light unit. The monitoring unit is connected to a telephone system of a facility, and responds to some predetermined dialing of the telephone generating signals, which is going to control the behavior of the emergency light unit. The emergency light unit includes a plurality of colors and shapes adapted to display a emergency location identification to an emergency crew or visitors. The emergency light unit may include blue, green, and red lights and may flash for some instances. Also, the emergency light may have a predetermined shape such as arrow, triangle, and others to alert people properly for the emergency situations.

Abstract: A combination surveillance and alerting system and method in a restaurant that serves take-out customers. A video camera monitors a parking space for take-out customers, and sends video to an image recognition program, which detects when a vehicle enters the parking space. The detection triggers a controller to start a timer and instruct an on-premises paging transmitter to page an employee responsible for serving takeout customers. The image recognition program detects when the employee enters a greeting zone for greeting customers, and the controller prepares an elapsed greeting time report for management. The image recognition program also detects when the vehicle leaves the parking space, and the controller prepares a total service time report for management.

Abstract: The present invention describes a restroom attendant system. The restroom attendant system utilizes a notification device placed in a restroom. A patron would select a request for service button when the patron recognizes that the restroom needs servicing. The notification device can include a cancel feature as well as indicators to indicate when a request for service is in process and if the restroom is considered cleaned. The notification device would communicate with either a main terminal or a service person. The main terminal can further monitor the time between cleanings and request that a restroom be serviced should the time since the previous servicing exceeds an acceptable time-span. The information can be stored, printed, and uploaded to a central receiving station.

Abstract: A method for reducing a patron's waiting time at a walk-in facility includes providing a communications network, wherein the communications network includes a first communications link between a patron and a walk-in facility. The method includes providing a queue, receiving a consultation request via the first communications link, reserving a position in the queue in response to the consultation request, determining a time period before a consultation is available, and providing notice to the patron of the determined time period, wherein the patron may wait at a location other than the walk-in facility during the determined time period, thereby reducing the patron's need to wait at the walk-in facility before being consulted at the walk-in facility.

Abstract: Described is a cellular security system for monitoring an asset from a remote monitoring site without utilizing a signal modulating device or a cellular voice service. The cellular security system includes a detector, a display device, a cellular telephone that includes a camera and email capabilities, and a remote email device. When the detector detects an occurrence, the display device is activated such that the display device indicates the status of the detector. The cellular telephone captures a photo-image of the activated display device and composes an email and attaches the captured photo-image to the email. The cellular telephone sends the email to a remote email device, which is located at the remote monitoring site. From the remote monitoring site, the photo-image is viewed using the remote email device such that the status of the detector of the cellular security system is revealed.

Abstract: A retail customer service annunciator/pager includes a base to recline on a retail tabletop; a tapered body extending upwardly from the base; a combination switch/light adjacent the apex of the tapered body, the switch/light alternately switching a visible light on and off when the switch is manually actuated. The tapered body provides within its outer periphery one or more open compartments to store condiments. The switch/light includes a translucent or transparent lens/cover that is engraved with a company identity indicium. The tabletop annunciator/pager includes a pager including a visible light that is selectively switchable on and off; and a wireless transmitter for communicating from the tabletop annunciator/pager to a remote receiver an on-off status of the visible light. A plural channel wireless receiver responsive to plural wireless transmitters includes a processor to determine the lengths of time the lights are in an on state and a display to annunciate or record the determined lengths of time.

Abstract: A data processing system for analyzing customer and employee interactions in a service establishment is disclosed. The data processing system, comprises a plurality of remote customer, employee units and a central unit. The units each include a transceiver to send and receive signals. The signals are all received by the central unit and relayed to the appropriate unit. The central unit time stamps and records all signals in a database. The system further comprises an evaluation program which analyzes the signal data to provide employee performance ratings and staffing recommendations.

Abstract: An alarm system (100) to wake sleeping occupants in the event of an emergency has a receiver (105) for detecting a warning signal (130) emitted from an external device (125), such as a smoke or carbon monoxide detector. A processor (11) compares the received warning signal to a predetermined signal and, if they correspond, then a transmitter (115) transmits an alarm (135). The predetermined signal can be preprogrammed or it can be learned by alarm system. The alarm is at least one of an audible, visual, vibratory, and/or olfactory communication. A customized audible communication in a voice familiar to the occupants can be recorded and stored in the alarm system. In addition, the system may provide different alarms before and after motion is detected.

Abstract: A monitoring and entry system presence service provides notification about a trigger event to a user and performs actions based on user input. Interface devices equipped with client applications capable of performing actions such as VoIP calls, video calls, and the like, register with a control and session layer, which facilitates interaction with a specific presence application and an integrated presence service, such as a doorbell application and a generic presence service. Upon determining the location of a user, notification and a list of actions are provided through a watcher client application. In response to the user selection, actions are facilitated through the same network session(s).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of controlling access to an entrance. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a first signal, first data, or any combination thereof, at an audio video transport system indicating that a request to access an entrance has been received via a security system. The method also includes determining a set-top box device associated with the request. Further, the method includes sending a second signal, second data, or any combination thereof, to a network terminal indicating that the request has been received, wherein the network terminal communicates video content of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system to the set-top box device. The network terminal communicates an alert to the set-top box device indicating that the request has been received, the alert overlaying the video content at a display device coupled to the set-top box device.

Abstract: A wireless door intercom system comprises a wireless door intercom apparatus affixed to the entrance of a building and a portable wireless signal transceiver. The wireless door intercom apparatus comprises an audio transmission module for receiving sound and converting same into a first audio signal and a wireless signal transceiver module for converting an image signal and the first audio signal into a transmission signal which is in turn transmitted to the portable wireless signal transceiver. An audio transceiver of the portable wireless signal transceiver is adapted to receive a second audio signal input which is in turn transmitted to the audio transmission module. The wireless door intercom apparatus is also adapted to receive a lock open signal generated by a keypad of the portable wireless signal transceiver so as to remotely enable a lock controller of the wireless door intercom apparatus to open a lock connected to the wireless door intercom apparatus.

Abstract: An interactive local and wide area network system is for communications between the restaurant service elements providing service to a customer and for recording of selected related service data for real time information and for review and analysis and for management control. The wide area network uses distributed data processing for the collection and analysis of related area wide restaurant operations for use in management and control.

Abstract: A system for providing in response to changes within current operational data of a business enterprise, alert information including an alert to a wireless device in real-time. The system architecture includes an enterprise application integration services component for accessing and conditioning the current operational data and other business intelligence information. An analytics services component monitors for changes within the current operational data from a predetermined target level and communicates an alert and alert information if a change occurs. The analytics services component also extracts contextually-related first and second sets of critical business information, and converts the operational data, alert and alert information, and the first and second sets of critical business information into a device-independent, web-enabled format, which is then recoded by a delivery services component in accordance with the data delivery requirements of the wireless device.

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: An alarm system (100) to wake sleeping occupants in the event of an emergency has a receiver (105) for detecting a warning signal (130) emitted from an external device (125), such as a smoke or carbon monoxide detector. A processor (11) compares the received warning signal to a predetermined signal and, if they correspond, then a transmitter (115) transmits an alarm (135). The predetermined signal can be preprogrammed or it can be learned by alarm system. The alarm is at least one of an audible, visual, vibratory, and/or olfactory communication. A customized audible communication in a voice familiar to the occupants can be recorded and stored in the alarm system. In addition, the system may provide different alarms before and after motion 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: 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: A system and method for facilitating delivery and return service between a delivery party and a receiving party. These parties may or may not have pre-registered to use the locker system. The system has locker modules (35) and a system controller (10). The system controller (10) interfaces with the locker modules (35) via a network (30). Each of the locker modules (35) has locker units for depositing and retrieving the goods and a locker controller coupled to control the locker units. Together, the system controller (10) and the locker controller enable steps of the method by processing a user input that is received via a user input interface coupled to the system controller (10) and the locker controller. The user input is associated with the receiving party and provided by the delivery party. Thereafter, the system controller (10) generates a notification message having an identification code for transmitting to the receiving party.

Abstract: The tabletop signaling device for restaurants comprises a tabletop signaling device for visually signaling at least one of a plurality of messages to a waiter or waitress quickly and wordlessly, without requiring the service provider to physically respond and inquire to the requested service. The signaling device includes a plurality of light sources and switches for illuminating vertically spaced panels disposed on the front of the signaling device, each panel having predetermined and distinct indicia disposed thereon for signaling a specific message. A table available button disposed on the tabletop signaling device operates to illuminate a corresponding lamp disposed on a remote display panel for signaling the availability of the table. The lamps on the remote display panel may be arranged according to the location of the tables on the floor of the restaurant.

Abstract: A commercially viable calling apparatus which is placed on all tables of a restaurant, tavern or other establishment which serves food and/or drink so that if someone is waiting for a waiter or if someone has not been served, then there is a method to signal a central area such as a maitre d' or other person who is in charge of the waiters to advise a waiter to wait on the table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the location of an event from amongst a plurality (A to P) of locations. Lines of communication (R1 to R4, C1 to C4), commonly pipes of a smoke detection system, cover the locations in such a fashion that the location of an event can be determined uniquely but the number of pipes is minimized.

Abstract: A system and method of queuing orders locates data-entry modules relative to a pickup location such that a customer who places an order after a customer who placed an earlier order can be signaled to approach a pickup location before the first customer if the order of the second customer is ready before the order of the first customer. The system can signal a customer to wait in a predefined location until the order is ready, or the system can signal the customer to approach the pickup location.

Abstract: A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the emergency release of passengers who are trapped in an elevator car due to an operational disturbance includes a remote alarm device in the elevator car for summoning help from outside the building and equipment for the remote actuation from the elevator car of an electrical closing or locking system of a building outer door. Expert service personnel summoned from outside the building thus gain access to the elevator even when the building door is locked in order to release the trapped passengers. The actuation can be by a specific button installed in the car control panel or through input of a code or by a button combination of the control panel elements. According to a preferred embodiment, the remote unlocking is possible only temporarily, so as to prevent misuse of the emergency situation.

Abstract: An interactive local and wide area network system is for communications between the restaurant service elements providing service to a customer and for recording of selected related service data for real time information and for review and analysis and for management control. The wide area network uses distributed data processing for the collection and analysis of related area wide restaurant operations for use in management and control.

Abstract: An alerting system for fire stations utilizes programmable message centers, zone-coded lighting and audio modules to alert only selected personnel for a particular type of emergency, i.e. fire, medical, etc. to decrease response time while reducing stress to remaining personnel who need not be alerted. Related features include night vision lighting, low level lighting, remote sensing and activation of station doors, ceiling mounted lighting signals, bed proximity audio alerts, automatic control of Emergency Response Facility audio sources and daisy-chain Ethernet cabling for simple installation.

Abstract: When an IC card 1 is inserted into an IC card reader 2 of an emergency notification box 101, the name and so on of an aged person are read to be inputted to a controlling section 4, and this information is sent out as an emergency notification signal from a communication section 6 by a controlling section 4 via a public telephone line 7 to a receiving device 102 of a place to be contacted which is stored in advance. In the receiving section 102, the name and so on of an aged person is outputted from a speaker 12, and furthermore, a warning light 13 is lighted and a vibrator 14 is vibrated to notify an emergency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a fire-alarm pull station. The pull stations includes a non-contact switch located within a housing, a movable actuation device linked to the non-contact switch wherein the device moves between an activation and non-activation position and an actuator protector linked to the non-contact switch to aid in preventing improper activation of the non-contact switch.

Abstract: A restroom maintenance alert system and method for signaling when a restroom needs service includes a signaling device, an actuator located in a public restroom and configured to communicate with a signaling device to activate the signaling device, and instructions located on at least one of or on or near the actuator and directed to a restroom patron to actuate the actuator if the restroom needs service. The signaling device is located outside the public restroom. The method for signaling the restroom needs service includes providing the actuator in a restroom, instructing a restroom patron to activate the actuator if the restroom needs service, and activating a signaling device when the activator is activated.

Abstract: A flight attendant actuated warning system for alerting a flight crew in a flight deck compartment of an aircraft of a potential hijacking or other troublesome situation includes a receiver unit on the flight deck and at least one portable transmitter unit with a flight attendant in the passenger cabin. In the event of trouble, the flight attendant can actuate the transmitter to transmit a preselected activation signal having a frequency that does not interfere with the avionics and navigational equipment of the aircraft. The signal is received by the receiver unit and activates an audible and visual alarm of the receiver unit to alert the flight crew. The signal may also actuate a radio in the receiver unit that transmits on a preselected frequency, a transponder to squawk a hijacking code, and a vibratory alarm of one or more portable receivers with flight attendants and/or a federal air marshal.

Abstract: A signage system for a traffic area, the traffic area comprising visually-identifiable boundary markers, the signage system having sign means at the boundary markers, the sign means visually viewable by an occupant of a vehicle adjacent the boundary markers. The signage system further having interaction apparatus at the parking lot for providing communication between a vehicle occupant and an entity remote from the traffic area. The signage system wherein the sign means has at least one electronic display apparatus for presenting information to a person at the traffic area.

Abstract: An HVAC service assistance device assists individuals with troubleshooting their climate control systems and with contacting an HVAC contractor for service when necessary. Stored within the device is HVAC troubleshooting information that is conveniently provided to users on demand via an audio speaker and/or a visual display. The device may also store contact information for an HVAC contractor which can be conveniently accessed by the user when the climate control system next requires servicing. By recording (or having prerecorded) their contact information in the service assistance device of the present invention, HVAC contractors may increase their opportunities for receiving repeat business from customers. The service assistance device may further include a service call button which, when depressed, automatically sends a call for service to an HVAC contractor over a communication network, such as a telephone or computer network, using prerecorded contact information for the HVAC contractor.

Abstract: An emergency call system includes a data bus and bus controller operatively connected to the data bus for controlling data access on the data bus. The system can include at least one of wireless, direct connect and telephone subsystems. A wireless device module could be operatively connected to the data bus for receiving and passing alarm signals onto the data bus from a premises based wireless subsystem having at least one wireless receiver that receives wireless alarm signals from wireless pendants and other devices. The system could also include a direct connect module that receives and passes alarm signals onto the data bus from a premises based direct connect subsystem having wired stations and/or sensors. A telephone module could be operatively connected to the data bus for receiving alarm signals from a telephone of a residence through the telephone network and to the telephone module.

Abstract: A remote control device includes a number of primary emitting devices each having an inbuilt coordinate for showing the location, and each having one or more buttons for entering the requests, and each having an emitting circuit for emitting out the request signal. A receiver device includes a receiving circuit for receiving the request signals, a processor unit for treating the signal, and a displayer for displaying the signal. A number of responding emitting devices may be used for responding and canceling the signal as shown in the displayer.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to control at least one function of a bed located in a room from a remote location outside of the room. The apparatus includes a controller configured to control the at least one bed function, an interface device coupled to the controller, and an input device located at the remote location. The input device is configured to generate a message signal to control the at least one bed function. The message signal is transmitted from the input device to the interface device and from the interface device to the controller to control the at least one bed function from the remote location.