Abstract: An electronic radio frequency (RF) identification system 10 is disclosed and claimed. The system includes an interrogator 11 and a plurality of RF transponders 12.1 to 12.n. In use, each transponder is operative in response to an interrogation signal 14 to respond with a forward error correctable data message 16.1 including base data encoded as symbol characters in accordance with a forward error correcting code, such as a Reed Solomon Code, and check characters on the base data as defined in the forward error correcting code. The interrogator 11 utilizes data relating to the forward error correcting code, the symbol characters and check characters in the received forward error correctable data message, to reconstruct the base data in the event of corruption of the forward error correctable data message during transmission.

Abstract: A home gateway server appliance allows home computers and other networked electronic devices to communicate with one another, operate without direct interaction with external networks, provide a variety of network services to computers and other devices both within the home and, at the owner's discretion, connected through the Internet, and provide a mechanism whereby members of the household may be informed of certain network related events without having to use their home computer or other client device.

Abstract: A security system 63 and an electronic device group 62 to be stored in a home network 6 are controlled by a home server 61. A home network management facility 5 obtains status information of the electronic device group 62 from home server 61. Home network management facility 5 displays the status of electronic device group 62 on a display unit of a terminal 1 based on the received status information. Home network management facility 5 also displays a screen for prompting input of a control instruction of the home-located electronic devices that are included in the electronic device group 62. Based on control instruction received via home server 61, home network management facility 5 performs remote control of electronic device group 62.

Abstract: A serial bus type configuration recognition and alarm apparatus for a system having a plurality of various boards. The apparatus includes a plurality of first transmission units, a second transmission unit and a recognition unit. The first transmission units report board Identifications (IDs) and board failure status information through a first serial bus. The second transmission unit is connected to the first transmission units to report the board IDs, the board failure status information and an ID thereof. The recognition unit is connected to the second transmission unit to ascertain the configuration and failure status of the boards and report received board IDs and board failure status to a terminal.

Abstract: A control device of an electric car in which any two of control devices fixed to the corresponding electric motors send signals to each other and send and receive control information by taking a bypass route when any one of transmission lines malfunctions is provided. Fail safe means for signal transmission lines, in which a bypass route is established such that a node detecting a communication failure in an electronic control system of the car sends a search message for searching a transmission route and another node which is able to establish the transmission route sends back a response message, is provided.

Abstract: A computer-server rack enclosure fault light diagnostic system and a method for providing an overall rack level fault indicator of a fault incurred by a unit of electronic equipment housed in the rack. The rack may be an EIA standard rack holding constituent components complying with EIA standards.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining operation of an automated theater are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an exhibitor support center for monitoring functional status of each of one or more exhibitor systems and for responding to failures at each of the one or more exhibitor systems. A secure network connection is provided from the exhibitor support center to each of the one or more exhibitor systems to communicate the functional status. The exhibitor support center can also initiate scheduled maintenance and extended diagnostic testing at the exhibitor systems.

Abstract: A safety-oriented control system with a plurality of decentralized stations is disclosed. The safety-oriented control system is provided with inputs and outputs and at least one centralized station exchanging information with each other via a bus line, wherein at least one of the decentralized stations has independent devices for fault-tolerating and/or fault-controlling self-monitoring to ensure normal operation for linkage and evaluation of signals located at the inputs and outputs of this station or further stations, and devices for processing of the signals and for generation of independent control commands.

Abstract: A data sample and transmission module for a power distribution system having a microprocessor, a locator device, and a network interface is provided. The microprocessor samples one or more first signals indicative of a condition of power in the power distribution system. The locator device is changeable between a first state and a second state. The network interface can place the microprocessor in communication with a network so that the microprocessor samples the first signals based in part upon a synchronization signal receivable from the network and so that the locator device changes from the first state to the second state in response to a command receivable from the data network.

Abstract: A method of initializing system components of a wireless-controlled lighting system. The system components include a remote control and a plurality of lighting units which communicate with a control master for the system via commonly-received radio communications. In order to become part of the system, each component transmits a respective request for initialization. A local control master for the system responds to each request, in turn, by allocating and transmitting a unique ID code for the requesting component. It then transmits a verify command to the requesting component which, if it has received the ID code, signals the user affirmatively.

Abstract: The present invention describes a maintenance support system that can be used to automatically isolate defective components in a complex electrical apparatus. The system includes programming instructions that activate individual components of the electrical operation in a non-operational sequence, while collecting performance data for each tested component. Performance data is provided by existing feedback devices in the apparatus as well as by additional sensors which are a part of the new system. All collected data and available background information are analyzed by programming instructions that consider, among other things, the probability of failure in certain components. The final outcome is a component replacement recommendation on a local or remote computer display that combines the performance data, history, probability and operational knowledge of the apparatus, thereby improving the performance of service personnel.

Abstract: In a security system that has a large number of individually-addressable modules interconnected on a data bus to a control panel, a method of concurrently supervising the modules by first configuring each module with a unique zone number including a group number and a module number. During operation, the control panel initiates a group supervision poll sequence for each group number by transmitting a group poll command including a group number data field populated by the group number currently being polled. If a module is part of the group being polled, then it sets a discrete bit appended to a group poll response message that logically corresponds to the module number for that module. The control panel then determines if any bit in the group poll response message has not been set, and then issues a unit poll sequence addressed to a module that corresponds to any such bit not determined to have been set in the group poll response message.

Abstract: The error determination section determines whether or not an acceleration data set has been received properly with no error. Received data memories store a plurality of the received acceleration data sets. Collision judgment control unit judges a possibility of a collision on the basis of a latest error-free proper data of the received acceleration data sets stored in the received data memories. Further, in case of occurrence of a data deficiency, an error-free proper data set is constantly stored in memory.

Abstract: An arc fault/ground fault circuit interrupter for a power circuit includes a line terminal; a load terminal; and separable contacts electrically connected between the line and load terminals. An operating mechanism opens the separable contacts and has a closed position for closing the separable contacts. A trip mechanism cooperates with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. A ground fault protection circuit is operatively associated with the power circuit. An arc fault protection circuit is also operatively associated with the power circuit. A circuit tests the ground fault protection circuit, tests the arc fault protection circuit, and restores the operating mechanism to the closed position responsive to sequential activation of test and reset buttons.

Abstract: An electronic radio frequency (RF) identification system 10 is disclosed and claimed. The system includes an interrogator 11 and a plurality of RF transponders 12.1 to 12.n. In use, each transponder is operative in response to an interrogation signal 14 to respond with a forward error correctable data message 16.1 including base data encoded as symbol characters in accordance with a forward error correcting code, such as a Reed Solomon Code, and check characters on the base data as defined in the forward error correcting code. The interrogator 11 utilizes data relating to the forward error correcting code, the symbol characters and check characters in the received forward error correctable data message, to reconstruct the base data in the event of corruption of the forward error correctable data message during transmission.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for communicating information to and from recipients scattered over wide geographic areas. A computer controlled head end communications interface adds address information to a message in accordance with who the intended recipients are. A media router directs the message through appropriate transport media in accordance with the address information. Preferably, the messages are communicated, at least in part, over existing paging systems. Additional transport media include existing power distribution networks, twisted wire pairs and fiber optics networks. Bi-directional reporting capability is provided. The system is well-suited for applications such as remote reading of utility meters, communication of emergency warnings, bi-directional alarm reporting, time synchronization, and encryption/authentication.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation at a fault and re-emit blackbody (infrared) radiation. The emitter can be coupled to the fiber but, during normal operation, lies outside the optical path between the output of the laser radiation and the site of treatment. Systems and catheters incorporating such emitters are also described for effective monitoring of the laser power transmitted along the optical fiber within the phototherapy device.

Abstract: A supervisory control apparatus in which events that occur in the individual sections of equipment or a system having a hierarchical structure are identified and used for its maintenance and operation. To increase the efficiency and the flexibility of supervisory control without altering the hardware configuration. For this purpose, the apparatus provides a supervisory control apparatus in which immediately lower-rank components to which an event that has occurred in each of a plurality of components may spread are registered in advance. A particular status that an event occurred in a higher-rank component has spread to all lower-rank components is individually registered based on an iterative algorithm. An event occurred in a component where such a particular status is registered is negated.

Abstract: A diagnostic unit is disclosed that monitors the operational parameters of a security system and upon detection of a variation in the operational parameters beyond preset limits transmits over a wireless communication device a signal warning of a potential failure of the system. Upon receipt of the signal by a remote unit a communication link can be established and the diagnostic unit queried as to the status of various operational parameters to determine if a failure has occurred and the cause of such failure. In one form of the invention two-way wireless pagers are used as the communication devices.

Abstract: A method for transferring alarms, in which method a pre-determined area (1) is monitored by a monitoring device (24) connected to a subscriber line (10, 12, 14); the condition of the subscriber line (10, 12, 14) is monitored by line testing; when the ISDN subscriber line (10, 12, 14) lacks functionality an alarm is identified in a switching center (20); and from the switching center (20) the alarm is directed to an alarm monitoring system.

Abstract: A monitor and control system that responds to alarm signals representing different hazardous conditions in an environment having a number of utility service supply lines, such as a home residence. One or more sensors coupled to the processor are each associated with one or more of the service supply lines. Each sensor produces an alarm signal in response to a hazardous condition attributable to an associated supply line. Each associated supply line is provided with a control device that is coupled to an output of the processor, and the processor is configured to produce one or more output signals in response to an alarm signal at a given input. Each control device is arranged to disable its associated supply line with respect to a sensed hazardous condition in response to a corresponding output signal from the processor.

Abstract: A system and method determines the environmental configuration of telecommunications equipment having interchangeable components to provide an alarm if an improper environmental configuration exists. A configuration engine associated with the network management system of the telecommunications equipment determines the environmental rating of components added to or removed from the telecommunications equipment by querying flash memory associated with the component. If components designed for controlled environmental conditions and components designed for uncontrolled environmental conditions are both present in the telecommunications equipment, then component engine 30 sets the alarm to alert the user of an improper environmental configuration.

Abstract: From a parameter setting unit, a user enters values for monitor start time (STime), check time (ETime) and a telephone number for notification (TelNo). The entered parameter values are stored into a storage unit. A door opening/closing detection unit detects opening/closing of e.g. a bathroom door. During the period from STime to ETime, the number of detections is counted and if the counted value is at most a predetermined value, it is determined as abnormal. When the abnormality is detected, a communication unit is automatically connected via a general public line to TelNo set by the user. A telephone to be notified is then notified of the abnormal condition of an inhabitant. Thus, an abnormal condition detecting system can be provided capable of appropriately detecting the abnormal condition of the inhabitant and promptly taking action thereon.

Abstract: In a management network, active alarms are received by management devices, acting as agent or as superior manager, each of which can be stored on any of the management devices and can be handled for a specific period of time by operators. The management devices can have different management levels. Operators are coupled to the management devices to handle active alarms for a specific period of time. A checking function is introduced having one or more checking attributes for reciprocal information about alarm handling between the management devices. The checking function having the checking attributes results in automatic coordination between the management devices situated in a manager-agent relationship on different management levels during alarm handling.

Abstract: A transmission system having an uninterrupted switchover function for a plurality of lines is disclosed. The aims are to prevent unnecessary switchover and to provide high quality transmission system even using low quality lines with a minimal hardware configuration of memories and a control circuit. On the transmitting side, a pulse for phase synchronization is inserted at the top of each signal frame. Such frame signals are branched to transmit on a plurality of lines. On the receiving side, an alarm or error in signals from lines is detected on a frame basis. Then, a line switchover is carried out at the unit of a frame after frame phases are synchronized. To synchronize the frame phases, elastic memories for producing variable amount of delay are used in addition to fixed-amount delay circuits. This enables to insert a sufficient amount of delay to generate required timings for detecting errors, controlling and performing a switchover etc.

Abstract: A distributed method and system of controlling a communications network having a plurality of spans of interconnected network elements some of which include a network element processor distributes network topology information to respective span databases; stores original fault objects in the respective span databases; advertises fault objects to other network element processors in a local span when the original fault affects network elements other than a network element in which the fault occurred; advertises alarm objects to other network element processors that are respectively associated with a circuit affected by the original faults; stores the advertised fault and alarm objects in the respective span databases; and performs distributed processing of the advertised fault and alarm objects with the other network element processors and the respective span databases.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the position of a movable object along a selected axis. The system includes a target positioned at a location aligned with the selected axis. An optical energy emitter is mounted on the movable object and has a beam dispersion greater than two degrees directed at the target. An optical energy receiver is mounted on the movable object and aligned to receive optical energy reflected by the target. The optical energy detector generates a receive signal indicating reception of the optical energy. A time of flight circuit coupled to the emitter and receiver generates a flight time signal indicating the elapsed time from emission of the optical energy to reception of reflected optical energy. A control circuit monitors the flight time signal and outputs a position signal indicating position of the movable object with respect to the target.

Abstract: A data acquisition and transmitting unit samples the signal indicating the apparatus state quantity from a sensor provided on an apparatus, converts the signal into absolute-time-tagged monitoring data S(t), stores the data S(t), and transmits the data S(t) to a network. A digital protection and control unit takes in the quantity data E about the system of the apparatus and the operating state data P about the apparatus, converts these data into absolute-time-tagged data E(t) and operating state data P(t), stores these converted data, and transmits these data E(t) and P(t) to the network. A data display unit receives the data S(t), E(t), and P(t) from the data acquisition and transmitting unit and digital protective and control unit via the network and displays the state of the apparatus on the basis of the data S(t), E(t), and P(t).

Abstract: A method for providing communication between controllers in which fewer communication lines are needed. The controllers include a first controller functioning to feed at least first and second data signals into a second controller at a next step, and further to feed first and second abnormality signals into the controller at the next step when the presence of abnormalities is determined. One of the first and second data signals as well as both of the first and second abnormality signals are fed into the controller at the next step from the first controller through a common communication line.

Abstract: A method for determining the “Out,” “Off,”. “On,” and “In” (OOOI) times for an aircraft, based on parametric data sampled in the aircraft. “Out” means out of the gate, “Off” means off the ground, “On” means on the ground, and “In” means in at the gate. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), brake pressure, magnetic heading, ground speed, flight number and flight leg, engine start/stop, and air/ground switch are currently available parameters that can be sampled and presented to determine the OOOI times for a given flight and this data downloaded.