Including Indicator Patents (Class 340/3.7)
  • Patent number: 8552832
    Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kohanek
  • Patent number: 8547199
    Abstract: A computer-implemented, transaction-making, municipal bond trading system having a capability to conduct a private electronic auction of bid wanteds between a central brokers' broker and multiple prospective remote bidders and to maintain a reference database of accurate individual bond lot descriptions and identifications, including CUSIP (trademark) numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: BGC Partners, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20130207772
    Abstract: Techniques for proximity detection of kiosk payments are provided. A kiosk system includes a cash/coin acceptor device and an added sensor. The sensor detects when a hand of a customer is in proximity to the cash/coin acceptor device indicating cash or coins are about to be inserted into the device. The sensor coordinates with a state of the kiosk system and when the state permits and the hand is in proximity to the device, the device is activated or enabled to accept the cash or coins for a transaction of the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas V. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130185079
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a home appliance, to a home appliance system, and to a method for operating same, wherein the home appliance and a mobile terminal are connected to one another to add or update data in the home appliance through the mobile terminal connected thereto, diagnose the state of the home appliance by means of the mobile terminal, and supplement the function of the home appliance by means of the mobile terminal, thus expanding the functions of the home appliance to enable the easy control of the home appliance, and more conveniently controlling the home appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Chang Kwon Park, Mi Kyung Ha, Min Hwan Hong, Woon Je Choe, Jong Hye Han, Pyoung Hwan Kim, Sang Su Lee
  • Patent number: 8471680
    Abstract: The invention provides an automatically rotatable turntable for a display unit and includes: a mounting section mounted with the display unit; an electric rotating mechanism that rotates the mounting section; a reception section in the display unit which receives a wireless signal from a remote control unit; and a control section that controls the electric rotating mechanism based upon the received wireless signal. Upon receipt of the wireless signal, the control section detects a reception strength of the reception section while cyclically rotating the mounting section around a predetermined rotational position, to initially detect a rotational position at which the reception strength is maximum. Thereafter, as a main operation, the control section detects the reception strength while rotating the mounting section in a direction extending from the predetermined rotational position to the initially-detected rotational position, to detect a rotational position at which the reception strength is maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masato Nagasawa, Katsutoshi Okada, Yoshiki Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 8461960
    Abstract: A remote control apparatus is disclosed, which radio transmits a control command from a remote controller to a reception apparatus connected to an electronic device which is an apparatus under control. The reception apparatus stores a first identification information which represents a destination remote controller. When the remote controller issues a pairing start command, the remote control apparatus transmits a pairing request containing second identification information of the remote controller itself. The reception apparatus extracts the second identification information from the received pairing request and decides that the remote controller is a pairing party if the first identification information matches the second identification information. The reception apparatus transmits a pairing response containing third identification information of the reception apparatus itself to the remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Nakano, Takashi Tsurumoto
  • Patent number: 8427274
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method, system and apparatus, in particular, a lighting system and method of controlling the lighting system, comprising a computer readable medium and a programmable device capable of controlling and manipulating individually addressable lights to realize a visual display at a pixel level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: SAJE Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Jones, Zhen Huang, Paul W. Bonham, Chuan Li, Cameron D. Jiles
  • Patent number: 8421597
    Abstract: A portable communication terminal having a remote control apparatus includes a CPU. The CPU detects electronic appliances around there by a wireless tag reader, displays characters respectively corresponding to the detected appliances on a monitor, transmits test signals to these appliances, and changes a manner of the character of the appliance except for the appliance which responds, that is, in an off-state. Furthermore, the CPU detects identification information of a base station which is able to communicate with the terminal, registers the identification information detected under a desired location condition in the register, and determines whether or not a match condition is satisfied between detected identification information and the identification information which has been registered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Fumiaki Matsumoto, Michiaki Koizumi
  • Patent number: 8421635
    Abstract: A patient bed with a multimedia system is disclosed. A patient can access a net work through the multimedia system, and to join a net meeting to chat with other patients. The multimedia system can also provide a consolidated platform of medical information for a doctor or a nurse. An input device of the patient bed may have a touch pad, which allows the patient to control the position of patient support through finger gesture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Wei-Ting Liu, Wei-Hua Lu, Chih-Kuei Hu
  • Patent number: 8400258
    Abstract: A method of remotely configuring a controller responsive to wireless signals includes entering a controller programming mode from a regular mode in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a first click pattern from a switch. The controller provides a first notification to indicate a first selected configurable feature of the controller. Each of a plurality of configurable features of the controller has a different assigned notification. The controller provides a second notification to indicate a second selected configurable feature in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a second click pattern from the switch. The method also includes exiting the programming mode. The notification may be a flashing of lights, a dimming of lights, an audible sound, an adjustment of a damper position, or a combination of these things.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Echoflex Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Aikens, Loren Parfitt
  • Patent number: 8400530
    Abstract: A communication device that can simplify various settings of a display device, such as a TV, that provides information regarding an object (communication device) is provided. An image capturing device (1) has a RF-ID unit (47) for performing proximity wireless communication with a RF-ID reader/writer (46) connected via an infrared communication path to a TV (45). The image capturing device (1) includes: an antenna (21) for the proximity wireless communication; a data receiving unit (105) receiving an input signal from the RF-ID reader/writer (46); a nonvolatile second memory (52) storing at least UID (75) and an execution program (116); and a data transmission unit (108) transmitting the UID (75) and the execution program (116) to the RF-ID reader/writer (46) via the antenna (21) according to the input signal. The UID (75) is used to identify the communication device, and the execution program (116) is executed by the TV (45) with reference to the UID (75).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichi Ikeda, Mitsuaki Oshima, Masaru Yamaoka, Tsutomu Mukai, Takahiro Sato, Ikuo Fuchigami, Tadanori Tezuka, Shohji Ohtsubo, Yosuke Matsushita
  • Patent number: 8310337
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for state or status sensing of devices for a remote control or remote controlled system. The devices status indicator system 101 comprises a hand held remote control device 109, device status indicator 104, 106, 107, and device 103, 111, 112. In the alternative, a smart control device 110 can be used with or without a hand held remote control device 109. When the device 103, 111, 112 is turned ON or OFF in the remote controlled system, the device status indicator 104, 106, 107 will send a signal 102, 105, 108 to the remote control device 109 and/or the smart control device 110. This signal 102, 105, 108 triggers information to be stored in the remote control device 109 and/or the smart control device 110 that indicates that the device 103, 111, 112 is in an ON or OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Monster Cable Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel Lee, Anthony Di Chiro, Demain Martin
  • Patent number: 8284026
    Abstract: A network in an environment includes passive sensors with associated sensor identification numbers. A set of active badges with associated badge identification numbers, wherein each badge is associated with an object, and wherein a particular sensor broadcasts a packet in response to detecting a particular object, wherein the packet includes the sensor identification number and a time, and only if the particular object is associated with a particular badge then the badge appends the badge identification number to the packet and broadcasts the appended packet, and the particular sensor receives and rebroadcasts the appended packet for further processing to passively and actively monitor the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuri Ivanov, Abraham Goldsmith, Jay Thornton
  • Patent number: 8280534
    Abstract: When a system operator selects a message to be analyzed from among a plurality of messages listed in a state change list displayed on an HMI unit, a monitoring target is identified from the selected message and all other messages that correspond to the same monitoring target are automatically searched. Subsequently, a timeline chart is displayed that represents changes in the operating state specified in the selected message and the found messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Hideki Kitahara
  • Patent number: 8248203
    Abstract: A lighting monitor/control system for remote billboards uses a cellular network to provide utility power and light status information to a central controller, which in response provides control signals to individual remote billboard lighting controllers for setting operating parameters such as multiple on/off times, lighting power adjustments for individual billboards, and custom lighting schedules based upon geographic and environmental considerations. Battery back-up is provided in the event of utility power outage with automatic reversion to utility power when restored. Immediate notification of failure of utility power or of individual lamp or ballast failure is provided by SMS messaging formatted so as to minimize the number of messages and reduce communications costs. The monitor/control system is also adapted for use in remote power monitoring applications to automatically switch to standby power (generator) in the absence of primary power and to return to primary power when restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventors: Martin James Hanwright, Shih-Chiea Chen
  • Patent number: 8217752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote monitoring system and a method controlling the same, which can selectively monitor according to a condition of power and a control of devices including a washer and a dryer installed in a remote place. The remote monitoring system comprises a communication module provided in each device for transmitting monitoring information after identifying an operation condition of each device according to a user's demand; and a remote monitoring unit for selecting a device to be monitored based on a result after identifying a power condition of each device, as well as displaying an operation condition of each device based on the transmitted monitoring information and the control of each device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Hoan Kwon, Kyoo Cheol Choi, Hoon Bong Lee, Yong Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8188860
    Abstract: A chip module including a sensor/actuator, an input/output interface, a data processing circuit connected between the input/output interface and the sensor/actuator such that sensor/actuator data may be communicated to/from outside the chip module via the input/output interface, and a manipulation detector assembly configured to output an alarm signal responsive to attacks affecting the sensor/actuator data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Josef Haid
  • Patent number: 8154381
    Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kohanek
  • Publication number: 20120056712
    Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) load control system includes both two-way and one-way (e.g., transmit-only) remote control devices, and provides a simple, reliable process for configuring the one-way devices into the system. The one-way device may be programmed to operate at one of a predetermined number of radio frequencies as part of a frequency-selection procedure, during which, the one-way device transmits a test command to a signal repeater of the system. If the test command is transmitted at the same frequency as the repeater, the repeater emits an audible beep to inform the user that the remote control is transmitting at the appropriate frequency. To associate the two-way devices with the system, the signal repeater streams an “enter address mode” command. To allow the one-way device to be associated with the system, the signal repeater pauses the transmission of the enter address mode command to allow the one-way device to transmit an activation request message to the signal repeater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventor: Galen Edgar Knode
  • Publication number: 20120044043
    Abstract: A hierarchical control system (203) for supervising operations of an autonomous operator located within a defined geographical region containing a localised zone having an operation-defined boundary. The control system (203) has a primary controller (604) associated with the defined geographical region and a secondary controller (605) associated with the localised zone. The secondary controller (605) is responsive to the supervisory control of the primary controller (604). The autonomous operator, if located within the localised zone, is responsive to the supervisory control of the secondary controller (605).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Eric Nettleton, Ross Hennessy, Hugh Durrant-Whyte, Ali Haydar Göktogan, Surya P N Singh
  • Publication number: 20120044042
    Abstract: A building equipment control system comprises a remote transceiver module including a plurality of remote transceivers for remotely receiving multi-channel alarm signals, and each of the remote transceivers including a plurality of input points; a remote indication module including a plurality of remote indicators for performing alarm indication according to the multi-channel alarm signals, and each of the remote indicators including a plurality of output points; a remote main system controller for remotely setting characteristics and authorities of the input and output points; a remote compiler for remotely changing system settings of the remote main system controller and characteristics of the input points. The wiring of the system could save about 70-90% cables and 90-95% junction boxes, and reduce about 70% period of time for wiring and 90% period of time for testing and debugging needed for the conventional building equipment control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Wing Kee CHAN
  • Patent number: 8072346
    Abstract: Various approaches for activating a traffic control preemption system. A light bar includes a support structure and a plurality of LED modules individually mounted on the support structure. Each LED module includes a plurality of LED groups, and in at least one of the plurality of LED modules, at least one LED group in the module is an infrared (IR) LED group, and at least one LED group in the module is a visible light LED group. A controller is coupled to each module. The controller is configured to trigger an IR light pulse pattern at a first level of IR radiant power from the at least one IR LED group. The pulse pattern and first level of IR radiant power activate preemption in a traffic control preemption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Hall, Mark Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20110291795
    Abstract: Aspects of this invention relate to an adjustable bed that may include one or more articulating portions, and may include one or more components, including an air inflatable mattress associated with the adjustable bed frame, a programmable logic controller, a remote memory storage facility, a remote storage location of user preferences, a cell phone remote control, a modular control device, an air purification facility, a power outlet controller, a Bluetooth remote control, an ultra wide band remote control, a wireless USB remote control, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Martin B. Rawls-Meehan
  • Publication number: 20110254656
    Abstract: A medicine station or stand-alone alert device has a processor having access to memory, wherein the memory stores a control module, and the processor is configured to execute the modules stored in the memory. The medicine station or stand-alone alert device also includes one or more indicators. The control module is configured to periodically check for an external notification from a primary alert device that it is time to take a medication. Upon receiving the external notification, the control program is configured to cause the medicine station or stand-alone alert device to enter an amplified alert mode with respect to the primary alert device via the one or more indicators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Lloyd Cleveland Nurse, Darien Okinza Nurse
  • Publication number: 20110234367
    Abstract: Low cost, low power consumption radio frequency transceivers are incorporated in barrier operator control systems for transmitting signals between an operator control unit, one or more remote control units, a diagnostic or calibration device and an obstruction detector. Similar detector devices, including such transceivers, may be employed in loading docks for detecting the status of dock levelers and vehicle restraint devices. Radio frequency communication eliminates the need for hard wiring and also provides for transmission of commands and status information between various control units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: Larry D. Murphy, Brian M. Yackey, Grant B. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8019476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device, control method, recording medium, and program, and building, wherein intelligent and active integration of electronic apparatuses and dwelling-places can be realized. A receiving unit 21 receives broadcasting signals, and supplies the signals to a receiving information determining unit 22. The receiving information determining unit 22 acquires a voice signal from the broadcasting signals supplied from the receiving unit 21, and a voice recognizing unit 23 subjects the voice signal to speech recognition. A determining unit 24 detects danger information such as information relating to a person such as a burglar, or information relating to a district where the person has appeared, or the like from the voice signal subjected to speech recognition by the voice recognizing unit 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 8000814
    Abstract: Various graphical displays for plant process operators are provided which combine aspects of alarm priority and alarm age to assist operators in making better choices in responding to alarms. The disclosed graphical displays provide improved contextual information about specific alarms and the relationships with other alarms in the same control module, equipment module, etc. Hierarchically organized presentations of active alarms and alarm age profiles are also provided to assist operators in evaluating causes of “alarm floods” in chain reactions within complex process environments. Various types of alarm or display alerts are also provided for improved monitoring of processed conditions and changes in process controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Havekost, Mark J. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20110175701
    Abstract: A facility monitoring/controlling system and method enabling provision of a screen display function having an adequate real-time property in the range of a low rate, e.g., around 64 kbps. An on-site facility monitoring/controlling subsystem (10) operates/controls a controlled facility (200) by an on-site input means (14) through an on-site manipulation screen means (30) showing the visualized operating state of the controlled facility (200). A center facility monitoring/controlling subsystem (20) reproduces/displays a remote manipulation screen (30?) with the same contents as the on-site manipulation screen (30) on a center display means (22), and controls the controlled facility (200) by a center input means (23) and remotely operate/control the controlled facility (200).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: ENECYBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shouji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7982631
    Abstract: A light emitter for a traffic control preemption system. The emitter includes a plurality of groups of infrared (IR) LEDs and a power source coupled to the groups of LEDs. A plurality of controlled current sources is coupled to the plurality of groups of LEDs, respectively. A controller is configured to trigger an IR light pulse pattern from the groups of LEDs and maintain a first level of IR radiant power from the groups of LEDs using individual control of respective current levels to the groups of LEDs in response to current sense levels from the groups of LEDs. The pulse pattern and first level of IR radiant power activate preemption in the traffic control preemption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Global Traffic Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schwartz, Timothy Hall
  • Patent number: 7969279
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote control system including a remote commander and a main device having a capability to connect with a subordinate device. The main device includes: a display; a first storage device for storing a plurality of sets of remote control codes; a first signal reception circuit; a first signal transmission circuit for, e.g., transmitting to the remote commander a set of remote control codes corresponding to a subordinate device; and a control unit. The remote commander includes: a second signal reception circuit for receiving the set of remote control codes; a second storage device for storing the set of remote control codes; a second signal transmission circuit; and an operation section for transmitting a remote control code transmission control signal for causing the control unit to perform remote control code transmission control for selecting the set of remote control codes and transmitting the set of remote control codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7911340
    Abstract: A network device includes a processor configured to i) assign status information indicative of the network device to a plurality of classes, wherein each of the plurality of classes is associated with a different characteristic of the network device, and ii) combine the status information in the plurality of classes into at least one group of status information in response to user inputs. A display includes a plurality of individually controllable light emitters. The light emitters are configured to display at least one group of status information based on the user inputs. The processor is configured to provide at least one group of status information to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Marvell Israel (M.I.S.L) Ltd.
    Inventors: Ziv Harel, Tomer Carmeli
  • Patent number: 7902959
    Abstract: A radio communication system of a water heater comprising a slave set which remotely operates a water heater main body by radio communication, and a master set which continuously communicates with the water heater main body by wired communication and which intermittently communicates with the slave set by radio communication to relay communication between the water heater main body and the slave set, wherein after the slave set instructs to change a hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body to a requested temperature by the salve set, the requested temperature previously instructed by the slave set is maintained as the hot water supply temperature displayed on the display section of the slave set for a particular time until the hot water supply temperature of the water heater main body reaches the temperature requested by the slave set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Tomomi Yamada, Keiji Kato
  • Patent number: 7852194
    Abstract: To ensure a perform authentication based on a request signal Sr which is the authorized radio signal even under a bad radio environment in which radio noise comes continuously. A portable device receives a request signal Sr transmitted from a vehicle-mounted device and transmits an answer signal including a receiving-sensitivity changing switch for changing a receiving sensitivity of a receiving circuit which receives the request signal Sr. As a result, even if the authentication cannot be carried out with normal receiving sensitivity due to the influence of the continuous radio noise, by changing the receiving sensitivity to low sensitivity, and by bringing the portable device physically close to a transmission source of the request signal which is the authorized radio signal, it is possible to dramatically increase the probability that the authentication based on the authorized radio signal can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Konno
  • Publication number: 20100277270
    Abstract: A method of remotely configuring a controller responsive to wireless signals includes entering a controller programming mode from a regular mode in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a first click pattern from a switch. The controller provides a first notification to indicate a first selected configurable feature of the controller. Each of a plurality of configurable features of the controller has a different assigned notification. The controller provides a second notification to indicate a second selected configurable feature in response to at least one wireless signal corresponding to a second click pattern from the switch. The method also includes exiting the programming mode. The notification may be a flashing of lights, a dimming of lights, an audible sound, an adjustment of a damper position, or a combination of these things.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Aikens, Loren Parfit
  • Publication number: 20100214094
    Abstract: A wireless sensor system for detecting electrical power lines in proximity to equipment includes a base station mounted in proximity to an operator of the equipment and a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor detects the presence of power lines by sensing an electrical field generated by the power lines and includes an accelerometer which senses motion of the equipment. The wireless sensor communicates data to the base station. The base station presents at least one alarm to the operator when the wireless sensor detects an electrical field with a magnitude which exceeds a selectable threshold and silences the least one alarm if no motion above a predetermined threshold is sensed for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Gerald E. Givens, Kenneth Duane Austin, Dale Anderson Hibbert
  • Publication number: 20100207719
    Abstract: A computer implemented method to display an industrial installation, which display may also display information about an event or an alarm in the installation. The method includes displaying an image which appears to the viewer to be a three dimensional holographic image including a view of the industrial installation. The image may also include one or more points in three dimensional space and which point or points are each mapped to a corresponding point or position in the industrial installation. A pointing device for actively indicating position on the image reflecting objects or positions in the installation is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Charlotte Skourup, Siri Breen, Nicolas-Alexander Hall
  • Patent number: 7746226
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting proximity of at least one outside party to a multi-party communication includes steps of: receiving presence information of the at least one outside party, wherein the presence information comprises sensor data received from at least one sensor indicating that the outside party is in proximity to a second party; analyzing the sensor data to determine its threat level; and transmitting a signal to the first party, the signal indicating that at least one outside party is in proximity to the second party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Howard Cohen, Ruthie D Lyle
  • Patent number: 7737819
    Abstract: A theatrical lighting control network is disclosed which incorporates a local area network for communication among a number of node controllers and control consoles or devices employed in establishing lighting or other effects levels in a theater, film production stage or other performance environment. Use of the network eliminates the requirements for the majority of hardwiring for interconnection of consoles and other controller or monitoring devices to effects controller racks and provides great flexibility in location and relocation of various components of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard M. Chansky, John W. Fuller, Ronald A. Land, Robert Whitten
  • Patent number: 7697902
    Abstract: A control signal is wirelessly transmitted from a first radio communication unit of a portable communication device to a second radio communication unit. The portable communication device is provided for radio communication over a first radio frequency band using a first modulation technique. The control signal is transmitted by generating a control signal, switching off the first modulation of a carrier signal, shifting the frequency of the carrier signal from a first radio frequency band to a second radio frequency band for the first radio communication unit, switching on the second modulation of the carrier signal having a frequency within the second radio frequency band, wherein the carrier signal is modulated with the control signal, and transmitting the control signal modulated carrier signal wirelessly over the second radio frequency band to the second radio communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Paul Johansson
  • Patent number: 7683754
    Abstract: A method for defining a group from among a plurality of bidirectional objects, comprising the following stages: a) synchronous application to the objects in a group of an initiator event, b) sending of a message containing a group identifier, and c) recording by the objects that have been subjected to the initiator event of the group identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Somfy
    Inventor: Capucine Autret
  • Publication number: 20100066484
    Abstract: A lighting monitor/control system for remote billboards uses a cellular network to provide utility power and light status information to a central controller, which in response provides control signals to individual remote billboard lighting controllers for setting operating parameters such as multiple on/off times, lighting power adjustments for individual billboards, and custom lighting schedules based upon geographic and environmental considerations. Battery back-up is provided in the event of utility power outage with automatic reversion to utility power when restored. Immediate notification of failure of utility power or of individual lamp or ballast failure is provided by SMS messaging formatted so as to minimize the number of messages and reduce communications costs. The monitor/control system is also adapted for use in remote power monitoring applications to automatically switch to standby power (generator) in the absence of primary power and to return to primary power when restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: COMMTIVA TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Martin James Hanwright, Shih-Chiea Chen
  • Publication number: 20100066485
    Abstract: In a portrait mode of operation in a mobile communications device a phone camera can be automatically triggered to photograph an image in response to a sensed sound signal,. The portrait mode may be initially activated by the user by depressing a key on the phone keypad and/or a dedicated camera function button. A sound trigger signal can be detected from an input of the phone microphone. An indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED) can be energized in the portrait mode and viewable from the position of image object. Thus the user can confirm that the portrait mode is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Edward Craig Hyatt
  • Patent number: 7639115
    Abstract: A method for pairing a bidirectional object acting as a command receiver with a bidirectional object acting as a command transmitter, includes the stages of: (a) temporary allocation of at least one bidirectional object acting as a command receiver to a bidirectional object acting as a command transmitter; (b) selection of a bidirectional object acting as a command receiver from among the temporarily assigned objects; and (c) pairing of the selected object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventors: Francis Valoteau, Valerie Maistre, Capucine Autret
  • Patent number: 7589639
    Abstract: An electrical control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Cooper Technologies Company
    Inventors: James Fair, Mariusz Malkowski, Rahul Goyal
  • Publication number: 20090206983
    Abstract: A radio-frequency (RF) load control system allows for the expedient transmission of subsequent digital messages to one or more recipients via an RF communication link. The control system comprises at least one load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load in response to a received digital message. Each control device of the load control system is operable to interrupt the propagation of a first digital message to transmit a second digital message in response to determining that the second digital message has a high priority than the first digital message. For example, an originating control device may transmit first and second digital messages in response to a press and a release of an actuator, respectively, and may interrupt the propagation of the first digital message to transmit the second digital message if the first digital message is irrelevant in view of the second digital message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Galen Edgar Knode, Daniel Curtis Raneri, Richard L. Black, Jordan Henry Crafts
  • Patent number: 7564342
    Abstract: An audio signal system for a vehicle remote locking mechanism provides an audio signal that is more intricate than a simple, sounding of the vehicle's horn or beep tone. Preferably, the audio signal may be varied among many possible sounds by the operator. More preferably, the system includes a digital audio source with a signal amplifier and loudspeaker. Most preferably, the digital audio source is programmable with recorded sounds that can be transferred from a remote bank of digital sounds, for example by being downloaded from an internet website.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Ridetones, Inc.
    Inventor: David Erik Klein
  • Publication number: 20090167483
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method, system and apparatus, in particular, a lighting system and method of controlling the lighting system, comprising a computer readable medium and a programmable device capable of controlling and manipulating individually addressable lights to realize a visual display at a pixel level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: SAJE Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Jones, Zhen Huang, Paul W. Bonham, Chuan Li, Cameron D. Jiles
  • Patent number: 7555282
    Abstract: A computer-implemented, transaction-making, municipal bond trading system having a capability to conduct a private electronic auction of bid wanteds between a central brokers' broker and multiple prospective remote bidders and to maintain a reference database of accurate individual bond lot descriptions and identifications, including CUSIP (trademark) numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: BGC Partners, Inc.
    Inventor: David Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7474214
    Abstract: A method and system for locating tires is disclosed. According to the invention, an RFID reader antenna is positioned at a predetermined location such that the distances between the reader antenna and the tires are different. Each tire embeds at least one RFID tag. The distance between the reader antenna and each RFID tag is determined by measuring the delay required for the signal to be reflected by the RFID tag. Since all the distances between the reader antenna and the RFID tags are predetermined, knowing the distance between the reader antenna and a particular RFID tag allows the determination of the position of the particular RFID tag and of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederic Bauchot, Jean-Yves Clement, Gerard Marmigere, Pierre Secondo
  • Patent number: 7471186
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a radio remote controller system that, when power saving for a radio remote controller is realized by intermittently setting a data receivable period in the radio remote controller, can easily and flexibly change a length of a period for making it impossible to receive the radio data and reduce power consumption of the radio remote controller. A master set connected to a water heater main body by wire transmits monitor data G(G1, G2, G3) indicating an operation state of the water heater main body, which include transmission time information indicating the next time (t14 at G1, and t17 at G2) of transmission of the monitor data G, to a slave set serving as a radio remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Kato, Ikuro Adachi