Abstract: Systems and method for realistic simulation of occupancy are provided herein. A context associated with one or more smart devices associated with a property is reterieved, Then, simulation content specific to the context is requested. The simulation content is then caused to be presented by the one or more smart devices.

Abstract: A method of controlling an external apparatus includes receiving a user input information; obtaining apparatus information regarding a plurality of external apparatuses; selecting one or more external apparatuses, from the plurality of external apparatuses, which is communicable with and controllable based on the user input information; generating a control information for controlling the one or more external apparatuses based on a user's input and the apparatus information; and transmitting a control command to the one or more external apparatuses, the control command being generated based on the received control information.

Abstract: Various embodiments determine a position of a wireless device and enable the wireless device to retrieve the determined location. In one embodiment, a system comprises of at least one wireless transmitting device, a plurality of wireless receivers, and at least one server. Each of the plurality of wireless devices receive signals from the wireless transmitting device with unknown position and send time stamped information to the server. Each of the plurality of wireless device also sends unique identifying information about the wireless transmitting device. The server calculates a position of the wireless transmitting device by considering the inputs received from the plurality of wireless receivers. The wireless device obtains its position from the server. The process can be executed on demand or at regular frequent intervals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for constraining individual meeting times of a task to a specified total duration of aggregated meeting times. In an embodiment of the invention, a method of constraining individual meeting times of a task to a specified total duration of aggregated meeting times is provided. The method includes selecting an event amongst a plurality of events associated with a single task in a C&S system executing in memory of a host server. The method further includes adjusting a duration of time for the selected event. The method yet further includes determining whether or not a sum total of all durations of time for the events associated with the single task exceeds a time constraint for the single task.

Abstract: A navigation server and the like are provided which can provide to a user more meaningful information that takes into consideration a movement history of the user. Positions of a moving body X at time points of switching between an operation ON state and an operation OFF state are extracted as “first designated locations” from among a chronological order of positions (probe information) of the moving body X transmitted from a navigation client 2. A designated location is extracted from among the first designated locations of the moving body X based on a requirement that the designated location is outside a base area of the moving body X. The designated location is then stored and held in, or registered in, a server storage device 10.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention extends to a device (which may be considered an asset that is purchased or which provides a service that may be purchased) that can be controlled through the use of a mobile communications apparatus such as a cellular phone. The cellular phone is connected to a transaction processing system that allows a user to pay for the use of the device. The transaction processing system communicates with the device to allow usage of the device only if the user has successfully paid for such use. A further embodiment of the invention relates to collecting usage information of the device and collating this information at a location remote from the device.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments, a monostable multivibrator that is communicatively coupled to a host device and an external analog-to-digital converter is provided. The monostable multivibrator receives a chip select signal from the host device. The monostable multivibrator also generates, in response to the chip select signal, a conversion start signal to the external analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A control method for a controlled terminal and the controlled terminal and a remote-control device utilizing the same are provided. According to the control method for a controlled terminal, a time interval for the controlled terminal to respond to the input operations from a remote-control device is set according to a setting instruction, and the input operations from the remote-control device are processed according to the time interval. Using the above-describe manner, the time interval of the controlled terminal to respond to input operations can be flexibly set to ensure that users can watch TV programs normally, and improve the user experience.

Abstract: A counter includes: a count processing circuit including a nonvolatile register; a regulator receiving voltage from a direct current power supply, generating power supply voltage based on the received voltage for the count processing circuit, and supplying the power supply voltage to the count processing circuit; and a delay circuit receiving the power supply voltage and supplying a count signal to the count processing circuit after the power supply voltage is supplied to the count processing circuit. After having received the power supply voltage from the regulator, the count processing circuit updates a count value in response to the count signal and holds the updated count value in the nonvolatile register in a non-volatile manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally activated electrical switch for use in simulating human activity. The invention is features dual heat sources enclosed in a thermally isolated chamber within the invention. Since the activation of the switch is dependent upon the ambient temperature of the environment, it opens and closes at sufficiently random intervals to simulate human activity. Other embodiments include the use of photoelectric sensors and timers to further vary timing of the switch actuation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for triggering events based on user location with respect to zones of influence is described. One or more zones of influence each having a plurality of points of geolocational data are defined. One or more user events are associated with each of the zones of influence. A location of a wireless device is identified based on geolocational data obtained by the wireless device. The geolocational data of the wireless device is compared with the geolocational data for one or more of the zones of influence. The user events associated with one such zone of influence are triggered when the geolocational data of the wireless device correlates with at least one of the points of geolocational data for that zone of influence.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a location based search for event cartridges is provided. A database of cartridges is maintained. Each cartridge includes a sequence of triggerable events and origin geolocational data for a start location for execution of the triggerable events. A server is operatively coupled to the database and interfaces to a user device having a display and user input controls. A user request from the user device is processed. The user request, including a location of the user device, is received. The cartridges are searched by comparing the location of the user device and the start location for each cartridge. Those cartridges with the start location proximate to the location of the user device are selected. The selected cartridges are provided to the user device as a menu on the display and are further selectable through the user input controls.

Abstract: A user interface of a configurable light timer is described. The user interface comprises an input portion for receiving timing characterization data, the input portion having a slot adapted to receive a portable memory device storing the timing characterization data; and a feedback portion providing an indication of the status of the timer in based upon the timing characterization data and a current day and time setting. A method of implementing a user interface in a configurable light timer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for operating a remote device has a portable timer module employing a microcontroller with an operating system configured to read and store executable instructions and data received over a communications link. A software application program in a personal computing device enables a user to select time of day control times for operating the remote device. The microcontroller receives the user-selected time of day control time data and instructions when coupled to the personal computing device. The microcontroller emulates the function of a time of day clock and generates control signals when the emulated time of day clock corresponds to the user-selected time of day control times. The portable timer module has a battery pack for powering the microcontroller. The portable timer module is configured to selectively couple battery voltage from the remote device to activate one or more of its electromechanical devices in response to the control signals.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a notification system for timed power supply, which includes a timed power supply device and a wireless notification device. The timed power supply device is able to receive a set time inputted by a user and stores the set time into a memory module, and then starts timing, providing power supply and generating an elapsed time, respectively. When the timed power supply device determines that the difference between the elapsed time and the set time reaches a threshold value, the timed power supply device issues a notification signal through a wireless transmitter module to the wireless notification device carried by the user, so as to ensure that the user will be notified, via an alert signal generated by the wireless notification device according to the notification signal, that the set time is coming to an end.

Abstract: A user interface of a configurable light timer is described. The user interface comprises an input portion for receiving timing characterization data, the input portion having a slot adapted to receive a portable memory device storing the timing characterization data; and a feedback portion providing an indication of the status of the timer in based upon the timing characterization data and a current day and time setting. A method of implementing a user interface in a configurable light timer is also disclosed.

Abstract: An alarm that uses a floor situated apparatus so that when the alarm goes off, the user must place their feet on the apparatus for a predetermined period of time to deactivate the alarm. The alarm sequence optionally provides that the apparatus cover may be translucent and/or transparent with a plurality of illuminable elements thereunder providing an alarm visual display. Also provided is a remote control for actuating a projected display of time onto the wall. The apparatus is also a scale for displaying the user's weight. The weight requirement for deactivating the alarm can extend from placing the feet on the apparatus while still in bed or require the user to stand on the apparatus for said period of time. Further provided for is the removal of the alarm clock portion from the floor apparatus.

Abstract: A method for starting an operating system of a handheld device includes: setting an alarm time of an alarm clock as T seconds after a current system time of the handheld device when the handheld device is in a standby mode; monitoring the current system time of the handheld device until the current system time reaches a time that is N seconds before the set alarm time; repeating the setting step and the monitoring step, until the handheld device is turned off; determining whether the current system time is equal to the alarm time of the alarm clock when the handheld device is turned on; if yes, starting the operating system of the handheld device without executing boot-strap programs and making the operating system go to the standby mode directly; otherwise starting the operating system of the handheld device by executing boot-strap programs.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes a user interface responsive to user input, a controller, and a time management module coupled to the controller. A schedule tabled is created in accordance with the user input. The time management module periodically checks the schedule table and sends real time signals to the controller. The controller enables and disables the function in accordance with the schedule table. A method for enabling or disabling the functions of the communication device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A presentation controlling device includes a presentation controller, wireless transceiver and a timer program. The presentation controller includes a warning module. The timer program is installed in the computer. The timer program is executed to provide a presentation time control interface and issue a remaining time alert signal to the presentation controller. In response to the remaining time alert signal, the warning module is enabled to issue the warning signal.

Abstract: A timer control device controlling at least one timer-controlled device having a timer built therein via a network, the time control device including: a timer setting unit setting an operating time and an operating method of the timer built in the at least one timer-controlled device; a timer absolute time provider providing a standard time of an area in which the timer control device is located; a control message generator generating a control message by combining the operating time and operating method of the timer of the timer setting unit with the standard time of the timer absolute time provider; and a control message transmitter transmitting the control message generated by the control message generator to the at least one timer-controlled device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a device, such as a data recorder or other device, according to an adjustable schedule. One example of the apparatus includes a programmable timer having an alarm output, a power regulator having an enable input coupled to the alarm output, a controller coupled to the power regulator and to the programmable timer, the controller being configured to receive operating power from the power regulator, and a powered device coupled to the power regulator and configured to receive power from the power regulator. The regulator has an operating state in which the operating power is provided to the powered device and an idle state in which the operating power is not provided to the powered device. The regulator is configured to be activated into the operating state by activation of the alarm output and deactivated into the idle state by deactivation of the alarm output, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: A system, including an alarm which is synchronized with a coffeemaker, is used to coordinate wake-up time with coffee brewing time. In one embodiment of the invention, the alarm includes an alarm timer, an alarm controller, alarm input (e.g., dial or button), a speaker, circuitry for sound generation and a display. A user sets the alarm timer, and the speaker is capable of providing a sound to wake the user at the set time. The circuitry for sound generation is capable of generating a tone and transmitting the tone with the same speaker. This tone is transmitted to an electric coffeemaker which includes, a tone receptor (e.g., microphone and amplifier), and coffee brewing circuitry. The tone receptor receives the tone generated by the alarm and forwards related data to the coffee brewing circuitry. The coffee brew cycle is activated in response. The alarm may be an alarm clock radio and the speaker may transmit an ultrasonic or audible tone.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a portable medical device, such as an infusion pump, can receive an external reference signal (e.g., a radio, cellular and/or satellite signal) to provide an automatic time-setting and maintenance operation. In these circumstances, the medical device can maintain accurate time and date information even in the event of a power interruption, a time-zone change and/or an internal clock error, for example. In this manner, the portable medical device provides safe operation and added convenience to the user.

Abstract: A display system for use in displaying data in respect of usage of a device, the display system including: a detection system capable of detecting events that are indicative of usage of the device; and a display arranged to display data, the display system being arranged to invoke a selected display mode on the display, and being adapted, in response to detection of a given said event, to invoke a selected display mode, the display mode being selectable by the display system from a set of a plurality of different display modes in dependence on an elapsed time between a previous said event and said given event, each of the different display modes identifying a different stage of elapsed time.

Abstract: A system for mechanically simulating the daylight/dark cycle plants receive. In particular, flowering plants were ripeness is determined when said plants flower. The present system utilizes a multi arch device having a fabric laid over said arch assembly and said fabric comprising sufficient material to extend 360 degrees about a central axis. One half of this material is opaque so as to fully block daylight and the other semi-transparent so as to allow light therethrough. The device rests on the earth in which plants are grown thus half of the fabric is gathered to one side and the other in extended over an array of arches to form a dome-like covering. One central arch is mechanically operable on a timer program so as to simulate shorter days thereby fooling the plant that fall has arrived.

Abstract: A user of a handheld device may be alerted to a possible risk of losing the handheld device. The handheld device is able to be secured to a carrying case. The carrying case may alert the user by activating one or more of its user interface elements. The handheld device may determine that a trigger condition has been met and transmit a signal indicating this to the carrying case. The carrying case may itself determine that a trigger condition has been met. The handheld device may determine that a trigger condition has been met and may alert the user by activating one or more of its user interface elements. The handheld device and the carrying case may communicate via a wireless communication link according to a communication protocol, for example, a Bluetooth® standard, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) standard, a Zigbee™ standard or an ultra wideband (UWB) standard.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for realizing an alarm function using a mobile terminal and a charging device for charging the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a controller for generating an alarm control signal a predetermined time period ahead of a predetermined alarm time, and a first interface for transmitting the alarm control signal to the charging device. The charging device includes a second interface for receiving the alarm control signal from the mobile terminal, and a lamp driver for generating a lamp driving signal for controlling a lamp in response to the received alarm control signal.

Abstract: A notification system that reminds and/or alerts a digital media capture device that a media event that warrants capture is imminent. The notification system is implemented in conjunction with a digital planner such that event reminders are placed in the digital planner of a digital device and alerts are then sent to an associated digital media capture device proximate to the occurrence of the media event. The alerts may be sent to internal digital media capture devices or the alerts may be sent to external digital media capture devices that are remote from the device on which the digital planner is implemented.

Abstract: Control unit for a load, in particular for a sliding sunroof control of a vehicle, having a microprocessor and having an integrated voltage regulator for generating the supply voltage of the microprocessor from the battery voltage of an on-board battery, in which case, in order to switch on the microprocessor the latter is fed its supply voltage by means of a wake-up pulse for a predetermined switch-on duration and said supply voltage is maintained as long as the microprocessor outputs trigger signals.

Abstract: An alarm mechanism includes a first programming for programming an expiration date signifying that an event must be performed. A second programming is included for programming a notification date for notifying a user that the event must be performed. A display device displays the expiration date thereon. A timing mechanism produces an actual date and is connected to the first and second programming. A processor compares the actual date produced by the timing mechanism with each of the expiration date and notification date. An alerting device alerts a user that at least one of the expiration date and the notification date is greater than or equal to the actual date. Upon the at least one of the expiration date and the notification date is greater than or equal to the actual date, the processor causes the alerting device to emit an alert thereby notifying the user that the event must be performed.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for collecting sensor data in a pressure regulator system including a controller and a plurality of sensors. The controller and each of the individual sensors are activated as required to collect sensor data during a sampling period thereby reducing the amount of power consumed by the pressure regulator system. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a battery sensor to monitor the capacity of the pressure regulator battery and placing the pressure regulator in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention is a parking time indicator key fob which includes a housing and a timing device contained within the housing for counting down an amount of time. A display is connected to the housing for indicating an amount of time remaining on the timing device. The present invention further includes a means for setting the timing device to the amount of time and an alarm mechanism is connected to the timing device. Upon setting the setting means to the amount of time, the timing device is activated causing the timing device to count down from the amount of time value to a zero value. Upon reaching a predetermined value, the timing device causes the alarm mechanism to be activated thereby alerting a user that the amount of time is approaching the zero value.

Abstract: The subject device is an alarm mechanism having a voice message or other sound input wherein the mechanism incorporates a taping mechanism to receive and store voice or other audio sounds to be subsequently or simultaneously projected audibly as a signal to awaken the user of the alarm at a designated time comprising generally a caller mode coupled to a recording controller to activate an audio recorder which is in turn activated by a pre-set timer to project the recorded sound.

Abstract: An electronic unit that is permitted to undergo operation control on the basis of a timer reservation set by a user includes a setting section for setting a time designated by the user, an operation control section for controlling the operation of the electronic unit in accordance with time set by the setting section, a display section for displaying an operation portion for operating the electronic unit, a display control section such that when the electronic unit is operative in accordance with the operation control section, it controls the display section so that a specific display is carried out on the display section, and a designation detecting section for detecting a designation of the user with respect to the specific display, whereby when a designation of the user is detected by the designation detecting section, the operation control section conducts a control to neglect the time set by the setting section and to continue the operation of the electronic unit when the designation of the user is detec

Abstract: An apparatus in communication with a network having a tool for tracking connect time to the network. The apparatus may be communications device, a wireless handset, a personal digital assistant, a computer laptop, a portable communications device, a wired communications terminal, and/or a calling card. The tool for tracking connect time includes a periodic alarm having an onset and a duration time. Moreover, the tool for tracking connect time also includes means for varying the onset and the duration time of at least one period of the alarm with a variable arbitration offset.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying the condition of an information-processing device is provided. The device includes a time unit, a register unit, a display unit and a detecting mechanism. The method is to detect the condition of the information-processing device with the detecting mechanism; to store the condition information in the register unit; to display the condition through the display unit, and to update the condition information periodically by signals from the time unit.

Abstract: A traffic signal includes a micro-controller in communication with a switching system. The micro-controller executes a process for controlling a signal indicator according to a selected signal cycle. First and second actuators communicate with the corresponding first and second input terminals of the micro-controller. The first actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a first signal cycle. The second actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a second signal cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for realizing an alarm function using a mobile terminal and a charging device for charging the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a controller for generating an alarm control signal a predetermined time period ahead of a predetermined alarm time, and a first interface for transmitting the alarm control signal to the charging device. The charging device includes a second interface for receiving the alarm control signal from the mobile terminal, and a lamp driver for generating a lamp driving signal for controlling a lamp in response to the received alarm control signal.

Abstract: A signal device is attachable to a medication container to provide periodic signals of times for a user to take medication. The device has its electronic circuitry enclosed in a casing compressible by the user to activate the circuitry.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for time-staggered generation of identifying signals by programmable automation components (AK1, AK2) with a system time recorder (SZ). A user (A) or an automation component (AK1, AK2) or a user program (AP) can register a time-staggered identifying signal (K) with an event manager (EV). The event manager (EV) controls a system time counter (SZ) and signals waiting events (E1-E3) back to the user (A) or the automation component (AK1, AK2) or the user program (AP). The event (E1-E3) is thereby enabled and an identifying signal (K) is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for executing user-definable events triggered through geolocational data describing zones of influence is described. One or more zones of influence are defined. Each zone of influence is described by stored geolocational data and forms a logically enclosed physical space. One or more user-definable events are associated with each zone of influence. Each user-definable event specifies a trigger condition based on the stored geolocational data for the associated zone of influence. A location of a user device is identified based on further geolocational data and at least one user-definable event is triggered when the location of the user device substantially correlates to the stored geolocational data for the trigger condition of the at least one user-definable event.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying the condition of an information-processing device is provided. The device includes a time unit, a register unit, a display unit and a detecting mechanism. The method is to detect the condition of the information-processing device with the detecting mechanism; to store the condition information in the register unit; to display the condition through the display unit, and to update the condition information periodically by signals from the time unit.

Abstract: The present invention is an alarm clock device which programmably and automatically coordinates the movement of one or more electric toy trains, or the like. The present invention alarm clock preferably triggers the movement of an electric toy train when a pre-set alarm time is reached. The alarm clock device comprises at least one base that defines an elongated substantially non-linear track for regulating the movement of a toy train. The traveling speed of the train is preferably regulated by a voltage varying device, such as a transformer, that is attached to the track and also coupled to a manually adjustable speed controlling member within the alarm clock. The movement of the train is preferably accompanied by applicable audible sounds that correspond therewith. The duration of movement may be programmed manually and may be adjusted in any variety of ways.