Signal Light Systems Patents (Class 340/332)
  • Patent number: 11972676
    Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for causing a self-testing fire sensing device to initiate a fire response are described herein. One device includes a user interface, a memory, and a processor configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive, via the user interface, a selection to initiate a fire response, receive, via the user interface, a selection of a self-testing fire sensing device to initiate the fire response, transmit a command to the self-testing fire sensing device to initiate the fire response, and receive a notification of a number of output events triggered by the initiation of the fire response by the self-testing fire sensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin H. Wolf, Hariprasad Kozhikkotakathitta Veetil, Himanshu Goyal
  • Patent number: 11972678
    Abstract: A method at an electronic device with an array of indicator lights includes: obtaining first visual output instructions stored at the electronic device, where the first visual output instructions control operation of the array of indicator lights based on operating state of the electronic device; receiving a voice input; obtaining from a remote system a response to the voice input and second visual output instructions, where the second visual output instructions are provided by the remote system along with the response in accordance with a determination that the voice input satisfies one or more criteria; executing the response; and displaying visual output on the array of indicator lights in accordance with the second visual output instructions, where otherwise in absence of the second visual output instructions the electronic device displays visual output on the array of indicator lights in accordance with the first visual output instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Mixter, Yuan Yuan
  • Patent number: 11823559
    Abstract: A method and system provide for project a safe area during an emergency situation is provided. A server, using at least one electronic sensor, determines that an emergency situation is occurring in a building. The emergency situation can be an armed intruder, a natural disaster, a chemical spill or the like, etc. The server determines likely unsafe areas and at least one likely safe area within the building during the emergency situation. A projector, which can be incorporated into a camera or separate from a camera, projects visual guidance features within the building, the visual guidance features directing occupants in the building toward the likely safe area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric Johnson, Benjamin Zaslow, Youngeun Olivia Kang, Yanling Xu
  • Patent number: 11796903
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to display technologies. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention provide projection display systems where one or more laser diodes are used as a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: KYOCERA SLD Laser, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Raring, Paul Rudy
  • Patent number: 11776773
    Abstract: A release switch device includes: a button; a first elastic member to be pressed and displaced by the button; a pressure-sensitive sensor to face the first elastic member at an interval, to be pressed and displaced by the button with interposition of the first elastic member, when the button is displaced exceeding a predetermined stroke amount; and a second elastic member to be pressed and displaced by the button with interposition of the first elastic member and the pressure-sensitive sensor. When the button is displaced by a first stroke amount equal to or larger than the predetermined stroke amount, the pressure-sensitive sensor receives a first repulsive force of the second elastic member and outputs a first output value. When the button is displaced by a second stroke amount larger than the first stroke amount, the pressure-sensitive sensor receives a second repulsive force larger than the first repulsive force of the second elastic member and outputs a second output value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norikazu Kaneda
  • Patent number: 11631305
    Abstract: A system for centrally managing and executing emergency egress guidance. A first computing device can receive an indication of an emergency and user presence information in a building, retrieve, from a local data store, generated egress instructions for the building, select, for each of a plurality of egress advisement devices and based on the emergency indication, user presence information, and location of each egress advisement device, one of the egress instructions that is customized for each egress advisement device, and transmit, to each egress advisement device, the selected instructions to be outputted to guide users to exit the building. Each egress advisement device can determine that communications are terminated between the egress advisement devices and the computing device, obtain the emergency indication and user presence information, and retrieve, from the local data store, a second of the egress instructions associated with the location of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: LGHORIZON, LLC
    Inventor: Russell G. Derickson
  • Patent number: 11625997
    Abstract: A system for emergency egress advisement from a building. An egress advisement device can receive a floormap and subset of emergency egress instructions associated with routes within the building, wherein the subset of instructions are associated with a location of the egress advisement device and are used, by the device, to direct users in proximity to the location of the device to egress from that location during an emergency, locally store the floormap and subset of instructions, receive a signal indicative of an emergency, locally select, based on real-time conditions in the building relative to the location of the egress advisement device, one of the subset of instructions, which is customized for users in proximity to the location of the egress advisement device, and output the selected instructions to guide the users in proximity to the location of the egress advisement device to egress from the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: LGHORIZON, LLC
    Inventor: Russell G. Derickson
  • Patent number: 11625998
    Abstract: A peer-to-peer system for providing egress guidance. Each of a plurality of egress advisement devices can receive an indication of an emergency in a building and user presence information, transmit to a cloud data store a request for one or more egress plans, receive from the cloud data store a subset of the egress plans that are identified by matching a location identifier for each of the subset of the plans with the location information of the egress advisement device, locally select one of the subset of the plans that is customized for a location of the egress advisement device, a current location of users in the building in proximity to the egress advisement device, and a location of the emergency, and output the selected plan to guide one or more of the users in proximity to the egress advisement device to exit the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: LGHORIZION, LLC
    Inventor: Russell G. Derickson
  • Patent number: 11620884
    Abstract: A system for providing audio and visual signaling output to egress a building. A central monitoring system can determine, based on user presence information, a floormap of the building having multiple routes and exits, receive emergency indication information indicating one or more locations within the building that may have an emergency, determine, based on the floormap and emergency indication information, egress plans that can be used by the users to exit the building, transmit, to signal generators of a first of signaling devices, first signaling instructions for the first of the signal generators to emit first signals that indicate to first users a first egress plan to exit the building, and transmit, to signal generators of a second of the signaling devices, second signaling instructions for the second of the signal generators to emit second signals that indicate to second users a second egress plan to exit the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: LGHORIZON, LLC
    Inventor: Russell G. Derickson
  • Patent number: 11620883
    Abstract: A system for dynamically selecting egress plans during an emergency. A computing device can receive signals indicating an emergency in the building and user presence information, determine a type of the emergency, predict locations of the users within the building, transmit, to an emergency responders computing device, the indication of the emergency and predicted locations of the users within the building, receive, from the emergency responders computing device, an estimated responders arrival time based on a current distance of emergency responders from the building, select one or more of the determined egress plans to direct the users to exit the building, send, to signaling devices in the building, signaling instructions for the signaling devices to emit signals indicating to the users the selected one or more egress plans, and send, to the emergency responders computing device, the selected one or more egress plans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: LGHORIZON, LLC
    Inventor: Russell G. Derickson
  • Patent number: 11614210
    Abstract: A lighting system for an electrical device includes one or more light sources coupled to an electrical outlet. The one or more light sources are configured to receive power from a power supply and configured to generate output light on at least one side edge of the electrical device. The lighting system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more light sources. The controller is configured to receive a signal from an auxiliary unit and control the one or more light sources to operate between an on-state and an off-state responsive to the signal from the auxiliary unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: James McGovern
  • Patent number: 11612046
    Abstract: An emergency lighting system that includes a storage device, an emergency lighting device, an area control device and an external device. The emergency lighting device includes a light, a first controller having a first electronic processor configured to perform a self-diagnostic test, and a first input/output (I/O) device configured to transmit data associated with the self-diagnostic test. The area control device includes a second I/O device configured to receive data associated with the first self-diagnostic test form the first I/O device and transmit the data associated with the self-diagnostic test to the storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Hubbell Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Richard Papstein, II, Allen George Cyr
  • Patent number: 11521469
    Abstract: A method at an electronic device with an array of indicator lights includes: obtaining first visual output instructions stored at the electronic device, where the first visual output instructions control operation of the array of indicator lights based on operating state of the electronic device; receiving a voice input; obtaining from a remote system a response to the voice input and second visual output instructions, where the second visual output instructions are provided by the remote system along with the response in accordance with a determination that the voice input satisfies one or more criteria; executing the response; and displaying visual output on the array of indicator lights in accordance with the second visual output instructions, where otherwise in absence of the second visual output instructions the electronic device displays visual output on the array of indicator lights in accordance with the first visual output instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Mixter, Yuan Yuan
  • Patent number: 11503691
    Abstract: An always-on lighting device having multiple power controllers is provided, which includes a first power controller, a first light source, a second power controller and a second light source. The first power controller and the second power controller execute an alternate mode. In the alternate mode, the first power controller keeps the first light source in on state within a predetermined time period. Then, the first power controller turns off the first light source after the predetermine time period passes and transmits a control signal to the second power controller, such that the second power controller keeps the second light source in on state within the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Xiamen PVTECH Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuxing Lu, Rongtu Liu, Hao Ye
  • Patent number: 11313546
    Abstract: Electronic light emitting flares and related methods. Flares of the present invention include various features such as self-synchronization, remote control, motion-actuated or percussion-actuated features, dynamic shifting between side-emitting and top-emitting light emitters in response to changes in positional orientation (e.g., vertical vs. horizontal) of the flare; overrides to cause continued emission from side-emitting or top-emitting light emitters irrespective of changes in the flare's positional orientation; use of the flare(s) for illumination of traffic cones and other hazard marking or traffic safety objects or devices, group on/off features, frequency specificity to facilitate use of separate groups of flares in proximity to one another, selection and changing of flashing patterns and others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventors: James R. Selevan, Daniel Joseph Selevan
  • Patent number: 11308773
    Abstract: A system for directing an emergency evacuation within a building composed of one or more rooms is provided. The system comprising: a fire panel (180); one or more fire detectors (114) configured to detect a fire in each of the one or more rooms; a fire panel (180) in electronic communication with each of the one or more fire detectors (114), the fire panel (180) being configured to determine evacuation information in response to whether a fire is detected in each of the one or more rooms; and one or more hologram systems (120) in electronic communication with the fire panel (180), wherein each of the one or more hologram systems (120) is configured to generate a hologram in the one or more rooms to convey evacuation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sowmya Paturu, Prasad Babu Lakshmipathy, Sreeramya Soratkal, Suzankumar Gongate, Chandra Shekhar Pullela, Devendra Gupta, Liang Cai, Jianwei Zhao, Qiang Li
  • Patent number: 11093750
    Abstract: A control device in a control system has a lighting control section which requests so as to cause the lighting state of an indicator lamp of a specific control unit to change in a predetermined identification pattern, and the control device or a terminal has: an indicator lamp recognition section which recognizes the indicator lamp in an image; a change pattern recognition section which recognizes a change in the lighting state of the indicator lamp in the image; an indicator lamp specification section which specifies the indicator lamp having a change pattern in lighting state which matches the identification pattern, as the indicator lamp of the control unit which the lighting control section caused the lighting state to change in the identification pattern; and a display control section which causes information related to the control unit to be displayed on the monitor of the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akio Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 11080979
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for an alarming system for multi-unit buildings are described herein. One system includes a number of remote sensors positioned in a building having common areas and individual units occupied by occupants, the remote sensors are provided for sensing an alarm condition, a central control panel located in the common areas of the building for collecting data from the remote sensors, the control panel utilized for analyzing the collected data, determining whether to initiate an alarm, and sending one or more signals to initiate an alarm, if an alarm is to be initiated, and an occupant input device located in at least one individual unit for requesting a delay in initiating the alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Barson, Benjamin H. Wolf, Jeffrey Alan Doggett
  • Patent number: 11043087
    Abstract: A device having indirect visual indicators to communicate information about states of operation is disclosed herein. The visual indicators may output a visual indication based on operational states of the device or other systems associated with the device. In some examples, a thermostat may include a downcast light that outputs a visual indication based on a mode of operation of the thermostat or a mode of operation of an associated heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) system. Various characteristics of the visual indication may be altered to output different information. In some examples, a color of the visual indication may change based on the modes of operation or the visual indication may be pulsed based on the modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Vivint, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scott Moulton, Craig DeVries, Stephen Edward Boynton, Kris Nosack, Greg Cooper
  • Patent number: 10984636
    Abstract: An indicator module includes first electrodes disposed on a first support surface, each of the first electrodes having a flexible portion having a sloped section forming an oblique angle with the first support surface, a second electrodes disposed on a second support surface spaced apart from the first support surface along a longitudinal direction, a set of conductors elongated substantially in the longitudinal direction, each of the first electrodes being electrically connected to the a respective one of the second electrodes via a respective one of the conductors, and an indicator circuit, such as a set of LEDs, electrically connected to one or more of the conductors and adapted to generate a human perceptible signal when the indicator circuit receives electrical power from the one or more of the conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Banner Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Dolezalek, Darrell Raymond Pikkaraine, Maximilian John Aponte, Neal A. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 10904410
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein a device 1000 comprising: a lower lightbox 100; and an upper lightbox 300 arranged on top of the lower lightbox and connected thereto at one side by a hinge. The device may be operated as a clapperboard and may also function as a lightbox for providing direct or ambient lighting to its surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Locomocean Limited
    Inventor: Richard David Hinton
  • Patent number: 10866725
    Abstract: An input device includes a manipulation surface, a light emitting circuit disposed along the manipulation surface, and a detection circuit configured to detect an action of a finger on the manipulation surface. The light emitting circuit has first and second segment groups. The second segment group is disposed along the first segment group. The first segment group emits light at a first intensity if the detection circuit is restricted to receive a prescribed input. The first segment group emits light at a second intensity if the detection circuit is allowed to receive the prescribed input. A part of the second segment group emits light if the detection circuit detects an action of the finger alongside the first segment group while the first segment group is emitting light at the second intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Nishio, Naoki Usui
  • Patent number: 10854050
    Abstract: A method at an electronic device with an array of indicator lights includes: obtaining first visual output instructions stored at the electronic device, where the first visual output instructions control operation of the array of indicator lights based on operating state of the electronic device; receiving a voice input; obtaining from a remote system a response to the voice input and second visual output instructions, where the second visual output instructions are provided by the remote system along with the response in accordance with a determination that the voice input satisfies one or more criteria; executing the response; and displaying visual output on the array of indicator lights in accordance with the second visual output instructions, where otherwise in absence of the second visual output instructions the electronic device displays visual output on the array of indicator lights in accordance with the first visual output instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Mixter, Yuan Yuan
  • Patent number: 10812282
    Abstract: An element of a building automation system is described that comprises a multifunctional system integrator contained in a standard receptacle gang box for outlets. The system provides enhanced safety and security, power metering, power control, and home diagnostics. The module can include an AC to DC power supply, a bidirectional solid state dimmer switch, a microprocessor, a communications subsystem and sensors that are controlled by the internal microprocessor. The module includes a user interface for programming and control. The apparatus replaces existing outlet receptacles with a familiar flush but elegantly updated and seamlessly integrated faceplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventors: Mark Telefus, Bradley Larson, Harry Rodriguez, Stephen C. Gerber, Thar Casey, Chris Casey
  • Patent number: 10769937
    Abstract: A system and method for providing supplemental power to a notification unit of a device in a fire alarm system. The notification unit generates alert signals for indicating an alarm. The device includes a power unit for providing the supplemental power to the notification unit and a device controller for charging the power unit. The device controller charges the power unit in response to receiving a charging synchronization signal from a system controller of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS FIRE PROTECTION LP
    Inventors: Mark P. Barrieau, Andreas Brenner
  • Patent number: 10679480
    Abstract: A system is configured to assist occupants of a building in response to an active shooter situation. A plurality of sensor units are arranged in the building to detect a gunshot and generate a signal indicative of the gunshot. A processing system determines an approximate location of the gunshot based on the signal and determines safe areas and unsafe areas in the building based on the approximate location of the gunshot. A plurality of output devices are in the building and in communication with the processing system. The output devices indicate an evacuation path within the safe areas with a first graphic and indicate the unsafe areas with a second graphic that is different from the first graphic. An indicator is arranged in a room and generates a lock down indication to notify occupants to stay in the room in response to the processing system receiving the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventors: Paul L. Eckert, Christopher B. Hisey
  • Patent number: 10672268
    Abstract: The improved traffic signal indicating sign may be coupled to a motorist warning such as a traffic signal or to a traffic sign in advance of the traffic signal. The improved traffic signal indicating sign may extend beyond the edges of the motorist warning to which it is coupled and may call attention to the motorist warning. A backplate surrounding the motorist warning may comprise an inner border and an outer border. The inner border may comprise a plurality of border indicator lights which may be associated with the traffic signal and may be communicatively coupled, either directly or indirectly, to a controller for the traffic signal such that the border indicator lights may change to reflect the state of the traffic signal. The outer border may comprise a reflective strip to further increase awareness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Roderick Weader
  • Patent number: 10654717
    Abstract: A MEMS transducer, for instance a MEMS capacitive transducer, comprising: a flexible membrane, the flexible membrane comprising a conductive track; and a continuity testing circuit electrically connected to the conductive track. The conductive track may be electrically isolated from any further conductive regions of the flexible membrane. The continuity testing circuit is configured to test the continuity of the conductive track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: Euan James Boyd
  • Patent number: 10657797
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a user device, information regarding a sensed condition in a structure. The sensed condition is sensed by a sensory node. The method also includes providing, by the user device, a notification identifying the sensed condition to a user of the user device, and receiving, by the user device, information regarding navigable pathways of the structure. The method further includes determining, by the user device, a location of the user device, and identifying, by the user device, a first evacuation route based at least in part on the information regarding the sensed condition, the information regarding navigable pathways of the structure, and the location of the user device. The method also includes displaying, by the user device, the first evacuation route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: OneEvent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt J. Wedig, Daniel Ralph Parent
  • Patent number: 10475304
    Abstract: A signalling device, in particular for a signalling tower, for purposes of displaying operating states, with at least one signalling module, which has a circuit board element for at least one signalling element for purposes of outputting a signal, in particular for a lighting element for purposes of outputting a signal light, wherein the signalling module can be detachably connected with a further signalling module, and in the connected state the signalling modules are arranged one above another, wherein a connecting conductor, running through the signalling module, is provided for purposes of controlling a circuit board element of the further signalling module, wherein the circuit board element of the signalling module for purposes of forming the connecting conductor has a conducting track assigned to the signalling element of the further signalling module, which conducting track in the connected state of the signalling modules is connected via a contact element with a conducting track; on the circuit board
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: AUER SIGNAL GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Auer, Thomas Fehringer
  • Patent number: 10324290
    Abstract: Example systems and methods are described that help increase the situational awareness of a user of a helmet, such as a motorcycle helmet. One or more cameras are physically coupled to the helmet, where each camera includes a lens and an associated image sensor. Each camera is configured to generate a video feed, which is presented to a user on a display. The video feed represents a field-of-view around the helmet, and may be projected onto a surface, such as the visor of the helmet, thereby enabling enhanced situational awareness for the user of the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: New Skully, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Daniel Weller, Liang Guan, Andrew Wei Tam
  • Patent number: 10306713
    Abstract: An electrical circuit for a light fixture can include a power supply that provides primary power. The electrical circuit can also include a light module having at least one first light source coupled to the power supply, where the at least one light source illuminates when the light module receives the primary power. The electrical circuit can further include an energy storage unit having at least one energy storage device, where the at least one energy storage device charges using the primary power. The at least one first light source can receive reserve power from the energy storage unit when the power supply ceases providing the primary power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Hui Zhang
  • Patent number: 10183231
    Abstract: A toy optical viewer apparatus configured for wireless communication with a remote wireless communication device and for selectively displaying an image, the apparatus comprising a body having a first end and an opposite second end and a display system incorporated in the body, the display system comprising a screen in visual communication with the first end and further comprising a microprocessor and an electrically connected RF transceiver configured to receive at least display instructions from the remote wireless communication device for selective display of the image on the screen of the display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Perine Lowe, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrice Lowe
  • Patent number: 10121369
    Abstract: Described is a method to optimize traffic light activity and minimize traffic congestion. Traffic conditions are monitored by sensors and a controller dynamically controls the green light time to account for traffic conditions and enhance the traffic flow. In one example, the green light time of each lane is reduced or increased according to traffic flow in the lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Inventor: Ofer Hofman
  • Patent number: 10091481
    Abstract: A sensor module including at least one brightness sensor element for detecting a brightness of a wideband electromagnetic radiation and at least one color sensor field, which includes at least one color sensor element for detecting a color of the electromagnetic radiation. The brightness sensor element has a larger sensor surface than the color sensor field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Ulrich Seger
  • Patent number: 10083580
    Abstract: Provided is a passenger evacuation direction guidance system, and particularly, a passenger evacuation direction guidance system capable of easily evacuating passengers to a safe place from a disaster or an accident occurring during a train service, and including an emergency situation detection unit which determines the occurrence of a disaster or an accident on a traveling route of a train, an evacuation direction generation unit which receives an emergency situation detection signal in respect to the occurrence of a disaster or an accident from the emergency situation detection unit, and generates passenger evacuation direction information at a disaster or accident occurrence point, and an evacuation direction control unit which receives the passenger evacuation direction information generated by the evacuation direction generation unit, and provides a passenger evacuation direction to the passengers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignees: GOTEC INC.
    Inventor: Hyun Bo Cho
  • Patent number: 10076013
    Abstract: A control unit for use in a lighting system. The control unit comprises: a localization module which detects when a portable lighting device is within a predetermined vicinity of a fixed light source; and a controller which selects between different roles for the portable light source, the roles comprising (i) an independent role where the light output of the fixed and portable light sources are controlled independently of one another, and one or both of (ii) a slave role where the light output of the portable light source is adjusted in dependence on that of the fixed light source, and/or (iii) a master role where the light output of the fixed light source is adjusted in dependence on that of the portable light source. The controller is configured to switch to one of the slave role or the master role in response to the detection of the predetermined vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Remco Magielse, Jonathan David Mason, Dzmitry Viktorovich Aliakseyeu, Sanae Chraibi
  • Patent number: 10069039
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light-emitting device suppressing the reduction in the light output while improving the response speed. As shown in FIG. 1, the light-emitting device comprises four square element regions arranged with the sides of the element regions aligned in a two by two lattice. The light-emitting regions are disposed in the vicinity of corners at the center side of the element regions, and the light-emitting regions are localized in the vicinity of the center in the entire element region. A plane pattern of each of the light-emitting regions is formed so that plane patterns of p-electrodes and n-electrodes are not disposed in a region sandwiched by the light-emitting regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD
    Inventors: Misato Boyama, Shingo Totani, Takashi Kawai
  • Patent number: 10055952
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided which utilize data collection to determine whether an event requiring routing of individuals through a structure has occurred and thereafter controlling the operation of guidance devices to conduct and guide individuals safely through and out of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Inventor: Richard Palmeri
  • Patent number: 10043362
    Abstract: A security alarm system includes a security light that has a pair of sockets and a motion detector. The motion detector is electrically coupled to each of the sockets. The motion detector actuates each of the sockets when the motion detector detects motion. A first alarm is removably coupled to an associated one of the sockets such that the first alarm is in electrical communication with the associated socket. The first alarm emits an audible alarm when the motion detector detects motion. A second alarm is removably coupled to an associated one of the sockets such that the second alarm is in electrical communication with the associated socket. The second alarm records video footage when the motion detector detects motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Inventor: Leslie Smith
  • Patent number: 9997068
    Abstract: Method for conveying driving conditions and using the conveyed driving conditions for vehicular control includes generating information about a travel surface or an environment around the travel surface using sensors fixed in position relative to the travel surface. Each sensor includes a measuring or detecting component that measures or detects a property or condition of the travel surface or the environment around the travel surface. A communication of the information generated by that sensor to a vehicle or its occupant is initiated only when that vehicle is within the set distance from a sensor. Operation of a display, navigation, control and/or guidance system in that vehicle is caused to change from an existing operating state to one of several different operating states as a result of reception of the communication from the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S Breed
  • Patent number: 9975474
    Abstract: The utility model relates to a riding helmet with automatic brake detection and steering indication functions, which consists of the helmet body and the left steering lamp and right steering lamp installed on its front and rear sides, wherein, the two lamps are electrically connected with the control module, the control module is designed with a wireless receiving module that is linked up with the wireless receiving module mounted on the bicycle, the wireless remote control module is also electrically connected with brake detection device and manual control device, and the steering lamps can work according to the signals of the brake detection device and manual control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Ming Zhang
  • Patent number: 9965935
    Abstract: Disclosed is an alarm device system with simultaneous AC/DC power. The system includes of one or more alert devices wired into a dedicated circuit with a single location housing a DC power backup source, such as a rechargeable DC battery. The DC power backup source may be replaceable or rechargeable with DC current from an AC-DC transformer-rectifier, a photovoltaic cell, or other means. A dedicated circuit is energized with a composite current to provide continuous, uninterrupted DC backup power, upon which line AC is superimposed. AC and continuous DC backup are simultaneously provided to a system of detection and alert devices, such as smoke alarms, electrically coupled to the dedicated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventors: Preston Palmer, Wesley Palmer, Larkin Palmer
  • Patent number: 9959189
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a server monitoring device capable of grasping the state of a server more rapidly than conventional ones, and a server monitoring system. [Solution] This server monitoring device has a configuration in which a plurality of optical fibers are optically coupled to a plurality of light-emitting elements each showing the operating state of a server by a lighting mode, and the end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers on the opposite side to the light-emitting elements are secured in a predetermined arrangement. An image of a light emission pattern of the end surfaces of the optical fibers is captured by a camera, and the image is transmitted to a monitoring person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michiya Katou, Zenichirou Hara, Katsushi Miwa
  • Patent number: 9858785
    Abstract: A communication device comprises a processing circuit having at least two modes, a sleep mode and an awake mode, a wireless communications circuit that can wirelessly send a message as to whether an alarm has been triggered, and a passive sensor, powered by audio signals impinging on the passive sensor, that provides at least an approximation of an audio signal to the processing circuit so as to cause the processing circuit to switch between the at least two modes. The communication device can be housed in a housing sized to fit into a battery compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: ROOST, INC.
    Inventors: Roel Peeters, James Blackwell
  • Patent number: 9852394
    Abstract: A visible-light based display system may be used to project visual guidance to picking and/or stowing agents in a materials handling facility dependent on their current location. The system may comprise a plurality of fixed-location display devices and/or mobile display devices coupled to a control system. The control system may send messages to particular ones of the display devices for projection of visual guidance usable to direct an agent to a particular inventory area in which an item is to be stowed or from which an item is to be picked, to identify a particular position within an inventory area, and/or to identify a particular item stored within an inventory area. The messages may include location, position, and/or descriptive information associated with an item to be stowed or picked. The projected visual guidance may include light or laser beams, text, graphics and/or images, and may be agent-specific, item-specific, and/or order-specific.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Francois M. Rouaix, Felix F. Antony, Cynthia L. Elliott, Jeffrey P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 9839088
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a security light having a remote photovoltaic module is set forth. The security light includes a primary rechargeable battery connected to the remote photovoltaic module while also having a backup battery system to be utilized when the rechargeable batteries condition require recharge. The security lighting unit functions as a security light to provide variable wide area illumination based upon environmental and battery conditions and also which power supply is optionally connected to the load, the load being the illumination sources and the various supportive electronics. The system further includes a controller which can not only operationally selects either the rechargeable batteries or backup batteries but also can monitor battery condition to preserve battery life. In operation, the security light may include a variable battery power supply for ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: HeathCo, LLC
    Inventor: John Colvin Deaton
  • Patent number: 9786134
    Abstract: A doorbell system and a doorbell control device are provided. The doorbell system includes a doorbell control device, a transformer, and a doorbell interface device. The doorbell control device has a first pin, a second pin, and a third pin. The doorbell control device includes a speaker unit and a control unit. The control unit is configured to control whether or not the speaker unit produces sound according to a current or a voltage of the second pin. The first pin is coupled to the second pin. The transformer outputs an AC voltage to the first pin and the third pin of the doorbell control device. The doorbell interface device is coupled to the second pin and the third pin of the doorbell control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SERCOMM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Chen, Meng-Chien Chiang
  • Patent number: 9761092
    Abstract: A doorbell system and a doorbell control device are provided. The doorbell system includes a doorbell control device, a transformer, a doorbell interface device, and a chime device. The doorbell control device has a first pin, a second pin, a third pin, and a fourth pin. The doorbell control device is configured to control a conducting state between the first pin and the third pin according to a current or a voltage of the second pin. The first pin is coupled to the second pin. The transformer outputs an AC voltage to the first pin and the fourth pin of the doorbell control device. The doorbell interface device is coupled to the second pin and the fourth pin of the doorbell control device. The chime device is coupled to the third pin and the fourth pin of the doorbell control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: SERCOMM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Chen, Meng-Chien Chiang
  • Patent number: 9747764
    Abstract: To provide a guidance system that can quickly guide a person along a guidance route without anxiety. Provided are: a plurality of unit control apparatuses; and a plurality of unit light emitting apparatuses controlled by the unit control apparatuses, wherein at normal times, light emitting elements of a plurality of light emitting apparatuses of the plurality of unit light emitting apparatuses are continuously lit at an illuminance of 100%, and at guidance, the illuminance of the light emitting elements of the plurality of light emitting apparatuses of the plurality of unit display apparatuses is attenuated to 30%, and then the illuminance of the light emitting elements of the plurality of light emitting apparatuses of the plurality of unit display apparatuses is sequentially controlled to 100% based on count values stored in an emergency exit number count value storage unit to generate an optical flow toward a guidance direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: TNK CORPORATION LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kazuo Mishina