Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a processing device provided in a vehicle, an application unit (app unit) implemented by execution of an application program by the processing device, a function restriction determining unit determining whether function restriction on the app unit is to be performed based on a used key code, and a function restriction applying unit instructing the app unit to apply a determination result of the determination. The function restriction determining unit determines whether the function restriction on the app unit is to be performed based on a key code of the used electronic key at a plurality of predetermined times, and the function restriction applying unit instructs the app unit to apply the determination result upon activation of the application unit and when a notification of the determination result is received from the function restriction determining unit after the activation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for automatically assigning vehicle identifiers for autonomous vehicles can include a registry server computing system configured to perform operations. The operations can include receiving, at the registry server computing system and from a vehicle computing system onboard an autonomous vehicle, data describing the autonomous vehicle and generating, at the registry server computing system, a vehicle identifier for the autonomous vehicle based on the data describing the autonomous vehicle. The vehicle identifier can be different than and distinct from the data describing the autonomous vehicle. The operations can include associating, at the registry server computing system, the data describing the autonomous vehicle with the vehicle identifier for the autonomous vehicle in a vehicle registry. The vehicle registry can include respective vehicle identifiers associated with a plurality of autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an electronic lock without an active power source, an electronic lock system, and a method of operating the electronic lock. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronic lock includes a WPR which receives wireless electrical power to provide power for the electronic lock; a circuit board electrically connected to the WPR and including a wireless transceiver which receives a lock command or an unlock command; and a controller configured to generate a lock control signal or an unlock control signal in response to receiving the lock command or an unlock command; and an actuator electrically connected to the circuit board and receives the lock control signal to lock a mechanical lock component or the unlock control signal to unlock the mechanical lock component.

Abstract: A method for controlling the movements of a controllable door of a motor vehicle that has two or more doors with movable door wings. One door is a main door and at least one other door is a secondary door. A control device and a sensor arrangement are associated to the doors. The secondary door includes a controllable motion influencing device, wherein a motion of the door wing of the secondary door can be at least partially controlled and influenced by way of the motion influencing device between a closed position and an open position. The motion influencing device brakes or arrests a door wing of the secondary door in the closed position for a predetermined time period after the main door has been opened, and/or in dependence on an identified situation.

Abstract: A smart alarm module includes a connector terminal adapted to provide not more than five conductive paths from a fused box and an audio device of the vehicle to the smart alarm module, a CAN bus interface adapted to make connection to the CAN bus of the vehicle to detect communication protocol, a microcontroller adapted to arm the smart alarm module in response to the information received from the remote controller to provide the smart alarm module judgment operation based on the received information, a sensor adapted to quantized shock waves applied to the vehicle and to feed a first activating signal to the microprocessor when the quantized values exceeds a predetermined value, a power supply regulator providing power to the CAN bus interface, microprocessor, and sensor of the smart alarm module, and an output interface adapted to sound the audio device in response to output signal from the microprocessor.

Abstract: An input information management system for a vehicle that can be used by using each of a plurality of electronic keys, the system managing input information that is input by a user, where the system includes a key information acquisition unit that acquires and stores key information of an electronic key, when an operation is performed on the vehicle using the electronic key, and an input information erasure unit that erases the input information that is stored in a storage device, where, when the key information is acquired by the key information acquisition unit, the input information erasure unit compares current key information that is acquired with last key information that is last stored by the key information acquisition unit before acquisition of the current key information, and erases the input information that is stored in the storage device on a basis of a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A vehicle scratch detection system includes a scratch detection element, disposed on a vehicle body and capable of detecting a scratch of the vehicle body, a control unit, configured to be capable of analyzing and processing detection information of the scratch detection element and determining information related to scratch, and an alarm device. The control unit is capable of triggering the alarm device to send an alarm signal according to a result of the analyzing and processing.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to perform one of (1) determine that a vehicle is within a geofence, receive a checkout notification in response to the user selecting a checkout user interface element displayed on a display, and disable the emergency countdown timer, (2) determine that the vehicle is within the geofence, display the checkout user interface on the display, fail to receive the checkout notification, and after the particular period of time, send the at least one of the text message and the automated call to the emergency responder requesting assistance for a person in a seat of the vehicle, and (3) determine that the vehicle is outside of the geofence and after the particular period of time, send at least one of a text message and an automated call to an emergency responder requesting assistance for the person in the seat of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are described to selectively monitor a portion of a premises by a security system. A security system may contain a central security monitoring device in communication with a plurality of security sensors, and central security monitoring device may receive a command to actively monitor a first portion of a premises monitored by the security system, and in response to receiving the command, cause one or more security alerts to occur when an alarm signal is received from a security sensor located in the first portion of the premises, while ignoring alarm signals received from security sensors located in other portions of the premises.

Abstract: A smart sensor module for providing protection to vehicles having central lock system, which has only five connecting wires coupling the smart sensor module to the vehicle acting as security system with the remote controller come with the vehicle from the original manufacture, there are only two buttons of the remote controller, with which the smart sensor module can automatically perform ARM/DISARM function for the vehicle in response to the user's action respectively to Lock/Unlock the doors. The smart sensor module does not utilize any device for wireless transmission.

Abstract: A method for alerting a user of a first portable communications assembly that another user of a second portable communications assembly is within a predetermined distance includes the step of receiving a distance signal transmitted by the transmitter in the second portable communications assembly. A distance between the first and second portable communications assemblies based on the distance signal is calculated based on the strength of the distance signal or based on a time stamp embedded in the distance signal. An alert is emitted when the distance calculated between the first and second portable communications assemblies is less than the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A management system includes a plurality of sensors installed in a predetermined area, and a management device. The management device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire sensor information wirelessly transmitted from the plurality of sensors; an accumulation unit configured to accumulate the acquired sensor information; a determination unit configured to perform abnormality determination regarding the predetermined area by use of the sensor information; a notification unit configured to notify a content based on a result of the determination by the determination unit; and a display control unit capable of performing a control of temporally displaying a content regarding the predetermined area, on the basis of the sensor information acquired by the acquisition unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine start/stop function in a vehicle with a detachable door. In one example, a method may include, adjusting an engine start/stop strategy responsive to a driver side door of the vehicle been detected to be absent. The adjustment to the start/stop strategy further may be modified based on a type of transmission system coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle security monitoring in a key-off state. An example vehicle includes low-power sensors and high-power sensors for security monitoring, a communication module, and a controller. The controller is to, when in a key-off state, determine a first score based on the low-power sensors. The controller also is to, responsive the first score exceeding a first threshold, activate the high-power sensors and determine a second score based on the high-power sensors. The controller also is to, responsive the second score exceeding a second threshold, send an alert via the communication module.

Abstract: Provided are a projection type display device and a projection control method capable of presenting suitable information to an operator both during traveling on a public road and during operation at a working site to perform assistance for the operator. A projection type display device that is mounted in a construction machine 100 having a windshield 5 performs a control so that image light is projected onto each of a first projection range 5A, a second projection range 5B, and a third projection range 5C of the windshield 5 in a case where it is determined that the location of the construction machine 100 is a working site, and performs a control so that image light is projected onto only the third projection range 5C of the windshield 5 in a case where it is determined that the location of the construction machine 100 is a public road.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a vehicle for security. The method includes determining when a trigger event occurs to the vehicle based on a first input from a first sensor and activating a second sensor of the vehicle in response to the trigger event. An electronic processor then determines whether a person is local to the vehicle based on the second sensor, and generates a record of activity of the person based on the second sensor when the person is local to the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for diagnosing a failure of an ultrasonic detector in a manner that diagnoses whether a failure has occurred in the ultrasonic detector by determining whether a surge voltage is generated based on a waveform received by a receiver of the ultrasonic detector after activation of a transmitter of the ultrasonic sensor, may include an ultrasonic detector transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave; a voltage detector measuring a voltage of the received ultrasonic wave; and a controller determining whether a surge voltage is generated based on the measured voltage, and diagnosing whether a failure has occurred in the ultrasonic detector according to whether the surge voltage is generated.

Abstract: A geo-proximity Vehicle Alert and Access System (VAAS) is discussed that has a cloud based server having a GPS-based proximity system to control and track a package exchange process, to speed up a package delivery and pick-up process, and to ensure security for the package exchange process. The cloud based server is configured to receive both current GPS coordinates of a package carrier's vehicle and current GPS coordinates of a target vehicle for at least one of package delivery to the target vehicle and package pick up from the target vehicle. The cloud based server is configured to send to the target vehicle the commands to wake-up an on-board telematics module, to give an alert, to unlock the target vehicle, and to lock the target vehicle after receiving a confirmation of the package exchange process.

Abstract: This invention encompasses embodiments for multi-modal integrated simultaneous measurement of various aspects of fluids contained in circulating systems such as automotive reciprocating engines and vehicle transmissions. These circulating systems perform constant internal lubrication, and heat and contaminant removal to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction and damage in normal operation. Most commonly this is achieved with fluids based on hydrocarbon and/or related synthetics, which, over time, can lose their protective properties, and vary in their performance or breakdown/decay due to internal and external events. Several components within the lubricant fluid can be measured and can provide insight into the efficacy of the system to perform its designed mission. Described herein is a real-time, simultaneous, integrated, multi-modal sensor system for early warning notification.

Abstract: An information processing device includes a first calculation part configured to calculate a position of a first icon on a transparent screen, the transparent screen being viewed by a driver of a vehicle, the first icon indicating that an obstacle in a path of a vehicle is detected from an image captured by an imaging part provided in the vehicle, the first icon being viewed at a position of the obstacle on a two-dimensional coordinate plane arranged at a lower limit position of the transparent screen, the two-dimensional coordinate plane corresponding to an imaging area of the imaging part, and a second calculation part configured to calculate a position of an end point of an indication line on the transparent screen, the indication line being viewed as extending from a position of the first icon on the transparent screen toward the obstacle.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for additional security, functionality, and convenience in the operation of a wireless communication device with the use of a separate proximity security token in communication with the wireless communication device. In exemplary embodiments, the token is carried by the user while device logic is installed on the user's wireless communication device. The device logic along with transceivers allows the device to sense proximity of the token through wireless communication. Given a certain range of the proximity security token, as determined by the wireless signal strength, the device logic determines whether the device is in a locked or unlocked state. If the proximity security token is outside the range, then the device is locked. The proximity security token uses ultra low power communications for optimal battery life.

Abstract: A single platform for controller functionality for each of security, monitoring and automation, as well as providing a capacity to function as a bidirectional Internet gateway, is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide such functionality by virtue of a configurable architecture that enables a user to adapt the system for the user's specific needs. Such configurability includes associating selected audio event tones with selected events associated with sensors and zones coupled to the system.

Abstract: A phone vehicle event recorder mount for holding a mobile phone. The phone vehicle event recorder mount comprises an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive a connection indication of whether the mobile phone is connected to the mount. The processor is configured to determine whether the mobile phone is connected to the mount based on the connection indication, wherein the mobile phone is connected to the mount in the event that the mobile phone is placed in the mount.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an occupant information module that reports, to a third party, occupant information regarding a vehicle occupant.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an intrusion sensor configured to detect a Doppler shift in a passenger compartment and output an intrusion signal representing the Doppler shift. The vehicle further includes a processing device configured to receive the intrusion signal and activate an alarm if the Doppler shift exceeds a predetermined threshold. A method includes measuring a Doppler shift in a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comparing the Doppler shift to a predetermined threshold, and activating an alarm system if the Doppler shift exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for characterizing, by way of at least one primary antenna (13, 31) on board a motor vehicle (10), a mobile device (20) of indeterminate type comprising a secondary antenna (21) of indeterminate size, approaching said motor vehicle (10) in an indeterminate approach mode, said primary antenna (13, 31) being intended to communicate with the secondary antenna (21) of the mobile device (20), and generating a voltage (V) across its terminals, the voltage being linked to an on-board system (11) of the motor vehicle (10), the invention proposes that the method of characterization comprises the following steps: step 1: measurement by the on-board system (11) of the voltage across the terminals of the primary antenna (13, 31), over a series of predetermined time periods, step 2: computation of a voltage difference for each predetermined time period, step 3: comparison of the voltage difference with a value previously stored in the memory, step 4: if the voltage difference is positive, then the mobile devic

Abstract: A laser sensor is located close to a rotation axis of a vehicle door and configured to emit a laser beam to a surface of the vehicle door and accept reflected light reflected from an obstacle for scanning a scanning plane shifted in a door-opening direction, in which the vehicle door is openable. A determination section determines whether an obstacle, which is possible to make contact with the vehicle door, exists in the door-opening direction of the vehicle door, based on a result of emission and acceptance of the laser beam of the laser sensor. An opening regulating section regulates an opening of the vehicle door in response to determination of the determination section that the obstacle exists.

Abstract: Provided is a monitoring system which can perform priority control in accordance with the wideband limitation. A priority/filter type selection processing unit (37) of a network interconnection device (11), which connects a local network (14) and a wide area network (10), selects a transmission data selection processing unit (38) on the basis of the priority level definitions of a transmission data in accordance with an event status, and a data compression method in association with the event status and the wide area network communication status, and selects and controls a filtering processing unit (33). As a consequence, the communication bandwidth in a wide area network is reduced.

Abstract: Anti-tampering systems, methods, and devices for protection of a vehicle component. An example anti-tampering system includes one or more sensors disposed proximate to the vehicle component and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors and a memory. The system further includes one or more processors configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to receive an alert signal from the one or more sensors. The alert signal is based on physical changes to the vehicle component meeting predetermined tamper criteria. The one or more processors are further configured to send an alarm command to one or more vehicle systems based on the alert signal.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a vehicle, the vehicle comprises: a vehicle network bus; one or more electronic control units coupled to the bus. One electronic control unit comprises: a processor; a memory; an interface to the vehicle network bus; and an intrusion detection program stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The processor utilizes the interface to monitor data on the vehicle network bus and utilizes the intrusion detection program to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data. The electronic control unit generates an alert upon detection of one or more anomalies.

Abstract: A remote control system is for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending therein, and a plurality of vehicle devices communicating over the data communications bus. The system may include a cellular transceiver within the vehicle, and a multi-vehicle controller within the vehicle and coupled to the data communications bus for communication with at least one of the plurality of vehicle devices to perform a remote vehicle function based upon a received remote control signal. The multi-vehicle controller may be enabled to communicate via the data communications bus using a desired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles based upon learning from at least one of the plurality of vehicle devices on the data communications bus and downloading via the cellular transceiver.

Abstract: A method of wirelessly transmitting alarm signals includes wirelessly transmitting an alarm signal from a transmitting station. It is determined whether an acknowledgement signal wirelessly transmitted from an access point in response to the access point receiving the alarm signal has been received by the transmitting station. A relaying station is woken up and kept awake during a plurality of periodic time intervals for overhearing transmissions from the transmitting station. If it is determined that an acknowledgement signal from the access point has not been received by the transmitting station, then the alarm signal is wirelessly re-transmitting from the transmitting station during at least one of the time intervals in which the relaying station is awake. The alarm signal is received at the relaying station. The alarm signal is transmitted from the relaying station to the access point.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for controlling functions of a vehicular alarm. The method includes receiving one or more signals including location information, determining a location of the vehicle using the location information, setting one or more functions based on the location information, determining whether an alarm function is activated, and activating the one or more functions according to the setting upon determining that an alarm has been activated. The method may further include using GPS data or signals transmitted from one or more base stations (e.g., from cellular telephone base stations, computer networks, proprietary transmitters, etc.) to determine the position of the apparatus (e.g., installed in the vehicle). The apparatus may also inform a user of regulations relating to an area dependent upon its location.

Abstract: A system for confirming the detection of a fire using a plurality of radiation or flame sensors each equipped with a radiation detector and an optical filter having a spectral transmission characteristic in which at least one optical filter is redundant to at least one other optical filter. The result is a system having operationally redundant sensors. In use, if a fire is detected by one of the redundant sensors without including the other redundant radiation sensor in the fire detection calculation, then a fire detection algorithm can switch to the other operationally redundant sensor to check for confirmation of a fire. Due to the spatial separation and if the object is small and close, a different result will be obtained with the redundant detector being used in the calculation compared to the primary detector that is associated with the redundant detector.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifies a presence of a vehicle by providing easily-perceivable and less uncomfortable notification sound outside of the vehicle. The vehicle presence notification apparatus includes: a speaker and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the speaker to generate the notification sound that simultaneously has (i) at least one fundamental high frequency, which is easily perceivable, but annoying to human ears; and (ii) at least one auxiliary low frequency, which is less than the at least one fundamental high frequency and has a harmonic relation with the at least one fundamental high frequency.

Abstract: A vehicle user is notified of a rear gate ajar condition so that the user can take corrective action by opening and then re-closing the rear gate. The method includes the steps of determining that the rear gate latch has engaged a latch striker but has not reached a fully latched position; operating a vehicle mounted signaling device that is cognizable by a user while still standing at the rear gate so that the user will receive immediate notification that the rear gate latch has not reached the fully latched position, thereby enabling the user to take immediate corrective action by opening and then re-closing the gate to attempt a fully latched position of the rear gate latch; and then, if the vehicle is started without the lift gate operator having taken corrective action to obtain full latching of the rear gate latch, energizing a lift gate ajar light on the instrument panel so that the vehicle driver is notified to take corrective action before driving away.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus connected to a plurality of vehicle devices may include at least one vehicle security sensor interfacing with the vehicle data communications bus for generating a pre-warning signal or an alarm signal, depending upon a sensed threat level. The vehicle security system may also include an alarm indicator and a vehicle security controller. The vehicle security controller may interface with the vehicle data communications bus for causing the alarm indicator to generate a pre-warning indication based upon the pre-warning signal, or for causing the alarm indicator to generate an alarm indication based upon the alarm signal.

Abstract: Provided is a door lock device which is installed on a door, to enable people to facilitate to find out location of the door at dark or night and enable the door to be illuminated with a certain brightness so as to be easily viewed at indoor and outdoor sides when indoor and/or outdoor illumination is low, that is, at dark. As a result, the door lock device enables people to easily find out an entrance gate under the fire and other emergency situations. As well, people do not need to find out a particular position or particular article gropingly even in a dark indoor or outdoor. Accordingly, people may not be easily hurt. In addition, since indoor and outdoor places can be illuminated at a certain brightness, the door lock device can indicate that people exist in a warehouse or on a roof of a building even in the case that a warehouse door lock device or a roof entrance door lock device has been automatically locked.

Abstract: A method for controlling headlights on a vehicle includes detecting for a wiper switch state for a wiper switch on a vehicle, detecting wiper operations, incrementing a counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight ON threshold, counting toward a time threshold, decrementing the counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight OFF threshold value, and changing a state of the headlights based on the counter value reaching one of the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. Incrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each detected wiper operation. Counting toward the time threshold can occur in response to detecting a wiper switch OFF state. Decrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each instance of the time threshold elapsing with no change from the wiper switch OFF state. A plurality of intermediate counter values can be found between the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. A control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A car alert device featuring a microprocessor operatively connected to a transmitter; a body controller operatively connected to the microprocessor, the body controller is configured to detect if a window is open, if an interior light is on, if the headlights are on, if a door is unlocked, or if the alarm system is activated; wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the body controller when the body controller detects the window is open or the interior light is on or the headlights are on or the door is unlocked or the alarm system is activated, wherein upon receipt of the input signals the microprocessor sends output commands to the transmitter to cause the transmitter to send alert messages to the cellular phone of the user.

Abstract: A system and method for authorizing a remote device amongst multiple remote devices for passive functions, such as passive entry and passive start, includes a vehicle having a plurality of strategically located antennas, combinations of which transmit a query signal and receive query responses, a challenge antenna amongst the plurality of antennas for transmitting a challenge signal to at least one of the multiple remote devices in accordance with a challenge order, and a control unit having a controller in communication with the antennas for determining the challenge order based upon the query responses. The controller can determine whether a remote device is located in an authorization zone, out of an authorization zone, or whether the remote device's location is indeterminate.

Abstract: A control method for an air compressor including a compressor body for compressing air and an item to be replaced used during the operation of the compressor body. The method includes computing a service time of the item to be replaced, being based upon an operating time of the compressor body, discriminating whether the item to be replaced is a manufacturer's recommended item or not, determining whether or not the service time of the item to be replaced discriminated as the manufacturer's recommend item is not longer than a first reference time, but determining whether or not the service time of the item to be replaced discriminated as one which is not the manufacturer's recommended item is not longer than a preset second reference time which is shorter than the first reference time, and issuing an alarm when determining that the reference time is exceeded.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of alarms, and a plurality of input/output devices. Each input/output device is connected between the controller and a sensor or an alarm. Each input/output device includes an input circuit, an output circuit, and a connector. The input circuit and the output circuit are connected between the controller and the connector. The connector is further selectively connected to a sensor or an alarm and a DC power in series. The controller controls a status of the input circuit and the output circuit. When the connector is connected to the alarm, the input circuit does not operate. The controller outputs a motion signal to the alarm via the output circuit. When the connector is connected to the sensor, the output circuit does not operate. The sensor outputs a detection signal to the controller via the input circuit.

Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.

Abstract: A system involves a plurality of RF-enabled occupancy detectors. Each occupancy detector communicates with and controls an associated plurality of RF-enabled fluorescent lamp starter units. A network master has an RF transceiver used to communicate with the occupancy detectors using a first protocol, thereby retrieving status information from the starter units. The network master also has a second RF transceiver for communicating directly with a cellular telephone using a second protocol. A user can use the cellular telephone to control and interact with the lighting system through the network master, and/or to retrieve status information from the network master. The network master automatically generates and sends email alerts to the user by sending the alerts to an email server. The email server forwards the emails to the cellular telephone via a cellular telephone network. Alerts may, for example, indicate a low battery voltage condition or that a lamp needs replacement.

Abstract: A system with haptic effects includes a first surface, a second surface with a flexible arm portion, a coupling that couples the flexible arm portion to the first surface, and a haptic effect generator attached to the first surface. The flexible arm portion includes a coupling portion, and the coupling is received in the coupling portion. The haptic effect generator causes movement of the first surface relative to the second surface, and the flexible arm limits the movement of the first surface and elastically returns the first surface substantially to its original position relative to the second surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floating sensor system having a casing that encloses a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes a digital processor and a non-volatile memory. The casing also encloses a data bus that connects the microcontroller to an external environment sensor, an RF transceiver, and a battery. The non-volatile memory includes a history file that maintains a record of events sensed by the external environment sensors. The digital processor is configured to establish a pattern of expected external environmental behavior based on the record of events. The digital processor is also configured to emit a signal through the RF transceiver from the system when an unexpected event occurs.

Abstract: A system involves a plurality of RF-enabled occupancy detectors. Each occupancy detector communicates with and controls an associated plurality of RF-enabled fluorescent lamp starter units. A network master has an RF transceiver used to communicate with the occupancy detectors using a first protocol, thereby retrieving status information from the starter units. The network master also has a second RF transceiver for communicating directly with a cellular telephone using a second protocol. A user can use the cellular telephone to control and interact with the lighting system through the network master, and/or to retrieve status information from the network master. The network master automatically generates and sends email alerts to the user by sending the alerts to an email server. The email server forwards the emails to the cellular telephone via a cellular telephone network. Alerts may, for example, indicate a low battery voltage condition or that a lamp needs replacement.

Abstract: A distributed monitoring system for monitoring one or more operating conditions of a structure includes: one or more sensor nodes coupled to the structure, each sensor node including: a power supply adapted to scavenge energy directed at the power supply; a sensor operably coupled to the power supply for sensing one or more operating conditions of the structure in the environment; and a communications interface operably coupled to the power supply and the sensor for communicating the sensed operating conditions of the structure; a communication network operably coupled to the sensor nodes; one or more controllers operably coupled to the communication network for monitoring the sensor nodes; and an energy radiator positioned proximate the structure adapted to radiate energy at the power supplies of the sensor nodes.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting tampering of a security system component is provided. An analytic alarm indicative of potential tampering with a security system component is received. Data from at least one sensor is received. A computing device is used to analyze the analytic alarm and the data from the at least one sensor to determine whether tampering of the security system component has occurred. A qualified alarm signal is generated when the analysis of the analytic alarm and the data from the at least one sensor is indicative of tampering.