Abstract: An object detection apparatus applied to a vehicle having a sensor unit mounted on a predetermined member provided to the vehicle, the sensor unit being provided with an object detection sensor that detects position information of an object present around the vehicle and a tilt sensor that detects a tilt angle as inclination with respect to a predetermined direction, and performing a process of detecting the object based on the position information of the object detected by the object detection sensor, the object detection apparatus comprising a detachment state determination section that determines a detachment state of the predetermined member based on the tilt angle detected by the tilt sensor.

Abstract: A mobile Quality Management/Control system for performing mobile product inspections is provided. A mobile device, such as a tablet, is configured to communicate with one or more databases and allow for real time entry (and subsequent access) of the details of product inspections for quality control and management purposes. The details of such inspections are maintained and available for all subsequent inspections. The mobile device is further configured to provide inspectors with inspection procedures and/or tutorials associated with the inspections being performed.

Abstract: An approach is provided for providing digital rights management within a connected service and content ecosystem. The approach involves receiving a request for content for use at a least one device, wherein the request originates from at least one companion device. The approach also involves causing at least in part, a packaging of the content according to at least one digital rights management format based, at least in part, on identification information associated with at least one of: the at least one device; the at least one companion device; at least one user associated with the at least one device, the at least one companion device, or a combination thereof; and the content. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, a transmission of the packaged content, at least one link to the packaged content, or a combination thereof to the at least one device, the at least one companion device, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for prioritizing incoming datalink messages. When a datalink message is received in an aircraft, it is parsed into individual information elements. The relevance of the received datalink message is then assessed from the individual information elements. The received datalink message is then categorized into one of a plurality of playback priority categories, based on the assessed relevance of the received datalink message.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system comprising a transceiver in a vehicle configured to wirelessly connect with a nomadic device, wherein the nomadic device is capable of running a contextual application which operates at least in part based on vehicle environment data. The vehicle computer system further comprises one or more vehicle modules configured to receive environment data and capable of causing the transceiver to provide the vehicle environment data to the nomadic device for processing by the contextual application.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method is provided. The method comprises a communications control device installed in a motor vehicle receiving a wireless communication from a short range wireless device. The method also comprises the communications control device selecting a first radio from a plurality of radios available to transmit the wireless communication to the destination specified in the wireless communication, wherein the radios are components of the communications control device. The method also comprises the communications control device determining that a second radio is connected to a physical expansion slot, wherein the physical expansion slot is a component of the communications control device.

Abstract: Provided are a home appliance and its system. The home appliance include: an input unit for inputting driving information; a data unit for storing a diagnosis logic; a control unit for diagnosing a state of the home appliance and whether a failure occurs according to the diagnosis logic on the basis of product information including the driving information inputted from the input unit, operation information detected during an operation, and failure information occurring during an operation, in order to generate a diagnosis result including the operation information and the failure information, and encoding transmission information including predetermined data for a diagnosis, which are selected from the driving operation, and the diagnosis result and outputting the encoded transmission information; a modulator for converting the encoded transmission information; and a sound output unit for outputting the transmission information converted by the modulator as a sound including a plurality of frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors monitoring the audience. The circuitry is configured to analyze said sensor data to identify characteristic movement patterns of one or more members of the audience. The circuitry is configured to select music and generate verbal communication other than music to address the audience, based on the identified characteristic movement patterns. The circuitry is further configured to output said selected music and said verbal communication. A corresponding method for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience is also provided.

Abstract: A method for establishing a connection between a first electronic computing device and a second electronic computing device includes moving the second electronic computing device so that it is proximal to the first electronic computing device. When the first electronic computing device detects the proximity of the first electronic computing device relative to the second electronic computing device, a radio on the first electronic device is set to a connectable and discoverable state. A wireless connection is automatically established between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device. Data is transmitted between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device.

Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to a system comprising a portable sensor device including a housing having a physical size/shape that is adapted to couple to a user's body, an identification tag including identification data which is associated with the sensor device and an identification tag transmitter to responsively and wirelessly transmit the identification data according to a first communication protocol. The system further includes a portable electronic device including an identification tag receiver to wirelessly receive the identification data of the identification tag according to the first communication protocol, transceiver circuitry to wirelessly and responsively communicate with the sensor device according to a second communication protocol, and processing circuitry to instruct the transceiver circuitry, after receiving the identification data, to wirelessly request, from the sensor device the sensor data and/or data which is representative of the sensor data.

Abstract: A biodegradable, bio-compatible material is described for use in wireless biosensors for point-of-care applications. The biosensor made from this biomaterial is capable of sensing environmental effects and as well as presence of bio-logical entities in the environment of concern simultaneously. Such a sensor can be used for evaluating point-of-care environmental preparedness for a specific patient through continuous monitoring of patient health performance due to environmental exposure. A two-tier network architecture is established for real-time monitoring (static case) that also provides warning of accumulated exposure. Wavelet analysis can be used to identify anomalies in the sensed data to initiate a warning.

Abstract: A method of scheduling maintenance on mechanical equipment includes monitoring the mechanical equipment with a sensor and collecting diagnostic information provided by the sensor with a local controller associated with the mechanical equipment. The diagnostic information relates to an operational characteristic of the mechanical equipment. The method also includes generating an alarm with the local controller in response to the collected diagnostic information, transferring the alarm from the local controller to a remote monitoring system, assigning an alarm value to the alarm using one of the local controller and the remote monitoring system, referencing a maintenance schedule for the mechanical equipment to ascertain a scheduled maintenance timeframe, and one of generating a work order and not generating the work order for the mechanical equipment based on the alarm value and the scheduled maintenance timeframe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system including at least one master data collection unit, remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the monitored objects. The master unit may be in a fixed location or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave an area. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices including remote sensors or monitors of measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification, and/or biometric identification. The master unit may discover remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located. The master unit can be remotely reprogrammed such as with authenticated instructions.

Abstract: A system for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient; the system including: (a) at least one sensor unit situated proximately with the patient; the at least one sensor unit sensing and indicating at least one aspect of a personal context of the patient; (b) at least one long-range communication unit configured for wireless communication with a remote patient care monitoring facility via a wireless communication network; and (c) at least one short-range communication unit communicatingly coupled with the at least one sensor unit and with the at least one long-range communication unit; the at least one short-range communication unit and the at least one long-range communication unit cooperating to convey information from the at least one sensor unit to the remote patient care monitoring facility regarding the personal context of the patient.

Abstract: In order to flexibly identify the current operating state of control elements which are used to control a process installation, the invention provides a method for identifying the operating state of at least one control element, which is designed for an active and a passive operating state, for a control apparatus, wherein, in the active operating state, the control element controls a process function of an area of a process installation, comprising the following steps: the control apparatus is connected to the process installation, the control element is functionally associated with the process function, and the operating state of the control element is identified as active on the basis of successful functional association of the control element with the process function.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting interested parties of component failure are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic tool for identifying a failed component, a reporting device for creating alerts, a routing device to ensure interested parties receive the proper alerts, and a memory to store information for associating parties with the alerts. Information is gathered to create an alert used to notify interested parties of instances of component failures. The alerts are routed to parties known to have an interest in the failure of the component. The system and method may provide information that allows for better planning and design of parts, greater availability to ensure a sufficient inventory of parts, more accurate diagnosis of issues, and more effective preventative maintenance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for assessing call integrity of calls communicated via a mobile device. In particular, physical aspects of the mobile device that are related to call integrity are identified. The physical condition of the mobile device is then monitored based on the identified physical aspects. The data retrieved from monitoring the physical aspects of the mobile device is then provided to a physical condition assessment component that determines an assessed physical condition of the mobile device. Based on the assessed physical condition of the mobile device, call integrity of calls communicated via the mobile device is determined.

Abstract: Techniques for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure are disclosed. A transportable system for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure can include: a data network service engine configured to function as a local data network service provider; a power generation engine configured to function as a local power service provider that generates and distributes power locally; a deployment engine configured to assist in deploying one or more components of the transportable system; and a maintenance engine configured to maintain operation and security of the transportable system. In some embodiments, multiple transportable systems can be deployed and then centrally monitored or controlled as a single, utility system and/or a single data delivery infrastructure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a building automation system with an FMC cellular device are provided. The FMC cellular device can locally interface with a building automation system via a femtocell base station or a wireless access point, remotely interface with a building automation system over a wide area network via a macrocell base station, or remotely interface with a building automation system via a GAN enabled wireless access point.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying that an operator was sufficiently close to one or more items to be inspected during an inspection to actually inspect the components, and storing an indication to that effect in a memory accessible via a computer network. In addition to the indication, the memory can store other inspection related data, such as a starting time or ending time of the inspection, or maintenance information about the item that was input during the inspection. The system and method enable a third party application, such as an accounting program or a maintenance program, to access any of the inspection related data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for assessing call integrity of calls communicated via a mobile device. In particular, physical aspects of the mobile device that are related to call integrity are identified. The physical condition of the mobile device is then monitored based on the identified physical aspects. The data retrieved from monitoring the physical aspects of the mobile device is then provided to a physical condition assessment component that determines an assessed physical condition of the mobile device. Based on the assessed physical condition of the mobile device, call integrity of calls communicated via the mobile device is determined.

Abstract: External portable medical devices, such as portable external defibrillators (PEDs), have long standby times and may be required to indicate their operational status to a user while conserving battery power. Frequently, numerous PEDs are scattered throughout one or more large facility, which may make identifying a PED that is indicating an operational status that requires attention more difficult. To conserve power and provide more effective notice, a PED may use a broadcast transmitter, which minimizes power usage, to communicate the PED's status to a remote monitor that is connected to a relatively unlimited power supply. The remote monitor may then provide a wide variety of sensory alerts to indicate the status of the PED without concern for the power consumption associated with the sensory alert.

Abstract: A system using a number of portable or wrist-worn remote controller units that communicate with a number of sensor units or sensor head sets for vehicle or automotive testing. An optional central communications controller can coordinate communications between the wrist-worn units and the sensor sets. A particular remote unit can associate with particular sensors or a particular sensor set and thus receive and transmit data only with that sensor set. Mechanics or technicians can run tests and take data completely from the remote units. The remote units generally contain a display screen that can show all parts and results of any vehicle test procedure. Various wireless communications techniques can be used to establish this communication.

Abstract: A healthcare monitoring system includes a plurality of patient wearable sensor devices for the purpose of monitoring physiological data, each sensor device including a radio frequency transceiver. A plurality of base stations are provided at respective fixed locations within a healthcare facility, each base station including a radio frequency transceiver for communicating with one or more of the sensor devices for the purpose of receiving monitored physiological data. A central server is coupled to the base stations for the purpose of receiving and recording monitored physiological data. Each sensor device is arranged in use to attach to a first base station that is within range, and to attach to a second, different base station that is within range when contact with the first base station is lost, attachment of the sensor device to a base station being registered with the central server.

Abstract: A wireless tank monitoring system for remotely monitoring a plurality of storage tanks is provided. This tank monitoring system utilizes wireless communication from individual tank level monitors to a single SatComm Gateway. The SatComm Gateway then utilizes a low-Earth Orbit satellite constellation to transmit information to a central data collection center. The data collection center then provides access to this information to clients. These clients also have the capability of controlling individual monitors via the bi-directional communications path through the satellite link to the SatComm Gateway to the individual monitors. The SatComm Gateway packages the information from each of the monitors to optimize the communications through the satellite link to decrease the cost of transmission. Intrinsic safety is provided by each of the individual tank level monitors.

Abstract: A method of conserving energy and natural resources transported in subsurface pipelines and preventing environmental contamination therefrom by identifying the subsurface location of leaks of oil, gas, water or other natural resources transported in these pipelines includes adhering a continuous tape having a plurality of uniquely identified radio frequency identification (RFID) tags mounted thereon axially along the pipeline and use of a mobile robotic device to identify the specific location of a leak in the pipeline, thereby preventing loss of energy and water traveling through pipeline, contamination of these fluids and environmental contamination, and the use of additional fuel to replenish these lost natural resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electronic device and computer software product. The portable electronic device comprises a motion detector for generating motion data characterizing the local movement of the portable electronic device, a motion intensity determiner for determining a instantaneous motion intensity value of the user of the portable electronic device from the motion data, and an active time counter for determining an active time accumulation that sums up the time periods, during which the instantaneous motion intensity value meets predefined activity criteria.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for asset management. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a performance assessment and optimization center, data from at least one asset, the asset being configured to service an environment and performing at least one calculation, from the received data, to determine whether the asset is operating properly. Some embodiments include in response to a determination that the at least one asset is not operating properly, providing an indication related to operation of the asset.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes a microprocessor for processing signals and communication circuitry coupled to the microprocessor. The communication circuitry includes input/output circuitry for receiving signals from a plurality of wireless devices over a wireless communication path, for providing the signals to the microprocessor, and for transmitting processed signals from the microprocessor to the plurality of wireless devices. The input/output circuitry of the transceiver includes a non-wireless connection coupling the wireless transceiver to a test and measurement device. The test and measurement device receives the processed signals from the microprocessor, processes the received signal and data and/or information encoded therein, and performs a predetermined response thereto.

Abstract: External portable medical devices, such as portable external defibrillators (PEDs), have long standby times and may be required to indicate their operational status to a user while conserving battery power. Frequently, numerous PEDs are scattered throughout one or more large facility, which may make identifying a PED that is indicating an operational status that requires attention more difficult. To conserve power and provide more effective notice, a PED may use a broadcast transmitter, which minimizes power usage, to communicate the PED's status to a remote monitor that is connected to a relatively unlimited power supply. The remote monitor may then provide a wide variety of sensory alerts to indicate the status of the PED without concern for the power consumption associated with the sensory alert.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allocates bandwidth among wireless sensor nodes in a wireless sensor network (WSN) is disclosed. The method may include allocating transmission time slots for a plurality of wireless sensor nodes based on at least one channel quality metric, determining battery levels in each of the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and average battery level of all of the plurality of wireless sensor nodes, determining differences in battery level between each of the plurality of wireless sensor nodes and average battery level of all of the plurality of wireless sensor nodes, wherein if any such difference is above a predetermined threshold, increasing the transmission time slots allocation of wireless sensor nodes having higher battery levels relative to other wireless sensor nodes in the plurality of wireless sensor nodes.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for asset management. At least one embodiment of a method includes receiving, at a performance assessment and optimization center, data from at least one asset, the asset being configured to service an environment and performing at least one calculation, from the received data, to determine whether the asset is operating properly. Some embodiments include in response to a determination that the at least one asset is not operating properly, providing an indication related to operation of the asset.

Abstract: This invention relates to the remote monitoring of the floating roofs of large storage tanks, including tanks used for storing liquid petroleum products or other chemicals. The invention is used to monitor the position and flexure of the roof and other conditions such as vibration; the presence of vapours or liquids from water, hydrocarbons, or other chemicals; the presence of snow; or the presence of intruders. The invention can be connected to a monitoring system using wired or wireless means and can be used for routine status monitoring or for notifying plant operators in the event of alarm conditions. The invention can be completely self-contained and is suitable for encapsulation and use in harsh environments.

Abstract: A failure information detection device that detects abnormality of a vehicle-mounted device that is mounted in a vehicle has: an attachment detection portion that detects whether a first component part has been attached to the vehicle; an abnormality detection portion that detects abnormality of a second component part that is disposed on the first component part; and an abnormality information discernment portion that discerns that abnormality information regarding the abnormality is not based on a failure of the vehicle-mounted device if the attachment detection portion detects that the first component part has not been attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a customizable video display in a vehicle is provided for allowing a user to select what driving information is to be displayed. The system having a video display device fixed on the instrument panel of a vehicle, and an input device allowing users to choose what to view and the size the information will appear in, from a list of vehicle driver information. The method having the steps of providing a list of driver information from which the user may select, selecting the desired driver information to be displayed, selecting the size the information will be displayed in, and displaying the information on the video display device.

Abstract: A method for implementing program execution integrity (PEI) for a communication-based sensor includes receiving an output communication message from the sensor, the output communication message including sensor output data internally processed within the sensor. The output communication message further includes raw data used by the sensor in internally processing the sensor output data. The raw data is independently processed, and the results thereof are compared with the internally processed sensor output data so as to verify the processing integrity of the sensor to a desired tolerance.

Abstract: A system and method for telltale reset from a remote processing center. A method includes receiving a telltale indication 200, establishing communication with the remote processing center through a telematics device 202, and resetting the telltale indication from the remote processing center through the telematics device 204.

Abstract: Disclosed are personal electronic devices (PEDs) having a sensory enhancement (SE) system for monitoring environmental conditions and detecting environmental events, for example but not limited to, changes in acoustic, thermal, optical, electromagnetic, chemical, dynamic, wireless, atmospheric, or biometric conditions. The detection of such events can be used to invoke a notification, an alert, a corrective action, or some other action, depending upon the implementation to the PED user or another party.

Abstract: A diagnostic test sequence optimizer includes a diagnostic test selector that determines a group of diagnostic test procedures related to a specific symptom and vehicle type from a pool of diagnostic procedures. A failure mode analyzer then selects one or more factors that can affect resolution of a vehicle operational problem and performs a failure mode analysis to quantify a comparative utility of the individual tests, and a factor weighter assigns a weight to each of the factors. A vehicle receiver receives information regarding the history of the test subject vehicle, and a sequence optimizer places the diagnostic test procedures in an optimized sequence in accordance with the comparative utilities of the individual diagnostic procedures, user preferences and a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis compiled by the manufacturer of the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote troubleshooting system comprises a vehicle that transmits vehicle data regarding a stress factor of a specific onboard component at a specified timing, and a troubleshooting server that is connected to the vehicle via a network, receives the vehicle data from the vehicle, and performs the troubleshooting of the onboard component. The server determines a precaution level based on the vehicle data from the vehicle, selects a troubleshooting program that is suitable to the precaution level determined, and transmits this to the vehicle. The vehicle replaces the troubleshooting program currently stored by a memory with the troubleshooting program received. Thereby, the reliability of the troubleshooting can be improved.

Abstract: An arrangement including a first semiconductor chip and a second semiconductor chip connected thereto, where the second semiconductor chip is additionally connected to electrical loads and drives these electrical loads on the basis of a timing which is prescribed to it by load control data, and where the first semiconductor chip transmits to the second semiconductor chip the aforementioned load control data and pilot data which control the second semiconductor chip, and where the second semiconductor chip transmits to the first semiconductor chip diagnostic data which represent states prevailing in the second semiconductor chip or events which occur. The first semiconductor chip transmits appropriate pilot data in order to prescribe to the second semiconductor chip what transmission rate is to be used by the second semiconductor chip to transmit the diagnostic data to the first semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A relay apparatus for relaying communication between a water heater main body and a radio remote control unit, comprising: a switch section for setting an address of the radio remote control unit; a control section for establishing communication with the water heater main body and commanding and controlling to read out maintenance information stored in the water heater main body assuming that input information at the switch section is a request from the radio remote control unit having an address which was set by operation of the switch section; and a display section for displaying the maintenance information received from the water heater main body.

Abstract: A cell phone based test capability enables a tester to audibly communicate with a fire alarm control unit. A detector can be selected and tested. Test results can be audibly communicated to the tester via the cell phone. The tester can initiate the next test via the cell phone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a security device for residential and/or commercial buildings. A motion detector is installed on a fixture such as a wall or ceiling. A wireless remote is used after installation of the motion detector to set the motion detector to a walk test mode, eliminating the need for the installer to open up the motion detector to switch it to a walk test mode. After walk testing the motion detector, the wireless remote is used to set the motion detector back to a normal mode, eliminating the need for the installer to open up the motion detector and avoiding the problem of the installer forgetting to switch it back to a normal mode. The motion detector can also switch back to a normal mode after a predetermined amount of time by use of a timer.

Abstract: A method of performing vehicle diagnostics including receiving diagnostic information from at least one electronic module of a vehicle at a portable communication device from a telematics unit via a short-range wireless connection, storing the received diagnostic information in a memory in the portable communication device to form a recent-history vehicle database, performing a diagnostic analysis based on the recent-history vehicle database and sending the received diagnostic information from the portable communication device to an external memory to form an historic vehicle database.

Abstract: An interface includes a port that communicates with one of N detectors, where N is an integer greater than 1. A classification module communicates with the port and classifies the detector as one of an analog detector and a digital detector. The classification module selectively generates detector type information based on the classification.

Abstract: A system for providing electronic device information includes an electronic device, which includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, for checking a state of the electronic device and storing electronic device state information and associated information in the RFID tag; and a mobile station, which includes an RFID reader for reading the RFID tag within a communicable range, for reading and displaying the electronic device state information and associated information stored in the RFID tag when the mobile terminal approaches the RFID tag of the electronic device.

Abstract: Stationary power equipment including a sensing device configured to collect data associated with an operation of the equipment, and a data storage device configured for storing the collected data. Information derived from the collected data may be transmitted to a remote system via a data transmission network, or be downloaded to a data storage medium or a diagnostic device. An operation condition of the stationary power equipment is determined based on the information. Responsive to the operation condition, the power equipment receives data that is selected based on the operation condition, and modifies an operation of the power equipment based on the received data.

Abstract: Energy harvesting devices provide power to devices of emergency equipment stations (e.g., fire extinguisher station, fire alarm pull station, defibrillator station, etc.) distributed throughout a facility to monitor one or more internal or external conditions (e.g., identifiable objects detected near the station, presence of an obstruction restricting access to the station, etc.) and relay information about the monitored conditions to a central station.

Abstract: There is provided a machine component having an IC tag attached thereto, which can be controlled consistently from manufacture to disposal without the IC tag missed on the way. The machine component is embedded with the IC tag (110) made up of an IC chip having recorded thereon information unique to the relevant machine component and an antenna connected electrically with the IC chip.