Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag incorporates alternative theft deterrence systems. The security tag incorporates both a benefit-denial ink-based system and two independent EAS detection elements operating at two different frequencies such that the tag can alternatively be operated in two different systems. The security tag is further adapted to be reusable after ink ampoule breakage and includes a visual indication of ink to serve as a further visual deterrence to shoplifters.

Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of the proximity of objects. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module. One of the modules is operable as a leaf node having a sleep mode to conserve energy and an interactive mode. The central computer can send a message to the leaf node commanding it to stay awake in order to receive subsequent communications.

Abstract: A method includes energizing an ultrasound driver to emit ultrasonic energy in a space, sensing ultrasonic energy within the space, determining an occupancy condition of the space in response to sensing ultrasonic energy reflected from the ultrasound driver, and determining the occupancy condition of the space in response to sensing ultrasonic energy in the space that was not emitted by the ultrasound driver.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing remote device (e.g., thermostat, lighting, appliance, etc.) control and/or energy monitoring. A system monitors sensor data captured by one or more sensors that sense attributes relevant to user presence at one or more monitored properties and status of one or more energy consuming devices associated with the one or more monitored properties. The system analyzes the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to a set of one or more rules and performs an operation related to controlling the one or more energy consuming devices based on the analysis of the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to the set of one or more rules.

Abstract: A wireless contextual prompting device provides contextual (context-aware) prompting in the home for applications such as Activities of Daily Living (ADL) monitoring, medication adherence, journaling, social messaging and coaching. The device combines the advantages of a small, wireless, battery-operated sensor that may be easily mounted at critical places in a person's daily routine with a low-power, high-contrast display panel that may be palm sized. The context may be displayed on the display screen as images, icons and/or text such that it is easy to interpret warnings by the young, elderly, or the language-challenged.

Abstract: A system and method for predictive modeling of building energy consumption provides predicted building energy load values which are determined using kernel smoothing of historical building energy load values for a building using defined scaling factors for scaling predictor variables associated with building energy consumption. Predictor variables may include temperature, humidity, windspeed or direction, occupancy, time, day, date, and solar radiation. Scaling factor values may be defined by optimization training using historical building energy load values and measured predictor variable values for a building. Predicted and measured building energy load values are compared to determine if a preset difference threshold has been exceeded, in which case an alert signal or message is generated and transmitted to electronically and/or physically signal a user.

Abstract: Techniques are provided which may be implemented in various methods, apparatuses, and/or articles of manufacture for use by a device that is operable in a plurality of modes, including “higher power mode” and a “lower power mode”. A timing circuit may be set based, at least in part, on a phase value obtained from a signal from a ground-based transmitter, and operation of the device may be selectively transitioned to a lower power mode wherein the device uses the timing circuit. In certain example implementations, operation of the device to the lower power mode may be selectively transition and based, at least in part, on a determination that one or more attribute values satisfy a profile test indicating that the electronic device is likely to be within a characterized environment, and/or a determination that the electronic device is likely to be in a constrained motion state.

Abstract: An alarm for detecting radiation and/or pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide or the like, the alarm comprises: an alarm circuit (12) including detection means (14) for detecting the radiation and/or pollutants, and an audible alarm (16); a power supply circuit (24) connectable to an external AC power supply for supplying standby power to the alarm circuit (12); and a battery (20) for supplying power to the audible alarm (16) when the alarm is energized. The power supply circuit (20) is configured to supply current to the alarm circuit (12) at a level less than that required to energize the audible alarm (16).

Abstract: A system comprises a sensing node that includes a sensor, a processor, an energy harvesting circuit, a time keeper, a first energy storage device, and a second energy storage device. The energy harvesting circuit is connected for recharging the first energy storage device. The processor is connected for receiving all its power derived from the energy harvesting circuit. The second energy storage device is connected for powering the time keeper.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed, which includes a base station and at least one sensor unit that is separate from the base station. The at least one sensor unit resides in a dormant state until it is awakened by the triggering of a vibration-sensitive switch. Once awakened, the sensor may take a measurement, and then transmit to the base station the measurement. Once data is transmitted from the sensor to the base station, the sensor may return to its dormant state. There may be various sensors for each base station and the various sensors may optionally measure different quantities, such as current, voltage, single-axis and/or three-axis magnetic fields.

Abstract: Improved power management for a vehicle locating unit is achieved by receiving a transmission from a communication source, each transmission including at least one message frame having a data field and at least one auxiliary field; entering a wake mode upon indexing the assigned message frame of the receiver in the transmission; matching the pattern of bits of at least one auxiliary field of the indexed frame with one or more stored patterns of bits expected for that auxiliary field; and returning to the sleep mode as soon as a mismatch is determined or processing the message if no mismatch occurs.

Abstract: A system and a method of long-term condition monitoring of structures are based on use of autonomous sensing modules, centers for storing and processing data and software for data analysis. An autonomous sensing module contains a set of sensors for measurements of parameters related to the condition of a monitored structure, a non-volatile memory, a wireless data transfer unit, a controller, a clock circuit, a battery, an energy harvesting device and a power management unit. The autonomous sensing module provides a very long-term (40 years or more) functionality and reliability due to both use of at least near hermetic packages for the controller, the non-volatile memory, the battery, the clock circuit and the power management unit and choosing the duration of periods when the sensing module works in active mode in such a way that the average energy consumed by the autonomous sensing module is fully compensated by the average energy harvested by the energy harvesting device.

Abstract: An in-vehicle communication system is disclosed. The in-vehicle communication system is configured to connect a short range wireless communication link between an in-vehicle apparatus and a portable device, and predicts a battery level threshold reach time, which is a time when a battery level of a battery of the portable device reaches below a threshold. When it is determined that the battery level threshold reach time is prior to a vehicle travel end time, the in-vehicle communication system notifies the passenger of prompt battery charge information to prompt the passenger to charge the battery of the portable device.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote control apparatus for communicating with an electric apparatus by radio communication, including: a plurality of operation keys; a transmission/reception section for transferring a signal to and from the electric apparatus by the radio communication; and a control section having at least a power control function for controlling the power of the remote control apparatus; the control section controlling the transmission/reception section to a normal power state until a predetermined period of time elapses after a signal is inputted thereto by an input of any of the operation keys to enable transfer of a signal from the electric apparatus by the transmission/reception section, the control section controlling the transmission/reception section to a low power consumption state after the predetermined period of time elapses.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for continuously recording surrounding information by a mobile device (11). The mobile device (11) of a user (1) continuously records surrounding information such as surrounding noises or surrounding image data and at least one file (7) is generated from the recording and sent to a remote server (4). Said file or a file derived therefrom (7) is automatically subdivided and/or indexed automatically depending on the contents of the file (7) and/or on metadata (M1, M2, M3) generated from external events (e1, e2, e3) in relation to the mobile device (11) and/or by the user (1). Advantageously, the user (1) searches the subdivided and/or indexed file (7) so that he can easily retrieve the recorded information.

Abstract: An occupancy sensing system includes a driver to emit energy in a space, and a sensor to detect energy reflected within the space. An electrical load for the space is controlled in response to an occupancy condition determined in response to the detected energy. The driver may be selectively de-energized. In some embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an unoccupied period. In other embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an occupied period. In some further embodiments, the driver may be de-energized in response to detecting other sources of the type of energy emitted by the driver.

Abstract: A container tracking system comprising a mobile unit configured to be coupled to a container to be tracked and to communicate with a remote control unit through of a communication system. The mobile unit comprising a positioning module, an alarm module adapted to detect alarm conditions related to said container, and a communication module generating a tracking signal containing positioning data of the mobile unit and/or alarm information associated with one or more alarm conditions related to the container. Furthermore, the mobile unit is configured to evolve to a temporary deactivation state whenever a communication unavailability condition of the tracking signal through the communication system occurs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of distributed lighting control are disclosed. One method includes a sensor sensing a change of light intensity per unit of time greater than a sense threshold. If a light associated with the sensor is within a corridor and the sensed change of light intensity per unit of time is greater than the sense threshold, then the light is activated at a preselected corridor light intensity. If the light associated with the sensor is not within a corridor and the sensed change of light per unit of time is greater than the sense threshold, then the light is activated at a preselected non-corridor light intensity. For an embodiment, the preselected corridor light intensity is greater than the preselected non-corridor light intensity.

Abstract: The communication device (10) which performs, when attached to the first region of the moving body, wireless communication with the communication partner device (20) attached to the second region of the moving body includes: a motion obtaining unit (11) which obtains motion information indicating a motion of at least one region of the moving body; a parameter determining unit (12) which determines a parameter corresponding to the motion of the region of the moving body indicated by the motion information obtained by the motion obtaining unit (11), using parameter information in which the motion and a parameter indicating a communication mode for successful wireless communication are associated with each other; and a wireless communication unit (13) which performs wireless communication with the communication partner device (20) according to the parameter determined by the parameter determining unit (12).

Abstract: A circuit for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving the battery power for a circuit in continuous operation is disclosed herein. The circuit includes a RFID component, a microprocessor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a battery. The battery preferably has no more than 225 milliamp hours of power. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: A vehicle entry/tire pressure management system includes an ECU, tire sensors mounted in, on or adjacent respective tires of the vehicle, a portable transmission/reception unit configured to be carried by an operator of the vehicle, and an antenna mounted on the vehicle and in communication with the ECU. Each tire sensor is configured to transmit an RF signal. The portable transmission/reception unit can transmit RF signals for controlling operations of the vehicle including unlocking doors of the vehicle. The antenna is configured to transmit an LF tire sensor wake up field to wake up the tire sensors. The tire sensor wake up field includes a unique header format. The tire sensors only fully wake up upon receiving the unique header format.

Abstract: Methods for reliable broadcast transmission in a vehicular environment comprise providing a dynamic local map for a driven vehicle, selecting a pivot vehicle based on the local map and optionally on a radio frequency coverage limit and performing a RTS/CTS handshake between the driven vehicle and the pivot vehicle. The CTS message by the pivot vehicle clears the way for the driven vehicle to broadcast data to other vehicles in the environment.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.

Abstract: A system for monitoring parameters associated with a device, such as current, voltage, power, temperature, energy consumed, moisture, fluid levels and flow, wind speed, identification parameters, and repair history. The system includes the use of hybrid RFID sensor tags including a combination of active, semi-passive, and passive RFID circuits. Hybrid tags are attached to electrical system components. Standalone electrical components and generators and those connected to the electrical grid may be monitored. Data collected and stored in the hybrid tags may be accessed via a wireless communication link between hybrid tags and either active scanners or a passive interrogators. The data collected and processed from the hybrid tags may be provided to a user via the Internet or another wired or wireless communication network.

Abstract: A solar powered portable control panel is disclosed herein for wirelessly controlling one or more lights or other devices. An embodiment of the control panel includes a solar panel, a regulator connected to the solar panel, a power storage device connected to the regulator, a wireless transceiver, a controller connected to the power storage device, and a user interface connected to the controller. The user interface is adapted to accept control input and provide it to the controller. The controller is adapted to transmit commands on the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a plurality of sensors within a mobile device. A method may include receiving a request from a sensor client regarding a sensor, determining whether the sensor client requested registration/deregistration, controlling a power supply and an operational mode of the sensor, based upon the registration/deregistration request, for reducing power consumption of the sensor, determining whether the sensor client provided a start/stop request for data from the sensor, and controlling power to the sensor, a device/driver configuration, and an operational mode of the sensor, based upon the start/stop request for data, for reducing the power consumption of the sensor. An apparatus may include a processor, a power supply coupled to the processor, a sensor coupled to the power supply, and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions for causing the processor to execute the aforementioned method.

Abstract: The GPS tracking system regulates power supplied by a battery to the system components to transmit an alarm signal in response to detection of motion in the higher level “working” mode. After the motion has ceased for a predetermined time or upon detection of a “low battery” condition, the power consumption regulator will switch to a lower power level “sleep” mode to conserve power. In one embodiment, the system components and a light source are situated within a plastic housing identical to that of the marker light of the vehicle. The housing is designed to replace the marker light and go undetected. When operational, the vehicle electrical system energizes the light source and the GPS tracking system components. It also charges the battery which provides power to the system when the vehicle electrical system is not operational.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a power supply tap includes a first wireless reception module which receives a control request which is transmitted from a remote-control terminal by a first wireless signal, a power observation module which is activated in a case where the received control request includes a power information acquisition request, and observes a total amount of power including power supplied to an electric apparatus from a power output module and power consumed by a communication control module, a first wireless transmission module which transmits the observed total amount of power to the remote-control terminal by a second wireless signal, and a switch control module which turns off a switch in a case where the control request received by the first wireless reception module includes a power-off request, thereby shutting off power supply to the electric apparatus from the power output module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for a power conserving active RFID label. A system for performing radio frequency (RF) communications includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to one or more items to be tracked, the RFID tag configured to receive a request and a time interval indicating a time for determining a temperature and a battery voltage, and to adjust the time interval at a time of determining the temperature and the battery voltage if the detected voltage is less than a predetermined voltage, and an interrogator communicatively coupled to one or more antennas to transmit one or more requests to the RFID tag and to receive one or more responses, at least one response including a time, temperature and battery voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply circuit provided with a battery as a power source for supplying power to an RFID, and the battery of the power supply circuit is charged with a wireless signal. Then, a switching circuit is provided in the power supply circuit that supplies power to a signal control circuit which transmits and receives individual information to and from the outside to intermittently control supply of power to the signal control circuit by a signal from a low-frequency signal generation circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the power of an electronic reader device is provided. The system for controlling the power of an electronic reader device may comprise a computing apparatus that may receive a command from a host system to change the power state a power controller. The system may also comprise a computing apparatus that may adjust the power state of the power controller by using one or more registers. The system may further comprise a computing apparatus that may adjust the power of one or more power supplies. The system may additionally comprise a computing apparatus that may instruct a display controller to perform an operation based on the change of the power state of the power controller.

Abstract: A sensor device includes an interface that receives a request. The sensor device includes an updatable information store that responds to the request if the request is directed to the updatable information store, the updatable information store being in a first power domain of the sensor device. The sensor device also includes a power manager that activates a sensor element in the sensor device in response to receiving the request if the request is a request for measurement of a parameter by the sensor element. The sensor element is in a second power domain of the sensor device. The sensor element communicates measured parameter information to the updatable information store.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing remote device (e.g., thermostat, lighting, appliance, etc.) control and/or energy monitoring. A system monitors sensor data captured by one or more sensors that sense attributes relevant to user presence at one or more monitored properties and status of one or more energy consuming devices associated with the one or more monitored properties. The system analyzes the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to a set of one or more rules and performs an operation related to controlling the one or more energy consuming devices based on the analysis of the monitored sensor data and the monitored device status with respect to the set of one or more rules.

Abstract: A field device of automation technology, is fed via a two-wire line or via an energy source of limited energy reserve associated with the field device. The field device includes: a hardwired communication interface having at least one communication channel; and, associated with the communication interface, a functional unit, which is embodied in such a manner, that it performs sending and/or receiving of digital communication signals via the communication interface. The functional unit, for the purpose of energy saving, is turned on only in active, operating phases, while it is switched off in inactive, resting phases; and a detection circuit is provided, which detects a communication signal applied to the communication interface and automatically activates the functional unit.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a method for detecting poor RF conditions, and entering different sleep mode levels or phases in accordance with the RF conditions to save battery power. Mobile device battery life can be conserved when the mobile device detects poor RF conditions and enters a deep sleep mode of operation. In this deep sleep mode of operation the mobile device periodically samples the RF conditions and gradually increases the period between samples when the RF conditions do not improve. Because mobility can change the RF condition for wireless devices even in areas of good RF coverage, the mobile device operating in the deep sleep mode can detect this mobility and thus enhance the probability of entering an idle state, or alternatively, entering a longer power save mode. When the RF condition improves, the mobile device exits from the deep sleep mode and returns to the idle state.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bridge structural safety monitoring system and a bridge structural safety monitoring method. The method includes the steps of capturing an image of a monitoring area of a bridge to create a standard image of the bridge operated at normal conditions, capturing images of the monitoring area of the bridge continuously to obtain monitoring images, comparing the standard image with the monitoring image to obtain a displacement correlation coefficient of the monitoring area of the bridge, and transmitting the displacement correlation coefficient to a central console, such that the central console can determine the using condition of the bridge according to the displacement correlation coefficient.

Abstract: Provided is a compact and low power consumption wireless communication system, including a base station and communication terminals, in which power consumption of the communication terminal is reduced. The base station alternately sets an active interval during which predetermined data communication is performed, and an inactive interval during which the predetermined data communication is not performed. During the active interval, a beacon including information indicating a start timing of a subsequent active interval is transmitted and received. During the inactive interval, a sub-beacon including information providing notice of a transmission timing of a subsequent beacon is transmitted and received. When receiving the sub-beacon, the communication terminal obtains the transmission timing of the subsequent beacon and stops a supply of power to an unit related to a wireless communication function until the transmission timing.

Abstract: A system of tracking transcontinental shipping containers, which is optimized to conserve the power consumption of tracking devices attached to the containers, is disclosed. The system uses short-range transceiving devices to form a mesh network that includes the tracking devices and a processing device coupled to the shipping vessel, thereby enabling the tracking devices to communicate and update their status without using a long-range or satellite communications adaptors.

Abstract: A wireless sensor network and data sensing method thereof are provided. A prediction model is established according to sensed data. When statistical value of the sensed data is within a user allowable range, the average value of the sensed data is returned to a user based on the prediction model. Alternatively, when the statistical value of the sensed data is beyond the user allowable range, actually sensed data is returned to the user based on the prediction model. In addition, the prediction model may further be dynamically updated according to subsequently received sensed data.

Abstract: A field device of process automation technology which includes a hardwire communication interface and a functional unit associated with the communication interface. The functional unit is embodied in such a manner, that it performs sending and/or receiving of digital signals via the communication interface. The field device is embodied in such a manner, that the functional unit is operable in a clocked manner, wherein, in the clocked operation, active time periods, in which the functional unit is activated, alternate with turned-off periods of time, in which the functional unit is switched off.

Abstract: An information device capable of performing wireless communication with a reader/writer device, a method, and a computer-readable medium are provided. The device includes a reception section that detects an information request signal transmitted from a reader/writer device and a transmission section that transmits a signal to the reader/writer device in response to the detection of an information request signal. The device also includes a detection data acquisition section that acquires detection data corresponding to a physical quantity or state from a sensor and a detection data storage section that stores the detection data. The device includes a control section that activates the detection data acquisition section at time intervals and inputs the acquired detection data into the detection data storage section and another control section that activates the reception section at other time intervals.

Abstract: One disclosed method involves providing a first device comprising a sensor configured to sense a stimulus experienced by the first device, a controller configured to process data received from the sensor and thereby obtain processed sensor data, a transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit the processed data, and a battery configured to supply power to at least the controller and the transmitter. The first device is operated in a first operational mode in which the sensor, the controller, and the transmitter are used at least occasionally to obtain and transmit processed data. When the battery is in a low power condition, the first device is operated in a second operational mode wherein the sensor, controller, and transmitter are not used to obtain and transmit processed sensor data, but wherein the first device at least occasionally transmits a signal that indicates a low power condition of the battery.

Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.

Abstract: A wireless contextual prompting device provides contextual (context-aware) prompting in the home for applications such as Activities of Daily Living (ADL) monitoring, medication adherence, journaling, social messaging and coaching. The device combines the advantages of a small, wireless, battery-operated sensor that may be easily mounted at critical places in a person's daily routine with a low-power, high-contrast display panel that may be palm sized. The context may be displayed on the display screen as images, icons and/or text such that it is easy to interpret warnings by the young, elderly, or the language-challenged.

Abstract: A receiving module, checking module, and a controller are provided. The receiving module is configured for receiving external wireless signals. The checking module is configured for checking whether a current wireless signal comprises checking codes of a control signal which is configured for controlling the electronic device and, if yes, generating an activation signal. The controller is configured for switching the electronic device into a power-saving mode if no external wireless signal is received after a predetermined time period and switching the electronic device into a normal mode if the activation signal is received.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) terminal including a contactless transaction/identification card reader and a propinquity verifier, coupled to the contactless card reader and verifying at least predetermined propinquity of the POS terminal to a propinquity indication element.

Abstract: An energy-conserving triggered ID system, comprising: a reading assembly having a normally non-activated state and having a triggered subassembly configurable to activate the reading assembly; and a mobile assembly having no power source and having a triggering subassembly configurable to activate the triggered subassembly when the mobile assembly is located within a triggering range, wherein the reading assembly is operable to transfer power to the mobile assembly and wherein data transfer is effected between the mobile assembly and the reading assembly within a data transfer range.

Abstract: A wireless tracking device operating in at least two modes to reduce power consumption and extend the operable period of the wireless tracking device. In an active mode, the wireless tracking device samples sensor signals at a higher resolution and may also actively communicate with a remote device via wireless connection. In a hibernation mode, most of the components or modules in the wireless tracking device are shut down to reduce power consumption. The wireless tracking device may switch to the active mode when a predetermine event is detected.