Abstract: A system for forming a controlled safety area for a manipulator which system comprises a control unit being arranged to monitor the controlled safety area in order to prevent human entering to the controlled safety area to be hit by the manipulator working within the controlled safety area. The system according to the invention comprises at least one laser scanner being arranged to form at least one laser scanning wall such that the controlled safety area is divided in to a high grade safety area in between the at least one laser scanning wall, and to low a grade safety area outside the at least one laser scanning wall. The system comprises also at least one area detecting laser scanner arranged to detect humans at least in the low grade safety area around the high grade safety area.

Abstract: The various implementations described herein include methods, devices, and systems for monitoring activity in a home environment. In one aspect, a method performed at a voice-assistant device includes: transitioning to operating in a second mode from a first mode; while operating in the second mode, detecting a sound; obtaining a determination as to whether the sound meets one or more monitoring criteria; and in accordance with a determination that the sound meets the one or more monitoring criteria, generating an alert or notification.

Abstract: In an optical fiber monitoring system which detects physical disturbance or other parameters such as temperature or strain of a fiber where a monitor signal is transmitted along the optical fiber and analyzed to detect changes which are indicative of an event, a method is provided for periodically checking proper operation of the optical fiber monitoring system. A fiber disturbance actuator periodically causes a pattern of disturbances of a portion of the fiber at a predetermined location thereon where the disturbance is characteristic of the event to be monitored. The monitor signal is analyzed to detect the pattern of changes and in the event that expected changes are not detected, a warning is issued that the intrusion detection system is not properly operating.

Abstract: A system is described. The system includes: a support; a first emitter coupled to the support, facing radially outwardly, and configured to emit a continuous-wave (CW) beam; and a second emitter coupled to the support, facing radially outwardly, and configured to emit a pulsed beam. The system may determine reflectivity using the first emitter and may determine a range using the second emitter.

Abstract: A method and a device for simulating shadows of a person moving in a building, comprising basic lighting and intended to reproduce a particularly realistic simulation of a moving person in a simple manner. This is achieved by superimposing the at least two sequentially switched lamps on the basic lighting.

Abstract: A method, device and system for simulating the presence of humans includes the method steps of defining activity attributes as input data and defining user preferences as input data. As an output, a time sequence for simulated activities is generated, while the method, device and system should provide an exceedingly realistic simulation of the presence of humans for any application where occupancy simulation is advantageous. This is reached in that user preferences are matched with attributes of activity respectively in that a control unit of a device or within a system is configured to match user preferences with attributes of activity for the generation of the sequence list for simulated activities.

Abstract: An optical system, in particular a LiDAR system, is provided, including at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical detector as well as a data processing unit. The optical transmitter is configured to emit a scanning light beam into the surroundings to scan same for surroundings objects. The optical detector is configured to receive a reflected light beam from the surroundings. The optical system is configured to a) detect and differentiate reflected light beams in at least two wavelength ranges and/or b) detect and differentiate reflected light beams having at least two polarization directions. The optical system is configured with the aid of the data processing unit to determine the surface properties of the scanned surroundings objects from the differences between the reflected light beams and the emitted scanning light beams.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes: a determination unit configured to determine a target region; an output unit configured to output a predetermined light to the target region; a detection unit configured to detect intrusion of an object to the target region by detecting the predetermined light, wherein, in accordance that the intrusion of an object to the target region is detected by the detection unit in a state of outputting the predetermined light to a first region, the determination unit is further configured to determine a second region as the target region wherein the second region is larger than the first region.

Abstract: A device, system, and method determines occupancy for automated lighting operations. The system includes an occupancy sensor generating a first measurement of an occupancy within a location that illuminated by lights in a lighting system. The system includes a photosensor generating a second measurement of an illumination level within the location, the illumination level indicative of the occupancy within the location. The system includes a control device determining an occupancy state in the location based on the first measurement and determining a result of validating the determined occupancy state based on the second measurement. An agreement between the first and second measurements validating the determined occupancy state while a discrepancy invalidating the determined occupancy state. The control device generates a signal based on the result which is received by a manual on-auto off device to perform a corresponding operation on the lighting system.

Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a scanner; a receiver; and one or more processor devices to perform actions, including: scanning a continuous light beam over the field of view in a first scan pass; detecting photons of the continuous light beam that are reflected from one or more objects; determining a coarse range to the one or more objects based on times of departure of the photons of the continuous light beam and times of arrival of the photons at the receiver; scanning light pulses over the field of view in a second scan pass; detecting photons from the light pulses that are reflected from the one or more objects; and determining a refined range to the one or more objects based on times of departure of the photons of the light pulses and times of arrival of the photons at the receiver.

Abstract: An archival video system uses profile images as a background for an image and delta images to indicate the difference between a current image and a profile image. An image may be segmented into multiple sectors, with each sector compared to a profile sector. The resulting image may be constructed using references to previously stored sectors from different images.

Abstract: A device can accurately discriminate an active pulse from noise by setting a dynamic noise floor that adjusts according to environmental conditions. For example, the device may discriminate, as the active pulse, a light pulse emitted by a light emitter of the system and reflected off an object to a light sensor, from noise such as sunlight glare by determining a dynamic noise floor and identifying, as an active pulse, at least a portion of the received signal that exceeds the dynamic noise floor for a threshold number of samples. The dynamic noise floor may be determined, for example, using a moving average of the received signal and/or shifting or scaling the noise floor based on other properties of the return signal.

Abstract: A LIDAR device can accurately calculate distances to objects in an environment by classifying a signal received from a sensor as being a particular type of signal (e.g., saturated or unsaturated) and selecting, based on the type of signal, a detector for processing the received signal from among multiple detectors. For example, the multiple detectors may include different programming and/or circuitry for determining a time delay of arrival (TDOA) between a time that a light pulse was emitted to a time that a pulse reflected off an object was received at a light sensor. The output of the selected detector may then be used to calculate a distance to the object from which the received signal was reflected.

Abstract: A safety device, and more particularly a device or system of devices for detecting dangerous situations such as the act of drowning of an individual in a body of water or a child that suddenly goes missing or otherwise inactive in a defined area, and issuing a warning to others that the potential dangerous situation is taking place so that the individual can be rescued.

Abstract: A time delay of arrival (TDOA) between a time that a light pulse was emitted to a time that a pulse reflected off an object was received at a light sensor may be determined for saturated signals by using an edge of the saturated signal, rather than a peak of the signal, for the TDOA calculation. The edge of the saturated signal may be accurately estimated by fitting a first polynomial curve to data points of the saturated signal, defining an intermediate magnitude threshold based on the polynomial curve, fitting a second polynomial curve to data points near an intersection of the first polynomial curve and the intermediate threshold, and identifying an intersection of the second polynomial curve and the intermediate threshold as the rising edge of the saturated signal.

Abstract: Certain techniques are provided for triggering events based on detecting changes in CV features, such as edges, corners etc., by generating computed results based on sensor readings. Yet other techniques also provided for detecting CV features once an event is detecting based on a change in a sensor reading for a sensor element. In certain aspects, the event detection logic and the feature calculation CV vision operations may be performed, individually, or in combination in circuitry on a sensor or in software/firmware on a computing device.

Abstract: An optical proximity sensor arrangement comprises a first sensor unit with a first emitter and a first detector and a second sensor unit with a second emitter and/or a second detector. The first detector is configured to detect light being emitted by the first emitter and, if applicable, by the second emitter, and being at least partially reflected. If applicable, the second detector is configured to detect light being emitted by the first emitter and being at least partially reflected. A distance between the first emitter and the first detector is, if applicable, less than a distance between the first detector and the second emitter and, if applicable, less than a distance between the first emitter and the second detector.

Abstract: An underwater communication apparatus includes a light transmitting device to transmits a first communication light and a light receiving device to receive a second communication light. Further, a light identification device is used to detect a reference pattern in two dimensions, which is set on a node communication apparatus, to obtain a detection pattern. The light transmitting device and the light receiving device respectively corresponding to the light identification device are set at two relative locations. A power apparatus is used to drive the underwater communication apparatus. A control/monitor apparatus obtains the detection pattern from the light identification device and analyze a difference state between the reference pattern and the detection pattern. According to the difference state, it controls the power apparatus to move the underwater communication apparatus to a location for the detection pattern and the reference pattern being two dimensionally aligned.

Abstract: A LIDAR system includes a scanner; a receiver; and one or more processor devices to perform actions, including: scanning a continuous light beam over the field of view in a first scan pass; detecting photons of the continuous light beam that are reflected from one or more objects; determining a coarse range to the one or more objects based on times of departure of the photons of the continuous light beam and times of arrival of the photons at the receiver; scanning light pulses over the field of view in a second scan pass; detecting photons from the light pulses that are reflected from the one or more objects; and determining a refined range to the one or more objects based on times of departure of the photons of the light pulses and times of arrival of the photons at the receiver.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to generating emergency vehicle warnings, alternate vehicle routing recommendations and/or insurance-related data based upon emergency vehicle warning data. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to generating data representative of emergency vehicle warnings and/or alternate routing based upon real-time information related to an emergency vehicle. The information related to the emergency vehicle may include emergency vehicle origination location data, emergency vehicle current location data, emergency vehicle route data, and/or emergency vehicle destination location data. An emergency vehicle warning and/or alternate vehicle routing for non-emergency response vehicles may be generated based further on information related to a non-emergency vehicle. In one aspect, an emergency vehicle may wirelessly communicate with the non-emergency vehicle and/or an insurance provider remote server.

Abstract: A sensor module for a lighting fixture includes a housing configured to be mounted to a lighting fixture, a light sensor mounted in the housing, and a sensor cover over the light sensor. The sensor cover includes a parallel surface and an angled surface. The parallel surface is parallel to a task surface within an area of interest, and includes a first number of lens sections, each of which are configured to focus light from a different portion of a first subset of the task surface to the light sensor. The angled surface includes a second number of lens sections, each of which extend from an edge of the parallel surface to form a facet of the angled surface and are configured to focus light from a different portion of a second subset of the task surface to the light sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes receiving user input identifying a travel destination for a first vehicle, determining, by a processor, a first route for the first vehicle to follow, and configuring the first vehicle to follow the first route. The method further includes obtaining a model for a second vehicle that shares a road with the first vehicle and comparing model to a pre-determined template for a vehicle that is known to be a special purpose vehicle in order to determine whether the first template and the second template match. The method further includes determining, by the processor, a second route that leads to the travel destination, when a match is found to exist, and switching the first vehicle from following the first route to following the second route.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of adjusting a volume of a display device and a display device, which can adjust the volume of the display device intelligently. The method of adjusting the volume of the display device comprises the steps of: firstly detecting a distance between the viewer and the display device, then determining a target volume to which the distance corresponds, finally adjusting the playing volume of the display device as the target volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a motion based on depth information are provided. The method includes: receiving event signals from a first vision sensor configured to generate at least one event signal by sensing at least a portion of an object in which a motion occurs; receiving a current frame from a second vision sensor configured to time-synchronously capture the object; synchronizing the received event signals and the received current frame; and obtaining depth information of the object based on the synchronized event signals and current frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical spectrum inverter, configured for counteracting phase distortion effects in an optical channel over a predefined frequency range, to an inverter node, configured for duplex operation in at least two wavelength channels, and to a method for counteracting phase distortion effects in an optical channel.

Abstract: A method for configuring a remote device in a mobile device is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a dialogical user interface, obtaining a first position of the remote device, displaying a question message including information of the first position via the dialogical user interface, receiving an answer message corresponding to the question message via the dialogical user interface, and determining whether to set the first position as a safe zone for the remote device in response to whether the answer message is a confirmation message or a rejection message, wherein when the answer message is the conformation message, setting the first position as the safe zone of the remote device and displaying the setting result via the dialogical user interface.

Abstract: An infra-red motion detector for monitoring motion in a monitored space is described. The motion detector includes, within a housing, an infra-red radiation sensor sensitive to infra-red radiation incident through a window. A refractive optical system within the housing selects incident infra-red radiation for redirection onto the infra-red sensor. An external light source mounted externally of the housing directs external light through the window providing a recognizable light input. A refractive Fresnel patch mounted externally to the window selects incident light from the external light source and redirects it to a tamper sensor within the housing. A detection controller processes signals output by both sensors in monitoring the space. The detection controller detects incident light from the external light source and trips a tamper alarm in failing detection, and further detects changes in infra-red radiation in the monitored space and trips an intrusion alarm upon detecting changes.

Abstract: To provide an object detection device that requires neither the optical adjustment nor the detection area adjustment after the replacement of the battery, the object detection device includes a sensor body, inclusive of a detection element, and a storage enclosure positioned in part or in its entirety in a rear surface of the sensor body, and has a transmitter accommodation portion for accommodating therein a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting an output signal from the sensor body, a battery holding portion for holding a battery for providing the sensor body and the transmitter with an electric power, in which the battery holding portion includes a holding portion opening unit to open the battery holding portion to thereby enable a replacement of the battery, then retained in the battery holding portion, in a condition in which the sensor body is not separated from the storage enclosure.

Abstract: A wearable signal notification article and a system incorporating the article. The system provides users with a way to stay connected to their wireless devices, even when the user is not in proximity to the device. It comprises a wireless transmitting device, a wireless transmission receiving device, and a wearable signal notification article. When the transmitting device sends a signal to the transmission receiving device, a second signal is sent to the signal notification device to alert the user that a transmission is being received. The wearable signal notification device comprises a flexible, waterproof bracelet housing, and an integrated alert circuit module with a sensor chip, an antenna, at least one light source, a vibrator, and a battery. The device can be worn while swimming, during strenuous activity, or in crowded noisy environments to provide visual and tactile feedback to users about incoming transmissions.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet and a refrigerating compartment within the refrigerator cabinet. A beverage dispensing system is operatively connected to the refrigerator cabinet, the beverage dispensing system configured to dispense a stream of a beverage. The beverage dispensing system includes a light source and a light sensor positioned on opposite sides of the stream of the beverage. The beverage dispensing system is configured for detecting if dispensement of the beverage is occurring and characterizing the volume or amount of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A system for detecting intrusion across a surface, comprising a plurality of light sources projecting an array of illuminating beams along different optical paths in the surface and a detector array system directed such that it detects along a plurality of fields of view in the surface, illumination reflected from the illuminating beams. A signal processing system detects changes along the array of fields of view, in the reflected illumination level detected by the detector system. An increase greater than a predefined level in the reflected illumination level from any field of view provides an indication of an intrusion across the surveilled surface along that field of view, at the crossing point of the direction of that field of view with the optical path whose illuminating beam generated the increase in reflected illumination from that field of view.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system for monitoring a premises includes at least one optical cable that houses at least one optical fiber and extends about the premises. Optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) means is operably coupled to opposite first and second ends of the at least one optical fiber. The OTDR means includes first signal processing circuitry that analyzes the backscatter signal received via the first end of the at least one optical fiber in order to detect an intrusion of the premises, and second signal processing circuitry that analyzes the backscatter signal received via the second end of the at least one optical fiber in order to detect an intrusion of the premises. The redundancy of intrusions decisions made by the first and second signal processing circuitry can be verified.

Abstract: A fence for establishing a secure marine perimeter includes an optic fiber net. The optic fiber net includes an optic fiber wire with an input end and an output end. A light transmitter connects to the input end to introduce an input optic signal into the optic fiber wire. A light receiver connects to the output end to receive an output optic signal from the optic fiber wire. A strength member is incorporated into the optic fiber wire to strengthen the optic fiber net. A processor is connected to the light receiver to generate an output signal based on the output optic signal. The processor compares the output optic signal with the input optic signal and generates an alarm if a difference between the input optic signal and the output optic signal exceeds a predetermined alarm threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including one or more security structures. The one or more security structures includes: a weldable frame; a plurality of composite panels, each panel securable to the weldable frame, each composite panel configured to form at least one joint with at least one adjoining composite panel; and a respective security element embedded within each of the composite panels. The security element is configured to detect a breach in the composite panel.

Abstract: To provide an intrusion detecting device of a type in which a battery for supplying an electric power to both of the main unit and the transmitter is provided in a unit holder for holding the main unit, including the detecting element, to thereby increase the overall electric power capacity needed in the intrusion detecting device as a whole and, also, replacement of those batteries can be accomplished easily, the intrusion detecting device includes a main unit (1) including a detecting element (30), a battery (Ba) detachably mounted on the main unit (1) for supplying an electric power to the main unit (1), and a power supply line (18) fitted to the main unit (1) for supplying an electric power to a wireless transmitter (11) for transmitting wireless an output signal of the main unit (1).

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to detecting that an intrusion is occurring by detecting, by a first sensor, that the intrusion is occurring based on a variation of light exceeding a threshold, detecting, by a second sensor, that the intrusion is occurring, and generating an intrusion status signal that indicates the intrusion is occurring based on determining that the first and second sensors detect that the intrusion is occurring.

Abstract: A cellular modem may give notice of changes in modes. The modem will change modes as a result of the breaking of a trip wire or the closing of contacts that are normally open or the opening of contacts that are normally closed or sensing motion or light, or sensing variations in resistance. One contact is provided to wake the unit from “sleep” and the other is provided to detect intrusion, motion, etc. Light detectors can detect light, such as when a closed container is opened. Closed contacts can be used in parallel to change any mode or open/closed contacts in parallel/series. The modem can be used to apprehend people breaking into or stealing luggage, equipment, boxes, etc. The present invention informs the user when the object being monitored is being moved or opened and can track the object's location.

Abstract: A light barrier having at least one transmitter (6) and at least one receiver (8) for a light beam and having a light path (1), which runs between a first side (2) and a second side (4) of a region to be monitored, can be produced flexibly and with little complexity by virtue of the transmitter (6) and of the receiver (8) being situated on the first side (2) and by virtue of the second side (4) containing an optical system (10) which picks up the primary light beam (7) emitted by the transmitter and which deflects the primary light beam (7) and returns it to the receiver (8) via the light path (1) to the first side (2) as a secondary light beam (9), which is separate from the primary light beam (7), at a distance from the primary light beam (7).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling operation of an electronic device, such as a TV. The system includes a first sensor located at or near the electronic device and a second sensor spaced apart from the first sensor, wherein the first and second sensors are configured to detect motion of a user within an operating zone associated with the electronic device. A processor is coupled to the electronic device and the first and second sensors, the processor being configured to input a signal from the first and second sensors. Memory is coupled to the processor, the memory comprising a sensing algorithm configured to process the input signal from the first and second sensors and determine the location of the user with respect to the operating zone. The processor is configured to send a control command to the electronic device based on an output of the sensing algorithm.

Abstract: An occupancy detection network controls illumination from lighting devices in each of a plurality of defined areas. Motion detection modules and sound detection modules provide output signals based on detected occupancy in each defined area. The sound detection modules automatically adjust sorting criteria over time in accordance with identified sound characteristics associated with occupancy, detect sound in the associated defined area in accordance with the sorting criteria, and provide an output signal based on the detected sound. A central lighting controller is linked to the detection modules via a common bidirectional data bus. The controller receives an output signal, determines an occupancy state for the associated defined area, and controls lighting devices in the area to be turned on and off in accordance with the determined occupancy state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of distributed lighting control are disclosed. One embodiment includes a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a light, a sensor associated with the light for sensing a change of light intensity per unit of time greater than a sense threshold, and a controller. The controller is operative to determine if the light is within an area, activate the light at a preselected area light intensity if a light associated with the sensor is within the area and the sensed change of light intensity per unit of time is greater than the sense threshold, and if the light is not within the area, then the light only activates if motion is additionally detected, thereby increasing light intensity over a target area.

Abstract: A garage door opener and parking guide combination includes a male connector that is configured to be removably extended into and electrically coupled to a light bulb socket. A light bulb is electrically coupled to the male connector and emits light when electricity is supplied to the light bulb socket. The light bulb is non-removably coupled to the male connector. The male connector includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is threaded. The light bulb includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. A first electrical coupler is mounted in and non-removably affixed to the second portion of the male connector. The first electrical coupler is in electrical communication with the male connector. A laser light assembly is removably electrically coupled to the first electrical coupler and emits laser light when the male connector receives electricity from the light bulb socket.

Abstract: Pulsed operation of a light barrier that can be operated in a normal mode and in a compensation mode includes repeating a cycle of transmitting electromagnetic radiation over a transmission period recording measured radiation values at various measurement times and establishing whether extraneous light is incident on the detector by examining a measured value curve of the recorded measured radiation values. The respectively next cycle in the normal mode being run through when no extraneous light is incident, and in the compensation mode when extraneous light is incident, at least one compensation measure being carried out in the compensation mode in order to compensate the influence of extraneous light.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fiber optic networks carrying sensitive information such as classified government communications, sensitive financial information, proprietary corporate information, and associated systems and methods for secure transmission where fiber tampering is easily detected. The present invention provides improved security systems and methods for fiber optic communication links. Specifically, a hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber is deployed as a transmission medium. A secure fiber optic communication link is established over the hollow-core photonic bandgap fiber with a monitoring mechanism. The monitoring mechanism is configured to detect large losses and large spectral variability each indicative of loss introduced by malicious intrusion attempts. Further, the monitoring mechanism allows easy differentiation of intrusion relative to normal system variations thereby reducing false positives and missed intrusions.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring usage and predicting failure of visual notification appliances are disclosed. The visual notification appliances may be strobe lights, which can be provided with an internal counter circuit that obtains a cumulative tally of the number of times the strobe has flashed. Since strobe service life is directly proportional to the number of flashes, monitoring the number of flashes enables proactive repair or replacement of the strobe prior to failure. Flash counts can be stored in the appliance and periodically transmitted to a remote location such as a fire panel or remote monitoring center. Flash counts can also be locally displayed, or can be readable by a user with a handheld device. Alarms or other indications may automatically be generated to alert building or service personnel when an end of life condition is approaching for one or more strobes. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A multiple optical axis photoelectric sensor is provided that stops a control output according to light being obstructed in a detection area. First and second variable signals indicate the duration of an optical axis scan processing for which light entrance detection and light obstruction detection are obtained, respectively. The first and second variable signals are updated according to results of each scan in the optical axis scan processing. When the value of the first variable reaches a predetermined first reference value, and when a final value of the second variable is equal to or lower than a predetermined second reference value, a notification is made that the light obstruction is detected due to a malfunction. As a result of this notification, whether output signal of the sensor is erroneously switched due to a cause other than an object of a detection target can correctly be made.

Abstract: A sensing device transmits wireless signals when an error between at least one sampled parameter value and at least one predicted parameter value is too great, such that the sensing device transmits wireless signals to a load control device using a variable transmission rate that is dependent upon the amount of change in a value of the parameter. The sensing device uses the one or more estimators to determine the predicted parameter value, and may transmit the estimators to the load control device if the error is too great. The load control device uses the estimators to determine at least one estimated parameter value and controls the electrical load in response to the estimated parameter value. The sensing device may comprise, for example, a daylight sensor for measuring a total light intensity in the space around the sensor or a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature around the sensor.

Abstract: A body bar sensing system for sensing movement of a body bar may be provided. The body bar sensing system may include a housing having a coupling mechanism operative to couple to the body bar, a detector disposed within the housing and operative to sense movement of the body bar when the housing is coupled to the body bar, and a processor operative to determine a number of repetitions of the movement based on the sensed movement. The body bar sensing system may also include a display operative to display the determined number of repetitions of the movement to a user.

Abstract: A sensor system includes at least one safety sensor unit for monitoring a safety relevant zone of a plant. The sensor system also includes a display unit connected to the sensory unit or integrated into it. The sensor system outputs a safety switch signal on an intrusion of an unpermitted object into the monitored, safety relevant zone and the safety sensor unit has an input interface for receiving a further safety switch signal. The input interface can be configured such that, on the one hand, it can receive the further safety switch signal and, on the other hand, can also receive external, non-safety relevant signals of an external device. The display unit is designed to display internal state data of the sensor system and information resulting from the external non-safety relevant signals.

Abstract: An adaptor (10) including a sensor (18), a gimbal housing (12) having a male connector (14) at one end and an female connector (16) at another end, wherein the male connector (14) is configured to connect with an electrical socket and the female connector (16) is configured to connect with an electrical device, and a circuit for selectively controlling the electrical device in response to the sensor (18). The gimbal housing (12) is adapted to rotate around the male connector (14) about a first axis and support the sensor (18) for independent rotation about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis so that the sensor (18) can be moved to a selectable sensing orientation.