Abstract: An access control system comprising a first detector, a second detector, and a processor. The first detector is operable to detect presence of a subject in proximity of the access control system. The second detector operable to detect an object identifier associated with an object carried by the subject in proximity of the access control system. The processor is operably connected with the first detector and the second detector. The processor is operable to receive, from the first detector, a first signal indicative of the detection of the presence of the subject, and receive, from the second detector, a second signal containing the detected object identifier. During operation, the processor is arranged to determine that an access event has occurred when it receives both the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A real-time location system including a backbone communication network having a plurality of network access point devices and a real-time location system server, a plurality of monitor devices where each monitor device being located at a location around a facility, each of the plurality of monitor devices being configured to transmit a unique monitor identification code using a secondary transmission technology, each of the monitor identifications codes being mapped to a single location in the facility at which a monitor device is located, each of the monitor devices further being configured to transmit an RF beacon using a first RF protocol, and at least one tag being configured to receive, detect and retransmit the monitor identification code back to at least one of the plurality of monitor devices using a second RF protocol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile transponder (12) for timing and position tracking, including: a reception unit (26) for receiving a message (50) when a measuring point (18) is passed; a processor (28) for evaluating the message to activate a tracking mode if the message includes activation information (54), and to determine a passing time at which the measuring point is passed if the message includes timing information (52); and a transmission unit (30) for periodically transmitting a tracking packet (56) with identity information (58) for reception by a tracking station (20) having a known position within communication range (22) if the tracking mode is activated, and for forwarding the passing time to the measuring point. The present invention further relates to a system and a method for timing and position tracking as well as to a use of the transponder and of the system for timing and position tracking of participants at a sports event.

Abstract: A method for controlling access in a location tracking system is provided. In response to detection of the presence of a mobile tag of the location tracking system in an area having at least one access control device, a location tracking device of the location tracking system activates the access control device to initiate establishment of a communication connection with the mobile tag so as to negotiate access rights of the mobile tag.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an appliance with respect to the appliance's energy usage, in which a signal relating to the energy used by the appliance is received, and a determination of whether to continue or interrupt a cycle of operation being conducted by the appliance is made based at least on part upon the receipt of the signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling power usage of a reporting device associated with an asset is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method determines whether the reporting device is in a sleep mode or an active mode and in response to determining the reporting device is in the sleep mode, the method maintains the sleep mode and in response to determining a state change associated with the reporting device, the method powers up the reporting device to the active mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including the steps of providing a plurality of wireless devices in a security system having a controller wherein each of the plurality of wireless devices registers with the controller and wherein at least one of the plurality of wireless devices operating as a child device registering with the controller through another of the plurality of wireless devices operating as a parent device, a processor of the security system monitoring a charge state of a respective battery that powers each of the plurality of wireless devices and a processor dynamically adjusting an electrical load within the plurality of wireless devices based upon the monitored charge state of the respective battery of the wireless devices in order to delay a first low battery warning from any of the plurality of wireless devices as much as possible thereby reducing site visits by a battery installer.

Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An RFID module including an antenna element forming an RFID antenna; an RFID circuit block to which the antenna element is connected; and a first resonance frequency adjustment circuit having an element that includes a drain terminal connected to the antenna element, a gate terminal that is grounded, and a source terminal that is grounded, wherein a pull-up resistor is connected between the drain terminal and a power supply.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting fixture including a light source, a light source controller, and an external controller plug. The light source controller controls power to the light source. The external controller plug allows an external controller to selectively engage a power source to the light source controller.

Abstract: In remote power down control of a device configured for externally initiated remote power down, such as over a network, activity of all externally connected sources of valid power down requests for the device is monitored; and the device is powered down in response to a combination of one of a received power down request and an inactivity time out with respect to each of the sources of valid power down requests for the device.

Abstract: A smoke detector employs a receiver and a remote transmitter to silence the audible alarm of the smoke detector in the event the detector was triggered by nuisance smoke. The receiver and transmitter circuits are designed to operate in a no-power or low-power consumption mode until the alarm is activated or the remote transmitter is actuated.

Abstract: An alarm tag comprising a first input unit for generating signals for setting (to ON) or resetting (to OFF) an alarm system of the alarm tag. The alarm tag further includes a second input unit for generating signals for arming the alarm tag and triggering an alarm, and an independent auxiliary input unit that generates independent signals that arm the alarm tag and trigger an alarm. When both the second and the auxiliary input units generate a first signal, the alarm system of the alarm tag is armed and set to ON, and when any of the second and third auxiliary input units generate a second signal while the alarm tag is armed and ON, the alarm system of the alarm tag triggers an alarm, thereby preventing tampering and bypassing of one of the second and auxiliary input units to disarm the alarm.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for monitoring fuel usage and/or remaining run time of backup power sources. In one embodiment, a method includes tracking run time of a backup power source; determining a current fuel level associated with the backup power source; and providing a fuel level warning. In another embodiment, a system includes a fuel monitoring system including logic that obtains a current run time corresponding to a backup power source; logic that determines a current fuel level based at least in part upon the current run time, the current fuel level corresponding to a fuel source supplying the backup power source; and logic that provides a fuel level warning based upon the current fuel level and a predefined fuel level threshold.

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 portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.

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: A notification appliance circuit (NAC) includes notification devices having a high capacity rechargeable energy storage device such as a supercapacitor and a strobe circuit. The supercapacitor can provide energy to produce flashes over an extended time period without fully discharging. The notification devices can also make use of the fallback power strategy in which the strobe circuit operates with reduced intensity while the supercapacitor is being recharged.

Abstract: A demand supply management system for an appliance receives information related to cost of energy use and communicates data to the associated appliance in response thereto. A single chip, light emitting diode (LED) device is preferably associated with a module or portion of the home appliance. The LED device conveys information relating to at least two of cost of energy use, signal strength, and module status. The LED device is preferably a single chip, single color solid-state LED device that is selectively actuated between “illuminated” and “non-illuminated” states, steady on, slow flash, fast flash, varying duration, intermittent “illuminated” and “non-illuminated”, etc. to convey information to the user.

Abstract: Device, system, and method of condition-based activation, shut-down and management of applications of mobile devices. For example, a method includes: based on one or more collected information items, determining whether or not a condition related to a mobile device is true; and based on the determination, controlling a monitored application of the mobile device by performing at least one of: activating the monitored application; shutting down the monitored application; activating a feature of the monitored application; deactivating a feature of the monitored application; and switching the monitored application from a first mode of operation to a second, different, mode of operation.

Abstract: Semiconductor relays switch power supplied from a power source to drive loads, and further detect current values of electric currents flowing through the loads. A control section intermittently turns ON the semiconductor relays via driving circuits, thereby limiting electric power consumption of the loads. Further, the control section calculates, based on the current values detected by the semiconductor relays, load electric power consumption of the loads, and estimated electric power consumption of the loads when the semiconductor relays are continuously ON, and allows a display section to display, as a value indicative of an energy-saving effect, an electric power amount difference i.e. a saved electric energy that is based on an electric power difference obtained by subtracting the load electric power consumption from the estimated electric power consumption.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein present methods and apparatus for an energy-saving status indicator. A method includes receiving a configuration of a first power consumption state for a status indicator light in a network device. The method then activates the first power consumption state using the configuration. After detecting a condition, the method activates a second power consumption state for the status indicator light. The transition from the first power state to the second power state may be from a low power state to a normal operating state or from a normal operating state to a low power state in various embodiments. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An energy management system for an appliance comprising an interface to receive a schedule having an off-peak time segment and an on-peak time segment; a control to determine an operation to be performed by the appliance; a mode selecting device to select between an energy management mode and an immediate start mode; and a controller connected to the interface, the control, and the mode selecting device. The controller is arranged such that upon selection of the energy management mode, the controller initiates the operation when a majority of the energy consumption of the operation is within the off-peak time segment; and upon selection of the immediate start mode, the controller initiates the operation immediately.

Abstract: A field device for use in monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes two wire process control loop electrical connections. Digital communications monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrical connections and is configured to control power to the field device electrical circuitry in response to a digital signal on the two wire process control loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching device for generating a switch signal, a reading device with the switching device and a method for the communication between a reading device and a transponder (T). The switching device includes an antenna (4), which with the help of an adapter circuit (AN) is adapted to a given resistance, and a measuring bridge (1), which includes two voltage dividers connected in parallel. The resistance acts in one of the voltage dividers and in the case of a change of the resistance the measuring bridge (1) generates the switch signal. This means when a transponder reaches the detection range of a reading device having the switching device, an additional impedance is coupled in, which acts on the measuring bridge (1). This change is recognized and leads to the generation of the switch signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for secure communication between an electrical utility company and an electricity customer, such that the customer is able to shed one or more loads in response to a load shed command from the utility company. A system server of the customer periodically connects to a utility server of the utility company using a standard computer protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The system server sends a request message via the Internet to the utility server. The request message provides data on the total possible load, the present power consumption, and the present load shed state of the electricity customer. The utility server receives the request message and responds to the request message by transmitting to the system server a response message, which includes a load shed command.

Abstract: Provided is a power control method for a mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader and an RFID reader using the same. The RFID reader includes: an RFID reader transmission/reception control unit for creating a message to be transmitted to an RFID tag and transmitting RFID tag information to a terminal control unit; a reader transmitting unit for encoding and modulating the created message; a power amplifier for amplifying an output signal; a reader receiving unit for demodulating and decoding the signal and transmitting the signal to the RFID reader transmission/reception control unit; and an RFID reader power control unit for controlling power, wherein when the RFID reader transmission/reception control unit receives a command for acquiring the RFID tag information, the RFID reader power control unit applies power to the power amplifier.

Abstract: A security system comprises a control panel configured to control devices in a security system, a keypad and an arm/disarm device. The keypad is in communication with the control panel and comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with the control panel and a magnet having a magnetic field extending within a predetermined proximity of the keypad. The arm/disarm device comprises a transmitter and a switch configured to activate the transmitter when the switch is in the magnetic field. The transmitter is further configured to transmit a low power signal when activated. The transceiver is further configured to receive the low power signal and transmit a message to the control panel. The control panel is further configured to change an Armed/Disarmed Mode of the system based on the message.

Abstract: A system for securing and releasing doors includes at least two electromagnetic latches and a controller. Each of the electromagnetic latches includes a coil configured to be energized by a power signal to create a magnetic field. The controller switches the power signal between the electromagnetic latches so that the power signal is supplied to the electromagnetic latches one at a time. The electromagnetic latches may be electromagnetic door holders, electromagnetic door locks, or any combination of the two.

Abstract: A sensor transmits and receives wireless signals at intervals. A sensor unit, a processor 130, a wireless transmitter circuit, and a wireless receiver circuit are activated in sequence only for a fixed time when the electric power generated by a generator circuit and charged in a capacitor reaches a preset level. Sensing information detected by the sensor unit is processed by the processor circuit and, information on the number of receivable bytes is added to the processing results in the wireless receiver circuit. This added information is sent as sensor information to the wireless host from the wireless transmitting circuit, and the wireless receiver circuit that activated after the wireless transmitter circuit was activated, receives a control information signal from the wireless host. This received information is processed in the processor circuit.

Abstract: A transformer system for sensing load requirements and controlling a transformer accordingly to reduce power consumption when the load is in a stand by mode. One embodiment of the system includes a transformer implemented to receive an input and transform the input for use by a load, a sensor connected between an output of the transformer and the load, a communication link including the sensor and being connected between the transformer and the load, and a control switch connected to the transformer and sensor through the communication link. The sensor detects a mode of load operation and communicates a corresponding load mode signal over the communication link.

Abstract: An autonomous-power radio device including an electromagnetic energy transducer having a permanent magnet (1), a soft-magnetic element (9), an electrical coil (6), and stop points (8a-8d). The electrical coil surrounds a part of the magnetic circuit, wherein the permanent magnet (1) and said soft-magnetic element (9) are arranged to form a magnetic circuit with a first flux direction. At least one of the soft-magnetic element (9) and the permanent magnet (1) is mounted for rotary movement about an axis (4) with respect to the other. End points of the rotary movement are formed by the stop points (8a-8d).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a device, such as a data recorder or other device, according to an adjustable schedule. One example of the apparatus includes a programmable timer having an alarm output, a power regulator having an enable input coupled to the alarm output, a controller coupled to the power regulator and to the programmable timer, the controller being configured to receive operating power from the power regulator, and a powered device coupled to the power regulator and configured to receive power from the power regulator. The regulator has an operating state in which the operating power is provided to the powered device and an idle state in which the operating power is not provided to the powered device. The regulator is configured to be activated into the operating state by activation of the alarm output and deactivated into the idle state by deactivation of the alarm output, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle collision/crossing warning system provides for simple, inexpensive and decentralized installation, operation and maintenance of a reliable vehicle collision/crossing warning system. The autonomous warning system preferably utilizes a single frequency TDM radio communication network with GPS clock synchronization, time slot arbitration and connectionless UDP protocol to broadcast messages among vehicles and components in the warning system. Adaptive localized mapping of components of interest within the warning system eliminates the need for centralized databases or coordination and control systems and enables new vehicles and warning systems to be easily added to the system in a decentralized manner. Preferably, stationary warning systems are deployed as multiple self-powered units each equipped to receive broadcast messages and to communicate with the other units by a low power RF channel in a redundant Master-Slave configuration.

Abstract: A method of reducing power consumption of a radio badge in a boundary detection localization system is disclosed, in which the radio badge is carried by a tracked target and performs location sampling communication with an infrastructure component of the localization system at the start and end of sampling time intervals such that positions of the radio badge can be estimated. The method includes: determining a velocity of the radio badge; estimating a critical time for the radio badge to reach a critical region through division in which a critical distance from an estimated position obtained at the end of a most recent sampling time interval to the critical region is the dividend, and the velocity of the radio badge is the divisor; and controlling the radio badge to perform location sampling communication with the infrastructure component of the localization system at the end of the critical time.

Abstract: A hazard alarm system includes a hazard alarm notification appliance, and a warning detector which detects a warning alert message from an external source (such as a governmental organization). The hazard alarm system processes the warning alert message and issues an alarm system alert via the notification appliance. In issuing the alarm system alert, the hazard alarm system determines whether, how, what, where, and/or when to issue the alarm system alert using the notification appliance.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement and a method for adjusting the power consumption of a load of a cooling fan motor of a motor vehicle that can be operated by a direct-voltage system has at least one semiconductor switch in the supply current circuit of the load, and a control unit for triggering the semiconductor switch or switches. The load is connectable via at least one sense field-effect transistor to the direct-voltage system the measurement output of the sense FET is connected to the control unit, and the control unit furnishes a signal corresponding to the current consumption of the load at the respective operating point.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to wireless systems, and also relating to battery life improvement for wireless devices through activity report combining. According to an example embodiment, a method is provided. The method may include determining a reporting period, detecting user activity at each of a plurality of detection points within the reporting period, and transmitting a message for the reporting period over a wireless link to report the detected user activity for the plurality of detection points.

Abstract: An energy constrained device (100) includes a motion sensor (150) operative to detect motion of the device (100); a device position determinator (130); and a controller (110) operatively coupled at the motion sensor (150) and to the device position determinator (130) and operative to receive a device location request for the energy constrained device (100), to determine whether the energy constrained device (100) has moved based on the motion sensor (150), and to determine whether to request position information from the device position determinator (130) based on device movement. A method for saving power for a device position determinator (130) in a energy constrained device (100) includes determining whether position information has been requested from the device position determinator (130); and if not so, automatically switching the device position determinator (130) to a low power consumption mode.

Abstract: A security system comprises a control panel configured to control devices in a security system, a keypad and an arm/disarm device. The keypad is in communication with the control panel and comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with the control panel and a magnet having a magnetic field extending within a predetermined proximity of the keypad. The arm/disarm device comprises a transmitter and a switch configured to activate the transmitter when the switch is in the magnetic field. The transmitter is further configured to transmit a low power signal when activated. The transceiver is further configured to receive the low power signal and transmit a message to the control panel. The control panel is further configured to change an Armed/Disarmed Mode of the system based on the message.

Abstract: An AV function section is provided with a standby mode serving to reduce power consumption during standby. An embedded controller provides such control as shifts or recovers the AV function section to or from the standby mode. Further, a network processor accepts, via a network such as a wireless LAN, a command causing the AV function section to shift to or recover from the standby mode. On the basis of this command, the network processor instructs, via a control signal line, the embedded controller to shift or recover the AV function section to or from the standby mode.

Abstract: An electronic device and a method of operating the device. The device receives a first signal having a first frequency and a predetermined signal strength and retransmits a signal after a latency period and during a time period. The device comprises an oscillation circuit operating in a sub-threshold area in a meta-stable, first mode of operation. When the first signal is received, the oscillation circuit is trigged and passes to an active mode in a second mode of operation, wherein the circuit oscillates. Finally, the device is reset to the first mode of operation. The device may have an identity, which is used for the purpose of the system, which may be an RFID system.

Abstract: A battery operated controller for a door operator includes a keypad backlit by a light emitting diode operably connected to a microcontroller which also controls operation of the controller. The microcontroller periodically measures ambient light as sensed by the light emitting diode and when a voltage level related to a predetermined light intensity decreases below a predetermined level the light emitting diode is energized to provide backlighting for the controller keypad. The intensity of backlighting may be varied in accordance with the amount of ambient light illuminating the keypad and above a certain intensity of ambient light the light emitting diode is de-energized to conserve battery power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling power to a load device. The apparatus include a standby loss prevention module or a transformer system including the module. The module and system are directed to sensing load requirements and controlling a transformer accordingly to reduce power consumption when the load is in a stand by mode. One method includes interposing a control switch between an electrical supply and a load device, determining when the load device requires full-level operational power, activating the control switch to interpose a step-up transformer between the electrical supply and the load device, providing full-level operational power to the load device, and deactivating the step-up transformer when the load device is not in use.

Abstract: A wireless position feedback device incorporated in a monitored device. The position feedback device measures a position of a moving element of the monitored device, generates a local power supply based upon local environmental characteristics and conditions. The wireless feedback device stores the local power supply for use in transmitting the measured position to a remote control system. The remote control system adjusts at least one operational parameter for the monitored device based upon the measured position.

Abstract: In a fire alarm system, a message is sent on a pair of power lines to a notification appliance. The notification appliance responds to the message by activating one or more of its notification devices. In a standby mode, only enough power is supplied to the plural notification appliances, at a first voltage level, to support two-way communications between a system controller and the notification appliances. In an active mode, power is supplied at a second voltage sufficient to operate audible and visible alarms of the notification appliance. The notification appliance may include an addressable speaker. The addressable speaker connects to and receives messages over the pair of power lines, has plural taps for selecting audio power. In response to a command, a selector in an addressed smart speaker selects a tap to select a particular audio power.

Abstract: An active radio frequency identification (REID) tag implemented on a flat label. The tag includes a battery printed on the label, a flat wide-band antenna printed on the label and a wide band communication circuit implemented as a chip inlay inside the label. The circuit is attached to the battery and to the antenna. The combined thickness of the battery, the antenna and the circuit as printed on the flexible label is less than one millimeter. The battery, the antenna and the circuit are printed on the label so as to render substantial flexibility to the RFID tag. The circuit operates at a center frequency of at least one gigahertz and a bandwidth at least twenty percent of said center frequency or a bandwidth at least 500 Mhz. The tag typically includes an inaccurate clock source such as an RC circuit and does not include a crystal.

Abstract: An electrical switch unit (1, 60, 61, 70) is provided for controlling the supply of electrical energy to an appliance (7, 65) that also has its own electrical control switch (38), in particular a water heater. The switch unit has a normally open load switch operatively closed by a electronic timer means, and a bypass detector circuit (25) is connected in parallel across the load switch so as to become energized when the electrical control switch of a connected appliance is closed. The timer means is operative to become activated consequent on the initiation of current flow through the detector circuit to effect closure of said load switch after a predetermined optionally adjustable time delay (that is independent of real-time), and to maintain the load switch in a closed condition for a time period after which the load switch is returned to its normally open condition.

Abstract: In a tamper detection system, a control system controls power consumption by sensors and power consumption of a state machine that controls operations of the sensors. A first state machine controls which sensor is activated. A second state machine controls the operations performed by the activated sensor and the operations are timed according to a clock signal. Prior to activating a sensor, the second state machine is in a wait state. The clock signal is gated so that the logic state of the clock signal does not change when the second state machine is in a wait state. Power consumption by the state machine is reduced by gating the clock signal so that the clock signal is held to a fixed value. Immediately after the activated sensor performs all operations, the second state machine samples the pass or fail result from the sensor.

Abstract: Active sensor circuitry for operating at low power and a low duty cycle while monitoring for an occurrence of an anticipated event.