Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.

Abstract: A measurement device A includes a display section 10 capable of displaying measurement data obtained by measurement means 12, 13, 14a, a clock function section 16, an event time setting means 14b, 15 capable of setting the time of an event, and an elapsed time display processing means 14c that starts measurement of the elapsed time from the time of the event to the current time when the time of the event is set by the event time setting means and causes the display section 10 to display the elapsed time. With this arrangement, the user does not need to perform a troublesome task of calculating the elapsed time, and the measurement of a sample in a proper period of time after the event is promoted.

Abstract: An electron-emitting device includes an electroconductive member and a lanthanum boride layer on the electroconductive member and further includes an oxide layer between the electroconductive member and the lanthanum boride layer. The oxide layer can contain a lanthanum element. The lanthanum boride layer can be overlaid with a lanthanum oxide layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, processing apparatus, and computer readable recording medium for restricting input in association with a database. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of restricting input in association with a database, including searching a database for information that includes inputted data; and restricting input of subsequent data that is not included in the information in the database that includes the inputted data, wherein the inputted data includes at least one grapheme. According to the present invention, input of incorrect information that is probable to be inputted is restricted when the information is inputted through an input interface of a terminal, and the restriction is applied to Korean characters, English letters, special characters, numerals and the like, whereby input of correct information is induced from all aspects of characters.

Abstract: An indicating instrument such as a gauge may employ a light source, a face plate located in front of the light source, and a pointer that is rotatably mounted adjacent the face plate to indicate face plate positions. The pointer may be configured to emit at least two colors of light from a single color light source. The pointer may have a bottom surface, and a top surface that defines a channel to create lands on two levels. The top lands and bottom pointer surface may be equipped with hot-stamp foils of chosen colors to reflect or emit different colors of light from the pointer. A bottom foil may reflect light through the pointer while a top foil may emit light of a chosen color. The pointer shaft may be molded from a light-transmitting plastic material such as acrylic or polycarbonate.

Abstract: A combined and integrated audible and visual signal. A signal case is constructed of a light transmissive material. The case includes an exposed front end cover with one or more sound transmitting apertures for transmitting of sound out of the case. The case also has a tubular wall extending transversely from the exposed end cover for extending through a hole in a mounting panel. A piezoelectric transducer is mounted within the tubular wall and includes a diaphragm that is spaced from the exposed cover a distance to form an audio enhancing cavity between the diaphragm and the cover. A circuit board is also mounted within the tubular wall and spaced from the diaphragm on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the cover. Light sources are mounted to a surface of the circuit board facing the diaphragm. The tubular wall in the region between the cover and a plane transverse to the tubular wall through the diaphragm is, in the axial direction, smoothly continuous with no angled bends.

Abstract: The invention of the line monitor system is illustrated in the drawings labeled FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The primary purpose is to show where lines are formed and how long the wait is in the lines to the nearest 15 minute time interval. The times are to be updated by people monitoring the lines. Each line is to be updated every 15 minutes by the person monitoring the line. Once updated, the length of the line would be available for all to see from various places within the site as shown on the sign which is FIG. 1 of the drawings.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.

Abstract: A system for producing a notification. The system includes a control device that includes a processor, a master clock operably connected to the processor and configured to produce a master clock signal, a user interface operably connected to the processor and configured to generate an operational sequence based upon a user input, and a transmitter operably connected to the processor and configured to transmit the master clock signal and the operational sequence. The system further includes a plurality of output devices configured to establish a connection with the control device, to receive the master clock signal and the operational sequence via the established connection, and to produce a synchronized notification based upon the master clock signal and the operational sequence. The synchronized notification may include flashing lights, audible sounds, or other similar displays.

Abstract: A warning light device having a first warning lamp exhibiting at least one first light unit with at least one first lighting element for visually indicating at least one operating state of a first technical unit and at least one second warning lamp exhibiting at least one second light unit with at least one second lighting element for visually indicating at least one operating state of a second technical unit and having an electronic equipment connection for transmitting data and/or control signals between the technical units for monitoring several different technical units. This is achieved by having at least one electronic warning lamp connection for transmitting data and/or control signals between the at least two warning lamps and having the electronic warning lamp connection include at least one transmitter and/or receiver for the wireless control signal and/or data transmission.

Abstract: A proposal is made for a warning light for optically displaying at least one operating state, in particular a number of different operating states, of a technical device such as a machine, an installation, a vehicle or the like, having at least one luminous element for emitting a sequence of a number of illumination pulses within a specific time interval during the display of the specific operating state, the illumination characteristic of the illumination pulses being determined by at least one illumination parameter (P) such as brightness, illumination duration, frequency, color, direction of emission or the like, the perception of the optical display of the specific operating state, especially of a particularly critical operating state, is substantially improved. This is achieved according to the invention by virtue of the fact that an aperiodic change in at least one of the illumination parameters (P) is provided in the time interval.

Abstract: A Portable Information/Warning System includes a trailer, a battery-powered electronic changeable message board, an emergency light bar and a solar panel coupled to the electronic changeable message board over the emergency light bar. The emergency light bar comprises multiple alternately-flashing color lights. Alternate embodiments include the trailer being couplable to a vehicle, the message board being programmable with a variety of messages, and the angle of the solar panel being adjustable. The message board may also be configured to supply power to the emergency light bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile communication device and an input device provided for operating said communication device by means of which input operations necessary for using the communication device may be carried out. The aim of the invention is to provide solutions by means of which it is possible, in particular for relatively compact mobile electronic devices, in particular communication devices and digital cameras to carry out said input operations in a manner which is particularly easy to coordinate for the user.

Abstract: Marking information relating to the use of a marking system or a marking tool configured to dispense one or more markers to mark, on ground, pavement, or other surface, a location of an underground utility, is used to control a display device so as to visually display a dispensing of the one or more markers on an electronic representation of an area that is marked and includes the location of the underground utility.

Abstract: The prior art in this field had a display portion of electronic paper at a part of a shelf and showed a problem that the display portion and the goods were hardly co-related to each other in response to the arrangement of the goods. In view of the foregoing, plural images arranged in response to the number of stages of the shelves to be displayed are irradiated with a light source after each of the images is corrected in correspondence with the optical path length ranging from the light source to the end of each of the shelves, each of the images is guided to the end of each of the shelves by plural reflector members and then the images are displayed at the ends.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide improved detection of series fault conditions are described. The systems provide an increased range of response possibilities upon detection of such conditions. Solid-state temperature sensors are utilized and may be connected to a printed circuit board integrated with supply wire terminals, thus providing electronic circuitry controlling the response to over-temperature events while simultaneously keeping the temperature sensors in close proximity with the location of potential over-heating events. Electronic sensors in accordance with implementations of the present invention detect overheating conditions at temperatures more quickly because of the close proximity of the sensors to locations of potential overheating, thereby improving the safety of electrical wiring devices and fixtures. Additionally, the threshold temperature for response can more easily be selected or controlled to be at a variety of temperatures to improve safety.

Abstract: An improved portable storage device is disclosed having an interface, a controller in communication with this interface, a memory in communication with the controller, and a light-emitting-diode assembly in communication with the controller. The light-emitting-diode assembly has a first and a second light-emitting-diode element, the first and second light-emitting-diode elements emitting a first and a second color of light, respectively. The first light-emitting-diode element and said second light-emitting-diode element each independently controlled by the controller via pulse-width-modulation, to produce a third color which appears to be in between the first and second colors in wavelength, this third color indicative of the percent completion of an I/O task or the usage of the memory.

Abstract: A streaming communication apparatus transmits a packet requesting reservation of a bandwidth required for streaming communication towards a communication relay apparatus. The communication relay apparatus reserves a required bandwidth according to the request packet. Accordingly, stable streaming communication can be carried out.

Abstract: The use of pressure-sensitive controls is disclosed in which controls respond differently to different pressure applied by a stylus on a digitizer. Users interacting with displayed controls may modify the speed, increment, or other property of the control by pressing harder or softer. Devices that allow for the input of location and pressure information may use embodiments of the invention, including computers with pressure sensitive mice or digitizer tablets, PDAs, or tablet computers. Controls that may use pressure to augment their behavior include scrollbars, spinner controls, resize handles, buttons, drop down menus and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control panel assembly in which a light emitted from a single lamp is prevented from being dispersed nearby. A control panel assembly for a laundry machine, the control panel assembly includes a lamp supporter in which a plurality of lamps are installed to display functions selected by a user; a deco formed corresponding to the plurality of the lamps, the deco including a plurality of light-emitting holes through which a light emitted from each of the lamps passes; a light window including a light dispersion preventing part provided between the lamp supporter and the deco to prevent the light emitted from each of the lamps from being emitted through the other light-emitting holes except a single light-emitting hole corresponding each of the lamps.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly allows a hinge bracket to realize establishment of the opened attitude or the closed attitude of a second enclosure relative to a first enclosure. The second enclosure rotates relative to the hinge bracket around the second rotation axis. The second enclosure in this manner changes its attitude relative to the first enclosure. The hinge bracket stays where it is. The hinge bracket does not rotate. The position of the light sources is thus kept unchanged. The position of the light is maintained regardless of a change in the attitude of the second enclosure around the second rotation axis. The enclosure for an electronic apparatus is thus allowed to enjoy an enhanced appearance. This leads to an enhanced appearance of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Described herein is a novelty item and method for creating a novelty item that delivers a personalized video selected by the user. The invention further provides that the video can be rerecorded numerous times until a satisfactory video has been recorded. The invention further provides means for disabling the video recording mechanism when a satisfactory video is recorded. The invention further provides means for recharging the playback mechanism.

Abstract: Described herein is a novelty item and method for creating a novelty item that delivers a personalized message at the same time that at least a first sensory action occurs. The personalized message can be audio or visual and the sensory action can be audible, physical, visual or olfactory. The invention further provides a message can be rerecorded numerous times until a satisfactory message has been recorded. The invention further provides means for disabling the recording mechanism after satisfactory vocals are recorded.

Abstract: An article of print media that includes an electronic module that has at least one chip for storing data and for controlling the electronic module and first means for closing the electronic module such that at least a first video is shown.

Abstract: To provide a message image display device enabling a user to grasp a content of each message image when a plurality of message images are displayed. A display control unit (76) causes a display unit (82) to display a screen including a plurality of message images. A remaining-time-information storage unit (74) stores remaining time information corresponding to each of the message images. A judging unit (78) judges whether display of at least a part of the message image is limited by one or more other message images. A remaining-time-information updating unit (80) updates the remaining time information according to the judgment result made by the judging unit (78). The display control unit (76) limits display of each of the plurality of message images according to the remaining time information stored corresponding to the message image.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation and fire safety system has a plurality of signal devices. The clock source frequencies are tuned using the method and system such that the signals flash in synchronization continuously at a preset flashing interval upon detecting an alarm condition. A synchronization signal including a calibrated time position is broadcast at each predetermined time interval to all notification appliances. A time difference is computed between a local time position and the received calibrated time position by each of the notification appliances at each predetermined time interval and tuning the flashing of each of the one or more notification appliances by adjusting the preset flashing interval based on the computed time difference by each of the one or more associated notification appliances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing (i.e., housing) for receiving an electrical device, particularly a switching device or sensor, having at least one indicating apparatus for indicating different electrical states, particularly switching states, of the device. The casing is characterized in that each indicating apparatus has a plurality of indicating devices and that the indicating devices of one indicating apparatus are positioned facing one another on the casing in such a way that, from each viewing direction, at least one indicating device of each indicating apparatus can be seen.

Abstract: A provision is made for electro-magnetic wave detection, and identification of a natural element for interactive display by, with same or but not limited to wearable, portable, personal assist items or devices. Unnatural element identifification also recognizes resonace or induction but as a by product of electric/electronic discharge/eminence for display therewith. Network connections enable deployment: advertiser association, multicast, select scan, vehicle/carrier bodycounts, variable tracking for timed intervals, tracking carrier/advertiser local awareness or interactive pointing navigation device to dynamically reveal participants of prior network quiries with same. Diversity of the present invention is exemplified with the micro display platform; reactive absorbant material applied anatomically.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) configured to receive power from a multiple phase power source provides power for other devices in formats not previously available from PDUs. The PDU receives power in multiple phases and then separates the power into individual phases. The individual phases are then electrically coupled to separate output terminals. The output terminals then provide power to other devices in a format other than the original multiple phase format while maintaining safety features.

Abstract: A vehicular interior rearview mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having one of (a) a variable reflectance reflective element and (b) a prismatic reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display disposed behind and viewable through the reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a video camera having, when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle, a field of view that encompasses one of (i) the windshield of the vehicle and (ii) the driver of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include other electrical accessories such as, for example, a light, a rolling code garage door opener, and a microphone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.

Abstract: A wind gauge display apparatus comprising a control device and a reconfigurable display for displaying a first visual representation of a wind gauge if a wind angle is within a first range and displaying a second visual representation of the wind gauge if the wind angle is within a second range. The angles displayed on the reconfigurable display may be determined by input from a user. On the reconfigurable display, a location of a visual indicator of wind speed may be different in the first visual representation of the wind gauge than in the second visual representation of the wind gauge. The wind gauge display apparatus may also comprise a sensor for determining wind angle and wind speed.

Abstract: To display a temperature value in a passenger compartment (5), it is proposed to use a luminous pointer that is moved along a row of modules (7a, 7b . . . ) that are on or off. Values (9a, 9b . . . ) of this temperature are also marked on the panel (3), along this row. Depending on the temperature to be displayed, the pointer will be moved with a single module on for a first type of temperature values and two adjacent luminous modules on for a second type of temperature values that are intermediate between two successive values of the first type.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, a method comprises determining an orientation of a device, said device having at least one component with a selectable function. The method further comprises selecting a function for the at least one component based on the orientation.

Abstract: A dynamic emergency escape indicator primarily comprises a base, at least one light emitting device, a panel, at least one energy storage device and one or more lighting devices. By repeatedly turning on and off the at least one light emitting device in sequence, a plurality of indicating patterns can be presented in sequence continuously, thereby delivering a dynamic indicating effect. Orientations of the lighting devices can be adjusted as needed to illuminate particular objects so as to enhance lighting and guiding effects in case of emergency.

Abstract: A software tool, device, and method are disclosed for displaying schedule saturation. Schedule saturation indicators on an electronic display provide compact and easily comprehended visual overviews of the schedule saturations of days, weeks, months, etc, without attempting to display hour-by-hour schedule information. For example, a half-red, half-green rectangle can indicate that a day's schedule is half full. Optimal time periods can then be expanded for appointment scheduling. Visual indications of schedule saturation can vary in degree of filling, size, orientation, configuration, location, marking density, shading, color hue, and color intensity.

Abstract: A logic circuit, for controlling display lights of a hard disk, includes a flip-flop, a logic gate and a buffer. The flip-flop receives a clock signal, a reset signal and a data signal and generates an output signal, in which the clock signal and the reset signal are obtained by a timing process of the data signal. The logic gate generates a logic signal according to the data signal and the output signal. The buffer receives the logic signal and an action signal. The logic signal enables the buffer such that the action signal passes through the buffer to drive a normal light during the normal operation of the hard disk, and the data signal drives a failure light during the failure or rebuilding operation of the hard disk. A method for controlling the display lights of the hard disk is also disclosed.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load, the load control device comprising a bidirectional semiconductor switch operable to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the load, the semiconductor switch having a control input; a controller operatively coupled to the control input of the semiconductor switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to the load; an actuator operatively coupled to the controller such that the controller is operable to determine a desired amount of power to be delivered to the load in response to actuations of the actuator; and a visual display responsive to the controller; wherein the controller is operable to illuminate the visual display to a first intensity upon actuation of the actuator and to subsequently illuminate the visual display to a second intensity less than the first intensity after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: A monitor system has at least first and second child units that can each monitor audio at a different location and can each transmit signals representative of the audio monitored. A parent unit can receive the signals from the first and second child units. In one aspect, the parent unit can have at least one multi-color notification light that can be illuminated in a first color when receiving the audio monitored by the first child unit and a second color different from the first color when receiving the audio monitored by the second child unit. In another aspect, the parent unit can emit an audible notification representing the audio monitored by each of the child units. In this aspect, a volume control is in communication with the parent unit and can be operated to adjust a volume level of the emitted audible notification for each of the child units independent of the other child units.

Abstract: When an ignition switch is turned on to display an image on a display apparatus, the display apparatus first displays a needle image of meter images and a warning indicator image. Out of the meter images, the display apparatus displays the needle image for a specified time period (e.g., 0.2 seconds), and then displays a dial image. After displaying the dial image for a specified time period, the display apparatus displays a navigation image. The specified time period may be set to 0.5 through 1.0 second, for example, long enough to visually check or recognize display of the meter image and the warning indicator image. Accordingly, it is possible to visually check the meter image and the warning indicator image while the navigation image is not displayed.

Abstract: An intraoral illumination apparatus is disclosed. The intraoral illumination apparatus of the present invention includes a pair of holders (1), a plurality of illuminants (7), which are provided in each holder (1), and a link unit (2), which connects the holders (1) to each other. Each N holder (1) has a U-shaped cross-section and is made of harmless synthetic resin. Furthermore, the outer surface of the holder may be coated with latex, rubber, silicone or the like, which is soft and harmless to humans. Several illuminants (7) are provided in each holder (1) at positions adjacent to the oral cavity. LEDs (light emitting diodes) or other various well-known illuminants may be used as the illuminants (7). The present invention can illuminate the oral cavity or larynx of a patient without casting shadows and prevent a dark unlit spot from being created in the oral cavity or larynx, thus facilitating medial examination and treatment.

Abstract: An on-board information system is provided, including a help facility, which is operable to provide information to a requester. The information comprises audio or audio-visual descriptions for operating various systems and control devices, using on-board or off-board devices. An information system is provided, comprising a requestor-initiated information inquiry device, an information storage system, and, an information communications center. The information storage system communicates information to the communications center based upon a request for information initiated by the requester to the information inquiry device. The request for information can be canceled during delivery. The system is applicable to vehicles and other systems wherein operators may have limited knowledge of functioning of all aspects of the system.

Abstract: In order to adjust the luminance of indicator lights of a piece of monitoring and control equipment for an airplane, the control for regulating luminous intensity of legends and displays is used to act on the luminance value of the indicator lights. When the indicator lights are illuminated in a “day” mode, the luminance of the indicator lights is independent from the regulation of the luminous intensity of legends and displays. When the indicator lights are illuminated in a “night” mode corresponding to a reduced luminance of the indicator lights relative to the “day” mode, the luminance of the indicator lights can take at least two values according to the luminous intensity regulation value of the legends and displays.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a transceiver capable of connecting a utility meter to a wireless network, and a visual indicator capable of displaying a status of a connection between the utility meter and the wireless network. The visual indicator can be an LED, whose display state indicates the status of network connectivity. Alternatively, the visual indicator can be an integrated digital display of the meter that is typically used to indicate a metering parameter, such as total consumption or rate of consumption.

Abstract: An energy savings and surge protection devices device that saves electrical energy by optimizing the power factor in single-phase and three-phase applications through the use of capacitors (10) with fixed levels of capacitance and variable capacitance capacitors (13) while providing selectable periods of correction for periods of high or low energy demand through the use of on/off switches/buttons (6), timers (12), meters (17), and servo-loop controls (14) which are used to activate and deactivate capacitors (10) with fixed levels of capacitance and/or discreet capacitive cells (15) of variable capacitance capacitors (13). Additionally, surge protection is promoted through the use of surge arresters (11), also called metal oxide varistors (MOVs).

Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.

Abstract: A system and method for discouraging stop-arm violations is provided having a image recording means positioned on a stop-arm of a bus, ice cream truck or other such vehicle. The image recording means may be a digital still camera or video camera and is connected to a storage unit, such as a video cassette recorder (VCR), a digital video recorder (DVR) or solid-state memory storage. The image recording means is configured to activate and begin recording images when the stop-arm is fully extended and cease recording of images once the stop-arm is fully retracted.

Abstract: The present invention is a lighting control system including at least one local device and a plurality of lighting devices. The communication transmission medium between the local device and the lighting devices is provided with directional characteristics, and the lighting devices are selected and designated, as needed, using ID information. A designated lighting device is lighted up and performs light intensity setting. A judgment is carried out as to whether or not the relation between an illumination at a desired position and a target illumination satisfies a predetermined condition, and causes the illumination at the desired position to approach the target illumination by letting the plurality of lighting devices successively perform a procedure of increasing/decreasing their respective light intensities based on a result of the judgment.

Abstract: A measurement indication method and an apparatus to indicate difference between a measured result taken by a medical measurement instrument and a normal digital value according to medical theory. The medical measurement instrument includes at least a measurement element, a power supply, at least one processing unit and the apparatus to implement the measurement indication method. The apparatus includes a plurality of indication lamps capable of emitting light of three or more colors. The number and lighting color of the indication lamps can be changed sequentially according to the difference of the measured digital value and a normal digital value range. Thereby users can easily determine the difference between the measured result and the normal value. And the measured value can be indicated in graphics.

Abstract: An approach involving light use for multiple purposes in a portable computing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method can include: programming a visual state information indicator in a portable computing device; mapping the visual state information indicator to a light source and a parameter of a device module; receiving a monitoring signal from the device module, where the monitoring signal conveys a state of the parameter in real-time; and adjusting the light source in response to a comparison of the monitoring signal against the programmed visual state information indicator.