Abstract: A signal processing device includes: a superposing circuit for generating a superposed signal obtained by superposing a data signal indicative of prescribed information on an operation signal relating to an operation element of an electric apparatus; an information storage part for storing the prescribed information; a signal transmission terminal for inputting/outputting the operation signal or the superposed signal to/from the electric apparatus or apparatus control devices; and an information transmission terminal for inputting/outputting information to/from an information transfer device which executes reading of information stored in the information storage part and/or writing of information in the information storage part. The signal processing device is connected to an external device via a connector member. Each of the terminals is provided in an area that is inside the connector member in a state where the signal processing device is connected to the external device via the connector member.

Abstract: An electrical device configured to transmit or receive a signal related to an operation element and transmit a data signal using a small number of wirings is realized. An electrical device includes a first terminal and a second terminal to which a pair of signal lines are connected, an operation element connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a transmission circuit configured to operate using a voltage between the first terminal and the second terminal as a power source. The second terminal transmits an output signal according to a state of the operation element to the outside, and the transmission circuit superimposes a data signal on the output signal and transmits the data signal from the second terminal to the outside.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for power metering are described herein. One device includes a first integrated circuit configured to collect metering information, a second integrated circuit configured to communicate the collected metering information to a user interface of the power metering device, and a third integrated circuit configured to configure the first integrated circuit and store parameters for the second integrated circuit, wherein each of the first, second, and third integrated circuits include a single communication port configured to communicate with the other respective communication ports.

Abstract: A sensor terminal which processes a sensor signal output from at least one sensor and transmits the sensor signal being processed to a center device through a network control unit and a communication line, includes a communication interface unit capable of being connected to the network control unit, a sensor input interface unit being connected to the sensor and inputting the sensor signal, and a control unit generating sensor data from the sensor signal input through the sensor input interface unit and transmitting sensor data corresponding to a request signal of the center device which is input through the communication interface unit from the network control unit or active sensor data to the center device through the network control unit from the communication interface unit.

Abstract: Techniques for navigating a user interface and for selecting a utility node from within a cluster of utility nodes are described herein. The user interface may display an icon representing the cluster of utility nodes. A selection (e.g., made by a user) of the icon may be received and a list of the utility nodes that are represented by the icon may be displayed. Selection of a particular utility node from the list may be received, and an action may be performed on the selected utility node. The action may include displaying utility information associated with the utility node, zooming in on the utility node, and/or receiving information from an individual with which to configure the utility node.

Abstract: A method and system for activity monitoring of a user are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises calibrating posture by the user to determine a calibration vector. The method includes validating the calibration vector by comparing an anteroposterior axis to a threshold, wherein activity of the user is monitored using the validated calibration vector. In a second aspect, a wireless sensor device comprises a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device includes an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive a posture calibration request from the user and to determine a calibration vector based on the received request. The application, when executed by the processor, further causes the processor to validate the calibration vector by comparing an anteroposterior axis to a threshold, wherein activity of the user is monitored using the validated calibration vector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for prioritizing the processing of messages sent between site transceivers (12, 15) at utility meter data origination sites (10) and gateway transceivers (20, 30, 40) in a fixed meter data collection network. To reduce message processing time, priorities are assigned for processing messages destined for mobile gateways, messages sent to assigned gateways, and messages sent to any gateway after not receiving an acknowledge signal from an assigned gateway. The gateway transceiver also has four receivers for processing four respective messages on four different frequency channels to further reduce processing time and to conserve power usage at the site transceivers.

Abstract: A power device may include channels coupled to conductors in lines, where each one of the channels is coupled to a different one of the lines than the other channels and where the channels deliver direct current power signals over the conductors to the load devices. Each one of the load devices may be powered by a different one of the direct current power signals. The power device may include a power communicator that communicates with the load devices over the conductors that propagate the direct current power signals. The power communicator may determine a target power level for the load devices based on the communication over the conductors. The load device may adjust an amount of power in the direct current power signals in order to match the target power level.

Abstract: Tampering with an electricity network is detected from an electricity meter by transmitting a probe signal over at least part of the electricity network (12) from a signal source (106a) in the electricity meter (10). A reflected signal produced by reflection of the probe signal in the electricity network (12) is received back. The reflected signal is compared with a reference signal. An alarm signal is generated when said comparing detects a deviation between the reflection signal and the reference signal, in particular when reflections from a new position on the electricity network near the electricity meter are detected.

Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

Abstract: A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to identify devices including a first set of commands to identify devices in a first state and a second set of commands to identify devices in a second state, wherein devices identified in the first state are placed in the second state and devices identified in the second state are placed in the first state.

Abstract: A method for transferring energy between first and second units with first and second meters and subscriptions to first and second backend platforms, as well as a first unit for supporting such energy transfer, where the backend platforms execute an authentication procedure and a switch is unbarred by the first control box upon successful execution of the authentication procedure. A second control box sends an amount of the transferred energy measured by the second meter to the first control box energy consumption data is sent to the backend platforms, and a consumption clearing procedure is executed between the first and the second units at the backend platforms by means of the received energy consumption data.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having an input device for receiving a gesture based input from a user is used to control a navigation operation of an appliance. The portable electronic device receives via the input device the gesture based input and uses one or more parameters stored in a memory of the portable electronic device and one or more characteristics associated with the gesture based input to cause the portable electronic device to transmit a navigation step command to thereby control the navigation operation of the appliance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of providing a selected sample rate for sensor measurements are provided, which in one aspect may include a circuit configured to receive sensor signals as a first series of count rates corresponding to sensor the sensor measurements, each count rate representing a value of a parameter of interest, at least two accumulators configured to alternately accumulate the count rates in the series of count rates over a time period that corresponds to a selected sample rate and a controller configured to control the time periods for the at least two accumulators.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to network management using visual identifiers. In one of many possible embodiments, a network management system includes a visual identifier device located visibly proximate to a network device. The visual identifier device includes a set of visual identifiers and a selector mechanism configured to be manipulated to select at least one of the visual identifiers to be assigned to the network device. The network management system also includes a display device configured to display a visual representation of said selected visual identifier.

Abstract: A device and method of counting pulse or switch contact signals over time from any commodity in various applications such as manufacturing and process control is provided. The device includes a pulse splitter relay that generates a first output pulse signal and a second pulse output signal. The first output pulse signal is transmitted to a recorder that receives the pulse signal and stores data such as date and time information when the pulse signal was received. The second output pulse signal is transmitted to a downstream system, such as a building management system for example. The data from the recorder and the downstream system may be compared to verify the pulse signals and identify potential sources for error.

Abstract: A method for transferring energy between first and second units with first and second meters and subscriptions to first and second backend platforms, as well as a first unit for supporting such energy transfer, where the backend platforms execute an authentication procedure and a switch is unbarred by a first control box upon successful execution of the authentication procedure. A second control box sends an amount of the transferred energy measured by the second meter to the first control box, energy consumption data is sent to the backend platforms, and a consumption clearing procedure is executed between the first and the second units at the backend platforms by means of the received energy consumption data.

Abstract: A configurable field device for automation technology with a partially dynamically reconfigurable logic chip FPGA, in which function modules are dynamically configured during runtime, and to a method for operating the configurable field device.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodologies for providing improved functionality of a meter in a 2-way communications arrangement, such as an Advanced Metering System (AMS) or Infrastructure (AMI). More particularly, the present technology relates to methodologies and apparatus for providing load side voltage sensing for utility meters which preferably are operable with remote disconnect features in an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) open operational framework. The present subject matter provides enhanced capabilities resulting in improved functionality, increased safety, and greater economy vis-à-vis fraud detection for individual metrology components in an open operational framework. Meters per the present subject matter utilize a detection circuit, which is situated generally downstream of a remote disconnect functionality. Such detection circuit is able to sense whether voltage exists or doesn't exist at such relatively downstream, or load side location.

Abstract: Channel estimation and signal equalization is used in a mud-pulse telemetry system for uplink communication during drilling of wellbores.

Abstract: A transmission system for a measurement device on a coordinate positioning apparatus comprises a station (18) mounted on the measuring device (10) and a station (20) mounted on the coordinate positioning apparatus (22), wherein the stations communicate with each other using a spread spectrum radio link, for example frequency hopping. The station on the probe sends a regular signal and on receiving the signal the station on the coordinate positioning apparatus synchronises its clock and sends an acknowledgement signal. Measurement data is either sent in the regular signal or in a measurement event driven signal.

Abstract: Utility meter modules, antenna modules, pit sets, and pit lid assemblies are described, with regard to automated meter reading (AMR) systems, that prevent metering signal attenuation, pit leakage, and battery drainage, along with other advantages, and which minimize the likelihood of damage and tampering.

Abstract: A water meter transceiver coupled to a water meter has a head portion that houses a processor having a transceiver. The transceiver transmits water utility consumption data received from the water meter. A stem is coupled to the head portion and has a hollowed portion for containing a power source that is coupled to the processor. The stem may include threads to receive a nut that positions the head portion to a lid of a water meter container. The stem may include a switch that is coupled to the processor and configured to activate when the nut is coupled to the stem. If the nut is removed without authorization, the switch reports such, thereby causing the processor to execute a predetermined action, such as communicating an alert or disabling the water meter so as to prevent theft of the water utility.

Abstract: A sensor circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter, a control circuit, a calculation circuit, and a pulse width modulation converter. The analog-to-digital converter converts an electric signal associated with a detected physical quantity to sensor data by sampling the electric signal a predetermined sampling number times per a predetermined sampling section. The control circuit determines the sampling number based on a magnitude of the electric signal. The calculation circuit calculates an average value of all the sensor data per the sampling section. The pulse width modulation converter generates a pulse width modulation signal having a pulse width corresponding to the average value.

Abstract: The operating method is based on the simultaneous application of FM and AM. In this process, the fundamental frequency of the AM is derived from at least one, preferably the second, longitudinal mode. In continuous operation of the lamp, the color temperature is set for a prescribed power by setting the AM degree controllably.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting, at a central station, utility consumption data from a plurality of sites, by a meter unit and a booster unit for each site. The meter unit includes a measuring device for measuring the utility consumption at the respective site; a storage device for storing the measured utility consumption during successive relatively-short time intervals; and a short-range transceiver. This booster unit includes a short-range transceiver for communication with the short-range transceiver of the meter unit at the respective site via a short-range transmission channel; and a long-range transmitter for transmitting utility consumption data to the central station via a long-range transmission channel.

Abstract: A remote energy meter system and method is provided having a meter server and a client module located remotely from the meter server. The meter server communicates with the client via a wireless communications link to recover energy production parameter values. The remote energy meter system preferably provides real-time and automated monitoring of, at least, energy production and system failure parameters.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring distributed electric power are disclosed, including energy devices with a sensor for monitoring an electric circuit, and a memory to store sensor measurements. Various techniques are disclosed for using polymeric RAM, 1T-DRAM, enhanced SRAM, magnetoresistive RAM, organic RAM, chalcogenide RAM, holographic memory, PLEDM, single-electron RAM, fractal cluster glass memory and other technologies in energy devices with high-endurance, high-density, high-capacity, non-volatile, solid-state, or removable memories.

Abstract: The computer system and method provides a community map of a plurality of types of utility resources. Software displays a graphic map with visual references to a plurality of types of utility resources. The software also includes instructions that associate data relating to instances of the utility resources and display the data on the display. The method of creating a community map of a plurality of types of utility resources involves associating a plurality of maps of utility resources into a single graphic representation, associating related data with each utility resource; and providing a link between positions on the graphic representation and the associated data that enables display of the associated data when a position on the graphic representation corresponding to a utility resource is activated.

Abstract: A communication system transmits data between a plurality of locations. The communication system is suitable for use by a utility provider to monitor a plurality of metering devices from a remote location. The communication system in accordance with use by a utility provider to monitor metering devices comprises a control for at least receiving data, a plurality of metering devices arranged in a defined number of metering groups for transmitting data associated with an amount of usage of a utility, and a defined number of concentrators, each operably connected to the control and one metering group for transmission of data between the control and plurality of metering devices.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is, as for a data communication among the nodes sharing, managing and maintaining the replicated data, to reduce the communication traffic by utilizing attributes of individual communication media. The application program of the node on the transmitting side inserts the data object into the data store, and the data synchronizer transmits an update message including the differential data and the log number. The node on the receiving side compares the log number of the update log data of its node and the log number of the update message it has received, and decides whether or not to adopt the update message.

Abstract: A novel basic allergen/particulate data collection device and a novel multi-function personal air quality management device are disclosed. Both devices include sensor sub-assembly detecting and reporting on allergen/particulate data (preferably, for allergen/particulate with sizes smaller than 5 micron) for an indoor location (where the asthma patient is situated). Both devices are communication enabled to allow the allergen/particulate data to be provided to an air/asthma advice server, to generate air/asthma advice for an asthma patient, taking into consideration the allergen/particulate data as well as air quality data for a surrounding outdoor area of the indoor location. In one embodiment of the basic device, the communication interface is tailored for “harsh environment” local area networking.