Abstract: A model-based system and method for analyzing power source performance and optimizing operational costs are provided. Data from the power source (such as a battery) and/or a device associated with the power source is analyzed and processed to predict an operating life of the power source. This could allow, for example, a power source replacement schedule to be generated for the device. If the analysis indicates that abnormal conditions exist or that any user-defined alerts are warranted, a message could also be sent to an operator terminal. The system and method may continue to monitor the device and thus provide real-time data. The data may also be stored in memory, collected over time, and analyzed or used in various ways. The system and method thus provide a cost effective and reliable analysis of power source performance and any associated operational and replacement costs.

Abstract: A measurement system and method combine an audio announcement system with a plurality of spaced apart wirelessly coupled devices which evaluate speech intelligibility of audio output from loudspeakers of the audio announcement system. Processing can take place at some or all of the devices as well as at a common control element. Evaluations can be based on use of a method which maps to a Common Intelligibility Scale.

Abstract: A target radio can be located and tracked by an array of anchor radios. The anchor radios are calibrated when each anchor radio transmits an anchor message that is received by the other anchor radios. The distance between anchor radios is known because their positions are known. The received signal strengths are dependent on distance and an attenuation value. The calibration operation uses the received signal strengths and known anchor radio locations to determine the attenuation values of the anchor radios. After calibration, a target radio transmission can be received by the anchor radios. Each anchor radio estimates the distance to the target. The distance estimates and the anchor locations can then be used to determine the target radio's location.

Abstract: Members of a plurality of loud speakers receive control commands or signals via audio communication lines. The control commands, or, signals are responded to by those speakers which have been previously addressed.

Abstract: A system for tracking persons and other objects in a structure in which a plurality of low power transmitter beacons send identifiers to any receiver within range of the beacons. The beacons are attached to the building at known locations that are used as reference points. The person or object carrying the receiver then uses the information of those beacons to determine the location in the structure of the receiver. The data can be sent to a command center or other monitoring location or it can be processed on site by the receiver.

Abstract: A system and method to detect acoustic signals from fire sprinkler heads discharging water and to locate such devices in a public building, airport, sports stadium or other structure which can include a system to measure speech intelligibility. Time and frequency domain analysis are carried out to establish the presence of signals characteristic of water discharge from a fire sprinkler.

Abstract: A system for tracking persons in a structure, using a mobile unit for transmitting a distinctive beacon signal to a wireless array network of RF transceivers when the signal is within a predetermined distance of one or more RF transceivers, and transmitting the received RF beacon signal and a signal representative of itself to other RF transceivers through the array to a computer gateway. The computer determines the location of the mobile unit from the transmitted signals and displays the location.

Abstract: A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices, to the remote console.

Abstract: A monitoring station displaced from a plurality of regional monitoring systems communicates therewith via a computer network, such as the Internet. The station can interrogate one or more selected systems and evaluate responses therefrom. The station can dispatch detector specific messages to a selected alarm system to retrieve data therefrom or forward commands or data thereto.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector incorporates an audio transducer for discrimination between alarm and non-alarm conditions. The transducer can provide occupancy information. In addition, a monitoring system can graphically present information as to the location of individuals, such as fire fighters, in the region.

Abstract: A plurality of displaced paging systems can be controlled from a common paging facility via a computer network such as the Internet. Real-time streaming audio can be transmitted, via the network to one or more identified facilities and/or zones and broadcast thereinto.