Abstract: A power management and smart lighting system is provided that enables efficient distribution of DC power to various building features, including LED lighting. The power management system includes an intelligent power supply unit configured to convert AC power drawn from a building load center into a deadband DC waveform. The deadband DC power generated by the intelligent power supply unit is then transmitted over power-with-Ethernet cables to a plurality of distributed intelligent drivers, each configured to intelligently power one or more LED troffers. The intelligent drivers may be daisy-chained to one another by the power-with-Ethernet cables, enabling a power-ring architecture. To enable easy control of the drivers, intelligent sensors can be distributed throughout the topology and connected to the drivers (e.g., via power-with-Ethernet cables) to enable a wide array of lighting control options.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling a subscriber to a service provider to purchase goods or make donations to a third-party unaffiliated with the service provider. The system generates an electronic bill for a service provided to the user, where the electronic bill includes at least one selection for a purchase from or a donation to the third-party. The selection for purchase or donation from the user is received accompanied by an immediate or subsequent receipt of an indication of payment from the user. The payment indication includes payment for the service and the purchase or donation. The user has up until payment is actually made to revoke the purchase or donation selection. The transaction is completed by the service provider with the third-party to effectuate the purchase or donation.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling a subscriber to a service provider to purchase goods or make donations to a third-party unaffiliated with the service provider. The system generates an electronic bill for a service provided to the user, where the electronic bill includes at least one selection for a purchase from or a donation to the third-party. The selection for purchase or donation from the user is received accompanied by an immediate or subsequent receipt of an indication of payment from the user. The payment indication includes payment for the service and the purchase or donation. The user has up until payment is actually made to revoke the purchase or donation selection. The transaction is completed by the service provider with the third-party to effectuate the purchase or donation.

Abstract: A sensor module for use in a sensor network is described. The sensor module carries one or more sensor element, such as microphones or imaging devices, for detecting events in use. The sensor module has a locator for determining its location and preferably an orientation sensor for determining it location and a transceiver for communicating with other modules in the network or with a base station. The module also has a processor which is adapted such that, in use, the module communicates with other sensor modules and determines whether to operate in a sensing mode to detect events or a controlling mode. In this way a self organizing adaptive network is provided. The invention is particularly useful for rapid area deployment resulting in random placement such as by gun launch or air drop as once all the modules are deployed the network will work out which modules should act as sensor nodes and which should act as controlling nodes so as to maximise network efficiency.