Abstract: A security monitoring system for reducing the number of false alarms through verification comprises a remote system at a first location remote from a second location and a local system located at the second location. The remote system comprises a remote database. The local system is electronically linked with the remote system to provide indication of alarm events to the remote system and comprises at least one camera operable to capture at least one image of a local object in view of the camera, a local database operable to electronically store at least one template corresponding to an authorized object, and an image processing system operable to perform a visual verification. The visual verification comprises comparing the at least one image of the local object with the at least one template corresponding to the authorized object and, if a matching result occurs from the visual verification, suppressing indication of an alarm event to the remote system.

Abstract: A smoke detector that includes at least one image-forming reflective surface, at least one light source and at least one light sensor. In operation, at least one light source emits light from a first area thereon and the reflective surface focuses the light onto a second area that includes at least one light sensor, wherein the first area is smaller than the second area.

Abstract: An electric power line communication system operates with an electric power distribution system to provide, via premises power distribution lines, communication links among power line communication devices associated with the premises power distribution lines. A sensor unit and a first communication device may engage in two-way communication through the premises power distribution lines. The sensor unit may communicate data to a remote monitoring location via the first communication device or, if the first communication device is unreachable, via a second communication device. Alternatively, units associated with the premises power distribution lines may be arranged in a master-slave configuration, with a first unit configured to verify the functioning of two-way communication with the second unit. Also, a first unit may be connected to a high-voltage premises power distribution line, while a second unit may be connected to a low-voltage premises power distribution line.

Abstract: A security system senses intrusions into a shipping container through the opening of doors, cutting an opening, or removing the doors from their hinges. Intrusion information is transmitted to a remote receiver without interrogation, thereby reducing power consumption. Sensing is accomplished by employing a range-gated micro-impulse radar (“RGR”) that generates microwave pulses that bounce around the interior of the container. The RGR includes a range gate that enables measuring reflected signals during the time gate period that is set for the time it takes a pulse to propagate a maximum distance within the container and reflect back. A direct current signal level is produced that represents the average reflected signal level within the container, and a Doppler shift measurement is made that represents motion inside the container. The signals are conveyed to the transmitter for conveyance to the remote receiver.

Abstract: An electric power line communication system operates with an electric power distribution system to provide through premises power distribution lines highly reliable communication links among power line communication devices electrically coupled or located in proximity to the premises power distribution lines. Each power line communication device associated with a set of premises power distribution lines has an identification address. A master code identifies the power line communication devices as members of a system domain of power line communication devices associated with the set of premises power distribution lines. Association of the master code with the identification addresses renders the member power line communication devices capable of operation without unintended communication with power line communication devices associated with a separate, different set of premises power distribution lines.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method based on information about a shopper's location and behavior prior to approaching the check-out counter improves detection of fraud. A tracking mechanism tracks a shopper and merchandise as the shopper is shopping and generates a list of currently acquired items. At the point of sale, the list of currently acquired items is compared to the list of purchased items and any discrepancies are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of facilitating communication in an electrical power network having a complex impedance. The method includes modifying the complex impedance, and determining whether the modifying affected a quality of the communication.

Abstract: A system and method capture a comprehensive biometric profile, (e.g., height, build, and appearance) through non-intrusive identification and tracking throughout a site.