Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an alternator, and a battery bank electrically connected to the alternator via a connection line. The connection line includes a current sensor configured to measure an electrical current through the connection line. The vehicle also includes a start-stop system configured to determine, during a time when the engine is off, that a voltage of the battery bank is below a first threshold value for a first predetermined period, provide a control signal to a starter to start the engine to initiate charging of battery bank, determine, by the current sensor, that the electrical current is below a second threshold value, and in response to the determination, provide a control signal to turn the engine off to terminate the charging of the battery bank.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an intuitive and semi-automated means of collecting and managing crowdsourced data via a crowdsourcing platform, and further leveraging the crowdsourced data to provide various features and services in the field of workplace and building automation and management.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing geolocation services in a mobile-based crowdsourcing platform. More specifically, the system of the present invention includes a plurality of remote mobile devices and a visible light communication (VLC) enabled lighting system configured to communicate and exchange data with a cloud-based service, such as a crowdsourcing platform. The crowdsourcing platform generally provides a geolocation service based on the crowdsourcing, or polling, of users of the mobile devices, in addition to VLC data captured by the VLC-enabled lighting system, so as to determine location and movement of the users within a specific environment. The system is further configured to automatically render a floor plan or layout of a location based on the user data and VLC data.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing interactive visual images in a mobile-based crowdsourcing platform. More specifically, the system of the present invention includes a plurality of remote mobile devices and a visual imaging system configured to communicate and exchange data with a cloud-based service, such as a crowdsourcing platform. The crowdsourcing platform generally provides a geolocation service based on the crowdsourcing, or polling, of users of the mobile devices, in addition to visual data captured by the visual imaging system, so as to determine location and movement of the users within a specific environment. The system is further configured to automatically render an augmented or virtual reality floor plan or layout of a location based on the user data and visual data.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing a mobile-based crowdsourcing platform configured to provide an intuitive and semi-automated means of collecting and managing user-driven data by leveraging text messages. The crowdsourcing platform is configured to leverage a Short Message Service (SMS) communication system for generating and transmitting command text messages to mobile devices of users of the service. The command text messages essentially elicit or otherwise train/educate the user's mobile device to automatically transmit requested data back to the crowdsourcing platform, the requested data including the location or position of the user within a given environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing cross-device native functionality for a native app. More specifically, the invention is directed to a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data exchange format for use with a native app running on a user's mobile device, wherein the exchange format is configured to improve user experience and interaction with the app. The present invention may be particularly useful in a mobile-based crowdsourcing platform in which data is continually exchanged between remote user devices and a cloud-based service for collecting and managing user-driven data based on user interaction with native apps on their devices.

Abstract: A flexible intelligent electrical switching device with multi-function capability, and methods of use are presented herein which provide an autonomous, reconfigurable switching device. The present disclosure is specifically designed to reduce space, cost of manufacture, efficiency, installation reduction time and ease of implementation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for improved building systems management and maintenance. The present invention provides a system for providing an augmented reality-like interface for the management and maintenance of building systems, specifically the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems within a building, including the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for providing a mobile-based crowdsourcing platform configured to provide an intuitive and semi-automated means of collecting and managing user-driven data by leveraging text messages. The crowdsourcing platform is configured to leverage a Short Message Service (SMS) communication system for generating and transmitting command text messages to mobile devices of users of the service. The command text messages essentially elicit or otherwise train/educate the user's mobile device to automatically transmit requested data back to the crowdsourcing platform, the requested data including the location or position of the user within a given environment.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a start-stop system configured to stop and restart operation of the engine in response to predetermined triggers, and an auxiliary air conditioning AC system including a controller communicably coupled to the start-stop system. The start-stop system is configured to provide a first indication to the auxiliary AC system indicating ignition of the engine and a second indication to the auxiliary AC system after stopping the engine. The auxiliary AC system is configured to turn off the auxiliary AC system in response to receiving the first indication and restart the auxiliary AC system in response to receiving the second indication.

Abstract: A flexible electrical system distribution, switching, and protection solution having two or more autonomous electrical switching devices and optionally adding circuit protection and manual switching in one self-contained device. A printed circuit board assembly is configured to operate two or more electrical switch functions to act from a remote signal input or autonomously, independently or simultaneously. The printed circuit board can be assembled into a housing where multiple independent circuits on the printed circuit board assembly can be permanently electrically connected to each other through electrical conductors thus reducing the number of independent circuits within the assembly. The assembly further consists of an electrically isolative housing and terminal studs and retaining nuts capable to receiving electrical cable ring terminals.

Abstract: A system and method for crowd-sourced environmental system control and building maintenance includes a server for providing selective access to building occupants and managers. Users are permitted to generate building reports in the form of (i) thermal reports using a thermal report module, and/or (ii) maintenance reports using a maintenance report module. The reports are each geo-located to locations within the building, and are then captured, stored, and aggregated at the server. The aggregated reports are sorted according to their geo-locations and comfort rules are used to (i) permit a manager at a client computer to access the server to respond, and/or (ii) automatically respond and assign a response status to particular reports. An inspection checklist interface is generated and populated to display a list of preventative maintenance tasks, each of the tasks being user-selectable to designate completion, with the updated status of the reports being stored at the server.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for visualizing workplace layout safety. A data structure of a workplace layout is processed to identify workplace objects and determine their respective locations. Likely locations of individuals are determined, corresponding to locations of the workplace objects. Safety parameters indicative of a required minimum separation between individuals are received, and a 3D model representation of the workplace layout is generated with a plurality of safety zones, each of the safety zones having a location corresponding to one of the likely locations of individuals in the workplace layout, and having a size corresponding to the safety parameter. Interference between at least two of the safety zones is determined, and a visual representation of the workplace layout is generated using the 3D model representation with a first visual indicator indicative of the safety zones, and a second visual indicator indicative of the determined interference between safety zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for improved building systems management and maintenance. The present invention provides a system for providing an augmented reality-like interface for the management and maintenance of building systems, specifically the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems within a building, including the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Abstract: The auxiliary AC system includes a temperature measurement device configured to generate a variable output based on an air temperature in an environment proximate to the AC system and a compressor control circuit communicably coupled to a variable speed motor. The compressor control circuit is configured to receive the variable output from the temperature measurement device, determine that the output indicates a change in the air temperature, and generate a control signal for the variable speed motor, the control signal including a current having a magnitude depending on the extent of the change to vary a rate at which a compressor pressurizes a refrigerant vapor.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing geolocation services in a mobile-based crowdsourcing platform. More specifically, the system of the present invention includes a plurality of remote mobile devices and a visible light communication (VLC) enabled lighting system configured to communicate and exchange data with a cloud-based service, such as a crowdsourcing platform. The crowdsourcing platform generally provides a geolocation service based on the crowdsourcing, or polling, of users of the mobile devices, in addition to VLC data captured by the VLC-enabled lighting system, so as to determine location and movement of the users within a specific environment. The system is further configured to automatically render a floor plan or layout of a location based on the user data and VLC data.

Abstract: A system and method for crowd-sourced environmental system control and building maintenance includes a server for providing selective access to building occupants and managers. Users are permitted to generate building reports in the form of (i) thermal reports using a thermal report module, and/or (ii) maintenance reports using a maintenance report module. The reports are each geo-located to locations within the building, and are then captured, stored, and aggregated at the server. The aggregated reports are sorted according to their geo-locations and comfort rules are used to (i) permit a manager at a client computer to access the server to respond, and/or (ii) automatically respond and assign a response status to particular reports. An inspection checklist interface is generated and populated to display a list of preventative maintenance tasks, each of the tasks being user-selectable to designate completion, with the updated status of the reports being stored at the server.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a compressor assembly of an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a mounting plate that includes a first surface, a second surface, a first plurality of apertures, and a second plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a plurality of mounts disposed at the first surface, the plurality of mounts including a mount attached to the mounting plate via fasteners extending through the first plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a mounting panel of a compressor unit of the auxiliary air conditioning system. The mounting panel includes a main portion having mounting apertures overlapping the plurality of mounts. Fasteners are disposed at the mounting apertures to attach the mounting panel to the mounting plate via the plurality of mounts.

Abstract: The auxiliary AC system includes a temperature measurement device configured to generate a variable output based on an air temperature in an environment proximate to the AC system and a compressor control circuit communicably coupled to a variable speed motor. The compressor control circuit is configured to receive the variable output from the temperature measurement device, determine that the output indicates a change in the air temperature, and generate a control signal for the variable speed motor, the control signal including a current having a magnitude depending on the extent of the change to vary a rate at which a compressor pressurizes a refrigerant vapor.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a compressor assembly of an auxiliary air conditioning system for a vehicle includes a mounting plate that includes a first surface, a second surface, a first plurality of apertures, and a second plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a plurality of mounts disposed at the first surface, the plurality of mounts including a mount attached to the mounting plate via fasteners extending through the first plurality of apertures. The mounting structure also includes a mounting panel of a compressor unit of the auxiliary air conditioning system. The mounting panel includes a main portion having mounting apertures overlapping the plurality of mounts. Fasteners are disposed at the mounting apertures to attach the mounting panel to the mounting plate via the plurality of mounts.