Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enhanced magnetic directional mount for mounting, positioning, and orienting an electronic device such as a camera. In this enhanced mount, the base mounting surface is configured to maximize the extent of adjustment and ease of adjustability of the electronic device, and the base mounting surface and housing mounting surface are designed to provide smooth and secure movement in the electronic device position. Additionally, the enhanced magnetic mount includes attachments designed to affix the magnetic mount to a horizontal or vertical flat surface such as a desk or a wall, and an attachment designed to effectively mount and use the electronic device from a window.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for enabling an advanced optical magnification (zooming) function for low-power sensors, such as a remote wireless camera, using electronic methods and enabling that magnification be performed in any part of the imager. An image sensor has a set of imager pixels that have a defined field of view. A display device is also provided, which has a far lower resolution than the imager. A magnification level is selected, which results in macroblocks being defined for the sensor. A display data value is generated for each macroblock, and the set of display data values is used to drive a data display. The area of magnification is flexibly selected on the imager. As the magnification level is increased, the number of imager pixels in each macroblock decrease, enabling the display to present increasingly higher resolution images. Accordingly, an aesthetically pleasing magnification function is provided for a low-power, battery operated mobile environment.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically reading meters, such as utility meters. A camera unit is attached to or otherwise associated with an existing meter. From time to time, either automatically, or upon wireless command, the camera unit takes an image of the meter's readings, and communicates wirelessly the image or image data, to a local area receiver. The images can be transmitted immediately, or stored for later transmission, depending on the network protocol. The camera unit is battery powered, and operates communication protocols that enable extended operational life. These protocols allow for the camera's radio and processor to be turned on only when necessary, and then for only brief periods of time. At most times, the camera is in a power conserving sleep mode. Multiple camera units may be arranged to communicate meter image data to the local area receiver, either using asynchronous or synchronous processes.

Abstract: A network sensor system is provided that is capable of extremely low-power operation. The network sensor system implements a communication protocol that allows the sensors to operate at most times in a sleep mode, where only a low-power time is active. In this way, each sensor's receiver, transmitter, and support circuitry are operated only when strictly necessary. The network has a defined network time frame, and each device maintains and adjusts its own clock and relationship with the network time. In this way, each sensor is aware about when it may be sent a message, and opens a short listen window only when such a message is expected. If no message is received, or if the message is addressed to another sensor, the sensor goes back to sleep. The sensor's transmitter is only activated in the case where the message 1) is received during the listen period, 2) is addressed to the sensor, and 3) requires a transmission action. Otherwise, the transmitter remains deactivated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enhanced magnetic directional mount for mounting, positioning, and orienting an electronic device such as a camera. In this enhanced mount, the base mounting surface is configured to maximize the extent of adjustment and ease of adjustability of the electronic device, and the base mounting surface and housing mounting surface are designed to provide smooth and secure movement in the electronic device position. Additionally, the enhanced magnetic mount includes attachments designed to affix the magnetic mount to a horizontal or vertical flat surface such as a desk or a wall, and an attachment designed to effectively mount and use the electronic device from a window.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically reading meters, such as utility meters. A camera unit is attached to or otherwise associated with an existing meter. From time to time, either automatically, or upon wireless command, the camera unit takes an image of the meter's readings, and communicates wirelessly the image or image data, to a local area receiver. The images can be transmitted immediately, or stored for later transmission, depending on the network protocol. The camera unit is battery powered, and operates communication protocols that enable extended operational life. These protocols allow for the camera's radio and processor to be turned on only when necessary, and then for only brief periods of time. At most times, the camera is in a power-conserving sleep mode. Multiple camera units may be arranged to communicate meter image data to the local area receiver, either using asynchronous or synchronous processes.

Abstract: A network sensor system is provided that is capable of extremely low-power operation. The network sensor system implements a communication protocol that allows the sensors to operate at most times in a sleep mode, where only a low-power time is active. In this way, each sensor's receiver, transmitter, and support circuitry are operated only when strictly necessary. The network has a defined network time frame, and each device maintains and adjusts its own clock and relationship with the network time. In this way, each sensor is aware about when it may be sent a message, and opens a short listen window only when such a message is expected. If no message is received, or if the message is addressed to another sensor, the sensor goes back to sleep. The sensor's transmitter is only activated in the case where the message 1) is received during the listen period, 2) is addressed to the sensor, and 3) requires a transmission action. Otherwise, the transmitter remains deactivated.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for enabling an advanced optical magnification (zooming) function for low-power sensors, such as a remote wireless camera, using electronic methods and enabling that magnification be performed in any part of the imager. An image sensor has a set of imager pixels that have a defined field of view. A display device is also provided, which has a far lower resolution than the imager. A magnification level is selected, which results in macroblocks being defined for the sensor. A display data value is generated for each macroblock, and the set of display data values is used to drive a data display. The area of magnification is flexibly selected on the imager. As the magnification level is increased, the number of imager pixels in each macroblock decrease, enabling the display to present increasingly higher resolution images. Accordingly, an aesthetically pleasing magnification function is provided for a low-power, battery operated mobile environment.

Abstract: A network sensor system is provided that is capable of extremely low-power operation. The network sensor system implements a communication protocol that allows the sensors to operate at most times in a sleep mode, where only a low-power time is active. In this way, each sensor's receiver, transmitter, and support circuitry are operated only when strictly necessary. The network has a defined network time frame, and each device maintains and adjusts its own clock and relationship with the network time. In this way, each sensor is aware about when it may be sent a message, and opens a short listen window only when such a message is expected. If no message is received, or if the message is addressed to another sensor, the sensor goes back to sleep. The sensor's transmitter is only activated in the case where the message 1) is received during the listen period, 2) is addressed to the sensor, and 3) requires a transmission action. Otherwise, the transmitter remains deactivated.

Abstract: A distributed detector system is provided for remotely detecting agents indicating the presence of particular biological, explosive, or chemical targets. The distributed detector system may be used for security threat detection, manufacturing or environmental monitoring, or medical assaying. In the detection system, a central server or base station wirelessly communicates with a set of distributed detectors. In this way, the central server or base station is able to aggregate detection information, as well as apply additional processing and analysis to data collected at the detectors. Each detector has a reactive material, such as a silicon-polymer, that changes an optical property in the presence of a target agent. A camera is positioned to take images of the reactive material from time to time, and has local processing to determine when the reactive material has likely changed. In some cases, the detector may have sufficient processing power to classify the change according to its urgency or threat level.

Abstract: A network sensor system is provided that is capable of extremely low-power operation. The network sensor system implements a communication protocol that allows the sensors to operate at most times in a sleep mode, where only a low-power time is active. In this way, each sensor's receiver, transmitter, and support circuitry are operated only when strictly necessary. The network has a defined network time frame, and each device maintains and adjusts its own clock and relationship with the network time. In this way, each sensor is aware about when it may be sent a message, and opens a short listen window only when such a message is expected. If no message is received, or if the message is addressed to another sensor, the sensor goes back to sleep. The sensor's transmitter is only activated in the case where the message 1) is received during the listen period, 2) is addressed to the sensor, and 3) requires a transmission action. Otherwise, the transmitter remains deactivated.

Abstract: A magnetic mount is provided for easily mounting, positioning, and orienting a camera, sensor or other directionally sensitive electronic device. In one example the magnetic mount is a camera mount. The camera mount has a camera part that has an image sensor, electronics, battery, and communication components. The housing for the camera part has a generally concave mounting surface, with a magnet positioned inside the camera housing and adjacent to the camera mounting surface. A base part has a base mounting surface that is constructed to be attracted to the magnet. In one example, the base mounting surface is dome-shaped, with a convex curvature constructed to mate with the concave curvature of the camera mounting surface. The base part is mounted to a stable support, and the camera mounting surface brought near the base counting surface. The magnetic attractive forces pull the camera part firmly to the base part, thereby securely positioning and orienting the camera.

Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.

Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.

Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.

Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for automatically reading meters, such as utility meters. A camera unit is attached to or otherwise associated with an existing meter. From time to time, either automatically, or upon wireless command, the camera unit takes an image of the meter's readings, and communicates wirelessly the image or image data, to a local area receiver. The images can be transmitted immediately, or stored for later transmission, depending on the network protocol. The camera unit is battery powered, and operates communication protocols that enable extended operational life. These protocols allow for the camera's radio and processor to be turned on only when necessary, and then for only brief periods of time. At most times, the camera is in a power-conserving sleep mode. Multiple camera units may be arranged to communicate meter image data to the local area receiver, either using asynchronous or synchronous processes.

Abstract: A network sensor system and protocol is provided. The network sensor system includes a sensor node that has a sensor for collecting high-resolution data, and a radio for transmitting that data to a central hub. The sensor node communicates to the hub with a wireless data link, and operators solely from a battery. Accordingly, the sensor node is autonomous, and has no wire connections, so may be discreetly and simply installed. The sensor node is normally operated in a power-saving sleep mode, and is minimally activated only for required periods of time. The sensor node may be activated responsive to a low power timer, or from another locally generated interrupt. The sensor node also implements power-saving transfer protocols to further reduce power needs. Many sensor nodes may be associated with a single central hub, and larger networked sensor systems may be arranged.