Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the communication between a first wireless control network and a second wireless control network. In one embodiment, a message from a second network node in the second wireless control network that is intended for a first network node located in the first network is received. The message is addressed to an address in a second address space of the second wireless control network for the first network node. The address is then translated in order to determine another address that exists in a first address space of the first wireless network for the first network node. Lastly, the message is transmitted to the first network node using the other address.

Abstract: A system for reporting the presence of an adverse condition is described. Adverse conditions include smoke, breaking glass and carbon monoxide. The system includes one or more detectors that sense the adverse condition. The system further includes a central controller that stores a plurality of messages that in turn include a plurality of vocal instructions. A subset of messages is selected based on the detector that sends an indication of the adverse condition to the central controller. The subset of messages is then transmitted to a plurality of audio detectors and audio devices that plays the received vocal instructions.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes a network video camera and a sensor operable to detect a condition of an environment. A power connector connects the sensor unit to a power line, and a signal connector connects the sensor to a signal line. The sensor is operable to output a signal on the signal line via the signal connector indicating whether the condition of the environment was detected. A network interface is operable to transmit video captured by the network video camera to a remote location via a network. A controller is operable to receive a signal from the sensor indicating whether the condition of the environment was detected. The controller is further operable to control transmission of video captured by the network video camera to a remote location via the network interface based on one or more of access rights of a user and whether the condition of the environment was detected.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a sensor arrangement for monitoring first and second adjacent members that are displaceable with respect to one another, The sensor includes a magnet securable to the first adjacent member and an analog magnetic transducer securable to the second adjacent member in sufficient proximity of the permanent magnet to sense a magnetic field therefrom. An analog subsystem supplies electrical power to the magnetic transducer and receives an electrical signal generated by the transducer in response to a change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic transducer. The analog subsystem including a comparator for comparing the detected change in the magnetic field to a predefined threshold change in magnetic field and an electronic memory for storing the predefined threshold change in magnetic field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of providing combined secure access and command execution for an electronic device is disclosed. Fingerprint representation data from a user is received. The user is authenticated when the fingerprint representation data received from the user matches user fingerprint data. A determination is made as to whether a user command is associated with the user fingerprint data when the fingerprint representation data received from the user matches the user fingerprint data. The user command is executed when the user command is associated with the user fingerprint data.

Abstract: A bridge apparatus is provided that interfaces the home network to the wireless network. The bridge apparatus is separate from the security panel module, and includes a processor that translates commands received from the home network control unit into wireless network commands and transmits the wireless network commands over a wireless network to a security monitoring service center or to a health monitoring service center, depending on whether the commands relate to detected security conditions or detected health conditions.

Abstract: A smart connector is provided by a jack that is removably engagable with a respective mateable plug to establish a power path between an external power supply and a circuit in an electronic device when the jack and mateable plug are mateably engaged. In an illustrative example, the jack functions as the DC power jack for the electronic device and the mateable plug is disposed in the power adapter plug of an AC-DC power adapter. A voltage sensor coupled to the jack compares the voltage supplied by the power supply against a reference that defines a power level that will operate the electronic device without causing damage. A power controller, coupled to the voltage sensor, controls the flow of power to the circuit in response to a control signal generated by the voltage sensor. In various illustrative embodiments, the power controller includes current limiting, voltage clamping and/or switching functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wired security system includes a bridge. The bridge includes a network interface for receiving a wired status signal from at least one sensor employed in the wired security system and a first processor for converting the wired status signal to a wireless status signal in conformance with a prescribed protocol. A wireless transmitter is provided for transmitting the wireless status signal. The apparatus also includes a controller. The controller has a receiver for receiving the wireless status signal from the bridge a second processor for interpreting the status of the wireless status signal.

Abstract: A network controller is provided. The controller includes a network interface for transmitting and receiving messages over a network between the networked controller and each of a plurality of networked devices. A first of the networked devices has a time of day event notification indicator. A processor is operatively associated with the network interface. The processor is configured to perform a method including the step of receiving a first message over the network from the first networked device. The message includes a time of day at which the event notification indicator is set. A second message is transmitted over the network to a second of the networked devices instructing the second networked device to perform a prescribed function at a desired time based on the time of day at which the event notification indictor is set. A user interface is operatively associated with the processor for adjusting user-controllable parameters.

Abstract: A controller is provided for an environmental management system. The system includes a transceiver for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from at least one environmental sensor or actuator over a network and a processor for interpreting received signals and generating signals to be transmitted over the wireless network based upon at least one environmental management function. A plurality of ports is also provided, each for receiving a plug-in component that provides information to implement a specific environmental management function. The system also includes a user interface operatively associated with the processor and the plurality of ports for adjusting user-controllable parameters. The user-controllable parameters are determined, at least in part, by at least one of the plug-in components when operationally inserted into one of the ports.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamic alternative geographic route plotting using global positional satellite data is disclosed. The present system and method provide for using a voice selection/recognition engine to extract information relating anomalous conditions from radio broadcasts in the primary band of broadcast radio. The anomalous conditions are then sent to a GPS device which dynamically provide alternative routes. Further, the present system and method also provide for receiving information relating to anomalous conditions via the sub-band of broadcast radio. Anomalous conditions received via the sub-band are also sent to a GPS device which dynamically provide alternative routes.

Abstract: A method (20, 30, 40) for automatically self-configuring a network device (13, 17) being added to a network (8, 9) without user intervention operates by providing that the network device (13, 17) discover its network environment. The network device (13, 17) attempts to access each of those services it offers from the network (8, 9) to determine if any of these services are already being provided by the network (8, 9). Upon successfully accessing a particular service by the network device (13, 17), the network device disables the particular service within the network device (13, 17); and upon unsuccessfully accessing the particular service by the network device (13, 17), the network device (13, 17) activates the predetermined service within the network device (13, 17). Another technique for self-configuring the network device (13, 17) provides that the network device (13, 17) examine the IP address (or class of addresses) the network device (13, 17) acquires from the network (8, 9).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus that allow at least two end-point IP telephony devices to synchronize multiple data streams conforming to mutually-exclusive signaling protocols into a single video telephony connection. An audio-only data stream conforming to an audio-only signaling protocol (such as PacketCable NCS) is combined with at least one video data stream conforming to one or more video signaling protocols (such as SIP or H.323) to produce a single IP telephony connection. Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided to establish an audio portion, a video portion, and optional data stream portions of a single IP telephony session.

Abstract: A system and method for time shifting traditional radio broadcast signals by selectively recording portions of a traditional radio broadcast signal for playback at subsequent pre-selected times or intervals is disclosed. The present system and method provides for a selection recognition engine which constantly monitors traditional broadcast radio signals via an audio tuner for pre-defined recording triggers, such as voice recognition, signalling tone, or pre-defined time. When a pre-defined recording triggers occurs, the selection recognition engine begins recording desired portions of the traditional radio broadcast, at a pre-selected frequency associated with the pre-defined recording trigger, to an audio capture memory. The duration of the recording may preferably be a fixed duration, e.g., one minute, or until a pre-defined recording stop trigger.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of selectively recording and playing the content of a broadcast program includes playing on a media player one of a plurality of prestored files which include program content. A broadcast program is received and it is determined whether a predetermined criteria associated with the broadcast program is met. If the predetermined criteria is met, at least a portion of content of the broadcast program is automatically recorded. The recorded content of the broadcast program on the media player is then automatically played, either immediately after being recorded or at the end of playing the one prestored file.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring communication between a subscriber and the proper CMTS in a multiple CMTS system utilizes a user-defined option in the DHCP DISCOVER and OFFER commands used to initialize service. A cable modem that is requesting connection to a CMTS will include a particular, user-defined option in its DISCOVER command. If the receiving DHCP server recognizes the user-defined option, it will send a modified version of the option back to the cable modem in its OFFER command, and the cable modem will establish the interconnection. If the receiving DHCP server does not recognize the user-defined option, it will send a conventional OFFER command back to the cable modem. Since the cable modem will be expecting to receive the modified user-defined option, it will reject the conventional OFFER command, thereby avoiding the connection of the cable modem to the improper cable modem termination system.