Abstract: A system for updating a control device includes a user's portable programmable media having a data storage device, and a primary controlling device including a computer having a data storage device for storing data. A primary reader/writer communicates with the primary controlling device, and the primary reader/writer transfers control data and transactional data from the primary data storage device to the user's portable programmable media. A secondary controlling device includes a secondary computer and a secondary data storage device for storing data. A secondary reader/writer communicates with the secondary controlling device and reads the control and transactional data included in the user's portable programmable media, transferring the data to the secondary controlling device for authenticating, completing a transaction, and storing at least part of the data in the secondary data storage device.

Abstract: An access control unit can receive door specifying credentials wirelessly. Received credentials can be processed and a determination made to permit access. The unit can also receive signals from similar units. The received signals can be retransmitted.

Abstract: An access control panel can be updated substantially automatically by loading a thumb drive with executable instructions, or information, and coupling the drive to the panel and transferring the instructions or information to the panel for execution or storage. Alternately, the coupling can be implemented via a computer network.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method for interfacing an access control system and an input device, comprising the steps of displaying, on the input device, a set of choices from a plurality of choices, receiving one choice, and modifying the displayed set of choices based on the one choice, wherein modifying is performed by a heuristic method and/or a usage-based method. The heuristic method determines if one choice is a request for additional information, and, if it is, modifies the choices to include the additional information, and to exclude advanced and typical choices; and, if not, modifies the choices to include the advanced and typical choices. The usage-based method comprises incrementing a choice counter, if the counter is greater than multiple choices, modifying the choices to extra emphasize the choice, and if not, modifying the to emphasize the choice.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a method for interfacing an access control system and an input device, comprising the steps of displaying, on the input device, a set of choices from a plurality of choices, receiving one choice, and modifying the displayed set of choices based on the one choice, wherein modifying is performed by a heuristic method and/or a usage-based method. The heuristic method determines if one choice is a request for additional information, and, if it is, modifies the choices to include the additional information, and to exclude advanced and typical choices; and, if not, modifies the choices to include the advanced and typical choices. The usage-based method comprises incrementing a choice counter, if the counter is greater than multiple choices, modifying the choices to extra emphasize the choice, and if not, modifying the to emphasize the choice.

Abstract: A system for updating remote control devices includes a portable programmable medium having a data storage device for storing data. The control devices include a processor or a computer having a data storage device for storing data. The system further includes a network for transferring data between a local reader and one or more remote control devices communicating via the network.

Abstract: A system for updating a control device includes a user's portable programmable media having a data storage device, and a primary controlling device including a computer having a data storage device for storing data. A primary reader/writer communicates with the primary controlling device, and the primary reader/writer transfers control data and transactional data from the primary data storage device to the user's portable programmable media. A secondary controlling device includes a secondary computer and a secondary data storage device for storing data. A secondary reader/writer communicates with the secondary controlling device and reads the control and transactional data included in the user's portable programmable media, transferring the data to the secondary controlling device for authenticating, completing a transaction, and storing at least part of the data in the secondary data storage device.

Abstract: A method of dispatching a plurality of electrical generation systems that are controlled by a central monitoring and control system. The central system determines the order in which the distributed generators are deployed based upon several variables, such as maintenance costs, operating costs, and operating performance. The determination of the start order is based upon a significant number of variables that vary from one make and model of generator to another. The system and method of the present invention utilizes fuzzy logic to determine the order in which the generators are dispatched based upon the multiple variables available.

Abstract: An energy management system for monitoring and analyzing the power consumption at a plurality of locations. The energy management system includes a primary server connected to at least one building server or other device through a computer network. Each of the building servers are connected to one or more energy meters contained in a building. The primary server sends out a data request and receives energy usage information from each of the individual building servers. The primary server stores the energy usage information in a power database such that the information can be processed in a variety of manners, such as aggregating the energy usage information from multiple locations into a single energy consumption statistic. The primary server can be accessed by remote monitoring stations to view and analyze the energy usage information stored in the power database.

Abstract: An energy management system for monitoring and analyzing the power consumption at a plurality of locations. The energy management system includes a primary server connected to at least one building server or other device through a computer network. Each of the building servers are connected to one or more energy meters contained in a building. The primary server sends out a data request and receives energy usage information from each of the individual building servers. The primary server stores the energy usage information in a power database such that the information can be processed in a variety of manners, such as aggregating the energy usage information from multiple locations into a single energy consumption statistic. The primary server can be accessed by remote monitoring stations to view and analyze the energy usage information stored in the power database.

Abstract: A communication system for power monitors and the like includes a plurality of communication nodes connected in series. A technique is provided for automatically detecting the status of the system, including the need to configure the communication nodes or identify the presence and location of a fault. Further, configuration of the nodes is automatically performed as required, and the location of faults is visually represented to assist an operator.