Abstract: Water measurement auto-networks and methods of operation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method may include determining a water level at a first water measurement station in an auto-network. The method may also include reducing power to at least a transmitter at the first water measurement station to conserve battery power during an inactive state. The method may further include increasing power to the transmitter only at predetermined times to communicate the water measurement data to a second water measurement station in the auto-network.

Abstract: Soil moisture sensor systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary soil moisture sensor system includes a sensor configured to receive soil between parallel plates. A capacitive measurement circuit is operatively associated with the parallel sensor. A processor receives input from the capacitive measurement circuit. The processor determines moisture content of the soil between the parallel plates of the sensor based on the flowing relationship: C = LH d ? ? 0 ? ? r where L is the length of the sensor, H is the height of the sensor, and d is the separation between the parallel plates of the sensor.

Abstract: Water measurement auto-networks and methods of operation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method may include determining a water level at a first water measurement station in an auto-network. The method may also include reducing power to at least a transmitter at the first water measurement station to conserve battery power during an inactive state. The method may further include increasing power to the transmitter only at predetermined times to communicate the water measurement data to a second water measurement station in the auto-network.

Abstract: Soil moisture sensor systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary soil moisture sensor system comprises a sensor configured to receive soil between parallel plates. A capacitive measurement circuit is operatively associated with the parallel sensor. A processor receives input from the capacitive measurement circuit. The processor determines moisture content of the soil between the parallel plates of the sensor based on the flowing relationship: C = LH d ? ? 0 ? ? r where L is the length of the sensor, H is the height of the sensor, and d is the separation between the parallel plates of the sensor.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein enable smart card systems and methods for building automation. An exemplary smart card system includes an interface device communicatively coupled to a plurality of automation devices. Control circuitry is provided for the interface device to receive user credentials from a smart card when the smart card is positioned in proximity to the interface device. A menu engine is provided for traversing a menu structure based at least in part on user input at the interface device. An authentication module operatively associated with the menu engine requires smart card authentication before the menu engine traverses a secured branch in the menu structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing CAN bus routers in building automation systems are disclosed. An exemplary system may comprise a control area network (CAN) backbone. At least one CAN router may be connected in-line to the CAN backbone. A plurality of automation devices may be connected to the at least one CAN router for communication over the CAN backbone.

Abstract: Water measurement auto-networks and methods of operation are disclosed herein. An exemplary method may include determining a water level at a first water measurement station in an auto-network. The method may also include reducing power to at least a transmitter at the first water measurement station to conserve battery power during an inactive state. The method may further include increasing power to the transmitter only at predetermined times to communicate the water measurement data to a second water measurement station in the auto-network.

Abstract: Water measurement apparatus and methods of operation. An exemplary implementation of water measurement apparatus comprises a measurement circuit outputting a voltage. A processor is operatively associated with the measurement circuit to receive the voltage and determine a capacitance value proportional to a water level. Computer readable program code is provided in computer readable storage and executable by the processor. The computer readable program code includes program code for determining the water level based on the capacitance value. Water measurement apparatus may also be implemented in an auto-network of water measurement stations.

Abstract: Water measurement apparatus and methods of operation. An exemplary implementation of water measurement apparatus comprises a measurement circuit outputting a voltage. A processor is operatively associated with the measurement circuit to receive the voltage and determine a capacitance value proportional to a water level. Computer readable program code is provided in computer readable storage and executable by the processor. The computer readable program code includes program code for determining the water level based on the capacitance value. Water measurement apparatus may also be implemented in an auto-network of water measurement stations.