Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: A communication network for appliances is provided. The communication network includes: (a) a plurality of local communication devices, each of the plurality of local communication devices transmitting data related to at least one of (i) a user of an appliance, and (ii) an appliance; and (b) a communication hub receiving data transmissions from each of the plurality of local communication devices, wherein communications between the plurality of local communication devices and the communication hub are encrypted.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: A communication network for appliances is provided. The communication network includes: (a) a plurality of local communication devices, each of the plurality of local communication devices transmitting data related to at least one of (i) a user of an appliance, and (ii) an appliance; and (b) a communication hub receiving data transmissions from each of the plurality of local communication devices, wherein communication between the plurality of local communication devices and the communication hub are radio frequency transmissions that are below 1 GHz.

Abstract: A communication network for appliances is provided. The communication network includes: (a) a plurality of local communication devices, each of the plurality of local communication devices transmitting data related to at least one of (i) a user of an appliance, and (ii) an appliance; and (b) a communication hub receiving data transmissions from each of the plurality of local communication devices, wherein communications between the plurality of local communication devices and the communication hub are encrypted.

Abstract: A communication network for appliances is provided. The communication network includes: (a) a plurality of local communication devices, each of the plurality of local communication devices transmitting data related to at least one of (i) a user of an appliance, and (ii) an appliance; (b) a communication hub receiving wireless data transmissions from each of the plurality of local communication devices; and (c) a computer configured to communicate with the communication hub, and configured to retrieve data related to at least one of (i) the user of the appliance, and (ii) the appliance.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content for access by a portable device at an event are provided. The system includes an interface to receive signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources are located at an event and remote from the event. The signals define event content and non-event content. The system further includes a processor for processing the received signals to generate combined signals based upon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portable devices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals are configured to allow a user to select content using the portable device receiving the combined signals.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content for access by a portable device at an event are provided. The system includes an interface to receive signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources are located at an event and remote from the event. The signals define event content and non-event content. The system further includes a processor for processing the received signals to generate combined signals based upon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portable devices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals are configured to allow a user to select content using the portable device receiving the combined signals.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content for access by a portable device at an event are provided. The system includes an interface to receive signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources are located at an event and remote from the event. The signals define event content and non-event content. The system further includes a processor for processing the received signals to generate combined signals based upon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portable devices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals are configured to allow a user to select content using the portable device receiving the combined signals.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content for access by a portable device at an event are provided. The system includes an interface to receive signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources are located at an event and remote from the event. The signals define event content and non-event content. The system further includes a processor for processing the received signals to generate combined signals based upon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portable devices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals are configured to allow a user to select content using the portable device receiving the combined signals.

Abstract: In one possible embodiment, a wireless network with dynamic transmission control is provided that includes a multiple of nodes. The nodes include an arbiter and multiple client nodes. The arbiter is configured to control an operation of the client nodes by defining communications operation cycles and allocating a bandwidth to each of the client nodes on a cycle by cycle basis in response to requests for bandwidth from the client nodes.

Abstract: A system and method providing content for access by a portable device at an event is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of sources and combining at least some of the plurality of signals for transmission to a plurality of broadcast systems, with the plurality of broadcast systems corresponding to a plurality of events. The method further includes determining the broadcast systems to which each of the combined signals is to be transmitted, transmitting the combined signals to at least one of the determined broadcast systems, and broadcasting the combined signals received by at least one of the broadcast systems corresponding to at least one event. The combined signals are configured to allow selection of content with a portable device, with the content defined by at least one of audio and video signals of the combined signals.

Abstract: A system and method providing content for access by a portable device at an event is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of sources and combining at least some of the plurality of signals for transmission to a plurality of broadcast systems, with the plurality of broadcast systems corresponding to a plurality of events. The method further includes determining the broadcast systems to which each of the combined signals is to be transmitted, transmitting the combined signals to at least one of the determined broadcast systems, and broadcasting the combined signals received by at least one of the broadcast systems corresponding to at least one event. The combined signals are configured to allow selection of content with a portable device, with the content defined by at least one of audio and video signals of the combined signals.

Abstract: Device and method for detecting the contour or shape of one or more articles by projecting multiple light beams on a different portions of an atricle, and measuring the level of light reflected from the article. The amount of light reflected indicates the distance of the light emitter/detector from the article. Readings from multiple light emitter/detector pairs provide an indication of the contour of the object. The readings may be processed to provide an indication of the number and size of articles passing by the sensors. The device may be placed over a conveyor carrying objects to be counted and/or sized.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content for access by a portable device at an event are provided. The system includes an interface to receive signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources are located at an event and remote from the event. The signals define event content and non-event content. The system further includes a processor for processing the received signals to generate combined signals based upon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portable devices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals are configured to allow a user to select content using the portable device receiving the combined signals.