Abstract: An energy data management control system is configured to allow a user to control operation of the data management among a plurality of modes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating resource consumption of a household device, e.g., an appliance. The method comprises determining a resource demand profile for a household device for a given time period, the resource demand profile associating, for the given time period, a device state of the household device with a total resource demand for the household. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be incorporated into an energy management system, where the apparatus collects data from each of the appliances in a household as well as from a resource meter.

Abstract: The invention presently proposed relates to a method and an apparatus for intelligently composing a multimedia message for a mobile radio system. In this method, a digital voice message is received from a digital answering service, a blank multimedia message is generated and the received multimedia message is added, the available amount of data remaining in the multimedia message is calculated, the digital voice message is analyzed, and a suitable multimedia content is selected in dependence on the remaining available amount of data in the multimedia message and the analysis result, and finally the multimedia content thus selected is added to the multimedia message including the received digital voice message.

Abstract: System, method, and computer-readable instructions for use in communicating with an energy management device in a network that comprises one or more energy devices. First search results are created by searching for devices associated with a first energy management device identifier using a first discovery protocol. Second search results are created by searching for devices associated with a second energy management device identifier using a second discovery protocol. The first and second search results are combined to create a collection of candidate devices, and at least one candidate device of the candidate devices is validated to determine whether the candidate device is an energy management device.

Abstract: Provided is a method and system for updating of schedules to a device controlled by an energy management system.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems and methodologies for communicating between an appliance and a mobile device using audio signaling. An appliance is provided with an audio generating device controlled by a processor to cause the audio device to produce encoded sounds. The sounds may correspond to a series of tones. The tones are sampled using the microphone in a smartphone or other mobile computing device and decoded by an application running on the smartphone or device to provide information and/or instructions to the appliance user.

Abstract: A device configured in a unitary displayless housing, including a computing device that stores, manipulates and communicates energy data, and the displayless external surface of the unitary housing, including status indicator lights to show the status of the device.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a water heater appliance are provided. The method and system include initiating a vacation mode of the water heater appliance. An operating temperature of the water heater appliance is reduced from a normal operating temperature to a vacation operating temperature in the vacation mode of the water heater appliance. The method and system also include sanitizing the water heater appliance by raising the operating temperature of the water heater appliance from the vacation operating temperature to a sanitization operating temperature.

Abstract: A control device is connected to a smart meter. The control device includes a communication engine configured to retrieve an energy consumption value from a measuring unit coupled to the smart meter based on a polling interval. The control device includes a discovery engine operatively coupled to the communication engine and configured to discover an update interval of the smart meter by increasing the polling interval iteratively from an initial value until a difference is detected between successively retrieved energy consumption values. Furthermore, the device includes a user interface engine, operatively coupled to the discovery engine and the communication engine, configured to estimate a utility consumption at a present time based on the difference value and the polling interval.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes a central controller that takes energy data available from a power/energy measuring device, such as a “smart” meter that is located on a primary network and makes that data available to devices over a secondary network. The central controller is a home energy gateway that includes two communication modules, one of which is used to bind a meter as a router or end point on the primary network, and one which is used to form a secondary network here the central controller operates as network coordinator. The central controller also operates as an energy service portal for devices on the secondary network.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes a controller that determines a sleep schedule for reduced function devices on a home network. The devices have various sleep schedules in which to operate in an active state or a reduced function state. The controller determines the different schedules by sending communication messages to each device via a communication module. A timer is used to determine a sleep schedule for reduced function devices (RFDs) on the network. The sleep schedule is used to monitor when the devices are communicating on the network and are no longer able to communicate with the controller.

Abstract: A home energy management system simplifies the process of enabling and executing the Sabbath mode and similar operating modes on household devices. A central location, or central node device, is provided which enables the end user to selectively modify operation of the household devices, e.g., from a normal operating mode to the Sabbath mode.

Abstract: A premises data management system includes a first communication network configured to transmit and receive data to and from a user interface. Another communication network is configured to access data from and provides data to accessories within the premises management system. A gateway of the system includes a first interface channel and another interface channel. The gateway receives the data from the first communication network, via the first interface channel. The gateway reformats the data from the first communication network for communication to the other communication network via the other interface channel. The gateway also requests data from the accessories via the other interface channel and replies to the user interface via the first interface channel.

Abstract: A system for using machine readable code to commission a device application includes a controller, an image capturing device, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is programmed to receive an image acquired from the image capturing device, wherein the image includes a code, the at least one processor is also programmed to access information from the code, and send the information accessed from the code to the controller, wherein the information enables the controller to commission a device application.

Abstract: A system and method of operating an energy data management and control system has a first communication network to transmit and receive data to and from a user interface, a second communication network to transmit and receive data to and from a Utility company, and a third communication network to access data from and provide data to accessories within a home. The system reformats the data from any of the first, second and third communication networks for communication with another of the first, second and third communication networks, wherein at least one of the communication networks operate on a protocol different from another one of the communications networks. The data defines various operations of the system.

Abstract: A system for supporting multiple authentication systems. The system includes a computing device, a host memory for storing a plurality of software stacks, a flash memory configured to be programmed with one of the plurality of software stacks, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is programmed to identify a model of the device, select a software stack from the plurality of software stacks based on a device model of the computing device, and program the selected software stack into the flash memory. The device may be an electrical appliance.

Abstract: An improved non-formaldehyde-based preservative fluid is provided, comprising deionized water, a food-grade preservative, selected from the group consisting of sodium erythorbate and stereoisomers of ascorbic acid; and a humectant, selected from the group consisting of glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, glyceryl triacetate, and similar hygroscopic materials. Optional lanolin, dyes, or fragrances may be added as desired. Use of the improved fluid results in a more life-like appearance of the body, better tissue preservation, low odor, and a safer and environmentally sound alternative to conventional preservation fluids.

Abstract: A system associated with a home energy gateway (HEG) is provided. The system includes a database having a plurality of data entry blocks, each block corresponding to a time interval and an internal database timing device configured to sync with an external real-time time server and maintain accurate time in the database. The home energy gateway is configured to add time-stamped data entries to the database. A homeowner may select a time period for a power outage so that the system sends an alert if the time period power outage is exceeded.

Abstract: Embodiments of an appliance and method utilize data keys to facilitate the exchange of data and information among devices as part of an energy management system. The data keys contain and/or encode information particular to the appliance. This information helps to distinguish data that originates from one appliance from data that originates from other appliances in the household. In one embodiment, the data keys are stored locally, either on devices (e.g., memory) incorporated into the appliance or on a communication device (e.g., a wireless radio) that can connect to the appliance to permit the exchange of inputs and outputs. Exemplary configuration of the appliance can sense the connection with the communication device and provide an input to the communication device to determine the data key that is associated with the appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating resource consumption of a household device, e.g., an appliance. The method comprises determining a resource demand profile for a household device for a given time period, the resource demand profile associating, for the given time period, a device state of the household device with a total resource demand for the household. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be incorporated into an energy management system, where the apparatus collects data from each of the appliances in a household as well as from a resource meter.