Abstract: A method of measuring tides and inland water levels is provided. The method comprises a computer receiving a first measurement of an angle formed by a first ray comprising a vertical fixed piling and a second ray formed by a downward sloping ramp of known length, a lower end of the ramp contacting a surface of a dock float and the surface representing a plane contacting the fixed piling at a 90-degree angle at a first meeting point. The computer then calculates, based on the first measurement, based on the ramp length, and based on the 90-degree angle, a first distance from the first meeting point to a vertex of the angle. The computer later receives a second measurement of the angle, wherein the plane meets the piling at a second meeting point. The computer calculates a second distance and expressing a difference between two distances as tidal change.

Abstract: A method of measuring tides and inland water levels is provided. The method comprises a computer receiving a first measurement of an angle formed by a first ray comprising a vertical fixed piling and a second ray formed by a downward sloping ramp of known length, a lower end of the ramp contacting a surface of a dock float and the surface representing a plane contacting the fixed piling at a 90-degree angle at a first meeting point. The computer then calculates, based on the first measurement, based on the ramp length, and based on the 90-degree angle, a first distance from the first meeting point to a vertex of the angle. The computer later receives a second measurement of the angle, wherein the plane meets the piling at a second meeting point. The computer calculates a second distance and expressing a difference between two distances as tidal change.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for employing data obtained from an electronic network, such as the Internet, as an emulation of sensor data. A virtual sensor bridge mechanism may be interfaced to a data source, such as the Internet, to receive Web data or remote sensor data. The virtual sensor bridge may convert the received data into a format usable by a logic controller, thereby emulating sensor data and enabling the logic controller to treat the networked data source as a sensor. Furthermore, the virtual sensor bridge may interface directly with one or more sensors and may serve as an adapter or data relay between a sensor and the logic controller.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium that enable the monitoring and control of a device via a network, such as the Internet, via an interactive hardware module that interfaces with the device and communicates with a module server located locally or remotely from the placement of the module. The hardware module allows for the transmission and receipt of data between the device interfaced to the hardware module and the module server, thereby enabling the user manually or automatically to control or monitor the device via an access medium, such as an API. The hardware module and the device may be interfaced via a wired or a wireless connection. Furthermore, the hardware module and the module server may enable the activation of an inactive device from a remote location.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium that enable a person to monitor and/or control a device via a network, such as the Internet, via an interactive hardware module that interfaces with the device and communicates with a module server located locally or remotely from the placement of the module. The hardware module allows for the transmission and receipt of data between the device interfaced to the hardware module and the module server, thereby enabling the user manually or automatically to control or monitor the device via an access medium, such as an API. The hardware module and the device may be interfaced via a wired or a wireless connection. Furthermore, the hardware module and the module server may enable the activation of an inactive device from a remote location.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for employing data obtained from an electronic network, such as the Internet, as an emulation of sensor data. A virtual sensor bridge mechanism may be interfaced to a data source, such as the Internet, to receive Web data or remote sensor data. The virtual sensor bridge may convert the received data into a format usable by a logic controller, thereby emulating sensor data and enabling the logic controller to treat the networked data source as a sensor. Furthermore, the virtual sensor bridge may interface directly with one or more sensors and may serve as an adapter or data relay between a sensor and the logic controller.