Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for communicating between a personal data access device and a remote communication unit. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a device, electrically connected for communication with a public switched telephone network (PSTN), is provided for facilitating communications between a personal data access device and a remote communication unit disposed in communication with the PSTN. The device includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured for communication with a remote RF transceiver associated with the personal data access device, via an RF link, and a controller, responsive to communications received from the remote RF transceiver to maintain two-way communication between the personal data access device and the remote communication unit via the PSTN and the RF link.

Abstract: An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to shut off their respective controlled appliances. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers shut off the appliances in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an automated system for monitoring and supplying a vending machine. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a set of sensors configured to detect a variety of service conditions, including products being low or out of stock, as well as, out of order conditions. The sensors generate output signals that are input to a transmitter or transceiver disposed at (typically within) the vending machine. The transmitter includes circuitry that encodes the signals received from the sensors into a message that includes an instruction code. The transmitter further includes circuitry for transmitting the encoded message, preferably via radio frequency transmission (although other forms of transmission are consistent with the invention). The system further includes a transceiver located remotely (but nearby) from the transmitter, and configured to receive the transmitted signal.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for communicating between a personal data access device and a remote communication unit. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a device, electrically connected for communication with a public switched telephone network (PSTN), is provided for facilitating communications between a personal data access device and a remote communication unit disposed in communication with the PSTN. The device includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured for communication with a remote RF transceiver associated with the personal data access device, via an RF link, and a controller, responsive to communications received from the remote RF transceiver to maintain two-way communication between the personal data access device and the remote communication unit via the PSTN and the RF link.

Abstract: A pollution information message system provides a system and method for generating and transmitting pollution information messages. In one embodiment, the pollution information message system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to monitoring devices. Control room operators receive a pollution information message from an identifiable transceiver. The transceiver, identified by an identification code, indicates a location and the nature of the detected pollution.

Abstract: An emergency message system provides a system and method for generating and transmitting emergency messages. In one embodiment, the emergency message system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to monitoring devices residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators receive an emergency message from an identifiable transceiver. The transceiver, identified by an identification code, indicates a location and the nature of the emergency condition so that the control operators may request appropriate emergency assistance.

Abstract: The present system is directed to a computerized system for monitoring and controlling remote devices by transmitting data between the remote systems and a gateway interface via a packet message protocol system. The system comprises one or more remote sensors to be read and possibly one or more actuators to be remotely controlled. The remote sensor(s)/actuator(s) then interface with uniquely identified remote transceivers that transmit and/or receive data. If necessary in individual applications, signal repeaters may relay information between the transceiver(s) and the gateway interface. Communication links between the remote transceivers and the gateway interface are preferably wireless but may also be implemented via a mixture of wireless and wired communication links.

Abstract: An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to bring their respective controlled generators on line. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers bring the generators on line in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

Abstract: An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to shut off their respective controlled appliances. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers shut off the appliances in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely processing reservations. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a reservation processing unit, and a receiver provided at the reservation processing unit for receiving data transmitted via a electromagnetic waves. The system of the invention includes a remote access unit having a memory configured to store customer identification information and a low-power transmitter adapted to transmit the customer identification information to the receiver. The remote access unit is manually operated by a transmit button, which, when depressed, causes a controller to retrieve customer identification information from the memory and transmit the customer identification information from the low-power transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network.

Abstract: A novel system and method for achieving accurate readings of the rotational speed, number of revolutions and direction of rotation of a utility system. More specifically, a system and method for retrofitting existing utility meters with a lightweight tape, having contrasting sections of reflective and non-reflective material applied thereto, which is read by optical sensors as the lightweight tape passes by with the revolutions of the disk of the utility meter. Additionally, the system and method detects unauthorized use of the utility or tampering with the utility meter and its functions.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an automated system for requesting service of a vending machine. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system includes a set of sensors configured to detect a variety of service conditions, including products being low or out of stock, as well as out of order conditions. The sensors generate output signals that are input to a transmitter disposed at (typically within) the vending machine. The transmitter includes circuitry that encodes the signals received from the sensors into a message that includes an instruction code. The transmitter further includes circuitry for transmitting the encoded message, preferably via radio frequency transmission (although other forms of transmission are consistent with the invention). The system further includes a transceiver located remotely (but nearby) from the transmitter, and configured to receive the transmitted signal.

Abstract: The present invention may be viewed as providing a system for interconnecting a plurality of remote devices to a site controller in an automated monitoring system via a wireless communication network. The automated monitoring system may be configured for monitoring and controlling the plurality of remote devices using a host computer adapted to communicate with the site controller via a communication network. Briefly described, in one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of transceivers and a plurality of repeaters. Each of the plurality of transceivers have a unique identifier. Furthermore, each of the plurality of transceivers may be configured for communication with one of the plurality of remote devices and configured to receive a sensor data signal from the corresponding remote device and provide a data message over the wireless communication network using a predefined communication protocol.

Abstract: A site controller adapted to be used in an automated monitoring system for monitoring and controlling a plurality of remote devices via a host computer connected to a first communication network is provided. The site controller is configured for controlling communication with the host computer and a plurality of communication devices that define a second communication network associated with the plurality of remote devices.

Abstract: A system for providing remote monitoring of electricity consumption is provided. Briefly described, in one embodiment the system may comprise a plurality of electric meters, a plurality of communication devices having a unique address and defining a wireless communication network, and a site controller. Each of the plurality of electric meters may be configured to measure the electricity consumption of a load attached to the electric meter. Each of the plurality of communication devices may be associated with one of the plurality of electric meters and configured to receive data related to the electricity consumption of the electric meter data and generate a transmit message using a predefined communication protocol being implemented by the wireless communication network. The transmit message may comprise the unique identifier and the data related to the electricity consumption of the electric meter.

Abstract: Wireless communication networks for monitoring and controlling a plurality of remote devices are provided. Briefly, one embodiment of a wireless communication network may comprise a plurality of wireless transceivers having unique identifiers. Each of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be configured to receive a sensor data signal from one of the plurality of remote devices and transmit an original data message using a predefined wireless communication protocol. The original data message may comprise the corresponding unique identifier and sensor data signal. Each of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be configured to receive the original data message transmitted by one of the other wireless transceivers and transmit a repeated data message using the predefined communication protocol. The repeated data message may include the sensor data signal and the corresponding unique identifier.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for monitoring the level of light surrounding a lighted area. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system includes a plurality of light sensors disposed in varying locations around the lighted area. A circuit is provided within the lighted area in communication with the sensors. In addition, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver is disposed within the lighted area, and is configured to communicate the status of the sensors to a remotely located receiver. Finally, a transceiver is interfaced to a telephone line forming part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), wherein the transceiver is configured to receive the status of the sensors communicated from the RF transceiver and to communicate the status information to a remote system via the PSTN.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling a mobile user to notify an automated monitoring system of an emergency situation are provided. The automated monitoring system may be configured for monitoring and controlling a plurality of remote devices and may comprise a site controller in communication with the plurality of remote devices via a plurality of transceivers defining a wireless communication network and in communication with a host computer via a wide area network. Briefly described, one such method comprises the steps of: receiving notification that the mobile user desires to initiate transmission of an emergency message to the site controller; determining the identity of the mobile user; and providing an emergency message over the wireless communication network for delivery to the site controller, the emergency message indicating the identity of the mobile user.