Abstract: A system and method are used to determine at least two distances to a mobile asset in a structure from first and second anchor transceivers placed a known distance from each other. A view of the structure is created as a function of a location corresponding to the two anchor transceivers. A representation of the mobile asset is included in the view of the structure.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer implemented method and system obtains a floor plan in a vector image format. Template driven searching is performed by a computer system to extract basic building structures. In another embodiment, a CAD-based vector image is received into a computer processor. An object is recognized and extracted from the vector image. The object is exported into a building information model compliant to ISO/PAS 16739 (Industry Foundation Classes) or OmniClass™.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable medium are provided for constructing multi-dimensional data models for distribution networks. Geometric features are extricated from a 2D representation of a distribution network comprising a plurality of objects having a relationship to each other within a network. Distribution network elements are generated from the geometric elements according to a network distribution model. The distribution network elements comprise objects and components of the network and include semantic information on associated attributes and relationships thereof. The distribution network element(s) can be validated using rules to detect errors in the generation of the distribution network element(s). The distribution networks element(s) can be refined and a multi-dimensional digital model constructed from the distribution network elements according to the distribution network model.

Abstract: A system includes a hands free mobile communication device. Software stored on a machine readable storage device is executed to cause the hands free mobile communication device to communicate audibly with a field operator performing field operations. The operator receives instructions regarding operations to be performed. Oral communications are received from the operator and are processed automatically to provide further instructions in response to the received oral communications.

Abstract: An acoustic user interface system and method for tracking spatial location data. A location tracking unit provides location information with respect to an object in an environment. The location information may be further employed to synthesize a perception of three-dimensional spatial location data with respect to multiple objects in the environment. The acoustic user interface communicates the three-dimensional spatial location data via an auditory channel to a stereophonic device based on a human stereophonic perception of one or more acoustic signal variable correlated with a relative location of the objects in order to co-ordinate and communicate location information effectively.

Abstract: A method for enhanced location sensing based on topology constraints. A potential position value and a corresponding probability value with respect to an observed position data of an object within a structure can be calculated utilizing a normal probability distribution function. Thereafter, an optimal route between adjacent observed time periods may be calculated utilizing a heuristic search algorithm. The potential position value and the optimal route can be calculated by accessing a pre-installed topology data associated with the structure. An optimization problem can then be solved to refine the observed position data. The position between a pair of observed time periods can be interpolated and the position of the object before a next observed time can be predicted by interpolation based on the spatial constraints.

Abstract: A method and system of generating a 3D geometric object model for a domain. The method includes: extracting basic geometric elements from an input source; converting the basic geometric elements into domain elements according to a domain model, wherein the domain elements preserve semantic information of their attributes and relationships defined by the domain model; and constructing a 3D geometric model, including 3D geometric objects, from the domain elements by geometric operators according to the domain model, wherein the 3D geometric objects maintain the semantic information of the domain elements, and the semantic information is allowed to be defined in a level of the objects.

Abstract: A context-aware smart home energy management (CASHEM) system and method is disclosed. CASHEM dynamically schedules household energy use to reduce energy consumption by identifying contextual information within said household, selecting a comfort of service preference, wherein said comfort of service preference is based on different said contextual information, and extracting an appliance use schedule for maximum energy savings based on said contextual information in light of said comfort of service preferences, by executing a program instruction in a data processing apparatus. CASHEM correlates said contextual information with energy consumption levels to dynamically schedule said appliance based on an energy-saving condition and a user's comfort. Comfort of service preferences are gathered by CASHEM by monitoring occupant activity levels and use of said appliance. CASHEM can also recommend potential energy savings for a user to modify comfort of service preferences.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling a three-dimensional smoke propagation animation system. The animation system can be configured to include a particle system manager, a compartment manager, a state variable manager, a three-dimensional space outline rendering module, and a three-dimensional smoke animation rendering module. The particle system manager creates and updates an existing particle system based on an input script and data from the state variable manager. The state variable manager loads smoke propagation data and provides smoke information to the particle system manager to create and update the particle system and space outline. The compartment manager creates a three-dimensional outline with respect to each compartment space from a compartment data and updates the status of the existing three-dimensional outlines based on information from the state variable manager. A final three-dimensional smoke propagation animation can then be rendered by the three-dimensional smoke animation rendering module.

Abstract: One embodiment of the application provides a method including segmenting a 3D polygon mesh into a plurality of widgets, defining a state variable for each widget, defining a behavior for each widget, and assembling a three-dimensional user interface from the widgets, the state variables, and the behaviors.

Abstract: A method of route retrieval is provided comprising initializing a first weighted graph, converting a blueprint of an area into a weighted graph, updating the weighted graph in real time, and calculating an optimal route in the area.

Abstract: One embodiment of the application provides a method of generating a 3D user interface (UI) in a controller for an appliance in a physical environment. The method includes: abstracting the appliance to obtain to a appliance functionality description having variables of the appliance, operations of the state variables, and relationship among the state variables; converting the state variables into corresponding 3D widgets in the controller, wherein the state variable are mapped respectively into the 3D widgets; laying out the 3D widgets to form the 3D UI in the controller; constructing communication objects in the controller from the state variables, the state variables being mapped into the communication objects; and providing interaction between the 3D UI and the appliance by a communication protocol integrated with the appliance.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing interaction of a virtual keyboard in a small touch screen. The virtual keyboard includes multiple virtual keys and can be divided into more than one block. Proximity sensors associated with the touch screen can sense the 3D position of a physical selector (e.g., user's finger or stylus) before it contacts the touch screen. When the physical selector is close enough to the touch screen, a block of the virtual keyboard or group of characters nearest the physical selector can be enlarged for selection by physical contact of the physical selector with the touch screen. The virtual keyboard can also be enlarged according to the position of the physical selector in a continual manner, wherein the extent of the enlargement is proportional to the proximity of the physical selector to the screen. Further, a character immediately under the physical selector can also be enlarged in order to determine intent with high reliability.