Abstract: A remote control system includes a remote control device in the hands of a user, a number of home devices and a smart adapter. The home devices and the smart adapter are connected to a power source via power lines. The remote control device sends remote control information to the smart adapter directly or via a server. The smart adapter includes a modulation module, which is configured to modulate the remote control information with a UID of the target home device and convert network protocols, then generate an effective control signal. The smart adapter transmits the control signal to the target home device via the power lines.

Abstract: An analysis system includes: an electronic device that is attached to an upper body of a swimmer; and an analysis apparatus. The electronic device includes: an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration in a gravity direction in a state where the swimmer stands erect; and a first communication unit that transmits acceleration data indicating the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor to the analysis apparatus. The analysis apparatus includes: a second communication unit that receives the acceleration data from the electronic device; and a control unit that determines whether the swimmer is in a swimming state or the swimmer is in a resting state, based on the acceleration data received by the second communication unit.

Abstract: A haptic representation system is provided that generates a haptic effect in response to sensor input. The sensor input is mapped to a haptic signal. The haptic signal is sent to an actuator configured to receive the haptic signal. The actuator utilizes the haptic signal to generate the haptic effect.

Abstract: A body sensing computer keyboard includes a trigger module defining a vibratable part and a non-vibratable part, a plurality of key buttons respectively clickable to trigger the trigger module in generating a respective signal, a displacement unit set between the trigger module and the key buttons, and a vibrator provided at the bottom side of the vibratable part of the trigger module and electrically connected to a vibration driving circuit of the trigger module for vibrating the vibratable part when one key button is clicked to trigger the trigger module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are employed for implementing haptics for pressure sensitive keyboards, such as the type of keyboards having keys that produce alternating digital open/short signals that emulate actuation of conventional “momentary on” digital keys. The disclosed systems and methods may be implemented to provide haptics for both touch typing and variable pressure sensitive operation of a pressure sensitive keyboard. Users of a variable pressure keyboard may be provided with a variable pressure haptics effect, e.g., to enable the user to intuitively understand from the haptics vibration produced by the key how much pressure they are applying to a given key at any given time. Vibration characteristics (e.g., vibration rate, vibration waveform pattern, etc.) of a given pressed key may be varied in real time in coordination with, or in response to, corresponding changes in user pressure applied to the same given key.

Abstract: A pedestrian notification apparatus, which is configured to be used in a vehicle, includes an ambient object detector, a notification target detector and a notifier. The ambient object detector is configured to detect ambient objects present around the vehicle. The notification target detector is configured to detect a notification target pedestrian based on the detection results of the ambient object detector. The notifier is configured to notify the notification target pedestrian that the notification target pedestrian has been detected by the notification target detector.

Abstract: A vehicle security system is provided. A compact security device is portable between vehicles and connectable to a 12V DC vehicle power supply for charging an internal power source. The security device communicates with an electronic device of the user to provide information about the vehicle status to the user upon detection of a triggering event.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for receiving a message from a user device; calculating the location and heading of the user device; correlating the location of the user device with any advertising or information display device in proximity to the user device; correlating a product with the display device; generating a second message with information stored in conjunction with the display device; and transmitting the second message to the user device. In one embodiment, a third message may be generated comprising an acceptance of an offer corresponding to the first or second message. In one embodiment, a vehicle or consumer may transmit diagnostic information and received information pertaining to businesses that can address an issue related to the diagnostic information. In one embodiment, a vehicle or consumer may transmit consumer and location information to register for a resource such as a parking spot that is related to a resource.

Abstract: A vehicular display system includes a vehicle on-board unit having a vehicular display part, and a mobile device having a mobile display part. The vehicular display part is fixedly mounted on a vehicle and configured to display vehicular information including at least a vehicle speed. The mobile display part is configured to display the vehicular information including the vehicle speed when the mobile device is set in position between a driver of the vehicle and the vehicular display part.

Abstract: A vehicle rear light assembly (VRLA) that is enclosed within an elongated LED display unit that includes a center compartment having a plurality of red LEDs and contiguous left and right compartments each having a plurality of yellow/red LEDs. The VRLA is comprised of an electrical circuit consisting of a function select circuit that is connected to a vehicle and sequentially includes an LED drive circuit, an LED control circuit and a LED activation circuit that is connected, in combination with the LED drive circuit, to the LED display unit. The display unit allows the viewing of left and right blinking turn signals, brake lights and tail lights.

Abstract: A vehicle warning device includes a lamp holder and a charging base. There are many LEDs at one side of the lamp holder and is a retaining member at the other side. The lamp holder comprises a power switch being outside the lamp holder and electrically connected to the LEDs; a power supply unit being in the lamp holder and electrically connected to the power switch; and a first electric connection unit being in the lamp holder and electrically connected to the power supply unit. The charging base has a charging unit electrically connected to the second electric connection unit, and a second electric connection unit electrically connected to the first electric connection unit. The lamp holder emits light by itself, warning other vehicle drivers or pedestrians. The lamp holder is at a random site outside a vehicle, thereby being featured with high security and high convenience.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable illuminated sign comprising flashing directional lights and night signal flare lights to warn other drivers on the road of a parked or disabled vehicle's presence. The Hazard Ranger is comprised of two main components, an illuminated sign and a sturdy support base.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an environmental sensor that detects security threats within a secure area, a shock detector that detects vibration of the environmental sensor and a processor that receives an signal from the environmental detector, processes the signal and provides a threat detected signal in response to the signal from the environmental detector wherein the processor also processes a signal from the shock detector, detects vibration and blocks the threat detected signal during the detected vibration.

Abstract: An alarm sensor can be located at a premises, for example a smoke detector mounted to a wall or ceiling of a building. In response to an alarm event, such as detection of a level of smoke indicative of a fire hazard, the alarm sensor can send a wireless notification directly to a remote recipient that is offsite from the premises. The recipient could be a smart phone or other handheld cellular device carried by a homeowner on vacation, for example. The alarm sensor can be either originally manufactured with remote notification capabilities or retrofitted after installation for remote notification. In some cases, the alarm sensor can be networked with other alarm sensors located at the premises. For example, an alarm sensor having remote notification capabilities can receive alarm notifications from other alarm sensors for relay to the remote recipient.

Abstract: A system for improving medical device management for a patient is also provided. The system can include a portable wireless device having an ECU, memory and an interactive remote patient monitoring module (IRPMM) for at least one medical device. The IRPMM has a medical device data request module that is operable to request and receive medical device data input from the at least one medical device. The medical device data can be input by the patient, or in the alternative, be automatically received without input from the patient. The IRPMM also has a medical device data supply module receives medical device information from an outside third party and provides the medical device information to the patient.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for saving battery service life by preventing false alarms when a tracked asset is intentionally removed from a base safe-zone. A portable safe-zone beacon may create a portable safe-zone by broadcasting signals similar to a transmitter within a base safe-zone. A tracking device may employ a relatively low-power short-range radio transceiver to receive safe-zone broadcasts. If the tracking device does not detect safe-zone broadcasts before a timing counter expires, the tracking device may activate a high-power, long-range transceiver and transmit an alarm message via a wireless network. The tracking device may distinguish between transmissions of the portable safe-zone beacon and a transmitter of the base safe-zone and may operate differently based on being within different safe-zones. In response to receiving broadcasts, the tracking device may transmit response messages to the portable safe-zone beacon. In an embodiment, devices may relay data to and from the tracking device.

Abstract: A live performance is monitored by analyzing an input data stream comprising real-time updates related to the live performance. Different sets of excitement levels, excitement curves, alerts and teasers are generated based on the analysis and reported to a plurality of subscribers using any of a variety of mobile communication and/or computing devices.

Abstract: A methods and systems for generating customized audio alerts are described. The method includes identifying occurrence of an event on a communication device. The event is associated with at least one attributes. The at least one attribute associated with the event is compared with user-defined attributes. Further, a customized audio alert is generated on the communication device based on the comparing.

Abstract: A merchandise security system for an electronic item of merchandise is provided. In one example, the merchandise security system includes a continuous alarming power cord comprising at least one electrical conductor. The alarming power cord has a first end adapted to be electrically connected to the electronic item of merchandise and a second end. The merchandise security system also includes a reel for receiving the second end of the alarming power cord and adapted for storing at least a portion of the alarming power cord thereon. In addition, the merchandise security system includes monitoring circuitry in electrical communication with the alarming power cord and configured to detect an interruption in an electrical signal provided to the alarming power cord.

Abstract: A method tracks usage of items stored in containers. To perform the method, a sensor in a mobile electronic device receives data identifying a type of item stored in a container and a number of the type of item present in the container from a tag associated with the container. A user interface in the mobile electronic device generates a prompt requesting entry of a count of the items removed from the container. The sensor in the mobile electronic device generates a revised number of the items stored in the container and stores the revised number in the tag.

Abstract: An item tracking system includes a plurality of items for storage and removal from a compartment. The system includes tags affixed to the items and configured to store identifiers for the items. A tag reader receives data from the tags in response to the items being removed from and returned to the compartment. A sensor in the compartment identifies a state change associated with the compartment. A processor identifies removal of an item with data received by the tag reader, identifies the state change with the sensor after the item is removed and before it is returned, and generates an output with an output device including the identifier corresponding to the item in response to the state change in the compartment.

Abstract: An alarm tag comprising a first input unit for generating signals for setting (to ON) or resetting (to OFF) an alarm system of the alarm tag. The alarm tag further includes a second input unit for generating signals for arming the alarm tag and triggering an alarm, and an independent auxiliary input unit that generates independent signals that arm the alarm tag and trigger an alarm. When both the second and the auxiliary input units generate a first signal, the alarm system of the alarm tag is armed and set to ON, and when any of the second and third auxiliary input units generate a second signal while the alarm tag is armed and ON, the alarm system of the alarm tag triggers an alarm, thereby preventing tampering and bypassing of one of the second and auxiliary input units to disarm the alarm.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method in a portable electronic device for handling fall detection, the method comprising: detecting a suspected fall; and, preventing or suspending, at least temporarily, a triggering of a fall process based on a status and/or historical status of the electronic device, the status and/or historical status being at the time the suspected fall was detected. A portable electronic device and computer readable medium may also be provided.

Abstract: A foot monitoring system includes a measurement circuit and an alert circuit. The measurement circuit measures sideways roll of a person's foot while the person is walking/running. The alert circuit determines that the person should change sideways spacing between the person's feet to change further measured values of the sideways roll of the person's foot toward preferred sideways roll values, and generates a notification that indicates to the person to change the sideways spacing between the feet. The foot measurement circuit may determine how much shoe cushioning life remains for a shoe worn by the person in response to comparison of values a peak pulse segment of impact measurements to another segment of the impact measurements that is outside the peak pulse segment.

Abstract: A drowsiness-estimating device capable of improving the precision of drowsiness estimation by eliminating the effect of individual differences. In the device, a recurrence required time-calculating part (103) calculates the recurrence required time, which is the time needed, after a detection time when an action is detected, for a drowsiness estimation parameter value acquired after the detection time to return to the value of the drowsiness estimation parameter acquired before the detection time. A drowsiness-estimating part (104) estimates the level of drowsiness of the drowsiness-estimation subject on the basis of the calculated recurrence required time. To be specific, the drowsiness-estimating part (104) maintains a drowsiness level-estimating table in which each of multiple time ranges is correlated with a possible drowsiness level, and specifies a possible drowsiness level that corresponds to the time range, among the multiple time ranges, with which the recurrence required time is associated.

Abstract: A fire detecting system can mix fire detectors, such as smoke, flame, or, thermal detectors on a common loop, or zone, with gas detectors. Signals indicative of gas can have one amplitude while those indicating fire can have a different amplitude. Duty cycles can be varied to indicate other conditions, such as trouble conditions.

Abstract: A mechanical robot senses smoke or CO or other indication of air quality and alarms when air quality falls below a threshold.

Abstract: A method for managing consumption of heterogeneous resources includes: receiving resource consumption information of a target; calculating a total energy consumption value that is associated with the target based on the resource consumption information of the target; generating a high consumption alert when the calculated total energy consumption value is higher than a first predetermined threshold value; and generating a low consumption alert when the calculated total energy consumption value is not higher than a second predetermined threshold value that is lower than the first predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A voltage gradient detector provides notice when a potentially hazardous voltage gradient is present in water, employing at least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes connected to an LED. The electrode spacing is selected such that, when exposed to a sufficiently large voltage gradient, the voltage between the electrodes causes activation of the LED. The LED can provide visual illumination, or can be a part of a switching device such as a photoMOS relay that in turn activates an alarm device such as an audible sounder or a high-intensity light. Sensitivity in multiple directions can be attained by employing a pair of LEDs between the electrodes, and by employing three pairs of electrodes and associated LED pairs, with the pairs of electrodes being spaced apart along substantially orthogonal axes. These pairs may be discrete or may share an electrode in common.

Abstract: Imperfections in conveyor belting and its supporting elements can adversely affect weighing accuracy of belt scales, particularly when weighing and/or metering low density materials, such as those encountered in the snack food industry. A system and methods for a belt conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention provide simultaneous benefits of both short and long weigh spans. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a virtual weigh span may be programmably set to adjust for variations in the belt conveyor weighing system. Advantages include, higher degrees of accuracy and calibration to account for changes in the belt or belting system over time using non-mechanical adjustments. In addition, weight measurement error producing effects, some that may not be particularly known, may be reduced.

Abstract: A method of aiding viewing position for autostereoscopic displays having a suggested viewing zone or optimal viewing position. The method detects a position of a viewer using a detection sensor associated with the display and determines if the viewer is within the suggested viewing zone. If the viewer is not within the suggested viewing zone, the method provides feedback to the viewer, such as visual cues on the display, indicating how the viewer should move in order to be within the suggested viewing zone. The method can continuously provide the feedback in order to indicate how the viewer is moving with respect to the suggested viewing zone and when the viewer has moved into the suggested viewing zone.

Abstract: A door safety device for either a hinged or a sliding door which when closing places the vertical door side edge in a position abutting the vertical face of either of two sides of a door jamb, or the vertical face of another sliding door, or the threshold end of a sliding door track. The device employs a body in pivotal engagement with a resilient body for positioning the body in an as-used position between the door side edge and the vertical face to maintain a gap to prevent finger crushing. A curved leading edge provides a deflection of impact forces upon the resilient body to prevent marring of the vertical face of the door jamb or threshold.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described herein that are configured to enable validation of an alert condition. In some example embodiments, a method is provided that comprises detecting an alert condition. The method of this embodiment may also include generating a set of messages based on one or more key events in a primary data channel and one or more significant events in one or more related data channels in response to the alert condition. The method of this embodiment may also include determining a validity of the alert condition based on the set of messages that express the one or more key events, the one or more significant events, a relationship between the one or more key events and the one or more significant events, an alert context and the one or causes of the alert condition.

Abstract: The present application relates to a light beacon, light beacon assembly, and methods of its construction. In one aspect, a light beacon assembly includes a housing including a base and a lens cooperating to enclose an interior volume, the lens having a generally cylindrical shape. The assembly also includes a plurality of circuit boards positioned within the interior volume, where each of the plurality of circuit boards having a conductive tab extending from a first side, a conductive tab receiver near a second side, and a light emitting diode mounted thereon. The plurality of circuit boards are each positioned within the interior volume and extend perpendicularly from the base such that the tab of each circuit board is received at the tab receiver of an adjacent circuit board. The plurality of circuit boards are interconnected to form a structure having light emitting diodes oriented outwardly toward the lens.

Abstract: Methods and systems for indicating the presence of a security system on a building are described. Existing security systems do not adequately provide notice to others that a property is protected by a security system. The methods and systems described herein solve this problem by providing a flashing lamp doorbell that may provide notice that a property is protected by a security system, and may optionally convey status information about the current state of the property.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating faults in inductively coupled wired drill pipe while drilling. In one embodiment, apparatus includes a drill string and a wired drill pipe fault monitor. The drill string includes a plurality of wired drill pipes. Each wired drill pipe includes an inductive coupler at each terminal end. The wired drill pipe fault monitor is coupled to the wired drill pipes. The fault monitor includes an impedance measuring system and a fault locator. The impedance measuring system is configured to measure, while drilling the borehole, an input impedance of the wired drill pipes. The fault locator is configured to determine a propagation constant for the wired drill pipes, and to analyze the measured input impedance and determine, as a function of the measured input impedance and the propagation constant, a location of a fault in the wired drill pipes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for locating faults in wired drill pipe while drilling. In one embodiment, a fault location system includes a plurality of conductively coupled media sections, impedance measurement electronics, and a fault locator. Each media section includes conductive couplers on opposing ends of the media section, and conductive media connected to and communicatively coupling the conductive couplers. The impedance measurement electronics is configured to measure an input impedance of the media sections. The fault locator is configured to determine a propagation constant for the media sections, and to determine, as a function of the input impedance and the propagation constant, a location of a fault in the media sections.

Abstract: The description provides a signal detection system employing a wireless, passive detection device that utilizes waveform shifting for reporting signals to a reader device. The system is useful for a variety of applications including as an implanted medical device for monitoring patient conditions.

Abstract: A communicator facilitates communications with a remote server via a wireless network supporting a plurality of disparate data transport mechanisms having differing characteristics. A processor coupled to memory is disposed in a communicator housing, which is configured for portability. The memory stores wireless radio firmware and data transfer instructions that are executable by the processor for transferring data to the remote server in accordance with a priority level. The priority level is based in part on criticality of the data and the communicator status. A radio disposed in the housing effects communications via the wireless network in accordance with the firmware. A power source in the housing supplies power for communicator components. The processor executes program instructions for selecting a data transport mechanism among the plurality transport mechanisms based on the priority level, and transmits the data via the wireless network via the radio using the selected transport mechanism.

Abstract: Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatuses for using a smart meter as a reliable crowd-sourcing agent are presented. In some embodiments, a smart meter installed at a location may observe one or more wireless signals at the location. Subsequently, the smart meter may provide, to at least one signal almanac server, information that identifies the location and describes one or more detected properties of the one or more observed wireless signals. In at least one arrangement, the information provided to the at least one signal almanac server may be configured to be used by the at least one signal almanac server in providing position assistance information to one or more mobile devices located in a vicinity of the location.

Abstract: A combined method and apparatus for the detection, monitoring and control of electrolytic corrosion in pipelines and other metallic structures along with pipeline valve status and pressure changes indicating a loss of flammable or toxic high pressure products. Pipeline valve station and corrosion protection station status is monitored and controlled from a distant location. The apparatus transmits data by electrical signal along the conductive pipe or by short-range and long-range radio transceivers.

Abstract: A method of encoding interval consumption values transmitted by a meter module in a metering data collection system includes collecting consumption values at selected intervals, and compressing collected consumption data using a logarithmic table encoder to reduce the number of bits required in a data message for each consumption interval.

Abstract: According to various embodiments a mobile device is provided having resident thereon a mobile application for use in conjunction with an alcohol detection device. The mobile device comprises a memory and one or more processors configured to execute the mobile application. The mobile application is configured to: determine whether at least one communication pathway exists between the mobile application and the alcohol detection device; responsive to at least one communication pathway existing, generate an indication that the alcohol detection device is ready for conducting at least one blood alcohol content (BAC) level test therewith; receive formatted test data from the alcohol detection device; and provide, based at least in part upon the formatted test data and via an interface of the mobile device, one or more test results for consideration by a user of the mobile device. Associated computer-implemented methods and non-transitory computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A telemetry device for state acquisition for an agricultural working train (with at least a drive machine and an attachment) has a transmission unit for receiving state values from the working train, a tele-unit for wireless transmission of teledata sets to a telemetry server and a processing unit for generating the teledata sets on the basis of the state values that are received. The received state values embody drive state values assigned to the drive machine and device state values assigned to the attachment. The processing unit groups the received drive state values with the received device state values based on predefined grouping instructions and the grouped state values to generate a teledata set according to generation instructions.

Abstract: Electronic equipment in vehicles may transmit and receive wireless messages. Each wireless message that is transmitted by a transmitter may include information on the vehicle from which it is being transmitted, information on the location of the transmitter within the vehicle, and other vehicle status information. Receiving equipment in vehicles may be used to receive the transmitted messages. Received signal strength indicator information may be associated with the transmitted messages. Using the received signal strength indicator information and information on the locations of the transmitters within the vehicles in which the transmitters are installed, equipment in a receiving vehicle may determine locations for nearby vehicles. Alerts may be presented to a driver of a vehicle and other suitable actions may be taken based on the locations of nearby vehicles, vehicle type information, and other information regarding traffic in the vicinity of the driver.

Abstract: Systems and methods can discover and present to a user road conditions. A client can include sensors to measure local road conditions. Local road conditions can be measured by a sensor and reported to a server. The server can aggregate road condition information at least by location and time, and return the aggregated information to clients to facilitate presentation of road conditions not discovered locally. Information regarding road conditions at given times and locations can facilitate road maintenance coordination and route planning.

Abstract: A parking system including a database having (a) a number of parking spaces in a zone, (b) a ratio having a number of vehicles using a certain parking service from a pre-defined general population divided by a number of vehicles of the pre-defined general population, and (c) a number of vehicles using the parking service and which are currently parking in the zone, and a calculator configured to calculate from the database an estimation of available parking spaces within the zone, thereby enabling a user to obtain information regarding availability of parking spaces in given locations, compared with other locations.

Abstract: A parking system including a database having (a) a number of parking spaces in a zone, (b) a ratio having a number of vehicles using a certain parking service from a pre-defined general population divided by a number of vehicles of the pre-defined general population, and (c) a number of vehicles using the parking service and which are currently parking in the zone, and a calculator configured to calculate from the database an estimation of available parking spaces within the zone, thereby enabling a user to obtain information regarding availability of parking spaces in given locations, compared with other locations.

Abstract: A system for determining motion of a tagged article may include a tag detection sub-system, a traffic pattern determination sub-system, and a monitoring sub-system. The tag detection sub-system is configured to output tag data regarding movement of the tagged article with respect to a tag detector proximate an exit portal of a location. The traffic pattern determination sub-system is configured to output traffic data regarding movement of an individual with respect to the exit portal of the location. The monitoring sub-system may include a correlation module configured to compare the tag data with the traffic data to accurately determine one or both of motion or path of the tagged article.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program product for generating and annunciating to a flight crew if they are on or approaching a closed runway. The present invention alerts the pilot to operations on closed runways with appropriate and non-misleading information, thus allowing the pilot to make better decisions.