Abstract: A passive infrared motion detector discriminates between the motion of humans and pets in a premises. The motion detector includes an infrared sensor and a mirror for focusing infrared radiation from distinct fields of view. In one embodiment, a mask prevents infrared radiation from reaching the infrared sensor, and cut away regions on the surface of the mask allow selective passage of infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. In an alternative embodiment, the cylindrical mirror elements includes reflective and unreflective regions, which allow selective passage of infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. The cut away regions and the reflective regions are elongated to correspond to the shape of standing humans. As a result, the infrared radiation from animals only partially reaches the infrared sensor.

Abstract: The present application provides a detection apparatus and a control system, wherein the detection apparatus comprises a passive infrared sensor and a Fresnel lens provided on the passive infrared sensor, and wherein the detection apparatus further comprises a rotation unit, the rotation unit being capable of driving the passive infrared sensor and the Fresnel lens to rotate together. The detection apparatus of the present application can be used for controlling lamplight, air conditioner, heating and ventilation in a building or can be used for security, etc.

Abstract: The Compound Eye Laser Illumination Seeker (CELIS) is a tracking system used to guide items to point at a laser-illuminated target, with the illumination being either pulsed or modulated at either a specific rate or within a range of rates. The CELIS, comprising a multiaperture compound receiver optics (MACRO) to collect the signal, a set of light guides to combine the received light into light representing individual angular sectors and redirect it to detectors whose output represents the illumination signal in that quadrant, a spectral filter, an angle filter, the set of detectors, and processing electronics. The output is an electronic signal indicating the angular difference between the pointing direction of the signal and the pointing direction of the tracking device.

Abstract: A device for determining the topography of the burden surface in a shaft furnace (10), the device comprising a radar device (20) that scans the burden surface (18) and has an antenna device (22) arranged in the area of a furnace cover (13), the antenna device being arranged on an axis of rotation (24) that is inclined in relation to a vertical axis (15) of the shaft furnace at an angle of inclination ? and being rotatable about the axis of rotation by means of a drive device in such a manner that a radar fan beam (28) formed by the emitted radar radiation of the antenna device is incident upon the burden surface along a profile line p and sweeps across the burden surface as the antenna device rotates.

Abstract: A system and method for counting persons using passages to an area by analyzing vibrations in the floor or the air above the floor with sensors and a machine learning system. The machine learning system uses a model, usually implemented as a neural network on a processor. The network is trained in levels and implemented in layers. Different levels classify and analyze vibrations by timing and frequency, by movements of persons, and by identity of persons The same person is identified by patterns in the vibrations and the vibrations are correlated to determine and count when a person uses a combination of passages. Location information for the person is used to identify persons in places and doing activities of interest. The model may be trained on one processor and downloaded to another processor for evaluation. Additional sensors and levels of training may be implemented on the latter processor.

Abstract: A stand-alone sensor includes a main part, a sensing head mounting on the main part, and a movable shield retractably disposed in the main part. The movable shield is rotatable around the sensing head when protruded from the main part.

Abstract: An image detection method for determining the postures of a user includes: obtaining a plurality of images of a user; determining whether the user moves; and when the user is determined to be moving, calculating whether the amount of images is greater than a first predetermined value or not, calculating whether or not the amount of images of the user in the region of interest (ROI) is greater than a second predetermined value, and calculating whether or not the amount of images of the user not in the ROI is greater than a third predetermined value, in order to determine the postures of the user.

Abstract: A display device has a display, operable to generate a real image, and an optical system with one or more lenslets arranged to generate a virtual sub-image from a respective partial real image on the display, by each lenslet projecting light from the display to an eye position. The sub-images combine to form a virtual image viewable from the eye position. A radial focal length distribution of the optical system decreases with increasing radial angle at radial angles greater than 20° from the frontward direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an occupancy monitoring system. The occupancy monitoring system includes a thermal sensor configured to monitor a gate (e.g., entry way) to a space. The thermal sensor includes a pixel array that generates a pixel value for each pixel in the pixel array, and the pixel value corresponds to a quantity of heat or thermal information detected by a pixel. The occupancy monitoring system acquires pixel values for the pixels of the pixel array. The occupancy monitoring system determines whether there is a change in occupancy of the space based on changes to a first region (or first pixel cluster) of the pixel array and a second region (or second pixel cluster) of the pixel array over time. The occupancy monitoring system may adjust lighting, temperature, and/or security systems for the space as the occupancy changes.

Abstract: An electrically power assisted bicycle includes an electric motor that generates an assist force assisting human power of a rider, a detachable battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor, a headlight, and an operation panel including a display that displays information, a power button that turns on or off the electrically power assisted bicycle, an illuminance sensor that outputs a signal in accordance with received light, and a controller configured or programmed to control the headlight to be on or off. The power button and the illuminance sensor are located close to each other on or in the operation panel. After a predetermined time period passes after the controller is activated by the power button being pressed by the rider, the controller starts controlling the headlight to be on or off in accordance with the signal output by the illuminance sensor.

Abstract: An approach is provided that identifies a current position of a drone. The approach further detects a current target location and determines a surveillance position with the surveillance position being predicted to be undetectable from the current target location. The approach then instructs the drone to move from the current position to the surveillance position.

Abstract: A method to record video with a video camera while respecting bystander privacy includes acquiring sensory data separate from the video, parsing the sensory data for evidence of a human being in a field of view of the video camera, and recording video with the video camera if no human being is detected in the field of view, based upon the sensory data.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a lighting device, a motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The lighting fixture further includes a controller communicably coupled to the lighting device, to the motion sensor, and to the transceiver. The controller is configured to adjust a light provided by the lighting device based on a motion detection by the motion sensor and based on a wireless input signal received by the transceiver indicating whether a second motion is detected by a second lighting fixture.

Abstract: A motion sensor includes an infrared detector with a first set of detector elements and a second set of detector elements. The motion sensor also includes an optical system to direct electromagnetic energy from a first row of monitored volumes spaced at a pitch in a first direction onto the first set of detector elements and to direct electromagnetic energy from a second row of monitored volumes spaced at the pitch in the first direction onto the second set of detector elements. The second row of monitored volumes has an offset from the first set of monitored volumes in the first direction and the first row of monitored volumes and second row of monitored volumes are substantially non-overlapping.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for detecting stationary presence using IR sensor data. A number of IR images may be captured based on IR sensor data and these IR images may be averaged over various time intervals to calculate a number of average IR frames. The difference between these average IR frames provides a delta frame. A mask frame may be calculated as the summation of delta frames over time, and the value of the mask frame may be used to detect a stationary human presence even when no delta value is calculated. Alternatively, the mask frame may be used to calculate a background frame that represents the IR signature of stationary or cyclical objects within the scanned area that are not intended to trigger the presence detection system. A stationary presence may be determined by subtracting the background frame from a current average IR frame.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting human intruders while rejecting/ignoring an occupant's registered pet. An object detection system is configured to detect an object that is present in a monitored area and generate a signal output relative to the type of object. A signature processor is configured to receive the generated signal output and produce an object signature, and compare a threshold signature to the object signature, wherein the threshold signature is generated using a photograph of a reserved object, and wherein the object detection system rejects the detected object when the object signature is determined to be similar to the threshold signatures.

Abstract: An architecture is described that can utilize photo-sensors embedded in a substantially transparent layer of a UI display for tracking objects that approach or hover over the UI display. The photo-sensors can be configured to detect light of certain wavelengths (e.g., visible light, infrared light) that are propagated toward the UI display, while ignoring light emanating from the UI display when displaying content. Accordingly, by examining various characteristics of the incoming light such as intensity, the architecture can identify a location of a shadow incident upon the display caused by an approaching or hovering selector object blocking portions of incoming light. Additionally or alternatively, the architecture can identify a location of higher intensity for light emanating from the selector object.

Abstract: A lighting fixture includes a lighting device, a motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The lighting fixture further includes a controller communicably coupled to the lighting device, to the motion sensor, and to the transceiver. The controller is configured to adjust a light provided by the lighting device based on a motion detection by the motion sensor and based on a wireless input signal received by the transceiver indicating whether a second motion is detected by a second lighting fixture.

Abstract: A system and method for counting persons using passages entering or exiting an area by analyzing vibrations in the floor with sensors and a machine learning system. The machine learning system uses a model, usually implemented as a neural network on a processor. The network is trained in levels and implemented in layers. Different levels classify and analyze vibrations by timing and frequency, by movements of persons, and by identity of persons The same person is identified by patterns in the vibrations and the vibrations are correlated to determine when a person uses a combination of passages and is thereby counted. Location information for the person is used to identify persons in places and doing activities of interest. The model may be trained on one processor and then downloaded to another processor for evaluation. Additional sensors and levels of training may be implemented on the latter processor.

Abstract: An anti-masking device for an intrusion detector and method for detecting a masking substance is disclosed. The device can comprise a cover enclosing an interior area housing an electric light source and a light detecting sensor. The cover can have a light-permeable area having an exterior surface with a jagged array including a plurality of parallel spaced-apart teeth forming a series of alternating channels and projections. A light guide can be provided with opposing first and second ends. The first end can be located within the interior area adjacent the light source and the second end can be located adjacent the exterior surface of the cover. The light guide can be configured to direct light outside the cover and onto the jagged array. The jagged area can be configured to refract light from the light guide through the cover and into the interior.

Abstract: A smart window-based security system is provided. The system includes a plurality of smart windows, each smart window of the plurality of smart windows having at least one electrochromic window and at least one sensor integrated into the smart window. The plurality of smart windows are coupled together in a system having at least one processor configured to detect a personal or property security threat, such as an intruder or fire based, on information from sensors of the plurality of smart windows.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting a focal length of a mirror are provided. Some systems can include an adjustment device having an slot, a mirror that is rotatable about an axis, and a drive coupled to the mirror and configured to engage the slot, wherein movement of the adjustment device can cause the drive to move within the slot upwards or downwards in accordance with a slope of the slot, thereby rotating the mirror about the axis.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for identifying an individual in both cooperative and non-cooperative situations are provided. In one aspect, for example, a system for identifying an individual can include an active light source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation having at least one wavelength of from about 700 nm to about 1200 nm, and an imager device positioned to receive the electromagnetic radiation upon reflection from an individual to generate an electronic representation of the individual. The system can also include an image processing module functionally coupled to the imager device to receive the electronic representation. The image processing module processes the electronic representation into an individual representation having at least one substantially unique identification trait.

Abstract: According to the invention, a PIR sensor system (100) comprises a first PIR sensor (1) associated with a first sensing region (11) and a second PIR sensor (2) associated with a second sensing region (12). The first and second sensing regions partially overlap and are divided into detection cells (46a-46f) and (45a-45d). Each detection cell is represented by predetermined characteristics of first and second output signals, which signals are based on input signals from first and second sensing elements (4-7) of each PIR sensor. Thereby different detection cells are encoded by a certain combination of signal characteristics (amplitude and sign) of the first and second output signals. Further, the PIR sensor system comprises a processing unit (15) configured to associate the characteristics of the first and second output signals with one of the detection cells for determining in which of the detection cells a heat source is positioned.

Abstract: A security system uses wireless access control readers that determine locations of beacon devices relative to thresholds of access points, a verification system for validating user information for users, and beacon devices that monitor for an activation input from their users and that signal the wireless access control readers when the activation input is received. The access point is then controlled based on the user information and the receipt of the activation input by the beacon devices. This addresses the problem of how the system infers intent at an access point. The security system no longer has to infer intent from possibly poor information concerning the location and movement of the users. Instead, the security system can simply determine gross proximity to the access point and then wait for the activation input.

Abstract: A system and method for securing an edge zone in a space, while not restricting normal activities in the space, is provided. The system and method comprises an infrared detection device and a data processing means. The infrared detection device monitors a space using two or more fields of view. Some of the fields of view cover an edge zone of the space, while the rest of the fields of view cover an adjacent zone to the edge zone. The infrared detection device produces a signal when one or more infrared sources, such as human beings, enter one of its fields of view, in which the signal is unique for identifying the field of view being entered. The data processing means processes the signals from the infrared detection device for securing the edge zone with either intrusion detection or escape detection. The data processing means produces an alarm signal when an intrusion or escape is detected, but does not produce such a signal for normal activities in the monitored space, including the edge zone.

Abstract: An optical element has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface is subdivided into at least one first segment and a second segment. The segments in each case adjoin a midpoint of the first surface. Each segment has a tooth structure having teeth extending along tooth extension directions. The tooth extension directions have bends at boundaries between the segments.

Abstract: A passive infrared motion detection sensor that includes a Fresnel focusing arrangement that creates at least a first infrared sensing region, a second infrared sensing region, and a third infrared sensing region, in which target detection in one or more infrared sensing regions is weighted to be distinguishable from target detection in remaining infrared sensing regions. The Fresnel focusing arrangement creates the weighted infrared sensing regions using a lenslet region, an optically opaque region and a plurality of extruded cylindrical lenslets that extend across a portion of both the lenslet region and the optically opaque region. The signal detection in at least the second weighted infrared sensing region, for example, an infrared sensing range between 6 and 10 feet, is weighted to easily distinguish between a pet within the second infrared sensing range and a person at any infrared sensing range.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery, main switch, controller, and driving voltage supply source. The battery has at least one battery cell. The main switch is connected between a first node and a second node, the battery is connected to the first node and an external terminal, and the external terminal connected to the second node. The controller manages the battery and to control the main switch. The driving voltage supply source generates a driving voltage based on a voltage of a third node and to supply the driving voltage to the controller. The third node is diode-connected to the first node and the second node.

Abstract: A laser detector includes a latch and a semiconductor device including the same. The laser detector includes a latch configured to output an output signal and an inverted output signal and an initial value setting circuit configured to set an initial value of at least one of the output signal and the inverted output signal. The latch includes a first transistor controlled to be initially turned on by the initial value and a second transistor controlled to be initially turned off by the initial value. The second transistor has an active region having a lateral area that is greater than that of the first transistor.

Abstract: A system and method for counting persons using passages entering or exiting an area by analyzing vibrations in the floor with sensors and a machine learning system. The machine learning system uses a model, usually implemented as a neural network on a processor. The network is trained in levels and implemented in layers. Different levels classify and analyze vibrations by timing and frequency, by movements of persons, and by identity of persons The same person is identified by patterns in the vibrations and the vibrations are correlated to determine when a person uses a combination of passages and is thereby counted. Location information for the person is used to identify persons in places and doing activities of interest. The model may be trained on one processor and then downloaded to another processor for evaluation. Additional sensors and levels of training may be implemented on the latter processor.

Abstract: A motion sensor has at least two tiers of monitored volumes that are offset from each other. Electromagnetic radiation, such as infrared light, is directed from the monitored volumes onto at least two sets of detector elements having separate outputs on a pyroelectric substrate of an infrared detector. As a warm object, such as a human or an animal, moves through the monitored volumes, the warmth from the object causes the voltage on the outputs of the infrared detector to change. The resultant waveforms are compared and if the two waveforms have a phase relationship corresponding to a critical phase angle that is based on the pitch of the monitored volumes and the offset between the tiers of monitored volumes, an animal-immune motion indication is generated.

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a light source located within a housing. A reticle having an aperture is positioned within the housing to receive a first light beam emitted from the light source. The reticle is configured to transmit a second light beam through the aperture. A mirror is positioned within the housing to receive the second light beam transmitted from the reticle and reflect the second light beam through a first window in the housing onto a surface of interest of an object. A light receiver is configured to receive a third light beam from the surface of interest of the object through a second window in the housing, wherein the light receiver is configured to obtain one or more light position values to determine a parameter of the surface of interest of the object. Methods for generating three-dimensional images of an object utilizing the optical scanner are also disclosed.

Abstract: To ensure that guest abnormal behavior can be easily found by visual inspection. A security system includes a staff electronic name tag device (SENTD), a guest electronic name tag device (GENTD), a monitoring device, a guest management device, and a gate device. The SENTD displays the face image of the staff who is assigned with the SENTD. The GENTD includes a display unit and a first wireless communication unit. The display unit displays the face image of the guest to which the GENTD is assigned. The photographing unit photographs the face image of the guest in the facility and outside the monitoring area. The second wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with the first wireless communication unit of the guest electronic tag unit. The holder registration unit transmits the photographed face image of the guest to the GENTD in the second wireless communication unit for display.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an electromagnetic wave measuring apparatus and an electromagnetic wave measuring method that suppress deterioration in sensitivity of electromagnetic noise in electromagnetic wave measurement. An electromagnetic wave measuring apparatus includes a sensor that detects an electromagnetic wave and outputs a detection signal having intensity corresponding to the magnitude of energy of the detected electromagnetic wave, a resistor connected to the sensor, a first variable capacitor connected to the sensor, a voltage detection circuit connected to the sensor, a second variable capacitor connected to a wire between the sensor and the voltage detection circuit, and a capacitance adjusting unit that adjusts capacitance values of the first variable capacitor and the second variable capacitor. The electromagnetic wave measuring apparatus adjusts, in the adjusting unit, the capacitance values of the first and second variable capacitors and performs electromagnetic wave measurement.

Abstract: A sensor control device which controls: a first sensor which detects, based on a captured image, whether a person is present in a first detection range, and detects, for each of regions into which the first detection range is divided, whether a person is present in the region, based on a captured image; and a plurality of second sensors which detect, based on infrared radiation, whether a person is present in respective second detection ranges includes a determiner which matches, for each of the regions, an on or off state of a detection function of the first sensor in the region with an on or off state of a detection function of a second sensor whose second detection range overlaps the region, among the plurality of second sensors, by controlling the first sensor and the plurality of second sensors.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring and controlling using small infrared imaging modules to enhance occupant safety and energy efficiency of buildings and structures. In one example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect presence of persons, identify and classify power-consuming objects, and monitor environmental conditions. Based on the processed thermal images, various power-consuming objects (e.g., an HVAC system, lighting, a water heater, and other appliances) may be controlled to increase energy efficiency. In another example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect various hazardous conditions, such as a combustible gas leak, a CO gas leak, a water leak, fire, smoke, and, an electrical hotspot. If such hazardous conditions are detected, an appropriate warning may be generated and/or various objects may be controlled to remedy the conditions.

Abstract: In flight vehicles subject to extreme aero-thermal heating of the optical window, the optical system is configured to look through an off-axis segment of the optical window and a polarizer is positioned in the optical path between the off-axis segment and the detector. The polarizer comprises at least one filter pixel that imparts a linear polarization of a certain angular value to filter the incident radiation as a function of its polarization. In the case of a sheet polarizer, the entire polarizer is aligned to the plane of incidence. The sheet polarizer preferentially filters the target radiation to increase the SNR at the detector. In the case of a microgrid polarizer, at least one and preferably multiple filter pixels in each sub-array aligned to the plane of incidence. The microgrid polarizer can produce data products including a radiance image, an AoLP image and a DoLP image, only the AoLP image removes the self-emitted window radiance and an gradient caused by non-uniform aero-thermal heating.

Abstract: A meter reading system for communicating with Automated Meter Reading meters. The system includes an airborne platform and a meter data collection system disposed on the airborne platform. The meter data collection system includes antennas, with each of the antennas pointing in a different direction, one from another, and each antenna generally pointing downward when the airborne platform is airborne. The antennas receive meter data from the meters. The meter data collection system also includes transceivers, one each of the transceivers associated with and in signal communication with one each of the antennas. The transceivers receive the meter data through the antennas. A first computer is in signal communication with the transceivers, and receives the meter data from the transceivers.

Abstract: A system and associated methods of operation for regulating an environmental variable (such as ambient room temperature) within a target zone. The system includes a sensor system configured to monitor the target zone, detect one or more inhabitants present within the zone, and identify an alpha person from the one or more inhabitants. Once the alpha person is identified, a measurement sensor measures a skin parameter from the identified alpha person and generates a sensor signal communicating the measured skin parameter to an environmental control system. Upon receiving the sensor signal, the environmental control system regulates an environmental variable within the zone based on the measured skin parameter from the alpha person.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a security system that protects a secured area, a passive infrared (PIR) detector of the security system that detects intruders within the secured area, a pyroelectric element carried by the PIR detector, the pyroelectric element being tilted downwards towards a floor within the secured area to receive and detect a predominant portion of energy from an area extending outwards from the PIR detector and directly in front of the PIR detector and a relatively small portion of energy from a floor area directly below the PIR detector, and a pivoting door having first and second positions mounted below and directly adjacent the pyroelectric element, the door pivoting upwards to the first position where the relatively small portion of energy is blocked and pivoting downwards where the relatively small portion of energy is transmitted onto the pyroelectric element.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating tamper-respondent assemblies are provided which include an electronic enclosure, a tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure, and at least one security element. The electronic enclosure encloses, at least in part, at least one electronic component to be protected, and includes an inner surface. The tamper-respondent electronic circuit structure includes a tamper-respondent sensor covering, at least in part, the inner surface of the electronic enclosure, and the at least one security element overlies and physically secures in place, at least in part, the tamper-respondent sensor covering, at least in part, the inner surface of the electronic enclosure.

Abstract: A method for geo-location services is described. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a condition of a user at a location, identifying an emergency situation in relation to the user at the location, and upon identifying the emergency situation, sending a notification message to a predetermined contact, the notification message comprising a temporary code to unlock a door lock at the location within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising an electromechanical device, a control unit, a main control unit and a motion detector, wherein said control unit is configured to control said electromechanical device. The invention also relates to a method for operating an apparatus with a main control unit, a control unit and an electromechanical device. The technical problem of providing an apparatus with an electromechanical device, the reliability of which is improved, is solved by an apparatus wherein the main control unit is configured to provide information to the control unit. The motion detector and the main control unit are configured such that information about the movement of the electromechanical device is provided by the motion detector at least to the main control unit. The technical problem is also solved by a method for operating an apparatus, in particular an apparatus or medical device according to the invention.

Abstract: A human detection system includes a thermal sensor and an indoor apparatus. The thermal sensor captures a thermal image of an indoor space. The human detection system includes a human entering detection mode, a first human exiting detection mode corresponding to a state of turning off the indoor apparatus and a second human exiting detection mode corresponding to a state of turning on the indoor apparatus, wherein the human detection system executes a human entering detection procedure according to the thermal image under the first human entering detection mode, and executes a human exiting detection procedure according to the thermal image under the first human exiting detection mode or the second human exiting detection mode.

Abstract: An omnidirectional lens is disclosed of the type which captures light from virtually all angles of incidence, and also emits light in all directions. Embodiments are specifically disclosed as a two-way lens that receives light beams from all directions of the compass and directs those light beams to a photosensor. The same two-way lens acts in a “beacon mode” to produce light beams from one or more LEDs, and to emit such light beams (again) in all directions of the compass. The emitted light beams can also be used to signal various functions as visible signals to users on a jobsite.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to a receiver for an infrared light source. The receiver comprises a substantially transparent body; a sensor for receiving infrared light; and a substantially planar first surface on the transparent body. The first surface is configured to direct light from the infrared light source to the sensor. The substantially planar first surface comprises the end of the substantially transparent body. The substantially planar first surface provides an internally reflective surface that directs light into the interior of the substantially transparent body so it will make contact with the sensor.

Abstract: A system for nondestructive evaluation of railroad rails, includes a carriage including a plurality of wheels movably supporting the carriage on the rails, a source of vibration mounted on the carriage and connected to transmit vibrations of a preselected frequency to test regions on the rails through the wheels to cause an increase in temperature of the rails at locations of flaws in the test regions, an infrared detector for recording thermal images of the test regions to detect the increase in temperature of the location of the flaws, a controller connected to actuate the infrared detector to record the thermal images of the vibrations impacting the test regions, and store the thermal images recorded by the infrared detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus to collect and provide viewer feedback to broadcasts. According to one aspect of the present invention, a rating is generated for a broadcast by a server system. The rating is based at least in part on viewer feedback to the broadcast, and the rating indicates a likelihood of interest in the broadcast for potential subsequent viewers. According to another aspect of the present invention, the rating is provided from the server system to an entertainment system, and the broadcast can be selected for viewing at an entertainment system. In one embodiment, the viewer feedback is received at the entertainment system in response to a feedback questionnaire.

Abstract: Power management circuitry initiates storage of backup energy in an energy storage resource. The backup energy is stored to power an electronic circuitry during a power failure condition in which primary power is unavailable to power the electronic circuit. During a test mode, the power management circuitry selectively discharges the backup energy stored in the energy storage resource at multiple different energy discharge rates to test the energy storage resource.