Abstract: An electronic device receives audio from an audio source and outputs the audio via speakers of the device. While outputting the audio via the speakers, the device senses its surrounding environment, and adjusts its operation, based on the sensed environment, to alert a listener wearing the device. The adjustment may comprise generation of one or more audio, visual, and/or vibration notifications to the listener using the device. A volume of the audio output via the speakers may be adjusted based on the sensed surrounding environment. The device may detect whether a first condition is present in the surrounding environment, decrease the volume when the first condition is detected in the surrounding environment, and increase the volume when the first condition is not detected in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A sounder apparatus 100 includes a sounder 110 having at least two volume settings, at least one detector 120, a micro-controller wherein the micro controller is configured to receive an input signal from the at least one detector 120, and to control the volume setting of the sounder based on the input signal.

Abstract: A method and system of providing guidance and information to an end-user during an emergency situation. A network of one or more enrolled devices can obtain infrared data that will be used by the system to determine whether there is a high likelihood of a fire in a building. When an emergency situation such as a fire is detected, alerts can be generated at the enrolled devices that provide navigation cues based on user preferences and suggested evacuation routes to safely guide the end-user to the nearest designated exit.

Abstract: An emergency guidance and advisement system is provided to automatically determine a floor map of a building and using the floor map for advising how to exit the building during an emergency, such as a fire. The system can automatically create an escape plan, based on pre-disaster and in-disaster motion detection of users within the home, and provide dynamic advisement to guide users out of the home during an emergency.

Abstract: A device, system and method for evacuation task management is provided.

Abstract: An electronic device receives audio from an audio source and outputs the audio via speakers of the device. While outputting the audio via the speakers, the device senses its surrounding environment, and adjusts its operation, based on the sensed environment, to alert a listener wearing the device. The adjustment may comprise generation of one or more audio, visual, and/or vibration notifications to the listener using the device. A volume of the audio output via the speakers may be adjusted based on the sensed surrounding environment. The device may detect whether a first condition is present in the surrounding environment, decrease the volume when the first condition is detected in the surrounding environment, and increase the volume when the first condition is not detected in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A method and system architecture for automation and alarm systems is provided. The system architecture is hierarchically organized, allowing devices to process system data differently at different levels of the hierarchy. Moreover, different devices at the same level of the hierarchy may employ different or custom configurations, allowing for context-dependent algorithms to be deployed in the system. The configuration of each device in the system is defined by a set of rules, filters, thresholds, and other criteria, which are pushed to a device from other devices in the hierarchy. Accordingly, the configuration of each device is dynamically updated as information is learned about the context in which the device is deployed, and as more advanced algorithms and configurations are developed.

Abstract: A method and system architecture for automation and alarm systems is provided. The system architecture is hierarchically organized, allowing devices to process system data differently at different levels of the hierarchy. Moreover, different devices at the same level of the hierarchy may employ different or custom configurations, allowing for context-dependent algorithms to be deployed in the system. The configuration of each device in the system is defined by a set of rules, filters, thresholds, and other criteria, which are pushed to a device from other devices in the hierarchy. Accordingly, the configuration of each device is dynamically updated as information is learned about the context in which the device is deployed, and as more advanced algorithms and configurations are developed.

Abstract: A device automatically is configured to the emergency alert system (EAS) channel utilized by the location from which the device registers with a network. In an example configuration, an EAS server provides a mobile switching center (MSC) configuration information regarding the emergency alert channels to be used for the cellular sites supported by the MSC. When the mobile device registers via a cellular site supported by the MSC, the designated channel to be used for EAS messages is sent to the mobile device as part of the registration process. The mobile device assigns an internal channel to the designated channel. In another example configuration, the mobile device is preconfigured with a table listing all possible EAS channels, and the MSC provides, during the registration process, a pointer to the appropriate portion of the table.

Abstract: Augmented reality techniques are employed to improve emergency response and related tasks based upon data gathered from wireless monitoring of emergency equipment.

Abstract: A circuit for a security system includes a power circuit, a closed loop detection circuit and an alarm circuit. The detection circuit includes a first loop circuit with an alarm sensor and a second loop circuit with a relay. The alarm circuit provides a plurality of output voltages or signals to at least one alarm device, such as two 120 VAC outputs and two 12 VDC outputs. The alarm circuit is coupled to the relay of the detection circuit, such that an alarm condition sensed by the alarm sensor causes the relay to supply energy from the power circuit to the plurality of outputs to activate at least one alarm device. The security system may be turned on and off by a remote control.

Abstract: Apparatus located in a common box for providing a combination of fire and burglar alarm protection including a fire alarm control panel for providing fire alarm protection, a burglar alarm control panel which provides burglar alarm functionality mounted on the fire alarm control panel, a power supply coupled to the burglar bus to power only the burglary alarm control panel and burglar devices, a first switch located between the burglar alarm control panel and the fire alarm control to initiate operation of the burglar alarm system when closed; and a second switch located to provide power to all burglar alarm devices connected to the burglar module when closed. The first switch, when open, suspends only the operation of the burglar alarm control panel, and the second switch, when open, removes power from all burglar devices connected to the burglar module.

Abstract: The present invention further provides a motor control system, which controls a motor through a power line. The motor control system includes a control apparatus and an actuation apparatus. The control apparatus includes a controller and a first communication module electrically connected to the controller. The controller receives a command and converts the command into electrical control signals. The first communication module receives the electrical control signals from the controller and transmits the electrical control signals to the power line. The actuation apparatus includes a second communication module and a motor actuator electrically connected to the second communication module. The second communication module is connected to the power line to receive the electrical control signals from the control apparatus and convert the electrical control signals into a command. The motor actuator receives the command from the second communication module to change the power supplying to the motor.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying network events. In one aspect, a method includes monitoring signal characteristic values for signals transmitted over a communications channel of a power line communications system and determining that a signal level value for the channel is less than a threshold signal level value for the channel. In response to determining that the signal level value for the channel is less than the threshold signal level value for the channel, a signal to noise ratio for the communications channel is computed and it is determined that the signal to noise ratio for the channel exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that the signal to noise ratio for the communications channel exceeds the threshold value, data received over the communications channel is stored as valid data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that control devices using signals transmitted over power lines in many different applications and configurations. They provide a lower cost approach for controlling devices via signals transmitted over power lines. The methods and systems may control intensity, spectral, and other characteristics of lighting devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or assemblies thereof, via power lines. They may also control other types of loads, such as motors, relays, valves or the like. Additionally, techniques for independently controlling intensity and spectral content of selected high efficiency lighting devices are also described. For example, the brightness and color of an LED may be controlled via the power lines that supply power to the LED.

Abstract: A system and method for securing and tracking an electronic device. The system includes hardware, software and firmware components that cooperate to allow tracking, disabling, and other interaction with the stolen electronic device. The system includes an application component, non-viewable component and Basic Input/Output Subsystem (BIOS) component that are present on the electronic device. The BIOS component maintains the secured environment of the application and non-viewable components. If only the application component was provided, a simple low level format of the hard disk drive would remove the application and bypass the security features. The system implements an “application and BIOS” based solution to electronic device security.

Abstract: A system and method for securing and tracking an electronic device. The system includes hardware, software and firmware components that cooperate to allow tracking, disabling, and other interaction with the stolen electronic device. The system includes an application component, non-viewable component and Basic Input/Output Subsystem (BIOS) component that are present on the electronic device. The BIOS component maintains the secured environment of the application and non-viewable components. If only the application component was provided, a simple low level format of the hard disk drive would remove the application and bypass the security features. The system implements an “application and BIOS” based solution to electronic device security.

Abstract: A powerline communications device comprises a powerline communications interface and at least one other communications interface configured to communicate over a computing network. The powerline communications interface is further configured to receive electrical power. The computing network may comprise mediums including powerlines, telephone lines, and/or coaxial cables. In some embodiments, the powerline communications interface may communicate with a network apparatus, such as a personal computer, via an Ethernet interface. The powerline interface, the telephone line interface, and/or the coaxial cable interface may all be associated with the same media access control (MAC) address. The powerline communications device may receive a message via a first medium and repeat the message via a second medium based on a quality of service (QoS) metric. In some embodiments, the powerline communications device may communicate using multiple frequency bands.

Abstract: Apparatus located in a common box for providing a combination of fire and burglar alarm protection including a fire alarm control panel for providing fire alarm protection, a burglar alarm control panel which provides burglar alarm functionality mounted on the fire alarm control panel, a power supply coupled to the burglar bus to power only the burglary alarm control panel and burglar devices, a first switch located between the burglar alarm control panel and the fire alarm control to initiate operation of the burglar alarm system when closed; and a second switch located to provide power to all burglar alarm devices connected to the burglar module when closed. The first switch, when open, suspends only the operation of the burglar alarm control panel, and the second switch, when open, removes power from all burglar devices connected to the burglar module.

Abstract: A system and method for presenting electronic device security and tracking information. A method includes but is not limited to making accessible at least one first webpage capable of presenting a category for an electronic device registered with an electronic device security and tracking system and method (ESTSM) service; making accessible at least one second webpage capable of accepting a report that the electronic device has been stolen; and making accessible at least one third webpage capable of accepting at least one item of information pertaining to enablement of the electronic device.

Abstract: A system for providing network infrastructure for energy management and control is disclosed. A controller integrates powerline and wireless networking technologies in order to provide an integrated network. A gateway sends and receives command and control data across the integrated network. Client devices may connect to the integrated network and perform a variety of functions. An appliance module may send and receive data across the integrated network in relation to a particular appliance. A panel meter may send and receive data across the integrated network in relation to data measured at a distribution panel. A serial bridge may connect various devices to the integrated network. Computing devices may remotely or locally connect to the integrated network and send and receive data.

Abstract: A system and method for electronic device protection. A method includes activating the electronic device; transferring control to a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) component after activation; transferring control to a non-viewable component from the BIOS component; verifying that an application component operated correctly during a previous device activation; and continuing with activation of the electronic device if the application component operated correctly during the previous device activation.

Abstract: An electronic device has software for protecting the electronic device from unauthorized utilization. When executed, the software causes the electronic device to execute an application component, wherein the application component is configured to automatically ascertain whether the electronic device has been reported stolen, based on information received from a server system. The electronic device also automatically determines whether the application component is operating correctly, and if so, automatically provides a basic input/output system (BIOS) component of the electronic device with information indicating that the application component is operating correctly. During a subsequent boot process for the electronic device, the software automatically prevents the electronic device from completing the boot process if the BIOS component does not find the information from the application component indicating that the application component was operating correctly. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An arrangement includes an input, a modulation circuit, an isolation circuit, a demodulator circuit, a detector circuit and at least two outputs. The input is configurable to receive an audio signal and a DC voltage. The modulation circuit is configured to modulate the audio signal and the DC voltage. The isolation circuit has an input electrically isolated from the output, wherein its input coupled to the modulation circuit. The demodulator circuit is operably coupled to the output of the isolation circuit and configured to extract the audio signal therefrom. The detector circuit is operably coupled to the output of the demodulator, and is configured to generate a first signal responsive to detection of a modulated signal corresponding to the DC voltage modulated by the modulation circuit.

Abstract: Methods and systems automatically allocate cellular communication network resources to emergency response personnel during emergency situations which are detected by call volumes exceeding a predetermined maximum. Access to cellular communication network resources is provided by dedicating a portion of communication channels to emergency response personnel use. By reserving whole communication channels for emergency communication purposes, emergency personnel are able to both initiate and receive calls from both other mobile devices as well as conventional landline telephone stations. Qualified emergency response personnel can preregistered their phones and be assigned personal identification numbers to enable access to allocated network resources. Users can also be registered “on the fly.

Abstract: A system for providing network infrastructure for energy management and control is disclosed. A controller integrates powerline and wireless networking technologies in order to provide an integrated network. A gateway sends and receives command and control data across the integrated network. Client devices may connect to the integrated network and perform a variety of functions. An appliance module may send and receive data across the integrated network in relation to a particular appliance. A panel meter may send and receive data across the integrated network in relation to data measured at a distribution panel. A serial bridge may connect various devices to the integrated network. Computing devices may remotely or locally connect to the integrated network and send and receive data.

Abstract: In a method for securing and disabling an electronic device, the electronic device automatically executes a basic input/output system (BIOS) component of a security and tracking service during boot up. The BIOS component automatically determines whether an application component of the security and tracking service has requested disabling of the electronic device. In response to a determination that the application component has requested disabling of the electronic device, the BIOS component automatically displays system information and unlock key. The BIOS component also automatically prompts a user of the electronic device to enter an activation password to re-enable the electronic device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An electronic device security and tracking system. A system includes one or more clients, wherein the clients are electronic devices; and a server computer system connected to each of the clients, wherein the server computer system is capable of tracking and locating each of the clients. In one aspect, the server computer system includes one or more web servers coupled to each of the clients, wherein the web servers include a website for the electronic device security and tracking system; one or more file transfer protocol servers coupled to each of the web servers; and one or more database servers connected to each of the web servers.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to interference management for a security and tracking system of an electronic device. In one embodiment, during a startup process, an electronic device executes a security program and automatically attempts to access a first web server to ascertain whether the electronic devices has been reported as stolen. In response to an unsuccessful attempt to access the first web server, the electronic device may automatically attempt to access a second web server for data regarding operational status of the first web server. In response to unsuccessful attempts to access the first and second web servers, the electronic device may automatically present an interference alert to provide notification that the electronic device will be disabled if the electronic device continues to experience interference. The electronic device may be automatically disabled in response to a predetermined number of startup sequences with interference. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A gateway device includes a base processor which converts a signal input from an IP network to a signal which can be handled by the gateway device, and a home appliance control processor having a controller which converts the signal which can be handled by the gateway device to a control signal in compliance with the communications protocol of a home appliance to be controlled. The controller stores, on a table, information about the communications protocol, driver, controllable setting condition and status of respective appliances to be controlled in association with each other. The controller also includes a conversion functional block which converts information supplied to the control information of the communications protocol of the respective appliances to be controlled on the basis of the stored information.

Abstract: A method for tracking, locating and disabling an electronic device. A method includes checking if an application component operated correctly during last power-up of the device; and placing the device under control of power on self test to proceed with powering-up the device if the application component operated correctly during last device power-up.

Abstract: A system and method for securing and tracking an electronic device. A method includes but is not limited to accepting a selection of a service to erase a hard disk drive in the electronic device; recording that the electronic device has been reported stolen; and erasing the hard disk drive.

Abstract: Provided is a modem apparatus of power line communication using a power line as a transmission path. The modem apparatus includes: an amplifier for amplifying communication signals and outputting a differential signal obtained from a pair of output signals having a phase difference of 180 degrees therebetween; a signal transformer for applying the amplified communication signals to the power lines; and a balance circuit connected at the primary side of the signal transformer, for enhancing circuit balancing. The balance circuit is constituted by a variable element capable of changing an element value, and there is provided a common mode detecting circuit that detects a common mode current flowing through the secondary side of the signal transformer and that changes the element value of the variable element of the balance circuit such that the detected common mode current becomes small.

Abstract: An automatic consumption meter reading system utilizing a radio frequency network and a power line carrier network is provided. The radio frequency (RF) network and the power line carrier (PLC) network are communicatively linked with a radio frequency to power line communication bridge device. The radio frequency to power line communication bridge device is communicatively linked to a consumption meter. An automatic meter reading device includes an RF modem and a PLC modem and transmits and receives data to and from a consumption meter using the RF and PLC modems.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating audio signals between an input device and an output device via a network. The output device can include loudspeakers and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel speaker, transmits audio signals to other output devices. In some embodiments, the output device is coupled to, or combined with, a speaker stand or speaker bracket. The network can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.

Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver provides an emergency alert function, according to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver includes a first tuner for tuning a first channel when the television signal receiver is in an on mode. A second tuner is provided for tuning a second channel when the television signal receiver is in the on mode and an off/standby mode. The second channel provides emergency alert signals capable of activating the emergency alert function.

Abstract: A method, system and circuit arrangement exchange data and supply power to at least one current sink connected via at least one data line pair to a fire alarm control unit. A pulsed voltage is used as the supply voltage for the current sink connected via at least one data line pair. Useful data is transmitted to the fire alarm control unit between two voltage pulses. The voltage required to transmit the useful data to the fire alarm control unit is used by a capacitor of a circuit arrangement in the current sink charged beforehand by the supply voltage.

Abstract: A device in one example comprises a standalone universal serial bus keyboard emulator and an ultrasonic sensor component. The standalone universal serial bus keyboard emulator is coupled with a computer through a universal serial bus port. The ultrasonic sensor component is coupled with the standalone universal serial bus keyboard emulator. The ultrasonic sensor component communicates one or more signals to the standalone universal serial bus keyboard emulator that serve to allow the standalone universal serial bus keyboard emulator to make a determination of entry to or exit from a predetermined proximity of the computer by a user. The determination of entry to or exit from the predetermined proximity of the computer by the user causes the standalone universal serial bus keyboard emulator to send a corresponding entrance or exit user configurable keystroke sequence to the computer through the universal serial bus port.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating audio signals between an input device and an output device via a network. The output device can include loudspeakers and headphones. In some embodiments an output device, for example a center channel speaker, transmits audio signals to other output devices. In some embodiments, the output device is coupled to, or combined with, a speaker stand or speaker bracket. The network can be wireless, wired, infrared, RF, and powerline.

Abstract: A power source cut-off system enabling the user to cut off power supply from an outlet even when user is out comprises an outlet tap for supplying power to an electric apparatus by connecting it to a home commercial power source and a telephone set for controlling this outlet tap and connected to an external telephone line. The outlet tap comprises an outlet to which the electric apparatus is connected, a power cut-off means for cutting off the power source at this outlet, a reception means for receiving a radio signal transmitted from the external telephone set, and a control means for cutting off the power source at the outlet by the power source cut-off device according to the radio signal received by this reception means. The telephone set comprises a control signal reception means for receiving a control signal transmitted via an external communication apparatus, and a transmission means for transmitting a radio signal to the outlet tap on the basis of the control receiving means.

Abstract: An addressable smart speaker for use in a fire alarm system connects to and receives messages over a network, has plural taps for selecting audio power. In response to a command, a selector in an addressed smart speaker selects a tap to select a particular audio power.

Abstract: Plural security units are coupled to plural control units through a communication line including transmission and response lines. Each control unit detects data collision on the transmission line to avoid the data collision. Re-transmission interval is independently assigned to each control unit. If the command to or from a security unit in charge of this control unit is received, the control unit rewrites the conditional data of the security unit in accordance with the detected command. The control (security) unit further includes a transmission (response) line monitoring portion, so that bi-directional communication is provided in addition of the response (transmission) line monitoring portion. Address data is classified to provide all unit communication, a group communication, and independent communications.

Abstract: A manually operated pull-station for activating an alarm system is provided having a housing which contains a manually actuated lever. The lever is moveable between armed and activated positions. In addition, the manually operated pull-station has a camera mounted in the housing.

Abstract: An ingress monitoring device (400) for monitoring and detecting reverse signals that may include ingress signals. The ingress monitoring device (400) includes a processor (430) for resolving the reverse signals into predetermined sub-bands at a first resolution. A power computation circuit (435) computes a power level for each of the sub-bands. A threshold comparison circuit (445) then compares the power level that is indicative to the power level of the ingress signals for each of the sub-bands with a predetermined threshold value. When ingress signals are detected by the ingress monitoring device (400), an alarm signal is sent that indicates the specific communications equipment in which the ingress signals have been detected.

Abstract: In response to an emergency event, an emergency announcement system (100) causes display of an escape route based upon a room location. A sensor (104) detects an emergency event. The sensor data (106) from the sensor relating to the emergency event is transmitted to an emergency server (122), the emergency server (122) determines the escape route and the escape route is sent to a display device (118) for use by the building occupants to escape the emergency.

Abstract: The system includes a sensor for each junction box in the building to be guarded, e.g., the residence, and a display panel showing the temperature of any junction box that is heated above the danger point. Another display panel shows the name of the resident and address of the residence, and the location of the heated junction box by room number and junction box number and the shape of the junction box. A plurality of residences are connected with a central station, such as a fire station, by a single telephone line to each residence. A single processing unit is located in each residence, and a single such unit is located in the central display station. A display panel is located in the central station identical with each display in a residence.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting house or building from fire in neighborhood or area close by is described. When fire detecting system 16 detects a fire at a position close to house 14, computer 20 will send instruction to motor 18 and motor 18 will unfold foldable fire protecting cover 10, 12 to isolate house 14 from outside. At the same time, computer 20 will automatically send a fire alarm to the fire station and a specific phone such as work phone of householder through modem 22. Since fire protecting cover 10, 12 isolates the house from the fire outside, therefore house 14 can be effectively protected. Fire protecting cover 12 also can be remotely controlled by the householder through a telephone 24.

Abstract: The system includes a sensor for each junction box in the building to be guarded, i.e., the residence, and a display panel showing the temperature of any junction box that is heated above the danger point. Another display panel shows the name of the resident and address of the residence, and the location of the heated junction box by room number and junction box number and the shape of the junction box. A plurality of residences are connected with a central station, such as a fire station, by single telephone line to each residence. A single processing unit is located in each residence, and a single such unit in the central display station. A display panel is located in the central station identical with each display in a residence.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fire alarm system for an information providing system having a plurality of terminal devices for providing information to a plurality of operators, respectively. The fire alarm system is provided with a fire detecting sensors. If a fire is detected, a predetermined signal is transmitted to a controller. The controller controls each of the plurality of terminal devices to indicate an alarm information to the operator when the predetermined signal is received.

Abstract: An alarm system for transmitting an alarm signal between remote locations utilizing frequency shift keying over conventional power lines. The alarm system includes a transmitter having a nominal frequency and circuitry for modulating the transmitter frequency. Upon detection of an alarm condition the modulating circuitry is disabled. A receiver is provided and has circuitry for detecting the presence or absence of modulation of the transmitter frequency. The receiver generates an alarm signal upon detection of absence of modulation and power failure of the system. The alarm signal is time-delayed to prevent nuisance alarms.