Abstract: A method for operating a plurality of devices which each contain at least one electrical or gas consumer, with the following steps: before switching on the consumer, the device asks an allocation module whether the process can be started, on the basis of parameters of the requested process, parameters of currently running and/or planned processes of the other consumers and a predefined maximum power value, the allocation module decides whether the requested process is enabled, modified or at least temporarily disabled. A system having a plurality of devices which each have at least one electrical or gas consumer as well as a controller, and having an allocation module in which a maximum power value for the consumers is stored, wherein the controller of the devices can send information about planned and current processes via a communication link to the allocation module and receive an enable signal.

Abstract: A lighting system and method of use is disclosed for use with an underground passageway. The lighting system includes a base station having at least one power source, and a plurality of light modules extending from the base station in a serial arrangement and spaced at least partially along a length of a passageway. Each light module is capable of emitting light for ordinary operations within the passageway and at least one visual signal. The system further includes at least one cable extending from the base station and interconnecting the light modules with the base station and the power source and a controller operatively associated with the base station and in communication with at least one sensor configured to sense an environmental condition. The controller is configured to continuously monitor said sensor and activate the at least one visual signal when an abnormal or emergency environmental condition is detected.

Abstract: An improved walking device is disclosed wherein the device comprises an elongated body, a movable arm coupled to the elongated body, a power source connector, a first sensor, a releaser, a first spring, wherein the first sensor is capable of detecting an orientation of the device and producing an electronic signal based on the orientation, wherein the electronic signal is capable of at least partially causing a movement of the releaser, wherein the releaser is capable of nudging the movable arm away from a resting position, and wherein the first spring is capable of causing the movable arm to rotate to a deployed position.

Abstract: A system for generation of electrical power including an inverter connected to a photovoltaic source including a theft prevention and detection feature. A first memory is permanently attached to the photovoltaic source. The first memory is configured to store a first code. A second memory is attached to the inverter. The second memory configured to store a second code. During manufacture or installation of the system, the first code is stored in the first memory attached to the photovoltaic source. The second code based on the first code is stored in the second memory. Prior to operation of the inverter, the first code is compared to the second code and based on the comparison; the generation of the electrical power is enabled or disabled.

Abstract: A control method for a home system includes obtaining the power curve of a household appliance to be run; obtaining power curves of all the currently running household appliances; and, if the power curve of the household appliance to be run and that of at least one currently running household appliance meet an off-peak running condition, making the household appliance to be run and the currently running household appliance run within an off-peak period of time. Without affecting the running states of all the currently running household appliances, the method can connect the household appliance to be run to a circuit, meets the demand of a user for making the household appliance to be run and the currently running household appliances simultaneously work, and does not exceed the load of the circuit, thereby improving the overall working efficiency of the home system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and monitoring human breathing, respiration, and heart rate using statistics about the wireless channel between two or more connected devices. A user is monitored for identifying patterns in the user's behavior that may allow the system to alert a caregiver to deviations in the user behavior that may be indicative of a potential issue, such as depression. A presence may further detected in a sensing area through the detection of spectral components in the breathing frequency range of comprises user includes transforming phase difference between spatial streams and amplitude of the samples representing frequency response of the channel for any frequency value into frequency domain to perform frequency analysis. Statistical analysis may be performed on the frequency space provided by the transformation. Micro motions may also be detected by detecting presence in a sensing area through the detection of spectral components in the micro motion frequency range.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a SSD in response to a power failure event of a main power supply to the SSD. The method includes receiving and storing write commands and associated data payloads for execution on the SSD in volatile memory, detecting the power failure event on the SSD, supplying backup power to the SSD during the power failure event, and executing one or more write commands stored in the volatile memory by storing the associated data payloads in a non-volatile memory on the SSD using the backup power. In response to the execution, removing the one or more write commands from the cache such that one or more unexecuted write commands and the associated data payloads remain in the cache, and storing a list of the one or more unexecuted write commands, but not the associated data payloads, in non-volatile memory using the backup power.

Abstract: A network hub device used for building a simple network configuration in an in-vehicle network system is provided. A network hub device (35) is coupled to a trunk network and performs input/output of a signal to/from an in-vehicle device via a plurality of device side communication ports. A signal conversion section (35a, 35b) configured to perform signal conversion between a digital control signal and an analog control signal is provided between a trunk side communication port and an analog port. A second signal conversion section (70) configured to perform signal conversion between a digital control signal and an analog control signal is provided between a digital port (49) and a predetermined in-vehicle device (353).

Abstract: In some exemplary processes for accessing a vehicle, a transit request is initiated. The transit request summons a vehicle towards a location of a user device. Information generated in response to the transit request is received. The information includes first authentication information and second authentication information. Third authentication information from the vehicle is received using a first wireless communication protocol. A determination is made as to whether the third authentication information corresponds to the first authentication information. In accordance with determining that the third authentication information corresponds to the first authentication information, a wireless communication connection is established with the vehicle using a second wireless communication protocol and the second authentication information. The second wireless communication protocol is different from the first wireless communication protocol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a premises are described. A gateway device may monitor a plurality of devices at a premises. A mobile device may receive, from the gateway device, data indicative of one or more events of the plurality of devices. The mobile device may output a user interface comprising status information associated with the plurality of devices. The user interface may allow for user input to generate control operations associated with the premises.

Abstract: An integrated flood monitoring unit comprises a sensor capable of at least detecting one or more floodwater levels or measuring water levels and assembly of a data acquisition module, and a wireless transmitter that is specially adapted to be mounted one top and at least partially inside of a hollow pole secured in a vertical orientation at a fixed geographical location to monitor water levels, with the sensor being located nearer the bottom of the pole.

Abstract: A system for determining a health condition and an anomaly of a field equipment 104 is provided. The system includes sensors 106A-N which sense information associated with the equipment 104, a field device 110 which receives the sensor data from sensors 106A-N, a camera unit 108 that captures visual data of the equipment 104 and a server 112. The server 112 includes a database 114 that stores the sensor data and the visual data. The server 112 further includes a fault detection module 202 that processes the sensor data to determine a fault or the health condition of the equipment 104, an image processing module 204 that is trained to detect the irregularities/anomaly in the equipment 104 by processing the visual data, and a report generation module 206 that generates an automated health report 212 based on the detected anomaly and the health condition of the equipment 104.

Abstract: A tracking system, wireless device, and method. The tracking system includes sensors receiving one or more inaudible tones from an electronic device detected by at least one of the sensors. The tracking system includes a server in communication with the sensors identifies a location of the electronic device in response to detecting the one or more inaudible tones associated with the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of operating a door system includes sensing a user on an exterior side of a door panel in physical propinquity to the lock such that the lock transitions from a sleep state to an active state, authenticating the user when the lock is in the active state before converting the lock from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration, and converting the lock from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration in response to transition to the active state. Authenticating the user includes receiving an authentication signal from a remote device on the user in physical propinquity to the to the lock.

Abstract: A personal help button and the administrator part of a personal emergency response system are provided, in which verbal audio is converted into a low bandwidth format signal. A conversation algorithm is used which comprises a trained neural network. The low bandwidth format has a bandwidth below 500 bits/second.

Abstract: A mobile security system and device that provides a physically secured network device to extends a home network anywhere in the world where there is access to power is disclosed. The mobile security system and device has integrated logical and physical security and may be transported into an area with no internet connection and be self-sufficient and secured. The mobile security system and device includes a housing enclosing a computing apparatus, an access control mechanism to secure a door of the housing in a closed position, and a security control module to protect the data stored on the computing apparatus and provide authentication to access the enclosure. A back-up power supply supported by the housing and a wireless router to provide wireless network access to the remote home network may also be provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a controlled device via an activation accessory of a wearable device that includes a moveable actuator, a sensor, and a communication element. The sensor is coupled to a controller, which has an output coupled to a control signal interface. The controller is programmed to receive and evaluate input signals from the sensor that are responsive to movements of the moveable actuator to determine whether or not they represent a command for the controlled device by assessing the input signals for a signal pattern indicative of a plurality of volitional actions of a wearer of the activation accessory. If/when the processor determines that the input signals represent the command, then it decodes the command and transmits an associated control signal to the controlled device via the control signal interface.

Abstract: An illumination system and method of ground and other illuminating that comprises a plurality of sensors that scan/detect the exterior area around the vehicle and at least one controller, the system selectively turning on/off a series of lighting elements placed strategically around the vehicle to allow light to be directed to at least one ground or other surface at the persons at all times or any predetermined time. A controller is provided to activate ground lighting in coordination with sensor signals identifying where an individual or object are located in predetermined proximity to the vehicle.

Abstract: A time-multiplexing resonant drive scheme is described that reuses an inductor circuit for multiple functional purposes in a Mixed Reality (MR) device. A driver circuit and a multiplexer circuit are dynamically configured by a controller circuit for three operating modes. In the first mode, energy is coupled from a battery to the inductor circuit in a forward direction to charge the inductor circuit and generate a positive power supply voltage. In the second mode, energy is coupled from to the inductor circuit in a reverse direction to charge the inductor circuit and generate a negative power supply voltage. In the third mode, the inductor is operated with an antenna as part of a resonance drive circuit, where facial movements of the user can be detected based on the response. Reduced component count and reduced cost requirements are achieved by the described scheme.

Abstract: In a method for activating and deactivating a control unit which can be used to control an electrically activatable assembly, the control unit is switched between a waking state, a sleep state and a deactivated state, wherein in the sleep state, the control device is disabled but can be transferred into the waking state by means of a sensor signal.

Abstract: A household appliance for treating at least one item according to at least one cycle of operation includes a treating chamber for receiving the at least one item for treatment according to the at least one cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser receiving a unit dose container having an electrically conductive element, a physical alteration element located proximate to the treating chemistry dispenser and operable to physically alter at least a portion of the electrically conductive element and a sensor for sensing the physical alteration.

Abstract: An occupant detection device (e.g., sensor) may include an occupant detection circuit (e.g., a radar occupant detection circuit) and a control circuit. The occupant detection circuit may determine the location of an occupant in a space with reference to a global coordinate associated with the detection circuit and the control circuit may transform the location of the occupant into a local coordinate system associated with a region of interest in the space. The control circuit may use the location information to determine whether the occupant has entered or left the region of interest and adjust an occupant count for the region of interest based on the determination. The control circuit may acquire knowledge about the region of interest during a configuration or commissioning procedure.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, a control method and a storage medium through which emotional values of objects can be numerically expressed on the basis of an interaction between the objects. [Solution] An information processing system including: a detection unit that detects information related to an interaction between a first object and a second object; and a generation unit that is capable of generating an emotion value of the first object and an emotion value of the second object on the basis of the information related to the interaction.

Abstract: An air conditioner is disclosed. The air conditioner includes a communicator, a memory including at least one instruction, and a processor configured to be connected to the communicator and the memory and control the air conditioner. The processor, by executing the at least one instruction, is configured to obtain information regarding a pet via the communicator, obtain an event for entering a pet mode, and based on the air conditioner entering the pet mode according to the event, control the air conditioner according to a first set value of the air conditioner corresponding to the pet based on the obtained information.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control device configured to collect event data from the one or more devices and to populate time entries in an occupancy history log with the event data. The event data includes a timestamp indicating a time when an event occurred, a set point temperature value for the HVAC system, and an occupancy status indicating whether a space is occupied. The device is further configured to identify blank time entries in the occupancy history log and to populate the blank time entries by forward filling the occupancy history log using event data from another time entry in the occupancy history log. The device is further configured to output the populated occupancy history log.

Abstract: A server-based environment for reporting a status of a security, monitoring and automation controller is provided. Detecting cessation of an always-on persistent network connection between the SMA controller and the server is also provided. Reporting the cessation of the network connection to an end user and defined others is further provided. A further aspect provides for automatically reporting an alarm event to a central station, the end user, and others, in the event the cessation of the network connection occurs while the SMA controller is armed and after a zone fault event, and not receiving a disarm notification prior to expiration of a preset entry delay.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an adaptive energy management system for responding to extreme weather conditions are described herein. In an embodiment, a server computer stores multiple policy datasets each representing HVAC control policy for different structure locations and one or more extreme weather conditions. The server computer receives weather condition data comprising a condition identifier of a then-current extreme weather condition in association with a location identifier specifying a particular geographical region. Based on the location identifier, a particular structure location, being within the particular geographic region, is identified. Based on the particular structure location, a particular policy dataset from among the policy datasets is identified.

Abstract: An electronic device having a flexible display screen and a processing method thereof, where bending the electronic device may cause the electronic device to switch between a smartphone mode and a wearable mode. In the wearable mode, the electronic device displays content on a part of the flexible display screen.

Abstract: A control device for an electromechanical system includes at least one group of actuators, of which in each case one actuator is configured to be coupled to a mechanical and/or hydraulic unit and is configured to control an operation of the mechanical and/or hydraulic unit. The control device further includes at least one group of functional modules, which are implemented on at least one computing platform. The at least one group of functional modules includes a plurality of control modules, each respective control module being respectively assigned to and coupled in a communicative manner to a respective actuator, and a coordinating module communicatively coupled to the plurality of control modules. The coordinating module is designed to receive, from each respective control module of the plurality of control modules, fault messages with respect to an operating state of the associated mechanical and/or hydraulic unit and/or the associated actuator.

Abstract: A control system has an air conditioner that communicates with a file server via a network. The file server includes a lifestyle log in which information associating lifestyle information indicating a lifestyle with a control method of the air conditioner is accumulated. A first control-operation functional unit operates the air conditioner based on a first control request acquired from a first device. A second control-operation functional unit selects a control method from the lifestyle log based on a second control request acquired from a second device with higher functionality than the first device, and operates the air conditioner using the selected control method.

Abstract: A load control system for controlling a plurality of lighting loads located in a space may be configured to track the location of one or more tracked devices. The load control system may comprise a system controller, lighting control devices, e.g., for controlling a plurality of lighting loads, and tracked devices. The tracked devices may each transmit beacon messages. The lighting control devices may receive the beacon message. The lighting control devices may measure a communication quality metric of each of the beacon messages, and process the measured communication quality metrics received over a period of time to determine a processed communication quality metric for the tracked device. The lighting control devices may transmit tracking data to the system controller. The system controller may determine a location of the tracked device. For example, the system controller may determine the location of the tracked device via trilateration.

Abstract: A liquid supply device includes a tank, an electric heating element, a dispenser to dispense liquid from the tank, and a controller configured to initiate a user-responsive heating operation. The user-responsive heating operation includes recording data regarding dispensed liquid amount and temperature, developing an expected heating pattern for the electric heating element, detecting a user, and directing the electric heating element accordingly.

Abstract: A driving system for a vehicle includes one or more sensors, a controller, an actuator, and a safety shut down switch. The controller includes a main processing circuit, a main processing module, an actuator drive, a safety processing circuit, a safety processing module, and a safety shutdown switch. The safety processing module is independent of the main processing module, and the safety processing module is configured to perform one or more safety functions.

Abstract: An artificial intelligence server can include a communication interface configured to communicate with a display device and a refrigerator; and a processor configured to in response to the display device displaying an image including a dish, acquire dish information about the dish included in the image displayed on the display device, receive, from the refrigerator, available ingredient information about ingredients in the refrigerator, and transmit, to the display device, information about making the dish by using the ingredients in the refrigerator.

Abstract: A furniture system includes an office productivity structure (OPS). The furniture system also includes a sensor coupled to the OPS, the sensor operable to detect occupancy of the OPS and generate an output signal indicative of the occupancy; and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is operable to receive the output signal generated by the sensor, determine, based on the output signal, that the OPS is occupied, and, in response to determining that the OPS is occupied, generate a command to initiate at least one action associated with the OPS or an operator of the OPS.

Abstract: A head-mounted display device includes a mounting portion configured to be attached to a head of a user, an image display unit disposed in the mounting portion and configured to display an image to be visually recognized by the user, a state detection unit configured to detect a first state in which the mounting portion is attached to the head and a second state in which the mounting portion is detached from the head, and a display control unit configured to cause the image display unit to stop displaying an image when the state detection unit detects the second state.

Abstract: A method of providing information about an object in a refrigerator is provided. The method includes: obtaining, using a camera, an image of a plurality of objects stored in the refrigerator; displaying the image on a display of the refrigerator; receiving a first user input indicating a first object from among the plurality of objects included in the image; and displaying a substitute image of the first object on the display based on the first user input.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for a user to communicate with an electronic device. A processor receives user intention actions comprising facial expression (FE) information indicative of facial expressions and body information indicative of motion or position of one or more body parts of the user. When the FE or body information crosses a first level, the processor starts generating first signals based on the FE or body information to communicate with the electronic device. When the FE or body information crosses a second level, the processor can end generation of the first signals or modify the first signals. An image processing or eye gaze tracking system can provide some FE information or body information. The signals can modify attributes of an object of interest. Use of thresholds that are independent of sensor position or orientation with respect to the user's body are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating data related to aircraft operations such as data from flight logs, flight tracker, maintenance, connectivity, router into modules, for a specific aircraft that can be communicated to and displayed on a single device display in real-time. Systems and methods for integrating data related to aircraft operations into modules, that is both aircraft-specific (engine data, take-off and landing times) and personnel specific (i.e. crew scheduling, passenger manifestos), that includes a web-based interface which incorporates multiple data fields, and can display and communicate on devices, including but not limited to desktop computers, portable devices, such as smart phones, tablets and laptops.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a tractor trailer is disclosed. The system includes a housing having connections for establishing an electrical and pressure connection to the electrical system and ABS of a tractor trailer, respectively, a circuit board that generates electrical signals and pressure signals corresponding to the connections, an electronic device for displaying the electrical signals and pressure signals, a wireless transceiver for transmitting the electrical signals and pressure signals to the electronic device, and a memory for storing the transmitted electrical signals and pressure signals. The method includes connecting the tractor trailer electrical system and ABS connections to the housing, powering on the tractor trailer, querying an electrical signal and/or pressure signal of the electrical system and ABS, wirelessly transmitting the electrical signal and/or pressure signal to an electronic device, and displaying the electrical signal and/or pressure signal on the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for orchestrating the operation of energy-consuming loads, so as to minimize power consumption, are described. In some embodiments, the loads can be HVAC, refrigeration systems, air compressors, and the like, and orchestration is effected either directly or by means of the loads' respective controllers. In some aspects, the controllers can be Smart Thermostats and orchestration is effected through a Cloud-based orchestration platform or “COP.” In certain aspects, a COP uses specifically programmed application programming interfaces, or APIs, to control the operation of a single manufacturer's Smart Thermostats, where the manufacturer provides its own Cloud-based control platform, through which the COP operates. The COP can similarly orchestrate the operation of two or more manufacturers' Smart Thermostats through their respective Cloud-based control platforms. By these and other means, the operation of a variety of energy-consuming loads can be more easily and efficiently orchestrated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and monitoring human breathing, respiration, and heart rate using statistics about the wireless channel between two or more connected devices. A user is monitored for identifying patterns in the user's behavior that may allow the system to alert a caregiver to deviations in the user behavior that may be indicative of a potential issue, such as depression. A presence may further detected in a sensing area through the detection of spectral components in the breathing frequency range of comprises user includes transforming phase difference between spatial streams and amplitude of the samples representing frequency response of the channel for any frequency value into frequency domain to perform frequency analysis. Statistical analysis may be performed on the frequency space provided by the transformation. Micro motions may also be detected by detecting presence in a sensing area through the detection of spectral components in the micro motion frequency range.

Abstract: A sleep assistance device includes a contactless biometric sensor, a processor, memory, and a speaker. The processor detects a user's sleep state by reading signals from the contactless biometric sensor. The processor may then initiate a wind-down routine upon detecting a sleep-readiness state, including playing relaxing sounds or playing a respiration entrainment sound. The processor may also play noise-masking sounds upon detecting that a user has fallen asleep and seamlessly transition between the sounds played during the wind-down routine and the noise-masking sounds.

Abstract: Disclosed is an asset tracking communication device, which transmits only essential information through a low power wide area communication during asset transport, stores remaining information, and then transmits the stored information at a position capable of a high-speed communication. The disclosed asset tracking communication device transmits all or a part of the freight transport information according to a communication environment in a process of transporting the freight, stores information not transmitted, and then transmits the information under a high-speed communication environment, thereby minimizing information lost upon asset tracking.

Abstract: A controller area network (CAN) sleep diagnosis apparatus can be used with a vehicle. A CAN signal detector is configured to detect a CAN signal from a CAN that connects a plurality of controllers and a CAN sleep diagnosis unit is configured to diagnose whether the CAN enters a sleep state. A memory unit is configured to determine whether to store data received from the CAN signal detector and the CAN sleep diagnosis unit depending on whether the CAN enters the sleep state and to store the data in a memory. A diagnosis unit is configured to check the data stored in the memory and to diagnose a non-sleep state of the CAN.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for detecting internal defects of a protective headgear are provided. An example apparatus may include a protective headgear, an actuator element integrated within the protective headgear, a sensor element integrated within the protective headgear, and a processor element electronically coupled to the actuator element and the sensor element. In some examples, the processor element is configured to cause the actuator element to generate a first ultrasonic wave, wherein the first ultrasonic wave is propagated in the protective headgear, and receive a first output from the sensor element in response to the first ultrasonic wave.

Abstract: The present application discloses an automated restaurant comprising: a kitchen; a customer-tracking area comprising a dining area; and a plurality of vehicles. The kitchen comprises a storage apparatus to store ingredient containers, a transfer apparatus to move ingredient containers, and one or more cooking stations. Each vehicle is configured to move one or more food containers from cooking stations to dining tables. A tracking system comprises video cameras, lidars, etc., which are fixedly mounted. The tracking system can dynamically map out the fixtures, humans and vehicles in the restaurant. Information from the tracking system is used to control the motion of the vehicles. The tracking system can dynamically track the positions of customers in the customer-tracking area, so that foods ordered by specific customers may be automatically sent by vehicles to the customers' locations.

Abstract: A plurality of content streams each including audio, video, or audio-video content may be transmitted to a plurality of premises. In addition, one or more command streams may be transmitted over a distribution network. Premises automation commands may then be sent to one or more systems based on a user selection associated with a corresponding command stream. The premises automation commands may be configured to instruct a system at a premises to perform a function. The commands may, for example, instruct a lighting system to turn on/off lights, a security system to enter an arm or disarm operational state, a thermostat to adjust its temperature, etc.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for selecting aerial images for image processing to identify Energy Infrastructure (EI) features is provided. The method includes performing image processing on aerial images of a portion of global terrain captured at different times to determine differences in terrain content the captured images. Aerial images are selected for further image processing according to identified differences in terrain content. The selected images are imaged processed via an EI feature recognition type to identify EI features within the images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for management of a premises are disclosed. One or more premises devices may be located at a premises. A computing device located at the premises may be in communication with the one or more premises devices. The computing device may also be in communication with an external network. The computing device may process data associated with the one or more premises devices using one or more automation rules.