Monitoring In Addition To Control (e.g., Supervisory) Patents (Class 340/3.1)
  • Patent number: 8604917
    Abstract: A hospital bed has a bed frame and communication circuitry operable to transmit bed status data to a network of a healthcare facility and to receive messages from the network. The messages include information indicating whether bed status conditions are being monitored by a remote computer of the network for generation of alert messages to at least one caregiver in response to alert conditions being indicated by the bed status data. The bed has at least one user input that is used locally at the bed to enable and suspend monitoring of the bed status conditions by the remote computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Williams F. Collins, James M. Allen, Keith A. Huster, Carl W. Riley, Patricia A. Glidewell, Irvin J. Vanderpohl, Richard J. Schuman, Benjamin E. Howell, Timothy D. Wildman
  • Publication number: 20130321122
    Abstract: Wireless tracking systems and devices to detect the status of aircraft cargo containers. The system uses a sensor array to deactivate and activate the tracking devices as needed to comply with FAA regulations. The tracking systems use an array of machine vision sensors and/or inertia (motion) sensors to determine when to activate and deactivate the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Brian Lee, Mrinmoy Chakraborty, Jamshed Dubash, Jahangir Nakra
  • Patent number: 8598977
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and controlling driver performance in a controlled driving environment. A portable information device is provided to a driver who registers with a server computer for controlling vehicle operation in the driving environment. A record for the driver is stored in a database associated with the server computer. A vehicle is activated using the portable information device for at least an amount of time exceeding a preset threshold value. A speed level and a safety level for the vehicle are dynamically set based on the driver's performance in the driving environment. The driver's performance is monitored in the controlled driving environment and each driving violation that occurs is determined. Violation points are assigned to the driver based on each driving violation and the violation points are added to the driver record stored in the database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tiny Towne International LLC
    Inventors: Pierre Maalouf, Georges Moussa
  • Patent number: 8598986
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for remotely monitoring and controlling a light emitting diode. In one embodiment, the method includes establishing a two-way communication path via a communication module to a central office, wherein said communication module is coupled to said LED based street light and sending information related to the LED based street light to the central office via the two-way communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dialight Corporation
    Inventor: Rizwan Ahmad
  • Patent number: 8593576
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a remote-controlled device using a gesture-enabled remote control (RC) includes activating a communication link between the RC and the remote-controlled device. The remote-controlled device may implement a remote control context accommodating gesture commands generated by the RC. The RC may enable a user to generate gesture commands by performing gesture motions with the RC. Command data corresponding to gesture commands, along with selection commands from selection control inputs on the RC, may be sent to the remote-controlled device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Lee G. Friedman
  • Patent number: 8595021
    Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Mallett, Randall C. Danta, James R. Benson, Alan D. Corey, Alan A. Davidner, Peter Regla, Alec Huang
  • Patent number: 8587425
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring and controlling energy usage. Alert notifications may be generated based on a current power status of an energy-consuming device and location information of a mobile device associated with the energy-consuming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Rodney Ferlitsch, Basil Isaiah Jesudason
  • Patent number: 8587445
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a plurality of electrical assets comprise an electricity distribution infrastructure, including a plurality of electrical asset sensors coupled to the electrical assets for monitoring an operating condition of the electrical assets as well as any fault conditions. The sensors may include a current transformer for obtaining a current waveform, a GPS receiver for applying a synchronized time-stamp to the waveform data, and a mesh network radio for transmitting the time-stamped waveform data. Data from the plurality of sensors may be encrypted and transmitted over a mesh network to one or more gateways that are in communication with a central command processor. In response to an abnormal operating condition of any electrical asset, the central command processor may determine a probable fault location, a probable fault type, and a fault response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel J. Rockwell
  • Patent number: 8581688
    Abstract: Method and system for monitoring coastlines includes arranging sensors proximate the coastline, obtaining data about the coastline via the sensors, analyzing the data to determine the presence of a reportable condition relating to passage of an object proximate the coastline, and transmitting the data or a signal indicative of the analysis, optionally with an identification or location of the sensors, to a monitoring facility. The sensors may be spaced apart from one another along the coastline and programmed to wake-up upon detection of a predetermined condition in order to obtain data. If the location of each sensor is not programmed into the sensor or otherwise known by the monitoring facility, each sensor may be arranged to determine its location so that each sensor provides its location when transmitting data or the signal to the monitoring facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 8581690
    Abstract: An electromechanical lock includes a user interface configured to receive input from a user, the user interface activating operating power for the lock; a memory configured to store access tables, the access tables including information on the keys allowed to open the lock; and an electronic circuitry configured to modify the access tables on the basis of the insertions of an associate master key and an end function key into the lock, the insertion of the associated master key initializing a programming mode and the insertion of an end function key causing the lock to exit the programming mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: ILOQ Oy
    Inventors: Markku Lappalainen, Mika Pukari, Seppo Lohiniva
  • Patent number: 8577292
    Abstract: A “bump” occurs when two devices at the same place at the same time indicate their intention to establish a connection for transferring information. A process for validating bumps is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew G Huibers
  • Patent number: 8576087
    Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging cassette and a console device. A communication mode between the cassette and the console device is switchable between a wired mode and a wireless mode. Due to shortage of a battery of the cassette, the communication mode is switched to the wired mode to start charging the battery and send image data from the cassette to the console device through a cable. The console device has first and second judging sections. The first judging section judges whether or not a charge level of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The second judging section judges whether or not radiography is in progress. If it is judged that the charge level of the battery exceeds the predetermined threshold value and the radiography is not in progress, a window that indicates permission for switching to the wireless mode is displayed on a monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Kamiya, Yusuke Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 8570141
    Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling a household appliance is provided. The method has the steps of: monitoring and sampling the power of the household appliance to obtain a first standby power range; monitoring and sampling the power of the household appliance to obtain a set of first real-time power data; calculating a first standby confidence level based on the number of times that the first real-time power data fall within the first standby power range; and determining that the household appliance is in a standby state if the first standby confidence level is greater than or equal to a standby confidence level threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yi-Lin Chiang, Shun-Chieh Lin, Ya-Hui Li, Huan-Wen Tsai
  • Patent number: 8571518
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing a site in a mobile environment, which includes detecting an availability of a thermostat wherein the thermostat has an operating condition; detecting a location of a mobile device associated with the site; providing a proximity control selector within a user interface of the mobile device to manage a proximity detection module disposed on the thermostat, wherein the proximity control selector has an enabled setting of the proximity detection module and a disabled setting of the proximity detection module; enabling the proximity detection module in response to the enabled setting of the proximity control selector to allow for the modification of the operating condition of the thermostat based on the detected location of the mobile device relative to the site; and disabling the proximity detection module in response to the disabled setting of the proximity control selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Allure Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Imes, James Hollister
  • Publication number: 20130278435
    Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis
  • Publication number: 20130278436
    Abstract: A smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized, wherein the smartphone device is configured to actively control the configuration of one or more bladders, compartments, chambers or internal sipes and one or more sensors located in either one or both of a sole or a removable inner sole insert of the footwear of the user and/or located in an apparatus worn or carried by the user, glued unto the user, or implanted in the user. The one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, or sipes, and one or more sensors are configured for computer control. A sole and/or a removable inner sole insert for footwear, including one or more bladders, compartments, chambers, internal sipes and sensors in the sole and/or in a removable insert; or on an insole; all being configured for control by a smartphone or other mobile computer device, general purpose or specialized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Frampton E. Ellis
  • Patent number: 8564398
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a source or sources of noise that interferes or potentially interfere with communications between a remote and a receiver. The noise source may be detected through the operation of a noise detector which is integrated as a component of a remote. The remote may be configured to operate in one of two modes. In a first mode, the remote may convey commands inputted by a user from the remote to the receiver. In a second mode the receiver may operate as a noise detector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Anthony Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 8564400
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an HVAC data processing and communication network and a method of manufacturing the same. In an embodiment, the network includes a user interface and a system device. The user interface is configured to publish a privilege request message to a data bus. The system device is configured to receive messages via the data bus and to store configuration data in nonvolatile memory. The system device is further configured to enable a privileged operating mode not normally available to a user of the network in response to the privilege request message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wojciech Grohman, Darko Hadzidedic
  • Patent number: 8558697
    Abstract: In some implementations a storage device having a voice-recognition engine stored thereon is coupled to a microcontroller, a device-controller for an automatic door is operably coupled to the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Altorr Corporation
    Inventor: Bradford A. Clough
  • Patent number: 8560012
    Abstract: The communication device can easily serve as an extended user interface such as a remote controller of a target apparatus without causing any complicated operations to a user. The communication device includes the following units. An apparatus information obtainment unit (203) obtains apparatus information from an apparatus. A position information obtainment unit (206) obtains position information of the communication device (102). An operation information obtainment unit (212) obtains operation information based on the apparatus information. A storage unit (213) stores the position information as apparatus position information indicating as a position of the apparatus, in association with the operation information. A direction sensor unit (207) detects direction of the communication device (102). A directional space calculation unit (208) calculates a directional space of the communication device (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ohnishi, Masaru Yamaoka, Mitsuaki Oshima, Michihiro Matsumoto, Tomoaki Ohira, Shohji Ohtsubo, Tsutomu Mukai, Yosuke Matsushita, Hironori Nakae, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 8558658
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for configuring a security system. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of configuration files on a computer readable medium where each configuration file defines an access control system or integrated security system and each configuration file is different than any other configuration file of the plurality of configuration files, presenting the plurality of configuration files to a person on a display, a configuration processor receiving a selection of a configuration file of the plurality of configuration files from the person and the processor automatically configuring an access control system or integrated security system in accordance with the selected configuration file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Aneesh R Kumar, Arunachalam K Sundararaman, Nithyanandhan G Govindaraj, Vinay V Venkatesh
  • Patent number: 8552832
    Abstract: A controlling device interacts dynamically with a plurality of appliances using state information known to a master appliance. The master appliance conveys to the controlling device the state information and the controlling device uses the state information to dynamically configure itself to command functional operations of one or more of the plurality of appliances. The master appliance also causes a graphical representation of the current configuration of the controlling device to be displayed on a display device that is associated with the master appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kohanek
  • Publication number: 20130257583
    Abstract: A wireless communication device (200) and method (300) with ultrasonic detection, is described. In its simplest form, the method (300) includes: periodically transmitting (310) ultrasonic signals from a wireless communication device; sensing (320) a reflection of the ultrasonic signals: and if a threshold is met, adjusting (330) an operating mode of the wireless communication device. The method (300) can enhance a user's experience, by launching a desired application, when a certain threshold is met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY, INC.
    Inventor: Siddharth Sinha
  • Publication number: 20130257582
    Abstract: An electronic device including a processor, at least one sensor in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is configured to determine an orientation of the device and drop event based on input from the at least one sensor. The electronic device further includes a motor in communication with the processor and a mass operably connected to the motor. The processor is configured to drive the motor when a drop event is determined and the mass is configured to rotate with respect to the motor to alter the orientation of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Fletcher Rothkopf, Colin M. Ely, Stephen B. Lynch
  • Patent number: 8542087
    Abstract: Apparatus including a combined monitor and display assembly installable in an area occupied by an individual, and at the location occupied by the individual's caregiver. There is a microphone and video camera to provide sounds generated by the individual or an image of the individual and an audio or video transmitter connected to the microphone and camera to transmit a signal from the microphone and video camera that is intercepted by a mobile telephone so that the signal can be heard or seen by an observer at a site remote from the enclosure. The distress sounds are pre-programmed into the device so that only pre-selected distress sounds cause the mobile telephone to be contacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Publication number: 20130241690
    Abstract: A system for detecting tamper events in a digital circuit by having a Critical Path Replica (CPR) circuit operable in parallel with the circuit being monitored, and adjusted to generate a timing violation if the operating parameters of the circuit change to be outside the normal operating parameters. The critical path replica circuit is adjusted to generate a timing violation before the actual circuit being monitored fails due to the changed operating parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: William C Wallace, Alok Anand, Ravi Srivaths, Chillara Kiran Kumar, Aruna Koityar
  • Patent number: 8538732
    Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion A. Keyes, IV, Trevor D. Schleiss, Mark J. Nixon, Ron Eddie, Terrence L. Belvins, Ram Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 8538407
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a building automation system with an FMC cellular device are provided. The FMC cellular device can locally interface with a building automation system via a femtocell base station or a wireless access point, remotely interface with a building automation system over a wide area network via a macrocell base station, or remotely interface with a building automation system via a GAN enabled wireless access point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Addy
  • Publication number: 20130234823
    Abstract: A sleep sensing system comprising a sensor to obtain real-time information about a user, a sleep state logic to determine the user's current sleep state based on the real-time information. The system further comprising a sleep stage selector to select an optimal next sleep state for the user, and a sound output system to output sounds to guide the user from the current sleep state to the optimal next sleep state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Philippe Kahn, Arthur Kinsolving
  • Patent number: 8531291
    Abstract: A system includes one or more sensors mounted on a mobile patient; a wireless transceiver to communicate with a remote station; and a processor coupled to the sensor and the wireless transceiver to request assistance if the processor detects a fall by the mobile patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bao Tran
  • Patent number: 8531289
    Abstract: A system for monitoring objects and individuals. In this system, a monitoring station is remotely accessible through a user interface. The interface is adapted to provide a visually cognizable rendering of an area and a tool useful for selecting at least a portion of said area, and to communicate a first request signal to provide location coordinates of a first tracking device. The first tracking device comprises a first transceiver adapted to receive the first request signal, and to transmit a first reply signal that comprises a first identification code. In addition, a second tracking device having a second transceiver is adapted to receive the first reply signal, compare the first identification code to a stored identification code, and communicate to the monitoring station a second reply signal that comprises location coordinates of the first tracking device in part responsive to verification of the first identification code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Location Based Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Scalisi, David M. Morse, Desiree Mejia
  • Patent number: 8527139
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for a vehicle includes a first processor module and a second processor module. The first processor module includes a first microprocessor and memory. The second processor module includes a second microprocessor and memory. The second processor module: selectively transmits a first challenge to the first processor module for a first challenge-response test; selectively transmits a second challenge to the first processor module for a second challenge-response test; selectively transmits a third challenge to the first processor module for a third challenge-response test; selectively transmits a fourth challenge to the first processor module for a fourth challenge-response test; and selectively diagnoses a fault based on responses of the first processor module to the first, second, third, and fourth challenges. The first, second, third, and fourth challenge-response tests are each different types of challenge-response tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Mohammed Abdulla Yousuf
  • Patent number: 8525673
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more wireless nodes forming a wireless mesh network; a user activity sensor including a wireless mesh transceiver adapted to communicate with the one or more wireless nodes using the wireless mesh network; and a digital monitoring agent coupled to the wireless transceiver through the wireless mesh network to request assistance from a third party based on the user activity sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Bao Tran
  • Patent number: 8519820
    Abstract: Systems and methods for saving and restoring scenes in a multimedia system with minimal configuration are provided. The techniques of the present invention can allow the states of the components in the multimedia system to be captured in a scene. Once the scene has been saved, the scene can be restored at a later time. A remote control system for recommending scenes by comparing states of components in the current scene with states of components in saved scenes is also provided. The remote control system can also recommend scenes based on usage patterns. Moreover, the remote control system can allow users to designate one or more saved scenes as favorite scenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Alan Cannistraro
  • Patent number: 8519828
    Abstract: A pneumatic fender management system that establishes a correspondence between a pneumatic fender in which an identification tag recording first identification information is embedded and a pressure sensor detecting a pneumatic pressure of the pneumatic fender and transmitting a detected value. The pressure sensor includes a sensor part detecting a pneumatic pressure of the pneumatic fender, a transmission part transmitting a signal from the sensor part; a reader part reading the information in the identification tag, and a control part having a memory part recording second identification information. The control part compares the first identification information read by the reader part with the second identification information in the memory part, and if the compared information is identical, causes the transmission part to transmit the pneumatic pressure information detected by the sensor part, and if the compared information is different, stops the sensor part and/or the transmission part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Nakatani, Michito Kaneko, Sigeki Sakakibara, Syuu Yamada
  • Patent number: 8519835
    Abstract: A sensory feedback system is described that comprises a sensor for measuring one or more physical attributes associated with a user and a mobile device coupled to the sensor, where the mobile device comprises a data capture device for receiving and storing measurements by the sensor. The mobile device is further configured to generate data according to the received measurements. The mobile device also comprises a data transceiver configured to transmit the generated data. The system further comprises a remote monitor communicatively coupled to the mobile device, where the remote monitor comprises a data processor configured to receive the data generated by the mobile device and generate one or more sensory response signals according to the received data generated by the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory A. Dunko
  • Patent number: 8519842
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for operating a security system. The method includes providing a security system having at least one sensor, coupling a detected state of the at least one sensor to a web server, the web server publishing the detected state and a remotely located user subscribing to receive the detected state of the at least one sensor via the publication by the web server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Aneesh Kumar R
  • Patent number: 8514072
    Abstract: A RF wireless sensor interface (20) interfaces one or more of a variety of sensors (12, 13) to a RF wireless network (11). A power converter (30) of the interface (20) converts a primary power (PPRM) into a DC power (PDC) that is supplied to the sensor(s) (12, 13). A microcontroller (60) of the interface (20) receives sensor detection information (SDI) from the sensor(s) (12, 13) in response to the sensor(s) (12, 13) receiving the DC power (PDC) from the power converter (30). A RF transmitter/transceiver (50) of the interface (20) executes a sensor detection information RF transmission (SDIRF) and/or a sensor control signal RF transmission (SCSRF) to the RF wireless network (11) in response to the microcontroller (60) receiving the sensor detection information (SDI). The power converter (30), the microcontroller (60) and the RF transmitter/transceiver (50) are located within a modular housing (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Kent E. Crouse, William L. Keith, Andrew C. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130207772
    Abstract: Techniques for proximity detection of kiosk payments are provided. A kiosk system includes a cash/coin acceptor device and an added sensor. The sensor detects when a hand of a customer is in proximity to the cash/coin acceptor device indicating cash or coins are about to be inserted into the device. The sensor coordinates with a state of the kiosk system and when the state permits and the hand is in proximity to the device, the device is activated or enabled to accept the cash or coins for a transaction of the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas V. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20130207771
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Rain Bird Corporation
  • Patent number: 8508379
    Abstract: When a wireless communications device is traveling at a speed exceeding a lower threshold but less than an upper threshold, the device is presumed to be traveling in a motor vehicle. In order to inhibit operation of the wireless communication device by a driver without restricting operation by a passenger, access to certain device functions or applications such as e-mail, text messaging, etc. are limited by challenging the user of the device to respond to an ergonomic challenge that requires two-handed user input. Only if two-handed input is received will the wireless communications device grant access to e-mail or instant messaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Vander Veen, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen
  • Patent number: 8508330
    Abstract: A processing circuit may include a command source that receives at least one feature input control signal for a lighting fixture; and an adaptive filtering mechanism that generates a filtered control signal in response to the input control signal, wherein the adaptive filtering mechanism varies a filter function in response to at least a temporal state of the input control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Kedar Godbole, Chi Wang Ng
  • Patent number: 8508331
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that comprises a communication unit; an output unit; and a controller configured to output at least one of a first user interface and a second user interface through the output unit, in a case of entering a high rate time slot determined based on electricity rate information received through the communication unit while outputting contents through the output unit, wherein the first user interface queries whether to continuously output the contents through the output unit and wherein the second user interface is to receive a selection associated with a replacement electronic device for outputting the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Haesoo Lee, Jaehong Kim
  • Patent number: 8502649
    Abstract: Systems and methods convey information from a controller to at least one slave unit using a single wire referenced to an alternating current (AC) power supply. A control signal has a high voltage and a low voltage. The high voltage is greater than a voltage midpoint of the AC power supply and the low voltage is less than the voltage midpoint. The control signal is conveyed through the single wire to each of the at least one slave unit. At each slave unit, a comparison voltage, representative of the voltage midpoint, is generated by dividing substantially midway the potentials between the power lines of the AC power supply and the control signal is compared to the comparison voltage to determine low and high states of the control signal; the low and high states represent the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Albeo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Van Laanen
  • Patent number: 8502640
    Abstract: In accordance with the techniques discussed herein, a device can access data stored by other devices or units on a network. Devices recording data can provide the data to another device for display to a user. A user can then use the information to make decisions about how and when to control energy use. A communications logic unit associated with the radio can format messages including data from a data storage unit. Data can be stored in tables and written to or retrieved by reading or writing part of the table or the entire table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Trilliant Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Veillette
  • Patent number: 8487737
    Abstract: A device for control and monitoring equipment including a control panel and at least one control member. The control member includes a readily movable module which may be detachably located on the front surface of the control panel. The module communicates in a wireless manner with a central unit, via which externally controlled units are influenced/controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: ABB AB
    Inventor: Göran Forsström
  • Publication number: 20130176101
    Abstract: A method for transmitting data from and to an automatic feeder, such as an automatic watering device. The data can be stored on a storage medium. A system for transmitting data from and to an automatic feeder is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Förster Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Förster Technik GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130169407
    Abstract: A wireless sensor actuator network (WSAN) is provided, which includes: at least one sensor, for sensing situations of surrounding environments to generate a transferring condition, the transferring condition corresponding to a transferring condition serial number; at least one actuator, driven by a driving signal; and a gateway, for receiving the transferring condition of the sensor corresponding to the transferring condition serial number, transferring an active state serial number to a transferring state serial number which meets the transferring condition according to an encoding table of the gateway, and executing functions called by the transferring state serial number to generate the driving signal for driving the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Ching-Han Chen, Jia-Hong Dai, Hsin Pei Hsieh, Jia-Wei Liou
  • Patent number: 8477007
    Abstract: A network includes a client and an appliance configured to perform an operation cycle on an article using a consumable. Information associated with the consumable can be exchanged between the appliance and the client across the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. McCoy, Andre O. Pires
  • Publication number: 20130162390
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling irrigation and climate conditions in landscapes (such as, e.g., municipal parks, gardens, and sports fields) and agricultural environments (such as, e.g., open agricultural fields, greenhouses, and other sites growing crops).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: CLIMATEMINDER, INC.
    Inventors: Bulut Fethi Ersavas, Pelin Ersavas, Semih Pekol