Monitoring In Addition To Control (e.g., Supervisory) Patents (Class 340/3.1)
  • Patent number: 10116639
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a security controller SC restoration method. The method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes: designating, by a master node, a node to which a backup SC belongs, where the master node includes an original DM or a backup DM; sending, by the master node to a first node, a message indicating the backup SC, where the message indicating the backup SC includes an identifier of the node to which the backup SC belongs; in a case in which a node to which an original SC belongs is disconnected, sending, by the master node to the first node, a message for enabling an SC function, for performing authentication, according to the message for enabling an SC function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tong Jiang
  • Patent number: 10096220
    Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a GUEST mode in a security control panel device are provided. Some methods can include enabling a GUEST mode of a security system in a monitored region, and when in the GUEST mode, providing one or more guest users with control of at least one automation device in the security system, or executing one or more fallback scenes that account for a presence of the one or more guest users in the monitored region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Arumugakumar Mookan
  • Patent number: 10095269
    Abstract: A motion control assembly includes a motion control device electrically connected to a battery pack and to a mobile computing device for at least data transmission therebetween. The motion control device can generate inputs, such as inputs corresponding to an attribute of a sensed object, for transmission to the mobile computing device. The drain on a battery of a battery-powered mobile computing device can be reduced when used with a motion control device as follows. A motion control assembly, comprising a motion control device and a battery pack, capable of powering the motion control device, as an integral, one-piece unit, is selected. The motion control device is connected to an electrical connector of a battery-powered mobile computing device. The motion control device is supplied with power from the battery pack during use so the motion control device can be operated using the power from the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Leap Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Samuel Gordon, Paul Alan Durdik
  • Patent number: 10098207
    Abstract: A device for controlling a lighting means is provided, which comprises at least one communication means, configured to receive first data and transmit second data via at least one wireless communication network and to at least partially forward the first data. The at least partially forwarded first data comprise third data. The device also comprises at least one security means, configured to at least partially decrypt the third data and to at least partially encrypt fourth data. The second data are at least partially based on the at least partially encrypted fourth data. The device also comprises at least one signal processing means, configured to control a lighting means connected to the device at least partially depending on the at least partially encrypted third data, to at least partially generate and/or to receive the fourth data, and to forward the received and/or generated fourth data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ICE Gateway GmbH
    Inventors: Ramin Lavae Mokhtari, Gerd Ascheid
  • Patent number: 10081390
    Abstract: A parking assistance management system and method for assisting a parking of a vehicle based on a customized egress requirements is provided. The method includes the steps of identifying a user entering a vehicle, calculating a minimum egress space of the user, required for an egress of the user from the vehicle, detecting a parking space proximate at least one object, determining a viability of the parking space based on the minimum egress space, verifying that a distance between the vehicle and the at least one object is greater than the minimum egress space, when the vehicle is parked in the parking space, and broadcasting the minimum egress space to be received by other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Evelyn R. Anderson, Michael Bender, Rhonda L. Childress, Ea-Ee Jan
  • Patent number: 10080176
    Abstract: Systems and methods for Secure User Plane (SUPL) Redirection and Mobile Location Protocol (MLP) Tunneling to a Discovered SUPL Location Platform (D-SLP) are disclosed. For example, a method for SUPL redirection by a SET, may include: receiving an initiation message at a SET from a Home SUPL Location Platform (H-SLP); establishing a secure connection with the H-SLP, and returning a response message; receiving a redirect message from the H-SLP; establishing a SET initiated SUPL session with a D-SLP; obtaining a location of the SET using the D-SLP; and returning the location to the H-SLP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen William Edge, Andreas Klaus Wachter
  • Patent number: 10080179
    Abstract: A method for verifying an operation in a wireless remote control system is disclosed, comprising the following steps: receive a control command with a server, and store the control command in the server; upon receiving an inquiry command from a relay device, the control command is sent to the relay device, and then sent to a home appliance to operate the home appliance accordingly; a state information is generated by the home appliance after performing the operation, and is sent to the server by the relay device; determine whether the server receives the state information; if so, a corresponding relation between the state information and the control command is established in the server; otherwise, the relay device is required to return the state information again, until the server does receive the state information. Whereby, the operation of the home appliance could be verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: GRAND MATE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Chin Huang, Chin-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsing-Hsiung Huang, Yen-Jen Yeh, Chin-Huang Chang
  • Patent number: 10074254
    Abstract: An alarm panel configuration system for facilitating cloud-based configuration of the alarm panel is provided. The configuration system may include a remote server providing a remotely accessible configuration file modification interface, the configuration file modification interface configured to compile a configuration file and transmit the configuration file to a mobile device, and an alarm panel configured to receive the configuration file from the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
    Inventor: Joseph Piccolo, III
  • Patent number: 10069962
    Abstract: Technologies are disclosed herein for utilizing near field communication (“NFC”) to improve the security, performance, and configuration of computing systems. In particular, NFC can be utilized to power an NFC-equipped server computer on or off, to log directly into an operating system executing on the NFC-equipped server computer, to stream firmware debugging data from an NFC-equipped server computer to an NFC-equipped mobile device, to initiate the update or recovery of firmware, to provide hardware inventory data, or to pair hardware devices. Firmware debugging data can also be streamed from a firmware to an NFC-equipped mobile device. NFC can also be utilized to disable functionality provided by a mobile device while the device is in motion, such as when a user of the mobile device is operating a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: American Megatrends, Inc.
    Inventor: Kai Yau
  • Patent number: 10043382
    Abstract: A display apparatus and a method of displaying a message are disclosed. The display apparatus includes a display; a communicator configured to communicate with at least one home appliance; a storage configured to store a user setting message; and a controller configured to control the communicator to communicate with a home appliance selected by a user, and to display the user setting message on the display according to a preset condition satisfaction signal in response to the preset condition satisfaction signal being received from the home appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-joong Noh
  • Patent number: 10043610
    Abstract: An apparatus detects a free-fall state of an electronic device, determines an orientation of the electronic device with reference to gravity when the free-fall state is detected, and predicts that the electronic device will strike a surface within a critical angle range. The prediction is based on the detection of the free-fall state and on the orientation of the electronic device. An electromagnetic torque is generated within the electronic device that re-orients the electronic device outside the critical angle. The apparatus comprises a processing system, a free-fall sensor coupled to the processing system, an orientation sensor coupled to the processing system, a magnetic-field generator, and a first coil that is electrically coupled to the processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventors: Pavana Abhiram Sirimamilla, Martin R. Pais, Maninder S. Sehmbey
  • Patent number: 10031647
    Abstract: A system enables universal remote media control across multiple platforms, devices, and users. A protocol allows a media controller (such as computer or mobile device) to have access to running activities (such as a television show playing on a media player). The protocol does not require installation of a specific platform application, or a specific user-login/pairing of the media controller with the media player. The system receives commands from a media controller device using a common interface, provides the commands to a remote media player, loads new media content into the media player, based on the commands, and receives state notifications from the media player. The commands and the state notifications include a namespace and a message payload represented as a two-element script array. Another user or device can control the media player using the common interface, for example provided by a browser application on the media controller device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Mark David Scott, Mark Alan Foltz, John Affaki, Majd Bakar, Francis Tsui, Jennifer Shien-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 10026301
    Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Putterman, Gregory Peters, Richard Bullwinkle, Kim R. Dykeman, Brad Dietrich
  • Patent number: 10021095
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for two layer user authentication associated with connected home devices. In use, it is determined whether a user is authenticated to control at least one connected home device utilizing a user device, as a first layer of security. If it is determined the user is authenticated to control the at least one connected home device, a command for controlling the at least one connected home device is received by the user utilizing the user device. Further, it is determined whether at least one registered fingerprint is accessible by the user device. If it is determined that at least one registered fingerprint is accessible by the user device, a fingerprint identification interface is displayed on a display associated with the user device. Additionally, a fingerprint input is received from the user utilizing the fingerprint identification interface. Furthermore, the received fingerprint input is compared with the at least one registered fingerprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Amdocs Development Limited
    Inventors: Laurent Depersin, Jérémie de Freslon de la Freslonniére, Johann L'Hour
  • Patent number: 10017912
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the operation of a lift assembly of a work vehicle may generally include receiving an input associated with moving loader arms and/or an implement of the lift assembly to a pre-defined position and monitoring a position of the loader arms and/or the implement relative to the pre-defined position. In addition, while a reference point associated with the loader arms and/or the implement is located outside an outer threshold boundary associated with the pre-defined position, the method may include transmitting a first command signal(s) to move the loader arms and/or the implement towards the pre-defined position. Moreover, when the reference point is moved within the outer threshold boundary, the method may include transmitting a second command signal(s) in order to ramp down a movement velocity of the loader arms and/or the implement as the loader arms and/or the implement is moved closer to the pre-defined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Aditya Singh, Duqiang Wu, Navneet Gulati
  • Patent number: 10018702
    Abstract: A method for validating data content in a wirelessly received communication signal, wherein the data content includes at least one position statement for a transmission module sending the communication signal, wherein the communication signal is received by a reception module having at least two antennas, wherein the communication signal is used to determine a direction from the reception module to the transmission module and wherein the determined direction is used to validate the position statement. The direction is determined from a phrase difference in the communication signal at the at least two antennas. The invention further relates to a corresponding communication apparatus and to a use for the communication apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Sighard Schräbler, Ulrich Stählin
  • Patent number: 10021612
    Abstract: A system that stores functional information indicating a capability of each of a plurality of elements located remotely from the system; identifies a function capable of being performed by linking a plurality of the elements based on the stored functional information; and transmits information corresponding to the identified function capable of being performed by linking the plurality of elements to a first device remote from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehiro Hagiwara, Hiroyuki Masuda, Genta Kondo, Hiromu Takizawa
  • Patent number: 10013038
    Abstract: An electronic device disclosed herein includes one or more sensors for collecting data relating to a product context that an electronic device is currently placed or used in. A product context detector of the electronic device analyzes the collected data to identify the current product context, and a power controller of the electronic device alters transmission power of at least one antenna of the electronic device based on the identified product context to ensure compliance with an applicable specific absorption rate (SAR) standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Russell Mercer, Charbel Khawand, Marc Harper
  • Patent number: 10009724
    Abstract: An intelligent personal safety device is disclosed. The intelligent personal safety device is an apparatus removably coupled to a wrist watch customized to function as a personal safety device, by the way of addition of a sensor module, a processor and a communication element, in the form of an integrated circuit into the wrist watch. The integrated circuit is embedded in the strap of the wrist watch. Alternatively, the integrated circuit is embedded in the watch case of the wrist watch. Alternatively, the integrated circuit is built upon the inner portion of the back cover of the wrist watch. The intelligent personal safety device enables a wearer to generate distress signals during an emergency situation and communicates the distress signal to a remote server via any communication device which is in proximity to the intelligent personal safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Krishnamurthy Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 9992662
    Abstract: A system and method (10) are provided for enrolling electrical control devices (12) in a system (14) for wirelessly controlling and monitoring a plurality of electrical control devices (12) located throughout a building (16). The system (10) includes a portable electronic control panel (20) that connects wirelessly to the devices (12). The system (10) automatically creates a list of the devices (12) based their wireless signal strength and allows a user to select and operate each of the devices (12) one at a time to thereby verify the identity of each device (12) and input a user created identifier for each device (12) into the system (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Weifeng Hua, Bo Sun, George Li
  • Patent number: 9989272
    Abstract: In an air conditioner, one of a linkage mode or a non-linkage mode is selected by a user as a control mode of an external device. In the air conditioner, when the linkage mode is selected, on/off control of the external device by using a human detection sensor is permitted during operation, whereas on/off control of the external device by using the human detection sensor is inhibited during suspension of operation. In the air conditioner, when the non-linkage mode is selected, on/off control of the external device by using the human detection sensor is always permitted, irrespective of whether the air conditioner is in operation or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Yumoto, Tsuyoshi Yokomizo, Shunichi Uenaka, Mario Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9985687
    Abstract: A communication system includes a carrier generator, a first modulation circuit, a pulse generator, a first transmission line, and a second transmission line. The carrier generator is configured to generate a first carrier signal and a reference clock signal. The first modulation circuit is coupled to the carrier generator, and configured to generate a first modulated signal based on a first data signal and the first carrier signal. The pulse generator is coupled to the carrier generator, and configured to generate a pulse train signal based on the reference clock signal. The first transmission line is configured to carry the modulated signal, and configured to cause a delay to the first modulated signal. The second transmission line is coupled to the pulse generator, configured to carry the pulse train signal, and configured to cause a delay to the pulse train signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Huan-Neng Chen, Chewn-Pu Jou, Feng Wei Kuo, Lan-Chou Cho, William Wu Shen
  • Patent number: 9981656
    Abstract: A parking assist system for a vehicle is provided that includes a proximity sensor configured to sense a distance to an obstacle, a parking controller configured to output a distance to target signal and a scheduler configured to process the distance to target signal and output a distance error signal to a control module configured to longitudinally control the vehicle. The scheduler is configured to process both a static and a dynamic distance to target signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Bales, Michael Hafner, Kevin Smith, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 9978255
    Abstract: Alarm system technology, in which an alarm event is detected at a property monitored by an alarm system when the alarm system was set in an armed state. Based on detection of the alarm event, an alarm probability score that indicates a likelihood of the alarm event being an emergency situation is determined and the alarm event is handled based on the determined alarm probability score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventor: Stephen Scott Trundle
  • Patent number: 9954951
    Abstract: A communication method and device for remote control of an actuator for mobile equipment in a building. The present invention concerns an operating method of a communication device (DC) for remote control of an actuator (ACT) for a piece of mobile equipment (ME) in a building, comprising the steps consisting of receiving a first signal (RS) according to a determined configuration communication mode (MCi), defining an operational communication mode (MUO) on the basis of at least a portion of the content of the first received signal (RS), receiving a second signal (RS2) according to the operational communication mode (MUO), and interpreting the second received signal (RS2) according to the operational communication mode (MUO), in such a way as to identify control data in the second received signal (RS2). The invention also concerns a method for configuring a communication device of an actuator, and a communication device and a tool for configuring said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventor: Florent Pellarin
  • Patent number: 9953300
    Abstract: A system and method to process distracted driving habits of drivers. An example computer-implemented method to process distracted driving habits of drivers includes receiving a transmission of at least one electronic image from an imaging device, the electronic image showing a distracted driver. The method also includes processing the at least one electronic image by a computer to associate the image with a distracted driving category. The method also includes delivering a report based on the processed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: DRIVESPI, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Craig Connor
  • Patent number: 9952576
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to learn and share remote commands are disclosed. An example method to configure a playback device to be controlled by a remote control includes receiving by the playback device a first code for a first command from the remote control. The example method includes identifying by the playback device a second code for a second command based on the received first code. The example method includes receiving by the playback device the second code from the remote control. The example method includes executing the second command by the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Griffiths, Simon Jarvis, Hilmar Lehnert, Aurelio Rafael Ramos
  • Patent number: 9944195
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vehicle architecture for controlling and regulating an electric drive of an electric or hybrid vehicle, having a power electronics system which is connected firstly to the electric drive and secondly to a battery or to a battery system. A battery management system is associated with the battery or the battery system. The vehicle architecture comprises a master controller or a controller which is equipped with a master functionality into which functionalities at least of the battery management system and of the power electronics system of the electric drive are exported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank Stimm, Michael Steil, Alfons Doerr, Andreas Bosch
  • Patent number: 9946235
    Abstract: Methods and devices for scheduling operation of residential energy consumption devices are described herein. One device includes a memory and a processor. The processor can be configured to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to form a number of chains of residential energy consumption devices, wherein each of the number of chains includes different devices, determine which of the number of chains has a largest total energy consumption over a particular period of time, and determine, for the devices in the chain having the largest total energy consumption over the particular period of timed of time, an operational schedule having a lowest possible cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ondrej Holub, Marek Sikora
  • Patent number: 9945890
    Abstract: In a method for monitoring power, preset information that defines periods in which one or more preset electric devices are scheduled to operate is received, an amount of power available, which is an estimated amount of power available in the building in each period, is calculated, estimated power consumption, which is estimated power consumption in the building in each period, is calculated using power consumption information, to which power consumption of the electric devices to be preset is registered in advance, and the preset information, an alternative instruction with which the estimated power consumption becomes lower than or equal to the amount of power available is generated, and the alternative instruction is displayed on a terminal apparatus. And at least one of the receiving, the calculating the amount of power available, the calculating the estimated power consumption, the generating and the displaying is performed by a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Masayuki Kozuka, Motoji Ohmori, Takako Hirose
  • Patent number: 9949170
    Abstract: Techniques for modifying a transmission rate of a device having a plurality of transmission rate options are described herein. The techniques include a method comprising receiving data from a sensor indicating movement of an electronic device, the electronic device having a plurality of transmission rate options. Fail ratio metrics are gathered. The fail ratio metrics indicate a ratio of failed transmissions to successful transmissions for rate option during device movement. The method includes determining whether a given rate option has a fail ratio above a predetermined threshold; and, if so, disabling the given rate option while the device is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Shun Hao, Ren Wang, Jr-Shian Tsai, Alexander Min, Roi Sadan, Jianghong Du, Arvind Kumar, Liraz Zur, Longcheng Zhu
  • Patent number: 9928359
    Abstract: Described are architectures, systems, processes and methods for security that, at their core, are adaptive and changing at determined intervals so as to present a different environment, a portion of which is a varied attack surface, to the communications world exterior to the system. In one aspect is described improved security architecture, system and methods based upon multiple processors, operating systems and communication channels, in which at least some processors each perform as an input system connectable to a network, and are dissimilar in some manner, the manner of dissimilarity being controlled by a control system that is not connected to the network. Additionally in this aspect, an execution system is included which performs execution based upon received inputs to the input system, which are passed to the execution system once validated as being safe and not compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SECURITY TOGETHER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony Joseph Vargas, Christopher Robert Sharpe, Hollis Ann Johnson
  • Patent number: 9930760
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating functional lighting groups is provided. The apparatus includes a commissioning device and a gateway. The commissioning device is configured to identify, locate, and record a plurality of wireless devices during commissioning of the plurality of wireless devices, the plurality of wireless devices having a common circuit and legacy line voltage switch, and is configured to direct the plurality of wireless devices over a wireless network to enter a grouping mode and to send messages indicating that they have been power cycled by the legacy line voltage switch. The gateway is coupled to the wireless network, and is configured to receive the messages and to create a functional lighting group including the plurality of wireless devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FABRIQ, LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Reh, Matthew B. O'Kelley
  • Patent number: 9930761
    Abstract: An apparatus for creating functional lighting groups is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of wireless devices and a gateway. The plurality of wireless devices has a common circuit and legacy line voltage switch, and is configured to enter a grouping mode responsive to commissioning commands sent over a wireless network, and is configured to send messages over the wireless network indicating that they have been power cycled by a legacy line voltage switch. The gateway is coupled to the plurality of wireless devices over the wireless network, and is configured to receive the messages, and is configured to create a functional lighting group comprising the plurality of wireless devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FABRIQ, LTD.
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Reh, Matthew B. O'Kelley
  • Patent number: 9924244
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described that collect spatio-temporal data using an RFID system that is capable of locating the spatial position of a sensor, which is typically unaware of its location. Such systems and methods can be contrasted with conventional RFID systems in that they are able to determine the location of sensors in space as opposed to with respect to read zones related to the underlying RFID reader infrastructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mojix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramin Sadr, Christopher Richard Jones
  • Patent number: 9922258
    Abstract: An on-vehicle image processing apparatus includes: a photographing device configured to photograph a road surface around a vehicle; an image creation section configured to create an overhead view image showing a periphery of the vehicle when looked down from above the vehicle, based on the obtained photographed image; an extraction section configured to extract a road surface sign around the vehicle by using the created overhead view image; a detection section configured to detect one or more noises among at least a road surface noise, an obstruction noise, and an attached substance noise that are to be observed when the extraction section extracts the road surface sign; and a parking frame recognition section configured to recognize a parking frame based on one of a partial photographing region in the photographed image and a partial overhead view region in the overhead view image, depending on the detected noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kiyohara, Takehito Ogata, Satoshi Suzuki, Shoji Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 9915931
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to learn and share remote commands are disclosed. An example method to configure a playback device to be controlled by a remote control includes receiving by the playback device a first code for a first command from the remote control. The example method includes identifying by the playback device a second code for a second command based on the received first code. The example method includes receiving by the playback device the second code from the remote control. The example method includes executing the second command by the playback device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sonos, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Griffiths, Simon Jarvis, Hilmar Lehnert, Aurelio Ramos
  • Patent number: 9916063
    Abstract: A method and system for performing quick reply operations are disclosed. The method for quick reply operations includes displaying a text box; determining a display area of the text box; and receiving a user instruction. The method further includes determining whether the user instruction is a pull-down gesture in the display area of the text box; determining whether the pull-down gesture exceeds a threshold length; and displaying a quick reply text box. The method and system consistent with the present disclosure implement quick reply functions and improve the user experience for replying to various messages and postings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Hongwei Lou, Tieming Huang, Jie Yang, Jun Liu, Jia Wang, Zuozhou Zhang
  • Patent number: 9912189
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products charge a battery in a mobile device. A calendric pattern describes habitual usage of the mobile device. The battery may thus be charged based on the calendric pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T MOBILITY II LLC
    Inventors: Mark Causey, Adrianne Binh Luu, J. Michael Williams
  • Patent number: 9901213
    Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and at least one of a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: PRINCE CASTLE LLC
    Inventors: Loren J. Veltrop, Christine S. Laub
  • Patent number: 9892372
    Abstract: A data collection and monitoring system for a defined space within a public or commercial facility, comprising: a plurality of sensors of which at least one sensor is arranged for monitoring the level of a consumable in connection with said space; and a data collecting unit arranged for wirelessly communicating with said sensors and furthermore arranged for communicating with a central server associated with a storage medium. The storage medium is adapted for storing and monitoring data related to said space. The system is arranged so that said data collecting unit is arranged for minimizing the amount of data transmitted, by transferring data from said sensors to said central server upon a status change of at least one of said sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
    Inventors: Gunilla Himmelmann, Johan Lissmats, Andreas Wass, Erik Lärfars, Robert Kling
  • Patent number: 9875650
    Abstract: A trainable transceiver for installation in a vehicle and for controlling a remote device includes a transceiver circuit configured based on training information to communicate with the remote device, a communications device configured to communicate with a mobile communications device, and a control circuit coupled to the transceiver circuit, and coupled to the communications device. The control circuit is configured to transmit diagnostic information related to the trainable transceiver to a mobile communications device via the communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Todd R. Witkowski, Steven L. Geerlings, Thomas S. Wright, Marc A. Smeyers, Jonathan E. Dorst, Douglas C. Papay
  • Patent number: 9864724
    Abstract: A method for serial data transfer in a bus system having at least two bus subscribers that exchange messages via the bus, the transmitted messages having a CAN standard ISO 11898-1 structure, where for a first marker (EDL), the control field of the messages, divergently from ISO 11898-1, encompasses more than 6 bits, and for the EDL, the data field of the messages, divergently from ISO 11898-1, may encompass more than 8 bytes, the values of the 4 bits of the data length code being interpreted divergently from ISO 11898-1 to establish the data field size, and for a second marker (BRS), the bit length for at least one predefined or predefinable region within the message assumes a value that is shortened as to the bit length used before the second marker was present, the region beginning at the earliest with the second marker and ending at the latest with the CRC delimiter, and the BRS occurring only when the EDL is present, and occurring in the control field of the messages which encompasses more than 6 bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Florian Hartwich, Christian Horst
  • Patent number: 9865152
    Abstract: A room privacy device sounds an audible alarm when a door to a room is not closed and sound is detected in the room. This helps prompt people in the room to close the door to maintain the privacy of the conversation and/or prevent sound in the room from disturbing others outside the room. In some embodiments, the room privacy device includes a door sensor for detecting whether a door is open, a microphone for capturing sound, and a speaker for providing an audible alarm. The room privacy device also includes a processor that causes the speaker to sound an audible alarm based on a signal from the door sensor indicative of the door being open and a signal from the microphone indicative of sound being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. O'Larte
  • Patent number: 9865153
    Abstract: Systems and methods for precise location and tracking of a bag, wallet or luggage body. The system having a bag, wallet or luggage body having an anti-lost communication device attached to the bag, wallet or luggage body, the anti-lost communication device comprising a wireless communication device; and an application on a mobile computing device in communication with the wireless communication device, wherein the application issues a reminder on the mobile computing device when it determines the wireless communication device is a predetermined distance from the mobile computing device or the wireless communication device has lost communication with the mobile computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Li Zhijian
  • Patent number: 9866697
    Abstract: We disclose a concierge device that can be configured to register, control and support a consumer device. It can alternatively or redundantly connect to a home management bridge and/or cloud-based management servers. It can accept menus that allow a single concierge device to provide a wide range of functions for various consumer devices. The concierge device allows the user in a single action to initiate a support session, automatically identifying the consumer device. The concierge device can be configured for voice or video support calls. The concierge device in conjunction with a home management bridge or gateway can manage on boarding of components of an automated home, such as switches and lamps. Implementations of the concierge device that include a display can show supplemental information, such as advertising, optionally in coordination with media being played on a consumer device coupled in communication with the concierge device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: NEXSTEP, INC.
    Inventor: Robert Stepanian
  • Patent number: 9857402
    Abstract: Disclosed are various approaches for measuring and reporting the amount of electrical power consumed by an electrical load attached to a guided surface wave receive structure. A guided surface wave receive structure is configured to obtain electrical energy from a guided surface wave traveling along a terrestrial medium. An electrical load is coupled to the guided surface wave receive structure, the electrical load being experienced as a load at an excitation source coupled to a guided surface waveguide probe generating the guided surface wave. An electric power meter coupled to the electrical load and configured to measure the electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: CPG Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James F. Corum, Kenneth L. Corum, Joseph F. Pinzone, James D. Lilly, Michael W. Miller, Stephen W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9852106
    Abstract: A method for serial data transfer in a bus system having at least two bus subscribers that exchange messages via the bus, the transmitted messages having a logical structure according to CAN standard ISO 11898-1, the logical structure encompassing a start of frame bit, arbitration field, control field, data field, CRC field, acknowledge field, and end of frame sequence, the control field encompassing a data length code that contains an information item regarding the length of the data field. The method is characterized in that when a first marker (EDL) is present, the control field of the messages, divergently from ISO 11898-1, encompasses more than six bits; the first marker (EDL) being implemented by way of a recessive bit in the control field, and when the first marker is present, the recessive bit of the first marker (EDL) being followed, in all data messages, by at least one dominant bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Florian Hartwich, Christian Horst
  • Patent number: 9839735
    Abstract: A dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis (PD) machine) can include a microphone and a component that provide voice recognition capabilities to the machine. For example, in some implementations, the component is configured to identify and/or authenticate voice commands that are issued by a user. The voice command may cause the dialysis machine to carry out a dialysis function. Alternatively, the voice command may cause a user interface of the dialysis machine (e.g., a display, such as a touchscreen display) to be adjusted. A dialysis machine can also include a speaker for providing spoken information to a user. For example, in some implementations, the speaker can provide spoken instructions to assist the user in machine set-up, calibration, and/or operation. Such spoken instructions can be particularly useful in a home dialysis setting. In some implementations, the speaker can provide spoken alarms that are related to alarm conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Daniel Tanenbaum, Fei Wang, Mario Gumina, Tom Merics, Eric Hoffstetter, Matthew Doyle, Aleo Nobel Mok, Wayne Ronald Raiford
  • Patent number: 9843945
    Abstract: A communication apparatus is configured to work by power supplied through a communication line, the communication apparatus includes: a controller, when the controller detects that the power supplied through the communication line decreases in a predetermined range, configured to degrade operation of the communication apparatus, the degraded operation including at least one of stop of partial function among functions held by the communication apparatus and a decrease in performance of the functions held by the communication apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Tadashi Kimura