Abstract: A semiconductor device with an interface includes a master device and a plurality of slave devices. The master device includes a master interface. The slave devices are stacked on the master device one after one as a three-dimension (3D) stack. Each of the slave devices includes a slave interface and a managing circuit, the master interface and the slave interfaces form the interface for passing signals in communication between the master device and the slave devices. The managing circuit of a current one of the slave devices drives a next one of the slave devices. An operation command received at the current one of the slave devices is just passed to the next one of the slave devices through the interface. A response from the current one of the slave devices is passed back to the master device through the interface.

Abstract: A communication adapter of a gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes a communication interface configured to wirelessly communicate with an offboard system and to communicate with an engine control of the gas turbine engine. The communication adapter also includes a memory system and processing circuitry configured to receive an engine control update request from the offboard system, confirm an authentication between the communication adapter and the engine control, transfer one or more configuration items received at the communication adapter from the offboard system to the engine control based on the authentication, and transmit an update completion confirmation of the engine control from the communication adapter to the offboard system based on a confirmation message from the engine control.

Abstract: A control apparatus of a light emitting diode includes a storage unit that stores table information indicating a combination of a magnitude and a cycle of luminance and the number of times of the combinations; and a control section that controls the light emitting diode in accordance with a control pattern in which the combination of the magnitude and the cycle of the luminance indicated in the table information is repeated up to the number of times of the combinations.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments include initiating operation of network application logic by receiving an instruction related to a presentation of a selected media content configured to be consumed by a target consumer. The various embodiments further include, determining whether the selected media content includes content-type metadata that identifies the selected media content as a predetermined type of content, and initiating operation of network application logic configured to control a network-connected electronic device in response to determining the selected media content includes the content-type metadata that identifies the selected media content as the predetermined type of content.

Abstract: A method for addressing a slave device in a network system comprising a master device and a plurality of slave devices. The slave devices have a common default address in an unaddressed state and the master device and the plurality of slave devices are connected in chain via a power line and a communication line, wherein each slave device is indexed by an index greater than or equal to 1, the slave device of index 1 being connected to the master device, wherein, to address the slave device of index k, k being equal to or greater than 2, the method first instructs the slave device of index k?1 to activate the power supply of the slave device of index k via the power line, and then, it sends, to the common default address on the communication line, a command to change the common default address of the slave device of index k to a unique address of index k. Therefore, at each iteration, there is only one unaddressed slave device in the network.

Abstract: A communication device is provided and includes: a wireless communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with a base station used as a connection destination; a location information acquisition device configured to acquire location information on a location of the communication device; a storage configured to store historical obstruction information for an obstructed location where decrease in communication quality due to obstruction has occurred before; a controller configured to determine, based on the historical obstruction information and the location information, a degree of risk of occurrence of decrease in communication quality due to obstruction for at least one of a current connection destination that is currently used by the communication device and a future connection destination that is expected to be used by the communication device, and control the connection destination based on a result of determination of the degree of risk.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) is provided. The IC includes a specific pin, a pull-down circuit and a voltage detector coupled to the specific pin, and a controller. The pull-down circuit includes a pull-down resistor corresponding to a driving voltage level, and is configured to selectively couple the pull-down resistor to the specific pin according to a control signal. The voltage detector is configured to detect the specific pin to obtain a detected voltage value. The controller is configured to determine whether the detected voltage value is the same as the driving voltage level, so as to provide the control signal. When the detected voltage value is greater or less than the driving voltage level, the controller is configured to provide the control signal to the pull-down circuit, so that the pull-down resistor is electrically separated from the specific pin.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first device (e.g., a host device or power distribution unit) stores identification information of the first device, and determines, over a power connection, when the first device is in powered connectivity with a second device (e.g., a power distribution unit or host device, respectively). The first device may then communicate, with the second device over the power connection, identification information of at least one of either the first or second device, where the communicated identification information is accessible to a third device (e.g., a server) via a data network due to the communicating over the power connection. In another embodiment, a server may determine, based on the identification information, a physical location of a power distribution unit, and may deduce, based on the physical location of the power distribution unit, that a host device is physically located at the physical location of the power distribution unit.

Abstract: An electronic vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) multicopter which includes a communications interface configured to establish a communication channel between a site local server and the eVTOL multicopter and send a vehicle identifier and vehicle state information from the eVTOL multicopter to the site local server. The eVTOL multicopter also includes a processor configured to perform a management operation received from the site local server, wherein the site local server is configured to determine the management operation based at least in part on the vehicle identifier and the vehicle state information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of tracking moving targets from air vehicles are disclosed. An example system includes an air vehicle including a moving target state estimator to determine at least one of an estimated speed or an estimated location of a moving target, a tracking infrastructure to determine a detectability zone surrounding the moving target based on at least one of the estimated speed or the estimated location of the moving target, and generate a guidance reference to command the air vehicle to move towards a reference location, the reference location based on the estimated location, and a flight control system to cause the air vehicle to follow the moving target outside of the detectability zone based on the guidance reference.

Abstract: A system having two or more sensing nodes coupled to a control node using a serial communication channel having separate transmit and receive circuits, where each sensing node includes an ADC circuit and a microcontroller, operation of the ADC circuit in each sensing node is concurrently synchronized by the control node using the transmit circuit (e.g., with respect to the control node) of the serial communication channel. The control node can synchronize operation of two or more ADC circuits in separate sensing nodes without using shared clocks or other control signals.

Abstract: The Aircraft Mobile IP Address System provides wireless communication services to passengers who are located onboard an aircraft by storing data indicative of the individually identified wireless devices located onboard the aircraft. The System assigns a single IP address to each Point-to-Point Protocol link which connects the aircraft network to the ground-based communication network but also creates an IP subnet onboard the aircraft. The IP subnet utilizes a plurality of IP addresses for each Point-to-Point link thereby to enable each passenger wireless device to be uniquely identified with their own IP address. This is enabled since both Point-to-Point Protocol IPCP endpoints have pre-defined IP address pools and/or topology configured; each Point-to-Point Protocol endpoint can utilize a greater number of IP addresses than one per link. Such an approach does not change IPCP or other EVDO protocols/messaging but does allow this address to be directly visible to the ground-based communication network.

Abstract: A method for presenting flight control system data onboard an aircraft is provided. The method detects a current operating mode of an automatic flight control system; determines a current aircraft operation, based on the current operating mode; identifies, based on the current aircraft operation, potential aircraft operations associated with a plurality of operating modes of the automatic flight control system, and wherein the plurality of operating modes comprises the current operating mode; presents, via a display device onboard the aircraft, a first plain-text description of the current operating mode and the current aircraft operation; and presents, via the display device, a plurality of plain-text descriptions, wherein each of the plain-text descriptions is associated with a respective one of the potential aircraft operations.

Abstract: A flight management system may include a processor, a memory, a network communication interface, and a flexible data interface stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The flexible data interface is typically configured for providing an abstract data interface layer; retrieving, via the abstract data interface layer, data stored in the memory of the flight management system; and transmitting, via the network communication device, the data to a peripheral device in network communication with the flight management system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of tracking moving targets from air vehicles are disclosed. An example method in response to an estimated speed and an estimated location of a moving target, determines a detectability zone surrounding the moving target; and causes an air vehicle to follow the moving target outside of the detectability zone.

Abstract: An environment control device (ECD) providing a Wi-Fi hotspot for accessing the Internet. The ECD comprises a communication module with a Wi-Fi hotspot functionality for establishing a Wi-Fi hotspot at the ECD, and a mesh client functionality for communicating over a mesh network. The communication module provides for exchanging environmental data with at least another ECD, over one of the Wi-Fi hotspot or mesh network. It also provides for receiving upstream Internet data from at least one user terminal over the Wi-Fi hotspot, and forwarding the upstream Internet data to another ECD over the mesh network. It further provides for receiving downstream Internet data from another ECD over the mesh network, and forwarding the downstream Internet data to the at least one user terminal over the Wi-Fi hotspot. The ECD providing the Wi-Fi hotspot for accessing the Internet may be a daisy-chained ECD controlled by a master ECD.

Abstract: The Aircraft Mobile IP Address System provides wireless communication services to passengers who are located onboard an aircraft by storing data indicative of the individually identified wireless devices located onboard the aircraft. The System assigns a single IP address to each Point-to-Point Protocol link which connects the aircraft network to the ground-based communication network but also creates an IP subnet onboard the aircraft. The IP subnet utilizes a plurality of IP addresses for each Point-to-Point link thereby to enable each passenger wireless device to be uniquely identified with their own IP address. This is enabled since both Point-to-Point Protocol IPCP endpoints have pre-defined IP address pools and/or topology configured; each Point-to-Point Protocol endpoint can utilize a greater number of IP addresses than one per link. Such an approach does not change IPCP or other EVDO protocols/messaging but does allow this address to be directly visible to the ground-based communication network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multicolor signal light and a controlling method thereof. The multicolor signal light includes: a multicolor layer, comprising a plurality of lights being capable of lighting multicolor lights and arranged in a certain pattern; a single control signal line for receiving a control signal from a controller outside; a processor for controlling the multicolor layer to light in a different mode and in a different color according to the control signal received by the single control signal line; and power supply terminals for receiving power supply voltage from outside.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to low cost and/or low overhead serial interface for power management and other IC (Integrated Circuit) devices are described. In an embodiment, a unique address is assigned to each of a plurality of slave devices. The plurality of slave devices are coupled in a daisy chain configuration. And, any access directed at a first slave device from the plurality of slave devices is allowed based at least in part on comparison of an address of the first slave device and an address associated with the access. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes: a plurality of daisy chain-connected AD converters each including a data ready output terminal, a synchronizing signal input terminal, and a serial clock input terminal; a calculator connected to the data ready output terminal of any of the AD converters and for outputting a serial clock to the serial clock input terminal of each of the AD converters when a data ready signal is input; and a reset processor included in the calculator and for outputting a synchronizing signal to the synchronizing signal input terminal of each of the AD converters when an output time lag among data ready signals from each of the AD converters is detected for a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for updating an aircraft flight management system with approach and landing information received from a NOTAM transmission. The system and method receives an updated ILS category, updates the ILS category and updates the associated decision height/altitude. In addition, the system and method generates a notification of the NOTAM update and disregards user attempts to select an ILS category and/or decision height that is inconsistent with the NOTAM update.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first device (e.g., a host device or power distribution unit) stores identification information of the first device, and determines, over a power connection, when the first device is in powered connectivity with a second device (e.g., a power distribution unit or host device, respectively). The first device may then communicate, with the second device over the power connection, identification information of at least one of either the first or second device, where the communicated identification information is accessible to a third device (e.g., a server) via a data network due to the communicating over the power connection. In another embodiment, a server may determine, based on the identification information, a physical location of a power distribution unit, and may deduce, based on the physical location of the power distribution unit, that a host device is physically located at the physical location of the power distribution unit.

Abstract: A hardware system comprises a digital signal generator, which generates a digital electrical signal that describes a first physical state of a first device; an analog electrical signal generator, which generates an analog electrical signal that describes a second physical state of the first device; a hybrid digital state signal generator, which generates a hybrid digital state signal that comprises the analog electrical signal overlaid onto the initial digital electric signal; and a hybrid signal transmitter, which transmits the hybrid digital state signal from the first device to a second device, wherein the second device comprises a hybrid signal receiver/decoder that extracts the analog electrical signal from the hybrid digital state signal.

Abstract: Coded light has been proposed to enable advanced control of light sources and transmit information using light sources. It is based on invisibly embedding of data and identifiers in their light output. Methods, devices and systems configured to efficient assignment of addresses in a coded lighting system, still allowing for unique identification, are proposed. More specifically, the assignment of addresses occurs in two phases, where in the initial phase wide area unique addresses are used, while in the second phase only local area unique addresses are used. Also, methods, devices and systems configured to efficiently distribute a set of addresses over a set of light sources in this second phase, to maximize the performance of the illumination contribution estimation, and positioning, are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for identification of a particular one device from an array of networked devices. Each of the devices are individually addressable by a controller on the network, and a technician preferably identifies a particular one device by use of a handheld remote control. Pointing one of transmitter/receiver pair at a device including the complementary component allows remote disambiguation based upon ranging and signal strength, particularly when using a pair of orthogonal antennas to discriminate and confirm which particular device is being pointed to by the remote. Optional confirmation helps improve identification robustness, and then the properly identified device may be configured/commissioned.

Abstract: The methods and apparatuses described herein is a data center. In one embodiment is described a data center comprising: a building having a plurality of rooms and first and second exterior load walls disposed on opposite sides of the building; a plurality of air handler and fluid cooler devices disposed exterior to the building along the first exterior load wall; a plurality of condenser unit devices disposed exterior to the building along the second exterior load wall; a data sector disposed inside the building, adjacent to the first exterior load wall; three separate UPS and substation distribution equipment rooms, each containing UPS and substation distribution equipment therein, as well as air conditioning equipment that is connected to certain of the plurality of condenser unit devices; and a power spine room disposed between the three separate UPS and substation distribution equipment rooms and the data sector, the power spine room including a plurality of PDU devices.

Abstract: A lighting system for and method of commissioning LED light fixtures is disclosed. The LED light fixtures include a controller unit that is programmed with lighting firmware and an on-board light sensor that is responsive to visible light signals from a light source. In operation, the light sensor is irradiated visible light signals and/or visible light sequences that instruct the LED light fixture via the controller unit to join a group, be locked into a group, run lighting programs and/or become un-locked from a group.

Abstract: A wireless monitoring method is implemented through a plurality of wireless monitor devices. Each of the plurality of wireless monitor devices includes a state detection unit to produce a state data, a micro control unit and a communication module. To implement the wireless monitoring method, the wireless monitoring device gets a device identification code of another wireless monitoring device in a connection range thereof, and judges whether the device identification code is stored therein and belongs to a monitor group. If the judging outcome is positive, the wireless monitoring device gets another state data of the another wireless monitoring device. After judging the state data and the another state data meet a state control condition, at least one control signal is output to trigger at least one electronic device.

Abstract: There is provided a power conversion system, and a photovoltaic inverter includes a communication unit that broadcast-transmits a setting request signal of a predetermined communication address. The photovoltaic inverter includes a display unit that displays the predetermined communication address indicated by the setting request signal, and an address setting unit that generates a setting completion signal indicating that the predetermined communication address has been set as the communication address of the photovoltaic inverter if an input accepting unit accepts an input such that the predetermined communication address is set. An address management unit of the photovoltaic inverter generates a setting request signal indicating a communication address other than the predetermined communication address if the setting completion signal for the predetermined communication address is received.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method for remote monitoring of one or more alarms, an audio signal is received. The received audio signal is processed using an audio recognition technique to identify an alarm that generated the audio signal. A user is caused to be notified that the identified alarm has been triggered.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.

Abstract: A digital lighting control network protocol with forward and backward frames, each of the frames including an error check code. A no-acknowledgment (NAK) signal is sent from a receiving node to a transmitting node responsive to the error check code. An interface circuit of the receiving node may include an energy storage section to store at least some energy from the network while receiving digital signals, and an output section to transmit digital signals to the network using the stored energy. The interface circuit may also include a high voltage buffer circuit. The transmitting node may send forward frames to receiving nodes based on device type.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for selectively reducing an aggregate electrical load of the distributed lighting network according to a defined lighting reduction pattern. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to define via the pattern which lamps are involved in load shedding, and how they are controlled to shed load. In another aspect, the present invention provides control for a distributed lighting network, for visibly signaling persons within sight of one or more lamps within the distributed lighting network. Among the several advantages of the provided control is the ability to provide emergency or other public safety signaling to persons that might not otherwise be alerted to an existing or impending danger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for countering terrorism by monitoring shipping containers using an advanced communication system network for tracking and monitoring the container as it travels over international seas.

Abstract: A system and method of transmitting sensor signals in a waveguide environment are provided. A sensor assembly is configured to wirelessly receive a sensor interrogation signal, determine an input power level of the sensor interrogation signal, and transmit a message including the determined power level. The system also includes a sensor controller configured to transmit a sensor interrogation signal determine an output power of the transmitted sensor interrogation signal at a plurality of frequencies, receive an indication of the received input power level of the sensor interrogation signal from the sensor assembly at the plurality of frequencies, compare the transmitted output power of the sensor interrogation signal to the received power indication, and select a transmit frequency for transmitting messages between the sensor assembly and the sensor controller based on the comparison.

Abstract: A medical supply unit includes a bus system for transmitting instructions of control elements to actuators. The bus system is provided with transmitters and receivers being connected to each other by a transmission system. Via the transmission system, commands of the transmitters are transmitted, which are controlled by the control elements, and the responsive receiver transfers the command to a switching instruction at an output of the responsive receiver so as to control an actuator.

Abstract: A communication system is installed in information home appliances controlled by an operation system connected to an IP network. The communication system includes a first communication apparatus connected to the IP network; and a second communication apparatus connected to the first communication apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first circuit and a second circuit connected in parallel to the bidirectional communication path, and one of the first and second circuits being an active circuit monitoring a value of the data signal on the bidirectional communication path while the other of the first and second circuits being a passive circuit that is not monitoring the value of the data signal. The active circuit initially starts in a low gain state, but on detection of a transition by transition detection circuitry, it enters a high gain state where the switch circuitry disconnects the transition detection circuitry from the bidirectional communication path, and the drive circuitry is activated in order to drive the data signal on the bidirectional communication path to the opposite value. Once the data signal has been driven to the opposite value, the active circuit and the passive circuits switch states.

Abstract: A sensor board includes at least one sensor in communication with a controller having a single board address to facilitate sensor polling by standard, product-independent modules of a circuit board for a computer server or network appliance. Miniature low-cost sensor boards can be placed in multiple locations on circuit boards without the necessity of being specified and integrated into the circuit board during the design phase to reduce or eliminate associated design risks or delays.

Abstract: In a method for parametering a field device of process automation technology, wherein the field device is connected via a bus system with a control unit, parameter values are packaged in telegrams of cyclic services and transmitted to the field device whose parameter values are to be changed. No acyclic services are required for changing parameter values.

Abstract: The system herein disclosed automatically detects whether an engine control unit instance number of a multi-engine marine vessel needs changing. Each engine control unit is electronically paired with a respective servo controller. A vessel controller is in communication with the servo controllers. The vessel controller commands in turn each servo controller to switch on its paired engine control unit, read the instance number of its paired engine control unit, switch off its paired engine control unit, and convey the instance number back to the vessel controller. The vessel controller then compares the instance numbers of the engine control units. If at least two instance numbers of the engine control units are duplicates of each other, the vessel controller ascertains that at least one of the instance numbers of the engine control units needs to be changed and assigns a new instance number to one of the engine control units.

Abstract: A remote lighting control system is for remote lighting control of a plurality of discharge lamps. This system has the installed electronic ballasts of each discharge lamp. Each electronic ballast has a transceiver and a controller, the transceiver exchanges control information with the controller. The control command contains the identifiable information to specify one of a plurality of electronic ballasts. When the transmitter is received the control command, the transceiver transfers the received control command to other electronic ballasts further. Moreover, if the control command is the one that the identifiable information specifies own ballasts, the control information based on the received control command is send to own controller, and the controller control the discharge lamp. According to this system, when a lot of lamps was arranged the factory etc. comparatively widely, the user's remote control is not limited to the narrow scope.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring for a distressed sound is disclosed. The system comprises a noise detection module configured to monitor ambient noise through a microphone on a digital telephony device operating in an idle state and determine an ambient noise level. A sound processing module is configured to process sounds received from the microphone that have an amplitude a selected amount greater than an amplitude of the ambient noise and determine if the processed sounds match a predetermined statistical model of a distressed sound. An assistance request module is configured to send a request for assistance via the digital telephony device for processed sounds that match the predetermined statistical model of the distressed sound.

Abstract: In a communication apparatus on a network where communication apparatuses perform direct communication with each other, a network management apparatus for managing the network based on message information transmitted and received on the network is determined. When the communication apparatus itself is determined as the network management apparatus, the apparatus collects information indicating device capabilities from other communication apparatuses. On the other hand, the communication apparatus receives information indicating device capabilities from another communication apparatus when the other communication apparatus is determined as the network management apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A system for automatically synchronizing and communicating data between a mobile platform and a remote system, where the remote system has a backoffice repository and a scheduler application controlled by an entity operating said platform, includes: a backoffice interface manager for interfacing with said repository and said application, to communicate scheduling information between said platform and said application; and a computer controlled support system located remote from said platform and in communication with said backoffice interface manager, and further including a common data store system for holding said data and synchronizing the communication of said data between at least one mobile subsystem on said application, to ensure communication of said data between said mobile subsystem and said remote system within a predetermined time of executing an operational procedure with said platform.

Abstract: A control system includes control units for sending commands to system units to be controlled by the contro1 units. Each system unit includes a table for storing the identification of at least one of the control units and a command. In a binding mode, the content of the table may be changed by a control unit.

Abstract: A system for controlling a string of lights, where each light or group of lights has a microcontroller for controlling their brightness and color. The light's microcontrollers are connected with serial data communication lines in a daisy chain fashion. Unique identification numbers are automatically assigned sequentially to each of the lights so brightness or color information transmitted on the serial data line is directed to a particular light. A plurality of brightness and color settings are stored on each light, and the string of lights synchronously switches between them on command from the serial line, or smoothly fades between them on command from the serial line.

Abstract: The invention regards a system and method for using a handheld programming device to configure a lighting control system wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one device configured with a processing section is installed in the lighting control system. A communications receiver that is operable to receive a signal from the handheld programming device is also installed in the lighting control system, wherein the signal includes an instruction for configuring the lighting control system. Further, the signal is wirelessly sent from the handheld programming device to the communications receiver, and the instruction is transmitted from the communications receiver to a device in the system. The instruction functions to configure the lighting control system.

Abstract: A method for operating a field device of automation technology capable of special-functionalities, an enabling code set having a plurality of enabling code is managed in a superordinated, key-management unit. With the assistance of the enabling codes, special-functionalities can be enabled in field devices. Associated with individual enabling codes of the enabling code set is, in each case, an attribute, “free” or “blocked”. If a special-functionality is needed, then an enabling code is transmitted to the field device, in case an enabling code with attribute “free” is present. Following transmission, the attribute of the transmitted enabling code is changed from free to blocked. The method permits enabling code to be used very flexably.