Abstract: A synchronous controller is connected to each of boards by one communication wire, and one communication path is formed between the synchronous controller and each of the boards. A multiple synchronization signal S in which a plurality of synchronization signals are multiplexed is transmitted from the synchronous controller to each of the boards. Signal extraction units as extraction means for recognizing synchronization signals included in the multiple synchronization signal S and extracting the individual synchronization signals are provided in the boards, respectively. The individual synchronization signals are extracted from the multiple synchronization signal S input to the boards by the signal extraction units, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring usage and predicting failure of visual notification appliances are disclosed. The visual notification appliances may be strobe lights, which can be provided with an internal counter circuit that obtains a cumulative tally of the number of times the strobe has flashed. Since strobe service life is directly proportional to the number of flashes, monitoring the number of flashes enables proactive repair or replacement of the strobe prior to failure. Flash counts can be stored in the appliance and periodically transmitted to a remote location such as a fire panel or remote monitoring center. Flash counts can also be locally displayed, or can be readable by a user with a handheld device. Alarms or other indications may automatically be generated to alert building or service personnel when an end of life condition is approaching for one or more strobes. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring devices which are activated by electrical pulses, characterized in that first pulses which are transmitted to the device are counted, in that second pulses which are received by the device are counted, and in that the numbers of first and second pulses are compared with one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a heuristic user interface for a mobile device that assists a user with the management and utilization of contact identifiers (e.g. phone numbers, facsimile numbers, email addresses and uniform resource identifiers (URIs)). Content stored on or being processed by a mobile device is analyzed for the presence of predetermined classes of contact identifiers. When a contact identifier belonging to one of the predetermined classes is encountered, it is presented to the user of the mobile device on the display screen and the user interface of the mobile device is provisioned (e.g., softkey assignments and screen displays) for the particular class of contact identifier encountered. The encountered contact identifiers may be used as direct contact identifiers or indirect contact identifiers. Direct contact identifiers are used to initialize the appropriate application for the class of identifier encountered (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) and an associated method determine signal strength of a received electromagnetic signal (18) that is comprised of a plurality of pulses that convey a remote convenience function request, and which causes performance of the requested function. A comparator (82) has a first input for receiving an electrical signal (78) with a voltage that varies to convey the remote convenience function request. A second input of the comparator (82) receives a threshold voltage value reference signal (86). An output of the comparator (82) provides an output signal (46) that indicates the occurrence of the voltage of the electrical signal (78) exceeding the threshold value of the reference signal (86). A microprocessor (100) and a threshold change trigger (122) of a controller portion (48) adjust the threshold voltage value of the reference signal (86).