Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method of monitoring assets of an enterprise using a stand-alone software system and a process automation software system. The stand-alone software system is operable to generate a web page about a condition of the asset and to transmit data items for the condition in a single data string. The data items include a status of the condition and a URL of the web page. The process automation software system includes a human system interface (HSI) and a generic asset monitor having a changeable condition table. The generic asset monitor may be modified to create a custom asset monitor specific to the asset. The custom asset monitor is operable to monitor the status of the condition and the HSI is operable to display the data items and the web page from the stand-alone software system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a user to mount a utility function monitoring element in a location where the monitoring element can detect a desired stimulus, even when the mounting location is remote from an access point to the premises infrastructure wiring. In one embodiment, the monitoring element is registered with a control device mounted within a particular utility box. In such a situation, the monitoring element communicates with the utility box control device either wirelessly or via the premises electrical wiring.

Abstract: A portable route-based machine data collector stores audio files to supplement associated machine performance data, such as vibration data. The audio files, which may include voice comments, audio segments of raw vibration data, or frequency-shifted components of the vibration data, are stored in the data collector as standard-format digital audio files and are later downloaded to a computer for further analysis. Test personnel can then replay the audio files for data analysis personnel to get second opinions regarding whether machine faults may be indicated by the recorded sounds. Also, audio files associated with normal and abnormal machine operation may be saved on the portable data collector and used as baselines or for training purposes. Verbal operating instructions may also be stored as audio files on the portable data collector for replay by test operators in the field.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for invoking a function of a service in response to an event. One aspect provides a method of calling a function upon receipt of an event. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) identifying a subscriber associated with the event, (2) indentifying at least one service to which the subscriber has subscriptions, (3) retrieving at least one service description associated with the at least one service, (4) retrieving end points associated with the subscriber that play at least one role in the at least one service description, (5) inspecting the at least one service description to determine if the service description addresses the event and (6) retrieving a function associated with the event from the service description if the service description addresses the event.

Abstract: A heat dissipating system includes a fan set and a monitoring module. The fan set has at least one fan. The monitoring module has at least one sensing unit, a controlling unit and a setting unit. The setting unit sets a plurality of parameter values. The controlling unit controls a rotation speed of the fan according to the parameter values and/or at least one measured value sensed by the sensing unit.

Abstract: A control unit of a display device controls the display device in a normal mode of operation to operate in a normal state. The control unit controls the display device to enter into an anti-crime security mode of operation, when a state representing that the external information processing device may not be currently used is determined. The control unit cancels the anti-crime security mode of operation, when the information indicative of an authorized user for confirmation has been entered through the operation buttons by a user in the anti-crime security mode of operation. The control unit controls the display device to operate in an alarm mode of operation, when information indicative of the authorized user for confirmation has not been entered by a user in the anti-crime security mode of operation. The control unit performs an alarm operation in the alarm mode of operation.

Abstract: A portable container is provided which comprises a passing room(s) allowing entry into a second area into a first area, the passing room having at least two openings with a walkway in-between. Barrier device(s) can be located in the walkway but not connected to the first or second opening. A control room(s) can also be provided, the control room being connected to the passing room(s).

Abstract: A technique for automatically generating a report comprising normalized differences in performance statistics between two separate periods. In one embodiment of the invention, database performance statistics are collected on a periodic basis over various time periods. In order to accurately compare database system performance between two discrete periods of time, the difference in the performance statistics of each period are normalized prior to comparing the two periods with each other. By normalizing the statistical differences in each period prior to comparing the differences, periods of different lengths of time as well as different levels of database system load may be compared. In one embodiment, a report is automatically generated which lists the performance statistics being evaluated, the difference in the statistic between each period, the value of each statistical difference as normalized by database time, and the difference between the normalized values.

Abstract: A system for managing agendas in a mobile device including a GPS is provided. The system includes various software modules to remind a user about agendas when all alarm conditions of the agendas have been satisfied. The alarm conditions of the agenda include an alarm active vicinity and an alarm active time period.

Abstract: A sensor for obtaining data is described, including at least one sensitive module for quantitatively detecting a parameter to be determined, at least one data transmitting unit for transmitting the obtained data, and at least one signal path between the sensitive module and the data transmitting unit, also including a control logic unit which defines at least one transmission parameter of the signal path and/or of the data transmitting unit, as a function of at least one output variable of the sensitive module, and an associated method.

Abstract: When paper needs to be loaded into a printing device but there is no particular hurry, a destination to issue a paper load notification is set to a user having the greatest amount of paper usage. When paper must be loaded into a printing device as quickly as possible, the notification destination is set to a user that has issued a print command within a prescribed time period prior to the current time.

Abstract: Techniques for assessing the utilization efficiency of a portion of memory are provided. One or more images of a portion of memory are obtained. The one or more memory elements found within each image are categorized into one or more application-neutral categories, wherein the one or more categories distinguish between data and structural overhead. At least one analysis is performed on the one or more categorized memory elements of the one or more images using a measure representative of the efficiency of utilization of the portion of memory. The one or more results of the analysis step are outputted.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes an identification mechanism, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or barcode, associated with a waste container. The identification mechanism contains an identifier that can be used to identify the waste container, and that can be read by a vehicle with an identification reader. In addition, the location of the waste container can be determined using a GPS receiver. The waste container identifier and its corresponding location can then be stored in a computer for later transmission to a second computer, for example, by using a wireless communication link. The second can be used to associate the waste container identifier and the waste container's position with a customer.

Abstract: A computer program for operating a computer to perform various steps. In one step, the program causes the computer to display to a user of the computer a first hierarchical level representative of one or more companies, where each company of the one or more companies has respective water treatment needs. In another step, and for each company of the one or more companies, the program causes the computer to display to the user of the computer a second first hierarchical level representative of one or more facilities for the respective company. In another step, and for each facility of each company of the one or more companies, the program causes the computer to display to the user of the computer a third hierarchical level representative of one or more water treatment systems for the respective facility.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing faults in well servicing operations and determining appropriate remedial action to remedy such faults.

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 system and method for providing energy-efficient support of continuous aggregate queries in a sensor network by efficiently orchestrating the collection and transmission of data gathered by a collective set of sensors to ensure conformance to a specified QoI bound. To ensure this, the sink communicates a potentially different value of precision range or interval to each individual sensor, the sensor is adapted to only report its samples back to the sink if the sample values fall outside this specified range. An additional way to specify temporally varying precision ranges to an individual sensor or groups of sensors is provided without having to explicitly communicate the precision bounds for these different time instants. Using temporally varying precision ranges permits the exploitation of temporal correlation among the sample values recorded by an individual sensor to further reduce the need for reports from the sensors.

Abstract: Emergent information is created and utilized by an array of sensors. Each sensor is programmed with a trigger rule, which describes a local condition that must be met for the sensor to trigger an event signal, and a relationship rule, which describes a hierarchy of communication control among sensors in the array of sensors. When a predetermined weighted percentage of the sensors trigger event signals, emergent information that describes conditions at the array location is generated. An effectuator then takes appropriate steps to address the condition described by the emergent information.

Abstract: An boundary monitoring apparatus comprising an object detection device arranged to transmit a signal into a detection region and to detect an object in said detection region upon receipt of a reflected signal from said object; means for defining a boundary in said detection region; means for determining a path of said object in the detection region; means for performing an evaluation of the determined path of the object with respect to the boundary; and means for causing an alarm event depending on the evaluation.

Abstract: An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for generating trace data. In response to detecting a trace event, a determination is made as to whether identifiers for the trace event match recorded identifiers for a record in a set of previously recorded trace events. Location information for the record is placed in the trace data if a match between identifiers for the trace event and recorded identifiers for the record in the set of previously recorded trace events.

Abstract: An audio warning monitoring device, system and method including an audio detector, one or more audio screens to determine if monitored sound is an alarm, a processor or logic device to potentially analyze sound data and then instruct a transmitter to send a message with the monitoring device identification and signals representing sound detected by the audio detector to a server. The computer server analyzes the message and authenticates the audio detector, looks up user data associated with the detector, and contacts a user from previously stored user data in order to notify of the alert and then relay the audio signals in an audio file. At the user's option, the server may contact a staffed or automated monitoring center.

Abstract: A system and method for adaptive motion sensing with location determination is described. In one embodiment, the adaptive motion sensor is based on vibration sensor readings and can identify different states of motions based on modifiable parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system that characterizes the reliability of a computer system. The system first collects samples of a performance parameter from the computer system. Next, the system computes the length of a line between the samples, wherein the line includes a component which is proportionate to a difference between values of the samples and a component which is proportionate to a time interval between the samples. The system then adds the computed length to a cumulative length variable which can be used to characterize the reliability of the computer system.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying event information from a building system includes a display device coupled to a processing circuit. The processing circuit is operable to cause the display to display information regarding a first building system in a first portion of the display, the information being selectable and changeable by a user. The processing circuit is further operable to cause the display to display, independent of the displayed information in the first portion, an alarm graphic element in a second portion of the display, the alarm graphic element including building system event information regarding a second building system.

Abstract: A data collection apparatus includes a sensing unit for attaching to a structure or live subject for sensing a parameter of the structure or live subject. The sensing unit includes a sensor, a data storage device, and a transmitting device. The data storage device is for storing data from the sensor. The apparatus also includes a control unit that is separable from the sensing unit. The control unit includes a data receiving device and a second data storage device different from said first storage device. The data receiving device is to receive data transmitted from the data sensing unit. The second data storage device is for storing the data received from the sensing unit. The apparatus also includes a triggering device for modifying the storing of data being stored to the first data storage device or for initiating transmission of data from the sensing unit to the control unit. The triggering device is controlled by a real time change in information about the structure or live subject.

Abstract: A portable functional unit having a main body and a consumer electronic device coupled to the main body. The main body includes an erasable writing surface, a physical storage compartment for storing articles used with the white board surface, a first service port for selective communication of data, and a second service port for selective communication of power. The main body is adapted to receive the service from the service port.

Abstract: A trouble ticket service system is capable of notifying information indicating the actual operation state thereof. A monitoring apparatus includes information analyzing software for distinguishing, according to alarm information and received electric field information from a microwave communication system including microwave communication apparatuses, the three states namely: device failure state, fading state, and early warning state, plus a mail transmitter for sending the three states as trouble tickets (e-mail messages).

Abstract: A notification system for a vehicle includes at least a first and a second power source. The notification system also includes a controller that is operable with the first and second power sources and is configured to determine operating modes of the first and second power sources. The controller is also adapted to generate signals that correspond to the operating modes and operating limitations of the vehicle to effect an audible indication in the form of a voice message that may include a vehicle system limitation message for a vehicle operator.

Abstract: A cabinet tamper detection device is disclosed. The tamper detection device includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a housing and a first magnet movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The second portion includes a second magnet. The first and the second magnets are configured such that the second magnet applies a magnetic force on the first magnet to keep the first magnet at the first position when the first and the second magnets are at a predetermined relative position. When at least one of the first and the second magnets is moved from the predetermined relative position, the first magnet moves from the first position to the second position to trigger a tamper warning.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for detecting dependability vulnerabilities in production IT environments. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a dependability vulnerability in a production IT environment includes injecting a synthetic disturbance into the production IT environment and observing the response of the production IT environment to the synthetic disturbance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for aligning components. Misalignment is calculated based on sensed values with a controller illustrating a process for data acquisition with graphical icons and indicia that include and/or are based on sensed data. The alignment process also includes graphical icons showing the process for alignment and the direction and amount of correction needed to achieve adequate alignment.

Abstract: A monitor device includes a substrate and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in the substrate. The monitor device also includes a processor coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive one or more signals from the plurality of temperature sensors. The processor is further adapted to convert the one or more received signals into one or more converted signals. The monitor device further includes a transceiver coupled to the substrate and adapted to receive the one or more converted signals. The transceiver is further adapted to transmit one or more output signals to an external receiver.

Abstract: Architecture for programming in a distributed computing environment where different components of a system are owned or controlled by different entities and heterogeneous in terms of resource availability and a willingness to share. Multiple devices can be programmed when a task requires human intervention. Method are described for using a tolerance level provided by the application developer to control the execution of the application instructions at multiple devices with varying resources, and for using an involvement level provided by the sensor or computing device owner for the purpose of automatically adapting the execution of application code at multiple devices to suit the individual owner's willingness to share resources, and the capabilities of resources available with that owner.

Abstract: A vehicle information collection system is disclosed for receiving vehicle information by way of a communication network and storing the vehicle information. The vehicle information collection system comprises: a vehicle information collection device for collecting the vehicle information of a plurality of vehicles from each vehicle by way of the communication network; and a point-issuing device that is connected to the vehicle information collection device by way of the communication network for conferring points to the vehicles according to the vehicle information. The vehicle information management unit collects and stores vehicle information at any time, and when a prescribed condition has been met, transmits vehicle information that has been stored and information indicating its own vehicle to the vehicle information collection device by way of the on-board communication unit and the network.

Abstract: A network communication device is provided, comprising a control processor for controlling operation of the device, a reset module which is controllable independently of the control processor for performing a reset operation of the device, and a reset control interface for receiving a reset signal, the reset module being responsive to the reset signal for performing the reset operation. A monitor is provided for monitoring the status of the control processor and an interface is adapted to transmit information relating to the monitored status from the device. A second, inactive device is provided to protect the communication device in the event of a control fault which renders the communication device unreachable. The protection device includes a reset interface for transmitting a reset signal to the reset module to enable the communication device to release activity.

Abstract: A system and method for interactive marketing to consumers and, more particularly, to a system and method for marketing merchandise to consumers in an interactive retail environment. The method includes detecting a disturbance in an area and sending information related to the disturbance to a back end merchandising system. The method further includes retrieving relevant information related to the detected disturbance from the back end merchandising system and displaying the relevant information on a display surface.

Abstract: A product event timer for use with a consumer product is provided that includes a housing; timer circuitry incorporated with the housing, which includes a countdown timer; and a sensory signal coupled to the timer circuitry and activated upon receiving an activation signal from the timer circuitry; where a user is signaled to interact with the consumer product upon activation of the sensory signal.

Abstract: A system for determining presence or absence of individual items making up a set of items normally maintained together as a set in a common location, such as a set of golf clubs normally maintained together in a golf bag, utilizes a magnet secured to each respective item. A magnetic field sensor monitors total magnetic field in the common location as an indicator of missing items. Alternately, a sensor can keep track of items removed from and added to the common location as an indicator of missing items. If one or more items are missing, an alarm, such as an audible and/or visual alarm, can be provided in a desired manner, such as when keeping track of gold clubs in a golf bag, when the golf bag is moved.

Abstract: In a device for dispensing disc shaped objects having a rotating member for moving the disc shaped objects in an annular path, a guide module is constructed to support guide elements that extend into the annular path to urge the disc shaped objects towards the exit of the dispenser. The guide module is mounted on the dispenser for movement to enable adjustment of the position of the guide elements within the annular path to accommodate differently sized disc shaped objects.

Abstract: A low power vibration sensor and wireless transmitter system has one or more sensors that sense parameters of a machine including vibration and produces dynamic signals representing the sensed parameters. The system converts the signals to a digital format, digitally filters the signals, and processes the signals. A processor determines a plurality of levels, which represent the characteristics of the signal such as the peak value of a predetermined set of data points of the digital signal. Together, the levels comprise a PeakVue waveform. The processor determines the peak level value for the PeakVue waveform. Also, a true root-mean-square is calculated as the signal is received at the processor. The peak level and the RMS value are communicated wirelessly by a communication module to a control protocol network such as a daisy chain HART or Fieldbus protocol network. The system power supply and the communication module power supply are separate and allow for low power operation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for generating emergency alerts. A communication is processed from a calling communications address to an emergency response communications address. A profile is associated to the calling communications address and to the emergency response communications address. A physical address associated with the calling communications address is retrieved, and an emergency alert control signal is generated. The emergency alert control signal is sent that activates an emergency alert at the physical address.

Abstract: A device, and method, detects the presence of developing faults in rolling element bearings. Detection is accomplished by measuring the vibration of the apparatus in which the bearing is operating (motor, generator, engine, etc.) and searching for signatures unique to bearing faults. These signatures are predicted by a fault signature model and recognized by a detector, both of which are part of this invention.

Abstract: A communication system is provided that can be added to a legacy alarm system to provide a plurality of communication modes to a remote server system from the legacy alarm system and provide remote control and monitoring to a user of the system via two-way communication links. The communication system can be configured to communicate with an alarm processor of the legacy alarm system through use of a keypad bus typically used by the legacy alarm system for communication between the alarm processor and one or more keypads. Communication modes that can be provided by embodiments of the present invention can include, for example, communication over a public switched telephone network, cellular transmission, broadband transmission, and the like. The communication system can monitor all configured communication modes and determine which communication mode is the best for providing communication between the alarm system and the remote server.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of an embodiment of the invention includes a first storage unit to store, based on stored information stored in wireless tags attached to a plurality of consumable items, an application to manage the stock number of the plurality of consumable items, a second storage unit to store replacement information to indicate replacement from a first consumable item installed in the image forming apparatus to a second consumable item included in the plurality of consumable items, a notification unit to notify the replacement information stored in the second storage unit, and a read unit to read, based on the replacement from the first consumable item to the second consumable item, the first stored information stored in a first wireless tag attached to the second consumable item.

Abstract: An Electronic/Communication system here forth interchangeably referred to as “ARMED” or “ARMED System” enabling households including single family residence owners or renters, condominium owners or renters and apartment renters as well as commercial, industrial offices and retail business operators to personally purchase from retail outlets, install and easily operate the system. When in operation, the ARMED System will inform the homeowner/renter or business owner/operator as well as local law enforcement including police department and fire department if and when there is intrusion, holdup or fire at the premises.

Abstract: A system for detecting contraband. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type (and/or a third type) of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan (and/or the third scan), the risk values are modified.

Abstract: A method for refueling hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles is disclosed, that is capable of automatically disabling the vehicle systems, resetting the vehicle systems to allow for normal vehicle operation after the refueling event is complete, and determining if a faulty refueling event has been detected and allows normal vehicle operation.

Abstract: An RFID tag (200) and similar control/sensing unit (300) for a communications system are described. The control/sensing unit has a control element (301) having one or more states, and include an antenna (207) as well as an electrical circuit (201-206) generating a pulse control signal for controlling transmission from the antenna and varying a parameter of the pulse control signal in dependence on the state of the control element (301). Also disclosed is a receiving communication unit in the form of a base unit or system controller for such a communications system, the unit including a receiver (100) for receiving a pulsed RF signal and an electrical circuit (105-106) for detecting a parameter of the pulsed RF signal. An output circuit (107) then produces an output control signal dependent on the detected parameter of the pulsed RF signal.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus adapted to be mounted on an elevated surface having an electrical socket thereon. The apparatus includes a housing, a photocell and a transceiver. The housing at least partially defines an interior space and has a portion which is translucent. The photocell is supported by the housing in the interior space so that ambient light exterior to the housing passes through the translucent portion to the photocell. The transceiver is also supported by the housing and is positioned within the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for detecting fogging on a glass pane, the arrangement including a support plate, a sensor element in thermal communication with the glass pane, wherein the sensor element is arranged on the support plate and is sensitive to moisture and a contact element that thermally couples the sensor element with the glass pane. The contact element is fastened on the support plate so as to enclose the support plate to a large extent in a contact area where the contact element contacts the glass pane.