Abstract: A method of tracking a status of a catalytic process in a mixture incorporates the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that have corrosive-sensitive coatings. The coatings are removable, by a corrosive in the mixture, at a rate that tracks with the rate at which a catalytic-driven process progresses. As coatings on the RFID tags are removed by the corrosive in the mixture, the digital signatures returned by the RFID tags change, in response to the corrosive damaging the RFID tags. By quantifying the number of damaged RFID tags, a determination can be made as to the progress status of the catalytic process.

Abstract: Automatic measurements are made of audio presence and level in an audio signal by direct processing of an MPEG data stream representing the audio signal, without reconstructing the audio signal. Sub-band data is extracted from the data stream, and the extracted sub-band data is dequantized and denormalized. An audio level for the dequantized and denormalized sub-band data is measured without reconstructing the audio signal. Channel characteristics are used in measuring the audio level of the sub-band data, wherein the channel characteristics are used to weight the measured levels. The measured levels are compared against at least one threshold to determine whether an alarm should be triggered.

Abstract: We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the condition of a power outlet and for reducing or interrupting power in the event that a condition of the outlet circuitry indicates that a potentially dangerous situation exists. The device can also include a reporting function to alert a user as to the existence of the dangerous condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing alerts is described, the method including receiving consumer financial data including at least one financial deadline. Alert level criteria is applied to the data in order to determine an alert level for each of the deadlines. A visual or audible alert indicator is activated which corresponds with at least one alert level. Alert level criteria is periodically reapplied to determine an alert level for each of the deadlines.

Abstract: A metering device of a power substation and method are provided for operating on a secondary analog waveform output by a transformer assembly receiving a primary waveform. The method includes stepping down the secondary waveform and generating a corresponding output signal; operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding first digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a first range; and operating on the corresponding output signal for generating a corresponding second digital signal having a value proportional to the corresponding output signal and within a second range. The method further includes processing the first digital signal and outputting a corresponding first output signal; processing the second digital signal and outputting a corresponding second output signal; processing the first and second output signals; and generating output corresponding to the processing of the first and second output signals.

Abstract: A data bus system of a motor vehicle includes at least one first and one second control device which communicates with each another via at least one data bus. In order to be able to localize errors more easily, the system has at least one identification device which provides an identifier to each of the messages sent by the first and the second control device. The first control device receives a first message, and the identification device causes the first control device to provide the message sent therefrom with a first identifier. The second control device receives the message sent by the first control device with the first identifier, and the identification device causes the second control device to provide the message sent therefrom with a second identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a data communications system configured to execute data communication between three parties of a reader/writer, an integrated circuit card wirelessly communicable with the reader/writer in a non-contact manner, and an information processing terminal connected to the intergraded circuit card via a wired interface, the data communications system including: the reader/writer having a read/write wireless control block; the integrated circuit card having an integrated circuit card wireless control block; and the information processing terminal having a request acceptance block, a data storage block, and a data transmission block.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes an apparatus body; and a plurality of small playing members each having a data carrier for transmitting driving electric power and performing mutual communications with the apparatus body. The number of points is added by the apparatus body when a change is given from the outside to an arbitrarily selected small playing member among the plurality of small playing members under a predetermined condition. In another aspect, an automated traveling control system for executing a process corresponding to a kind of a carrier object traveling by a gate is disclosed.

Abstract: Information in the form of emotional responses to a media presentation may be passively collected, for example by a microphone and/or a camera. This information may be tied to metadata at a time reference level in the media presentation and used to examine the content of the media presentation to assess a quality of, or user emotional response to, the content and/or to project the information onto a demographic. Passive collection of emotional responses may be used to add emotion as an element of speech or facial expression detection, to make use of such information, for example to judge the quality of content or to judge the nature of various individuals for future content that is to be provided to them or to those similarly situated demographically.

Abstract: Taught is a detection device for detecting impacts and the like, comprising an integrated microcontroller (1) which includes an RFID interface (101) and a non-volatile memory (201), the integrated microcontroller (1) being interfaced with at least one suitable sensing means (2) through a suitable digital interface (102), the integrated microcontroller (1) being provided with a power management logic (301) to manage operation modes of the detection device, power consumption of the sensing means (2) being managed by the power management logic (301).

Abstract: A system to control energy consumption in a room uses a wireless mesh network that allows for continuous connections and reconfiguration around blocked paths by hopping from node to node until a connection can be established, the mesh network including one or more wireless area network transceivers adapted to communicate data with the wireless mesh network, the transceiver detecting motion by analyzing reflected wireless signal strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm engineering aiding system for aiding engineering of an alarm generated in a plant. There are provided an alarm generating scenario file in which types of pseudo alarms and generation timings are defined, a plant instrumentation information DB for storing instrumentation information of the plant, and a pseudo alarm generating section for generating the pseudo alarm based on the alarm generating scenario file, and adding instrumentation information of the plant while referring to the plant instrumentation information DB when the pseudo alarm is generated.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a change in a specific gravity of a fluid surrounding the apparatus wherein the fluid moves upwardly and downwardly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a top and a plurality of openings for allowing the fluid to enter the housing. A first floatation device is provided having a first specific gravity and being located within the housing. The first floatation device includes a magnet. A second floatation device is provided having a second specific gravity and located within the housing adjacent said first floatation device. The said second floatation device includes a magnet aligned to have the same polarity as the magnet of the first floatation device. A switch fixedly attached to said top, the switch having an open state and a closed state where when one of said magnets is in proximity to the switch, the switch is in a closed state and wherein when both of said magnets are in proximity to said switch, the switch is in an open state.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for identifying the locations of equipment in computing environments such as data centers. For example, a method of identifying a plurality of computing devices in a computing environment includes the following steps. A first temperature-indicative map of the plurality of computing devices is generated while the plurality of computing device is in a first mode. The first temperature-indicative map is overlaid with a facility map associated with the computing environment. A first one of the plurality of computing devices is placed into a second mode. The second temperature-indicative map of the plurality of computing devices is generated while the first one of the plurality of computing devices is in the second mode and the remainder of the plurality of computing devices is in the first mode. The second temperature-indicative map is overlaid with the facility map associated with the computing environment.

Abstract: A method for providing control signals to a fan in a computer system is described. During the method, an electronic device receives temperature measurements and a fan-speed measurement performed in the computer system. Using a pattern-recognition model, the electronic device validates the measurements, and excludes any inaccurate measurements, such as those associated with drifting or failed sensors. Next, the electronic device determines control signals for a fan in the computer system using a model of coolant flow in the computer system and/or a slope of a phase-frequency curve of a cross power spectral density function corresponding to a pair of temperature profiles measured, as a function of time, by a pair of thermal sensors. Then, the determined control signals are provided to the fan.

Abstract: A key is determined from a volatile response using circuitry on the device. The volatile response depend on process variation in fabrication of the device. Error control data that depends on the first volatile response can be computed, stored externally to the device, and then used to generate the key using a volatile response using the circuit. Applications of volatile keys include authentication and rights management for content and software.

Abstract: A control device that is associable with a machine, in particular a wrapping machine, includes a panel provided with a selecting device for selecting and setting operating parameters of the machine. The selecting device includes a knob that is rotatable around an axis and is fixed to the panel. In accordance with a method for setting operating parameters of a machine, in particular a wrapping machine, a control device provided with a knob rotating around an axis sets operating parameters by rotating the knob around the axis.

Abstract: Beacon generators transmit wireless beacon signals for use in tracking an object. Among other things, a wireless beacon signal from a particular beacon generator contains information identifying a power supply voltage associated with that beacon generator. A tracking device associated with the object receives one or more of the beacon signals. The tracking device measures the signal strength of a received beacon signal, and the tracking device identifies the power supply voltage associated with the beacon generator that transmitted the received beacon signal. The tracking device or an external component, such as a control unit, can use the identified signal strength and the identified power supply voltage to determine the location of the object. As a particular example, signal strengths and power supply voltages associated with at least three beacon signals can be used to identify the location of the object.

Abstract: Provided is a distributional alert system using a ubiquitous sensor network (USN). When a disaster occurs, the distributional alert system detects it in a sensor node, informs the area where the disaster occurs of danger through an actuator, such as siren, or informs a management system of the danger through a wired/wireless network. The distributional alert system includes: a first sensor node for generating sense data by sensing surroundings with a sensor therein, determining whether a disaster occurs by analyzing the sense data, and creating and transmitting emergency data based on the determination result, while forming a sensor network; and an alerting node for receiving emergency data from the first sensor node on the sensor network, and outputting disaster circumstantial information to a sensor field of the sensor network upon receipt of the emergency data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of obtaining information regarding an individual's environment using a programmable device. The first step of the method is sensing a psychomotor behavioral element of an activity engaged by the individual. The type of activity engaged by the individual can be any sensible activity under the sun, including breathing, thinking, generating heat, etc. The next step in the inventive method is determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity engaged by the individual. Provided herein are calculations used for determining the preferred modalities of the individual based on the psychomotor behavioral element of the activity. In the present context, the preferred modalities are the semi-conscious or nonconscious desires of the individual, indicated by nonconscious actions, to experience her environment in a specific manner. The information obtained by the inventive method can be used in several ways.

Abstract: A display device is mounted in a working vehicle equipped with a camera that monitors areas around the working vehicle. The display device includes: a monitor screen; first display means for displaying information about the working vehicle; second display means for displaying an image captured by the camera; first switching means for switching displayed image information; malfunction detection means for detecting a malfunction occured in the working vehicle; warning display means for displaying warning information; operation detecting means for detecting whether the working vehicle is working; and second switching means for automatically switching the image information displayed to the image information input by the first display means, where each referenced display is on the monitor screen. Thus, even if a malfunction occurs in the working vehicle, an operator is made aware of the malfunction in the working vehicle without being hindered from undertaking work while checking the safety.

Abstract: A system for customizing indicator information for displaying status information to a user includes a receiver for receiving status information from each of a plurality of devices, and assigning the status information to one of a plurality of classes to generate class information. Each of the plurality of classes is associated with a different characteristic of the plurality of devices. The system includes a plurality of manipulators for altering attributes of the class information for at least one of the plurality of classes. The system includes a logical combiner for combining class information into a plurality of combinational groups to customize the content of indicator information in each of the plurality of combinational groups, each combinational group formed according to a predetermined function. The system can include an information sequencer for modifying the order of indicator information from the plurality of combinational groups to generate a stream of indicator information.

Abstract: An information display and communication system for use with paintball equipment during a paintball game is provided. The information display and communication system includes a display unit disposed on a housing; a wireless communication unit provided in the housing for receiving information from a paintball marker system; and a controller provided in the housing for displaying the received information on the display unit. The system can be constructed as a portable unit or incorporated into the body of a paintball marker or paintball hopper. Ideally, the display unit includes a touch screen input unit for providing user interaction with the information unit. The wireless communication unit utilizes a short range communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, IR, etc. Additionally, a second wireless communication unit is included having a longer communication range for communicating with other information display and communication systems and players.

Abstract: A capacitance type seat occupant sensor system of a vehicle includes an AC electric power source, a main electrode disposed at a seat of the vehicle to form an electric field between the main electrode and the body of the vehicle, a guard electrode disposed between a seat frame and the main electrode, a switch unit for establishing connection of the guard electrode to have the same potential as the main electrode to provide a seat occupant sensing mode, an impedance calculating unit for calculating an impedance of a sensing circuit based on the AC voltage and an amount of current flowing through the sensing circuit, a real-part-and-imaginary-part calculating unit and judging unit for discriminating an occupant on the seat based on at least the imaginary part of the first impedance.

Abstract: A method of automatically calibrating a motion detector and a motion detector adapted for calibration using the method. The method comprises setting the motion detector to a calibration mode, waiting a preset period of time for the installer to walk to the furthest distance, receiving a Doppler signal generated by motion at the furthest distance from the microwave motion detector within the protected area, measuring an amplitude of the Doppler signal and storing a motion detection threshold for the microwave motion detector. The motion detection threshold is a proportional to the measured amplitude.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for identifying the locations of equipment in computing environments such as data centers. For example, a method of identifying a location of at least one computing device in a computing environment, including a plurality of computing devices, includes the following steps. A first representation of temperature conditions associated with the plurality of computing devices is obtained while the at least one computing device is in a first mode. The at least one computing device is placed into a second mode. A second representation of temperature conditions associated with the plurality of computing devices is obtained while the at least one computing device is in the second mode. The location of the at least one computing system is determined using the first representation and the second representation. The first mode may be one of a normal operating mode and an idle mode, and the second mode may be the other of the normal operating mode and the idle mode.

Abstract: A rechargeable smoke and carbon monoxide detector is provided. The base of the detector has a battery formed therein that is charged when connected to a power source, such as a 110-volt light bulb socket. The detector is further configured to receive a 110-volt light bulb so as to not eliminate the use of the light socket as a light source. Additionally, the detector may include one or more warning devices such as an ionization or photoelectric sensor, speaker, or light source. A power indicator LED, a smoke indicator LED, and a carbon monoxide indicator LED all provide visual notification that the detector is functioning properly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for protection of a machine-controlled handling appliance having moving parts, having a safety sensor system for detection of objects in the working area of the handling appliance, having a safety controller which interacts with the handling appliance controller and in the process controls safety-relevant handling appliance functions as a function of signals from the safety sensor system. The safety sensor system has non-contacting proximity sensors so that a safety-relevant part of the working area of the handling appliance is covered by the detection areas of the proximity sensors.

Abstract: A sensor system has a least one voltage generator for conversion of non-electrical energy to electrical energy. At least one energy store is connected downstream from the voltage generator. At least one voltage converter is connected to the energy store such that its output signal is suitable for operation of a processor controller. At least one sensor is provided, and at least one transmitter enables wire-free transmission of transmission messages produced by the processor controller and containing at least one measured value from the at least one sensor. A timer circuit is triggered as a function of a voltage level of the at least one energy store, and activates the sensor system to transmit at least one transmission message after a specific time interval.

Abstract: This Invention contemplates a system and method to manufacture an active RFID integrated circuit as a system on a chip which is powered by enzymes located in mammalian bodies. According to this Invention the active integrated circuit system on a chip is manufactured of a glass capsule containing a porous membrane which allows the free flow of bodily fluids into and out of the capsule. The enzymes in the bodily fluids of mammals produce sufficient electrical charge to power an active RFID transponder. This electrical charge is harnessed through the auspices of a standard chemical process utilizing a nano anode and cathode manufactured as an integral part of the system on a chip integrated chip capsule. The capsule or casing is coated with bio friendly enzymes which promote the surrounding tissue to grow up to the glass casing or capsule and bond with it. This is for the purpose of securing the capsule in one position in the body.

Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.

Abstract: A clinical laboratory management system is described that includes an analyzer for analyzing a sample, and a management apparatus connected to the analyzer. The management apparatus includes (a) a storage configured for storing a result of an assay output from the analyzer, analyzer identification information for identifying whether or not the analyzer used for the assay has a dilution mode, and diluted sample identification information for identifying whether or not the sample used in the assay is a diluted sample; and (b) a controller configured for correcting the result when the analyzer used in the assay does not have a dilution mode, and the sample used in the assay is a diluted sample. Management apparatuses and recording media are also described.

Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad for location adjacent an appliance such that a user must stand on the floor pad in order to normally use the appliance. The floor pad has at least one switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected on the floor pad and a closed position when the switch is activated by weight pressure detected on the floor pad. A transmitter is provided for transmitting a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A module is located remote from the floor pad, and has a receiver for receiving the signal from the transmitter, and a control circuit connected operational between a ready state before the switch is activated to the closed position and a monitoring state after the switch is activated to the closed position.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for associating a time indicator with a message. The time indicator may be indicative of an urgency of a particular task associated with the message. The message having the time indicator may be displayed at a computing device. Numerous other variations and embodiments are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a semiconductor manufacturing process is disclosed. The system communicates with one or more process tools, and monitors each tool during a predetermined process window time. Errors and warnings are provided to users, allowing corrective action to be taken. Additionally, the system of the present invention can initiate automatic adjustment of the process tools to maintain an efficient manufacturing operation.

Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization system with built-in administrative and self-diagnostic functions is provided. The system includes a multiple mode programmable controller which has a operations mode and a diagnostic mode that can be activated by a triggering event. The triggering event can be when a user enters a command input, when one or more process parameters deviate from a nominal value, or when the system is scheduled to perform self-diagnostics. The system also includes a multi-level user interface which is integrally formed with the system. The user interface includes a multi-level display screen and a plurality of user command functions. The diagnostic information displayed on the display screen can be in an abbreviated code form so that only technicians would be able to interpret meaning of the code.

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 method and an alarm processing system for deciding what alarm, out of a number of alarms generated in an industrial plant or process, to present to a system operator. The method includes creating hiding rules, associating each hiding rule with a real-world object, storing these rules in a storage means, receiving an alarm related to a real-world object, determining if a hiding rule is associated with the real-world object evaluating the hiding rule, deciding from the hiding rule whether to present or hide the alarm, selectively and actively hide such alarms that are decided to be hidden and not presenting the alarm to the system operator. The invention also includes an alarm processing system and a computer program for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sensor node module includes forming a protruding structure on a carrier. A sensor die is applied onto the protruding structure with an active sensing surface of the sensor die facing the carrier. The sensor die is encapsulated with mold material, wherein the protruding structure prevents the mold material from covering the active sensing surface. The carrier and the protruding structure are removed from the sensor die.

Abstract: A bridge system for installing electronic appliance to light source socket and a bridge method are disclosed. The system includes a light source plug, a power line communication module and a connection unit. The light source plug is electrically connected to the light source socket to perform data communication through the power lines. The power line communication module is electrically connected to the light source plug to convert AC power into DC power and perform analog-to-digital data conversion simultaneously through the power lines. The connection unit is electrically connected to the electronic appliance to provide AC or DC power and transmit converted digital data to the electronic appliance. Accordingly, there is no need to add power cables or power adapters.

Abstract: A device system and method for detecting shell cracks on a container. The device has a plurality of sensing units, an interface circuit, a receiver module, a CPU and alarm unit. A signal is generated from the sensing unit and transmitted to the CPU via an interface circuit and receiver module. An output signal from the CPU is transmitted to the alarm unit. The plurality of sensing units is distributed in an internal surface of the container. In addition, each sensing unit corresponds to an identification code. The present invention incorporates mechanical and electron information technology together. It can perform a real-time monitoring and rapid detection for container security.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an integrated circuit or chip is supplied to its intended application and a measurement quantity representing the state of one or a plurality of electrical connections in the chip is determined within the application environment of the chip and, if the measurement quantity determined does not correspond to predefined criteria, a corresponding signal is output.

Abstract: The stability index objectively reflects system reliability and yet intuitively reflects the user experience on the system while also providing an understanding of how/when/why problems began.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent workers from inadvertently discarding metal articles is used in the hospitality industry. The apparatus includes a base suitable for mounting to an open end of a waste receptacle, a tray pivotally mounted to the base, and a metal detector mounted to the underside of the tray. The metal detector detects the presence of metal articles deposited in the tray amidst food scraps or other waste. The metal detector signals an audible alarm alerting workers to the presence of metal articles in the waste. Once the metal articles are removed, the worker can use a handle or a button system to pivot the tray, so as to deposit the food scraps or other waste in the waste receptacle.

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: In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided that may include circuitry to, in response at least in part to detected change in at least one of acceleration and orientation of storage, request suspension of at least one command currently stored in at least one pending command queue that is intended for execution, at least in part, by the storage. The at least one command having been previously issued by the circuitry but being currently unexecuted, at least in part, by the storage. The circuitry also being to store, in response at least in part to the detected change, at least one copy of the at least one command for later re-issuance by the circuitry, and to request replacement of at least one command in the at least one queue with at least one other command to park at least one head of the storage.

Abstract: An auto anti-theft system with door-mount wireless remote-control pushbutton includes a main controller installed in a car for controlling the operation of the anti-theft system; a remote controller being carried by a user for code matching; and a small-size wireless remote-control pushbutton, which includes a coupling section for mounting the pushbutton to a car of any version or brand on or near a car door, such as on a door handle, a keyhole, a door surface, or a door window. The wireless remote-control pushbutton, the main controller, and the remote controller cooperate with one another to provide the functions of releasing and enabling the anti-theft system directly beside the car without pressing the remote controller button, making the anti-theft system a humanized design.

Abstract: A cue, for example a facial expression or hand gesture, is identified, and a device communication is filtered according to the cue.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to monitoring and notification apparatus capable of monitoring events at various locations. The apparatus includes a sound receiving unit which receives audio content from various locations. A user can select which of the location is monitored at any one time. In one embodiment, this selection is made depending on the orientation of the sound receiving unit.