Abstract: In some implementations a storage device having a voice-recognition engine stored thereon is coupled to a microcontroller, a device-controller for an automatic door is operably coupled to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A method for advanced condition monitoring of an asset system includes monitoring a variable of an asset system using the at least one sensor of a smart sensor system; determining whether the asset system has departed from normal operation; and identifying the variable of the asset system indicating the departure from normal operation. In another method, the time sequential values of the monitored variable is analyzed by using a Rank Permutation Transformation test, a Hotelling's T2 statistic test, and a Likelihood Ratio Test; and a change of an operating condition of the asset system is determined using the analyzed values. An alert is provided if necessary. A smart sensor system includes an on-board processing unit for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A pseudo non-addressable alarm system that uses addressable notification appliances and/or detectors is disclosed. In one aspect, the addressable notification appliances and/or detectors may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) grouped. One manner of automatic grouping is to use the wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system in order to automatically form the groupings of notification applications, such as grouping the notification appliances based on the signal line circuit to which they are connected. In another aspect, labels for the notification appliances and/or detectors in the pseudo non-addressable system may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) generated. The labels may be automatically generated based on wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system and/or based on grouping information (such as grouping based on the particular signal line circuit to which the notification appliance is connected).

Abstract: A method and system for configuring initiating devices in a fire alarm system is provided. Groupings of the initiating devices in the fire alarm system are determined entirely automatically (or partially automatically). For example, the fire alarm control panel may communicate with the initiating devices to receive grouping information from the initiating device (which may be input at the initiating device), and determine the grouping based on the communication. As another example, the fire alarm control panel may communicate with the initiating devices in order to determine some aspect of the fire alarm system (such as the wiring), and automatically determine the grouping based on the communication. Moreover, labels for the initiating devices in the fire alarm system may be generated entirely automatically (or partially automatically). Further, reporting of the alarm events by the fire alarm control panel may be based on grouping.

Abstract: Alarm customers on VoIP may use an adapter for conversion to Internet Protocol (IP) signals or may have an alarm system that uses IP signals to transmit alarm signals over the Internet. IP signals from alarm customers may go to any monitoring center for alarm system monitoring. IP signals from alarm systems using IP conversion equipment can go only to monitoring centers with specialized receiving equipment specific to the type of transmitting equipment in use at the customer's premises. There is a pool of customers, whose dealers would convert to IP and stay with the current monitoring center if the center invested in receiving equipment. For the many small centers who will not or cannot invest in receiving equipment, the present invention will take IP signals from any or all brands of IP transmitting equipment, to a central server then retransmit to any center over POTS to the alarm monitoring center.

Abstract: A sensor signal processor apparatus having good characteristics and providing an easy and simple interface for various sensors. The sensor signal processor apparatus includes a current source, a sensor, a ramp integrator, a comparator, and a controller. The current source generates a constant current according to a preset value, and the sensor outputs a sensor voltage using the current from the current source. The ramp integrator generates and outputs an integral voltage according to an input command, and the comparator compares the sensor voltage of the sensor with the integral voltage of the ramp integrator and outputting a result of the comparison. The controller controls the generating and outputting of the integral voltage of the ramp integrator according to the comparison result of the comparator.

Abstract: A fire detector and method of using it generate a fire alarm through use of a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector once the smoke detector detects a threshold level of light obscuration for greater than a first pre-selected time period or a reduced threshold level of light obscuration for greater than a second pre-selected time period or the CO detector detects a rate of increase in CO concentration which exceeds a first preselected CO rate for a third pre-selected time period and the smoke detector detects the reduced threshold level of light obscuration or the rate of increase in CO concentration exceeds a second preselected CO rate for a fourth pre-selected time period.

Abstract: One aspect relates to adjusting a positional state of an individual to a physiological aspect of the individual at least partially in response to detecting a radiant kinetic energy from the individual. Another aspect relates to indicating to configure an individual at least partially in response to a determining at least one physiologically-indicating body temperature of the individual derived at least partially based on a detecting a radiant kinetic energy from the individual.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the reporting of an environmental condition to vehicles prior to encountering the environmental condition. According to various embodiments described herein, local environment data corresponding to the environmental condition is collected from sensors on a vehicle. The local environment data is used to determine that the environmental condition exists at the current location of the vehicle. A notification that includes the geographic location of the environmental condition is created and provided to one or more other vehicles in the vicinity of the environmental condition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method may include communicating an alarm suppression indication trigger message from a maintenance end point to an alarm indication suppression generator. The method may further include communicating, by the alarm indication suppression generator in response to receiving the alarm indication trigger message, an alarm indication suppression message to at least one flow point that has alarm indication suppression enabled for the maintenance end point such that the alarm indication suppression message is received by at least one other maintenance end point upstream of the maintenance end point.

Abstract: In a monitor control system, an HMI (11 in FIG. 1) includes event list display means (16) for displaying an event list screen of list form, in which event names and alarm levels are contained as to faults and the like alarm events occurring in an object to-be-monitored (13), and storage means (17) for storing therein an alarm level table in which the alarm levels are set so as to correspond to time zones. When the alarm event occurs in the object to-be-monitored (13), the event list display means (16) determines the alarm level corresponding to the time zone in which an alarm event occurrence time is contained, on the basis of the alarm level table, so as to display the alarm level on the event list screen. Since the alarm level is changed depending upon the occurrence time, all alarm events can be recorded with unnecessary alarm events suppressed.

Abstract: A device for controlling and monitoring an installation that is composed of sequentially disposed sub-sections in a chain so that each sub-section lies between a forward sub-section and a rearward sub-section, with the exception of the terminal sub-sections of the installation. Each sub-section is connected to a first control unit and a second control unit and the control units of the sub-sections communicate at least partially with one another, with the sub-sections, and/or with a higher-level control center. Increased safety requirements are satisfied with the novel device, while at the same time being cost-effective, in that the first control unit is also connected to the forward sub-section and the second control unit is also connected to the rearward sub-section.

Abstract: A method for guiding, controlling or warning people, particularly for controlling and guiding people to a desired route, e.g. an emergency exit, in a dangerous situation, in which method, a person is guided by means of audio sources. In the method, audio sources (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g, 1h) arranged successively at a distance from each other are activated to produce sound, in which the audio sources successively arranged in the space guide the direction of an exit route by producing an audio signal with the audio source against the travel direction of the guided route (6).

Abstract: An alarm provision system comprises a recognizer component that receives an alarm/event and recognizes the alarm/event. A provision component analyzes hierarchical relationships associated with an industrial environment and automatically provides a subscribing entity with the alarm/event and at least one other alarm/event that is related to the received alarm/event, the provision of the at least one other alarm/event is based at least in part upon the analysis of the hierarchical relationships.

Abstract: A sensor is paired with an emitter, such as in a postage metering machine, and the sensor is calibrated for ambient light conditions. Ambient light is measured with a sensor while the emitter is unpowered. If the measured ambient light is less than a current trip level (voltage level at the sensor), then a current level of light is measured with the sensor while the emitter is powered. If the measured current level of light exceeds the current trip level, then the signal output from the sensor indicates that an object such as an envelope awaiting postage to be printed thereon is present at the sensor. The current trip level may be determined by measuring light at the sensor when the emitter is on and adding some voltage margin to it, but if the sensor is blocked during this calibration a default threshold is used as the current trip level.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring service in which remote monitoring units are distributed to customers who then set up monitoring as desired at their facilities. The devices may be registered through a web site using the Internet. Monitoring information may be communicated using a publicly available, wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network. The service may be provided with a system, including a server, architected to allow each remote monitoring unit to be simple and low cost. Similarly, the system may be architected to allow monitoring and control information to be communicated reliably, but at low cost. The server, however, can deliver high levels of monitoring functionality. The server may support using a variety of analytical methods to process the monitoring information, including analyzing the rate of temperature change at a monitored facility.

Abstract: A programmable display device selects and displays one screen data item from one of screen data groups each constituted of a plurality of screen data items indicative of control conditions. Further, the programmable display device includes a selection information forming section and a screen data group setting section. The selection information forming section is included in a project setting processing section, and based on screen data group information concerning the screen data groups, forms selection information by which one of the screen data groups is selected. The screen data group setting section is included in the project setting processing section, and sets, as a screen data group to be used, the one of the screen data groups which is selected based on the selection information.

Abstract: Alert network systems and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises receiving an emergency alert regarding an emergency condition affecting a geographic region, selecting a facility from a plurality of facilities based on at least the geographic region, generating an alert notification regarding the emergency alert, providing the alert notification to the selected facility, and receiving an authorization to provide emergency information to one or more digital devices associated with the facility.

Abstract: A safety alarm system and method are provided. The alarm system includes a gas detector and a possible fire detector. A controller is provided to process signals from the detectors and provide signals to a vent controller so that if a detected gas level is too high, the vent controller will open a vent. Further, the vent will be prevented from opening if a fire is detected. Alarms may be activated if the detected gas level is too high and if a possible fire is detected. The alarm system can be coupled to a generator set to effect engine shutdown if the detected gas level is too high.

Abstract: System for an event alert signal and verifying the completion of event is disclosed. The system may include at least one alert device for generating alert for certain events. The system may also include at least one destination device that may be configured to be communicating with the alert device and may be associated with the event. The system may verify completion of the event when the alert device may be deactivated upon the user's completion of the event.

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: According to one embodiment of the invention a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing and a passive cooling system associated with the housing and being devoid of fans as operable to cool the Ethernet switch. Ethernet switch also includes software operable to perform at least one of the functions selected from the group consisting of multiple spanning, rapid spanning, cluster management and IGMP snooping and querying. According to another embodiment, a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing having a plurality of perforations formed therein for cooling the Ethernet switch. The switch also includes a passive cooling system be devoid of fans and that is operable to cool the Ethernet switch. A temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of the Ethernet switch is included as is an alarm software responsive to the temperature sensor and operable to initiate an alarm when a measured temperature of the Ethernet switch exceeds a particular limit.

Abstract: An alarm device (10) for the protection of property comprising a control processor (12), at least one input sensor (24, 25), and a cellular modem (14) arranged such that upon receiving a signal from the said at least one input sensor (24, 25), the control processor (12) issues a signal via the cellular modem (14) to a user's mobile telephone (72). The modem (14) can also receive messages from the user's mobile telephone (72) containing instructions for configuring the device (10). Messages between the cellular modem (14) and the user are preferably in the form of an SMS text. A positioning receiver, such as GPS, for locating and tracking the device (10) may be included.

Abstract: A security system comprises a control panel configured to control devices in a security system, a keypad and an arm/disarm device. The keypad is in communication with the control panel and comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with the control panel and a magnet having a magnetic field extending within a predetermined proximity of the keypad. The arm/disarm device comprises a transmitter and a switch configured to activate the transmitter when the switch is in the magnetic field. The transmitter is further configured to transmit a low power signal when activated. The transceiver is further configured to receive the low power signal and transmit a message to the control panel. The control panel is further configured to change an Armed/Disarmed Mode of the system based on the message.

Abstract: A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices to the remote console.

Abstract: A system for tracking personnel and equipment in hazardous environments in pre or post-accident situations includes an intrinsically safe tracking tag and an intrinsically safe reader system. The intrinsically safe tracking tag transmits identification and status information to the intrinsically safe reader system, which includes a plurality of intrinsically safe antennas and a hub cable driver. In one embodiment, antennas are located at known positions in the hazardous environment and connected via a redundant, wired-mesh topology. The wired-mesh topology also allows more flexible antenna placement than line-of-sight wireless-mesh systems. The hub cable driver provides intrinsically safe power to and communication with the antennas using communication cables, receives data signals from the antennas, and transmits the data signals to a server. The server stores the data signals in a storage device and is connected to a workstation. The workstation retrieves the stored data to track persons or equipment.

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: This invention includes the system and method for the manufacture and use of a hermetically sealed Faraday cage in the retail/consumer goods environment. It is called the “Secure Self Scan” and is constructed using meshed glass, sheet metal and edge level elastomers as agents of containment and reflection. The invention prevents unauthorized access to communication protocols between RFID tagged consumer items and an RFID interrogator. It also prevents unauthorized access to communication protocols between an RFID interrogator and contact less smart card. This invention takes the mal ware writer and hacker plus the skimmer and eavesdropper out of the RFID equation in relationship to consumer goods, contact less smart cards and consumer privacy. Furthermore, this invention magnifies RFID interrogation signals within the Secure Self Scan unit thereby increasing read rates while concurrently obviating external electromagnetic interference, thereby increasing RFID tag read rates.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided for controlling a climate in a building. Sensed data is received at a local processor in the building. The sensed data is associated with the climate in the building, weather outside the building and/or occupants of the building. The received sensed data is compared at the local processor with corresponding predictive data associated with the climate in the building, weather outside the building and/or occupants of the building. One or more parameters associated with the climate of the building is adjusted at the local processor based on a result of the comparison of the received sensed data and the predictive data.

Abstract: The present invention provides A monitoring system comprising a display device, an abnormality detection means for monitoring an object and when detecting an abnormality of the monitored object, outputting an abnormality signal, and a display control means for causing the display device to present an abnormality display, further comprising a latch means for retaining the output state resulting from receipt of an abnormality signal, thereby continuing to output a latch signal until reset, and a reset device for resetting the latch device, wherein the display control device determines in what manner the display device presents an abnormality display, depending on whether an abnormality signal and a latch signal are each transmitted or not.

Abstract: A sensing and context management architecture that can detect that a user is interacting with a given device and in an associated context, and in response thereto, manages device processes as the user moves from device to device, location to location, and/or context to context. The invention comprises a system that facilitates management of a user situation or context. A sensing component is provided that senses a context of a user by way of one or more sensors and/or a particular device with which the user is interacting in the context, for example, and a management component that manages the device and/or one or more services in the context according to rules or inferences user preferences, sensed observations, and user input data.

Abstract: A device and a method for imaging an animal including an animal holding device for keeping the animal immobile and at a desired temperature during the scanning operation for imaging the animal in real-time in a non-destructive manner.

Abstract: A method of alarm data communication involves protecting a premise with an alarm sensor, sensing an exception, text messaging a responsible user's text-messaging device a text message indicative of such exception and, in the absence of an effective cancel instruction, propagating a signal to a central alarm monitoring station indicative of such exception or otherwise expediting dispatch of authorities to the premise in response to such exception. Another aspect of this method involves that, notwithstanding the absence of an effective cancel instruction, there instead might be the issuance of an effective verify instruction, which propagates to the central alarm monitoring station as indicative of not only the exception but also that such exception is verified.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for managing false alarms in a security system. A detection zone is established. An alarm event is triggered based on the detection of a tag in the detection zone using an initial alarm trigger sensitivity. The initial alarm trigger sensitivity is based on an initial set of one or more detection criteria. The set of detection criteria is modified to adjust the alarm trigger sensitivity of the security system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining when a device is placed in a high ambient motion environment (HAME). The method includes receiving sensor data, and based on the sensor data determining if the device has been placed in the HAME. When placement in the HAME is detected, the method further includes putting the device in a HAME mode. In one embodiment, putting the device in the HAME mode includes locking user input features.

Abstract: A smoke detector having a closed internal optical path can detect airborne particulate matter, such as smoke from a fire, via a light scattering sensor and/or a light absorption sensor. The path can be implemented with a plurality of reflectors, such as piezoelectric minors. Input light can be coupled to the path, on a pulsed basis, for example via one of the minors, in a resonant condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system to demonstrate discrepancies in the speedometer of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the method and the system further comprise the possibility of adjusting or calibrating the speedometer with the use of demonstrated discrepancies automatically or after approval by the user. The speed of the vehicle is measured with an external measuring device and the information about the speed is sent to a receiver in the vehicle. By comparing received information about speed with information of speed according to the speedometer of the vehicle information about possible discrepancies is made available to a user.

Abstract: An information display apparatus includes a display unit including a non-volatile display medium. The information display apparatus further includes: a temperature detecting unit configured to detect a display unit temperature which is temperature of the display unit; a temperature determining unit configured to determine whether the display unit temperature is outside of a set temperature range which is predetermined based on characteristics of the display unit; and a display control unit configured to perform on the display unit a burn prevention display which is predetermined based on the characteristics, when the display unit temperature is outside of the set temperature range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.

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 security system comprises a system control panel for arming and disarming the security system. A door sensing unit comprises a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected with the system control panel over a network. The first RF transceiver is mounted proximate to a door that defines at least a portion of a perimeter around an area to be monitored by the security system. The first RF transceiver has an RF detection field proximate to the door. A disarm device comprises a second RF transceiver that automatically transmits a disarm device packet. The first RF transceiver receives the disarm device packet when the second RF transceiver is within the RF detection field. The first RF transceiver sends a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on at least the disarm device packet.

Abstract: A user interface of a device is provided for displaying an environment that is visually larger than a display area. The user interface includes a scroll function that positions selected portions of the environment within the display area. A scroll rate of the user interface changes as the scroll function is continued. The user interface produces an indication to alert a user that a change in scroll rate is imminent.

Abstract: A zoned interactive control area (10) wherein an architectural space is divided into a plurality of zones (16), each having its own sensor(s) and zone lights (18). The zone lights (18) are controlled by a controller (20) such that there are different lighting levels (55, 57, 59) depending upon whether a zone (16) is occupied, whether an adjacent zone (16)is occupied, whether some other zone (16)is occupied, and the like. A variable control method (50) is adaptable such that fine control and adaptation for special circumstances can be achieved. Other types of devices can also be controlled according to the present inventive method and apparatus.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement in whose operational range a system parameter or an ambient parameter lies within a first range. The arrangement includes a node configured to receive a misadjustment signal and a sensor configured to detect the system parameter or the ambient parameter. The sensor is coupled to the node and is configured to detect whether the system parameter or the ambient parameter lies in a predetermined second range. The sensor outputs an alarm signal if the system parameter or the ambient parameter does not lie in the second range, within which the first range lies. The sensor is further configured to permanently adjust the second range in reaction to the misadjustment signal such that the second range does not encompass the first range.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus with an information exchange system that involves an assembly featuring a cooking apparatus such as a smoker or an electric turkey fryer and an information exchange system that provides for local and/or remote monitoring of cooking characteristic that preferably includes food item temperature probing that is displayed externally on the cooking appliance as in a local remote cooking characteristic information conveyance device that are preferably either in unidirectional of bi-directional.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow analysis of alarm data to generate security reports. A security report system may include a monitoring tool and a data analyzer. The monitoring tool may include an alarm data acquiring module and an alarm database for storing the alarm data acquired by the alarm data acquiring module. The data analyzer may include a data parsing module for parsing the alarm data into a plurality of data segments each indicating an attribute of the alarm data, a data categorizing module for categorizing the plurality of data segments into a plurality of data groups in accordance with the attributes of the data segments, and a data processing module for processing the data segments of at least one of the data groups to generate a security report.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating, by a computer processor, a first status indicator and a second status indicator, generating a first attention value to indicate an amount of attention a user should devote to the first status indicator, and a second attention value to indicate an amount of attention the user should devote to the second status indicator, and outputting the first and second attention values to enable display for the user. The attention values may be generated based on reliability factors of the status indicators and on probability of failure of a control system.

Abstract: A device control module and a method for controlling at least first and second devices based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus having a moveable member are provided. The device control module includes an RF receiver configured to receive a first RF signal at a first time indicating at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from a first operational position. The first RF signal has a first identifier value indicating the first device is to be controlled. The device control module further includes a processor operably coupled to the RF receiver. The processor is configured to activate the first device in response to the first RF signal. The RF receiver is further configured to receive a second RF signal at a second time after the first time. The second RF signal indicates at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus from the first operational position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of notifying an alert status. The method includes using at least two binary alert status indication fields to indicate alert status information; changing a value of the alert status indication field when alert information is changed; and periodically sending the alert status information. The alert status indication field in a interworking element of a beacon frame is extended so that the status of the emergency alert is detected, the change to the emergency alert status is reflected by the value of the extended alert status indication field, and the change to the emergency alert can be detected and handled in a timely manner.

Abstract: A visual display system for a set-top box is includes a source of event data, a light emitting diode display, and a main processor configured to receive event data and control the light emitting diode display in response to the received event data.