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: Methods and systems enable selection of a theme for implementation on a computing device based on sensor data. The computing device can include a variety of sensors including sensors capable of sensing ambient temperature, light, and sound, as well as geographic position, for example. Data collected by a sensor is used to select a theme correlated to the sensed condition. Data from sensors can also be used to generate customized advertisements that can be displayed on the computing device.

Abstract: A detection system in which a single sensor is employed to detect an extensive range of a parameter. The output signal from the sensor is fed to the input of the electrical circuit, having a feedback loop, wherein the electrical circuit has a non-linear transfer characteristic. The non-linear transfer characteristic is achieved by changing the behavior of the feedback loop of the electrical circuit at a predetermined level of input signal. The output of the circuit has a proportional relationship with the input until the input signal reaches this predetermined value, whereupon the behaviors of the feedback loop changes and the relationship of the output to the input of the circuit changes. While the input signal is above the predetermined value, the output of the circuit has a linear but disproportionate relationship with the input at a gradient different to that when the input signal is below the predetermined value.

Abstract: Configuring functional capabilities in a data processing system comprising entitlement data in a non-volatile storage. The position of the data processing system is determined. Based on said position, functional capabilities are changed based on position information comprised in the entitlement data. Changing functional capabilities consists of enabling functional capabilities, disabling functional capabilities, and both enabling and disabling functional capabilities.

Abstract: An alerting system for alerting a user having a transmitter monitoring a predetermined condition (i.e. sound, telephone, door/window access, fire, carbon monoxide, emergency weather alerts, etc.) and outputting an alarm signal in response to detection of the predetermined condition. The transmitter further outputs a supervisory signal indicative of operation of the transmitter (i.e. low battery condition, out of range, etc.). The alerting system further includes an alerting device receiving the alarm signal and the supervisory signal from the transmitter and detecting cessation of the supervisory signal device and outputting a first alert signal to the user indicative of the cessation of the supervisory signal. The alerting device further detecting presence of the alarm signal and outputting a second alert signal to the user indicative of presence of the predetermined condition.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement is provided that includes at least one sun sensor in a motor vehicle, wherein the sun sensor is used in the region of the outside surface of the motor vehicle, and the sun sensor is mounted in the area of at least one exterior mirror.

Abstract: A method for advanced condition monitoring of an asset system includes sensing actual values of an operating condition for an operating regime of the asset system using at least one sensor; estimating sensed values of the operating condition by using an auto-associative neural network; determining a residual vector between the estimated sensed values and the actual values; and performing a fault diagnostic on the residual vector. In another method, an operating space of the asset system is segmented into operating regimes; the auto-associative neural network determines estimates of actual measured values; a residual vector is determined from the auto-associative neural network; a fault diagnostic is performed on the residual vector; and a change of the operation of the asset system is determined by analysis of the residual vector. 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 sensor unit includes at least one sensor configured to measure an ambient condition. The controller can be configured to receive instructions, to report a notice level when the controller determines that data measured by the at least one sensor fails a report threshold test corresponding to a report threshold value. The controller can also be configured to obtain a plurality of calibration measurements from the at least one sensor during a calibration period and to adjust the threshold based on the calibration measurements. The controller can be configured to compute a first threshold level corresponding to background noise and a second threshold level corresponding to sensor noise, and to compute the report threshold value from the second threshold. In one embodiment, the sensor unit adjusts one or more of the thresholds based on ambient temperature.

Abstract: An alarm or security system (10) employs sensors (12) interspersed throughout a building (B). Groups of the sensors are connected to respective control panels (P1-Pn) which are interconnected with each other for communications therebetween. Each control panel operates audio annunciators (20) for sounding an audio alarm when a sensor goes into alarm, as well as visual indicators (22) for providing a visual indication of an alarm condition. A method of synchronizing the sounding of the audio alarm and providing the visual indication includes designating one control panel a master panel (M) and the other panels as slave panels (S). The master panel generates a command signal for activating the audio annunciators and visual indicators to produce an audible alarm and a flashing light each of which separately indicates an alarm situation within the building.

Abstract: A cargo detector for use in a trailer that includes an ultrasonic transducer for covering the entire interior area of the trailer. In particular, the cargo detector has three modes including short range, long range, and proximity range, and can detect cargoes located flush against a front or rear wall of the trailer.

Abstract: An industrial process sensor having a sensor component exposed to process fluid detects when the sensor performance has been degraded by a sensor coating buildup from the process fluid. A baseline statistical metric, such as standard deviation of the process parameter sensed by the sensor, is determined during an initial operating period when the sensor component is clean. During continued operation of the sensor, the statistical metric is continually updated and monitored. An alarm output indicating that sensor coating has degraded sensor performance is produced when the current value of the statistical metric varies from the baseline value by an amount indicating degraded sensor performance.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system (100) for use with a variable reluctance sensor such as found in vehicle wheel bearing applications, which utilizes existing sensors (12) such as the antilock braking system or traction control system sensors as a direct current resistive temperature gauge. The temperature sensing system (100) includes electrical components (R4, C1) configured to separate the DC voltage (VDC(t)) representative of sensor temperature from the original magnetically induced AC voltage output signal (VSN1(t)) representative of the rotation such as vehicle wheel speed, thereby permitting the temperature sensing system (100) to be retrofitted and installed in vehicles or other components without significant alteration to an existing wiring harness or electrical components.

Abstract: A hybrid sensor/communication device includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) communication device coupled to a sensor device that includes organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material. The organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material may be printed atop a substrate of the device, the same substrate upon which antenna elements of the RFID device are located. The organic and/or amorphous semiconductor material may form an organic/amorphous semiconductor material processor that is coupled to sensor pads of the sensor device. An integrated circuit of the RFID device, which may be a part of an interposer or strap, and which may utilize an inorganic crystalline semiconductor material such as crystalline silicon, is coupled to the organic/amorphous semiconductor material processor. The RFID device provides power to the sensor device, and allows communication between the sensor device and external devices outside of the hybrid sensor/communication device.

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: An emergency call apparatus includes a databank having a plurality of contact person information units; an alarm sending mechanism including a plurality of alarm generating units and an alarm output unit connected to the alarm generating units for outputting an alarm signal; an identifying mechanism linked to the databank and the alarm sending mechanism for analyzing the output alarm signal and identifying one or more contact person information units in the databank that correspond to the alarm signal; and a message transmitting mechanism linked to the identifying mechanism for cooperatively transmitting a warning message to receiving devices being used by all contact persons that are set in the corresponding contact person information units. Therefore, emergency help may be timely and widely provided to the user sending the alarm signal.

Abstract: A system that generates a dynamic power-flux map for a set of computer systems. During operation the system determines the locations of the computer systems. Next, the system receives dynamic traces of power consumption for the computer systems, wherein a dynamic trace of power consumption for a given computer system is generated based on dynamic traces of monitored inferential variables for the given computer system. The system then correlates the locations of the computer systems with the dynamic traces of power consumption for the computer systems, and generates the dynamic power-flux map for the set of computer systems based on the correlated locations and the dynamic traces for the computer systems.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system based an audible warning signal is provided. The thermostat comprises a microphone and an electronic circuit. The microphone senses the audible warning signal and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the audible warning signal. The electronic circuit is operably coupled to the microphone. The electronic circuit instructs the HVAC system according to the electrical signal. As such, the HVAC system is controlled based upon the audible warning signal.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system according to the invention has a wireless sensor device for detecting something and a wireless base station for exchanging data with the wireless sensor device by wireless. The wireless sensor device 2 has a sampling signal transmitting portion for transmitting a sampling signal, and the wireless base station has a sensitivity detecting portion for detecting a receive sensitivity of the sampling signal, and a sensitivity transmitting portion for transmitting a result detected thereby to the wireless sensor device. And, the wireless sensor device has at least one of a LED and a buzzer for informing of the receive sensitivity on the basis of data from the sensitivity transmitting portion. A worker who tries to locate the wireless sensor device can easily know the best place for location with the LED or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for classifying targets within a container are provided. In one aspect, a method for resolving an alarm raised by an imaging system is provided, the imaging system alarm triggered by an alarm target including a plurality of objects. The method includes receiving a plurality of images from the imaging system, calculating at least one feature value for each object of the plurality of objects, determining whether each object is part of the alarm target, and rendering a decision on the alarm target.

Abstract: A system for updating a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag value of a transferred object is contemplated. The RFID tag is updated by having a transferor's RFID reader read an RFID tag attached to an object being transferred and extracting a first RFID tag value. An open RFID value is deciphered through the extracted first RFID tag value. Then, the transferor's RFID reader transmits the first RFID tag value and open RFID value to an RFID reader of a transferee who is receiving the object having the attached RFID tag. The transferee's RFID reader extracts a second RFID tag value of the RFID tag of the transferred object. By using the received first RFID tag value and open RFID value, the second RFID tag value is updated. Accordingly, even using RFID, the property rights of an object having an attached RFID tag can be transferred while maintaining security.

Abstract: A point of sale device including a housing, a protected enclosure located within the housing, information storage functionality located within the protected enclosure and storing information to be protected information, a capacitance sensor based security system including at least one capacitance sensor operative to sense the capacitance of at least one of at least part of the housing and at least part of the protected enclosure at a reference time and thereafter and to provide an alarm indication of at least a predetermined change in the capacitance sensed by the at least one capacitance sensor.

Abstract: There is provided a daily activity recognition system using sensors installed in required positions in a home to recognize daily activities of an old person, the system including: a radio frequency (RF) management unit receiving data measured by a plurality of sensors installed in required positions in a home, recognizing a corresponding sensor transmitting the received data, and converting the received data into a basic activity corresponding to the recognized sensor; a buffer management unit storing the basic activity received from the wireless processing manager in an internal buffer; and a daily activity recognition unit recognizing daily activities of an old person at each point in time previously set, based on the basic activity stored in the buffer. The daily activities of the old person are recognized and stored in a database, thereby providing various services related to the health of the old person.

Abstract: A building plenum is provided. The building plenum may include an assembly or housing and multiple building utility and safety infrastructures (such as fire, lighting, ventilation, and other building infrastructure). The building plenum may be constructed at a manufacturing facility for subsequent installation in a building. In this way, the building infrastructure may be quickly and efficiently installed in the building, such as by mounting the building plenum on a ceiling as part of a ceiling cover, ceiling tile, or the like. The building plenum may have different configurations (including different building utility and safety infrastructures), different lengths and widths, and different cover appearances (or other ornamentation).

Abstract: A method, evacuation system and hazard warning center for the evacuation of a building divided into sections by the hazard warning center, which is connected to at least one hazard warning unit detecting a hazard. The hazard warning center produces an evacuation plan for the sections of the building on the basis of the location of the hazard detected by the hazard warning unit, the data received in connection with the hazard and at least one stored condition, and at least one alarm signaling unit in a section is sent at least one request to emit either a warning signal or an evacuation signal on the basis of the evacuation plan.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a subject can include acquiring data from the subject, and dynamically adjusting an alarm limit based on the data. The method can also comprise determining a first value that is typical for the subject for the characteristic being monitored, determining a second value for the characteristic being monitored, and generating a comparison based on the two values. The method could also comprise setting a threshold for a characteristic being monitored, and decreasing the alarm limit if the data crosses the threshold. The method could also include setting an extremity limit. The following methods can be applied to the monitoring of a healthcare patient, or other subjects of interest. Also, the values used in the monitoring of the subject can be configured to be transferable from one monitor to another.

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

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 method of preventing condensation on equipment inside a temperature-controlled enclosure comprises measuring the temperature in at least one location inside the enclosure. The temperature inside the enclosure is compared with a safe temperature, at which the risk of condensation is reduced. The temperature inside the enclosure is increased until the safe temperature is achieved. A user is then notified that it is safe to access the enclosure.

Abstract: A hierarchical fault handling system and method based on filtering data regarding entities in the system and coordinating said filtered data in order to determine if an entity is considered faulty or not. The result for all entities is co-ordinated in a sys-tem fault co-ordinating means (17) which makes the overall decision if the system considered to be faulty or not.

Abstract: Techniques are described for establishing a two-way voice communication session with an alarm system. The alarm system may establish a two-way voice communication session with an operator associated with a monitoring service that provides monitoring services for alarm events detected by the alarm system. The alarm system also may establish a two-way voice communication session with a notification recipient that is interested in receiving notifications associated with events detected by the alarm system.

Abstract: An internal pressure explosion-proof system is provided that is capable of detecting high-pressure abnormality of an internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism, urging a check of gas/air apparatus by providing a means for notifying a user of abnormality, and decreasing excessive pressure of an internal pressure chamber. A high-pressure abnormality detector and a pressure regulating valve are provided in an air discharging portion for releasing the gas/air discharged from the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism. The working pressure of the high-pressure abnormality detector is set to be lower than the working pressure of the pressure regulating valve. The high-pressure abnormality detector sends a signal when the pressure becomes higher than the set pressure to make the alarm give a warning and makes the open valves open to decrease the pressure of the internal pressure chamber of the internal pressure explosion-proof mechanism which became excessive.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a system for avoiding or reducing exposure to toxic gases. More specifically, the instant invention includes a base module having a first transceiver securable within a structure, and most preferably within the garage of a home. The base module is constructed and arranged to communicate with a remote module having a second transceiver to alert the user of a dangerous condition within the structure prior to entry thereto. In a most preferred embodiment, the remote module is also a garage door opener that can be carried by a person or within a vehicle. In operation, the remote module sends a signal to the base module. In response, the base transceiver checks the level of a toxic gas such as carbon monoxide within the dwelling, if the level is below a predetermined limit the base module sends a signal to the garage door opener to open the door, if the level of the gas is above the predetermined limit an alarm will be sent to the remote transceiver and the door will not be opened.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. A sensor measures capacitance, electric field effects or other characteristic responsive to a load in a seating area. The sensor uses one or more electrodes (e.g., a transmit and receive electrode or one electrode for transmit and one or more electrodes for receive). Other electrodes are connected with different impedances. Measuring by a sensor, but with other electrodes connected with different impedances, may distinguish between an occupant and inanimate objects, may distinguish between characteristics of a passenger (e.g., size, height, weight or position), or may indicate a grounding state of an occupant.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) has a plurality of switch interfaces on its top surface. Each interface is an array of sensors, such as proximity sensors, hall-effect sensors, or a series of inductor coils. The sensors in each array are closely mounted and are all the same for a given PCB. Each array may or may not mount a non-contacting switch selected from a plurality of different types of switches, such as a single push button switch, dual push button switch, a toggle switch, a 3-position rocker switch, a rotary switch, or other type switch. Each switch mounted on the PCB includes one or more indicators for sensing by the sensors or coils, with feedback to determine what type of switch is mounted in each position. The same PCB, or other mount, may thus be used for a variety of unique applications, such as switch packs used in vehicles.

Abstract: A multi-transmitter telemetry system remotely controls and modifies the operating parameters associated with a plurality of addressable transmitter modules connected to collect data from a plurality of sensors. Control instructions remotely provided to each transmitter module include addressing data identifying the transmitter module to implement the control instructions. Although each transmitter module decodes the control instructions, only the addressed transmitter module implements the provided instructions. In this way, individual transmitters employed in a multi-transmitter telemetry system may be individually addressed and remotely controlled.

Abstract: An error condition, fault, defect, obstruction, or defective arrangement of viewing angle is determined in a target security device, such as a motion sensor. A plurality of times a fault is detected in a first security device arranged to sense activity in a first zone, the target security device being arranged to sense activity in a second zone overlapping with the first zone; and the error condition may be determined in the target security device when fault in the target security device is not detected for the plurality of times. The second zone may overlap substantially all of the first zone. The first security device may be a door security sensor, a gate security sensor, a keypad or a motion detector. When the first security device is a keypad or user interface, the fault may be an arm or disarm command or an arm/disarm command cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allocates bandwidth among wireless sensor nodes in wireless sensor groups in a wireless sensor network (WSN) is disclosed.

Abstract: A system has at least one sensor and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The system further has logic configured to calculate a calibration value based upon an initial state of the sensor and store the calibration value in memory.

Abstract: Operational parametric sensing and event recording capabilities are provided for portable electronic devices such as media players, cell phones, laptop computers, and the like that takes the can take the form of a standalone sensing unit or as an integrated component of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing compensation to a cyclical input signal is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a first detection unit (20) for detecting a first event in a cyclical output signal; a compensation signal generation unit (14) for generating a compensation signal; and a signal combination unit (8) for combining the compensation signal and the cyclical input signal to obtain the cyclical output signal. The compensation signal generation unit (14) is arranged to adjust the compensation signal at an instant which has a determined relationship with the detection of the first event. By adjusting the compensation signal at the right instant in a cycle of the cyclical output signal, the adjustment will not influence the further processing of the cyclical output signal. The method can be used to compensate the offset and sensitivity characteristics of a sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system comprising an occupancy sensor for sensing occupancy of an area, able to activate upon sensing occupancy of the area, maintain activation when sensing continuing occupancy, to include settings therefor, and to enable self-adjusting of the settings. It includes an infrared sensor section, able to passively sense occupancy and activate a signal, continue to activate upon sensing continuing occupancy, and enable separate processing of the settings. It also includes an ultrasonic sensor section, able to actively sense occupancy, activate a signal upon sensing continuing occupancy, and enable separate processing of the settings. The occupancy sensor is able to activate when the infrared sensor section senses occupancy, and to maintain activation when either the infrared sensor section or the ultrasonic sensor section senses continuing occupancy of the area.

Abstract: An integrated management system having at least one air conditioner group including a plurality of air conditioners, and a remote integrated management system connected to the at least one air conditioner group and configured to analyze operation state information related to the plurality of air conditioners in the at least one air conditioner group and to generate an alarm signal based on the analyzed operation state information.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for control of one or more functions within a premises. In one embodiment, the control apparatus comprises a “universal” electronic switch which can be configured according to any number of different desired functional and/or aesthetic schemes. The apparatus uses removable and replaceable control elements which are purely mechanical in nature, thereby allowing consolidation of all electrical functions within the parent control module. An improved control circuit including thermal overload protection is also disclosed, as are methods of operating and manufacturing the apparatus.

Abstract: A device is described for a safety system on an installation in connection with the operation of a habitat (10) in which an object that is carrying out work which results in heat generation such as flames, sparks and the like, is isolated from the surroundings, and where an overpressure of air is set up in the habitat (10) to prevent ingress of flammable gases, and comprising systems for supply of electricity and overpressure air to the equipment inside the habitat, and also an alarm system which can warn of irregularities and the like.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for emergency services personnel that includes a plurality of portable devices and a base station. The portable devices are configured to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each have a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and a second transceiver configured to communicate over a second network, where the first and second networks operate independent of one another. For example, they may have at least one of different first and second carrier frequencies, protocol, channels and the like. The base station has at least one transceiver for communicating with the portable devices over at least one of the first and second networks. Optionally, the first and second networks may have different transmission characteristics, such as different transmit ranges, power levels and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems that determine automatically the likelihood that a device is inside or outside of a structure or building. The system uses one or more sensors to detect ambient conditions, and make the determination. The inference can be used to save power or suppress services from certain devices, which are irrelevant, cannot be used effectively, or do not function under certain circumstances. In support thereof, the system includes one or more context sensors that measure parameters associated probabilistically with the context of a device. A context computing component considers one or more context sensors and facilitates determination of ideal actions, policies, and situations associated with the device. A service provided by the subject invention is the inference from one or more available observations the probability that the device is inside versus outside.

Abstract: An external access station for interfacing with existing building monitoring systems to obtain data and control at least some of the systems for use by first responders to an emergency. The access station includes a protective enclosure recessed into a building exterior wall or adjacent kiosk housing a panel PC and touch screen display viewable upon opening a locked cover.

Abstract: A field data collection and relay station is equipped to receive sensor data from locations in a region. The station has directional antennas that are focused to transmit and receive energy in and from unique directions. The station establishes a wireless network in which the sensor data is formatted and distributed to one or more of the directional antennas. As a result, the sensor data is wirelessly transmitted in at least one unique direction.

Abstract: A personal multimedia communication system and network for emergency services personnel includes a plurality of personal communication systems linked together and to a base station in a network. Each personal communication system includes a PDA device mounted on a PASS control console, a video camera mounted on the PDA device, a GPS unit, a microphone, and other electronic devices. The various electronic devices are all communicatively connected to the PDA device. Data from the various devices may be collected in the PDA device and wirelessly transmitted to any other node or device in the network, including other personal communication devices. Each personal communication device may serve as a repeater, thus providing a wireless communications link between a device located out of range of the base station.

Abstract: A parcel includes a sensor to detect whether the parcel has experienced a change in condition. The parcel also has a mechanism, such as a changeable barcode, to indicate the change in condition. While the parcel is in transit through a parcel delivery system, a reader that is part of the system reads an indication from the parcel that the parcel has experienced the change in condition. The system may inform the sender and/or the recipient of the fact that the change in condition has been detected and may divert the parcel from delivery to the recipient. In this way, a parcel may self-monitor for potential damage, and the parcel delivery system may react to an event, in which a parcel suffers damage, before the parcel is delivered to the intended recipient.