Abstract: Techniques of tracking a user's location are disclosed. In some embodiments, a mobile device captures first sensor data using at least one sensor, determines that a predetermined hazard criteria is not satisfied by an environment of a user of the mobile device, suppresses transmission of a representation of the captured first sensor data to a remote computing device based on the determination that the predetermined hazard criteria is not satisfied, captures second sensor data using the sensor(s), determines that the predetermined hazard criteria is satisfied by the environment of the user, and transmits a representation of the captured second sensor data to the remote computing device based on the determination that the predetermined hazard criteria is satisfied by the environment of the user.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for providing lossless transmission of sensor data in a wireless network are provided. In some aspects, a method for transmitting data in a wireless sensor network includes collecting data at a sensor node, attaching a timestamp to the data, buffering the data and the timestamp to a memory device and retransmitting the collected data where the sensor node fails to receive an acknowledgement message from the base station after the data transmission. In some aspects, a system can include a plurality of wireless sensor nodes having synchronized clocks and a base station. Collected sensor data can be associated with a timestamp via the clock prior to transmitting the data to the base station. The data can be buffered at a memory device and retransmitted therefrom to provide lossless data transmission.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated computer-based notification systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated computer-based notification systems.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a protective cover to occupants of a room, which includes detecting an occurrence of a threatening event with a protection system deployed in the room, such as detecting gunfire with the protection system and/or receiving a transmitted command of the threatening event by the protection system, and emitting an obscuring haze into the room from a haze generator of the protection system in response to the detected occurrence of the gunfire. The emitted obscuring haze obscures the light of sight contact between a shooter and the occupants in the room, which provides a measure of cover for the occupants while other assistance is being organized. This reduces the chances that the shooter will be able to accurately shoot any victim, increasing the odds of victim survival.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing (MT); scheduling a notification communication; analyzing traffic flow predicament data associated with a travel plan of the MT; and rescheduling the notification communication, based upon the traffic flow predicament data. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Automated notification systems and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for disseminating emergency notification content from an emergency originating source. The method comprising: delivering the emergency notification content from the emergency originating source to at least one transmitting party; selecting a subset of users from among a set of users for dissemination of the emergency notification content based on the subject matter of the emergency notification content; and delivering the emergency notification content from the at least one transmitting party to a device corresponding to each user from the selected subset of users.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized as follows: engaging in a communication session with a personal communications device, based upon impending arrival or departure of one or more mobile things in relation to a location; during the communication session, providing a plurality of arrival or departure times in relation to a location and enabling selection of one of the times; and causing a mobile thing to arrive at or depart from the location at substantially the selected time. A representative system, among others, is a computer system that has been programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. One representative embodiment, among others, is a method for a notification system having a computer-based architecture using one or more computers, one or more memories associated with the one or more computers for storing computer program code, and one or more processors for executing the computer program code. One representative method, among others, involves enabling a user who receives a notification communication from a notification system, in connection with the delivery or pickup of a good or service at a stop location, to select whether or not to communicate with an entity having access to the particulars of the delivery or pickup and to change the stop location for the delivery or pickup.

Abstract: Advertisement systems and methods are provided for use in connection with notification services or systems. One such method, among others that are disclosed, can be practiced by performing at least the following steps: (a) monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; (b) contacting a party based upon the travel data; (c) providing an advertisement to the party during the contact; and (d) charging a fee for or otherwise monetarily benefiting from providing the advertisement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: monitoring travel data in connection with a mobile thing (MT) that is destined to pickup or deliver an item or service at a stop location; causing initiation of a notification communication session with a personal communications device (PCD) based upon the travel data; and during the notification communication session, enabling a party associated with the PCD to change one or more tasks associated with the pickup or delivery. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed or designed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative system, among others, can be summarized as follows. A host computer system, or base station, is designed to monitor travel data corresponding to a mobile thing and to initiate a notification communication to a personal communications device (PCD) indicating travel status of the mobile thing (MT) to a remote computer system. The remote computer system, within or associated with the PCD, is designed to detect a failure to receive the notification communication and to cause one or more tasks to be performed based upon the notification communication failure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized as follows: engaging in a communication session with a personal communications device, based upon impending arrival or departure of one or more mobile things in relation to a location; during the communication session, providing a plurality of arrival or departure times in relation to a location and enabling selection of one of the times; and causing a mobile thing to arrive at or depart from the location at substantially the selected time. A representative system, among others, is a computer system that has been programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: A machine-tool safety device for a machine tool having a transmitting unit for transmitting an outgoing signal and a receiving unit for receiving an incoming signal. The machine-tool safety device has an adjusting unit for at least semi-automatically adjusting the outgoing signal to be transmitted.

Abstract: An anti-theft system, especially in the form of an access and/or starting system for a vehicle has a vehicle-mounted receiver for receiving a request signal containing the instruction to find out whether objects that are associated with the vehicle, e.g. lost identifiers, are located in specific areas of the vehicle. The anti-theft system further has a vehicle-mounted control and evaluation unit for verifying whether the objects are in the specific areas of the vehicle and outputting information on whether an object that is associated with the vehicle has been found. The anti-theft system finally has a vehicle-mounted transmitter for transmitting a result signal containing the information on whether objects have been found. Such an anti-theft system allows an identifier, for example, which is associated with a user, to start a search from a distance in order to verify whether certain objects are located near or inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for interpreting data from a site is described. The method may include various steps. Input data to be interpreted may be acquired. The input data may be sent to an interpreter. Alert criteria may be sent to the interpreter. A determination that indicates whether the alert criteria was satisfied may be received. If the determination indicates that the alert criteria was satisfied, an alert procedure may be performed.

Abstract: Advertisement systems and methods are provided for use in connection with notification services or systems. One such method, among others that are disclosed, can be practiced by performing at least the following steps: (a) monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; (b) contacting a party based upon the travel data; (c) providing an advertisement to the party during the contact; and (d) charging a fee for or otherwise monetarily benefiting from providing the advertisement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for notification or messaging systems that give confidence to the notification-receiving party that a notification concerning the travel status of a mobile thing is from a proper authorized source. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; communicating a notification involving a delivery or pickup task associated with the mobile thing to a personal communications device associated with a party; and providing authentication information to the personal communications device that indicates to the party that the notification is from an authorized source. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer system that is programmed to perform each of the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: monitoring travel data in connection with a mobile thing (MT) that is destined to pickup or deliver an item or service at a stop location; causing initiation of a notification communication session with a personal communications device (PCD) based upon the travel data; and during the notification communication session, enabling a party associated with the PCD to change one or more tasks associated with the pickup or delivery. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed or designed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: during a communication session with a personal communications device, determining a location of the personal communications device, and identifying a mobile thing to travel to the determined location or another location for a pickup or delivery, based upon the determined location. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for automated emergency assistance with manual cancellation that is responsive to physiological, environmental and/or input sensors associated with an individual. In embodiments, the invention enables a sensor system or device to be biased toward what would be false alarms, which may be avoided by the individual informing the device that he or she does not need assistance. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with a computer-based notification system and a personal communications device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party. One such representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device associated with a party; receiving a response communication from the party's personal communications device; and modifying a manner in which future notification communications are implemented, based upon the response. A representative response system, among others, has mechanisms for implementing the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with a computer-based notification system and a personal communications device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party. One such representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device associated with a party; receiving a response communication from the party's personal communications device; and modifying a manner in which future notification communications are implemented, based upon the response. A representative response system, among others, has mechanisms for implementing the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with a computer-based notification system and a personal communications device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party. One such representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device associated with a party; receiving a response communication from the party's personal communications device; and modifying a manner in which future notification communications are implemented, based upon the response. A representative response system, among others, has mechanisms for implementing the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: monitoring travel data associated with a first personal communications device (PCD); initiating a notification communication session to a second PCD, the notification communication including a message requesting a response and a travel status report indicating a proximity of the first PCD to a location; receiving the response from the second PCD; and communicating the response to the first PCD. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed or designed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: monitoring travel data in connection with a mobile thing that is destined to pickup or deliver an item at a stop location; causing initiation of a notification communication to a personal communications device based upon the travel data; and during the notification communication, enabling a party associated with the personal communications device to select whether or not to communicate with a party having access to particulars of the pickup or delivery of items or services. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed or designed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing (MT); scheduling a notification communication; analyzing traffic flow predicament data associated with a travel path to be traveled by the mobile thing; and rescheduling the notification communication, based upon the traffic flow predicament data. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely testing the operational status of a remediation system installed within a building or structure are disclosed. An illustrative remote monitoring system can include a sensor adapted to sense at least one characteristic of the remediation system, an interface in communication with the sensor, a gateway in communication with the interface, and a remote computer located away from the building or structure. The interface can be configured to convert sensor signals received from the sensor into an output signal having a format or platform supported by the gateway. The remote computer can include an interface that can be used by a servicing agent to transmit and receive signals to and from the gateway for monitoring and testing the operation of the remediation system.

Abstract: A wireless terminal comprising a radio transceiver for communicating with a base station, an infrared transceiver for communicating with another wireless terminal, a congestion control unit for detecting whether radio communication with the base station is in a collision-free state, and a communication control unit for performing radio communication with the base station by the radio transceiver after detecting unoccupied state in the radio channel by the congestion control unit and transmitting identification information to another wireless terminal by the infrared transceiver when the radio communication with the base station is completed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for notification or messaging systems that give confidence to the notification-receiving party that a notification concerning the travel status of a mobile thing is from a proper authorized source. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing; communicating a notification involving a delivery or pickup task associated with the mobile thing to a personal communications device associated with a party; and providing authentication information to the personal communications device that indicates to the party that the notification is from an authorized source. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer system that is programmed to perform each of the foregoing steps.

Abstract: Method for distribution of value codes configured to be cashed in to obtain credit for services subject to charges. The value codes are generated and stored in a database of a value code issuer. A value code is ordered by a customer through transmission of order data, containing at least one monetary amount value, via an order channel, to the value code issuer. A delivery number, linked in the database with the value code, is transmitted via a delivery channel to the customer, and the receipt of the transmitted delivery number is confirmed by the customer through transmission of at least one part of the delivery number via a confirmation channel to the value code issuer. A value, linked in the database to the monetary amount value, is transmitted via a delivery channel to the customer, and a monetary amount value corresponding to at least the monetary amount value linked to the confirmed value code is charged to the customer.

Abstract: Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with a computer-based notification system and a personal communications device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party. One such representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device associated with a party; receiving a response communication from the party's personal communications device; and modifying a manner in which future notification communications are implemented, based upon the response. A representative response system, among others, has mechanisms for implementing the foregoing steps.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: A portable terminal carried by an operator of a target apparatus includes a communicating device for conducting wireless communication and a first information acquiring device for acquiring first information related to the target apparatus from the target apparatus via the communicating device. The portable terminal also includes a second information sending device for sending second information to at least one external information terminal via the communicating device based on the first information. Further, the portable terminal includes a third information acquiring device for acquiring third information from at least one external information terminal responding to the second information via the communicating device and an information outputting device for outputting an information output based on the third information.

Abstract: A new and improved method for supervising and monitoring people from a remote location comprising the use of a communication system that builds upon telecommunications connections, computer interfaces, and information management via the internet. Strategically placed web cams, microphones, speakers, and display monitors are operatively linked to computers and information management means, and are used to permit a person in a remote location to view and listen to people in a plurality of active locations to verbally or visually prompt responses to inquiries or directives. The people in the active locations may also interact via these same interconnections to the person at the remote location. Touch screen technology may be included for purposes of automated supervision of tasks performed to accomplish a particular routine by the people in the active locations.

Abstract: A locating system comprising a control unit, a first integrated circuit, a first actuator and a transceiver. The control unit is configured with a program mode and a locate mode. The first actuator and the transceiver are coupled to the first integrated circuit and configured such that when the control unit is in program mode and the first actuator is activated, the control unit transmits a first signal indicating that the control unit is in program mode and identifies the first actuator.

Abstract: A system for controlling a magnetic field strength includes a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field for receipt by a responsive device and a controller in communication with the magnetic field generator for determining a strength of the magnetic field to a level sufficient for use in controlling the responsive device.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus and methods for monitoring the reaction of people to a performance use two or more monitoring devices of different types. Output signals from the monitoring devices are combined to produce at least one crowd reaction signal indicative of the reaction of those people to the performance. Particularly appropriate types of monitoring device are described, as is automatic performance generating apparatus, such an automatic DJ, adapted to use crowd reaction signals to modify performances.

Abstract: The need for service repair calls for a medical imaging system is reduced by enabling the operator to diagnose and, at times, to repair system problems without calling a repair service. A system diagnostics package includes an interactive diagnostic procedure which interacts with the system operator to receive input and information concerning a system problem. The diagnostics package uses this qualitative operator input, augmented if necessary by quantitative system data, to logically arrive at a system diagnosis. In a preferred embodiment the ultrasound system is able to learn about and discover new problem sources and their solutions. This information can be retained by the imaging system and used to repair similar problems in the system in the future. The information can be communicated to the system manufacturer so that the knowledge learned by one system can be disseminated to other systems to expedite their diagnosis and repair.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and selecting a desired wireless device from multiple available wireless devices is provided. In one embodiment, the desired wireless device receives a signal from a searching wireless device. An indicator on the desired wireless device is activated in a unique identification pattern that may be recognized by the user of the searching wireless device. In this manner the user may verify that the desired wireless device is receiving the signal from the searching wireless device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a local combined telephone and an alarm system comprising a central base communicating through two-way radio channel, according to a multiple access communication protocol, with telephone stations and detectors adapted to detect an emergency situation. The base transmits at regular intervals of less than 10 minutes, scanning messages addressed to the detectors and determines whether the detectors are operating, depending on whether it receives clearance messages from the detectors.

Abstract: A surveillance and security system, adapted to be applicable to a premises, is provided. The system comprises a system component installed on and capable of interacting with the premises. A wireless command unit is configured to communicate with and control the system component from a remotely-disposed location with respect thereto. The system component is configured to perform an examination of the premises and to send a corresponding surveillance signal to the command unit. The command unit is configured to send a broadcast signal to the system component for a corresponding broadcast to the premises. The command unit is thereby capable of two-way audio/video communication with the system component so as to provide remote surveillance and security for the premises. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: In a security system that has a large number of individually-addressable modules interconnected on a data bus to a control panel, a method of concurrently supervising the modules by first configuring each module with a unique zone number including a group number and a module number. During operation, the control panel initiates a group supervision poll sequence for each group number by transmitting a group poll command including a group number data field populated by the group number currently being polled. If a module is part of the group being polled, then it sets a discrete bit appended to a group poll response message that logically corresponds to the module number for that module. The control panel then determines if any bit in the group poll response message has not been set, and then issues a unit poll sequence addressed to a module that corresponds to any such bit not determined to have been set in the group poll response message.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for transmitting equipment installation data between an equipment installer and an operations center server. An installer of equipment, such as a monitoring device attached to a vehicle, calls an operations center server via a wireless telecommunications device, such as a wireless telephone. The call placed by the equipment installer is transmitted to a transfer server. A voice-to-data software application at the transfer server converts the communication to data for transfer to the operations center server. The operations center server prompts the installer with a series of prompts to obtain equipment installation information. Prompts from the operations center server are transmitted in data to the transfer server where those prompts are converted to voice before being transmitted to the equipment installer's wireless telephone.

Abstract: A communication protocol facilitates transmission at maximum rates for various types of cables. Signal to noise characteristics are improved by using voltage waveforms. The protocol can be used to transmit information between a common control unit and a plurality of spaced apart devices coupled thereto. Alternately, the protocol can be used for transmission of information between devices. The common control unit transmits clock pulses, while in a low impedance state. The devices respond to the clock pulses and transmit data on the communications link, in a low impedance state, when the common control unit has assumed a high impedance state. Clock signals and data signals are separated to improve signal to noise characteristics by transmitting same with opposite polarities. A clock detection circuit responds to the polarity of the clock pulses. A data detection circuit responds to the polarity of the data pulses.

Abstract: A transmitted signal confirmation device includes a transmitter, a receiver, a situation detecting device, an indicating mode determining device, and an indicator. The transmitter transmits the signal of a location of an individual (e.g., a vehicle). The receiver receives a signal receipt confirmation signal from a distant facility indicating receipt of the transmitted signal. The situation detecting device detects the situation existing at the location. The indicating mode determining device selects one indicating mode out of plural different indicating modes based on the situation at the location. The indicator provides a signal receipt confirmation indication with the one indicating mode when the receiver has received the confirmation signal.

Abstract: A multi-processor communication system includes a plurality of processors in bidirectional communication with one another. One processor can transmit a message to an intended recipient. The message can be correctly received by other processors. In the event that the intended processor does not correctly receive the message and transmits a failure indicating message, the other processors, upon detection of the failure will retransmit the message. Ambient condition sensors can be coupled to some of the processors.

Abstract: A portable receiving/transmitting unit is adapted to communicate with a master station, the master station being associated with a plurality of base stations, a plurality of pagers and a plurality of individual receiving/transmitting units. The portable receiving/transmitting unit includes, integrated into one unit, structure for receiving a data string encoding a personal message which is broadcasted by the master station together with a unit identifying code through a plurality of pagers; structure for conveying the broadcasted message to the operator of the receiving unit identified by the identifying code; and structure for generating a message and for transmitting it from the portable unit to the receiving base stations together with a unit identifying code.

Abstract: A new and improved method for supervising and monitoring people from a remote location comprising the use of a communication system that builds upon telecommunications connections, computer interfaces, and information management via the internet. Strategically placed web cams, microphones, speakers, and display monitors are operatively linked to computers and information management means, and are used to permit a person in a remote location to view and listen to people in a plurality of active locations to verbally or visually prompt responses to inquiries or directives. The people in the active locations may also interact via these same interconnections to the person at the remote location. Touch screen technology may be included for purposes of automated supervision of tasks performed to accomplish a particular routine by the people in the active locations.