Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting presence of an object in an environment, the method including receiving a Doppler signal during a frame in frequency domain, separating the Doppler signal in the frequency domain into a plurality of sub-band signals, determining a plurality of sub-band signal energies corresponding to the plurality of sub-band signals, determining whether motion of the object is detected in accordance with one of the plurality of sub-band signal energies and a baseline energy, and responsive to a determination that motion of the object is detected, setting a flag of object presence.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for operating a fire alarm system are described herein. One device includes circuitry to determine a resistance associated with an addressable fire alarm loop during a quiescent condition, determine an expected voltage drop in the loop during an alarm condition based on a plurality of devices of the loop, and set an alarm drive voltage of a power supply associated with the loop based on the resistance and the expected voltage drop.

Abstract: A fire alarm testing device including an electrical-switch assembly, and internal circuitry. The electrical-switch assembly includes a face-plate with the face-plate including two screw-holes, a control knob, two voltage/resistor measuring points, a plurality of electrical contacts, and two mounting screws. The internal circuitry is mechanically and electrically coupleable to the face-plate, and electrically communicable with a fire alarm system. The control knob also includes four rotatable positions including normal, open, ground, and short such that the fire alarm system is testable by rotating the knob. The electrical-switch assembly is rated for 0-40 volts direct current and is rated up to 350 milliamps and is rated up to 3.5 continuous current-amps. Preferably, electrical-switch assembly is water resistant sealed from dust and debris. Protective caps or plugs are installed where required to prevent foreign objects into the device.

Abstract: A fire alarm panel comprises a panel interface. The panel interface includes a display screen, a plurality of discrete condition lights separate from the display screen, and a touchscreen panel extending across both the display screen and the plurality of condition lights.

Abstract: An alarm circuit for electronic device includes a detection unit, a signal conversion circuit, and an alarm control circuit. The detection unit is configured to detect a working status of an electronic device, and output a control signal of a first voltage level when the detection circuit determines the presence of smoke in the electronic device. The signal conversion circuit is configured to receive the control signal of the first voltage level, and convert the control signal of the first voltage level to an alarm signal of a first voltage level. The alarm control circuit is configured to receive the alarm signal of the first voltage level and transmit an alarm.

Abstract: A detection device designed to detect the intensity of a signal emitted by a source powered by pulse-width modulation at a first frequency. The device includes a reactivation circuit including circuitry for detecting a signal modulated at a second frequency, the second frequency being different from the first frequency and tripping circuitry or tripping a reactivation of the detection device when the signal is modulated at the second frequency.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes an accelerometer (included within a wireless physiology monitoring device or as part of a separate device such as, but not limited to a smartphone, e.g., iPhone, or other mobile device) to link a patient with a separate medical data acquisition device such as a weight scale or a blood pressure monitor in order to collect and transmit a range of medical data associated with the user. The medical data acquisition device includes a vibration source for emitting a vibration at a predetermined or random frequency. When the acquisition device is activated, a vibration is transmitted from the through the patient and is detected by the accelerometer. The accelerometer then measures the particular frequency of vibration and transmits this information to a centralized monitoring unit (CMU). Based on the measured frequency, the CMU is able to know that the same patient wearing/holding the device is also the same patient using the data acquisition device.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes a sensor mechanism is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the sensor mechanism provides sensor data based on measurements of environmental conditions in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Moreover, a control mechanism assesses if the environmental conditions indicate at least one of a set of threats. If yes, the control mechanism provides a corresponding alert. Furthermore, the environmental monitoring device includes a power source with a primary power source and a secondary power source. The secondary power source has at least a 10-year life and may power at least a subset of the functionality of the environmental monitoring device in the event the primary power source fails. For example, the sensor mechanism may include a smoke detector that is powered by the secondary power source in the event the primary power source fails.

Abstract: To test whether a trailer is coupled to a tractor when the tractor ignition switch is off, a test switch in the trailer connects a high-impedance power source in a trailer to a line carrying energy from the tractor ignition switch to the trailer's electrical load, and measures the voltage at the line. A high voltage indicates a connection only to the electrical load in the trailer and thus a decouple. A low voltage indicates a measurement of the electrical loads in both trailer and tractor and hence a coupling.

Abstract: Systems and methods for intelligent operation and testing of backup-powered safety devices such as exit signs, emergency lights, smoke alarms, and like devices are generally disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an indicator is used to provide a display of the operational status of the safety device, as well as a testing or charging procedure status for a backup power source. The indicator may be used to provide a definitive indication of whether the testing or charging procedure was conducted, and whether such testing or charging procedure either failed or succeeded. In further embodiments, a single indicator provides each of the operational, testing, and charging status indicators for predefined periods of time using a single visible indicator display provided within the safety device.

Abstract: In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, an alarm system is provided. The alarm system includes a system controller coupled to at least one initiation device. At least one textual notification device such as for example a signboard is coupled to the system controller. In one embodiment, the textual notification device is a multi-line signboard having an alarm input and a secondary input. The textual notification device is supervised, controlled, and powered integrally with the system controller. In an additional embodiment, an audible generator can be provided that provides an audible message in conjunction with the visual message on the textual notification devices.

Abstract: An alarm trend summary display system and method can utilize an alarm trend list that works together with an alarm summary list. A set of rows in the alarm trend list can be organized in a top-to-bottom manner. A set of alarm indicators within each row in the alarm trend list can be arranged in a right-to-left horizontal arrangement. The set of alarm indicators can be aligned with most recent alarms appearing on a right side of the alarm trend list. The specific alarm indicators can be selected in the alarm trend list, so that a corresponding item can be highlighted in the alarm summary list, if the alarms are active. Hence, the system and method can allow an operator to see when alarms occur, their sequence, relations and priority, which aid the operators cope with inevitable alarm floods.

Abstract: A sensor has a transmitter module for transferring data via a line, the sensor receiving power via the line. At a point in time in which the sensor receives a first power level, it transmits the data for a first time interval. A second sensor which is connected to the line in parallel to the first sensor then transmits its data for a second time interval after the first time interval. A timing sequence control system in the two sensors which is triggered by the point in time of reception of the power ensures the subsequent transmission by the first and second sensor.

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 system is provided for implementing a series interlock loop. An example of the interlock system includes a series interlock loop, a data table, and a control module. The series interlock loop has an overall electrical characteristic. The series interlock loop includes first and second safety interlocks electrically coupled in series. Each interlock includes a switch coupled in parallel with an impedance value. The data table is configured to store values corresponding to the impedance values. The control module is communicatively coupled to the data table and configured to receive an indication of the overall electrical characteristic and to compare the overall electrical characteristic to the values in the data table to thereby identify an open one of the first and second safety interlocks.

Abstract: Both notification appliances and speakers usable to broadcast verbal messages into a region can be coupled to common signal and power providing communication lines. Composite output modules can include speakers, horns, and strobe lights, all without limitation, which can be independently driven and controlled from a common pair of lines.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a number of input devices, a number of digital sensors, a number of analog sensors, and a number of alarms. Each input device comprises a switching circuit, an input circuit, and a connector. The connector is connected to a digital sensor or connected to an analog sensor and a first power source in series. The controller controls the switching circuit of the input device to receive a digital signal of the digital sensor or an analog signal of the analog sensor and output a corresponding detection signal. The input circuit transmits the detection signal to the controller. The controller controls the corresponding alarm to work according to the detection signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coding SAW OFC devices to mitigate code collisions in a wireless multi-tag system. Each device producing plural stepped frequencies as an OFC signal with a chip offset delay to increase code diversity. A method for assigning a different OCF to each device includes using a matrix based on the number of OFCs needed and the number chips per code, populating each matrix cell with OFC chip, and assigning the codes from the matrix to the devices. The asynchronous passive multi-tag system includes plural surface acoustic wave devices each producing a different OFC signal having the same number of chips and including a chip offset time delay, an algorithm for assigning OFCs to each device, and a transceiver to transmit an interrogation signal and receive OFC signals in response with minimal code collisions during transmission.

Abstract: To test whether a trailer is coupled to a tractor when the tractor ignition switch is off, a test switch in the trailer connects a high-impedance power source in a trailer to a line carrying energy from the tractor ignition switch to the trailer's electrical load, and measures the voltage at the line. A high voltage indicates a connection only to the electrical load in the trailer and thus a decouple. A low voltage indicates a measurement of the electrical loads in both trailer and tractor and hence a coupling.

Abstract: A method is presented for providing alarm notification and two-way voice communication for a hybrid data/voice system by sending an alarm from a communication device to a central station receiver via a data transmission method, associating the alarm with a telephone number operating with a voice transmission method, and initiating the two-way voice communication between the communication device and a voice receiver. In one embodiment, associating includes selecting a line number and telephone number, verifying the number's availability, and if the number is available, sending it to the communication device. In another embodiment, associating includes forwarding the alarm from the alarm forwarding service to a receiver, sending a telephone number to the communication device, contacting the telephone number from the communication device, and using a voice transmission method to create a three-way call among the alarm forwarding service, the communication device and the central station.

Abstract: A method and system for assessing or otherwise determining defective operation of an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may be a vehicle or non-vehicle ECU having any number of modules configured to provide and/or support any number of operations. The defective ECU operations may be determined as a function of a voltage drop across a shunt included on the ECU.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data from at least one sensor to a control unit is described, a value range, which is available for encoding the data to be transmitted, being divided into three portions. The first portion is used for the sensor values. The second portion is used for status signals and error signals, and the third portion is used for sensor identification data, the three portions being separated from one another and following in succession.

Abstract: A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes a circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor. The circuit employs an anti-tamper sensor that includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element.

Abstract: A circuit that employs an anti-tamper sensor includes a circuit element that is responsive to a first input and to a second input. A selective coupling element couples the circuit element to the first input and is responsive to the anti-tamper sensor. The selective coupling element has a first state that allows the circuit element to operate normally when the anti-tamper sensor does not detect a tamper condition and is configured to enter a second state that causes the circuit element to become inoperable when the anti-tamper sensor detects a tamper condition. A decoy coupling element is disposed between the second input and the circuit element and has an appearance corresponding to the selective coupling element. The decoy coupling element will cause the circuit element not to operate normally if the decoy coupling element has a selected physical property of the selective coupling element in the first state.

Abstract: A method, system and circuit arrangement exchange data and supply power to at least one current sink connected via at least one data line pair to a fire alarm control unit. A pulsed voltage is used as the supply voltage for the current sink connected via at least one data line pair. Useful data is transmitted to the fire alarm control unit between two voltage pulses. The voltage required to transmit the useful data to the fire alarm control unit is used by a capacitor of a circuit arrangement in the current sink charged beforehand by the supply voltage.

Abstract: A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm appliances, such as smoke detectors and sirens, in a drawing area. After elements are placed and physical paths are determined, a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements are determined. The electrical circuit connections define wire gauges and lengths passing through the physical paths. The wire types may be determined by predefined rules, and multiple wires may be placed in a single physical path. Subsequently, the CAD system performs electrical calculations associated with the alarm system. The electrical calculations may be based on a supervisory mode of operation as well as an alarm mode of operation. The resistance of wires in the alarm system may be based on a scaled wire length and/or a schematic (non-scaled) wire length. In one example, a backup battery capacity requirement is calculated.

Abstract: A POE (power over Ethernet)-prioritized active splitter is disclosed for a prioritized network having different priorities such as a network security system that uses an intelligent POE power supply with a prioritized back-up response, allowing a lower cost UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system to be used, and also providing a longer back-up time period by the UPS system for more critical components of the security system. A simple embodiment operates with only two priority levels, a high priority level for more critical components of the, such as the cable modem, the system router, fire alarm devices, local warning devices and the alarm communicator, while less critical components are supplied with electrical power at the low priority level. In the event of a power outage or disconnection, the critical high priority components remain connected to the Ethernet network to be supplied with electrical power by the UPS system and also to communicate over the twisted wire pairs of the Ethernet network.

Abstract: A safety device is provided that can be connected with a technical device and an associated emergency activation apparatus. The safety device includes a rail. The rail and emergency activation apparatus are fashioned such that the emergency activation apparatus can be attached to the rail and be shifted thereon. A test signal can be output by the rail that can be received by an emergency activation apparatus attached thereto independent of its shift position. A response signal can be output by the emergency activation apparatus that can be received by the rail independent of the shift position emergency activation apparatus. The safety device is fashioned such that a signal can be emitted to the technical device dependent on the receipt of the response signal. Via the signal, an emergency measure can be triggered, for example an emergency disconnection of the technical device such as an E-stop or, respectively, dead-man's function.

Abstract: An integrated video distribution system for distributing video signals from a plurality of sources. The system includes a digitizer arrangement arranged to receive analog video signals from a plurality of video sources. The analog video signals are digitized in YCrCb video format and converted to streams of digital video data. The video data is multiplexed and transmitted on a digital video bus having a plurality of video channels. In one embodiment, the digitizers and video bus are integrated with a backplane arrangement that includes expansion slots for a plurality of terminal controllers. The expansion slots provide connections to the video bus. Each terminal controller mounted on the backplane arrangement can be coupled to a display terminal and an input device. The terminal controller selects one or more of the input streams of video data in response to control signals from the input device and converts the selected video data to an analog video signal for output to a display terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for calibrating line drive currents in systems that generate data signals by varying line drive currents and that interpret the data signals by comparing them to one or more reference voltages. The calibration includes varying the line drive current at a transmitting component. At different line drive currents, a receiver reference voltage is varied while the transmitting component transmits data to a receiving component. At each line drive current, the system records the highest and lowest receiver reference voltages at which data errors do not occur. The system then examines the recorded high and low receiver reference voltages to determine a desirable line drive current.

Abstract: An adverse condition detector that allows the user to visually determine the type of adverse condition being detected. The adverse condition detector includes a sensor and a control unit coupled to the sensor. When the sensor detects an adverse condition above a selected level, the control unit generates an audible alarm signal and a visual alarm signal. The visual alarm signal simulates the type of adverse condition being detected. In one embodiment of the invention, the visual alarm signal includes a plurality of visual indicators operated in a random fashion to simulate the appearance of a flame.

Abstract: A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm appliances, such as smoke detectors and sirens, in a drawing area. After elements are placed and physical paths are determined, a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements are determined. The electrical circuit connections define wire gauges and lengths passing through the physical paths. The wire types may be determined by predefined rules, and multiple wires may be placed in a single physical path. Subsequently, the CAD system performs electrical calculations associated with the alarm system. The electrical calculations may be based on a supervisory mode of operation as well as an alarm mode of operation. The resistance of wires in the alarm system may be based on a scaled wire length and/or a schematic (non-scaled) wire length. In one example, a backup battery capacity requirement is calculated.

Abstract: A sensor system in which a sensor suite has a locally located field sensing unit (FSU) that converts and evaluates sensor information using sensor fusion algorithms and is thereby able to send qualitative low-bandwidth, low power usage signals to a remote command post.

Abstract: Manufacturing techniques are described for forming electrical components. For example, a layer of a metal powder composition is deposited onto at least a portion of a substrate. Pressure is applied to the metal powder composition by hydraulic press that has one or more projections in order to capture a pattern on the substrate. The metal powder composition compressed by the projections of the hydraulic press adhere to the substrate to form the captured pattern. The metal powder composition in regions not compressed by the projections of hydraulic press do not adhere to the substrate and may be removed. The metal powder composition may be compressed to form electrical components, such as antennae, capacitor plates, conduction pads and the like, for use in an electronic surveillance system (EAS), a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, or the like.

Abstract: A method for exchanging, in real time, information between several persons provided with a mobile telephone adapted to be connected to a server. The method includes, for a user, transmitting to the server an identification signal, displaying on a screen of a first mobile telephone a list of persons having transmitted the identification signal, selecting from the list persons with whom the user wishes to exchange information, transmitting to the server a request for being connected to selected person, and interconnecting the first mobile telephone with the mobile telephones of the selected persons. Thus the interconnected persons can exchange information data in real time.

Abstract: A management system is provided with a sensor control means located in each region of a multiple occupancy building and a management apparatus connected to and able to communicate with the sensor control means. The sensor control means are connected with sensors for detecting the state in each area and send to the management apparatus detection information output by the sensors along with mounting location information of the sensors. Also, the management apparatus correlates and manages the detection information and mounting location information received from the sensor control means.

Abstract: A communication protocol facilitates transmission at maximum rates for various types of cables. 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. One control unit or device 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 source of clock pulses assumes a high impedance state. One or more features of transmitted signals can be used to implement one or more synchronized functions.

Abstract: A management system is provided with a sensor control means located in each region of a multiple occupancy building and a management apparatus connected to and able to communicate with the sensor control means. The sensor control means are connected with sensors for detecting the state in each area and send to the management apparatus detection information output by the sensors along with mounting location information of the sensors. Also, the management apparatus correlates and manages the detection information and mounting location information received from the sensor control means.

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: An electrical circuit for transmitting an item of information relating to the state of a parameter or of a piece of equipment, in particular for application in the railway field. The circuit includes a device for regulating the current flowing through the switch, including a switch device for switching over connections and having an inductive energy storage device and a capacitive energy storage device which, under steady conditions, alternate between being a device for storing and a device for restoring a fraction of the energy of the electrical circuit depending on the alternating state of the connections, as defined by the switch device. The invention also provides an electrical system incorporating such a circuit.

Abstract: An interface module is proposed, to which sensors are connected and which is positioned in a control device, it being indicated via an identification input how the sensor data are to be classified by the interface module. In particular, this can be used to distinguish between safety-relevant and safety-irrelevant data. Furthermore, the nature of the data can be identified therewith. This identification input is advantageously designed as a voltage input, the voltage levels being then converted into a bit sequence. The identification input is connected to ground via a resistor, so that, in the case of an unspecified input potential, the voltage level is connected to ground. The interface module has a logic circuit to which voltage comparators are connected, which compare the voltages to reference potentials, and then the logic circuit performs a coding using the bit sequences, as a function of the output signals of the voltage comparators.

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 fire alarm apparatus, for checking line disconnection or occurrence of a fire, regardless of the installation place of a terminal endpoint resistor installed for checking disconnection of a line of fire detectors. When a signal representing a present voltage state of the detectors is input through the line, a control section compares the voltage level of the signal with a reference voltage level, and generates either a line disconnection control signal or a fire control signal. A first alarm section provides indication of disconnection of the line in response to the line disconnection control signal and a second alarm section provides indication of the occurrence of fire in response to the fire control signal. The apparatus can thus monitor a state of the detecting line, the common line and the fire detectors, regardless of the installation place of the terminal endpoint resistor.

Abstract: A monitoring device for security in automatic teller machine, wherein a security monitoring unit and a security data recording unit are robust in structure so that they are not easily destructed. Even if the automatic teller machine itself is stolen and a commercial power source is shut down, the security monitoring unit and the security data recording unit can be operated with a backup power supply unit to wirelessly transmit security information, thereby making it possible to keep track of where the automatic teller machine is located.

Abstract: A signalling device applies a pulsating signal to supply lines when a head is removed from a base. A monitoring system includes a plurality of such signalling devices and is responsive to the pulsating signal to indicate the absence of a head from its base. When a pulsating signal is already on the supply lines, its waveform is preserved independently of the number of heads removed from respective bases. A timer is triggered either to ensure synchronisation of pulsating signals generated by two or more bases, or to prevent any second base from generating a pulsating signal, if a first base is already generating one. The timer can be an oscillator where a capacitor is prematurely discharged by a pulsating signal already present on the supply lines. The base can include additional means for inhibiting the pulsating signal when a voltage applied to the signalling device either exceeds a predetermined threshold, or changes in polarity, or both.

Abstract: An intelligent switching mechanism for the backup batteries of an alarm system is disclosed. When AC input power has failed but no alarm has been declared, the batteries are switched into a parallel configuration, which is sufficient to supply the control panel, so that the batteries are drained in tandem. When AC input power has failed and an alarm has been declared, the batteries are switched into a series configuration to supply power at the higher voltage required by the alarm annunciators.

Abstract: A field bus system may be used in which transmission ability of the system can be maintained even if communication error occurs due to noises or failure of a transmission line. The system can be easily shifted at a lower cost from a conventional system to the field bus system without degrading the high reliability thereof. The transmission line is constituted by a multiple-cable transmission line having at least three transmission cables. An external power supply supplies power to field devices through a pair of transmission cables of the multiple-cable transmission line. The field devices are connected to the transmission cables through a transmission line switching unit constituted by a plurality of rectifier elements, so that the field devices are supplied with current flowing in one predetermined direction when any of the pairs of transmission cables is selected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting signals on a transmission line, the transmission line having a DC current flowing therethrough and having a plurality of terminals connected thereto in a multidrop fashion. Each of the terminals is capable of drawing a portion of the DC current. A signal is transmitted on the transmission line by varying the portions of the DC current drawn by the terminals. When the signal is not being transmitted the total amount of the DC current drawn by the terminals from the transmission line is maintained at a value smaller than an average amount of the DC current drawn by the terminals from the transmission line when the signal is being transmitted.

Abstract: A danger alarm system includes a plurality of detectors, each of which having a microprocessor, a current drain controllable by the microprocessor for data exchange with a central station, an address register, and a nonvolatile memory for containing an individual binary serial number.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and testing a twisted pair, particularly useful for an Ethernet network. First and second DC currents alternated with one another are applied to both ends of the line, asynchronously. By monitoring the potential on the line, a determination is made as to the condition of the line. For example, shorted, crossed, improperly terminated or open conditions can be detected. A visual indication of the condition of the line is provided and additionally, the visual indication provides an indication of the traffic level in the network.