Abstract: Airborne particles are impacted on a collection surface, analyzed, and then the collection surface is regenerated. Thus, the same collection surface can be used in numerous cycles. The analysis can be focused on one or more properties of interest, such as the concentration of airborne biologicals. Sensors based on regenerative collection surfaces may be incorporated in many networks for applications such as building automation.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying status indications from a communications network is provided. Alert identifiers are provided that identify a communications-network alert to be presented to a user on a display device. A set of presentation attributes desired to be displayed with the alert are provided, and a plurality of data structures from which the presentation attributes can be gathered is identified. The presentation attributes are retrieved from the plurality of data structures, and inputted into a single presentation data structure, which can be the sole object of a data query used to retrieve information to be presented in connection with the communications-network alert.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, receiving, and collecting information related to a plurality of working components, such as street lamps, allows for efficient and effective monitoring and controlling of working components through short-distance radio communications at low power levels. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, a communications network includes a plurality of transceiver modules, each of which is secured and operably connected to a working component. These transceiver modules transmit and receive radio communications or “messages” representative of the status of the working component from one another in a controlled manner, with each message ultimately being directed to an area control module.

Abstract: An alarm display and interface tool for use in a process control system receives and displays different categories of alarms, including for example, device alarms and hardware alarms as well as traditional process alarms, on a single display to enable an operator or other user to view and have access to these different categories of alarms. The display and interface tool may be used to filter the alarms that are displayed according to any number of categories, including the category of the alarm, the priority of the alarm, the status of the alarm, etc. so as to alternatively segregate or combine the tasks typically associated with operator, maintenance and engineer personnel. The tool may also be used to access each of the displayed alarms to obtain more information about any individual alarm.

Abstract: The concept herein is focused on a portable structure, generally in the form of a portable mat or other similar member, that can be moved or transported from place to place to be used in a temporary manner and placed on the ground for use in the process of facilitating the implementation of field exercise tests of individuals who are suspected of criminal or other activity such as driving under the influence of alcohol, such mat comprising in general a flat flexible mat-like member that can be placed flush against the ground for temporary use, such mat having an upper surface with demarcations thereon for guiding a person walking over the upper surface of the mat.

Abstract: A system that employs a chosen one of a plurality of presentation selections to present information from a field device. The system has a field device interface that configures the field device in accordance with the chosen presentation selection. A control configurator programs the field device interface in accordance with the chosen presentation selection.

Abstract: A combination airborne substance detection apparatus includes an enclosure, a first module disposed within the enclosure for detecting the presence of a quantity of a first airborne substance, a second module disposed within the enclosure for detecting the presence of a quantity of a second airborne substance, and an alarm module for producing a first perceivable emission when the first substance is detected and for producing a second perceivable emission when the second substance is detected. The first perceivable emission includes at least one of an audible and a visible emission that is distinguishable from the second perceivable emission. The first and second detector modules are each capable of independently and continuously detecting the first and second substances, respectively.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring whether a resident is away from home or inactive within the home. A sensor, which includes a transmitter, a processor, a timer, and a detector, watches for motion to occur within a home. Upon sensing motion, the sensor sends a first signal indicative of the motion if the timer is not currently running and waits for the motion to end. If the timer already is running, the timer is restarted at zero. Upon expiration of a predetermined timing period, the sensor transmits a second signal indicative of inactivity. By comparing the timing of the second signal and the predetermined timing period, with a third signal sent by an exterior door sensor, a determination can be made whether the resident has left the home or is inactive within the home.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses a security confirmation system which can achieve efficient communication by optimizing an amount of transmitted data, and a method thereof. The security confirmation system includes a home master device connected to at least one security device through a first network based on a predetermined protocol, for receiving predetermined security information from the security device, generating a service security data having the security information, and transmitting the service security data, and a user terminal connected to the home master device through a second network separated from the first network, for receiving and displaying the service security data.

Abstract: Referee's wireless horn indicator system for aiding a referee in accurately officiating in a sports event. The system includes a controller and a sensory receiver. The controller includes the official time clock for the sports event, a control circuit coupled to the official time clock, and a radio transmitter activated by the control circuit for sending a radio signal to the sensory receiver. The sensory receiver is worn by the referee, for instance on the wrist, and includes a radio receiver and a sensory stimulating device such as a vibrator, both battery powered. Upon the official time clock reaching zero, a signal is sent by the transmitter to the radio receiver which then activates the sensory stimulating device to impart a tactual signal to the referee, thereby apprizing him of the expiration of the time period.

Abstract: A portable security system. The portable security system includes a wheeled trailer and a telescopic mast that is coupled to the trailer. The mast is pivotable between a first generally horizontal retracted position and a second generally vertical extended position. A cabinet is mounted onto the trailer and houses a control subsystem, a data input subsystem, a data server and a data storage subsystem. At least one input device is connected to the data input subsystem. The data input subsystem receives data from the input device and forwards the data to the data storage subsystem for storage by means of the data server.

Abstract: A vehicle-use liquid crystal display device which is capable of securing high visibility even under a low temperature environment without increasing or enlarging power consumption is provided. A display vehicle speed Ddis is switched according to a hysteresis of ±0.7 kilometer per hour as shown in FIG. 6(b) under a normal or high temperature environment of not less than 45° C. with respect to a change in a vehicle speed shown in FIG. 6(a). Namely, even if the vehicle speed D changes between 51.4 kilometers and 52.6 kilometers, the display vehicle speed Ddis is held at 52 kilometers. The display vehicle speed Ddis is switched according to a hysteresis of ±1.0 kilometer per hour as shown in FIG. 6(c) under a low temperature environment of less than 45° C. Namely, even if the vehicle speed D changes between 51.1 kilometers and 52.9 kilometers, the display vehicle speed Ddis is held at 52 kilometers.

Abstract: An electric power line characteristic monitoring method that allows automatic conductor circuit fault data logging of average nominal and maximum magnitudes of conductor current, voltage, temperature and strain. Additionally, an alarm is implemented to enunciate a faulted condition on the power line. Parametric data storage is provided for later retrieval by a remote exciter. The parametric data is retrieved from the exciter through the transmission of a specific frequency and code key that activates the exciter.

Abstract: A tool for sensor management and fault visualization in machine condition monitoring. The method and system are able to monitor a plurality of sensors at one time. The sensors may be used in a power plant system monitoring system. The method and system may display a fault status for each sensor in the plurality of sensors in a single display, wherein the fault status for each sensor is displayed over time. The method and system also provide a mechanism that permits a user to examine details of each sensor in the plurality of sensors at any given time. In addition, the method and system are capable of categorizing each fault in the fault status using one or more properties or categorizing criteria. The method and system also permit sensors to be tested such that different operating models may be examined by utilizing different sensors.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising means for setting a primary alarm method, means for setting an alarm time, means for checking at the alarm time one or more alarm conditions relating to the primary alarm method, means for giving the alarm by using the primary alarm method if the alarm condition is met, and means for giving the alarm by using a secondary alarm method if the alarm condition is not met.

Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal situations associated with a reactor in a process plant receives statistical data associated with pressure within a reactor vessel. For example, a pressure sensor device disposed at least partially within the reactor vessel may generate the statistical data based on a pressure signal. The statistical data is analyzed to detect whether one or more abnormal situations associated with an agitator of the reactor exist. For example, the statistical data may be analyzed to detect whether the agitator is no longer turning, is turning at a rate that is different than expected, is out of balance, is broken, etc. If an abnormal situation is detected, an indicator of the abnormal situation may be generated.

Abstract: Method, system and device useful with conventional personal computers respond automatically to an identified alarm sound by sending a notification signal via the Internet only when a special sound monitoring program is active. Additionally, bedside detection of acoustic alarms is combined with enhanced waking devices to insure the waking of a child or hearing impaired person in response to an emergency. Home safety and security are provided using a bedside unit to monitor audible safety and security alarms and send notification signals to the appropriate communication site. A health monitoring method and system utilizes the bedside device to monitor breathing patterns and other health measuring signals and communicate these patterns and signals to a medical monitoring station.

Abstract: System, device and method for alerting an individual to an alert condition using acoustic alarms having less sensitivity to multipath distortion and having improved inherent signal to noise ratio properties, wherein the acoustic alarms are readily distinguishable using standard digital processing techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling part picking in a manufacturing facility comprises a conveyor 30 for transporting containers each bearing a barcode defining a plurality of parts to be placed in the container and, disposed at intervals along the conveyor, a plurality of barcode readers 26, a plurality of part storage racks 34, and a plurality of display screens 36. A control system 44, 46, 48 can selectively assign the code readers, storage racks and display screens to one or more zones each including at least one active barcode reader, at least one active display screen and at least one storage rack. In operation the control system displays on at least one display screen of each zone the parts to be picked from the at least one storage rack according to the barcode read by the at least one active scanner.

Abstract: An emergency alarm system is disclosed as including a base unit 9, adapted to be installed in an architectural structure at an area attracting public attention, which incorporates a temperature sensor 29, a gas sensor 31, a sound sensor 33 and a vibration sensor 35 and includes a transmitter 39, a receiver 41, a sound generator 37 and a display board 27; a mobile handset 23, carried by a person for self-defense, which incorporates a temperature sensor 51 and a gas sensor 53 and includes a transmitter 59, a receiver 61, a sound generator 55 and a light source 57; and infrared ray sensors 13, installed in respective rooms in the architectural structure, which incorporates a temperature sensor 69 and a gas sensor 71 and includes a transmitter 73; wherein when one of the sensors of the base unit 9, the mobile handset 23 and the infrared ray sensors 13 detects an abnormal signal under an emergency condition, the base unit 9, the mobile handset 23 and the infrared ray sensors 13 mutually communicate with each other

Abstract: A packet intrusion detection rule simplification apparatus and method and an intrusion detection apparatus and method are provided. Test conditions of at least one intrusion detection rules are rearranged based on test items, and the same test conditions for the same test items are grouped. Group rules having a connection structure of the test conditions are generated so that the test items and orders of the intrusion detection rules are satisfied. A common rule consisting of test conditions existing at the test start positions in the connection structure of the group rules is generated. Next, packet intrusion detection is performed by using the common rule, and the packet intrusion detection is performed by using the group rules. According, it is possible to reduce a load involved in the intrusion detection process by using the grouped and simplified intrusion detection rules.

Abstract: An electric power steering system comprises a three-phase brushless DC motor, a steering torque detector, a resolver for detecting a resolver rotation angle of the three-phase brushless DC motor, a processing unit and a failure detection apparatus. The processing unit supplies a motor rotation angle and a rotational direction command value to the failure detection apparatus. The failure detection apparatus determines whether the processing unit is normal based on the motor rotation angle and the rotational direction command value.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring whether a resident is away from home or inactive within the home. A sensor, which includes a transmitter, a processor, a timer, and a detector, watches for motion to occur within a home. Upon sensing motion, the sensor sends a first signal indicative of the motion if the timer is not currently running and waits for the motion to end. If the timer already is running, the timer is restarted at zero. Upon expiration of a predetermined timing period, the sensor transmits a second signal indicative of inactivity. By comparing the timing of the second signal and the predetermined timing period, with a third signal sent by an exterior door sensor, a determination can be made whether the resident has left the home or is inactive within the home. The system includes a database, a CPU and State Model for determining the activity state of a home.

Abstract: A mobile platform fire detection system includes a plurality of smoke detectors locatable in a compartment of a mobile platform. Heat sensors are also positioned in the compartment. At least one indication panel is located outside of the compartment and adjacent to an entranceway into the compartment. The indication panel operates to identify an alarm condition of each of the smoke detectors and the heat sensors.

Abstract: In a communication system having a plurality of networks, a method of achieving network separation between first and second networks is described. First and second networks with respective first and second degrees of trust are defined, the first degree of trust being higher than the second degree of trust. Communication between the first and second networks is enabled via a network interface system having a protocol stack, the protocol stack implemented by the network interface system in an application layer. Data communication from the second network to the first network is enabled while data communication from the first network to the second network is minimized.

Abstract: Method, system and device useful with conventional personal computers respond automatically to an identified alarm sound by sending a notification signal via the Internet only when a special sound monitoring program is active. Additionally, bedside detection of acoustic alarms is combined with enhanced waking devices to insure the waking of a child or hearing impaired person in response to, an emergency. Home safety and security are provided using a bedside unit to monitor audible safety and security alarms and send notification signals to the appropriate communication site. A health monitoring method and system utilizes the bedside device to monitor breathing patterns and other health measuring signals and communicate these patterns and signals to a medical monitoring station.

Abstract: A multi-sensor camera compares status describing data which is described based on a determining rule and sensor data outputted from a microwave sensor with a notification determining table sent from a processing box. If it is determined that an event is notified, the multi-sensor camera sends notifying image data to the processing box, and presents the sent data on a presenting unit. A user inputs, based on a predetermined detecting condition, the determination on the notification need of the event detected based on the sensor data outputted from the sensor. A unit for learning the determining rule adjusts the predetermined condition used for the detection based on the input determination and the feature of the event, and updates the notification determining table so as to notify the event which needs the notification and prevent the notification of unnecessary event.

Abstract: Method, system and device useful with conventional personal computers respond automatically to an identified alarm sound by sending a notification signal via the Internet only when a special sound monitoring program is active. Additionally, bedside detection of acoustic alarms is combined with enhanced waking devices to insure the waking of a child or hearing impaired person in response to an emergency. Home safety and security are provided using a bedside unit to monitor audible safety and security alarms and send notification signals to the appropriate communication site. A health monitoring method and system utilizes the bedside device to monitor breathing patterns and other health measuring signals and communicate these patterns and signals to a medical monitoring station.

Abstract: Method, system and device useful with conventional personal computers respond automatically to an identified alarm sound by sending a notification signal via the Internet only when a special sound monitoring program is active. Additionally, bedside detection of acoustic alarms is combined with enhanced waking devices to insure the waking of a child or hearing impaired person in response to an emergency. Home safety and security are provided using a bedside unit to monitor audible safety and security alarms and send notification signals to the appropriate communication site. A health monitoring method and system utilizes the bedside device to monitor breathing patterns and other health measuring signals and communicate these patterns and signals to a medical monitoring station.

Abstract: An alarm display and interface system method for use in a process control system enhances device alarm messages to enable the integrated display device alarms with process alarms. The system and method receives a device alarm message from a field device and the device alarm message has a first set of message fields including a first set of device information. The system and method appends a second set of message fields containing a second set of device information associated with the field device to the device alarm message based on the first set of device information to form an enhanced device alarm message and selects a device alarm table based on the second set of device information within the enhanced device alarm message. The system and method maps the first set of device information within the enhanced device alarm message to the selected device alarm table to identify a set of information fields containing displayable alarm information and displays a portion of the displayable alarm information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring conditions in a room are disclosed. Sensors may be placed in a room that measure various environmental conditions of the room, such as temperature, CO2, ventilation, humidity, volatile organic compounds, sound, static, light, pressure and odor (e.g. H2S). Depending on the use of the room, a selected number of these measurements are signal conditioned to be able to be displayed in real time, or near real time, on a computer display monitor or other visual display in a three dimensional format or more called a sweet spot. At the same time the computer can display onto the visual display an optimum sweet spot that is calculated from an algorithm given the special features, contents, and the like that characterize the room. The deviation between 1he two sweet spots, i.e., actual and theoretical, may be calculated, and recommendations made on the visual display that will cause the actual sweet spot to coincide with the algorithm sweet spot.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining output signals according to pressure and depressing time mainly includes a timer, a scanner and a keyboard connecting electronically to the timer and the scanner. The keyboard has a plurality of button keys. When in use, the timer is set to zero and stops counting time. Then the scanner scans the keyboard to locate the button key being depressed by an external force. A signal is output depending on the external force. A first signal is output when the external force is small. When the external force is large and the time counted by the timer does not exceed a selected time period, the first signal is output. When the time counted by the timer exceeds the selected time period, a second signal is output. Thus input information may be entered through fewer button keys, and injury that might otherwise occur by using composite keys may be avoided.

Abstract: A monitoring system monitors a region. When an event that needs to be presented to a user occurs in the region, the event is presented to the user. State history data associated with event detection states of one or more multi-sensor cameras is generated on the basis of a state change notification received from one or more multi-sensor cameras. A determination as to whether or not a currently occurring event should be notified to the user is made on the basis of a notification-unnecessary event table. If the event is determined as needing to be notified to the user, the event is presented on a presentation unit. The user is allowed to input, via a user input unit, an evaluation on the presented event. Further event detection is performed based on the evaluation made by the user.

Abstract: A switch temporarily disconnects an alarm system from an external power source when a person activates an actuator in a false alarm situation. After a predetermined length of time, the switch is automatically changed to a position that allows power to resume flowing to the alarm system. The alarm system is formed of an alarm unit or a series of two or more alarm units electrically connected together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for triaging alarms transmitting from monitored entities in a network is provided. A relative importance value and a health value are maintained for each of one or more monitored entities. A monitored entity may be any hardware or software component that is capable of issuing an alarm. In response to receiving an alarm at a monitoring device, a triage value is determined based on both the relative importance value and the health value for the monitored entity associated with the received alarm. The triage value reflects any dependencies that the monitored entity that issued the alarm shares with another monitored entities. The triage value also reflects the current operational status of the monitored entity that issued the alarm. The monitoring device may determine an order in which the one or more received alarms should be addressed based on the triage value associated with each alarm.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown test system, wherein the emergency shutdown test system includes an emergency shutdown device controller and sensors to provide data to the controller, the controller having a processor, a memory coupled to the processor and an auxiliary input, wherein an emergency shutdown test is stored in the memory, and the auxiliary input is adapted to receive a binary signal and sensor data. Routines are stored in the memory and are adapted to be executed on the processor to cause the emergency shutdown test to be performed in response to the receipt of the binary signal at the auxiliary input and to cause sensor data to be recorded in the memory during the emergency shutdown test.

Abstract: There is provided herein a first preferred arrangement of the instant invention, wherein an electronic patient monitor utilizes a computer CPU as an alarm signal generator, which CPU is preferably directly connected to a power amplifier and/or a speaker without an intervening (or subsequent) conventional volume control. The alarm signal is preferably expressed as a series of square waves. The volume of the alarm signal as heard through the speaker is controlled by varying the width of the square waves that represent the alarm signal with the duty cycle of the square waves being shortened to reduce the output alarm volume and lengthened to increase it.

Abstract: A sensor array for non-destructively monitoring a structure to detect a critical structural event. The sensor array includes a plurality of discrete sensor nodes, each of the discrete sensor nodes producing an electrical signal in response to a structural event. A signal adder is electrically connected to the plurality of discrete sensor nodes for receiving and combining the electrical signal from each of the discrete sensor nodes to form a single sensor array output signal. A signal processing module then receives and processes the single sensor output signal. In the preferred embodiment, the signal processing module uses the time interval between the electrical signals from each of the discrete sensor nodes formed into a single sensor array output signal to calculate the location of the critical structural event. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a data collection system is located downstream of the sensor processing module.

Abstract: A patient ambulation motion detector designed to be worn on the body. The detector incorporates a wireless transmitter, a motion sensor switch and a second call switch. It may be enclosed in a plastic case and attached most commonly to the upper anterior chest by a non-allergic double-backed tape.

Abstract: A chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapon detection system is disclosed that comprises an array of spatially-disparate hazardous material sensors and an array of spatially-disparate video cameras. The telemetry from the sensors and the video feed from the cameras are all fed back to a centralized system control center. When the illustrative embodiment suspects that an attack has occurred, it switches the feed from the video cameras in the vicinity of where the attack is believed to occur to a monitor. This enables the personnel who monitor the illustrative embodiment to further verify the attack.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting, receiving, and collecting information related to a plurality of working components, such as street lamps, allows for efficient and effective monitoring and controlling of working components through short-distance radio communications at low power levels. In a preferred implementation of the present invention, a communications network includes a plurality of transceiver modules, each of which is secured and operably connected to a working component. These transceiver modules transmit and receive radio communications or “messages” representative of the status of the working component from one another in a controlled manner, with each message ultimately being directed to an area control module.

Abstract: A security system and method for monitoring a security status of fixed and mobile assets. The security system comprises an agent connected with the asset. The agent monitors a security of the asset and transmits the data to a master control unit. The master control unit retransmits the security status to a global operations center for processing the security status to detect a security threat. In response to a security threat, the global operations center generates an output. Periodic reports are generated and transmitted to the customer, and the customer is billed at intervals. For mobile assets, the security system also tracks a location of the asset as the asset is transported between a shipper's loading dock and a designated distribution center, including an origination port and a destination port. For fixed agents, the security system includes an interface for interfacing an existing security device to the master control unit and for controlling the existing security system.

Abstract: A method to detect a change in a condition of a system including: sensing the condition of the system and capturing data values indicative of the sensed condition; periodically determining a difference between a first data value and a second data value; determining a characteristic representative of a series of differences representative of a predetermined period; comparing the characteristic to at least one threshold level, and generating an alarm if the characteristic is beyond the threshold level.

Abstract: A respirator system (10; 100) for a worker in an environment with hazardous airborne contaminants comprises a respirator (12, 112), a helmet (14, 114), a camera (40, 140), and a gas sample analyser (16, 116) capable of analysing samples of gas from within the respirator and in the immediate area near the user. An RF emitter (20, 120) sends a signal to a remote receiver (24, 124). The emitted signal is a real time view through the camera (40, 140) and overlaid on that is a graphical representation of the protection factor being achieved by the respirator. The system (100) may also have a data storage device (162, 170) to store data such as how protection factor varies with time and may have a position sensor (160). The provision of the position sensor (160) allows a map of contamination levels with position to be built up as a user moves around a site.

Abstract: The electronic system, especially a security system, includes a number of different units that access a network according to a multiple access protocol, which is designed to minimize collisions between frames while reducing bandwidth requirements. The units may monitor different spatial regions according to several different criteria. Respective units that monitor according to correspondingly different criteria in a given spatial region may be assembled into one group and units that monitor different spatial regions but according to the same criterion may be assembled into another group. Each of the units of the one group are provided access to the network in one concurrent time slot, while the units of the other group are provided access to the network in a different concurrent time slot.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a host having a plurality of sensor inputs for connection to sensors. A converter is designed to receive input signals from the sensor input and to convert the input signals from the sensors into digital signals. A processing system is configured to receive the digital signals and to generate alarm signals in response to selected ones of the received digital signals. An internally integrated voice/data modem is in operative association with the processing system. A phone connector is placed in operative association with the voice/data modem, to act as a port for transmission of the alarms to an external telephone network. A network connector is in operative association with the processing system and is designed to receive data in the form of alarms from the processing system and to act as a port for transmission of the alarm data to data network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and to an arrangement for evaluating in a defined space or area a delimited area (7) in which there is a degree of urgency greater than the degree of urgency in respect of the remainder of said space (1), wherein there is disposed within said space or area (1) a plurality of sensors which can evaluate the current or ongoing degree of urgency on the basis of one or more criteria. Selected sensors (2, 3, 4) shall be connected to computer equipment (50) which includes storage elements (52, 53, 54) adapted for storing current criteria-related values in a chosen time order, and wherein a calculating circuit (51) included in or connected to said computer equipment (50) is adapted for evaluation of a calculated degree of urgency on the basis of time-dependent changes in the evaluated current values, and determining and establishing the local orientation or geographic location of the delimited area through the medium of the calculating circuit.

Abstract: A sensor unit for use in a surveillance system is provided. The sensor unit interfaces with a sensor device to receive sensor data from the sensor device. The sensor unit is configured to generate an event record based upon received sensor data. The event record is of a predetermined format and is output to a data unit.

Abstract: Enhanced HART device alerts enable HART devices within a process control system to report alarm or alert conditions that are detected within the devices to a system user or operator using a plurality of intuitive device status conditions, each of which corresponds to a different level of severity and each of which may require a different type of response by the system user or operator. The status conditions are consistent with enhanced Fieldbus device alerts and include a condition associated with a failure of a HART device, a condition associated with maintenance needed by a HART device and an advisable action in connection with a HART device.