Abstract: A network communication device is provided, comprising a control processor for controlling operation of the device, a reset module which is controllable independently of the control processor for performing a reset operation of the device, and a reset control interface for receiving a reset signal, the reset module being responsive to the reset signal for performing the reset operation. A monitor is provided for monitoring the status of the control processor and an interface is adapted to transmit information relating to the monitored status from the device. A second, inactive device is provided to protect the communication device in the event of a control fault which renders the communication device unreachable. The protection device includes a reset interface for transmitting a reset signal to the reset module to enable the communication device to release activity.

Abstract: An apparatus, which is for disaster prevention installed in a facility, includes a radio-frequency identification tag that stores at least one of a first data and a second data. The first data is related to the disaster prevention, and is transmitted by wireless communication. The second data is related to the disaster prevention, and is received by wireless communication.

Abstract: A method and system that allow an ECU to be conveniently configured based on the contents of an ECU configuration profile database that stores ECU user profiles and living environment profiles, and that generates a user interface for a selected remote ECU displaying selectable living environment devices, each of which corresponds to a type of living environment device that can be controlled by a user through that ECU. The user interface further displays a representation of a current configuration of the remotely located ECU, and enables the administrator user to move the selectable living environment device representations into the current configuration representation for the remotely located environmental control unit, for example by dragging and dropping the living environment device representations using a mouse user interface device coupled to a computer system on which the administration tool is executing.

Abstract: A system and method for observing patients in geographically dispersed health care locations. A portable monitoring station is associated with a patient assigned to a health care location. The portable monitoring station comprises monitoring equipment that monitors physiological measures of the patient. A remote command center receives the monitored data elements, accesses patient data elements indicative of a medical condition associated with the patient, and applies a patient-specific rule to selected data elements to determine whether the patient-specific rule has been contravened. The monitored equipment may further comprise video and audio equipment that captures patient video data and patient audio data and provides these data to the central command center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for suppressing a duplicated alarm in a communications network are described. In one embodiment, at least one alarm message associated with at least one event is received. A determination of whether the at least one event exists in a database is subsequently made. The at least one event is recorded in the database if the at least one event does not exist in the database. Conversely, the at least one alarm message is suppressed if the at least one event exists in the database.

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

Abstract: A method for setting screens of plural inboard indicators connected to an inboard network via a communication line includes connecting a terminal to the inboard network. The method also includes loading the terminal with data from the plural indicators and setting the screens of the indicators in the terminal. Additionally, the method includes sending screen setting data from the terminal to the respective indicators via the communication line after setting the screens of the indicators.

Abstract: A monitoring system for preventing crime in a home, includes a plurality of terminals for monitoring whether predetermined monitoring points are in a stationary or nonstationary state. Further, the monitoring system includes a central processing device for controlling the setting/canceling of alarm operations of the terminals. The central processing device has a communication unit that receives stationary/nonstationary information from the terminals and transmits predetermined information including commands to the terminals. Each terminal has a communication unit that transmits stationary/nonstationary information to the central processing device and receives the predetermined information from the central processing device. Thus bidirectional communication can be achieved between the central processing device and the terminals.

Abstract: A display arrangement for a vehicle has, in particular, a multipurpose instrument or is configured as a multipurpose instrument. The display arrangement includes a first display device to display information concerning operation of the vehicle, a glass with adjustable transparency arranged in front of the first display device, with reference to the viewing direction of the display arrangement, and a second display device to display information concerning operation of the vehicle or additional information concerning operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: An alarm management system includes an alarm receiver module receiving customized alarms from one or more of sensor devices and surveillance systems. A condition evaluation module performs an evaluation of one or more customized conditions for a customized alarm. An action handling module executes customized actions based on the evaluation.

Abstract: A data display system including a plurality of data sources; a data transmitter coupled to the data sources and to a transmission network comprising a power line; wherein the data transmitter comprises means for modulating the data as a frequency modulated carrier and means for transmitting the carrier over the power line; and a plurality of gauges each having a display and coupled to the power line, and a data receiver comprising means for demodulating the carrier and means for translating the data to the display. The gauges are coupled to the data transmitter only by the power line, disregarding any ground connections, and the power line provides power to the gauges and the data transmitter.

Abstract: A reflective law enforcement vehicle decoy comprises an image of a law enforcement vehicles reflective areas (FIG. 2), such as pursuit lights (12ab), headlights (14ab), decals (18,) numbering area (24), spot light (16) and license plate (20) traced onto a suitable non-reflective surface and separated into groups (FIG. 4), covered with reflective material in various patterns (34,36,38,40), consistent to colors associated with a particular law enforcement agencies marking and coloring schemes, and attached to a suitable mounting platform (42) for placement along a roadway to allow passing motorist headlights to illuminate the decoy, thereby creating the illusion of a law enforcement vehicle (10), causing motorist to reduce speed in targeted areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm management system for acquiring message data for alarms issued from a process and analyzing alarm behaviors. The alarm management system of the present invention selects unnecessary alarms from the message data for alarms and prevents alarms from being issued according to the results of alarm selection. Consequently, the system eliminates the need for engineers who have professional skills and experience, thereby making it possible to precisely select unnecessary alarms.

Abstract: A control unit for use in a surveillance system is provided. The control unit is configured to access or retrieve surveillance data. The control is further configured to issue commands for control of a sensor device.

Abstract: A patient activity monitoring system that allows caregivers of multiple patients to work more efficiently and with reduced cost, while increasing the quality and level of patient care. The system includes a plurality of remote monitoring subsystems, a plurality of user notification units, and a central monitoring unit with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) communicably coupled between the remote monitoring and user notification units. Each remote monitoring subsystem includes a remote monitoring unit, and a sensor device associated with a respective patient that detects one or more activity and/or physiological parameters of the patient. A simplified user interface including the GUI and the user notification units provides indications of the type and level of assistance required by one or more patients to caregivers at centralized and remote locations.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use in a building, such as a hospital provides an audible and/or visual alarm. The monitoring system includes a control unit, with a plurality of medical condition monitoring units, such as ventilators, connected thereto. A plurality of speakers and/or light sources are connected to the control unit, and are located at various different spaced-apart areas within the building. An abnormal condition, sensed at one of the plurality of medical condition monitoring units, is reported to the control unit, which in turn causes the plurality of speakers and/or light sources to issue an audible/visual alarm. An adaptor can connect a medical condition monitoring unit to the control unit. The adapter may include circuitry to render an alarm output of the medical condition monitoring unit compatible with the control unit, and to suppress an alarm output for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator device for a vehicle with an automatic transmission, which comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements 52a each adapted to be lighted up when one of P, R and N gear ranges corresponding thereto is selected, and a digital indicator 53 adapted to indicate an alphabet character “D” when a D gear range is selected, and indicate a numeric character representing a gear position when a M gear range (manual shift mode) is selected. The indication device of the present invention makes it possible to utilize a space of an instrument panel with higher efficiency and offer enhanced visibility for a driver, while avoiding increase in production cost.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a reflective element. An information display is at the interior rearview mirror assembly and displays information for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The information display may be located behind the reflective element and viewable through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. The mirror system includes a handheld device having a position locator and being capable of establishing a geographical position of the handheld device. The information displayed by the information display is derived at least in part via a wireless communication link with the handheld device. The information display may include a display of turn-by-turn information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle. The information display may comprise a video screen.

Abstract: A portable weather detection and alarm device includes an electromagnetic signal receiver that receives digital time signals and atmospheric phenomenon signals. A processor connected to the electromagnetic signal receiver processes the atmospheric phenomenon signals to determine when an atmospheric event has occurred. An alarm connected to the processor that indicates the occurrence of an atmospheric event.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tile having a display surface exhibiting a plurality of teeth provided with two transversal surfaces. A visual symbol is reproduced on a first series of parallel surfaces, while on a second series of parallel surface, which are transversal to the surfaces of the first series, a further visual symbol is realised different to the first visual symbol. An observer views one or another of the visual symbols depending on his or her viewpoint.

Abstract: A digital verification control, which is incorporated with an alarm system, includes a first timer device for presetting a single zone verification time in the control panel and second timer device for presetting a multiple zone verification time in the control panel. The single zone verification time is a single detector time delay and arranged when one of the sensors detects at least two triggered signals in the respective detecting area within the single zone verification time, the local warning system is activated for producing a local warning signal. The multiple zone verification time, which is longer than the single zone verification time, is a multiple detector time delay and arranged when the two sensors detect two triggered signals in the detecting areas respectively within the multiple zone verification time, the local warning system is activated for producing the local warning signal.

Abstract: A display device for use in an instrument panel to be mounted in an automotive vehicle is capable of displaying information concerning the status of the automotive vehicle. The display device is further capable of providing an alarm, when a predetermined physical parameter among physical parameters representing the status of an automotive vehicle is within a predetermined range, by effecting at least one of a change in display luminance and a change in displayed color.

Abstract: A system that monitors various conditions of a plurality of hospital beds located in different rooms of a healthcare facility is provided. Alternatively or additionally, other types of equipment may be monitored by the system. Various configurations of network interface units that are coupleable to or integrated into a hospital bed are also disclosed. The system receives data from the hospital beds and/or other equipment and initiates a communication to a wireless communication device of at least one designated caregiver in response to the received data being indicative of an alarm condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced perception lighting (EPL) system for providing enhanced perception of a user's physical environment. The EPL system comprises a sensor module for detecting and sampling a physical aspect from at least one point in a physical environment and for generating an observation signal based on the physical aspect; a processor module coupled with the sensor module for receiving the observation signal, processing the observation signal, and generating an output signal based on the observation signal; and a projection display module located proximate the sensor module and communicatively connected with the processor module for projecting a display onto the at least one point in the physical environment based upon the output signal. The system allows a user to gather information from the physical environment and project that information onto the physical environment to provide the user with an enhanced perception of the physical environment.

Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a fire alarm control panel (FACP) and an addressable signaling line circuit (SLC) operably coupled to the FACP for communicating with addressable components, including a plurality of sensors. The sensors can include a plurality of atmospheric sensors operably coupled to the SLC and each configured to provide information about their local atmospheric environment. Also provided is a mobile robot addressable and dispatchable by the fire alarm control panel (FACP) to an area indicated by sensors that are detecting a hazardous or potentially hazardous condition. The robot has mobile sensors that are configured to obtain verification of the hazardous or potentially hazardous condition and the robot is further configured to communicate the verification to the FACP.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing context-based, hierarchical security for a mobile device includes storing a hierarchy of security actions for at least of one of protecting data stored on the mobile device and preventing unauthorized use of the mobile device. The hierarchy includes multiple levels. Each level may include at least one context-based security action. At least one security action associated with a first security level is performed in response to the existence of a first context associated with the first security level. At least one security action associated with a second security level is performed in response to the existence of a second context associated with the second security level.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for facilitating the root cause analysis of an event through spatial and pattern recognition. Alarms can be graphically represented in an alarm summary screen by individual colored rectangles with different luminance and patterns and are organized into categories, which are used to form logical alarm clusters that provide spatial advantage, wherein the size and color of the rectangle defines its priority and precedence. The summary screen also provides operators with strong visual cues, a play forward feature to project how alarms might evolve if particular actions are taken and a play backward feature that can replay the sequence of alarms.

Abstract: A system and a method of establishing direction and velocity of fire development in a region. A fire profile based on a time sequence of alarming detectors provides both direction and velocity information. Future directions of development can be estimated by analogizing fire progression to a ball bouncing off of a rigid wall.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for processing, at a sensor node within a sensor network, a set of sensor readings to determine whether an event has occurred, the set of sensor readings including one or more sensor readings for corresponding environmental conditions. The processing includes determining whether a sensor reading exceeds its corresponding threshold value for an environmental condition, and if so, comparing the set of sensor readings with a history log file to determine whether a false alarm event has occurred. The history log file includes one or more sets of historic sensor readings for corresponding environmental conditions, each set being associated with an environmental situation.

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: A security device includes a plurality of security detectors intercommunicating with each other. Each of the security detectors includes a first device for verifying a single zone verification time of the respective security detector and a second device for verifying a multiple zone verification time with another security detector corresponding to a distance between two security detectors at two different detecting areas. When one of the security detectors detects at least two triggered signals in the respective detecting area within the single zone verification time, the respective security detector activates the local warning system to produce a local warning signal. When two security detectors are intercommunicated with each other to detect two triggered signals in the detecting areas respectively within the multiple zone verification time, at least one of the security detectors activates the local warning system to produce the local warning signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for alert management. The techniques include predicting an alert date for an alert that is associated with a counter, some time after the prediction, receiving an updated value for the counter, and in response to receiving the updated value and without user intervention, adjusting the predicted alert date according to the updated value. The alert date is the date when the counter is predicted to reach a target value.

Abstract: Providing services with respect to a building, including depicting a building in a data model, the data model including a three-dimensional representation of the building and a current condition of the building, receiving in a gateway computer, from sensors within the building, data describing the current condition of the building, storing in the data model the data describing the current condition of the building, and tailoring services with respect to the building in dependence upon the current condition of the building.

Abstract: An automotive instrument cluster containing a grouping of display fields representing measured automotive operating quantities such as speed, temperature and pressure. Illumination markers which are analogs of pointers are created within the display fields from a single beam-type light source by means of a multi-faceted rotating mirror and a controller which correlates measured signal quantities representing the vehicle operating quantities to mirror angle in turning the light source on so as to create an illumination marker at a strategic position within each of the display fields. The display is refreshed 50 times per second so as to create the appearance of a continuous marker in each of the display fields. Calibration is provided by means of a separate diode sensor.

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: 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. Labels for alarm system device are automatically generated and automatically resequenced. Riser details may be generated in multiple formats. The system also allows standard CAD drawings to be imported into the alarm CAD system. This feature includes a gravitate command which automatically connects unconnected wire paths to the nearest alarm appliance. Circuit requirements can be listed with either a base unit, an appliance, or both. When both the base unit and the corresponding appliance have circuit requirements listed, the circuits are combined into a single listing.

Abstract: A virtual image type meter includes a virtual image display (3) for projecting a first image reflected by a half mirror (10) toward an range of sight (ER), and a real image display (11) positioned at the back side of the half mirror (10) for projecting a second image to be seen through the half mirror (10) toward the range of sight (ER). According to above configuration, the virtual image type meter can display a larger number of useful information. Further, a total display width, which is a sum of the first and the second image widths, can be narrower than that of the meter in which the real image display (11) is positioned in front of the half mirror (10).

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for identifying faults in a network that has generated a plurality of fault alarms is provided. A plurality of object/alarm pairs are generated and an identification vector is assigned to each pair. The pairs are processed based on a set of rules to generate for each pair an alarm propagation vector that identifies that pair together with any other pairs from the plurality of pairs. The alarm propagation vectors are processed to determine which pairs have alarm propagation vectors that are not sub vectors of any of the alarm propagation vectors of the other pairs. Any pairs thus determined are identified as being linked to potential root causes of network problems.

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: 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: A programmable LED display system is disclosed. The system includes a programmable controller; a driver operative to generate a control signal in response to a signal provided by the programmable controller; and a display device operative to provide a visual representation of the state of the system in response to the control signal. The system also includes means for determining which state condition is displayed when more than one state condition exists.

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: A method of monitoring the movements of an individual in and around buildings, rooms and other spaces, where each individual carries a passive transponder which has an individual-unique identity and which is for co-action with an active antenna that is connected, either directly or indirectly, to a monitoring center for transmitting signals received from transponders, and where a plurality of antennas are placed in and around the buildings, rooms or other spaces to be monitored. The signals transmitted to the exercise center are used to show movements of the individual in the form of a three-dimensional animated picture on a picture screen.

Abstract: A security system is described which includes a base station, at least one calibration unit and at least one sensor module having at least one sensor therein. The calibration unit is configured to provide signals to the at least one sensor module. The signals contain data configured to at least partially enable each sensor module to determine its location within a coordinate system. Each sensor module is further configured to transmit module location data, module orientation data, and sensor status from each sensor to the base station.

Abstract: A warning device for bicycle mainly includes a magnetic and a coil mechanism. The magnetic mechanism includes a magnetic element assembly, a mounting module, and a holding module movably connected to the mounting module for holding the magnetic element assembly therein. The coil mechanism includes a housing, a coil assembly, a rectifier unit, a plurality of light-emitting elements, and a connecting module. The coil assembly, the rectifier unit, and the light-emitting elements are electrically connected to one another and then received in the housing. The mounting module of the magnetic mechanism is fixedly mounted on a fixed part of a bicycle close to a wheel thereof, and the connecting module of the coil module is fixedly connected to two spokes of the wheel, such that the magnetic element assembly and the coil assembly are located at corresponding radial positions relative to the wheel.

Abstract: An in-car video system includes a first display device installed in a front part of a car and having a first light-sensitive element to receive remote control light output from a remote control transmitter, a second display device installed in a location posterior to the first display device and having a second light-sensitive element to receive remote control light output from a remote control transmitter, and a control section for controlling the display on the first and second display devices according to output signals of the first and second light-sensitive elements. The control section includes a display operation detecting unit operable to detect an operating state of the first or second display device according to an output of the first and second light-sensitive elements, and a moving/stationary state detecting unit operable to detect whether the car is moving or stationary.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for monitoring the status of loading dock equipment includes a control panel operatively connected to an input/output device which is operatively connected to a display device for displaying the status of at least some of the dock loading equipment. A method for monitoring the status of dock loading equipment is also provided. The method includes displaying the status of various dock loading equipment.

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: A measuring gauge includes a rotatable LED pointer having a light output. As the pointer is rotated about a lens at a constant rate, the output of the LED pointer appears as an arc of light to a user. The arc of light represents a quantity of a desired display unit. A brushless motor and a rotary transformer are magnetically coupled to the LED pointer. A high speed controller is coupled to the motor and the rotary transformer. The controller receives an indication of the quantity and is responsively programmed to actuate the rotary transformer in order to illuminate the LED pointer as it rotates radially about a face of a graduated lens at a substantially constant speed and to activate and deactivate the LED pointer so as to adjust the length of the arc of light and thereby to indicate the quantity of the desired display unit to the user.

Abstract: A wastewater fluid level sensing and control system is provided. The system comprises a control panel, a reservoir, at least one pump and a fluid level sensing device. The control panel comprises a housing and user interface input and output devices for use with configuring the operation of the control panel. The control panel may be configured to turn on one or more of the pumps to lower the level of fluid in the reservoir. When the level is above a selectable level, the control panel is operative to cause at least one alarm signal to be output. The control panel may include a touch sensor pad mounted to an inner wall of the housing. Changes in capacitance in the pad as a result of a hand being placed adjacent the sensor on the outside of the housing is operative to cause the control panel to silence the alarm.