Abstract: A drum-style slip-ring module (100) is used in a contact-type communication system. The module utilizes PCB construction to construct a plurality of stacked electrically-conductive rings (102) and a plurality of dielectric layers (104) electrically isolating the conductive rings. Each of the dielectric layers includes a centrally-located aperture (107). The module also includes a cylindrical ground plane (108) positioned in the centrally-located aperture. The module is configured to provide electrical connection to each of the rings at an exterior surface of the module. Each group of feed line vias can be designed as impedance-controlled transmission lines with connections to each ring group. The construction described in this invention can create slip-ring transmission line structures with bandwidth from DC to 5 GHz or higher, allowing the slip-ring to be used to transfer multi-gigabit digital data streams.

Abstract: An alarm interface module is described that permits an alarm monitoring system to be operational through an existing wide area network (WAN) modem that is linked to an existing local area network (LAN) system wherein the alarm interface module has a first LAN port coupled to the LAN system, a second LAN port coupled to an output port of an alarm control panel of the alarm monitoring system, a WAN port coupled to the WAN modem, and a programming element capable of recognizing an identifying address dynamically assigned to the alarm control panels to route data from a remote alarm server to the alarm control panel while also permitting data communications to the LAN system from the WAN modem that are not initiated from the remote alarm server. The security system interface module of the present invention can be used with any security alarm panels, sensors, video devices, etc.

Abstract: A monitored voltage inverter for a security system is disclosed. A voltage inverter is coupled to the power supply of the control panel which can provide AC power to the network hardware devices. The voltage inverter converts the DC voltage of a back-up power supply to household or commercial AC current. In a preferred embodiment, the voltage inverter is mounted on the printed circuit board and is coupled to the network hardware devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting power outages in communication networks are described. In one implementation, an alarm associated with a network error is detected. Attempts are made to contact the network equipment originating the alarm. The alarm is linked to an error that is identified as either a power outage or another type of error depending on the results of the attempts to contact the network equipment originating the alarm.

Abstract: A system for protecting a plurality of networked security devices is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of connectors, a plurality of security containers coupled together by the plurality of connectors, and a plurality of sensors, whereby at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed in at least one security container of the plurality of security containers, and the plurality of sensors are adapted to detect a threat to each security container of the plurality of security containers. The system also includes a plurality of monitoring devices, whereby each monitoring device of the plurality of monitoring devices is coupled to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors, and the plurality of monitoring devices are adapted to monitor the plurality of sensors and activate protective measures in response to at least one detected threat.

Abstract: The invention proposes a hazard alarm system for buildings, said system having evaluation units, which are in the form of freely programmable control units, and a building management system. As a result of being connected in series, the evaluation units are connected to the building management system by means of a fast data link.

Abstract: A wireless control system and a method for controlling devices (e.g., luminaires, dimmers, effects devices, stepper motors, and the like) used in entertainment lighting applications is disclosed. Embodiments disclose a modular transceiver utilizing a wireless broadcasting transmission technique and a wireless control system where an interface between a controller and controlled devices is facilitated using the transceivers.

Abstract: A system is provided for communication and sensory monitoring. The system comprises a plurality of nodes installed as a network in a structure. Each of the plurality of nodes comprises an internode transceiver for wireless communication between nodes, a wireless network transceiver for wireless communication with one or more wireless devices, one or more sensors for monitoring the environment of the structure and a processor coupled to the internode transceiver, the wireless network transceiver and the one or more sensors to exchange data with the internode transceiver, the wireless network transceiver and the one or more sensors devices coupled to the processor and process the data. The system also includes a wide area network bridge coupled to the plurality of network nodes. The network bridge receives data from the plurality of network nodes and passes the information to a computer network for processing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying an appliance comprising receiving indication of an appliance coupling to a communication port on a communication network and retrieving, over the communication network, a first identification assigned to the appliance during manufacturing of the appliance. The appliance is validated using the first identification and a status of the appliance is determined.

Abstract: A tire monitor system employs a single RF detector mounted on the vehicle. The tire monitor system also includes a control unit and a receiver. The single RF detector is positioned to be proximate a front axle or a rear axle. The RF detector also may be positioned off-center. The control unit distinguishes front tire monitors from rear tire monitors by comparing a number of RF transmissions received by each tire monitor. The control unit also may distinguish between left tire monitors and right tire monitors by comparing the number of RF transmissions received by each tire monitor. In other embodiment, the tire monitor system may further use a received signal strength and/or acceleration signals to determine position information of the tire monitors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for dynamically tasking one or more surveillance resources includes a core module identifying one or more surveillance resources. The surveillance resources each include one or more sensors. The system also includes one or more links between the core module and one or more target definitions. The target definitions each define one or more targets for surveillance, and the links logically link the surveillance resources identified in the core module to the targets defined in the target definitions. Modification to one or more of the links dynamically tasks the surveillance resources without modification to the core module and without logically unlinking the core module from the target definitions.

Abstract: A wireless detector and alarm system, such as for example a smoke detector and/or carbon monoxide (CO) detector, operable to be linked and unlinked with one or more like detectors thereby forming a network of detectors. A detector sensing the presence of an environmental condition, which requires the sounding of an alert is operable to transmit a signal to other remotely linked detectors, thereby triggering the remotely linked detectors to sound an appropriate alarm. The detector at the location of the environmental condition causing the alarm and the remotely linked detector are capable to operate in teach and learn modes such that the address or “house codes” of the detectors can be synchronized.

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

Abstract: A security monitoring methodology and device using digital audio. A security control device integrates physical intrusion detection functions, physical access control functions, and compressed, streaming, digital audio transmission capability. The device provides interfaces for a number of sensor inputs, including standard alarm monitoring sensors and audio sensors. The device is capable of communicating with a monitoring system over a variety of digital networking configurations options, including TCP/IP, via embedded Ethernet interface, or serial modem communications over telephone or digital cellular networks using PPP network protocol. The device may use backup channels of communications including telephone and cellular network communications. All communications with the device, whether to monitoring receiver or other local devices, may be secured with a minimum AES 128-bit encryption.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus adapted to be mounted on an elevated surface having an electrical socket thereon. The apparatus includes a housing, a photocell and a transceiver. The housing at least partially defines an interior space and has a portion which is translucent. The photocell is supported by the housing in the interior space so that ambient light exterior to the housing passes through the translucent portion to the photocell. The transceiver is also supported by the housing and is positioned within the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: A method of monitoring portable consumer articles at a display, which method includes the steps of: providing a first portable consumer article; providing a security system capable of interacting with the first portable consumer article at a first location; operatively interacting the first security system with the first portable consumer article; and interacting with the security system from a second location remote from the first location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method where sleep sensor signals are obtained to a mobile communication device from sensor devices. The mobile communication device checks the sleep sensor signals for a sleep state transition, determines the type of the sleep state transition, forms control signals based on the type of the sleep state transition and sends the control signals to at least one electronic device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for dynamically tasking one or more surveillance resources includes multiple collection requirements (CRs) that identify multiple surveillance resources. The system also includes an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirement (ISRR) that is a parent of the CRs. The CRs inherit one or more attributes from the ISRR, and the inheritance of the attributes from the ISRR to the CRs enables management of the CRs from the ISRR.

Abstract: A wireless fire alarm door unlocking system includes a remote alarm panel interface to receive information from a central alarm panel interface over an RF channel. The central alarm panel interface monitors an output from an alarm control panel and, when an alarm condition is asserted, initiates an unlock signal that is sent to the remote alarm panel interface. It in turn causes the door with which it is associated to unconditionally release to allow unimpeded entrance and exit. The system also monitors the status of the remove alarm panel interface and raises an alert in the event of a malfunction. The interface may be implemented as a hardware and software modification to an access control system or as separate components that coexist with an access control system on a non-interfering basis.

Abstract: A system is described for transmitting video signals over various communication media using digital signal processing techniques. An embodiment of the system uses an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation process that enables high-speed data communications of Ethernet and/or MPEG or JPEG or H264 compressed or uncompressed digital video. A second embodiment frequency modulates the OFDM modulated signal (FM-OFDM). The first and second embodiments are implemented with a transmit Ethernet interface, an MPEG or JPEG or H264 compressed or uncompressed digital video capture device, and a modem including a modulator and demodulator that provides communication with several other modem devices along communication media such as power lines, wireless (air), cable, or twisted pairs.

Abstract: An ingredient freezing system which provides accident information about ingredients stored in a refrigerator, the system including, a reading unit which obtains identification information of IC tags attached to the ingredients stored in a refrigerator, an identification information sending unit which sends the identification information obtained by the reading unit, an accident information providing unit which saves the accident information about the ingredients, relating to the identification information and outputs accident information related to the identification information when receiving the identification information from the identification information sending unit, an accident information obtaining unit which receives the accident information sent from the accident information providing unit, and a notification unit which notifies the accident information received by the accident information obtaining unit.

Abstract: A system for visually presenting data receives signal processing data generated signal processing data collection blocks corresponding to devices associated with a process plant. The signal processing data collection blocks may generate data such as statistical data, frequency analysis data, auto regression data, wavelets data, etc. The system displays an image representative of the devices and representative of a context of the devices within the process plant. Additionally, data based on signal processing data corresponding to one or more devices is displayed. For example, the signal processing data for the device could be displayed. As another example, data may be generated based on the signal processing data and this generated data may be displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating point of sale (POS) data with electronic article surveillance (EAS) data, comprising a general-purpose computer for receiving and processing POS and EAS data is disclosed. The system and method preferable comprise reporting analyzed and collated data to a user.

Abstract: Provided is a method for transmitting sensing information in a wireless sensor network including a pair node. The method for transmitting sensing information in a wireless sensor network including a sink node, parent nodes, and sensor nodes set as pair nodes among sensor nodes connected to the parent nodes, includes the steps of: a) setting up predetermined sensor nodes in the same target area as pair nodes for transmitting and receiving sensing information to/from corresponding sensor nodes; b) at the pair nodes, transmitting first sensing information sensed by oneself to corresponding sensor nodes; c) at the sensor nodes, transmitting first sensing information sensed by oneself and second sensing information transmitted from corresponding pair nodes to the parent node; and d) at the parent node, transmitting the received first and second sensing information to the sink node at the same time.

Abstract: The current invention is an intelligent distributed energy storage system for demand side power management. It provides a system that can store electric energy close to the point of use or close to the distributed production for use when demanded by the users. These storage nodes can communicate with a central clearing entity to negotiate if the nodes should buy energy for storage, provide energy to the user above a given power level, or sell power back to the grid. The function will depend on the amount of energy stored in the node, the cost of the electric energy, the cost of the electric peak power, the price of resold electrical energy and power, plus the local usage.

Abstract: Provided is a system, a tool and a method for communicating with a faulted circuit indicator (FCI), the faulted circuit indicator including a detection circuit for monitoring an electrical conductor of a power system. The system includes a remote display mounted in a wall of an enclosure and visible from outside of the enclosure and a first light emitting diode associated with the remote display. The first light emitting diode generates an optical FCI status signal in response to an occurrence of a fault in the electrical conductor. The system also includes a first microcontroller operatively coupled to the remote display and the detection circuit, and a handheld user command tool adapted to optically couple with the remote display. The handheld user command tool is also adapted to generate an optical serial communication. The optical serial communication provides data and commands for operation of the faulted circuit indicator.

Abstract: A combined alarm and surveillance system integrates an existing alarm system (12) with an existing surveillance system (14) such that functions unique to each system are combined in a complementary manner. The existing alarm and surveillance systems are combined via an interface (16) comprising an array of electric relays (52,54,56,58,60,62). Each relay receives a signal from either the alarm system or the surveillance system and retransmits the signal to the other system in a form that is compatible with the receiving system. The alarm system is configured to communicate alarm status information to the surveillance system, and the surveillance system is configured to communicate control signals to the alarm system, such as an alarm system reset signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a video surveillance, storage, and alerting system having surveillance cameras, video analytics devices, audio sensory devices, other sensory devices, and a plurality of data storage devices. A network management module monitors network status of all subsystems including cameras, servers, storage devices, etc. and shows actively monitored areas on a physical map. A vehicle information module retrieves information from a law enforcement database about vehicles detected in the video data based on the vehicle's license plate, including information about stolen vehicles, as well as warrant, wanted person, and mug shot information for registered drivers of the vehicles. Video tips are received and processed from anonymous and non-anonymous sources.

Abstract: A communications system for an alarm panel including: an alarm panel adaptor in operable communication with the alarm panel generating analog alarm signals; a first powerline communications device in operable communication with a the alarm panel adaptor converting the analog alarm signals to powerline alarm signals; a second powerline communications device receiving the powerline alarm signals over an electrical grid and converting the powerline alarm signals to internet protocol alarm signals; and a broadband connection in operable communication with the second powerline communications device for transmitting the internet protocol alarm signals to a remote central control station.

Abstract: Verbal warning labels and other audible warning systems for use with different devices, containers, products and other things in various environments are disclosed herein. An audible warning system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a device having a standardized textual warning associated therewith, and a sound playback system operably coupled to the device. The sound playback device can be configured to audibly output a verbal warning corresponding to the textual warning. The verbal warning can be provided by at least one of a manufacturer, supplier, distributor or retail vendor of the device, and the verbal warning can supplement or replace the standardized textual warning.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification connector connects a radio frequency identification device to an elongate member such as a safety cable.

Abstract: A method for transmitting one or more messages over a secure communications network is disclosed. The method involves receiving the one or more messages from a plurality of message sources at a management unit within the secure communications network, the one or more messages protected with information security and authorizing each message for display at a display point. The method further involves transmitting each of the messages to a plurality of communication end points throughout the secure communications network and relaying at least one response through the management unit.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering emergency directions is provided. The disclosure includes the government delivering a warning message for potential evacuees on a gas station pump or automated teller machine point of service display screen. The method includes receiving an emergency alert from a government entity, constructing a warning message, including an evacuation route based at least in part on real time traffic data and the location of the display screen and displaying the warning message on the point of service display screen. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is authenticated. In another embodiment of the disclosure, the warning message is continuously updated to provide an effective escape route for evacuees.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a contraband detection apparatus is provided and a method of detecting contraband are provided. A container is scanned with a first type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on results of the first scan, a plurality of risk values, which correspond to particular types of contraband, are generated. The container is then scanned with a second type of contraband detection apparatus. Based on the results of the second scan, the risk values are modified. If the combined risk values are above a predetermined value, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for the processing and presentation of customizable aviation information is disclosed. At plurality of flight information is received over a digital network and is stored in at least a database. The database includes aviation information as well as aviation related content and advertisements. The user is able to customize a series of screen layouts for display using a combination of screen segments containing content stored at least partially in the database. In addition, the user may create personalized messages and status update for display in response to a variety of flight conditions. In one form, the results may be presented using a large display monitor by an aircraft service provider. Additionally, the display may include only flight tracking information relevant to recent and future customers.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the state of a structure over a network. The system and method provides for providing the status of a monitoring device to a status file. The status file is accessible over the Internet by computer so that a party can first determine the status of the device. The system operates over normal PSTN's, over cable systems, over wireless networks and over the Internet.

Abstract: An alarm provision system comprises a recognizer component that receives an alarm/event and recognizes the alarm/event. A provision component analyzes hierarchical relationships associated with an industrial environment and automatically provides a subscribing entity with the alarm/event and at least one other alarm/event that is related to the received alarm/event, the provision of the at least one other alarm/event is based at least in part upon the analysis of the hierarchical relationships.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides a system and method for the immediate transmission of a potential alarm to a remote alarm signal escrow site and from the escrow site to a host station in the event where a control panel or an alarm signaling device is tampered with or destroyed by a disablement tactic, e.g., a “crash and smash intrusion.” A system and method may also send an alarm signal during such an attack by using predictive analysis of real-time events.

Abstract: A largely or totally automated lost item notification and recovery system that avoids language barriers by providing a short description of the item entered by the subscriber and stored in a database in any lost item notification message communicated to the subscriber concerning the item. The lost item notification message may also include an indication of the language used by the reporting party when placing the lost item report, and may also include an indication of the geographic location where the lost item report originated. The system may also activate pre-defined countermeasures associated with the lost item once the item has been reported lost and implement a reward system providing compensation to the reporting party or others upon successful return of the lost item.

Abstract: An access control system is provided for a movable barrier. A main communication unit grants access to a movable barrier operator. The movable barrier operator controls movement of the movable barrier. A remote communication unit has an input device to receive an access request and to transmit a corresponding access signal to the main communication unit and to transmit a status indication to the main communication unit in response to detecting a predetermined event.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for providing a monitoring alarm telephone which not only automatically dials a predetermined alarm notification telephone number upon activation of a suitable alarm device (e.g., tripping of a motion detector), but which also provides audible monitoring of the secured premises using the automatically dialed telephone call. In one embodiment, an open channel is established between the monitoring alarm telephone and a called telephone allowing sounds from the secured premises to be passed on to the called party. A silent monitoring alarm is provided by muting the speaker of the monitoring alarm telephone upon activation of the alarm device. In another embodiment, a cordless telephone includes a motion detector and forms a monitoring alarm telephone. The microphone of either the remote handset or the base unit may be used to provide the monitored sounds to the automatically called party.

Abstract: Systems and methods that can enhance protection of alarms and events within an industrial control environment are provided. An alarm security component employs cryptographic mechanisms and techniques to encrypt alarms and/or events related to field devices of an industrial controller system. The specification also discloses two-way mutual authentication using cryptography, thereby ensuring that an alarm is a valid alarm and that the clients using the alarms are authorized alarm clients. Effectively, the innovation can regulate access to alarms and events by unauthorized external entities (e.g., monitors and/or users) by employing cryptographic mechanisms.

Abstract: A dynamic condition monitoring system is disclosed, such as for monitoring vibrations in complex machine systems. The system includes monitors on which server software is provided. The server software may access pre-defined graphical user interface pages that can be populated and served directly from the monitors. The data may be accessed via conventional networks for viewing and analyzing monitored data, as well as for configuration of the individual dynamic condition monitors.

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 method for controlling presentation of data through a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes obtaining a registration for a plurality of source devices and for one or more sink devices. A first indication that a first source device from the plurality of source devices has become active is received at the wireless home entertainment hub. A second indication that a second source device from the plurality of source devices has become active is received. A first instruction is transmitted to at least one of the sink devices to receive data from the first active source device. A second instruction is transmitted to at least one of the sink devices to receive data from the second active source device. A first indication is transmitted to the first active source that at least one sink device is ready to receive data, and a second indication is transmitted to the second active source that at least one sink device is ready to receive data.

Abstract: A system and method for providing home awareness are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor is associated with a household amenity. In response to the occurrence of an event, a wireless signal is transmitted to a monitoring unit which, in turn, superimposes a text message indicative of the event onto a video signal. A display unit, such as a television, is connected to the monitoring unit and displays the video signal including the superimposed text message.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing location-specific alert information associated with an alert condition relevant to a geographical area may include a receiver adapted to receive transmissions comprising formatted text on a communication channel of a wireless bi-directional communication network; a peripheral device operable to indicate an alert condition, including displaying the formatted text; and a controller communicatively coupled to the receiver and the peripheral device. The controller is operable to monitor a communication channel of the network for the receipt of a transmission of location-specific alert information from a transmitter servicing a geographical area and to operate the peripheral device in response to the reception of the transmission of the location-specific alert information to display the formatted text.

Abstract: A wide-area emergency information management system includes a broadcasting entity (10) and delivers content to authorized receiver clients (20), such as PC's, laptops, wireless devices, etc. The specific content (26), which can include voice, text, video or any other information content related to a planned response to a given crisis or emergency such as enemy attack or natural disaster, is prepared in advance (28), tailored to the class of recipient receiver client and/or user (44), securely downloaded (32,36) and stored locally in a secure cache (21). In response to a small control file from a centralized emergency management authority, the receiver client system accesses the cache (21), decrypts the content (26), and delivers it to the end user.

Abstract: A real time emergency response surveillance system, a method, and a computer readable medium for storing a computer program for responding to an emergency situation are disclosed. The real time emergency response surveillance system includes one or more surveillance stations communicatively coupled to an operations center. Each surveillance station includes a controller, a video camera, a communication module and a display screen. The surveillance station is placed in one of a surveillance mode and an emergency response mode. Real time video data is transmitted from the surveillance station to the operations center in both the surveillance mode and the emergency response mode. Real time video data is received from the operations center at the surveillance station in emergency response mode. The real time video data received at the surveillance station is displayed on a display screen in emergency response mode.

Abstract: The invention provides a remote monitoring system which has a simplified configuration and is capable of remotely monitoring the current state of a person needing care and detecting an abnormality in the person's behavior and then addressing the abnormality, and further provides a method using the remote monitoring system.