Wired Patents (Class 340/533)
  • Patent number: 11848813
    Abstract: A radio transmission device for the radio transmission of an interrogation signal based on a signal to be amplified is provided. This method comprises a generator for generating a signal to be amplified, and a selection block for selecting a type of interrogation signal to be transmitted from among at least two different types of signals. The generator for generating a signal to be amplified is configured so as to allow transmission of the signal to be amplified so as to generate the interrogation signal corresponding to the selected type of interrogation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Laure Hogommat-Chabrot, Jean-René Gely
  • Patent number: 11184992
    Abstract: A server device is provided. The server device includes a substrate, a first server module, a first cable, a second server module and a second cable. The first server module includes a first server board and a first recognition unit, wherein the first recognition unit is connected to the first server board. The first cable is connected to the substrate, wherein the first cable is connected to the first recognition unit, and the first recognition unit generates a first recognition signal. The second server module includes a second server board and a second recognition unit. The second recognition unit is connected to the second server board. The second cable is connected to the substrate. The second cable is connected to the second recognition unit, and the second recognition unit generates a second recognition signal. The server device determines whether the server module is coupled to the correct joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: WIWYNN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuo-Hua Tsai, Wei-Hao Chen, Chih Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 11140253
    Abstract: A doorbell system can be used to block a first electricity that is less than a first threshold from entering an electronic chime. By blocking the first electricity from entering the electronic chime, the electronic chime is not allowed to emit a notification sound. The doorbell system can also be used to allow a second electricity that is greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic chime. By allowing the second electricity to enter the electronic chime, this can allow the electronic chime to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor being present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SkyBell Technologies IP, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Frank Scalisi
  • Patent number: 11047925
    Abstract: The second ring (third terminal) of a tip-ring-ring-sleeve (TRRS) plug is divided into two arcuate segments that face each other, with one segment being connected to a ground line and the other segment to a detect signal line. An extension port device can be connected to both segments to short the segments together to produce a detection signal indicating engagement of the plug with a jack in, e.g., a game controller such as a wireless DualShock® (DS-4) controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Black
  • Patent number: 10861314
    Abstract: A workspace assembly includes at least a first sound sensor located in a first facility space, at least one communication device located within the first space, and a processor in communication with the at least a first sound sensor and the communication device. The processor is adapted to compare the volume of sound emanating from within the first space to a threshold level and to generate a signal via the communication device when the volume of sound emanating from within the first space exceeds the threshold level. The processor also periodically automatically adjusts the threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: STEELCASE INC.
    Inventors: Robert Scheper, Matthew Warner, Karl Mead, Brett Kincaid, Kurt Heidmann
  • Patent number: 10797756
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for modulating a first electrical signal to generate first modulated electromagnetic waves, and transmitting the first modulated electromagnetic waves on a waveguide located in proximity to a transmission medium. In one embodiment, the first electromagnetic waves can induce second electromagnetic waves that propagate on an outer surface of the transmission medium. The second electromagnetic waves can have a first spectral range that is divided into, contains or otherwise includes a first control channel and a first plurality of bands. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Irwin Gerszberg, Farhad Barzegar, Paul Shala Henry, Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 10754304
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a premises are described. A gateway device may monitor a plurality of devices at a premises. A mobile device may receive, from the gateway device, data indicative of one or more events of the plurality of devices. The mobile device may output a user interface comprising status information associated with the plurality of devices. The user interface may allow for user input to generate control operations associated with the premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Raji, Gerald Gutt
  • Patent number: 10708404
    Abstract: A doorbell system can be used to block a first electricity that is less than a first threshold from entering an electronic chime. By blocking the first electricity from entering the electronic chime, the electronic chime is not allowed to emit a notification sound. The doorbell system can also be used to allow a second electricity that is greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic chime. By allowing the second electricity to enter the electronic chime, this can allow the electronic chime to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor being present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SKYBELL TECHNOLOGIES IP, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Frank Scalisi
  • Patent number: 10568190
    Abstract: A remote control for controlling a luminaire is wirelessly controllable with a terminal device. The remote control includes: a receiver that receives an input from a user; a first communication circuit that communicates wirelessly; and a first controller that generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to the luminaire via the first communication circuit, in which the control signal corresponds to the input received by the receiver and includes identification information unique to the terminal device as a source address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Kurihara, Tomoaki Mannami, Kouichi Mitsushima
  • Patent number: 10510221
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for transmitting messages related to operations of electronic devices. A management apparatus is notified of an event that occurred in a specific one of a plurality of electronic devices. The management apparatus determines one or more target devices in response to notification of the event that occurred in the specific electronic device. An event message corresponding to the event that occurred in the specific electronic device is created. The management apparatus transmits the event message to the one or more target devices. The one or more target devices output the received event message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kangmin Lee, Hyungrae Cho, Jihyeon Kweon, Seokmin Oh
  • Patent number: 10440166
    Abstract: A doorbell system can be used to block a first electricity that is less than a first threshold from entering an electronic chime. By blocking the first electricity from entering the electronic chime, the electronic chime is not allowed to emit a notification sound. The doorbell system can also be used to allow a second electricity that is greater than the first threshold to enter the electronic chime. By allowing the second electricity to enter the electronic chime, this can allow the electronic chime to emit a notification sound in response to a visitor being present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SkyBell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Frank Scalisi
  • Patent number: 10349499
    Abstract: Provided is a remote control for controlling a luminaire that is wirelessly controllable with a terminal device. The remote control includes: a receiver that receives an input from a user; a first communication circuit that communicates wirelessly; and a first controller that generates a control signal and transmits the control signal to the luminaire via the first communication circuit, in which the control signal corresponds to the input received by the receiver and includes identification information unique to the terminal device as a source address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichiro Kurihara, Tomoaki Mannami, Kouichi Mitsushima
  • Patent number: 10333731
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for communicatively coupling internal components and accessories appliances, and appliances with external components and accessories are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method of operating a domestic appliance having at least one of an internal communications network and/or an external communications network among at least two components includes identifying the components, communicating the capabilities of each identified component, communicating the status of each identified component, providing a command interface for operating the components, facilitating communication between the components, and operating the appliance using the command interface and the facilitated communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew P. Ebrom, Mark E. Glotzbach, Richard A. McCoy, Andrew D. Whipple, Donald E. Maynard, Matthew J. Nibbelink
  • Patent number: 10201059
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for measuring and evaluating operating parameters in lighting technologies for smart switches. Said method is characterized in that from the acquisition and filtering of data the measurement of current consumption, determination of technology type, detection of the irregular behavior in the operation of the at least one lighting device and determination and selection of the dimming mode are obtained through different functions which comprise a number of steps which, when performed, obtain the different results corresponding to each function and which are used and sent to a central module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: KLEVERNESS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Leobardo Stephen Lincoln Strange Zenteno, Dan Nurko Elliot
  • Patent number: 10156831
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a method for premises management networking include monitoring premises management devices connected to a gateway at a premises; controlling premises management devices connected to the gateway at the premises; receiving, at the premises, an uplink-initiation signal associated with a network operations center server; and in response to the uplink-initiation signal, initiating, from the gateway at the premises, communications between the gateway and the network operations center server; and communicating, during the communications between the gateway and the network operations center server, information associated with the premises management devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: iControl Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Raji, Gerald Gutt
  • Patent number: 10123393
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an Electrical Power System (EPS) or Power Supply for a smart switch for controlling up to three independent lighting loads (3 gang) within an electrical installation that has two or three wires in the switch box (two-wire and three-wire switches). The smart switch is able to operate in a conventional switch box without access to the neutral wire. If the lighting device is a low power lighting device, only one adapter is used to avoid flickering or unintentional lighting. The Power Supply also provides a voltage signal indicating the current consumed by the lighting loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Kleverness Incorporated
    Inventors: Gerardo Gomez Soto, Dan Nurko Elliot
  • Patent number: 10021765
    Abstract: The present invention refers to an intelligent switch device for controlling lighting devices within an electrical installation, so as to control the switching on, off, and intensity of illumination by means of a mobile or web application and a user interface, in a local or remote manner; and a central control system that allows the intelligent switch devices to be configured and controlled by radio communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: KLEVERNESS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dan Nurko Elliot, Marco Polo Leyva Rios, Hector Munguia Abundis, Fidel Nahum Castillo Barcenas, Nelly Adriana Estrada Flores, Josue Saul Rosario Garcia, Francisco Antonio Puc Poot, Leobardo Stephen Lincoln Strange Zenteno, Gerardo Gomez Soto, Edmundo Leyva Rios, Carlos Mucino Ramirez, Samuel Nurko Yomtow
  • Patent number: 9994179
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement is provided, the circuit arrangement including a receiver configured to receive signal information from a sensor circuit; a discharge circuit configured to discharge a capacitance by providing a discharge pulse; and a modulation circuit configured to modulate a bit pattern onto the discharge pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
    Inventors: Dirk Hammerschmidt, Timo Dittfeld
  • Patent number: 9761098
    Abstract: An entry sensor, which supports either wireless or wired operation, facilitates installation and is adjustable for gaps between a building entry barrier such as a door or window and the surrounding frame. The sensor, which may be implemented as a single piece design, includes an adjustment mechanism that enables an installer to vary the extension of the sensor to match the actual gap so that the sensor properly secures the building entry when closed. The sensor includes a detector that determines the state of a switch that is responsive to the movement of a plunger mechanism, where the state is indicative whether the building entry barrier is opened or closed, and that may determine whether the sensor is tampered with. The sensor also may facilitate battery replacement that protects the associated circuitry during the replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Salus Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Hong-Yen Pai, Wai-Leung Ha, Shen Owyang, Dick Chan, Wai Yin Shum, Kwok Wa Kenny Kam, Guang Quan Feng
  • Patent number: 9727046
    Abstract: A system for monitoring or controlling a remote programmable device is provided. The system includes a server configured for connection to the programmable device and a local computing device. The server includes code that establishes a data structure accessible by both devices and including a plurality of user configurable records. The server receives instructions from the local device to configure each record as an input, output or input/output channel corresponding to input, output or input/output parameters of the programmable device and to define input values for the input channels and input/output channels. The server transmits the input values and input/output values to the programmable device and receives output values and input/output values from the programmable device for transmission to the local computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventors: Gangming Luo, Jonathan J. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 9721441
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for transmitting messages related to operations of electronic devices. A management apparatus is notified of an event that occurred in a specific one of a plurality of electronic devices. The management apparatus determines one or more target devices in response to notification of the event that occurred in the specific electronic device. An event message corresponding to the event that occurred in the specific electronic device is created. The management apparatus transmits the event message to the one or more target devices. The one or more target devices output the received event message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kangmin Lee, Hyungrae Cho, Jihyeon Kweon, Seokmin Oh
  • Patent number: 9560457
    Abstract: A plug connector includes: a jack portion into which a pin of a microphone-equipped headphone plug in which a speaker contact portion connected to a speaker of a headphone, a ground contact portion connected to a ground wire of the headphone, and a microphone contact portion connected to a microphone of the headphone are sequentially formed in an axial direction, the jack portion having a first contact which is in contact with the speaker contact portion, a second contact which is in contact with the ground contact portion, and a third contact which is in contact with the microphone contact portion; a bias circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the third contact through a resistor; and a control circuit configured to detect that the pin is extracted from the jack portion, based on a change of a potential of the third contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiko Toda
  • Patent number: 9362689
    Abstract: A circuit for detecting the position of the signal MIC-IN and GND on the audio plug of a mobile phone includes two comparators and two switches. The comparators compare the voltage difference between the two contact points representing MIC-IN and GND of the audio plug of a mobile phone, and through this comparison the ground signal of the mobile phone is identified. The circuit then connects the ground of the accessory and the mobile phone properly, by activating the appropriate switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: BBPOS LIMITED
    Inventors: Chi Wah Lo, Hwai Sian Tsai, Ka Leong Tony Tsang
  • Patent number: 9329236
    Abstract: A device for monitoring a space by changing a sequence of a serial interconnection of closing contacts, in particular of cover switches in a security housing, having a series circuit variation apparatus, a security cover, at least two closing contacts, and a protective circuit, wherein said at least two closing contacts each have an open, electrically nonconductive state and a closed, electrically conductive state, wherein said security cover is set up to put each of said at least two closing contacts in a closed, electrically conductive state, wherein said protective circuit is set up to detect an opening of at least one of said at least two closing contacts, wherein said series circuit variation apparatus serially interconnects said at least two closing contacts, wherein the sequence of the serial interconnection of said at least two closing contacts can be changed by said series circuit variation apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: VeriFone GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Ostermöller
  • Patent number: 9197957
    Abstract: An electronic device receives power through an earphone interface, and includes the earphone interface, a processing unit, an audio codec chip, a first switch and a second switch. The earphone interface includes a left channel pin, a right channel pin, a ground pin and a microphone pin. The first switch includes a first normally closed terminal, a first normally open terminal, a first common terminal and a first controlled terminal The second switch includes a second normally closed terminal, a second normally open terminal, a second common terminal and a second controlled terminal. The processing unit includes a detect pin and a switch control pin. An earphone power line to power the electronic device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignees: AMBIT MICROSYSTEMS (SHANGHAI) LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ye Zhang, Xiao-Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 9100728
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method employing one or more environmental instruments in communication with a communication server that monitors the operation of the environmental instruments based on a task schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Timothy Alan Higgins, Samuel Wallace Kent Miller, IV
  • Patent number: 9060228
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first connector, a second connector, a detection circuit and a logic circuit. The first connector and the second connector are configured for electrical communication with first and second conducting terminals, respectively, of an audio jack plug. The detection circuit is configured to apply a first value of current to the first connector, and apply a second value of current to the second connector. The logic circuit is configured to generate an indication that the audio jack plug is fully inserted according to a logic level detected at the second connector when electrical ground is detected at the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Tony Cheng Han Lee, Shawn Kirk Barden, Seth M. Prentice
  • Patent number: 9042812
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system including a frequency mixer that combines a signal and a carrier wave to form a combined signal, and a transmitter that generates a transmission based on the combined signal. The system can also include a coupling device that emits the transmission as an electromagnetic wave guided by an outer surface of a transmission medium. The electromagnetic wave can propagate longitudinally along the surface of the transmission medium and at least partially around the surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Donald J Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 8994526
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a sensor interface module. The sensor interface module includes a comparator having a first comparator input, a second comparator input, and a comparator output. A current- or voltage-control element has a control terminal coupled to the comparator output and also has an output configured to deliver a modulated current or modulated voltage signal to an output of the sensor interface module. A first feedback path couples the output of the current- or voltage-control element to the first comparator input. A summation element has a first summation input, a second summation input, and a summation output, wherein the summation output is coupled to the second comparator input. A supply voltage module provides a supply voltage signal to the first summation input. A second feedback path couples the comparator output to the second summation input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Dirk Hammerschmidt
  • Patent number: 8976015
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a circuit configuration as well as a navigation system are disclosed, wherein the extraction and transmission of signals running on a line bus (1, 2) is carried out without having to sever the bus cable. Furthermore, a sensor (4) is disclosed, which outputs sensor signals reproducing the line signals and wherein the output sensor signals are amplified by a signal processing unit (11) and transformed into a defined digital signal shape (22). The filtered signals are then transmitted to a display device (14) or another device via an additional bus in wireless manner or by way of a line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Peter Rieth, Enno Kelling, Marc Menzel
  • Publication number: 20150054645
    Abstract: Security systems notify of alarms. Two separate communications paths are established from an alarm controller. One of the communications paths is selected based on performance, cost, or urgency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: John Alson Hicks, III
  • Patent number: 8955022
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for securing property are presented. Video content viewed by a user may be detected, and the user may be automatically prompted to change settings on a security system based on the detecting. A comparison of the current time with the duration of the video content may serve as the basis for such prompting. Additionally, a premise security system may be placed in a learning mode. Changes in position of a security sensor may be detected and used to set a permitted range of motion for the sensor. Further, a plurality of security sensor profiles may be stored, and each profile may identify a different predefined permitted range of motion of a sensor. The addition of a new sensor to a premise may be detected, and a user may be prompted, on a display, to identify a profile to be used for the new sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Poder, Mike Cook
  • Patent number: 8947224
    Abstract: One computer readable medium embodiment includes computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a device to perform a method of environmental data collection. The method can include receiving environmental data and associated time data. The method can also include aggregating time data into categories of environmental data within, above, and below a range. The method can further include outputting the aggregated and categorized time data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: PakSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Jensen, Kirk M. Gruell, Casimir E. Lawler, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150022346
    Abstract: Systems and methods for interfacing a hazard detection device with a control panel system via a dongle are provided. The dongle may be configured to alternate between drawing first and second amounts of power from the control panel system in response to the hazard detection device alternating between operating in a normal mode when no hazard is detected and an alarm mode when a hazard is detected. The hazard detection device may operate independently of any characteristics of the control panel system. For example, the hazard detection device may operate without drawing any power from the control panel system. Therefore, the dongle may allow for various types of hazard detection devices to interface with a common two-line power control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Scott Mullins, Brian Jonathan Conner, Ian C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8897697
    Abstract: A millimeter-wave surface-wave communications system to provide network connectivity for a backhaul network and a distributed antenna system. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications propagating over existing power line infrastructure. The wavelength of the transmission is comparable in size or smaller than the circumference of the power lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Robert Bennett, Donald J. Barnickel, Farhad Barzegar, Irwin Gerszberg, Paul Shala Henry, Thomas M. Willis, III
  • Patent number: 8816830
    Abstract: The present invention further provides a motor control system, which controls a motor through a power line. The motor control system includes a control apparatus and an actuation apparatus. The control apparatus includes a controller and a first communication module electrically connected to the controller. The controller receives a command and converts the command into electrical control signals. The first communication module receives the electrical control signals from the controller and transmits the electrical control signals to the power line. The actuation apparatus includes a second communication module and a motor actuator electrically connected to the second communication module. The second communication module is connected to the power line to receive the electrical control signals from the control apparatus and convert the electrical control signals into a command. The motor actuator receives the command from the second communication module to change the power supplying to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Legendaire Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Cheng Lai, Huang Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 8791818
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for monitoring a location. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be utilized to monitor a border, such as, but not limited to, the border between the United States and Mexico. In addition, the disclosed embodiments may be utilized to monitor any location including, but not limited to, residential locations, businesses, warehouses, and mass transportation facilities. In one embodiment, a web portal is provided in which the general public may view streaming video and/or still images associated with cameras placed along the monitored location. A user viewing one or more selected cameras is provided with an option to report suspicious activities seen on the one or more selected cameras. The report is sent to one or more local law enforcement agencies associated with the location of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: James Midkiff
  • Patent number: 8774863
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a built-in microphone of a portable terminal is provided. The method includes detecting a call connection event when a call connection request is received or transmitted; checking information on a currently connected connection device upon detecting the call connection event; and when the information shows that the connected connection device is an earphone, activating a speaker included in the earphone and activating the built-in microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sang-Kyu Park, Seung-Yup Lee, Jung-Ho Park, Soo-Ho Song
  • Patent number: 8686833
    Abstract: The control system has a structure in which sensor apparatuses each having a data communication function are connected to an electronic control apparatus through a common communication line, and the sensors of the sensor apparatuses are connected to the electronic control apparatus through separate individual signal lines to transmit sensor signals to the electronic control apparatus. The electronic control apparatus is configured to, prior to transmitting communication data to one of the sensor apparatuses through the communication line, set the signal line connected to the selected sensor apparatus in a state in which the voltage of the signal line is outside a variation range corresponding to a voltage range of the sensor signal, and set the signal lines connected to the other sensor apparatuses to each of which the communication data is not addressed in a state in which the voltage of the signal line is within the variation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshikazu Hioki, Housyo Yukawa, Masayuki Kaneko, Fumitaka Sugimoto, Hirohumi Isomura
  • Publication number: 20140043158
    Abstract: Debo Alarm System Second Phase (D.A.S.S.P.) is a mobile Security System for the Home, Apartment, RV, Commercial Businesses, and Vacation Suite etc. . . . This alarm system is unique because it utilizes the existing wiring in the area you are trying to secure. The system works like a traditional alarm system with 911 and Carbon Monoxide function. This system not only has the ability to monitor the inside of your home it also allows you to monitor the perimeter of your home. The Debo Alarm System Second Phase has a detachable Mobile Module with 911 and Carbon Monoxide function. The Mobile Module can be used to monitor your home system and protect you at a second location. The Mobile Module can be plugged into a wall socket like a cell phone. The Mobile Module has an internal rechargeable battery to allow a wide range of security functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Durwin Keith Lasker
  • Publication number: 20140009279
    Abstract: Provided is a fire control panel in which an address map window (30), in which terminal device control switches (31) each indicating an address number (AD) of a terminal device are arranged in a matrix shape, is displayed on a display/operation unit (2). In addition, each of the terminal device control switches (31) corresponding to a status stored in a terminal database (DB) is displayed in a display mode that differs depending on each status. Accordingly, it is possible to grasp status information on a large number of terminal devices at a glance through one screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Katsuhide TSUBOKAWA, Masahiro HAGITA
  • Patent number: 8604926
    Abstract: A system and method for guiding server chassis enumeration in a computer system are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method of connecting a plurality of computer server chassis configured as a plurality of nodes. For each cable connection between any two server chassis, a port on the first of the two server chassis to which a first end of a cable is connected is identified, and a port on the second server chassis to which a second end of the cable is connected is identified. The node containing second server chassis is uniquely designated by the port designator on the first server chassis, and the node containing the first server chassis is uniquely designated by the port designator on the second server chassis. An electronic alert is generated in response to any conflicting node designator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael H. Nolterieke, William G. Pagan
  • Patent number: 8593263
    Abstract: A control/monitor signal transmission system in which simple communication control can be performed without a control unit, and a wiring allowable distance is larger than a conventional system. A plurality of slave stations which are installed corresponding to the plurality of actuating apparatuses and are connected through a common data signal line, and a mediation station which is connected to the data signal line are equipped, and the data signal line includes a plurality of independent groups which are consolidated to the mediation station. The plurality of actuating apparatuses are divided into one or plural sets including at least two, and the actuating apparatuses which belong to the same set and are different in group of the connected data signal line have a correspondence relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Anywire Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitane Saitou, Kenji Nihikido
  • Patent number: 8593274
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring for a distressed sound is disclosed. The system comprises a noise detection module configured to monitor ambient noise through a microphone on a digital telephony device operating in an idle state and determine an ambient noise level. A sound processing module is configured to process sounds received from the microphone that have an amplitude a selected amount greater than an amplitude of the ambient noise and determine if the processed sounds match a predetermined statistical model of a distressed sound. An assistance request module is configured to send a request for assistance via the digital telephony device for processed sounds that match the predetermined statistical model of the distressed sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Peter Gancarcik, Philippe Moquin
  • Patent number: 8564445
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the performance of a caregiver are disclosed. The systems may be configured to monitor the movement of each subject in a network of subjects. One such system includes a plurality of strips adhered in spaced-apart relation on a mattress pad, upon which a subject is positioned. One or more transmitter is provided coupled to the plurality of strips. A processor is connected to the one or more transmitter. The processor is provided with operating software to record and report caregiver activity or both caregiver activity and subject activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Proacticare LLC
    Inventors: Barton Dring, John Ross
  • Patent number: 8538732
    Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marion A. Keyes, IV, Trevor D. Schleiss, Mark J. Nixon, Ron Eddie, Terrence L. Belvins, Ram Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 8514089
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring circuit includes a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor, a zener diode, an alarm, a silicon controlled rectifier. A first terminal of the NTC resistor is connected to a power supply through a first resistor. A second terminal of the NTC resistor is grounded. A cathode of the zener diode is connected to a node between the NTC resistor and the first resistor. An anode is grounded through a second resistor. A first terminal of the alarm is connected to the cathode of the zener diode, and is grounded through a third and fourth resistors in series. A cathode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to the anode of the zener diode. An anode of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a second terminal of the alarm. A control terminal of the silicon controlled rectifier is connected to a node between the third and fourth resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Zhao Huang
  • Patent number: 8514065
    Abstract: A device for waking up users of a bus system includes an evaluator having at least one clock-pulse generator and configured to selectively evaluate the wake-up information used to activate the users. The wake-up information to be evaluated has the structure of a standard CAN message. The activating procedure is initiated only in response to the presence of wake-up information that is specified for the respective user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Huebl
  • Patent number: 8504357
    Abstract: A related word presentation device includes a program information storage unit that stores program information of each program; and an information dividing unit that generates, for each of the attributes of the words included in the program information, at least one group which includes a reference word belonging to the attribute and a set of words which co-occur with the reference word in a program. A degree-of-relevance calculating unit stores attribute-based association dictionaries each of which indicates, for the corresponding attribute of words, (i) the words and (ii) the degrees of relevance between the words calculated based on the frequency of co-occurrence in each of groups. A search condition obtaining unit obtains the search word and the attribute; a substitute word obtaining unit selects substitute words from the attribute-based association dictionary for the obtained attribute; and an output unit presents the selected substitute word.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tsuzuki, Satoshi Matsuura, Kazutoyo Takata
  • Patent number: 8466789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognition of the theft of at least one solar module (5) on a photovoltaic unit with an inverter (1) an intermediate circuit (3), a DC-AC converter (4), at least one solar module (5) connected via connector lines (19) and a control device (8). A signal unit (19) which can be connected to the connector lines (9, 10), for generating and transmitting an electrical signal and a device for measuring and analyzing the signal received from the at least one solar module (5) are provided such that conclusions can be drawn about the theft of a solar module (5) from the received signal. According to the invention, reliable recognition of theft of a solar module (5) can be achieved by designing the signal unit (19) for generating varying electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Mühlberger, Roland Prötsch