Abstract: A method implemented in a computer based smartphone in communication with one or more appliances via one or more networks. The method comprises monitoring health data concerning an appliance or an appliance part. Determining that the appliance or appliance part exhibits a maintenance issue based upon the health data. Accessing a remote computer system via the computer based smartphone over an Internet. Receiving one or more suggestions on where to order, purchase, or seek repair for the appliance or appliance part from the remote computer system.

Abstract: A sound sensing module for monitoring the operation of an appliance includes a microphone for monitoring sound generated during operation of the appliance and a controller operably coupled to the microphone. The controller can obtain a sound signal generated during operation of the appliance, analyze the sound signal to identify a sound signature corresponding to an operating event, and implement a responsive action, such as providing a user notification, providing troubleshooting instructions, ordering a replacement part, scheduling a maintenance visit.

Abstract: Aspects relate to a method for controlling a home appliance depending on a user position, along with a related system. The method includes: determining a position of a smartphone of a user; transmitting positional information on the determined position from the smartphone to a remote server; judging from the positional information whether the determined position is within or outside a predefined home zone surrounding the home appliance; generating a control signal dependent on whether the determined position is within or outside the home zone; transmitting the control signal to a control device to control the home appliance; judging from the positional information whether the determined position is within a predefined problematic zone which is outside the home zone; and reclassifying the determined position to be within the home zone or ignoring the determined position depending on at least whether the determined position is within the problematic zone.

Abstract: A position confirmation device is provided. The position confirmation device comprises: a registration portion, which registers event information comprising information of a place where an event is conducted; a setting portion, which sets a safety range capable of being specified as a position of a user during the event from the information of the place and a position specification accuracy of a first mode for specifying the position; an acquisition portion, which acquires position information relating to a position of a mobile terminal specified by the mobile terminal carried by the user; and a transmission portion, which transmits a switching instruction to the mobile terminal when the position indicated by the position information deviates from the safety range set by the setting portion, wherein the switching instruction instructs switching to a second mode for specifying the position by a greater power consumption and a higher accuracy than the first mode.

Abstract: Device and method for controlling Bluetooth™ enabled occupancy sensors. One example system includes a transceiver, a display, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive from an occupancy sensor, a plurality of occupancy data points and an occupancy threshold, and to generate a graphical representation based on the data points and the threshold. The graphical representation includes a first line providing an indication of the values of the plurality of the occupancy data points relative to the occupancy threshold over time. The electronic processor is configured to present the graphical representation on the display.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for realizing a web service system. The solution includes communicating with nodes operationally connected to a server using a binary web service, the nodes having one or more resources. The server receives from a node a registration message having information on the address of the node, an ID of one or more resources of the node, and an indication that the node is configured to send autonomously information whenever a resource of a node changes, the information having the ID of the resource.

Abstract: An Internet based system for remotely monitoring and changing the open/closed door status of a garage door. A position detector is coupled to the door. Two position detectors, preferably substantially orthogonal with respect to one another, determine the barrier status. A wireless transmitter transmits the barrier status to a multi-functional control module. The control module also receives a change of status command from the Internet Cloud to move one or more doors in accordance with the command. Multiple relays paired with the doors allow the control module to control a plurality of doors.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for data recording and analyzing operational data monitors and records data generated by a plurality of operational and extended sensors each positioned on a moving platform. The data recording and analysis system analyzes the sensor data during movement and, by performing a statistical analysis of the operational data, adjusts one or more selected performance capabilities of the platform. The performance envelope of a platform is altered according to the experience of an operator. The recorded data is transmitted at any suitable time, including during and/or after travel. The apparatus provides redundant storage capability and the ability to store information on removable media to enable sharing of data. Thereby, the system, apparatus and method advantageously optimizes the operator's overall experience controlling a platform.

Abstract: Technical solutions are described for conserving battery consumption in tracking devices when tracking a plurality of shipment items. An example method includes receiving, by a first tracking device that is associated with a first shipment item, a tracking information of a second shipment item, the tracking information being transmitted by a second tracking device. The method also includes transmitting, by the first tracking device, a tracking message that includes the tracking information of the second shipment item and a tracking information of the first shipment item.

Abstract: An Internet based system for remotely monitoring and changing the open/closed door status of a garage door. A position detector is coupled to the door. The position detector has at least one tilt switch, and preferably two substantially orthogonal with respect to one another, for determining the barrier status, which indicates whether the door is in the open or closed position, and a wireless transmitter that transmits the barrier status to a multi-functional control module based upon a change thereof and/or an automatic pre-established periodic pulse. A multi-functional control module transmits the barrier status, upon a change thereof and/or an automatic pre-established periodic pulse to the Internet Cloud, and thereafter to a Smartphone. No request is ever made to obtain door status. The control module also receives a command from the Internet Cloud to move one or more doors.

Abstract: In an operation control device as a first device communicably connected to at least one second device and in an operation control method, a main controller performs a process of acquiring second device-operation information via a communication unit, a process of acquiring past second device-operation information from a storage unit, a process of selecting past second device-operation information based on similarity between current second device-operation information and the past second device-operation information acquired from the storage unit by an information acquisition unit, and a process of determining operation currently performed by the first device based on past first device-operation information stored in the storage unit while being associated with the selected past second device-operation information.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to providing information on a battery charge state of a parked electric vehicle through at least one of one or more light lamps and one or more speakers of the parked electric vehicle. Particularly, the disclosure may control at least one of a lamp light color, a lamp blink pattern, and a sound pattern according to the battery charge state information such that a user can recognize the battery charge state away from the electric vehicle through hearing and/or vision.

Abstract: A server system can provide coordinated event-based notifications to a target user across multiple notification channels. The selection of channels for a particular notification can be based on the type of event underlying the notification, user preferences related to delivery of notifications, and the like. The sending of notifications in different channels can be coordinated so that notifications in different channels are sent at different times, and sending of any given notification can be made to depend on whether the notification (or the underlying event) has already been acted on, as well as on user preferences related to delivery of notification. Some notifications can be sent without delay and/or unconditionally.

Abstract: An infrastructure and methodologies to support automated lost and found pet alerts based on geo-proximity and other criteria. In various embodiments, a pet/dog owner initiates a lost pet alert by entering location and lost pet report information via a downloadable application. This information is processed and stored in a database maintained by a cloud/remote server. The server identifies potential recipients for a lost pet alert and transmits alerts for display on user devices meeting select criteria such as proximity thresholds. Upon receiving a found pet report, the server sends an automated found pet notice to the owner of the animal and other users meeting predetermined criteria. Curated listings of lost and found pet notifications may also be maintained for selective presentation on user devices.

Abstract: An indicating system and method having a parent unit communicable with a child unit is provided. In an embodiment for the indicating system and method of the present invention, the child unit may be responsive to receiving a signal from the parent unit for communicating instructions (e.g., traffic signal based, protective based etc.) which may result in a visual, and/or audio and/or tactile indication being provided to the user of the child unit. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system may communicate instructions, praise or other information, educational or otherwise to a child unit via actuators on the parent unit or by an auto mode feature utilizing signal strength detection/proximity sensing technology. Safety enhancing features, entertainment and encouragement features may be incorporated into the system.

Abstract: A wireless monitoring method is implemented through a plurality of wireless monitor devices. Each of the plurality of wireless monitor devices includes a state detection unit to produce a state data, a micro control unit and a communication module. To implement the wireless monitoring method, the wireless monitoring device gets a device identification code of another wireless monitoring device in a connection range thereof, and judges whether the device identification code is stored therein and belongs to a monitor group. If the judging outcome is positive, the wireless monitoring device gets another state data of the another wireless monitoring device. After judging the state data and the another state data meet a state control condition, at least one control signal is output to trigger at least one electronic device.

Abstract: The communication between a tracking device and a secondary device that tracks the tracking device can be severed. On detecting a loss of connection, the secondary device retrieves a last known location of the tracking device from the tracking server. On receiving the last known location, the secondary device activates location detection functionality to determine a current location of the secondary device. If the current location is further than a predetermined threshold distance from the last known location of the tracking device, a notification is displayed by the secondary device indicating that the connection to the tracking device is lost. If the secondary device is within the predetermined threshold distance from the tracking device's last known location, the secondary device waits for a predetermined interval of time to elapse, and if the tracking device is not detected during this interval, a notification is displayed by the secondary device.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for use and processing of patient geolocation data in order to objectively determine a patient's territory as an artificially created digital biomarker while maintaining locational privacy. The objective determination of a patient's territory, defined as the area traversed in a specific time interval, can be used as a measurement of quality of life, as well as socio-economic contribution and benefit. Devices and methods are also disclosed for creating an artificial Overall Territory Activity Digital Biomarker based on Patient Activity Factors in addition to the Patient Territory Digital Biomarker, and which Overall Territory Activity Digital Biomarker also maintains locational data privacy. Furthermore, devices and methods are disclosed for capturing and transmitting digital biospecimens, the transformed geolocation data used to determine the Patient Territory Digital Biomarker.

Abstract: An acceleration-based mobile asset data recorder and transmitter equipped with a wireless processing unit, an event recorder, a digital video recorder, a fuel level sensor, and an inertial navigation sensor board. The inertial navigation sensor board includes a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis magnetometer, and a microcontroller. The data recorder and transmitter allows for automatic orientation, automatic compass calibration, fuel compensation with pitch and roll, emergency brake application with impact detection, rough operating condition detection, engine running detection, and inertial navigation of a mobile asset. Users can use the normal operation of their mobile assets to locate and alert, in real-time, areas where their assets are encountering rough operating environments, to provide for quicker emergency response, and to validate the effectiveness of repairs and rerouting.

Abstract: An acceleration-based mobile asset data recorder and transmitter equipped with a wireless processing unit, an event recorder, a digital video recorder, a fuel level sensor, and an inertial navigation sensor board. The inertial navigation sensor board includes a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis magnetometer, and a microcontroller. The data recorder and transmitter allows for automatic orientation, automatic compass calibration, fuel compensation with pitch and roll, emergency brake application with impact detection, rough operating condition detection, engine running detection, and inertial navigation of a mobile asset. Users can use the normal operation of their mobile assets to locate and alert, in real-time, areas where their assets are encountering rough operating environments, to provide for quicker emergency response, and to validate the effectiveness of repairs and rerouting.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to providing information on a battery charge state of a parked electric vehicle through at least one of one or more light lamps and one or more speakers of the parked electric vehicle. Particularly, the disclosure may control at least one of a lamp light color, a lamp blink pattern, and a sound pattern according to the battery charge state information such that a user can recognize the battery charge state away from the electric vehicle through hearing and/or vision.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring conditions are provided. A system can comprise a plurality of wireless transmitters and a plurality of repeaters. At least one wireless transmitter can be integrated into an alarm. The repeaters can be dispersed throughout a region at defined locations. The system can also include a computer to receive information communicated from the repeaters and the transmitters. The computer can include software for evaluating received information, identifying an alarm condition and an originating location of the alarm condition, and for reporting the alarm condition to a remote location. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: The invention is an improved security and product display system for use by retailers who sell hand-held electronics in stores. The system includes a combination of a mobile, hand-held electronics device (e.g., cell phone or like), a mounting member, and an adaptor cable that electrically connects the device to the mounting member. The device has power detection circuitry adapted to detect a break in the power circuit between device and mounting member. Detection of a circuit break causes the device to output a security alarm.

Abstract: Method for monitoring assets that include a sensor system that obtains data about contents thereof, a processor that derives information about the contents from the sensor data, and a communication system that, when linked to a communications network, wirelessly transmits the information derived by the processor via the Internet. The information is received at a data processing and storage facility, associated with a unique identification code for each asset, and stored in association with the identification code. Access to the stored information is effected via the Internet.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing, monitoring, and controlling home appliances in a media exchange network by establishing a communication link between a communication initiation device and at least one home appliance and communicating at least one command from the communication initiation device to the at least one home appliance via the communication link. The at least one home appliance then generates at least one response to the at least one command. The commands may include turning the home appliance(s) on and off, parameter adjustment commands, access commands, monitoring commands, mode change commands, and programming commands. Appliance responses may include powering on, powering off, changing a mode of operation, sending a status to the communication initiation device, adjusting an operational parameter, and changing a programmed operational step.

Abstract: An indoor position location system. The indoor position location system may include a narrowband messaging link. The narrowband messaging link may enable synchronization and ranging initialization between asset tags and access points of the indoor position location system. The indoor position location system may also include a wideband ranging link. The wideband ranging link may enable a ranging operation between the asset tags, the access points and a position location server of the indoor position location system. The position location server may determine a location of at least one of the asset tags according to the ranging operation.

Abstract: A Bluetooth/WiFi bridge includes a computing device in an interior of a dwelling with an internet-facing radio, and a second radio communicating with one or more non-internet-connected devices. The computing device provides for coordination of information flow between the two radios. The computing device is configured to enable the two radios to communicate and take incoming and outgoing information from one radio into a format that the other radio can transmit and receive. An audio sensor is configured to receive a sound from the one or more non-internet connected devices. The audio sensor being coupled to a logic circuit in the computing device. The internet facing radio is configured to communicate through a router to the internet and the non-internet devices connect to the internet via one of the radios through the computing device through the internet facing radio through the router to the internet, with the bridge communicating with a data center.

Abstract: Mentally challenged persons such as autistic children and Alzheimer's patients can become lost and they are hard to find because they have difficulty communicating or they are confused and disoriented. The present invention provides an apparatus, system and methods for locating lost persons (or animals or packages) whether they are indoors or outdoors. The apparatus comprises a cellular telephone unit which can be activated by a RF signal and which a child or patient can wear. The wearable unit can be activated by a caregiver's smart phone having a locating application installed therein. The locating application enables the caregiver to locate the lost person using radio direction finder triangulation when the lost person is within a few hundred feet of the caregiver. When the lost person is further away, the locating application employs cell phone tower triangulation or the wearable unit GPS/Assisted GPS application to determine an approximate location of the lost person.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a material storage container which includes a housing defining an interior receivable of removable material. An interior sensor system is arranged on the housing to obtain information about any material in the interior of the housing different than the location of the container. A location determining system is arranged on the housing to monitor the location of the container, and a communication system is coupled to the interior sensor system and the location determining system and transmits information about the material in the housing and the location of the container to one or more remote facilities. The communication system may be arranged on the housing itself, which is especially applicable when the housing is movable, for example, such as the housing of a Frac tank. The location and condition of the material in the container can thus be known at all times.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring appliances at a site, such as a household, business office, etc. The appliances can include, for example but not limited to, an electric oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, laundry washer, freezer, pool controller, light bulb, microwave oven, computer, television, telephone, etc. In many of the embodiments, the appliance has a computer based architecture or a controller that enables communication of data concerning the electronic appliance. In some embodiments the appliance is an apparatus with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or other passive device that can be interrogated for information concerning the appliance.

Abstract: A human tumble detecting and alarming device includes an external shell body, a sensor module for detecting body postures of an object to be detected in real time, a data processing module for analyzing information detected by the sensor module and judging whether the detected object tumbles or not according to analyzing results, a wireless communicating module connected to the data processing module and a power source module for respectively supplying the sensor module, the data processing module and the wireless communicating module with electricity. The sensor module is a triaxial acceleration sensor. The sensor module, the data processing module, the wireless communicating module and the power source module are all provided within the external shell body. The human tumble detecting and alarming device is simple in structure, small-sized, portable and easy to operate.

Abstract: An adaptor for remote coupling a security system to a monitoring center is described. The adaptor includes both a wireless connection to an alarm panel and a remote wireless interface. The wireless connection to the alarm panel is configured such that the adaptor appears to the alarm panel as a control pad. The adaptor communicates with a central station using the remote wireless interface and is operable to translate messages between the alarm panel and the central station into an appropriate protocol.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for selecting a remote controlled device to be controlled from among a plurality of remote controllable devices. The system includes an electronic device having a registration interface configured to register device data corresponding to the plurality of remote controllable devices, a position locator configured to determine position data corresponding to a position of the electronic device, and an orientation interface configured to receive orientation data corresponding to an orientation of a user. A controller is configured to select the remote controlled device based on the device data, the position data, and the orientation data. The plurality of remote controllable devices each may include a respective data source configured to provide the device data, and a headset may be configured to generate the orientation data.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors monitoring the audience. The circuitry is configured to analyze said sensor data to identify characteristic movement patterns of one or more members of the audience. The circuitry is configured to select music and generate verbal communication other than music to address the audience, based on the identified characteristic movement patterns. The circuitry is further configured to output said selected music and said verbal communication. A corresponding method for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for the calibration and operation of a processor controlled ophthalmic lens is described. More specifically, the system comprising an interactive wireless device used to personalize the control and activation of one or more functions and/or components of the processor controlled ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the personalization may include calibrating the functions and/or components using feedback from the user using the interactive wireless device in response to measured conditions by one or more sensors included in the processor controlled ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: An alarm system includes one or more audio stations, and an audio station network interface. The audio stations communicate wirelessly with the audio station network interface. The audio station network interface communicates with a monitoring center over a cellular network, to allow audio monitoring of the premises at the audio stations. The audio station network interface may be called by the monitoring center. Calls may optionally be placed by it in response to user interaction with one of the audio stations.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and controlling building security are provided. A controller is communicatively coupled to security devices of a building and can communicate an activity event detected by one of the security devices to a remote user device. The controller can then establish a communication session between the remote device and a security device via the controller, thereby allowing the user to communicate with any visitors. Video from a security device can be transmitted by the controller to the user device or an alternative user-device. Access instructions can be provided by the user, in response to which the controller can deactivate various building security measures. Security measures can be reactivated by the controller automatically or in response to a user command. Additionally, the controller can monitor visitor compliance with the deactivated security measures and activate alarms or notify security agencies if necessary.

Abstract: A baby monitoring light system includes a light body having a bottom portion and a top portion, the light body having a height generally shorter than the light body width and length, the light body comprising a light source oriented upwardly from the top portion, the light body adapted to project a light beam upwardly onto a surface approximately 5 to 15 feet away. The system may include a blanket having a pocket, the light body positionable in the pocket, the pocket having a space through which the light source projects when the light body is in the pocket. The light body may include one or more releasable fasteners.

Abstract: A remote device having an electrical appliance control function and an electrical appliance control system are provided. The remote device includes an appliance communication module for communicating with an electrical appliance which is used by a user inside or outside home using power; a network communication module for supporting communication with outside to obtain user set optimal control data which controls the electrical appliance to operate in some other mode than an operation mode basically provided by a manufacturer of the electrical appliance; and a control part for controlling the electrical appliance based on the user set optimal control data. Hence, user's convenience can be promoted by allowing the user to control the electrical appliance on the optimal condition.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an emergency message transmission method and an electronic device implementing the method. The electronic device stores a reference voltage value and comprises a smoke assessing unit. The method includes steps: capturing air composition around the electronic device, assessing whether the air composition has changed, if the air composition has changed, detecting an electrical current of the smoke assessing unit, amplifying the electrical current and converting the amplified current to a voltage value, comparing the converted voltage value with the reference voltage value, judging whether the converted voltage value reaches the reference voltage value, and if the converted voltage value reaches the reference voltage value, outputting a signal including an emergency message.

Abstract: A whole home emergency alert system includes a base unit and a plurality of satellite units remotely located from the base unit and from each other. The base unit communicates wirelessly with the satellite units. The base unit receives NOAA and NWS alert signals, and transmits emergency alert signals to the plurality of satellite units.

Abstract: Remote mail delivery notification is disclosed. Example embodiments include: providing a radio frequency (RE) transmitter on a mail delivery vehicle, the RF transmitter being configured to transmit a signal on a pre-determined frequency within a pre-determined transmitter proximity region; providing an RF receiver for a recipient of mail delivered by the mail delivery vehicle, the RF receiver being configured to receive a signal on the pre-determined frequency within a pre-determined receiver proximity region, the RF receiver including a mechanism for rendering an alert when the signal is received, the RF receiver further including a reset button to clear the alert and reset the RF receiver to receive a new signal; positioning the RF receiver so a central mailbox associated with the mail recipient is located within the receiver proximity region; and automatically activating an alert on the RF receiver when the mail delivery vehicle is located at the central mailbox.

Abstract: A request for an acknowledgement using a private key may be generated and transmitting to a customer device. The acknowledgement may be received from the customer device and verified using a public key associated with a customer operating the customer device. A request for a current location of the customer device may be transmitted and the current location may be received. A determination that the current location is proximate to a meter may be made, and, in response to determining that the current location is proximate to the meter, the meter may be manipulated.

Abstract: An integral locating system for child's drinkware accessories comprises a receiver with a speaker removably attached to a rear portion of each accessory. The speaker is activated by a remotely located transceiver preferably carried by or located adjacent to the parent or care provider. In such a manner, the parent or care provider can depress an activation button on the transceiver to locate the specific article. The article will alert in response period of seconds to allow the parent or care provider to locate it. The receiver unit is removable from the child's drinkware accessory to allow the article to be washed or sterilized. The receiver unit is placed in a central recharging station that accepts the different sized receivers for recharging.

Abstract: A GPS-based energy management system for a home network is provided that includes a plurality of energy consuming devices. The system comprises a central controller operatively connected to each energy consuming device, and one or more GPS-enabled devices configured to communicate with the central controller. The central controller is programmed to modify the behavior of the energy consuming devices based on the location of at least one member of a home network.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for monitoring a location is presented. The method includes monitoring one or more entryways of a building to detect when an entryway of the building is being opened and responsive to detecting an entryway of the building being opened, the method monitors for a presence of one or more wireless devices within a range of a residential wireless access point located within the building. In response to detecting the presence a wireless device within the range of the residential wireless access point, the method identifies an identifier associated with the wireless device. The method determines whether the identifier associated with the wireless device is registered with the residential wireless access point and responsive to the identifier associated with the wireless device being unregistered with the residential wireless access point, the method performs a user-specified event.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a message outputting device, an FM radio receiver, where the FM radio receiver is configured to obtain utility operator data provided by an FM subcarrier channel, and a processor in electrical communication with the FM radio receiver and the message outputting device is provided. The processor is configured to process the utility operator data and communicate a message in the utility operator data via the message outputting device. In some instances, the apparatus further comprises an input interface in electrical communication with the processor for receiving instructions from a user on whether to alter usage of the apparatus after the message in the utility operator data has been displayed via the message outputting device.

Abstract: An availability notification for a device can be provided to a mobile device. The availability notification can be provided based on a configuration established by a subscriber of a mobile device as well as a characteristic of the mobile device. The subscriber can interact with an interface provided by the network provider to establish the configuration. Additionally, the subscriber can reserve the device via his or her mobile device. For example, a reservation interface may be provided to the subscriber via his or her mobile device that includes reservation options that can be selected by the subscriber to reserve the device. The reservation interface can further include the availability notification that indicates the device is currently available.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication device for a security system that may include a device communicator configured for wireless communication with a security panel and for providing an additional wireless communication path to a monitoring center; and a premises power supply for removably connecting the device to a power source at the premises. The device may also include an alternate power supply, and an input device for enabling a user to initiate communications. The device may also be programmed so that the device can delay the transmission of an event signal for a predetermined period of time and then initiate transmission of the event signal if it does not receive a signal from the security panel to cancel transmission of the event signal during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: An indoor position location system. The indoor position location system may include a narrowband messaging link. The narrowband messaging link may enable synchronization and ranging initialization between asset tags and access points of the indoor position location system. The indoor position location system may also include a wideband ranging link. The wideband ranging link may enable a ranging operation between the asset tags, the access points and a position location server of the indoor position location system. The position location server may determine a location of at least one of the asset tags according to the ranging operation.