Abstract: An apparatus and method to enable a simple installation of a sensor unit (in one example an intra-oral x-ray sensor) on a network. The sensor unit is preferably a sensor in the medical field, and it is provided that the sensor unit is itself fashioned as an access point and establishes its own network on which a computer automatically logs on in order to enable a data transfer between the sensor unit and the computer. Due to this measure no expertise is necessary for the installation of the sensor unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of transceivers arranged in a mesh network that each synchronously communicate with at least one other of the plurality of transceivers in an assigned slot of a TDMA channel, at least a first of the plurality of transceivers asynchronously transmitting a priority message on a priority channel that is different than the TDMA channel and at least a second of the plurality of transceivers that detects an information content of the asynchronous priority message on the priority channel and retransmits the detected information content synchronously on the TDMA channel to a third transceiver of the plurality of transceivers.

Abstract: An identification system and method comprising attaching an identification tag to an inside surface of a shipping container port cover and communicating data from the tag via electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a watering can for watering of plants and flowers comprising a reservoir (4) for storing water and a handle (1), said reservoir (4) having an inlet hole (3), and an outlet spout (5). The watering can is characterized in that it further comprises a time assessment device (24), a motion sensor (25), and communication means (23, 28). The invention further relates to a method to alert a watering can user that the can has not been used for a certain time period. The method comprises the steps of: starting said time assessment (24) device, checking if said motion sensor (25) has detected motion, and resetting the time assessment device (24) in the case of detected motion, triggering the communication means (23, 28) to communicate when the time assessment device (24) has reached a first pre-determined time assessment.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for operating a lighting system of the type including one or more lighting devices disposed on an off-highway vehicle. The apparatus includes: one or more input devices, operable to detect an operating condition of the off-highway vehicle and to generate a signal thereof; and a lighting controller operatively coupled to the input devices and to the lighting devices. The lighting controller is programmed to selectively power the lighting devices from an electrical power source of the off-highway vehicle based on predetermined responses to the signals from the input devices.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a building automation system with an FMC cellular device are provided. The FMC cellular device can locally interface with a building automation system via a femtocell base station or a wireless access point, remotely interface with a building automation system over a wide area network via a macrocell base station, or remotely interface with a building automation system via a GAN enabled wireless access point.

Abstract: An on-board terrorist threat detection and reporting system and method are provided for use on-board a transportation vehicle. The system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing a potential threat. The plurality of sensors are positioned on the transportation vehicle. The system also includes a database for storing threat related reference information, and a memory unit for storing sensor information corresponding to the potential threat sensed by one or more of the plurality of sensors. The system further includes a processor for analyzing the sensor information and corresponding threat related reference information.

Abstract: A RF wireless sensor interface (20) interfaces one or more of a variety of sensors (12, 13) to a RF wireless network (11). A power converter (30) of the interface (20) converts a primary power (PPRM) into a DC power (PDC) that is supplied to the sensor(s) (12, 13). A microcontroller (60) of the interface (20) receives sensor detection information (SDI) from the sensor(s) (12, 13) in response to the sensor(s) (12, 13) receiving the DC power (PDC) from the power converter (30). A RF transmitter/transceiver (50) of the interface (20) executes a sensor detection information RF transmission (SDIRF) and/or a sensor control signal RF transmission (SCSRF) to the RF wireless network (11) in response to the microcontroller (60) receiving the sensor detection information (SDI). The power converter (30), the microcontroller (60) and the RF transmitter/transceiver (50) are located within a modular housing (80).

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for pull-outs, shelf boards, flaps, or other such elements to be opened, particularly front elements of particularly kitchen and office furniture, kitchen appliances and flush-mounted appliances, product dispensing devices, and the like, having components comprising a corpus, wherein the element to be opened can be transferred into an open position relative to the corpus 2 by way of a drive unit 5, the drive unit 5 can be activated by way of control means, and the control means comprise a front body sound sensor 6 that is associated with the front element 3.

Abstract: An occupancy sensing system includes a driver to emit energy in a space, and a sensor to detect energy reflected within the space. An electrical load for the space is controlled in response to an occupancy condition determined in response to the detected energy. The driver may be selectively de-energized. In some embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an unoccupied period. In other embodiments, the driver may be de-energized during all or a portion of an occupied period. In some further embodiments, the driver may be de-energized in response to detecting other sources of the type of energy emitted by the driver.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention provide a user customizable monitoring system. For example, in one embodiment, the user customizable monitoring system includes a set of user-programmable portable sensors and a communication hub for enabling a user to customize features associated with the set of user-programmable portable sensors. In one embodiment, the communication hub is further configured to receive data from the set of user programmable portable sensors and perform a user specified action based on the received data. In some embodiments, a user selects any desired combination of different types of user-programmable portable sensors that come preconfigured to operate with the communication hub. Additionally, in some embodiments, a user may configure particular parameters associated with a user-programmable portable sensor using the communication hub.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a security system include a device control module configured for electronic communication with a plurality of devices and a user interface coupled in electronic communication with the device control module. The user interface includes a voice memory and a first speaker. The user interface is configured to receive a first system event from the device control module identifying a first condition detected by the security system. The user interface is further configured to retrieve a voice message from the voice memory corresponding to the first system event and transmit the voice message via the first speaker.

Abstract: Asset including an arrangement for monitoring objects in an interior of the asset includes a sensor system arranged on or in the asset to obtain data about the asset or an object in the asset and a communication system arranged on the asset and coupled to the sensor system. The communication system transmits the data obtained by the sensor system to a remote facility via the Internet. A data reception system is arranged on the asset arranged to obtain data to enable the position of the asset to be determined, i.e., at the remote facility, and is coupled to the communication system which transmits the data to enable the remote facility to determine the location of the asset. The sensor system may be integrated with a cell phone or PDA.

Abstract: A distributed sensor network has a base station and clusters of sensor nodes. In a method of locating and classifying signal sources, at each node divides a received signal into blocks, performs Fourier-based transform on the blocks, selects peaks from the transformed blocks, selects subbands with features of interest based on the frequency of occurrence of the peaks across the blocks, collaborates with other nodes in the cluster to make a final selection of the subbands, encodes the subband features of the signal, and transmits the subband features to the base station. The base station processes the received subband features to locate and classify the signal sources.

Abstract: The communication device (10) which performs, when attached to the first region of the moving body, wireless communication with the communication partner device (20) attached to the second region of the moving body includes: a motion obtaining unit (11) which obtains motion information indicating a motion of at least one region of the moving body; a parameter determining unit (12) which determines a parameter corresponding to the motion of the region of the moving body indicated by the motion information obtained by the motion obtaining unit (11), using parameter information in which the motion and a parameter indicating a communication mode for successful wireless communication are associated with each other; and a wireless communication unit (13) which performs wireless communication with the communication partner device (20) according to the parameter determined by the parameter determining unit (12).

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic system for monitoring chemistry information for a body of water comprises a sensor for determining chemistry information, a microprocessor for processing chemistry information, and a housing coupled to at least one of the sensor and the microprocessor. Preferably the housing is floatable or mountable. The method of providing chemistry information of a body of water comprising the steps of obtaining a sample of the body of water and determining chemistry information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-contact IC medium communication device (1) capable of detecting a non-contact IC medium (25) in a desired area with a simple configuration, by obtaining, from each of separate read areas, identification information of the non-contact IC medium that exists within the read area and a signal level of a reception signal received from the non-contact IC medium, the identification information and the signal level being associated with each other, performing difference operation or division with respect to respective signal levels of reception signals from the separate read areas, for each of the identification information, to obtain a composite signal level, and extracting the identification information whose composite signal level falls within a predetermined threshold range. The present invention further provides a method thereof, a program thereof, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that enable a wireless security system that is designed to detect and receive wireless transmissions in one protocol, to use sensor-transmitters that operate in a different protocol. The techniques involve, generally, the use of an integration device, and in some implementations, first enrolling sensor-transmitters of a first protocol into the integration device, along with device type information for the sensor-transmitters. Thereafter, during system operation, transmissions with message packets in the first message packet protocol are received by the integration device, recognized as having been previously enrolled, and a message packet in a second message packet protocol that includes device type information is then formulated and transmitted by the integration device, for receipt by a system control device for the wireless security system.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor is provided with a housing having an interior cavity. A switch is mounted in the interior cavity of the housing and configured for placement in the open and closed positions. A fascia cover plate may be positioned on the housing to enclose the interior cavity. The fascia cover plate has a fascia rib on an interior surface thereof. The fascia rib is arranged to interfere with the switch in the disabled state to prevent positioning of the fascia cover plate on the housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for providing feedback for a page turn requested on a device is provided. The device may be an electronic book (e-book) device or another device that is configured to display electronic documents. A movement on the display of the device is detected. The method determines that a page turn of the document is being requested based on the movement on the display. The method determines a light-based feedback to indicate that a page turn is being processed. The computing time to process a page turn and display a new page may be slow as perceived by the user. Accordingly, the light-based feedback is used to indicate to the user that the page turn has been received. A plurality of light sources are used to provide the light-based feedback based on a location of the movement. For example, as a user swipes a finger across a display, light sources that follow the motion of the finger are illuminated to simulate a page turn.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an environmental sensor that is configured to obtain information associated with an environment surrounding the electronic device and a presence client module that is configured to generate a presence indicator associated with a user of the electronic device based on the information associated with the environment surrounding the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of determining the location of an asset comprising the steps of: for each asset tag in the rack, exchanging identity information and location information with at least one tag of a neighboring asset, wherein at least the location information is exchanged along a substantially physically unobstructed path between the asset tag and it's at least one neighboring asset tag; for each asset tag, transmitting the identity information and location information exchanged to a collection unit; and responsive to the information transmitted to the collection unit determining the location of the asset relative to other assets.

Abstract: Various proximity detection zones for work sites that require personnel to be in close proximity to various hazardous elements, such as machines, mobile equipment, remotely controlled machines, and operated vehicles can be shaped to fit specific equipment or work area configurations and may include one or more silent zones within the proximity warning zone in which an alarm is not sounded. The zones are determined by overlapping magnetic fields that expand and collapse at a selected operating frequency. Devices sense and measure the strength of the magnetic fields in which they are located and use the information to determine if they are in a silent or warning zone. Thus, it is possible to produce silent zones having desired shapes.

Abstract: A monitoring system for response to incidents sensed by at least one sensor of an individual signal unit; said response comprising in a first instance, transmission to a central control facility by a said individual signal unit, of at least a unique identifying code for that individual signal unit, over a communication network; said response comprising in a second instance, transmission of data from said central control facility to one or more recipients nominated by a registered owner of said individual signal unit; and wherein registration of a said individual signal unit and configuration of sensing and of said response is via a web-based interface. The monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said response in said first instance includes digital or analogue data input to said individual signal unit.

Abstract: A system and method for directing and monitoring the whereabouts of persons within an environmentally hazardous area includes equipping each person with devices for monitoring personal physiological conditions (56), equipment conditions (64), topographical locations (34), environmental conditions (57) and other pertinent data. The data are individually encoded and uploaded to a processing center (36) where they are analyzed (58,60,61) in order to ensure compliance with health or environmental norms and safety regulations, generate hot-spot mapping (53) and to issue real-time risk avoidance behavior directives (62), worker, mechanism and material traffic directions, warnings (59), permissions or interdictions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for tamper detection of electronic devices (110) in closed units which is robust and low cost. The object is achieved by a method in an electronic device (110) for detecting if a cover (100) enclosing the electronic device (110) has been opened. The cover (100) comprises an enclosing assembly (250) which is adapted to fasten the cover (100) into a closed position. The electronic (device 110) comprises a non volatile memory (120). The non volatile memory (120) comprises a stored reference signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250) when the cover (100) was fastened into a closed position. The method comprises the following steps: (Creating 1003) a signature associated to the enclosing assembly (250). Comparing (1004) the created signature with the reference signature. Detecting (1007) that the cover 100 has been opened when the comparing (1004) results in a difference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of a health monitoring network which automates detection of faulty or failed sensors using realt-time fault checking on a dynamically registered sensor data stream. The monitoring system and sensor network can provide a one-touch system to notify users when a sensor requires attention, without prior knowledge of the operational characteristics, installation method or configuration of sensors in the network. The network uses a decision engine to assist in maintenance according to a profile based on individual preferences and capabilities.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, an automatic warning system that warns users of personal mobile devices (such as cellular telephones and portable music players) when they enter or are near the threshold of a hazardous area while using their mobile device. In an example embodiment, the mobile device is automatically paused upon entering a street and resumes when the user has crossed the street. In a cellular telephone embodiment, calls are automatically put on hold upon entering the hazardous area, optionally the other parties to the call are informed of the reason for the hold, and the call is automatically resumed when all parties have left the hazardous area.

Abstract: In one example, a process includes receiving a plurality of first communications and a plurality of second communications, each first communication capturing activity of a patient using a first device at a different time and each second communication capturing activity of the patient using a second device at a different time. The process includes identifying a macro trend for all monitored activity of the patient based on data taken from the first and second communications. The process includes comparing data taken from a new communication from at least one of the first and second devices to the identified macro trend. A caregiver may be notified according to the comparison.

Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.

Abstract: Provided is technology for sensing and monitoring dangerous situations, and more specifically, a system and method for notifying of and monitoring dangerous situations in real time.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a dynamic transmission process and a processor unit. The processor unit is configured to run the dynamic transmission process. The dynamic transmission process is configured to receive environmental information. The dynamic transmission process determines whether to send the environmental information to a subscriber.

Abstract: An electronic control system for drilling devices, includes at least one pair of data-processing units (2a, 2b); a plurality of data-exchange lines, connected to the data-processing units (2a, 2b) for transmission of signals from and to control devices (4a-4c) of the drilling device; and accessories (5, 9) proper to the drilling device. Each of the data-processing units (2a, 2b) is redundant by the others with one and the same level of hierarchy, and all the data-processing units (2a, 2b) are connected to all the control devices (4a-4c) and to the accessories (5, 9) proper to the drilling device through the electronic data-exchange lines that are redundant in a number equal to the multiplicity of the data-processing units (2a, 2b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved an automated hand cleaning reminder system having a disinfectant dispenser mounted proximate to an entranceway. When approaching the entranceway the visitor must first utilize a disinfectant dispenser to gain unalarmed entry or exit through the entranceway. When the disinfectant dispenser is utilized the disinfectant dispenser transmits a signal to a processor which then deactivates temporarily a motion/presence detector scanning an area immediately adjacent or close to the entranceway, and thus permits entry or exit for the visitor. At the same time, processor activates a light emitter to provide a visual indication to the visitor that passage is permitted, and, simultaneously also activates the access allowed audio tone to be played through a message conveying apparatus.

Abstract: An alarm system senses alarm conditions on a premises, reports the occurrence of an alarm condition to a remote monitoring facility and for selected alarm conditions establishes two way voice communications with a person at the monitored premises or elsewhere. Multiple modes of communication are available such as public switched telephone (audio or audio modulated data), GSM (cellular audio), GPRS (cellular packet data), GSM/SMS (cellular text), etc. The programmed processor selects the network and communication protocol to rely on data communications if only data reporting is required. When two way voice communications will be required, the processor can select a network (e.g., GSM) that can be used for both data and audio communications.

Abstract: A signature analysis system can include a mobile signature analysis unit and a home unit. The mobile signature analysis unit can include a sensor module to monitor and capture an entity's activity information and a processing unit to analyze the activity information to detect a signature and determine an event corresponding to the signature. If the mobile signature analysis unit determines that a user has experienced a fall, for example, a notification can be sent to the user's caregiver by one or both of the mobile signature analysis unit and the home unit.

Abstract: A miniature modular wireless sensor unit. The unit includes three separate easily assembled and disassembled modules: a processor-communications module, a battery pack module, and a swappable sensor module. Preferred embodiments utilize Bluetooth radio communication technology to communicate sensor data. The total size of preferred embodiments is 1.380 inch×0.940 inch×0.540 inch. Preferred embodiments are easily programmed and calibrated by lay people to automatically communicate sensor information via Bluetooth techniques to a personal computer, laptop or similar equipment. A wide variety of sensors can be utilized with the standard sensor unit. Various battery pack modules are provided to match battery power with needs.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for associating electronic devices to portable containers. A smart container is a container used for transporting items while traveling and comprising electronic devices. The smart container may comprise at least one module bay configured for receiving a module and a controller comprising a processing device associated with a memory. The controller is electrically associated with the module bay and configured for sending and/or receiving data to/from an electronic device associated with the module bay. The controller may be either an integral component of the smart container or a controller module removably received by the smart container. The smart container further comprises a power source associated with a power bus. The power bus is electrically associated with at least one of (a) a module bay, and (b) the controller.

Abstract: The present Reverse 911 Alarm System implements a central alarm distribution site that is capable of generating an alarm indication to warn individuals of a hazard and propagating the alarm indication to selected ones of a plurality of alarm systems that are located in the service area of the central alarm distribution site to warn individuals of a hazard as well as transmitting the alarm indication to individuals via their wireless subscriber devices by the use of wireless multicasting in the wireless communication network that serves the service area of the central alarm distribution site. The central alarm distribution site creates an integrated Reverse 911 system which dynamically selects the alarm systems and the wireless coverage area to encompass the present extent of the hazard and can provide advanced warning to individuals located in an area that extends beyond the present hazard extent area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a detector network across one or more existing communications systems. In one implementation, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of hosts, each host hosting one or more detectors operable to detect an occurrence of an event, the hosts including functionality that is not related to the detectors and including communication functionality. The system also includes a management device for managing the detectors and one or more communications networks linking the detectors and the management device using the communication functionality of the respective host.

Abstract: A sensor-location system for locating sensors in a tract covered by an earth-based sensor network. The sensor-location system includes at least one sensor-identification device, and at least one sensor locator. The sensor-identification device is affixed to a respective sensor in the earth-based sensor network. The sensor locator is configured for use from on board of an aircraft. In addition, the sensor locator is configured to acquire geographic-location data of said sensor including an identifying signature from the sensor-identification device of the sensor in the tract covered by the earth-based sensor network.

Abstract: The present Reverse 911 Alarm System implements a central alarm distribution site that is capable of generating an alarm indication to warn individuals of a hazard and propagating the alarm indication to selected individuals via their wireless subscriber devices by the use of wireless multicasting in the existing cellular communication network and/or wireless-based Local Area Networks which are operational in the coverage area of the hazard. The central alarm distribution site dynamically selects the wireless coverage area to encompass the present extent of the hazard and can also provide advanced warning to individuals located in an area that extends beyond the present hazard extent area. The present Reverse 911 Alarm System thereby integrates the operation of the wireless communication network with the 911 and Reverse 911 services to provide efficient and comprehensive distribution of alarm indications to the individuals who are impacted by an emergency situation.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a structure at a fixed location, e.g., a house, parked boat or parked airplane, includes a monitoring or sensor system arranged to obtain information about the structure, an exterior of the structure and/or an interior of the structure different than the location of the structure, and a communication system coupled to the sensor system and being provided with a location of the structure. The communication system transmits the information about the structure obtained by the sensor system and the location of the structure to a remote facility. The remote facility can therefore monitor the structure, and take steps to ensure the integrity of the reservoir and the fluid therein. To enable wireless and powerless monitoring, a power source independent of a power grid extending outside of the fixed structure may be provided to supply power to the sensor system and the communications unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tracking and Geofencing system. Zones are classified into three types: safe, hazardous and travel, with the travel zone being defined in the preferred embodiment as any territory not in a safe or hazardous zone. The system monitors an asset by determining whether the asset is within a safe zone, logging data as to when the asset arrives in or leaves the safe zone and at what time it did so, while in transit from the safe zone to a hazardous zone logging the route of travel which may vary from day to day and notifying the owner if the asset goes motionless while in route for a user defined period of time, logging data as to when the asset arrives and leaves a hazardous zone such as time and duration and alerting the owner if the asset has exceeded a predetermined time within a hazardous zone.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly monitoring a plurality of parameters is disclosed. A first remote transceiver is attached to at least one first sensor for monitoring one of the parameters and a second remote transceiver is attached to at least one second sensor for monitoring another of said parameters. The system includes a base station transceiver. The first and second remote transceivers reach periodically report normal operating conditions to the base station transceiver. The first remote transceiver reports abnormal sensor readings with no substantial delay after occurrence. The second remote transceiver reports abnormal sensor readings a predetermined length of time after occurrence.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating an alert for a vending machine are disclosed. A method of generating an alert includes monitoring a bus for at least one communication from the vending machine controller via the bus. The bus is then monitored for a response to the communication from a peripheral device to the vending machine controller via the bus. The response from the peripheral device is then processed. An alert is then generated based on the processed response. A peripheral device for generating the alert includes a bus interface configured to receive data from the bus and to transmit data onto the bus, and a processing unit coupled to the bus interface, the processing unit configured to process data received from the at least one other peripheral device and generate an alert based on the processed data.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking a body's bio-readings and environmental information in which such bio-readings are generated is disclosed. Conventional bio-reading sensor technology may be used in combination with technology for receiving information from electronic tags associated with items in a body's environment. Such technology may include RFID smart tags associated with items in an environment. Such smart tags store information describing the item associated with the smart tag. An RFID smart tag reader may be provided for retrieving item description information stored in such smart tags. The combination of bio-reading data and environmental data provide a power tool in evaluating behavioral and environmental variables that affect a body's bio-readings.