Abstract: An alarm extension system that takes an interior alarm condition and extends it to the exterior of a structure. In various embodiments, the present invention is a system and method that links to an existing alarm (smoke detector, burglar alarm, etc.) and activates a flashing mode in one or more exterior lights or an exterior siren. Thus, during an alarm condition within the house or other structure, a neighbor or anyone passing by can become aware of the alarm condition. This method of signaling thus alerts many in the surrounding area of a situation within the building that may require emergency assistance.

Abstract: A method and system related to container identification through an electrical receptacle and plug associated with the container of an intermodal freight transport system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes coupling an electrical power plug of a container and an electrical power receptacle of a transport vehicle. Also, the method includes activating a tracking device of the container through a switch and actuator coupling. Further, the method includes verifying an identity of the container upon coupling the electrical power plug to the electrical power receptacle through an identification tag of the container and an electronic reader. Furthermore, the method may include conserving battery power through deactivating the tracking device of the container when the electrical power plug is de-coupled to the electrical power receptacle. The method may also include delivering an alert message to a driver when an incorrect container is identified.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe communication techniques and configurations for energy-harvesting devices in a wireless communication network. An apparatus may include circuitry to receive, by a network device of a wireless communication network, a message from user equipment, the message including an indication that the user equipment is an energy-harvesting device and circuitry to differentiate the energy-harvesting device from other non-energy-harvesting devices in the wireless communication network based on the indication. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A communication device for a remote switch has a control device designed to supply a preparatory signal for preparing a transmission process and a transmission signal for starting the transmission process. A memory device is designed to save one structural information and a parameter for different transmission protocols. A processing device is designed to supply data to be sent, read the structural information and the parameters from the memory device in response to the preparatory signal and, based on the data to be sent and the structural information, create a send packet, and output the send packet and the parameter in response to the transmission signal. A transmission device is designed to wirelessly emit a transmission signal representing the send packet with a transmission characteristic defined by the parameter.

Abstract: A wireless sensor network including a plurality of Smart Sensors coupled to a wide area network such as the Internet via a Wireless Sensor Coordinator. Each wireless sensor network comprises a plurality of Smart Sensors, each operable to measure one or more physical quantities. Each wireless sensor communicates the measured data to a Wireless Sensor Coordinator which then stores the collected data in memory. The Wireless Sensor Coordinator further includes a web server operable to post a web site on a network that is accessible by a common web browser. Upon receiving a request for sensed data via the web site, the Wireless Sensor Coordinator retrieves the appropriate measured and stored data and converts it into HTML format pages which are then posted on the web site for review by the requestor.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a master device for transmitting a light emission control command, and a plurality of lighting modules. Each of the plurality of lighting modules has a surface light source, receives the light emission control command, and drives and controls the surface light source in accordance with control data for its own, the control data being included in the received light emission control command.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein that transfer information using a container-located module. The module is coupled to sensor(s) that are configured to detect characteristic(s) pertaining to a medical substance that is included in a medical container. The module wirelessly transfers information that is based on the characteristic(s) to a requesting device in response to a request from the requesting device.

Abstract: A testing device is provided that may be attachable and detachable from a smoke detector. The testing device may have a rod that pushes a testing button on the smoke detector. The testing device may have a light detector which will actuate the rod to push the testing button if the light from an appropriate remote control or other light source is directed onto it, in order to verify that the smoke detector is operating properly without manually pushing the testing button. The testing device may store a unique identifier (ID) and generate and transmit data pertaining to results of the testing of the smoke detector.

Abstract: A system for operating an electric door release having an actuator powered by an energy harvester. The actuator may be a piezoelectric actuator and the harvester may be a piezo harvester. The system may further include a power module, a rechargeable battery and a voltage boost circuit disposed between the energy harvester and the actuator. When a piezoelectric actuator is used, a recycle actuator discharge circuit may be disposed between the piezoelectric actuator and the power module battery for recapturing a portion of the energy delivered to the piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric harvester may include an energy input portion whereby the piezo electric harvester is excited by the energy input portion. The energy input portion may include a circular or linear driving gear for exciting the piezoelectric harvester or a stepper motor generator, driven by movement of a door. The harvester may also be a stepper motor/generator.

Abstract: A method and system for providing information about mobile communication devices with respect to an area of interest is disclosed. A first person associated with the mobile communication device located in the area of interest is identified, wherein the identifying occurs at a location and messaging center. A contact person associated with the first person is identified. Information is provided to the contact person that the mobile communication device associated with the first person is located in the area of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates a method of identifying a tracked object that has a known database of hyperspectral and spatial information. The method associates an identifier with the tracked object; selects a parameter associated with the hyperspectral or spatial information of the tracked object; detects a deviation in the selected parameter; compares the deviation with the database; and if the deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold, assigns a new identifier to the tracked object, and if the deviation does not exceed the predetermined threshold, continues tracking the tracked object.

Abstract: A remote access gateway configurable control system. There may be a series of control commands to set or adjust a gateway device's running parameters and modify the behavior of the device or start process action. There may be configuration commands for remote control of the device and server commands for unattended devices.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes a switching mechanism is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the switching mechanism (such as a switch) selectively electrically couples a first electrical-connection node and a second electrical-connection node. For example, using the switching mechanism, an electronic device that is electrically coupled to the first electrical-connection node may be selectively electrically coupled to a second electronic device that is electrically coupled to the second electrical-connection node. The selective electrical coupling may be based on one or more measurements of an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Moreover, a sensor mechanism in the environmental monitoring device may provide sensor data based on the one or more measurements.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system comprising a transceiver in a vehicle configured to wirelessly connect with a nomadic device, wherein the nomadic device is capable of running a contextual application which operates at least in part based on vehicle environment data. The vehicle computer system further comprises one or more vehicle modules configured to receive environment data and capable of causing the transceiver to provide the vehicle environment data to the nomadic device for processing by the contextual application.

Abstract: Information in a data store may be efficiently accessed to perform boundary reading processing. In one example, register readings of one or more register channels that are linked to one or more interval channels may be retrieved from the data store to determine whether or not a boundary reading of a time span is missing. If a boundary reading is missing, but a proximate register reading exists, the boundary reading may be estimated from the proximate register reading and at least one interval reading.

Abstract: One feature of the present invention is a product management system that includes a package body for packing a product attached with an ID tag, and a reader/writer. The ID tag includes a thin film integrated circuit portion and an antenna, the package body includes a resonance circuit portion having an antenna coil and a capacitor, and the resonance circuit portion can communicate with the reader/writer and the ID tag. Accordingly, the stability of communication between an ID tag attached to a product and an R/W can be secured, and management of products can be conducted simply and efficiently, even if a product is packed by a package body.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: A metrological interface device includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”) including at least one metrological sensor communication interface and at least one first wireless communication interface. The metrological interface device is in communication with a metrological sensing device via the metrological sensor communication interface. Each metrological sensing device is coupled to a physical asset. Each metrological interface device is configured to receive the metrological data from the metrological sensing device. The metrological interface device is configured to receive metrological data from the metrological sensing device via the metrological sensor communication interface. Metrological data represents physical measurement data associated with the physical asset.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device for detecting and warning users of unhealthy levels of a given substance is disclosed having more than one sensor for each substance to be detected. Each sensor for each substance detected may be positioned in more than one plane or surface on the device. The device may be capable of auto or self calibration. Methods for reading substance levels and auto calibrating are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor (100, 300, 400) that includes a thin and substantially flat flexible substrate (102, 406) having one or more sensor arrays (104, 302), a power source (106, 416), an output interface (108, 418) and a processor or analog circuit (304), all of which are disposed on the substantially flat flexible substrate (102, 406). The substrate (102, 406) can be any shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, a polygon, an irregular shape that is decorative) and made from a polymer, metal film or other suitable material. Note that the substrate can be rigid or semi-flexible instead of flexible. A protective layer may cover the sensor array (104, 302), the power source (106, 416), and the processor or analog circuit (304). Alternatively, a protective covering can be used to encapsulate the device. The one or more sensor arrays (104, 302) measure acceleration, force or pressure.

Abstract: A data entry device including a housing formed of at least two portions, data entry circuitry located within the housing, at least one case-open switch assembly operative to sense when the housing is opened and tamper indication circuitry operative to receive an input from the at least one case-open switch assembly and to provide an output indication of possible tampering with the data entry circuitry located within the housing. The at least one case-open switch assembly includes an arrangement of electrical contacts arranged on a base surface and a resiliently deformable conductive element, which defines a short circuit between at least some of the arrangement of electrical contacts only when the housing is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to provided smoke detection and wireless local area network capabilities at each location thereof. This apparatus may replace existing smoke detector devices and/or be used in new construction so as to provide both smoke detection and wireless local area network capabilities in an area proximate to the apparatus. Carbon monoxide (CO) and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring and alarm may also be incorporated into this apparatus. Local area network capabilities may be wireless local area network (WLAN), e.g., WiFi per IEEE 802.11 standard, etc. The smoke detector apparatus may be used as an Ethernet transceiver, wireless router, wireless repeater, etc., and may be coupled to a wired or wireless local area network Ethernet switch or router that may further be used to provide Internet capabilities in combination with an Internet modem coupled to Internet access, e.g., fiber optic, cable, DSL, etc., supplied by an Internet provider.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for monitoring switchgear. The current supplied to the main bus is measured. The current flowing through a plurality of feeder circuits is also measured. The temperature of the main bus at one or more nodes is measured, wherein a node is a connection point between the main bus and each feeder circuit. The current flowing through one of the nodes is determined by subtracting the current flow through each the feeder circuit upstream from the node, from the current supplied by the input circuit. An alarm condition is determined if the temperature at a node exceeds a predetermined temperature value for a given current flow through the node. The alarm condition is thereafter displayed to a switchgear operator.

Abstract: An earthquake alarming device with rescue assisting capability includes a casing and a circuit unit. The circuit unit is disposed in the casing and includes a control module, and a seismic sensory module, a speaker, a transmitter module and a heating module all connected to the control module. The seismic sensory is capable of detecting an earthquake. The control module controls the speaker to generate an audio alarm, controls the transmitter module to transmit a wireless signal, and controls the heating module to generate heat when informed by the seismic sensory module that an earthquake has been detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method with at least one presence detector, wherein the presence detector has a radio transmitter. The system further comprises at least one radio receiver that is constructed in such a manner as to receive and evaluate signals of the presence detector transmitted via radio. The radio receiver further comprises at least one device that acts on downstream units as a function of the evaluation result.

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: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for assigning priority to antennae are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, reader antennae identify the location of an object by detecting a tag or other identifier associated with each object. Sensors can be provided to provide additional information regarding the environment of the objects or their surroundings. A priority order is assigned to the reader antennae based on the location and other characteristics of the objects and/or their environment. A polling sequence for reading the reader antennae is determined according to the priority order.

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 computerized system for continuously monitoring the radiation coming from one or more radiation sources in a site, comprising: (a) a processing unit, for comparing radiation related data with regulation operational permits of the radiation sources, wherein the processing unit receives data files from the radiation sources and extracts from them the radiation related data; (b) a permits server for providing the regulation operational permits to the processing unit, wherein the permits server is connected to the processing unit; (c) an anomaly generator for receiving the compared radiated data from the processing unit, and generating an anomaly data file; wherein the anomaly file is utilized for managing and controlling the radiation sources, and detecting radiation anomaly in the site.

Abstract: An information receiving apparatus that includes a receiver that receives an alert signal including a predetermined number of bits, and a controller that detects that the alert signal includes alert information by processing a subset of the predetermined number of bits of the alert signal, and outputs an indication corresponding to the detection.

Abstract: A method of reading an RFID tag using an RFID reader includes providing an RF-blocking enclosure having a port. The RFID reader has an antenna located within the enclosure. The enclosure is positioned so that the port is adjacent to a conductive surface and the RFID tag is within the enclosure. The RFID reader is activated at a selected read power level to read the tag in the enclosure.

Abstract: Stimulated emissions due to nuclear quadropole resonance are detected utilizing a terminated balanced transmission line and a directional coupler for the detection of explosives, contraband, narcotics and the like that exist between the transmission lines, in which a swept frequency continuous wave generator is utilized to scan between 100 KHz and 10 MHz.

Abstract: In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a wireless sensor system is described. The wireless sensor system includes a near-field wireless power transfer component, at least one measurement sensor, and an antenna. The antenna is in communication with the measurement sensor and can transmit measurements from the measurement sensor. The near-field wireless power transfer component can wirelessly receive power to operate the measurement sensor.

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: A mountable device and system for leakage detection and monitoring of various hazardous materials that can be stored and transported in variety of containers, including ones mounted in railroad cars, tank trailers, trucks, and other dedicated vessels. The device includes a sensor array to detect a potential leakage, wireless communication means, processor and the batteries in a single enclosure. The device can be readily mounted and dismounted using a dedicated opening in container's valves protection box or its lid and provides communications with a respective wireless sensor network.

Abstract: Provided are a wireless communication device and a communication device control method that include a set of templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances. The templates may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived or inferred by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors and then may be compared to the templates to determine a matching template. An action script is then executed based at least partially on the matching template which may include the contacting of a responding party.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant.

Abstract: An approach is provided for mapping a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to a network routable address.

Abstract: A plug-and-play sensor peripheral component includes an electrically conductive physical connector; an electrical connector; a transformer; and an RF communication and data storage circuit. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the physical connector by a first conductive path. The transformer is electrically connected to the RF communication and data storage circuit. The transformer and the RF communication and data storage circuit are electrically isolated from the physical connector and the electrical connector. Electrically connecting the physical connector to the electrical connector by other than the first conductive path inductively couples the RF communication and data storage circuit to the first conductive path.

Abstract: An emergency exit sign having a beacon module for indoor positioning and an indoor positioning system using the same are provided. The emergency exit sign includes a power supply unit, an AC/DC converter, an indoor positioning beacon module, an LED lamp, and a charger. The power supply unit receives an input of a power source and supplies the power source. The AC/DC converter converts the power source supplied and supplies a driving power source. The indoor positioning beacon module periodically wireless transmits a beacon signal including a beacon ID through a built-in antenna. The LED lamp is installed within the housing such that the lamp is positioned in rear of the display. When a power source is not supplied from the power supply unit, the charger supplies a driving power source.

Abstract: A biodegradable, bio-compatible material is described for use in wireless biosensors for point-of-care applications. The biosensor made from this biomaterial is capable of sensing environmental effects and as well as presence of bio-logical entities in the environment of concern simultaneously. Such a sensor can be used for evaluating point-of-care environmental preparedness for a specific patient through continuous monitoring of patient health performance due to environmental exposure. A two-tier network architecture is established for real-time monitoring (static case) that also provides warning of accumulated exposure. Wavelet analysis can be used to identify anomalies in the sensed data to initiate a warning.

Abstract: A fueling environment is equipped with leak detection probes and liquid level probes. Each of the probes is associated with a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceivers send probe data to a site communicator wireless transceiver. To ensure that the site communicator receives the probe data, repeaters are used within the fueling environment. The repeaters receive the probe data, and some period of time after the sensor transceivers stop transmitting, the repeaters retransmit the probe data to the site communicator. The site communicator discards duplicative information and processes the probe data as needed.

Abstract: A system for wireless multiple user access to a sensor comprises a sensor unit having a sensor element, a sensor user interface, and a sensor wireless transceiver that transmits information corresponding to the output of the sensor user interface. One or more receiving units each receive the information corresponding to the output of the sensor user interface, and provide that output to a receiver user interface. The receiver may be located near the sensor unit, or may be located remotely from the sensor unit. Multiple receiving units may be used, for example, by students receiving training on the use of a sensor unit.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a detection apparatus, calculates a relative value of the number of microorganisms detected from airborne particles by the detection apparatus to a prescribed total value, and determines a central angle ? corresponding to the relative value. Further, regarding the number of airborne particles other than microorganisms detected by the detection apparatus as the number of dusts, relative value of dust particles to a prescribed total value is calculated, and the central angle ? corresponding to the relative value is determined. On a display panel, the amount of microorganisms is displayed as a bacteria meter by the area from the start position to the angle ?, and by the following area to the angle ?, the number of dusts is displayed as a dust meter, in a circle graph.

Abstract: A system for wireless multiple user access to a sensor comprises a sensor unit having a sensor element (e.g. a leak detector), a sensor user interface, and a sensor wireless transceiver that transmits information corresponding to the sensor output. One or more receiving units each receive the sensor information corresponding to the output of the sensor user interface, and provide that output to a receiver user interface. Multiple receiving units may be used, for example, by students receiving training on the use of a sensor unit. An instructor unit can provided to allow an instructor to review the sensor information and create instructional commentary that is transmitted to each of the student receiver units along with the sensor information.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a mine personnel carrier includes an integrated information display and one or more processing units. The processing units may access life support data from devices associated with a life support subsystem of a mine personnel carrier. The life support subsystem provides breathable air to passengers of the mine personnel carrier, and the life support data indicates a remaining level of air available via at least a portion of the life support subsystem. The processing units access guidance data from guidance devices associated with a guidance subsystem of the mine personnel carrier. Each guidance device can detect entities within a detection range of the guidance device. The processing units initiate display in the integrated information display of at least a portion of the life support data and the guidance data. The integrated information display comprises a unified electronic display of the mine personnel carrier.

Abstract: Facility sanitization management includes receiving a condition of an individual and determining the condition is on a pre-defined list of conditions, and receiving tracking information indicative of locations in a facility traversed by the individual. The facility sanitization management also includes retrieving, from a first database, at least one solution for eliminating elements of the condition, and retrieving, from a second database, pre-defined structures and materials disposed in the locations, and identifying prescribed cleaning methods for the pre-defined structures and materials. The facility sanitization management further includes creating a clean-up job for each of the locations using the solution and based on the prescribed cleaning methods.

Abstract: A radio-based heat detection pellet is provided. The pellet includes a thermal switch configured to provide a detection signal when exposed to a temperature greater than a predetermined threshold temperature. The pellet further includes a transmitter circuit connected to the thermal switch and configured to transmit an alarm signal to a remote location in response to receiving the detection signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly detecting area changes are provided. Predetermined thresholds may be stored in memory. Each predetermined threshold is associated with a time of day, calendar day, and/or activity. The sensor may detect a change in the in the targeted area. The detected change is evaluated to determine an applicable threshold. Then it may be determined whether the detected change meets a predetermined threshold. If so, information regarding the change is wirelessly transmitted to an associated controller that controls light in the targeted area. The operation of the light may be controlled based on the wirelessly transmitted information.

Abstract: Prior to logging of a process flags for locking at all addresses of a logging area of a tag are set to state 1 by means of an interrogator. A high limit (h) and a low limit (l) of an interval (l-h) of such values (v) of a physical parameter are determined, which are proper for preserving usability of a tagged article. Said values (v) acquired with a sensor and acquisition times related thereto are converted into less numerous data characterizing the process by observing said limits (h, l). Said data characterizing the process are logged in said logging area. Said process log cannot be modified in any way at a later stage. The invention also provides for an efficient observation of longer period of the process in the tagged article in order to inspect the usability thereof.