Weather Patents (Class 340/539.28)
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Patent number: 11218844Abstract: A network controller, a user equipment (UE) device, and associated methods for conducting intelligent enhanced multimedia broadcast multicast services (eMBMS). A network controller receives user preference information and location information from a plurality of UEs. The network controller selects one or more data packages to transmit using eMBMS in one or more broadcast regions based on the user preference information and the location information. The one or more data packages may comprise an updated machine learning model in a distributed learning application. The network controller provides an indication to a remote device to broadcast the one or more data packages in the respective one or more broadcast regions using eMBMS.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Farouk Belghoul, Christian W. Mucke, Rafael L. Rivera-Barreto, Ayman F. Naguib, Rohan C. Malthankar, Ben-Heng Juang, Kushal M. Chawda, Sumit Saxena
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Patent number: 11107095Abstract: A method for display control executed by a display control device includes: acquiring, by the display control device, demand prediction information regarding prediction of demand for allocation of a vehicle in a prediction target area in units of block numbers of the prediction target area; and displaying, by the display control device, the demand prediction information acquired by the display control device on a display unit in a state of being superimposed on a map in the units of block numbers of the prediction target area.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JapanTaxi Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daiki Kaneichi, Yuichi Komatsu, Kiichi Ueta
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Patent number: 10248978Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating group shopping using a shared shopping list. A group such as a family having a shared shopping list may check in at a merchant location. The shared shopping list may be stored by a service provider or a payment provider. As the members of the group move around within the merchant location, one or more wireless beacons at the merchant location may communicate with user devices of the group members to track the locations of the group members. When a group member approaches or is close to an item on the shared shopping list, the user may be provided with an alert that they are nearby or approaching the location of the item. In some embodiments, directions to a list item or a related item such as a replacement item for an unavailable list item may be provided in the alert.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: PAYPAL, INC.Inventor: David Edward Eramian
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Patent number: 10080173Abstract: A method and system for controlling handover of a WCD based on the WCD's operating temperature. In an example implementation, a determination is made that the WCD's operating temperature is threshold high, and that determination is used as a basis to trigger handover of the WCD to another coverage system, such as to another carrier frequency or to another base station coverage area. Further, in another example implementation, a determination is made that the WCD's operating temperature is threshold low (e.g., is not threshold high), and that determination is used as a basis to trigger handover of the WCD to another coverage system, such as back to the WCD's initially serving coverage system.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: September 18, 2018Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.Inventors: Deveshkumar N. Rai, Jasinder P. Singh, Naresh Madineni
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Patent number: 9424736Abstract: In an approach for asset management, a processor identifies the location of an asset. A processor receives information specific to the location of the asset. A processor determines that an alert is required based on at least the asset, the location of the asset, and the information specific to the location of the asset. A processor generates an alert.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Charles S. Lingafelt, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, Jr.
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Patent number: 9042824Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Krishnaswamy Venkatesh Prasad, Christopher Peplin
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Patent number: 8996181Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing energy usage are provided. In various embodiments, the systems and methods may receive weather information for a first set of geographical locations and correlate the weather information with energy demand information and economic information to generate one or more models indicating at least one energy usage pattern for a geographical location of interest based at least in part on the correlation of the weather information, the energy demand information, and the economic information.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Joseph Razum, Richard Henry Langdon
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Patent number: 8948741Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Wave Guard Technologies Ltd.Inventor: David Shaul
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Patent number: 8937546Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tony L. Benson, Thomas S. Thompson, Erick C. Jones, Robert J. Dreisewerd, Jr.
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Patent number: 8907817Abstract: A aircraft hazard warning system or method can be utilized to determine a location of turbulence, hail or other hazard for an aircraft. A processor can process weather radar data representative of weather conditions. An avionic display can display graphical elements representing the weather conditions in response to the processor. The display can provide at least one first graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a first level. The display can provide at least one second graphical element representing a size and a location of the turbulence at a second level. The size of the second graphical element can have a minimal displayable size or can be determined using an inflation factor.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Mark C. Fersdahl
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Patent number: 8896443Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Jeffrey A. Aaron
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Patent number: 8890704Abstract: A transient electrical energy strike detector is disclosed. The detector may be integral with the circuitry of a fire alarm panel of a fire alarm system and may identify and record transient electrical energy strikes sustained by the electrical protection circuitry of the system. Particularly, voltage fluctuations in the fire alarm panel circuitry that are outside of a predefined operating voltage range may be identified by the pulse detector as representing transient electrical energy strikes. The pulse detector may increment a counter upon the occurrence of each identified transient energy strike, and may maintain a comprehensive record of such strikes in a memory unit, including a magnitude, duration, time, and date of each strike.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Tyco Fire & Security GmbHInventors: Mark P. Barrieau, Daniel Cianfrocco
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Patent number: 8823518Abstract: A sensor enhanced communication device (200) is provided with a wake mode, a standby mode and sleep mode. The sleep mode is a periodic occurrence within the standby mode which places a cluster of sensors and transducers (202) into a state of arousal in which the sensitivity of the transducers and sensors is increased while the sampling rate is decreased. Incremental learning can occur during the sleep mode as well as basic memory transfers. Since the cluster does not have to re-acquire information upon entering wake mode, the overall power efficiency is improved.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Motorola Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Charles B. Swope
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Patent number: 8779917Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for providing real-time weather notifications to at least one communication device across various networks are described. Methods disclose receiving meteorological information or weather conditions corresponding to an affected geographical area. Methods disclose accessing a database for information concerning the at least one communication device. The affected geographical area identified in the national weather notification service is evaluated in relationship to a real-time location of the at least one communication device. A notification of weather conditions is generated. This notification of weather conditions is transmitted to at least one communication device.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.Inventor: Joseph White
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Patent number: 8649758Abstract: Emergency instructional messages are utilized to provide instructions to a user in the event of an emergency. The instructional message may be various media, including, but not limited to, text, images, video, audio, and/or multimedia. The instructional message can be prerecorded and stored in a mobile device and/or on a communications network. Instructional message may be provided manually by an alert initiator and/or automatically based upon a type of alert. The instructional message may be initiated based upon the initiation of an emergency alert system (EAS) transmission, the occurrence of an event, a designated person, or a security violation, for example. Further, the instructional message may be tailored depending upon a location, such as the expected or determined location of the intended recipient or communication device of the instructional message.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Allan Sennett, Brian Kevin Daly
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Patent number: 8645067Abstract: A road data apparatus is disclosed that predicts road conditions comprising a land surface data generator which derives a land surface data output from a plurality of current and forecast weather and location data, said current and forecast weather and location data comprising surface temperature, subsurface temperature, and precipitation depth, a pavement data generator which derives a road temperature and a road condition from said land surface data output and a plurality of pavement generator input data, said plurality of pavement generator input data comprising road layer data; and a roadway status indicator generator which derives a roadway status indicator from said road temperature, road condition and precipitation data. In one embodiment, the roadway status indicator is communicated to an end user through a distribution network.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Gallagher, Robert J. Dreisewerd, John N. McHenry
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Patent number: 8634814Abstract: A method for passing content to at least one communicator device. The user of a communicator device registers with at least one service provider for delivering a plurality of different types of content to be passed to the at least one communicator device. A user defined priority is assigned to the at least one type of content. The user defined priority is stored on a computer readable medium. The different types of content are passed to the at least one communicator device based on the user defined priority.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2007Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Locator IP, L.P.Inventors: Steven A. Root, Michael R. Root
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Patent number: 8629788Abstract: A system may include a sensor for coupling with a vehicle configured for atmospheric flight. The sensor may be configured for detecting a turbulence event, where the turbulence event is at least one of experienced by the vehicle or occurs proximal to the vehicle during atmospheric flight. The system may also include a transmitter coupled with the sensor. The transmitter may be configured for automatically remotely transmitting data regarding the turbulence event to a ground based entity.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventors: William T. Greenleaf, Richard S. Dove, Scott F. Bauler, Randy H. Jacobsen, Kirschen A. Seah
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Patent number: 8624730Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying and providing warnings of tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other environmental occurrences. Temperature, pressure, seismic activities and other environmental conditions are measured with improved granularity using sensors at multiple locations. More extensive distribution of sensors is enabled using existing networks, such as utility (e.g., gas and electricity) meter networks. Network traffic is improved by screening information locally so that only limited information is sent for central processing. A given location, for example, may compare its own and its neighbors measurements against a profile to identify the probable existence of a tornado before sending a message to a central processing device. Upon receiving such a message and possibly other information (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Stephen J. Chasko
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Patent number: 8610566Abstract: An automated weather alert system using GIS technology automatically ingests weather data and processes the weather data to determine if localized weather conditions pose a threat to any of a plurality of business operations, each of which have a known location. In the event such threat exists, an employee having responsibility for a threatened business operation is provided with an alert message and asked to acknowledge receipt. Additional notification is automatically provided to the employee's supervisor if such acknowledgment is not received within a predetermined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Telvent DTN, LLCInventors: Ronald J. Sznaider, Douglas P. Chenevert, Robert L. Hugg, Clive F. Reece, James H. Block
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Patent number: 8599013Abstract: The present system and methods provides for distribution of weather and other environmental information to remote users within a wireless transmitter coverage area. The system and method assigns meteorological data to a plurality of cells, each corresponding to a communication range of a wireless transmitter. The data is then distributed by the appropriate wireless transmitter to all users within its coverage area. The system and method does not distribute information to a particular user based upon a known communication address, user profile, or identification, but rather is directed to any user falling within the communications range of the wireless transmitter. By indiscriminate distribution of reportable events, the system provides timely, site-specific information without requiring the location of the remote units.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventor: Robert O. Baron, Sr.
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Patent number: 8554386Abstract: Techniques for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure are disclosed. A transportable system for providing localized power infrastructure and data infrastructure can include: a data network service engine configured to function as a local data network service provider; a power generation engine configured to function as a local power service provider that generates and distributes power locally; a deployment engine configured to assist in deploying one or more components of the transportable system; and a maintenance engine configured to maintain operation and security of the transportable system. In some embodiments, multiple transportable systems can be deployed and then centrally monitored or controlled as a single, utility system and/or a single data delivery infrastructure.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Inventor: Serge Rutman
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Patent number: 8537006Abstract: A portable, high-capacity data storage device for storage, transport, and retrieval of multi-terabyte-level data sets comprises a plurality of individual main data storage units coupled to a data bus and a controller isolated from the data bus. The data storage device can be coupled to an external system to establish data access connections between the external system and the individual main data storage units via a first communication path comprising the data bus, with the controller and external system communicating with one another via a second communication path logically isolated from the first communication path. The data storage device can be provided with sensors that enable the controller to monitor the surrounding environment, and can be provided with a non-volatile display.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Laurence Flath
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Patent number: 8538407Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Kenneth Addy
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Patent number: 8502686Abstract: A tsunami warning system (10) comprising a remote server with evaluation system with means for monitoring tsunami indicating parameters (16, 20), means for determining the possibility of a tsunami occurring and means for issuing a triggering signal, wherein the evaluation system is configured to issue a triggering signal when the possibility of a tsunami occurring is identified. The tsunami warning system (10) further comprises at least one tsunami warning device (14) arranged in a public area, the tsunami warning device (14) being configured and arranged so as to provide a tsunami warning to the general public when a triggering signal is received. The at least one tsunami warning device comprises means for also monitoring tsunami indicating parameters and means for transmitting information collected by the tsunami warning device to the remote server for integration in modelling means therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2009Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The European Union, Represented by the European CommissionInventors: Alessandro Annunziato, Thierry Benoist
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Patent number: 8493208Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: Jeffrey Aaron
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Patent number: 8489060Abstract: Emergency instructional messages are utilized to provide instructions to a user in the event of an emergency. The instructional message may be various media, including, but not limited to, text, images, video, audio, and/or multimedia. The instructional message can be prerecorded and stored in a mobile device and/or on a communications network. Instructional message may be provided manually by an alert initiator and/or automatically based upon a type of alert. The instructional message may be initiated based upon the initiation of an emergency alert system (EAS) transmission, the occurrence of an event, a designated person, or a security violation, for example. Further, the instructional message may be tailored depending upon a location, such as the expected or determined location of the intended recipient or communication device of the instructional message.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLCInventors: DeWayne Allan Sennett, Brian Kevin Daly
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Patent number: 8427308Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tony L. Benson, Thomas S. Thompson, Erick C. Jones, Robert J. Dreisewerd, Jr.
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Patent number: 8325034Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes one or more sensors to detect weather data. The system also includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alert messages. The system also includes a processor to perform an analysis of the weather data, to determine based on the analysis whether the weather data indicates a dangerous storm condition, and to initiate a first alert when the analysis indicates the dangerous storm condition and a weather alert message has been received. The first alert is not initiated when the weather alert message is received and the analysis does not indicate the dangerous storm condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Jason Lee Moore
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Patent number: 8264345Abstract: A weather alert manager is used to provide real-time, site specific information to a user regarding weather and possibly other hazards. The weather alert manager compares meteorological data, a user profile including information on points of interest to the user, and geographical data to determine if weather will impact one or more of the user's points of interest. The user's points of interest include at least one mobile point of interest, which periodically transmits its location. The weather alert manager transmits a user alert message if one is needed, and a remote receiver notifies the user that a message has been received.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert O. Baron, Sr., Tony L. Benson, Thomas S. Thompson, Erick C. Jones, Robert J. Dreisewerd, Jr.
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Patent number: 8248274Abstract: A method for monitoring the flight of an aircraft using two navigation screens respectively dedicated to a pilot and to a copilot of the aircraft is provided. The method includes displaying on the screens, depending on the choice of the pilot and the copilot, at least information relating to the following of terrain by the aircraft or information relating to meteorological conditions that the aircraft encounters during the flight, triggering at least one warning representative of hazardous meteorological conditions detected by the meteorological radar and liable to be encountered by the aircraft while the navigation screens of the pilot and copilot simultaneously are displaying the terrain-following information, wherein the at least one warning is triggered when the information relating to the hazardous meteorological conditions is located in a predetermined volume relative to the aircraft, and displaying the warning on at least one of the navigation screens.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignees: Airbus Operations SAS, AirbusInventors: Laure Christophe, Garance Raynaud, Nicolas Caule, Andre Marques, Jean-Michel Merle
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Patent number: 8237559Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sending environmental data by means of a mobile terminal device, comprising the steps of detecting said environmental data, evaluating said environmental data, determining if said evaluated environmental data is to be sent, and sending said environmental data in case of an affirmative determination.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Wolfgang Theimer, Thomas Schetelig
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Patent number: 8207846Abstract: In an electronic device having a graphical output device, a method of controlling input/output characteristics of the output device includes sensing at least one environmental condition, selecting display characteristics of the electronic device based on the environmental condition, and selectively altering size of text displayed on the graphical output device in response to the selected display characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: Arthur Anthonie Van Hoff, Timothy Bucher
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Patent number: 8199003Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventor: Jeffrey Aaron
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Patent number: 8174397Abstract: A multi function monitor for monitoring environmental conditions and events, the monitor comprising: a monitor panel having a plurality of monitors thereon; and a measuring device attachable at either end of the monitor panel for measuring the circumference of an object around which it is placed. The monitor panel includes: a temperature detection and display device; an ultraviolet radiation detection and display device; and a humidity detection and display device.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: Leigh Melanie Onslow
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Patent number: 8138915Abstract: A method for rendering an alert message on a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal is received at the digital radio broadcast receiver. Data corresponding to an alert message comprising type information for identifying a type of the alert message and message information is detected. If the type information satisfies a triggering condition for a type of alert message pre-selected by a user of the digital radio broadcast receiver, the message information is rendered at the digital radio broadcast receiver. A digital radio broadcast receiver that performs the method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: iBiquity Digital CorporationInventor: Marek Milbar
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Patent number: 8089356Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alerts. The system further includes a processor to perform an analysis of the received electromagnetic radiation and to determine based on the analysis whether the electromagnetic radiation indicates rotation in a storm system. The processor initiates an alert when the analysis indicates rotation in the storm system and a weather alert has been received.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventor: Jason Lee Moore
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Patent number: 8063774Abstract: A sensor node for deployment in association with an earth surface has a biodegradable plastic housing, an electronic circuit board within the housing, and at least one battery for providing electrical energy to the circuit board. The circuit board has a non-toxic substrate and at least one lead-free solder element. Each battery is a non-toxic battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
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Patent number: 8044784Abstract: A sun protection system for a transportation vehicle has plurality of LCD zones laminated into one or more glazings of the vehicle. An occupant sensor detects an expanse of at least one occupant in the vehicle. A navigation system determines a vehicle location, a date and time value, and a heading. External and internal temperature sensors sense outside and inside temperatures. A controller generates respective drive signals for the respective LCD zones in a manual mode and in an automatic mode. The controller compares a temperature difference between the outside temperature and the inside temperature to a temperature threshold. The respective drive signals provide substantially zero attenuation if the temperature difference is less than the temperature threshold while in the automatic mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Howard E. Churchwell, Todd N. Clark, John W. Jensen
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Patent number: 8019546Abstract: A system of detecting tsunami conditions using communications for a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. The SCADA system comprises an enterprise server, and a RTU. The RUT includes a sensor that continuously collect information. The system includes a buoy adapted communicate with the RTU. The buoy can include a transceiver, and wherein the transceiver communicates with the enterprise server. Communication software (AES) links the enterprise server to the buoy. The communication software can be adapted to simultaneously handle multiple types of telemetry and different SCADA protocols of the buoys; and wherein the communication software initiates an alarm when the information associated with oceanic conditions signifies tsunami conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: DJ Inventions, LLCInventor: Douglas C. Osburn, III
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Patent number: 7999702Abstract: In one embodiment taught herein, a plurality of road-going vehicles report weather-related data to a weather-determining system. For example, trucks and/or cars having in-vehicle information systems wirelessly transmit one or more items of weather-related data, such that the weather-determining system directly or indirectly receives the transmitted data. In turn, the weather-determining system jointly processes the weather-related data to determine weather information for one or more geographic areas corresponding to reported positions of the road-going vehicles. In one embodiment, the in-vehicle information systems comprise GPS-based position reporting systems installed in on-highway trucks and other fleet vehicles, and the weather-determining system comprises a modified position-tracking system, e.g., a modified network fleet management system.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventor: Marquis D. Doyle, III
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Patent number: 8000677Abstract: An encoding system for encoding a first ancillary code in media data and monitoring for reception of a second ancillary code that has a higher priority than the first ancillary code, such that upon detection of the higher priority ancillary code the encoding system modifies a characteristic and/or characteristics of the first ancillary code.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Arbitron, Inc.Inventors: Wendell D. Lynch, James M. Jensen
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Patent number: 7889071Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sending environmental data by means of a mobile terminal device, comprising the steps of detecting said environmental data, evaluating said environmental data, determining if said evaluated environmental data is to be sent, and sending said environmental data in case of an affirmative determination.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Wolfgang Theimer, Thomas Schetelig
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Patent number: 7872573Abstract: An apparatus for providing location-specific alert information associated with an alert condition relevant to a geographical area may include a receiver adapted to receive transmissions comprising formatted text on a communication channel of a wireless bi-directional communication network; a peripheral device operable to indicate an alert condition, including displaying the formatted text; and a controller communicatively coupled to the receiver and the peripheral device. The controller is operable to monitor a communication channel of the network for the receipt of a transmission of location-specific alert information from a transmitter servicing a geographical area and to operate the peripheral device in response to the reception of the transmission of the location-specific alert information to display the formatted text.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventor: George W. Lamb
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Patent number: 7860495Abstract: On a first level of the wireless building automation architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct wireless communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy is provided by receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Siemens Industry Inc.Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
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Patent number: 7859429Abstract: A weather information display device displays on its display device a section, for which weather information is acquired, in a display mode corresponding to the weather information. An icon indicating the weather information is displayed on the section of the weather information. When a relatively wide area map is displayed, a plurality of icons for a plurality of sections may have to be displayed in overlapped manner. If the icons indicate the same weather information, only one icon is displayed as a representative of the same icons. If the icons indicate the different weather information, an icon having higher display priority is displayed as being overlapped over icons of lower display priority. If one of the different overlapped icons is touched, only the touched icon and the corresponding weather information are displayed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Taichi Satoh
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Publication number: 20100259378Abstract: Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alerts. The system further includes a processor to perform an analysis of the received electromagnetic radiation and to determine based on the analysis whether the electromagnetic radiation indicates rotation in a storm system. The processor initiates an alert when the analysis indicates rotation in the storm system and a weather alert has been received.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: Jason Lee Moore
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Patent number: 7755481Abstract: A disaster warning system including a weather radio, a tornado acoustic signature detector combined with a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. The disaster warning system includes a central control unit and peripheral alarm unit, which report the alarm signals generated by the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventor: Larry George Gayden
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Patent number: 7714715Abstract: An apparatus such as a television signal receiver provides an emergency alert function, according to an exemplary embodiment, the television signal receiver includes a first tuner for tuning a first channel when the television signal receiver is in an on mode. A second tuner is provided for tuning a second channel when the television signal receiver is in the on mode and an off/standby mode. The second channel provides emergency alert signals capable of activating the emergency alert function.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: Michael Anthony Pugel
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Patent number: 7710260Abstract: Emergent information is created and utilized by an array of sensors. Each sensor is programmed with a trigger rule, which describes a local condition that must be met for the sensor to trigger an event signal, and a relationship rule, which describes a hierarchy of communication control among sensors in the array of sensors. When a predetermined weighted percentage of the sensors trigger event signals, emergent information that describes conditions at the array location is generated. An effectuator then takes appropriate steps to address the condition described by the emergent information.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Landon C. G. Miller