Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a wireless communication transmitting circuit and a wireless communication receiving circuit that perform communication with another apparatus connected through a wireless communication network; a power situation acquiring unit that acquires a power situation of the wireless communication apparatus; and a wireless power transmitting circuit that wirelessly supplies power to another apparatus in accordance with a power supply request from another apparatus connected through the wireless communication network, when the power situation of the wireless communication apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The tag reader includes a power detection circuit operable to detect power from a plurality of different power sources, and a controller for operating the radio frequency identification tag reader at a power consumption level commensurate with a detected power source.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a notification system for timed power supply, which includes a timed power supply device and a wireless notification device. The timed power supply device is able to receive a set time inputted by a user and stores the set time into a memory module, and then starts timing, providing power supply and generating an elapsed time, respectively. When the timed power supply device determines that the difference between the elapsed time and the set time reaches a threshold value, the timed power supply device issues a notification signal through a wireless transmitter module to the wireless notification device carried by the user, so as to ensure that the user will be notified, via an alert signal generated by the wireless notification device according to the notification signal, that the set time is coming to an end.

Abstract: A wireless contextual prompting device provides contextual (context-aware) prompting in the home for applications such as Activities of Daily Living (ADL) monitoring, medication adherence, journaling, social messaging and coaching. The device combines the advantages of a small, wireless, battery-operated sensor that may be easily mounted at critical places in a person's daily routine with a low-power, high-contrast display panel that may be palm sized. The context may be displayed on the display screen as images, icons and/or text such that it is easy to interpret warnings by the young, elderly, or the language-challenged.

Abstract: A method and a device for power-saving operation of a plurality of RFID data carriers, whereby the RFID data carrier has a transmission and reception antenna, by way of which data are sent to and received from a read/write unit, by means of a radio signal, and the data carrier is configured for reception of an energy-saving signal that puts the data carrier into a so-called sleep mode. The read/write unit sends a so-called conditional sleep command to all the RFID data carriers, and the RFID data carriers receiving these data in the transmission field compare the transmitted condition with a status/data detected in the RFID data carrier, whereby the condition detected in the RFID data carrier depends on a sensor input that is connected with the RFID data carrier.

Abstract: A method and system for wireless monitoring is implemented in a variety of embodiments. In one such embodiment, a monitoring system method is implemented for, wireless communication between a central device and monitoring devices. Each of the devices includes a wireless communication circuit to effect wireless communications. Power consumption from a limited power source is reduced at least one of the wireless communication circuits based upon a communications time interval and a selected channel for communication between the central device and a monitor device to effect wireless communications between the central device and the monitor device.

Abstract: A method of supporting operation of sleep mode in a wideband radio access system is disclosed. More specifically, a mobile subscriber station (MSS) which determines a frame offset information for synchronizing listening windows of at least one MSS that is in sleep mode, and transmits the determined framed offset information to at least one MSS.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a method for detecting poor RF conditions, and entering different sleep mode levels or phases in accordance with the RF conditions to save battery power. Mobile device battery life can be conserved when the mobile device detects poor RF conditions and enters a deep sleep mode of operation. In this deep sleep mode of operation the mobile device periodically samples the RF conditions and gradually increases the period between samples when the RF conditions do not improve. Because mobility can change the RF condition for wireless devices even in areas of good RF coverage, the mobile device operating in the deep sleep mode can detect this mobility and thus enhance the probability of entering an idle state, or alternatively, entering a longer power save mode. When the RF condition improves, the mobile device exits from the deep sleep mode and returns to the idle state.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving battery power of a circuit. The method comprises charging a capacitor using a battery. The battery is in electrical communication with a resistor and the resistor is in electrical communication with a capacitor and a load switch. The load switch is in electrical communication with an enabler and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with a radiofrequency component. The load switch is closed, allowing power drawn from the capacitor to flow to the radiofrequency component.

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: The method of operation applies to a self-powered home automation sensor device for detecting the existence of and/or for measuring the intensity of a first physical phenomenon, comprising a means of converting an effect of a second physical phenomenon into electrical energy and a means of determining the instantaneous power of this second physical phenomenon that can be converted into electrical energy, wherein a normal, first mode of operation of the device or an energy-saving second mode of operation of the device is activated according to a value defined on the basis of the determination of the instantaneous power that can be converted into electrical energy.

Abstract: A method of operating a wireless memory device is provided. In the method, the wireless memory device detects the power state of a power supply source in response to a power measurement command received from a host and controls data transmission/reception based on the measured power state.

Abstract: A distinguished node is dynamically selected from a subset of nodes in a wireless network. Data samples from the subset of nodes are received in view of the distinguished node status. At least one estimate is generated from the data samples and the data samples are compressed conditioned on the estimate.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor node management method in which a user is unconscious of a service break even when a sensor mode has failed among a plurality of sensor nodes assuming intermittent operation. Moreover, it is possible to provide a flexible sensor node management method capable of freely modifying the observation grading (space, time) in accordance with a user's desire. A base station (30) for containing a plurality of intermittently operating sensor modes includes a sensor management table (4) for managing the sensor nodes, a group management table (5) for grouping a plurality of sensor nodes, and an operation timing control unit (3). The operation timing control unit (3) decides the operation interval and the relationship for starting each of the sensor nodes. Moreover, the base station and the sensor node have a counter value as a reference of the sensor node operation interval and the operation start phase, which are periodically synchronized.

Abstract: A method and system for sensorless tracking of an indoor target using a wireless distance measuring technology. A location tracking apparatus is initially moved, and then it is determined whether or not an initial traveling direction of the location tracking apparatus is forward or backward with respect to the target. A minimum distance between the location tracking apparatus and the target during the movement is determined, the minimum distance is stored, and the location tracking apparatus is moved to a location corresponding to the minimum distance, where it is determined whether the location tracking apparatus is directed forward or backward with respect to the target at the location corresponding to the minimum distance. The location tracking apparatus is then moved to the target.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water).

Abstract: A power supply having a wireless transmitter includes an input receiving a first voltage from a power source, a power converter operable to convert the first voltage to a second voltage, and an output providing the second voltage to a load. A communication module is operable to receive a data signal from the load via a wired connection. A wireless transmitter is operable to transmit a wireless signal to a receiver in response to the received data signal such that the load is operable to communicate wirelessly with the receiver. A housing forms an enclosure around the power converter, the communication module, and the wireless transmitter.

Abstract: A lighting control system (1) comprises: a communication bus (2); at least one extension movement detector (30) issuing detection pulses (DOS) over said communication bus in response to detecting a movement, at first time intervals (T1) determined by a sensor timer (34); one master luminaire (10) comprising a lamp (11) and a master controller (13) issuing master command signals (MCS) over said bus in response to detection pulses (DOS) received over said bus; and at least one slave luminaire (20) comprising a lamp (21) and a slave controller (23) being responsive to the master control signals (MCS) received over said bus to switch the corresponding lamp ON and OFF. Whenever the master controller receives a detection pulse, it starts a master timer (15) and switches the lamps ON. If the master timer times out (T2) without the master controller receiving any detection pulses, the master controller switches the lamps OFF.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for secure communication between an electrical utility company and an electricity customer, such that the customer is able to shed one or more loads in response to a load shed command from the utility company. A system server of the customer periodically connects to a utility server of the utility company using a standard computer protocol, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The system server sends a request message via the Internet to the utility server. The request message provides data on the total possible load, the present power consumption, and the present load shed state of the electricity customer. The utility server receives the request message and responds to the request message by transmitting to the system server a response message, which includes a load shed command.

Abstract: A heterogeneous wireless network topology suited for low-power, short-range and ubiquitous ad-hoc communication. The network topology integrates different wireless transmission technologies, in particular to a wireless sensor network including different node types and communication technologies. The network is highly heterogeneous and can be operated according to the master-slave principle. The nodes can have different wireless communication means tailored to their individual role in the network and other constraints, thus allowing different communication patterns.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the power consumption of power-consuming devices. A remote device manager transmits power save schedules to a local device manager over a communication network such as the internet. The local device manager transmits power save commands to one or more devices in a location such as a store, over a dedicated local communication network. The commands instruct one or more devices to activate or de-activate its power save mode according to the power save schedules. The commands could be dependent upon one or more trigger events.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sensor device including processing circuitry, at least one sensor coupled to the processing circuitry, a serial data interface coupled to the processing circuitry and memory responsive to the processing circuitry. The memory includes a static unique identification number. The serial data interface provides access to retrieve the static unique identification number and sensed data measured with the at least one sensor from the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing sensing data in a tag and a method thereof are provided. According to the present invention, data measured by the sensor is stored in volatile memory and important data from among the data stored in the volatile memory is stored in non-volatile memory according to a pre-set data loss prevention mechanism so that a battery and the tag including the battery have a longer life and stability of data can be secured.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Provided is a wireless sensor network operating method considering energy efficiency. The method for operating a wireless sensor network including clusters of sensor nodes includes: selecting a cluster head based on residual energy amounts of the sensor nodes by increasing a probability that a sensor node with a greater amount of residual energy than the others is selected as a cluster head; transmitting an advertisement message from the selected cluster head to the sensor nodes to form a cluster; and transmitting sensing data acquired in each sensor node to the cluster head. Accordingly, this method can extend lifespan of sensor nodes by not transmitting/receiving data on residual energy amounts and positions between sensor nodes, and increase the entire lifespan of a wireless sensor network by reducing a probability that a sensor node having a relatively small residual energy amount is selected as a cluster head consuming much energy.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving battery power of a circuit. The method comprises charging a capacitor using a battery. The battery is in electrical communication with a resistor and the resistor is in electrical communication with a capacitor and a load switch. The load switch is in electrical communication with an enabler and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with a radiofrequency component. The load switch is closed, allowing power drawn from the capacitor to flow to the radiofrequency component.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving battery power of a circuit. The method comprises charging a capacitor using a battery. The battery is in electrical communication with a resistor and the resistor is in electrical communication with a capacitor and a load switch. The load switch is in electrical communication with an enabler and a microprocessor. The microprocessor is in electrical communication with a radiofrequency component. The load switch is closed, allowing power drawn from the capacitor to flow to the radiofrequency component.

Abstract: One aspect of this disclosure relates to converting an energy or power contained in a signal received by an at least one mote device into an energy or power form that can be utilized to at least partially operate the at least one mote device. Another aspect of this disclosure relates to extracting an energy or power contained in a signal received by an at least one mote device to be utilized to at least partially operate the at least one mote device. Yet another aspect of this disclosure relates to directing from an at least one directing device an energy or power contained in a signal at an at least one mote device that can be utilized to operate the at least one mote device.

Abstract: There is provided a sensor node management method in which a user is unconscious of a service break even when a sensor node has failed among a plurality of sensor nodes assuming intermittent operation. Moreover, it is possible to provide a flexible sensor node management method capable of freely modifying the observation grading (space, time) in accordance with a user's desire. A base station (30) for containing a plurality of intermittently operating sensor nodes includes a sensor management table (4) for managing the sensor nodes, a group management table (5) for grouping a plurality of sensor nodes, and an operation timing control unit (3). The operation timing control unit (3) decides the operation interval and the relationship for starting each of the sensor nodes. Moreover, the base station and the sensor node have a counter value as a reference of the sensor node operation interval and the operation start phase, which are periodically synchronized.

Abstract: A method of supporting operation of sleep mode in a wideband radio access system is disclosed. More specifically, a mobile subscriber station (MSS) which determines a frame offset information for synchronizing listening windows of at least one MSS that is in sleep mode, and transmits the determined framed offset information to at least one MSS.

Abstract: Provided is a power control method for a mobile Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader and an RFID reader using the same. The RFID reader includes: an RFID reader transmission/reception control unit for creating a message to be transmitted to an RFID tag and transmitting RFID tag information to a terminal control unit; a reader transmitting unit for encoding and modulating the created message; a power amplifier for amplifying an output signal; a reader receiving unit for demodulating and decoding the signal and transmitting the signal to the RFID reader transmission/reception control unit; and an RFID reader power control unit for controlling power, wherein when the RFID reader transmission/reception control unit receives a command for acquiring the RFID tag information, the RFID reader power control unit applies power to the power amplifier.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed relating to wireless transmitters, and also relating to multi-band transformers. According to an example embodiment, an apparatus may include a multi-band transformer configured to receive as an input a signal associated with a first frequency band or a signal associated with a second frequency band. The transformer may include one or more inputs and a first output and a second output. The transformer may also include one or more switches coupled to the transformer and configured to selectively output a received input signal onto the first output and/or the second output of the transformer.

Abstract: A wireless sensing device includes a processing module, a wireless communication module, at least one sensing element, a power module and a power-monitoring module. The wireless communication module is electrically connected with the processing module to transmit or receive a wireless communication signal. The sensing element is electrically connected with the processing module to transmit a sensing signal to the processing module. The power module is electrically connected with and supplies a power to the processing module, the wireless communication module and the sensing element. The power-monitoring module is electrically connected with the processing module and the power module to transmit a power-monitoring signal to the processing module.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for managing power consumption of a plurality of sensors within a mobile device. A method may include receiving a request from a sensor client regarding a sensor, determining whether the sensor client requested registration/deregistration, controlling a power supply and an operational mode of the sensor, based upon the registration/deregistration request, for reducing power consumption of the sensor, determining whether the sensor client provided a start/stop request for data from the sensor, and controlling power to the sensor, a device/driver configuration, and an operational mode of the sensor, based upon the start/stop request for data, for reducing the power consumption of the sensor. An apparatus may include a processor, a power supply coupled to the processor, a sensor coupled to the power supply, and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory comprises instructions for causing the processor to execute the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A system including an accessible electrical box; a wireless receiver to receive a wireless signal from an occupancy sensor; a power switch to control power to a load; and a controller to control the power switch in response to the wireless signal. The wireless receiver, controller, and power switch are included in the accessible electrical box.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a wireless communication module to wirelessly connect with an external device, a sensor to detect movement of the information processing apparatus, and a disconnection control module to instruct the wireless communication module to terminate wireless connection with the external device when start of movement is detected based on information output from the sensor during wireless connection with the external device by the wireless communication module.

Abstract: A system and a method of long-term condition monitoring of structures are based on use of autonomous sensing modules, centers for storing and processing data and software for data analysis. An autonomous sensing module contains a set of sensors for measurements of parameters related to the condition of a monitored structure, a non-volatile memory, a wireless data transfer unit, a controller, a clock circuit, a battery, an energy harvesting device and a power management unit. The autonomous sensing module provides a very long-term (40 years or more) functionality and reliability due to both use of at least near hermetic packages for the controller, the non-volatile memory, the battery, the clock circuit and the power management unit and choosing the duration of periods when the sensing module works in active mode in such a way that the average energy consumed by the autonomous sensing module is fully compensated by the average energy harvested by the energy harvesting device.

Abstract: A smart water timer which includes a water timer, a receiving unit connected to the water timer, and a moisture sensing unit which is in wireless communication with the receiving unit. The smart water timer can sense when the moisture level in the soil is too moist (based on a user setting) and turn off a water supply to a sprinkler as a result A soil moisture sensing unit is placed in the soil in the area to be watered. The soil moisture sensing unit uses a moisture sensing probe and wirelessly transmits a data signal to the receiver, which is connected to the water timer, indicating whether or not the water timer should be permitted to open a water valve.

Abstract: A method of wirelessly receiving a biological signal is provided. Thus, it is possible to considerably reduce power consumption of a wireless biological signal receiver by determining a transmission period of an externally received biological signal, setting an operation mode of the wireless biological signal receiver to an active mode in which it is possible to receive the biological signal for a predetermined time for each determined transmission period and receiving the biological signal, and changing the operation mode from the active mode to a low-power mode in which it is impossible to receive the biological signal, after the predetermined time is elapsed with respect to each determined transmission period.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving the battery power for a circuit in continuous operation is disclosed herein. The circuit includes a RFID component, a microprocessor, an accelerometer and a battery. The battery preferably has no more than 225 milliamp hours of power. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag according to one embodiment includes a controller, a sensor in communication with the controller, a local power source for providing power to the controller, and a user input device for receiving manual input from a user. A function is selectable by manipulation of the user input device. An RFID tag according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a controller having activate circuitry, the activate circuitry being for detecting a valid activate command in an incoming signal and causing the tag to wake from a hibernate state. An electronic display device is in communication with the controller. A local power source provides power to the controller. A user input device receives manual input from a user. The tag is normally in a hibernate state. Manipulation of the user input device wakes the tag from the hibernate state and/or allows function selection.

Abstract: An apparatus to locate an article is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a host device comprising a transmitter, and a client device attached to the article. The client device comprises a client controller, a receiver interconnected with the client controller, a battery interconnected with both the client controller and the receiver. The controller and the receiver alternate between an inactive mode and an active mode.

Abstract: A medical appliance for use on and/or in the body of a user including a transmission unit and an activation switch connected to the transmission unit for activating the transmission unit when an activation signal is received by the activation switch. The invention encompasses systems and processes for transmitting data between a medical appliance and an external appliance, wherein, in some embodiments, the external appliance activates the medical appliance prior to data transmission when the latter is in an idle state.

Abstract: A wireless communication method and protocol, and wireless devices and systems for stimulation, are provided for communication between a wireless device and a charging device. During active wireless charging, communications (data transmission) from the wireless device to the charging device occurs via pulse loading the receive antenna of the receiving device. Because switching regulation in the receiving device may interfere with the communications, the switching regulation is disabled during a communications window. To further reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation of signals detected in the charging device resulting from the switching regulation or noise, the data bit rate of the pulse loading communications is maintained higher than the switching regulation frequency.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.

Abstract: One apparatus embodiment includes an electronic assembly, equipped to sense one or more changes in an environmental condition. The assembly includes a logic circuit coupled to: one or more environmental sensors, memory that provides data storage, and a wireless communicator. The logic circuit is configured to perform time measurement, perform environmental measurement with the one or more environmental sensors, store time-stamped environmental data in the memory, and communicate with particular other electronic assemblies, equipped to sense one or more changes in an environmental condition, via the wireless communicator. The logic circuit is also coupled to a power source that provides power to at least one of the logic circuit and the wireless communicator.

Abstract: An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.

Abstract: An energy-conserving triggered ID system, comprising: a reading assembly having a normally non-activated state and having a triggered subassembly configurable to activate the reading assembly; and a mobile assembly having no power source and having a triggering subassembly configurable to activate the triggered subassembly when the mobile assembly is located within a triggering range, wherein the reading assembly is operable to transfer power to the mobile assembly and wherein data transfer is effected between the mobile assembly and the reading assembly within a data transfer range.