Abstract: A display device and a method for controlling the same are provided, in which a flexible display panel is provided, and a plurality of strain gauges are arranged on at least one surface of the flexible display panel to sense bending deformation of the flexible display panel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for assessing the life span of a product and/or system—particularly with respect to end-of-life conditions which are defined by a customer, owner, operator, or other person(s) associated with the product and/or system—and communicating the assessment to said customer, owner, operator, or other person(s). According to one aspect, end-of-life conditions are defined in terms of product life (e.g., anything that relates to how well and how long the product/system operates) and/or economic life (e.g., anything that relates to the cost of deriving a benefit from the product/system). In one particular example, the products or systems relate to lighting systems, particularly those utilizing LED (or other solid-state) light sources.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device in a frequency hopping communication network operate in a first mode according to a common broadcast schedule for the network that simultaneously overlays a first configured portion of all independently determined unicast listening schedules in the network. In response to determining a power outage condition, the device switches to operation in a power outage mode where the common broadcast schedule for the network in the power outage mode simultaneously overlays a second configured portion of all independently determined unicast listening schedules in the network, the second configured portion greater than the first configured portion. In one embodiment, the device broadcasts one or more power outage notifications (PONs) in response to determining the power outage condition as a reduction of a main power supply at the device. In another embodiment, the device receives a PON while powered as the power outage condition.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of an electrical fault for a waterborne structure includes a current tap electrically coupleable to an electrically conductive frame member of the waterborne structure and a grounding member configured for placement in water adjacent to the waterborne structure. An indicator is electrically coupled to the current tap so that an electrical charge supplied to the conductive frame member may be transmitted through the current tap and to the indicator. The indicator is electrically coupled to the grounding member to form a circuit.

Abstract: A biological signal processor includes a sensor unit 2 that is usable with a mattress, measures biological displacement of a subject on the mattress, and outputs a measurement signal indicative of a measurement result, a signal processing unit 7 that amplifies the measurement signal with a plurality of different gains and outputs respective output signals, an AD converting unit 8 that performs AD conversion on the respective output signals to obtain level values and outputs the respective level values, and a determining unit 90 that determines that the sensor unit 2 is in an abnormal condition in case where a variation measure indicative of variation degree in level value corresponding to an output signal amplified with a minimum gain among the respective level values is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A control device may include a control unit to control transmission of a predetermined control command to a controlled device, when an operation surface is put face down is detected from a detection result of at least one sensor indicating the operation surface is put face down.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for monitoring condenser performance are described herein. One method includes receiving a control signal associated with a fan component of a condenser of a refrigeration system, determining an expected control signal based on a number of driving conditions associated with the condenser, and providing a notification responsive to a difference between the received control signal and the expected control signal exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: The bins are situated in locations at one or more sites. A monitoring station located remotely from the bins is operably connected to each of the bins. Each bin includes an internal compartment having a given capacity for retaining paper to be shredded. An IR-LED distance measuring sensor is mounted within each bin for generating an output which is a function of the level of paper present in the compartment. The bin electronics monitors the status of the sensor and the power input to the bin. Signals are transmitted the monitoring station when the output of the sensor indicates that bin is filled to a pre-set percentage of its capacity and when a sensor or power failure are detected. At the monitoring station, information as to the remaining capacity and operational state of each bin is displayed and stored.

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 alarm system for alarming whenever there is a power leakage from an electronic device, includes a voltage decreasing circuit, a switch circuit and an alarm circuit. The voltage decreasing circuit receives a first voltage from a live wire output terminal and outputs a second voltage. The switch circuit outputs a control signal when the power leakage is detected. The switch circuit is electrically connected to a connection port. The connection port is electrically connected to the live wire output terminal and a neutral wire output terminal. The alarm circuit receives the control signal and alarms. If there is power leakage from the electronic device, the first voltage from the live wire input terminal flows into the ground wire input terminal via the electronic device; the switch circuit turns on and the alarm circuit is closed to alarm.

Abstract: A device operable as an electronic shark deterrent has a high-voltage pulse signal waveform generator for pulses to be applied to electrodes immersed in water to deter sharks and other aquatic creatures. A preferred output waveform has a train of pulse bursts of alternating-polarity pulses in a series. Preferably, the timing intervals between pulses are of irregular duration, the amplitudes of pulses are varied to be irregular, and the interval between pulse bursts is kept to less than about 5 seconds, in order to be more effective as a shark deterrent signal. The device has the signal waveform generator enclosed in a thin, planar case mounted to a belt connector and a fastener strap for attachment to a part of a user's body. It can include a water-detection probe for automatic activation when immersed in water, a status LED indicator, and electrodes embedded in a layer at opposite ends of the fastener strap with an insulative screen layer for reducing electrostatic effects on the user.

Abstract: A connector clip for medical sensors, including a first main body having two main tip contacts in electrical contact with electrical wires connectable to an instrument and a second main body mounted on the first main body and movable with respect to the first main body between an open position and a closed position. Two auxiliary tip contacts and an electric/electronic circuit provided with two connecting leads each electrically connected to one of the two auxiliary tip contacts are positioned in first or second main body. When a disposable sensor tab is correctly located and clamped each of two contacts is in contact with one of the main tip contacts and one of the auxiliary tip contacts and the electric circuit is connected in parallel with an electrical circuit defined by the sensor.

Abstract: Techniques for providing the status of a port to a controller are provided. A port may have a visual indicator indicating the status of the port. A controller may have an input for receiving a signal. The visual indicator of the port may be coupled to the input of the controller to determine the operational status of the port.

Abstract: A notification method includes the steps of: (a) receiving an operation signal for operating an electrical appliance; (b) determining whether or not to deny an operation indicated by the operation signal; and (c) when the step (b) determines to deny the operation, causing an electronic message board to display thereon an object indicating that the operation is denied.

Abstract: Systems and methods to simplify population of modular components in an information handling system are disclosed. A method of populating modular components in an information handling system comprises a first step of initializing a populating sequence. A first socket corresponding to a first modular component is then identified. The first socket is flagged if it does not contain the first modular component. The first modular component is then installed in the first socket which is flagged.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring excitation of a generator based on a faulty status of a generator breaker are provided. According to one embodiment, a system may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive, from a contact associated with a generator breaker, a reported status of the generator breaker, receive operational data associated with one or more parameters of a generator associated with the generator breaker, and correlate the reported status of the generator breaker and the operational data. Based on the correlation, the processor may establish an actual status of the generator breaker, and, based on the actual status, selectively modify a mode of excitation of the generator.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) and method for operating the same. The electronic device (100) comprises at least two working modes and comprises a connection state acquisition unit (110) and a mode switching unit (12). The connection state acquisition unit (110) is used for acquiring the connection state between the electronic device (100) and a remote control unit, and the remote control unit is used for remotely controlling the electronic device (100). The mode switching unit (12) is used for switching the working mode of the electronic device (100) according to the connected state.

Abstract: An Engineer's View (EV) wireless video system for powered and unpowered model railroad engines is disclosed. The invention uses commercially available wireless spy cameras, powered by a custom power supply circuit which is compatible with either DC or DCC track systems. The present invention is compatible with all commercial model railroad gauge diesel engines including HO and N Gauge or may be factory installed. The EV system demonstrates a remarkably stable and realistic image of a model railroad layout. Moreover, the present invention may also provide a stable source of power to the engine where stalling could occur at points of track defects.

Abstract: A regional security system includes a control panel which can receive one or more delay parameters, associated with a type of sensor or detector, or a portion of a region being monitored. The delay parameters can be stored in a programmable storage unit. When an alarm indicator has been received from one of the sensors or detectors, an alarm indicating message along with an associated, programmed and pre-stored delay can be forwarded to a central station. If the system is disarmed before the delay interval has terminated, a cancel message can be sent to the central station.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing communication control includes a control module implemented with at least one integrated circuit (IC) whose package includes a plurality of sets of terminals, each set of the plurality of sets of terminals corresponding to one of a plurality of sub-modules of the control module, and within the sets of terminals, a set of terminals corresponding to a specific sub-module of the sub-modules include a power-input terminal arranged to input power from outside the control module. For example, on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the apparatus, arrangement of some modules is similar to that of some contact pads associated to the sets of terminals. In another example, the control module includes a power distribution system including at least one power distribution wire. In another example, a PCB within the apparatus includes at least one signal transmission wire and at least one set of co-plane ground wires.

Abstract: A circuit interrupter includes, a first contact and a second contact, the second contact being moveable relative to the first contact, a drive assembly structured to move the second contact relative to the first contact, and an erosion monitoring device including a linear transducer coupled to a portion of the drive assembly. The liner transducer is structured to generate an output signal representative of an amount of linear displacement of the portion of the drive assembly, wherein the erosion monitoring device is structured to monitor a degree of erosion of at least one of the first contact and the second contact based on the output signal.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for preventing cable theft in electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). A sensor may be configured to sense a short between at least two components of a cable in the EVSE. A processor may be configured to determine that the cable is being cut in response to the sensing. The processor may be further configured to generate an alert in response to a determination that the cable is being cut.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory device configured to store computer-readable instructions and data representative of at least an alert trigger time that represents a time before an end of an operating cycle of an appliance communicatively coupled to a home energy manager. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled to the memory device and configured to execute the computer-readable instructions, which when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine a remaining cycle time for the operating cycle of the appliance, compare the remaining cycle time to the alert trigger time stored in the memory device, generate an alert when the remaining cycle time is equal to the alert trigger time, and transmit the generated alert to at least one remote device.

Abstract: Systems for detecting arcing faults inside a utility meter are disclosed. In one embodiment, an arc detection system for a utility meter is disclosed including: a photoreceptor sensor configured for placement within a utility meter housing; and a computing device communicatively connected to the photoreceptor sensor, the computing device adapted to monitor arcing events within the utility meter housing by performing actions comprising: obtaining illumination data about an area within the utility meter housing from the photoreceptor sensor; and analyzing the illumination data to determine whether an arcing event has occurred within the utility meter.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a power line of a telematics unit is incorrectly wired. In one example, a system includes a first module that evaluates at least one of a validity of a global positioning system and a powered on status of the telematics unit. A second module determines that the power line of the telematics unit is incorrectly wired based on the at least one of the validity of a global positioning system and the powered on status.

Abstract: An industrial control system is provided that includes a field device configured to receive only a first plurality of behaviors for the alert and a controller of an industrial control system, wherein the controller is configured to receive the alert and overlay a second plurality of behaviors on the alert, and the controller is configured to process one or more of the second plurality of behaviors differently than the first plurality of behaviors.

Abstract: Electronic equipment includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; and a harness that connects the first substrate and the second substrate with other. The first substrate includes: a conversion unit that outputs converted power converted from supply of power supplied by a power source, and a control unit that outputs a control signal used to control output of the supply of power to the second substrate. The second substrate includes: a semiconductor circuit operated by the supply of power and the converted power, and a connector that outputs the control signal to the power source. The harness includes a signal line of the control signal and a power line through which the converted power is supplied from the first substrate to the second substrate.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formulas for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.

Abstract: A solar cell module efficacy monitoring system includes a reference module which includes a solar power generation module and is to be maintained in a clean condition, an evaluation module which includes a solar power generation module and is to be covered by dust in an environment, maximum power point tracking devices which track powers of the reference module and the evaluation module and maintain power outputs at maximum points by connected to the reference module and the evaluation module, respectively, and, a PV communication recording device which records power generation results of the reference module and the evaluation module by connected to the reference module and the evaluation module, and a calculation display device which calculates power loss due to accumulation of dust on the evaluation module by connected to the PV communication recording device.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of operating an analyte measurement device is provided. The device has a display, user interface, processor, memory and user interface buttons. In one example, one of the methods can be achieved by measuring an analyte with the analyte measurement device; displaying a value representative of the analyte; prompting a user to activate a test reminder; and activating the test reminder to remind a user to conduct a test measurement at a different time. Other methods and systems are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: The present invention is an efficient high voltage sensing mechanism that operates only when an individual needs to test the voltage across a wire. The present invention attaches around a tested wire using a jaw and a hook. The hook is tensioned using an expansion spring. The operator propels the hook outwards from the jaw, around the tested wire; thereafter, the expansion spring retracts to latch onto the tested wire against the jaw. An on-off switch is integrated into the mechanical hook device. As the hook is propelled outwards, the on-off switch moves into the “on” position, which powers the electrical processing and voltage analysis equipment. Once the hook is returned to the initial position, the on-off switch moves to the “off” position. This arrangement allows the present invention to remain unpowered for any instance a wire is not being tested. The present invention detects voltage through capacitive coupling.

Abstract: An alternating current contactor (AC contactor) with an electronic short circuit self-locking function, includes an AC contactor body (a). The AC contactor body (a) includes a shell body. A short circuit self-locking portion is provided inside the shell body. The short circuit self-locking portion includes a current collecting unit (b) for collecting a current signal of phase lines (A, B, C); a short circuit detecting unit (c) for obtaining a voltage signal which characterizes a current signal, comparing with a reference signal, and outputting a short circuit detecting signal when short circuit occurs; a short circuit self-locking executing unit (d) for obtaining the short circuit detecting signal to trigger the AC contactor body (a) to generate and maintain a circuit-breaking action; and a self-locking releasing unit (e) for releasing self-locking of the AC contactor body (a) and resetting the alternating current contactor body (a).

Abstract: An electrical cabinet for housing and interconnecting photovoltaic BOS components can include a plurality of busbars and adjustable fuse mounts to allow for integration of BOS components in a compact space. The cabinet may comprises a base, a busbar mounted on the base, a plurality of standoff devices, and a cover containing the base, the busbar, and the standoff devices. The standoff devices are spaced apart from the busbar. Each standoff device includes a standoff member slideably mounted on the base.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) control system generates a power output rate control signal based on a monitored rate of change of collective power output generated via a plurality of PV subsystems and a desired collective output power change rate for the plurality of PV subsystems and communicates the power output rate control signal to the plurality of PV subsystems to control a rate of change of one or more operating parameters of individual PV subsystems in order to control a rate of change of collective output power of the plurality of solar PV subsystems.

Abstract: A security system comprises a plurality of alarm points distributed at a plurality of positions in a building; signal processing module for receiving alarm signals from at least an alarm point when alarm occurs at the at least an alarm point, transmitting the alarm signals to a server; a database for storing several sets of user information, map data, several sets of alarm point information; the server for receiving user requests from a plurality of clients, responding to the user requests according to the user information, the data map and the alarm point information, and then reverting responses to clients; the clients for sending the user request to the server and receiving and output responses. The present security system is of the advantage that it could be fully computerized and could satisfy the requirements of usage at the same time at several different sites by a plurality of different users.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a cell balancing circuit. The apparatus may include a plurality of cell balancing circuits respectively connected to a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack for balancing the voltages of the battery cells, a diagnosis resistor respectively installed between the cell balancing circuit and a cathode terminal and an anode terminal of the corresponding battery cell, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage difference of the balancing circuit corresponding to each of the battery cells, and a control unit for turning on or off a cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed and for determining whether there is an abnormality in the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed, based on a variation pattern of a voltage difference of a cell balancing circuit adjacent to the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed that is measured by the voltage measuring unit.

Abstract: An intrusion detection system disclosed herein includes a detector circuit that measures a change in value of impedance of an interconnection circuitry. A decoder coupled to the detector decodes the measured value of the change in the impedance of the interconnection circuitry to determine existence of an abnormal condition. In an example implementation of the intrusion detection system, the change in the value of the impedance of the interconnection circuitry is represented by a change in the phase delay on the interconnection circuitry. An implementation of the intrusion detection circuit terminates communication using the interconnection circuitry upon detection of the abnormal condition. The intrusion detection system is further configured to interpret the abnormal condition as a communication signal to the interconnection circuitry.

Abstract: Defibrillators, software and methods are provided, for transmitting inaudible audio information to one or more external personal sound devices. The audio information may encode an audible indication, which can thus be played by an external personal sound device to a user such as a rescuer.

Abstract: Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the groin area, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments alert the user to a mobile device in the users pocket is in a transmission mode and thus should be removed from the users pocket to maintain operational distance between the user and the device to reduce signal absorption of the users reproductive organs. Enabled mobile devices detect the transmission mode and the acceleration of the device in determining whether to alert the user. Embodiments influence the user to maintain a minimum distance via alerts, interruptions and warnings.

Abstract: A shore power cord includes a power supply connector electrically connected to a vehicle connector. In some cases, the vehicle connector includes features to selectively secure the vehicle connector to a vehicle power receptacle inlet. In some cases, the shore power cord includes a test module that evaluates the condition of the cord set and a power supply when the cord set is connected to the power supply.

Abstract: To provide reliable notification of a fault state when a power supply to a calculation processing portion is in the OFF state when a power supply to a communication processing portion is in the ON state. An isolating circuit, an inverting circuit inverting a signal branch-outputted through an output line of the isolating circuit, and a selecting circuit that uses the signal outputted from the output line of the isolating circuit as a first input and the inverted signal from the inverting circuit as a second input, to select either the first input or the second input, depending on a selection setting status thereof, to output the selected signal to the communication processing portion are provided. A +5 V voltage is applied through a resistor to the output line of the isolating circuit. This +5 V voltage is produced through the power supply supplied from the second double-wire transmission path.

Abstract: A scalable and ultrasensitive frequency-shift magnetic array scheme. The theoretical limit of the sensor noise floor is shown to be dominated by the phase noise of the sensing oscillators. To increase the sensitivity, a noise suppression technique, Correlated Double Counting (CDC), is described with no power overhead. As an implementation example, a 64-cell sensor array is designed in a standard 65 nm CMOS process. The CDC scheme achieves an additional 6 dB noise suppression. The magnetic sensing capability of the presented sensor is verified by detecting micron size magnetic particles with an SNR of 14.6 dB for a single bead and an effective dynamic range of at least 74.5 dB. Applications in biosensing are contemplated, among other possible uses. Measurement of electrical properties is also contemplated.

Abstract: Fault isolation and service restoration in an electrical grid are provided. An approach for receiving a notification message including a state of an electrical component on an electrical grid, and determining, by a computing system, a command message including at least one action to take in response to the state of the electrical component, is described. The approach further includes sending the command message to at least one of the electrical component and other electrical components on the electrical grid.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including: a body area network communication part that performs communication with a terminal apparatus carried by a user, using a user's human body as a communication channel; a display and operating part having a display part that displays a screen and having, on the display part, an electrode for body area network communication, the screen receiving an operation performed by the user; and a control part that displays on the display part an operation key for allowing information stored in the terminal apparatus to be obtained by the body area network communication, when it is determined at the time of the user touching the electrode that communication between the body area network communication part and the terminal apparatus can be performed.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of lowering power consumption. The method includes temporarily disabling a plurality of status indicators on a plurality of electronic components without disabling the operation of the electronic components.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) input sensing system includes a 3D input device, a host, and a power managing unit. The 3D input device includes at least one 3D motion sensing unit, and transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal obtained from detected motion of the 3D input device. The host receives the RF signal from the 3D input device and obtains 3D coordinate information of the 3D input device. The power managing unit controls supply of power in the 3D input device upon determining that the latter has remained motionless for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An electronic device, including a battery, a port for connecting a battery charger to charge the battery, a light emitter, and a sensor connected to the light emitter, for activating the light emitter when the sensor detects one or more vicinity light requirements indicating a need for light in the environment of the sensor, and for deactivating said light emitter when the battery charger is successfully connected to the port.

Abstract: An energy monitoring system for a power conductor includes a base unit, a sensor cable, and a current sensor. The base unit includes a first indicator circuit and a first resistance electrically connected to a voltage source. The sensor cable includes a conductor. The current sensor is electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The current sensor includes a second resistance and a second indicator. The first resistance and the first indicator circuit are electrically connected to the second resistance and the second indicator by the conductor.

Abstract: A system and a method for aggregating and transmitting process metadata of a heterogeneous production system, the production system including a plurality of process devices to manufacture a product, the method comprising the steps of sending a user request from a communication device to a central unit, generating a metadata profile based on the user request at the central unit, accessing at least one of the plurality of the process devices of the process via an aggregation module of the central unit by using standardized control signals that were generated upon a user request, the aggregation module having access to the process devices, locating and authenticating the manufactured product in the process by the aggregation module based on authentication data; capturing process-specific data specific to the manufactured and authenticated product from the process at the aggregation module based on standardized control signals; transmitting the process-specific data from the aggregation module to the central unit

Abstract: A method, system and computer software for detecting an incipient failure of a generator in a power system including the steps of ascertaining one or more generator reference parameter of the generator for use as a baseline reference; measuring one or more operating parameter values of the generator; using the one or more operating parameter values to solve for an estimated present value of the one or more of the generator's current performance parameters using particle swarm optimization technique; and determining whether the estimated present values of the one or more of the generator's current performance parameters are outside of an acceptable limit.