Abstract: An electronic shelf label system is provided. There is provided a method in which an electronic shelf label periodically transmits its remaining battery capacity to a server in a electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, and the server converts the battery level into a remaining battery life (time) and provides the same, so that a manager can check the remaining battery life in a management mode of the server and a terminal, and easily manage an electronic shelf label using a battery.

Abstract: A system and method for managing power in a vehicle is provided herein. The vehicle includes a battery, an electric motor, and a plurality of electric devices. The electric motor is operable to drive the vehicle. The battery provides power to the electric motor and each of the electric devices. A first sensor is operable to detect the amount of power each of the electric devices is consuming and a display is operable to provide the power consumption for each of the electric devices and the battery power. Accordingly, the user is able to identify and manage how the battery's power is being distributed during the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a hazard detector is presented. The hazard detector may include a hazard detection sensor that detects a presence of a type of hazard. The hazard detector may include a light and a light sensor that senses a brightness level in an ambient environment of the hazard detector. The hazard detector may include a processing system configured to receive an indication of the brightness level in the ambient environment of the hazard detector from the light sensor. The processing system may determine the brightness level in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has reached a threshold value. A status check of one or more components of the hazard detector may be performed. The processing system may cause the light to illuminate using a selected illumination state in response to the determining the brightness level in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has reached the threshold value.

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: The present application describes, among other things, a battery management system. The battery management system includes a computing device and first and second battery unit monitoring modules. The computing device includes an output data request port and an input data port. Each battery unit monitoring module is connected in parallel to the input data port of the computing device. In response to a data request from the output data request port of the computing device, the first battery unit monitoring module transmits data of the first battery unit to the input data port of the computing device, and transmits a data request to the second battery unit monitoring module. In response to the data request from the first battery unit monitoring module, the second battery unit monitoring module transmits data of the second battery unit to the input data port of the computing device.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a battery pack that includes a fault-monitoring mechanism for detecting faults in the battery pack and indicating the faults to a user. The battery pack also includes a battery cell and enclosure material that encloses the battery cell. The fault may correspond to penetration of the battery pack, a puncture in the enclosure material, a short circuit within the battery cell, and/or a change in pressure within the battery pack. To detect the fault, the fault-monitoring mechanism may utilize a conductive mechanism, a color-changing mechanism, and/or a sensor mechanism in the battery pack.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for identifying an amount of time associated with a user based activity with respect to a battery powered device, and determining a battery drain rate of the battery powered device. An indicator of whether the user based activity can be completed in the amount of time may be generated based on the battery drain rate.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.

Abstract: In an apparatus that issues maintenance warnings, such as the low-battery audio warnings issued by smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a system for insuring that warnings are issued only at times of day when it is likely that residents will be awake, so as not to interrupt sleep. In the simplest embodiments, the system may comprise an oscillator, a 24-hour timer, and control logic, most of which may be contained in a microcontroller. One embodiment allows manual selection of the time of day of inhibiting warnings by pressing a pushbutton once. In other embodiments the starting time for the issuing a warning is close to the time of day at which the battery was installed, or the time of day that the detector was last tested. The latter embodiments are automatic, and require no user configuration.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a removable portion having a material and a chemical detection system coupled with the removable portion. The chemical detection system can obtain an amount of the material from the removable portion and determine whether the amount of material obtained from the removable portion includes a predetermined substance. In response to determining that the amount of the material obtained from the removable portion includes the predetermined substance, the chemical detection system can provide a first signal to initiate a first operation of the apparatus. Additionally, in response to determining that the amount of material obtained from the removable portion does not include the predetermined substance, the chemical detection system can generate a second signal to display an alert that indicates the material is not approved by at least one of a manufacturer of the apparatus or a supplier of the apparatus.

Abstract: An RFID system according to one embodiment includes an electronic device being powered by a battery; an RFID device in electrical communication with the electronic device; and a mechanism for estimating a remaining potential energy of the battery, wherein a flag is set on the RFID device when an estimated remaining potential energy of the battery is below a predefined threshold. In an RFID system according to another embodiment, the RFID device stores an indication of a condition of the battery powering the electronic device. An RFID device according to yet another embodiment of the invention includes an interface for providing a direct physical connection to an electronic device that is powered by a battery; a memory for storing an indication of a condition of the battery powering the electronic device; and circuitry for sending the indication stored in the memory to a remote device via an air interface.

Abstract: An flight-safe indicator for a battery displays the flight-safety state of a battery to be transported by an aircraft. The indicator can be easily recognized by ground personnel anywhere regardless of the language they speak or read. The indicator comprises an icon indicating that the battery is safe for flight and would be easily recognized by personnel at an airport. The icon would be placed on the battery or on the battery packaging prior to loading on the aircraft. When the magnitude of power stored on the battery exceeds a safety threshold, the icon changes to an indication that the battery is not safe for transporting by aircraft and the operator may discharge the battery using a load until it reaches a safe level.

Abstract: A charging state displaying device includes a casing, a board, a plurality of light sources, and display units. The casing includes a light blocking part. The board is mounted on the light blocking part and is accommodated in the casing. The light sources are disposed on the board so as to be separated by the board. The display units have light-permeability and are provided at positions of the casing corresponding to the light sources respectively. The board is configured to prevent leakage and mixture of lights emitted from the light sources in a cooperation with the light blocking part.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for balancing a storage battery for an automotive vehicle. The battery is of the type including a plurality of storage cells. The system includes a thermoelectric device and a controller. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy and converts the thermal energy into electric energy. The controller determines a subset of the storage cells in the battery to be charged based on an amount of electric charge in each of the storage cells. Furthermore, the controller causes the electric energy to be distributed to each storage cell in the subset in an effort to balance the battery in the vehicle.

Abstract: An external haptic generator for creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices and more particularly, an external haptic generator in a vehicle providing a secure mount and creating haptic feedback in portable electronic devices that do not include haptic feedback generators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for remotely identifying a motor vehicle (2), including means (3) for remotely communicating with the associated vehicle (2). The device comprises means (4) for querying the state of charge of at least one vehicle battery and means (6) for receiving said state of charge.

Abstract: A method and system for conditioning an energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle, like a high-voltage battery or a fuel cell used for vehicle propulsion. It may be detrimental for a high-voltage battery in a parked vehicle to be exposed to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time. Thus, the method and system may be used to condition such a battery—for example, by heating it up if it is too cold or by cooling it down if it is too hot—so that the performance, durability, lifespan and/or other aspects of the battery are improved. In an exemplary embodiment, the method predicts if the battery will need conditioning the next time the vehicle is parked and, if such conditioning is needed, then the method predicts if the battery has sufficient charge to perform this conditioning. If the charge appears insufficient, then the method operates an energy generator that provides additional charge to the battery in anticipation of the needed conditioning.

Abstract: A device including a first energy storage device configured to be charged by a machine when the device is coupled to the machine and a wireless transceiver configured to receive input commands from an input device and transmit the input commands to the machine, where the first energy storage device is configured to transfer electrical energy to the input device when the device is operatively coupled to the input device.

Abstract: System and method for determining consumption of resources to assist a meter reading personnel are described. According to an embodiment, the system includes a processor and an extraction module coupled to the processor configured to extract historical data associated with a meter to be read. The system further includes a prediction module coupled to the processor configured to determine a predicted resource consumption for a current cycle based on the historical data and provide the predicted meter reading to a display device corresponding to a meter reading personnel. Furthermore, the system includes a computation module coupled to the processor configured to determine an actual resource consumption for the current cycle based on an analysis of an observed resource consumption of the current cycle with respect to the predicted resource consumption.

Abstract: A networked display has multiple modes of operation. In the first operating mode, the display receives and shows information related to charging an electric vehicle. In a second mode of operation, the display receives and shows information related to home energy usage. Other operating modes may also be supported.

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: Systems and methods may provide for identifying an amount of time associated with a user based activity with respect to a battery powered device, and determining a battery drain rate of the battery powered device. An indicator of whether the user based activity can be completed in the amount of time may be generated based on the battery drain rate.

Abstract: A battery testing system includes a battery test module configured to couple to a battery. The battery test module is further configured to measure battery parameters and transmit the measured battery parameters. The battery testing system also includes a portable tablet device configured to receive the transmitted measured battery parameters. The portable tablet device is further configured to determine a battery test result from the measured battery parameters and display the battery test result.

Abstract: A vehicular travel guidance apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a map image display unit that displays a map image on a display device and a maximum energy amount acquisition unit that acquires a maximum charging energy amount of an in-vehicle battery. The apparatus further includes a charging facility information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a charging facility capable of charging the in-vehicle battery. Also included is a travelable area acquisition unit that acquires a travelable area, within which the vehicle is able to travel from the charging facility by consuming an energy amount corresponding to a predetermined percentage of the maximum charging energy amount. The apparatus also includes a display mode change unit that varies a display mode of the map image based on the acquired travelable area.

Abstract: A remote control unit for controlling a media device, comprising: a first wireless transmitter arranged to be powered from a first power source; a second wireless transmitter arranged to be powered from a second power source; a processor coupled to the first and second wireless transmitters, wherein the processor is configured to control the first and second wireless transmitters and is arranged to be powered from the first power; and monitoring means arranged to monitor power levels of the second power source and provide power level information to the processor.

Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination entered by a driver before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination. If no target information is received, a default target distance value based on an initial distance to empty estimation may be used.

Abstract: A remote control device includes: a vibration power generator configured to convert externally applied vibrations to electric power; a storage section charged with the electric power obtained by the vibration power generator; a switch provided between the vibration power generator and the storage section; and a control circuit configured to output a vibration instruction signal and turn the switch on when the remaining power of the storage section becomes smaller than a predetermined amount. The electronic apparatus instructs the user to vibrate the remote control device in response to the vibration instruction signal.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging. A charging device configured to wirelessly charge one or more electronic devices may comprise at least one charging region, wherein each charging region of the at least one is configured for placement of one or more electronic devices. The charging device may further include an interface configured to convey information relating at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices placed within the at least one charging region.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides a computer-implemented system and method for monitoring a remaining battery charge level in a mobile computer cart used in a hospital environment and detecting when said battery charge level is reduced to a selected level. The system comprises a monitoring component that monitors remaining battery charge levels for the mobile computer cart. Further, the monitoring component communicates with a detection component which detects when the battery charge levels of the mobile computer cart are low and/or reach a predetermined threshold level. The system further comprises a trigger component that sends a customizable alert to a user once a low battery charge level and/or a predetermined threshold level has been reached. Furthermore, the system comprises a power component that automatically places the mobile computer cart in detect and protect mode after a predetermined period of time after the alerts are sent.

Abstract: An invisible fence rechargeable battery assembly for dramatically reducing homeowner's yearly invisible fence operating costs and reducing disposal of non-rechargeable batteries. The invisible fence rechargeable battery assembly includes a battery holder assembly including a battery holder having an open end and a closed end and also includes a battery pack being removably disposed in the battery holder and including a battery, and also including contacts being in communication with the battery, and a circuit module being in communication with the battery and at least one of the contacts, wherein the battery pack includes battery terminals.

Abstract: The augmented battery includes an internal motion sensor, charge condition monitor, annunciator and optional wireless communicator. When the augmented battery is installed in a device, it provides augmented capabilities not present in the device when using conventional batteries. The augmented capabilities include responding to implicit commands from the user (by simply lifting the device containing the augmented battery) and explicit commands (such as intentional motion or tapping gestures) by providing audible or vibrational response indicating the charge conditions of the cell within the battery. Wireless communication allows the augmented battery to interact with external devices, such as battery health monitor display devices and also with the device into which the battery is installed, giving the device new augmented functionality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, and more particularly to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, which detects an increase in leakage current according to a deterioration in performance of the surge protection device in order to provide notice of a replacement time for the surge protection device. According to the present invention, it is possible to for a user to provide notice of a replacement time by displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device (SPD) to the outside. Additionally, as another effect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm an amount of leakage current flowing into the ground of the SPD and whether the SPD is properly installed on a ground line by using a current and ground state detecting sensor.

Abstract: A safety shut-off system and method for eliminating power to a load in the event of smoke detection. The system may comprise a device located at the appliance for detecting a signal from a smoke detector, and cutting power to the appliance only when the appliance is in use. The device may be synchronized with any standard smoke alarm signal to reduce the number of false positive shut-offs. The system may also comprise a smoke alarm hard-wired to a circuit breaker, for shutting off power to all appliances on a particular breaker upon receipt of a signal from the smoke alarm, and only when the appliances on the breaker are in use. The system may also have the ability to shut off one breaker, multiple breakers, or all breakers at different time increments to actively prevent and reduce the damages caused by fires.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for warning a charge amount. The apparatus for warning a charge amount includes a storage unit to store an indication unit used to indicate a remaining charge amount of a battery and a warning value based on the indication unit, a measurement unit to measure an electrical characteristic value of the battery, a charge amount calculation unit to calculate a remaining charge amount from the measured electrical characteristic value of the battery, an indication unit conversion unit to convert the calculated remaining charge amount to an indication unit based on a power amount consumed in a load electrically connected to the battery by the indication unit, and a determination unit to output a warning signal when the converted remaining charge amount is less than or equal to the warning value. According to the present disclosure, a warning is provided to charge a battery before the battery is fully discharged.

Abstract: A method of utilizing device indicator lights is disclosed herein. The method includes providing a device that includes a plurality of device indicator lights and a user control, and monitoring a first set and a second set of device states. The first set of device states correspond to binary device states, and the second set of device states correspond to analog device states. The method also includes utilizing each of the plurality of device indicator lights individually to communicate one of first set of device states, determining whether the user control has been activated, and utilizing at least two of the plurality of device indicator lights in concert to communicate one of the second set of device states upon a determination that the user control has been activated.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include automatically determining alarm threshold settings for monitored battery cells in battery systems. Battery monitoring control units are provided that are configured to initiate battery performance tests (e.g., ohmic tests) on battery cells in a battery system. Failing battery cells are identified as those battery cells having battery performance characteristics outside defined battery performance threshold settings. An initial performance alarm threshold setting is established for each battery cell because of unique performance characteristics that can substantially change during initial charging cycles before the battery cells have settled. A settled performance alarm threshold setting specific to each battery cell is then established based on battery cell performance during the defined settling time period.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic device includes: determining whether a battery remaining power amount of the electronic device is lower than or equal to a reference remaining power amount with which a power supply of the electronic device is maintained in a turned-on state until a time at which an alarm is set to be activated; and transmitting alarm information about the alarm to a second electronic device. The alarm information is information configured by an instruction prearranged between the electronic device and the second electronic device to enable the second electronic device to set an alarm function according to the alarm information automatically after reception of the alarm information.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates the use of an electronic device. The electronic device may be a keyboard, a mouse, a trackpad, a remote control, a mobile phone, a wireless phone, a toy, a portable media player, a game controller, and/or a camera. During operation, the system monitors a state-of-charge of a battery used to power the electronic device. Next, the system calculates a charge threshold associated with a low-battery warning for the battery based on the monitored state-of-charge. If the state-of-charge of the battery reaches the charge threshold, the system generates the low-battery warning.

Abstract: An emergency response system includes a restraint control module (RCM), a global positioning system module (GPSM), at least one output, at least one input, an SPDJB, and a vehicle associated computing system (VACS) in communication with the RCM, the GPSM, the at least one output, the at least one input and the SPDJB. Upon detection of an emergency event, the RCM requests that the VACS place an emergency call. Upon receiving a request from the RCM, the VACS queries the GPSM to obtain vehicle coordinates, informs the occupant of the onset of the call, and instructs a wireless device in communication with the VACS to place an emergency call. The VACS is operable to determine when an emergency call is connected. Once the emergency call is connected, the VACS relays a message indicating connection to the RCM, and contacts the SPDJB to contacts the Smart Power Distribution Junction Box (SPDJB).

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 delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A disabling unit can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled.

Abstract: A CO detector includes a sensor configured to detect a presence of CO and generate a signal indicative of the presence of CO, and a controller in signal communication with the sensor. The controller is configured to measure a level of detected CO in response to receiving the signal generated by the sensor. The controller is further configured to detect a first trouble condition representative of an end-of-life condition of the sensor, and a second trouble condition different from the first trouble condition.

Abstract: A modular device having at least one master integrated circuit, and one or more slave integrated circuit modules coupled to the at least one master integrated circuit with each slave integrated circuit module of the one or more slave integrated circuit modules coupled to and associated with only a single cell of the battery. Each slave integrated circuit module of the one or more slave integrated circuit modules further comprises: detection circuitry adapted to detect data comprising one or more of the temperature, voltage or charge status, and malfunctioning of the single cell associated with and monitored by the slave integrated circuit; and an interface operable to send said detected data to the at least one master integrated circuit. The at least one master integrated circuit is adapted to send commands to a slave integrated circuit module in response to the detected data detected by the slave integrated circuit module.

Abstract: An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a near field radio communication apparatus, as described in embodiments, comprises a signal receiving unit configured to convert a radio signal into an electric signal an information obtaining unit configured to obtain information from a signal output from the signal receiving unit and an operating power supplying unit configured to supply an operating power to the information obtaining unit if a voltage level of the electric signal output from the signal receiving unit varies to he equal to or higher than a preset threshold value.

Abstract: An optimal vehicle battery recommendation system includes at least one sensor to detect a manipulation of the vehicle. A driver behavior module determines a driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle. A vehicle consumption module determines battery information of an on-board battery currently connected to the vehicle, and determines energy consumption of the vehicle. A battery capacity advisor module is in electrical communication with the driver behavior module and the vehicle consumption module. The battery capacity module determines a replacement battery option that changes at least one battery characteristic of the on-board battery based on the driver behavior model and the vehicle consumption model.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for monitoring a battery to determine whether sufficient battery power remains to perform an event at a pre-scheduled time. A communications device includes a processor that receives instructions to perform the event at the pre-scheduled time, determines a first amount of time until the event is performed, detects an idle mode of the communications device, the idle mode consuming a minimum amount of power, calculates a second amount of time until the battery is depleted, the second amount of time being calculated while the communications device operates in the idle mode, determines whether the second amount of time is less than the first amount of time, activates a first alert if the second amount of time is less than the first amount of time while remaining in the idle mode, and performs an action prior to the pre-scheduled time while remaining in the idle mode.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement and method that may be used with a variety of different energy storage devices, including battery packs found in hybrid vehicles, battery electric vehicles, and other types of vehicles. An exemplary sensor arrangement includes a number of sensor units, a controller, and several connections, wherein two or more sensor units are coupled to each node of the battery pack and are coupled to the controller over different connections. An exemplary method is divided into two aspects: an error detection aspect and an error resolution aspect. Because the sensor arrangement provides multiple sensor readings for each node being evaluated, the method can enable the sensor arrangement to continue operating accurately and with redundancy even if it experiences a loss of one or more sensor units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a remaining capacity of an energy source of an agricultural information tag. The method includes adjusting, such as increasing or decreasing, a counter at the occurrence of an event which leads to a consumption of energy from the energy source, and determining a remaining capacity of the energy source from a value of the counter. The event may include the elapsing of a predetermined period of time and a transmission of information by the information tag.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one component of a motor vehicle provided with energy storage means. The method comprises the steps of determination of an energy reserve value of the vehicle; evaluation of at least one critical energy autonomy threshold; and comparison of the energy reserve value with at least one critical autonomy threshold so as to deduce therefrom a setpoint signal for controlling the component.