Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of an application comprises a computer system having one or more speakers and means for running an application, the computer system being configured to perform the steps of determining an output of an application that requires monitoring, assigning an audible sound to the output, running the application and allowing the application to reach a state of equilibrium, determining a baseline for the output when the application is in the state of equilibrium, monitoring the output to detect a change relative to the baseline, emitting the audible sound assigned to the output through at least one of the one or more speakers when the detected change varies from the baseline by a predetermined amount, and adjusting configurable parameters of the audible sound to indicate the existence of the detected change, the magnitude of the detected change relative to the baseline, and the degree of deviation from the baseline.

Abstract: A traffic entity, such as a passenger car, is warned that a situation requiring the change of driving mode will be required. The traffic entity is alerted to the presence of a second traffic entity, such as an emergency vehicle which requires the moving traffic entity to change its movement when it is proximate to the second traffic entity. The alert is changed, such as by increasing the intensity of visible signals, as the distance between the moving traffic entity and the second traffic entity decreases or the closing speed between the two entities increases, and the mode of the alert is changed, such as from visible to audible, as the distance between the entities further decreases or the closing speed further increases. A variety of traffic entities are accommodated by the system.

Abstract: Methods of programming a pump and insulin pumps. One method include displaying a first screen on a display of the pump. The method also includes, upon displaying the first screen, emitting a first sound. The method further includes displaying a second screen on the display of the pump, the second screen different from the first screen. The method also includes, upon displaying the second screen, emitting a second sound different from the first sound.

Abstract: A motion sensitive illumination method for a mobile device is provided. The method comprises measuring a first motion attribute of the mobile device using a motion sensor to produce a first value; comparing the first value with a threshold value; and adjusting illumination intensity of an illuminating mechanism that illuminates a user interface component of the mobile device, when the first value is not approximately equal to a first threshold value.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the performance of an application comprises determining an output of an application that requires monitoring, assigning an audible sound to the output, running the application and allowing the application to reach a state of equilibrium, determining a baseline for the output when the application is in the state of equilibrium, monitoring the output to detect a change relative to the baseline, emitting the audible sound assigned to the output when the detected change varies from the baseline by a predetermined amount, and adjusting configurable parameters of the audible sound to indicate the existence of the detected change, the magnitude of the detected change relative to the baseline, and the degree of deviation from the baseline. The amplitude of the audible sound may be adjusted to indicate the magnitude of the detected change from the baseline, and the pitch of the audible sound may be adjusted to indicate a positive change or a negative change from the baseline.

Abstract: A system for providing directed advertising or informational messages specific to individual persons or vehicles. The system encompasses a sensing and evaluation mechanism to detect persons or vehicles, in conjunction with a billboard or other display device capable of delivering a message specific to one or more individuals.

Abstract: An earthquake alarm system (10) that produces an earthquake alert signal (17) that gives a person a few seconds to take cover or to assist others before the earthquake arrives. The system (10) consists of a plurality of earthquake detecting device (12) that when activated by an earthquake, produce a seismic event signal (11). The seismic event signal (11) is applied sequentially to a microcontroller (26), an auto dialer (30), a telephone line receptacle (34), a telephone company (36) and an R.F. transmitter (38) that produces an R.F. signal (23) that is applied via an R.F. antenna (40) into free space. The R.F. signal (23) is applied to and activates a plurality of remotely-located pagers (44). The pagers (44) include a visual and/or an audio alarm that indicates to a person that an earthquake is imminent.

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 article locating system comprises a first unit having a housing and a circuit for generating a coded search signal that is unique to the first unit. The first unit operatively communicates with a second unit attached to the article to be located. The second unit includes a housing and a circuit for receiving the search signal and for generating a found signal. The second unit transmits the found signal to the first unit which then responds by selectively activating an indicator connected to the circuit of the first unit. The indicator preferably includes an array of indicator lights that are programmed to illuminate in a sequence to indicate the proximate position of the second unit relative to the first unit for locating the article. In an alternative embodiment, the second unit includes a record/playback device for recording and playing an audible communication in response to receiving the first signal from the first unit.

Abstract: A vehicle security system comprises a security module adapted to detect an event, a memory for storing a composition, and a processor coupled to the security module, wherein upon detecting the event the processor selects the composition from the memory and triggers a modulated signal representing the composition, wherein the modulated signal is received by a speaker.

Abstract: In a system for alerting an operator of a vehicle to a highest priority fault condition, the operating conditions of the vehicle are obtained and compared to predetermined values in order to identify the fault conditions of the vehicle. Each of the fault conditions of the vehicle has a corresponding operator action associated therewith which identifies the actions that must be performed by the operator in order to manage the fault condition. By prioritizing the fault conditions on the basis of the operator actions that are necessary to manage the faults, the system is able to output to the operator only the operator action associated with the highest priority fault condition, without any compromise in safety or additional risk of damage to the vehicle, while providing the ability for the operator of the vehicle to manage all of the active fault conditions by performing only the operator action associated with the highest priority fault condition.

Abstract: A method of task and memory assistance using a mobile communication device can include storing a profile of a user and determining a task to be performed by the user based on the user profile. The method can also include notifying the mobile communication device of the task. The method can further include providing sensory indicators in an increasing order of intervention until an acknowledgement is received from user, or for a predetermined number of notifications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for controlling the output level of an enunciator on a portable electronic device. In the system, an enunciator management system for an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: an enunciator having a first enunciation level and a lower, second enunciation level; a sensor; a monitoring circuit connected to the sensor providing a trigger signal that registers a notable activation of the sensor; memory to store data relating to the first and the second enunciation levels for the enunciator and adjustment information for the enunciator for an application operating on the device; and an enunciator management module to initiate the enunciator at the first enunciation level and selectively activate the enunciator at the lower, second enunciation level depending on the adjustment information and the trigger signal from the monitoring circuit.

Abstract: In a system for alerting an operator of a vehicle to a highest priority fault condition, the operating conditions of the vehicle are obtained and compared to predetermined values in order to identify the fault conditions of the vehicle. Each of the fault conditions of the vehicle has a corresponding operator action associated therewith which identifies the actions that must be performed by the operator in order to manage the fault condition. By prioritizing the fault conditions on the basis of the operator actions that are necessary to manage the faults, the system is able to output to the operator only the operator action associated with the highest priority fault condition, without any compromise in safety or additional risk of damage to the vehicle, while providing the ability for the operator of the vehicle to manage all of the active fault conditions by performing only the operator action associated with the highest priority fault condition.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing improved in-vehicle warnings are disclosed in which warning systems are sensitive to the typical driving performance of individual drivers in various modes of driving. Various embodiments of the present invention may detect a mode of driving, store information about a driver's driving style for each of the different modes, and use this stored information to adjust the timing and nature of warnings for the different modes. Examples of modes include without limitation normal cruising mode, emergency mode, passenger mode, post-emergency mode, pursuit mode, urban mode, suburban mode, rural mode, trailer mode, daytime mode, nighttime mode, and others. By adjusting warnings for individual drivers according to driving context, warnings can be optimized according to the needs of those drivers in different driving situations.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing improved in-vehicle warnings are disclosed. A driver's prior driving performance and a summary representation of that performance may be used as parameters in a hazard or collision warning algorithm. Information from sensors regarding the vehicle, driver, and external traffic and roadway conditions may be used to estimate driver performance variables in particular driving situations. Each driver performance estimate may be included into one or more overall summary variables for that driving situation. The value of these summary variables may then be used in an algorithm to control the nature and timing of a warning, when a similar situation arises again in the future.

Abstract: A system for providing directed advertising or informational messages specific to individual persons or vehicles. The system encompasses a sensing and evaluation mechanism to detect persons or vehicles, in conjunction with a billboard or other display device capable of delivering a message specific to one or more individuals.

Abstract: A security system and method for warning a potential intruder. One example system includes detector configured to detect the presence of a potential intruder within close proximity to the security system. At least one warning device is also configured to communicate warning signals to the potential intruder. The example system further includes a control circuit configured to cause the warning devices to automatically communicate a series of warning signals in a progressive manner to the potential intruder. Each subsequent warning signal becomes more severe than the last warning signal, and each subsequent warning signal is typically only provided if the potential intruder is detected by the detector within a predetermined time window since the communication of a previous warning signal.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a method for alerting a quiescent person, may include recording a personal alert message, receiving an alarm over a wireless communications link, and, in response to the alarm, playing the personal alert message. In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, a device for alerting a quiescent person may include an audio input to record a personal alert message, a memory to store the personal alert message, an audio output to play the personal alert message, a wireless receiver to receive an alarm, a power supply and a processor, coupled to the audio input, the audio output, the memory, the wireless receiver and the power supply. The processor may be adaptively configured to receive an alert signal from the wireless receiver, and in response to the alert signal, send a play signal to play the personal alert message.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate remotely controlling a wireless lighting module. The wireless lighting module can include a power source such as a battery, a solar cell, and the like as well as an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can be controlled based upon a received input (e.g., communicated by way of a radio frequency signal, an infrared signal, . . . ). For example, the input can be obtained from a remote control, a sensor, a differing wireless lighting module, an radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and so forth. The input can be utilized to switch one or more LEDs on or off, change the intensity or color of illumination, modulate illumination, alter the direction of illumination, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for secure traffic light interruption. A purpose of this invention is to allow for the use of a secure system to allow the interruption of the traffic light signals by emergency (and other authorized) vehicles. An objective of this invention is to allow for the use of a more secure system than the currently installed strobe only traffic light interruption (changing) systems. This invention integrates additional wireless technologies to assure that only authorized users trigger the traffic light changes that typically make it safer for emergency vehicles when they approach a traffic light.

Abstract: A lowered smoke detector is disclosed. It comprises a sensor and a mounting system. The mounting system includes a frame, a securing device, a reel, a flexible member, a mounting adaptor, an activator, and a cover. The frame is mounted to the wall with the securing device to the wall. The reel with the flexible member wound about it and the activator hanging down is attached to the frame. The sensor is mounted to flexible member via mounting adaptor and hooks. Finally, the cover fits over the frame to complete the assembly. The operator pulls the activator in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to lower or raise the sensor between a raised position for operation and a lowered position for servicing.

Abstract: A vehicle security system comprises a security module adapted to detect an event, a memory for storing a composition, and a processor coupled to the security module, wherein upon detecting the event the processor selects the composition from the memory and triggers a modulated signal representing the composition, wherein the modulated signal is received by a speaker.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for locating one among many items equipped with RFID tags. The apparatus comprises a portable system interrogating the RFID tags and receiving responses therefrom that depend at least on their bearing angle. A comparator selects responses from the one item and ignores others. An annunciator indicates the presence of the one item in the interrogator field of view and, desirably but not essentially, its relative proximity. A directional antenna whose beam pattern is limited in azimuth and/or elevation provides bearing angle information. Its field of view becomes progressively smaller as the antenna approaches the one item so that a user can substantially pinpoint its location without needing any of the usual RFID infrastructure. Tag response hit rate and/or signal strength provides range related information to the interrogator. Optionally, the presence of each new tag is announced until all new tags have been identified.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicular collision avoidance method is provided that includes monitoring a control of a vehicle and activating a first alarm if the control is not adjusted in a sufficient amount of time. The monitored control is normally and regularly adjusted by the vehicle's operator such that the time between adjustments is sufficiently smaller than the time normally needed to avoid a collision after it is detected that the control is no longer being controlled. The first alarm is activated if it is determined that the control is not adjusted in a sufficiently small amount of time from its preceding adjustment. Thus, the vehicle's operator or other vehicle member can react and take measures to ensure that the vehicle is under suitable control upon activation of the alarm and thereby avoid a possible collision.

Abstract: A method and system for warning an operator of a vehicle of a vehicular task that is being performed beyond a pre-determined time for execution of the task involving incrementally increasing audio and visual warnings as the task continues to be performed past the pre-determined time.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the location of a person, pet, or inanimate object relative to the location of a monitoring device. If the person, pet, or inanimate object (“monitored object”) travels from or is taken from a specified monitoring perimeter, for example 50 meters, an alarm is activated at the monitoring device to notify the guardian of the monitored object that the monitored object has moved beyond the specified perimeter. A signaling device is attached to the monitored object for signaling its location to the base station. A device for establishing the precise location of the signaling device relative to the base station are provided. If the monitored object becomes lost from the control of the guardian, devices are provided for identifying the monitored object from information stored in a distributed computing network, and devices are provided for contacting the guardian of the monitored object at the monitoring device.

Abstract: A fire receiver includes a light emitting device; a supervisory control apparatus for performing supervisory control based on information from a plurality of terminal devices such as fire detectors, and for displaying the information by causing the light emitting device to emit light; and a brightness changing device for changing the brightness of the light emitting device in response to the brightness of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program code for muting or disabling audible alarms or alerts during a conference or collaboration event are provided. During the conference or collaboration event, users may participate in the conference via user or client devices (e.g., computers) that are connected to or in communication with a server or collaboration system. A server, collaboration system or other device or application detects the setting of a mute alarm preference regarding one or more users. This may occur prior to a conference or during the conference. The server, collaboration system or other device then may cause the appropriate muting to occur at the appropriate or desired client devices and/or disable or mute audible alarms at one or more of the client devices (120a, 120n, 122a, 122n).

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the status of a battery in a portable computing device are disclosed. The methods include retrieving battery status data from a basic input-output system (BIOS) on the computing device, and comparing the retrieved battery status data to a predefined battery status threshold stored on the computing device. Based on the comparison of the battery status data to the predefined battery status threshold, a battery status indicator may be provided to an applications program on the computing device. The battery status data is reflective of a characteristic of the battery, such as battery voltage. A system according to the present invention includes a computer-readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions for performing a method according to the present invention.

Abstract: Vehicle security systems comprise at least one addressable transponder for communication with at least one base station. Each transponder and base station comprises a steerable directional antenna having an antenna azimuth sensor. Transponder and base station antenna azimuths assist in locating a vehicle carrying a transponder and allow near real-time estimation of vehicle heading. Base station networks facilitate location, tracking and/or interception of vehicles within a network geographic area. Use of multiple effective transmission ranges for transponders and/or base stations improves the accuracy of vehicle location.

Abstract: A vibrating alert device not startling the user by its vibration and able to improve the effectiveness of the alert, provided with a vibration strength control circuit becoming active for a duration of an incoming call signal and repeatedly gradually increasing a drive voltage supplied to the vibrating motor in stages from a minimum vibration strength voltage to a maximum vibration strength voltage, the vibration control circuit having a resistance type voltage division circuit which generates different vibration strength voltages from a minimum voltage strength voltage to a maximum voltage strength and a voltage switching circuit for selecting and outputting in a rising order the vibration strength voltages for each constant time.

Abstract: To provide an intrusion detecting device capable of generating one of different warnings in proper timing dependent on the behavior of an intruder entering an alert region to thereby browbeat the intruder effectively, the intrusion detecting device (1) includes a plurality of sensor units (8 and 9), a sound generating device (29) capable of generating first and second warnings different from each other one at a time, and a warning generating unit (23). The sensor units (8 and 9) have a plurality of alert areas (A1 to A4) defined from a site distant from and to another site near to a subject to be monitored for security purpose and operable to detect an intruder H entering any of the alert areas (A1 to A4).

Abstract: A system for selectively detecting the presence of a plurality of objects in proximity to a person. The system includes a plulrality of child units each having a first communicating device (such as a transceiver) for sending a locator signal and for receiving a control signal. Further, the system includes a parent unit having a second communicating device for receiving the locator signal from at least one of the plurality of child units, a processor for monitoring the at least one child unit and for determining whether the child unit is within a preselected range, at least one alarm for signaling the person when the selected child unit is outside the preselected range, and controls for selectively controlling the child units to be monitored and for controlling activation of the child units.

Abstract: This invention provides an alarm system and method for adjusting the wake-up signals. The system includes a means for tracking the behavior of a person in a predetermined area under surveillance after the activation of an alarm clock, and a means for determining whether the person is motionless for a predetermined time period. Upon recognition that the observed behavior indicates the person is still sleeping, the wake-up signals are gradually increased. At the same time, the electrical power supplied to a plurality of electronic devices may be increased to assist the person to wake up.

Abstract: A warning device for mounting onto a vehicle, in order to attract the attention of the driver when another vehicle (2) or object is located in a position that is wholly or partially critical for the driver. The device comprises two sources (5, 6) of laser radiation arranged at a distance from each other, a convex lens (8) arranged outside of each source and a position-sensitive radiation detector (7) arranged between the sources (5, 6). The device reacts with different levels of warning signals on the detection of direction indicator (58), angular deviation (60) of a wheel or the steering wheel, speed (62), etc., in combination.

Abstract: Potentially hazardous conditions encountered by an aircraft are signaled to the flight crew of the aircraft by a system of visible and audible annunciators. A first visible annunciator indicates cautions and warnings and a second visible annunciator indicates system classifications for detected conditions. The second visible annunciator indicates, for example, a threatened stall, a low fuel condition or excessive airspeed. An audible voice message played over the aircraft communication system is tailored to the potential hazard condition. A user operable button provides condition-specific cancellation authority.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a high impedance load on an output of a driver circuit having a power switching circuit providing output signals to a coil. Each output signal results from a drive signal that has a waveform comprising a higher magnitude initial peak period followed by a lower magnitude hold period. The driver circuit has a feedback circuit providing a difference signal as a function of a difference between an output signal and a corresponding drive signal. A diagnostic circuit connected to the driver circuit provides a high impedance error signal in response to detecting the difference signal crossing a threshold magnitude during a higher magnitude initial peak period of a drive signal.

Abstract: A temperature monitor for monitoring a temperature of an electrically operated fluid dispenser having a coil mounted adjacent an armature within the dispenser. The coil selectively generates an electromagnetic field to move the armature between opened and closed positions. The temperature monitor includes current measuring apparatus for measuring a current in the coil and a comparator for comparing a measured current value to a desired current value. An indicator provides an indication representing a relationship between the measured current value and the desired current value. The temperature monitor also has different indicators for providing different indications representing different values of the measured current relative to a desired current value.

Abstract: A switch status monitoring system (10) includes a switch signal processor (16) that operates in either of a supervised mode or an unsupervised mode for each monitored switch (12). Selection of the operating mode is made via configuration data provided to the switch signal processor, for example, from an applications processor (20). In this manner, reconfiguration of the mode of monitoring, supervised or unsupervised, of any particular switch within a system is accomplished by providing revised configuration data and without changes or modifications to the switch signal processor hardware. As will be appreciated, the present invention has application in for example door or window monitoring systems and in other similar security system applications.

Abstract: A life safety system with a micro-controller that is programmed to operate both a visual signal and an audible signal. One feature of the system is that a user is permitted to enter a temporal signaling mode for not only the audible signal, but also the visual signal. The program includes an energy saving routine that operates the visual signal in the temporal mode with an energy consumption that is substantially smaller than required for operation in a continuous mode. The temporal pattern has four cycles with one flash pulse per cycle for the first three cycles and no flash pulse for the fourth cycle.

Abstract: The duration of variations in the potential applied to a single electrical contact, when compared to a reference potential, are measured and employed to command either incrementing or decrementing of an address. The addresses are associated with a table of instructions and an addressed instruction, when read, will produce a discrete warning signal. A desired one of several light flash or audible patterns may be selected by step-wise scrolling through the table in response to manually varying the contact potential.

Abstract: A system for selectively detecting the presence of a plurality of objects in proximity to a person. The system includes a plurality of child units each having a first communicating device (such as a transceiver) for sending a locator signal and for receiving a control signal. Further, the system includes a parent unit having a second communicating device for receiving the locator signal from at least one of the plurality of child units, a processor for monitoring the at least one child unit and for determining whether the child unit is within a preselected range, at least one alarm for signaling the person when the selected child unit is outside the preselected range, and controls for selectively controlling the child units to be monitored and for controlling activation of the child units.

Abstract: The invention provides a display device for vehicles capable of quickly and reliably displaying high-priority and high-emergency information, while maintaining sufficient display space for other information. The vehicles may be of the type including a trunk provided with a cover. The display device has a display section in which display patterns are used. The display device includes an open position detecting device which detects that the cover of the trunk is open. A warning design pattern producing device generates a warning design pattern which visually expresses a warning when the cover is open. A warning display priority device displays the warning design pattern, prior to other information, on the display section when the cover is detected to be open.

Abstract: A method of displaying the battery capacity using LEDs of the notebook computer system and the device of the same, which displays the battery capacity by depressing a lid switch and through the signal transmission of a keyboard controller (KBC) and a SMB bus.

Abstract: A beeper system that includes a beeper attached to a flexible band. The flexible band is attached to the child, such as around the wrist, waist or neck, to prevent the child from removing the beeper. The beeper is programmed to reach a no shut off mode wherein a speaker outputs an audible output of increasing loudness until the beeper is turned off by keyswitch controlled or kept by the supervising adult. The keyswitch is also used to disconnect the flexible band to allow removal of the beeper. A wearer silence button is provided to allow for a warning period before the no shut off mode is reached.

Abstract: A double-layer container equipped with temperature warning device comprises a double-layer container and a temperature sensor device, wherein the temperature sensor device is disposed in a segregated store space formed at the bottom end of the double-layer container for detecting temperature of food or soup loaded in the container. A detected signal is transmitted from a temperature sensor to a microprocessor for judging to lighten a specified LED and meanwhile drive a speaker to play a corresponding song or rhythm for easy discrimination of the temperature range of the food or the soup and thereby to protect a user against being scalded.

Abstract: An alerting system is provided for proactively ensuring awareness of pending customer generated trouble tickets which have not been resolved for at least a predetermined time duration corresponding to an escalation level. A customer service center selects the time duration. The alerting system includes a manager module which periodically monitors the pending customer generated trouble tickets and determines whether each pending customer generated trouble ticket remains unresolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system also includes an alerting module which sends an alert to a recipient assigned to the escalation level when the manager module determines the pending customer generated trouble ticket has not been resolved for the time duration corresponding to the escalation level. The alerting system may also include a parsing module which parses the pending customer generated trouble tickets to remove extraneous and invalid information.

Abstract: The duration of variations in the potential applied to a single electrical contact, when compared to a reference potential, are measured and employed to command either incrementing or decrementing of an address. The addresses are associated with a table of instructions and an addressed instruction, when read, will produce a discrete warning signal. A desired one of several light flash or audible patterns may be selected by step-wise scrolling through the table in response to manually varying the contact potential.