Abstract: An industrial process field device has a housing with a wall. The wall has a feedthrough opening between a battery compartment and an electronics compartment. A feedthrough connector seals the feedthrough opening and includes a power connector connected to industrial process field device electronics. A battery assembly includes a battery housing with a battery connector, and includes a battery and an energy limiter connected to the battery connector. The battery connector mates with the power connector to energize the industrial process field device electronics. A seal seals the mating connection of the power connector and the battery connector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling a mobile user to notify an automated monitoring system of an emergency situation are provided. The automated monitoring system may be configured for monitoring and controlling a plurality of remote devices and may comprise a site controller in communication with the plurality of remote devices via a plurality of transceivers defining a wireless communication network and in communication with a host computer via a wide area network. Briefly described, one such method comprises the steps of: receiving notification that the mobile user desires to initiate transmission of an emergency message to the site controller; determining the identity of the mobile user; and providing an emergency message over the wireless communication network for delivery to the site controller, the emergency message indicating the identity of the mobile user.

Abstract: A communications network for providing continuous patient monitoring to provide critical care services from a remote location. A plurality of patient monitoring stations with associated patient monitoring instrumentation is connected over a communications network to a command center to which data flows continuously for analysis. A standardized series of guideline algorithms for treating a variety of critical care conditions are prompted to provide critical care by caregivers who monitor the progress of individual patients at remote patient monitoring stations. A smart alert system that can be flexibly set from the command center provides for patient-specific rules to be established to alert the caregivers to potential patient problems so that intervention can occur in a timely fashion. A data storage/data warehouse function analyzes individual patient information from a plurality of command centers and provides updated algorithms and critical care support to the remote command centers.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products, implementing techniques for automatic data acquisition and the real-time display of automatically acquired data. A system implementing the techniques includes one or more automatic data acquisition devices that emit data; and a data integration system that receives data from the automatic data acquisition devices and processes the data. The data integration system includes a display system for displaying the data to a user. The display system is operable to generate a graphical display and to update the graphical display automatically and only when new data from the automatic data acquisition devices is available. The display system is operable to update only affected parts of the graphical display but not necessarily the entire display.

Abstract: A sensor system (S, S?) having a least one voltage generator (1, 11, 12, 13) for conversion of non-electrical energy to electrical energy. At least one energy store (2) is connected downstream from the voltage generator (1, 11, 12, 13). At least one voltage converter (3) is connected to the energy store (2) such that its output signal is suitable for operation of a processor controller (4). At least one sensor (7, 71) is provided, and at least one transmitter (5) enables wire-free transmission of transmission messages which can be produced by the processor controller (4) and which contain at least one measured value from the at least one sensor (7, 71). A timer circuit (6) is provided, which can be triggered as a function of a voltage level of the at least one energy store (2), and which activates the sensor system (S) in order to transmit at least one transmission message after a specific time interval.

Abstract: An intelligent network demand control system provides a system and method for controlling demand in an energy delivery system. The intelligent network demand control system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to meters and appliances residing at a plurality of customer premises. Control room operators instruct a customer premises (CP) energy management controller to implement a reduction in system demand. A demand reduction control signal is relayed out to a predefined group of transceivers to bring their respective controlled generators on line. The predefined transceivers, identified by their identification codes, are specified in the demand reduction control signal. When the transceivers bring the generators on line in response to a broadcasted demand reduction control signal, the actual demand reduction is metered and relayed back to the CP energy management controller. The total demand reduction is aggregated into a single number and then communicated to the operators.

Abstract: The present invention enables multiple operating territories to be defined, named, and managed within a meter reading system. Each operating territory may correspond to a geographic sub-section of the meter reading system that is regulated by a particular regulatory agency. Each operating territory may be assigned a set of time of use (TOU) schedules required by its corresponding regulatory agency. The set of TOU schedules assigned to each operating territory may be stored in a database.

Abstract: A leakage current measurement apparatus for measuring leakage currents is disclosed. The leakage current measurement apparatus automatically selects one of non-inductive shunt resistors of 10?, 100?, and 1000? and measures leakage currents of an outdoor isolation material for an ultra-high voltage. Additionally, the leakage current measurement apparatus is capable of measuring a relatively wide range of leakage currents with a relatively high precision, even at a remote location, as a measurement range is automatically adjusted within measurement ranges preset by a user when leakage currents of an outdoor isolation material change, and being protected against a surge possibly generated by an ultra-high voltage. Also, it can remotely measure in real-time leakage currents of an outdoor isolation material installed at a remote location over Ethernet.

Abstract: A moisture sensor system is described. In one embodiment, the system provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed moisture level. The adjustable threshold allows the moisture sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability. In one embodiment, the adjustable threshold moisture sensor is used in an intelligent sensor system that includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with the moisture sensor units. When one or more of the moisture sensor units detects a excess moisture the moisture sensor unit communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the moisture condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet (and/or local area network), etc.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for allowing non-contact temperature measurement of an animate body. More particularly, a transponder sensor device attached to an animate body is utilized to non-intrusively measure a temperature of the animate body in response to an interrogation signal transmitted over an air interface from a portable probe. In one embodiment, the sensor device is a passive device that is operative to collect energy from an interrogation signal emitted from the probe. In this regard, the sensor device does not require an internal power source. The collected energy is utilized to measure the temperature of the animate body and transmit a response signal containing temperature information back to the probe over the air interface.

Abstract: A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.

Abstract: A telemetry system includes a transmitter unit that measures a first value of a parameter, incorporates the first value in a first data packet and transmits the first data packet, and measures a second value of the parameter, incorporates the second value and the first value in a second data packet and transmits the second data packet. A receiver unit periodically receives a signal and generates a sequence of bits therefrom, determines whether the sequence of bits includes a payload that meets a predetermined standard and, if so, recovers a more recent datum from the payload else enters a data recovery mode. In the data recovery mode, the receiver unit receives a transmission signal and generates a second sequence of bits and determines whether the second sequence of bits contains a payload that meets the predetermined standard and, if so, recovers both a more recent datum and a less recent datum from the payload.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control system comprises lamp monitoring and control units, each coupled to a respective lamp to monitor and control, and each transmitting monitoring data having at least an ID field and a status field; and at least one base station, coupled to a group of the lamp monitoring and control units, for receiving the monitoring data, wherein each of the base stations includes an ID and status processing unit for processing the ID field of the monitoring data.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to digital data communication systems, and more particularly, the systems and methods relate to systems and methods for facilitating digital communication between a modem equipped meter and a central data acquisition system. In one example, the system has the central data acquisition system, a first telemetry device that utilizes a modem for data communication, and a second telemetry device with a processor for communicating with the first telemetry device, and a digital cellular radio for communicating with the processor. The processor relays digital meter data from the first telemetry device to the digital cellular radio and the digital cellular radio transmits the digital meter data to the central data acquisition system. This system allows the utility company to transmit the reading of utility consumption by a consumer without the use of telephone lines.

Abstract: An apparatus measures temperature of a reciprocating piston and comprises one or more thermocouples of which one end is inserted to a predetermined point of the piston and generates a potential difference according to temperature of the predetermined point. A telemetry unit is mounted on a big end of a connecting rod, computes the piston temperature on the basis of the potential difference, and wirelessly transmits the piston temperature signal.

Abstract: The present subject matter generally concerns the detection of tire related anomalies in a pneumatic tire using Doppler Micro-Power Impulse Radar technology together with radar signal analyzation methodologies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for the detection of anomalies in pneumatic tires including tread separation, tread wear, uneven tread wear, tire balance and foreign body detection. The signal analysis used differentiates various of the detectable anomalies by analyzing the radar signals based on ranges of harmonics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for two-way telemetry is provided. For one embodiment, a telemetry interface module may receive data regarding the strength of transmitted signals. The telemetry interface module may transmit a query message to another telemetry interface module and receive a reply message containing received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data for the query message as received by the other telemetry interface module. For one embodiment, a telemetry interface module may adjust a transmission power level. For one embodiment, a telemetry interface module may select between a plurality of antennae for reception and transmission.

Abstract: A wireless electrical power metering system is provided. A processor having a multichannel power line transceiver, a wireless transceiver, and a power meter attached thereto measures power consumption information on a power line inductively coupled with the power meter. The processor converts the power consumption information into IP-based data, and transmits same over the wireless transceiver. The information can be wirelessly received by a remote monitoring station or transmitted across the Internet for storage, analysis, and billing. The processor generates appliance control signals and generates same across the multichannel power line transceiver to remotely control appliances in response to power consumption trends. The processor provides firewall capabilities, and relays information between a wired or wireless network and a power line network, thereby expanding the size of existing household networks.

Abstract: A metering arrangement includes a meter housing, a source of energy signals, a source of gas flow signals, a source of temperature signals, and a processing circuit. The meter housing is securedly supported proximal to a facility receiving utility commodities. The processing circuit is disposed within the meter housing, and is operably connected to the source of energy signals, the source of gas flow signals, and the source of temperature signals. The processing circuit is operable to generate electrical energy consumption metering information from the energy signals. The processing circuit is further operable to generate corrected gas consumption information based on the received gas flow signals and the received temperature signals.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system is configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods related to monitoring of energy usage on a power line. In a preferred embodiment, this system comprises (a) an electronic microprocessor-controlled digital electricity metering device coupled to the power line and comprising a non-volatile non-battery-powered data-storage device, wherein the metering device is capable of interval metering and of receiving a data request and transmitting data in response to the request over the power line; and (b) a data collector (preferably, a transponder) coupled to the metering device via the power line. The data collector is preferably capable of (i) receiving data from and transmitting data to the metering device over the power line, (ii) storing data received from the metering device over the power line, and (iii) receiving data from and transmitting data to a remotely located computer (preferably, a billing computer).

Abstract: A modular sensing station architecture that supports flexible power management includes one or more sensors connected to a WINS node. Each node includes power supply, data acquisition, programmable microprocessor and wireless transceiver modules that communicate data and instructions over a bus. The bus suitably includes a signal bus for communicating instructions and low bandwidth data and a high-capacity data bus for transferring high bandwidth data and executing high power tasks. The dual bus approach provides constant communications among the modules and low-capacity data transfer with the option to activate the high-power circuits or tasks only as needed.

Abstract: For acquiring data of dynamic physical processes via a radio link, a transponder antenna (17) is excited by an electromagnetic exciting wave at the resonance frequency of the transponder antenna (17), and a back-scattered electromagnetic sensor wave which is modulated by a sensor (16) having an electrical impedance depending on the data to be acquired is received and analyzed. The sensor (16) is directly connected to the transponder antenna (17) such that the sensor changes the electrical impedance of the transponder antenna (17) with every variation of the data to be acquired. The electromagnetic wave which is back-scattered by the transponder antenna (17) is received as the sensor wave at the same time as the transponder antenna (17) is excited by the exciting wave.

Abstract: A one way direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications wide-area network is the data collection channel (uplink) of an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, and a paging network, or other suitable communication channel is the optional forward (downlink) channel. The communications network may include one-way meter modules (transmitters) each communicatively coupled to a corresponding electric, gas or water utility meter, and may include two-way meter modules (transceivers) each coupled to such a corresponding utility meter. The meter modules monitor, store, encode and periodically transmit metering data via radio signals (air messages) in an appropriate RF channel. Metering data air messages are collected by a network of receiver Base Stations (BS) and forwarded to a Data Operations Center (DOC), which acts as a metering data gateway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for quasi-continuous transmission of a temporally variable parameter between a transmitter and a receiver. In order to provide the time characteristic of the parameter for initiating an operationally related function, said characteristic is determined at least approximately on the basis of the transmitted information in a processing device connected downstream of the receiver.

Abstract: An endpoint is configured for communication with a distribution substation. The endpoint includes a receiver conditioning block and a receiver processing block. The receiver conditioning block is positioned downstream from the distribution substation, and arranged to provide an analog signal that is responsive to the power signal from the distribution line. The receiver processing block is configured to extract encoded data from the power signal by under-sampling the analog signal, and processing the under-sampled analog signal such that fundamental and harmonic frequencies associated with the power signal are suppressed. Command signals from the distribution substation are extracted from the power-line. Each endpoint is addressable by an ID code, and is configurable via downstream command signals that are associated with the ID code. The endpoint collects data at demand based and schedule based intervals.

Abstract: A transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus for moving machinery includes a microwave transmitter disposed outside the moving machinery to fill a chamber of the moving machinery with microwave energy. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus also includes a transponder disposed inside the moving machinery for measuring a sensed condition of a part of the moving machinery and providing a modulated microwave signal that contains information on the sensed condition. The transponder-based microwave telemetry apparatus further includes a receiver disposed outside the moving machinery to separate modulated and continuous-wave signal components of the signal and extracts information from the modulated component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveler information monitoring and dissemination system. The system disclosed herein provides real time information to a traveler, wherein the real time information may be pre-selected by the traveler. The system ensures consistent and quality data are produced and issued to the traveler.

Abstract: A method of displaying status information of a plurality of smoke detectors includes obtaining first data including a first measurement value representative of a maintenance condition of a first smoke detector, the first measurement value falling within a first range. The method also includes obtaining second data including a second measurement value representative of a maintenance condition of a second smoke detector, the second measurement value falling within a second range, the second range different from the first range. The method further includes displaying first information representative of the first measurement value and second information representative of the second measurement value, the first information and the second information falling within a uniform range.

Abstract: A wireless soil moisture meter network includes a central display unit and a plurality of remote sensor units. Each sensor unit uses a probe to measure moisture content in soil, and uses a wireless transmitter to transmit the measurement through a wireless channel to the central display unit. The central display unit receives and displays the measurement in a format selectable by a user. The user may add to or remove from the network a sensor unit using a user interface of the central display unit.

Abstract: A sensor device and method of employment is provided. More specifically, a sensor device adapted to detect, identify and/or measure a chemical and/or physical characteristic upon placement of the device into an environment, especially a liquid medium for which monitoring is sought is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely controlling household appliances connected to a home network. A power line and a network processor is installed in each household appliance, enabling a household appliance user to remotely control the appliances from a place outside of as well as inside a home. Information about all conditions of the household appliances can be displayed on a screen displayable household appliance so that the user can recognize the operations of the appliances even during spare moments. A low-price built-in server is installed in each household appliance to assign the corresponding appliance a unique IP address simply over the Internet to be controlled according to an external user control command. A home server is connected to each of the household appliances such that the corresponding appliance receives a control command, sent in transit by a user from a mobile terminal.

Abstract: In the wireless telegram communication (28) from data-generating, unidirectionally communicating terminal devices (12) by way of primary radio sections (10) and by way of subsequent bidirectionally operating data collectors (13) of a radio network (11) to a data-documenting master data collector (14), a memory and selection expenditure governed by redundancy as a consequence of multiple connections by way of the primary radio sections (10) is avoided and nonetheless very reliable telegram communication (18) is achieved with simplified data collectors (13) if distribution criteria such as for example reception field strength-dependent quality information (22) is currently detected and stored in data collectors (13) for primary radio sections (10) from terminal devices (12).

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods related to monitoring of energy usage on a power line. In a preferred embodiment, this system comprises (a) an electronic microprocessor-controlled digital electricity metering device coupled to the power line and comprising a non-volatile non-battery-powered data-storage device, wherein the metering device is capable of interval metering and of receiving a data request and transmitting data in response to the request over the power line; and (b) a data collector (preferably, a transponder) coupled to the metering device via the power line. The data collector is preferably capable of (i) receiving data from and transmitting data to the metering device over the power line, (ii) storing data received from the metering device over the power line, and (iii) receiving data from and transmitting data to a remotely located computer (preferably, a billing computer).

Abstract: In a system for the exchange of data, including a teleservice terminal apparatus, a user apparatus adapted to exchange data with the teleservice terminal apparatus, a central control unit having access to a public communication network, and a subcontrol unit connectable to the teleservice terminal apparatus and to the central control unit, the teleservice terminal apparatus transmits data of a particular event to the subcontrol unit which includes a first table for a first evaluation of the data and, depending on the result, transmits the data to the central control unit for a second evaluation on the basis of a second table before transmission to a certain user apparatus.

Abstract: A medical telemetry system includes a central station having a central station receiver and a central station transmitter that both operate on a frequency bandwidth having frequency multiplexed transmission channels and guard bands. A guard band separates each of the frequency-multiplexed transmission channels. The central station receiver wirelessly receives patient data from one of the frequency-multiplexed transmission channels. The central station transmitter wirelessly transmits control data information via each of the guard bands. At least one patient monitor is provided that includes a patient monitor receiver and a patient monitor transmitter that both operate on the frequency bandwidth. The patient monitor is wirelessly connected to the central station. The patient monitor receiver is configured for wirelessly receiving the control data information from the central station transmitter via the guard bands.

Abstract: A unit and method for remotely monitoring and/or controlling an apparatus and specifically for remotely monitoring and/or controlling street lamps. The lamp monitoring and control unit comprises a processing and sensing unit for sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp, and for processing the lamp parameter to monitor and control the associated lamp by outputting monitoring data and control information, and a transmit unit for transmitting the monitoring data, representing the at least one lamp parameter, from the processing and sensing unit. The method for monitoring and controlling a lamp comprises the steps of: sensing at least one lamp parameter of an associated lamp; processing the at least one lamp parameter to produce monitoring data and control information; transmitting the monitoring data; and applying the control information.

Abstract: An in-vehicle device data communicates with Internet based data processing resources for the purpose of transacting e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business. The in-vehicle device and the Internet based data processing resources can effectuate a wide variety of e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business including accessing auto part databases, warranty, customer, and other remote databases. In addition, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include vehicle security and vehicle service management, data communicating Internet based radio, audio, MP3, MPEG, video, and other types of data. Furthermore, e-mail, e-commerce, and e-business transactions can include interactive advertising, promotional offers, coupons, and supporting other remote data communications. The in-vehicle device can also include functionality for remote monitoring of vehicle performance, data communicating and accessing remote Internet based content and data, and effectuating adjustments and control of vehicle operation.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for sensing and digitally transmitting analog output measurement variables of a plurality of transformers The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for sensing and digitally transmitting analog output measurement variables of a plurality of transformers to a protective unit or panel unit in which digital measurement variables corresponding to the output measurement variables are transmitted to a data concentrator in which a telegram is formed with the digital measurement variables and a predetermined minimum sampling rate. So that analog output measurement variables of transformers can be acquired, collected and transmitted to protective units or panel units at high speed and in synchronism with one another, the analog output measurement variables are converted into the digital measurement variables (Md) and transmitted with a sampling rate which is higher than the minimum sampling rate by a factor (m).

Abstract: Providing traffic information by using operational data developed by a wireless communication network to generate traffic information. Location information from the network can be combined with computerized street maps to measure the time it takes to get from one geographic area to another. By aggregating and analyzing anonymous data from thousands of devices, the present invention is able to determine real-time and historical travel times and velocities between cities, intersections and along specific routes.

Abstract: A process transmitter is configured to measure a process variable of an industrial process. A housing has a first cavity which houses first transmitter electronic circuitry and provides a barrier between the first transmitter electronic circuitry and second transmitter electronic circuitry. A non-physical electromagnetic link between the first transmitter electronic circuitry and the second transmitter electronic circuitry configured to carry data therebetween.

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 intelligent sensor platform is provided with an architecture that takes advantage of a low cost microcontroller for overall sensor control. Outputs are all controlled directly by the microcontroller as are gains of signal processing amplifiers and thresholds for threshold detectors. The sensor can be remotely programmed using a remote control device or simple push button programming can be implemented. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system is described which enables monitoring of flow meters or other scientific instruments from a remote location using the GSM cellular phone network. The system includes a wireless modem utilizing the GSM cellular phone network, a central processing unit, connection of a scientific instrument to the central processing unit, power supply (e.g. one or more batteries), and an enclosure for housing the components.

Abstract: An advanced thermal container has a thermally insulated open receptacle, a thermally insulated closure member, a data monitoring system incorporated into the container that can send and receive information via wireless communication, and a sealing system to minimize heat transfer and air exchange between the interior and exterior of the container. Hard plastic casing enclosing foam-encased vacuum insulation panels is used to construct the insulated receptacle and closure member. The closure member and receptacle each have an elongated portion with shoulders above and below the elongated portion. When the container is closed, a lower seal and an upper seal are compressed between the mating lower and upper shoulders, respectively. The onboard data monitoring system records important parameters concerning the internal and external environments of the container, particularly temperature information, as well as other significant events such as the number of times the container was opened during transit.

Abstract: A distance detection apparatus cancels signal delay times of transmission and reception circuits (13, 15, 22, 25), which are causes of the errors of distance detection, by receiving a transmission signal turned back directly to measure the difference between the transmission timing and the reception timing at that time, and by setting the value obtained by the measurement as a correction value at the time of obtaining the measurement distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new application for an inductive coupler (12) used proximate a power transmission line (14). The magnetic field based power measurement method and system discussed herein in unique and differs from the prior technology by using near-real time intervals and periods that occur systemically in parallel with electrical systems rather than an accumulated period with little or no active capacity or proactive features. The inductive coupler (12) described herewith is used to collect, measure, and/or extract electromagnetic changes.

Abstract: A hazardous area warning system with a non-directional magnetic field based proximity receiver for warning personnel of an attendant hazard. The receiver includes a x-axis receiver with an antenna directed in a x direction, a y-axis receiver with an antenna directed in a y direction and a z-axis receiver with an antenna directed in a z direction. The antennas may be a wire loop wrapped around a ferrite core. The output from each of the three receivers are combined in an adder. The combined result from the adder is representative of the distance between the receiver and a warning transmitter antenna. A comparator determines whether the received signal indicates an attendant hazard, i.e., the receiver is too close to the warning transmitter. The receiver wearer is warned of the attendant hazard, visually and/or tactilly, e.g., with warning lights and/or vibrations. An encoder encodes the signal indication and a transmitter transmits the encoded signal.

Abstract: A customer conversion system connects existing, conventional sensors to a point of sale computer or other computer. Entries by people into a retail space so equipped are counted and recorded on a continuous or on a periodic interval basis.