Abstract: A system provides assignment of a wearable device user identifier to a wearable device user. A wearable device has one or more sensors that detect or measure wearable device user information selected from of at least one of, a wearable device user's activities, behaviors and habit information, and a wearable device user's health. The wearable device includes a communication system, and a pathway system. A telemetry system has a database of wearable device user profiles. The telemetry system includes a processor and a wearable device user database. The processor has at least one of, access to the wearable device user database, at least partially creates the wearable device user database and at least partially determines a wearable device user profile. A wearable device user identifier of a wearable device user is assigned to the wearable device user before or after the wearable device user receives the wearable device.

Abstract: A mobile device is provided that obtains monitored information about an individual. A display is coupled to a housing. A memory is coupled to a memory and one or more processing units (CPU's), a peripherals interface, a Network Systems circuitry and an input/output (I/O) subsystems. A system is included with one or more sensors that detects or measure an individual's activities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic meter reading system for an underground distribution line using wired/wireless communication. The system includes at least one Data Concentration Unit (DCU), at least one Wireless Gathering Unit (WGU), and at least one wireless communication modem. The DCU is installed in a ground transformer, and sends meter reading data to an underground high-voltage distribution line (DL) using a Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) power line communication repeating method. The WGU is installed on a ground rising pipe or at a multi-consumer lead-in wire, and sets up a higher wireless mesh network and a lower wireless mesh network. The wireless communication modem sets up the lower wireless mesh network along with the WGU and the wireless communication modems, gathers the meter reading data, stores the gathered meter reading data, and transfers the stored meter reading data to the DCU through the WGU.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is an information terminal device includes a widget management unit for managing execution of a widget being a monofunctional program for performing display on the display part of a display device. The widget management unit includes a policy determination unit for determining the operation policy, including operation restriction and priority, concerning a display state at the display device in the widget, and a reliability determining unit for determining the reliability representing the reliability of the widget in the widget. When the state of the movement calculated by a navigation unit becomes a preset state, the widget management unit regulates the display state of the widget according to the operation restriction and the reliability, and performs display, while preferentially displaying guidance state and positional information calculated by the navigation unit.

Abstract: A request for an acknowledgement using a private key may be generated and transmitting to a customer device. The acknowledgement may be received from the customer device and verified using a public key associated with a customer operating the customer device. A request for a current location of the customer device may be transmitted and the current location may be received. A determination that the current location is proximate to a meter may be made, and, in response to determining that the current location is proximate to the meter, the meter may be manipulated.

Abstract: A method of reporting information from a meter interface unit to a receiving device in which a data packet is transferred from the meter interface unit containing meter readings, which are associated with an indicator of the elapsed time since the reading was taken. The receiving device compares this elapsed time value with the actual elapsed time, based upon the internal clock of the receiving device, in order to determine any inaccuracies in the clock of the meter interface unit. In another embodiment, the data packet includes at least two nonsequential meter readings, separated by a multiplicity of reading intervals, on a rolling basis, such that data will not be lost as a result of a temporary obstruction that interferes with the transmission or receipt of meter readings.

Abstract: A user display for a healthy home or like building structure. The user display includes a hardware housing and a display device coupled to the hardware housing. The user display further includes a plurality of graphical objects corresponding respectively to a plurality of different loads numbered from a through N, where N is an integer greater than 1. The loads can include, among others, air conditioning, water, heat, electricity, swimming pool, and others. Each of the graphical objects is displayed in a common unit of measurement and comprises a total demand portion and a fraction of renewable energy portion.

Abstract: An energy usage monitoring system includes at least one sensing device operatively connected to a building visualization/control unit. The sensing device is arranged for attachment to a window or door and includes a sensor, which is arranged to sense whether the window or door is open or closed and to sense the degree of opening of the window or door, and wireless communication device for transmitting a signal dependent on the sensor output. The sensor includes an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope.

Abstract: An integrated terminal for an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system based on a home network for a smart grid and a method of controlling the same are disclosed. The integrated terminal is connected between an upper system 10 of an AMI system and a plurality of home appliances 36, respectively, within a home as a power consumer by a predetermined communication unit. The integrated terminal includes a communication module between upper systems serving as an interface for communication with an upper systems 10, a communication module between home appliances 36 serving as an interface for communication with the plurality of home appliances, and a display unit which displays the information received from the upper systems by the communication module between the upper systems, and displays information received from each home appliance by the communication module between the home appliances.

Abstract: A wireless sensor probe for use in environmental monitoring and control includes a separable probe body and sensor mast. The probe body includes a void configured to house the sensor mast including one or more sensor devices for sensing a soil property surrounding the probe body when the probe body is inserted partially into the ground. The probe body includes a probe top part for encapsulating the probe body and the sensor mast. The sensor mast is inserted into the probe body to form the sensor probe. In another embodiment, a wireless sensor probe includes a housing containing one or more sensor devices. The probe further includes a collar situated near a top portion of the housing being used to anchor the housing to the top of the ground and a gasket formed on the outside perimeter of the housing for securing the housing in the ground.

Abstract: An activity meter includes an activity amount acquisition unit that acquires an amount of physical activity of a user, an activity age acquisition unit that acquires an activity age representing a standard age of a person who does a same amount of activity as the activity amount acquired in a unit period, using body information and a basal metabolic rate of the user, and an output processing unit that outputs information relating to the acquired activity age.

Abstract: An advanced metering infrastructure comprises intermediate nodes. The intermediate nodes receive data from child nodes and relay a subset of the data that is not according to an expected value. The expected value may be determined based on a forecasting function computed based on past data. The expected value may be a spatial shape in an n-dimension space. A data not within the spatial shape may be considered not in accordance with the expected value. In some case, the spatial shape is defined by a centroid and a radius. The spatial shape may shift over time based on a consumption profile, such as low consumption at noon, and high consumption at evening. The consumption profiles may be determined in a learning phase, as well as shifting of spatial shapes of each group over time.

Abstract: A method for managing communications within a network comprising utility meters, each associated and connected to at least one utility management center through at least one intermediate data concentrator. A message is sent by a utility meter to the destination data concentrator. This message includes metering data measurement reported by said utility meter, its utility meter identifier, the destination data concentrator identifier and the management center identifier. Then, on the basis of several metering data measurements, a metering counter differential consumption value is calculated by difference of two metering counter consumption indexes measured by the utility meter within a time period interval. Then, a report containing at least the metering counter differential consumption value is sent from the destination data concentrator towards the utility management center to which said utility meter is associated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a telemetry system for collecting tap-water consumption measurements in real time through a self-powered electromechanical device that can be integrated inside the tap or provided as an outer module capable of being adapted to the outlet of any type of tap. The electromechanical device automatically or manually adjusts the water flow rate, and indicates the volume of water to be used, displays the consumption measurements on a display in real time, and sends the measurements to a storage device in order to store same in an external module and analyze same with a view to defining excessive consumers, losses, leaks, etc., and sharing the information, via the Internet, with other users in the region and vice versa. The system can be used for improving host analysis and water management and distribution capabilities.

Abstract: A data collecting device collects operation data of facility equipment that constitute a facility device control system. Upon receiving a collection data request command from a monitoring device, the data collecting device reads one or multiple items of operation data of the type specified by the collection data request command from among multiple items of collected operation data, and sends to the monitoring device response data wherein the read data is stored in a prescribed format. When a user inputs an operation that requests monitoring of operation data, the monitoring device has the user select a desired operation data type from among the operation data types that can be disclosed to the user, and sends to the data collecting device a collection data request command wherein the selected operation data type is specified.

Abstract: A container unit door and container monitoring system are disclosed. The container unit door comprises a first layer of a first polyester epoxy glass fiber composite material, a second layer of a second polyester epoxy glass fiber composite material and, a core sandwiched between the first and second layers, wherein the door is substantially transparent to radio frequency radiation. The monitoring system includes a communications system (200) embedded in the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface device (100) for an electronic sensor system (200) comprising a plurality of sensors (210, 220) and a processing unit (230) for controlling the sensors (210, 220) and/or analyzing sensor data obtained by the sensors (210, 220), where the sensors (210, 220) can be connected to the processing unit (230) via the interface device (100). According to the invention, the interface device (100) is able to accommodate simultaneously at least two sensor interface units (110, 120) for connecting to the sensors (210, 220), where each sensor interface unit (110, 120) can be selected from a plurality of sensor interface units, which differ at least by a different number of sensor channels.

Abstract: A facility comprising systems, methods, and techniques for collecting data indicative of energy consumption and/or energy production by energy systems and devices and providing the data to interested users and devices in real-time is described. The facility may comprise an energy gateway device coupled to one or more monitored devices, one or more energy data extraction servers, and one or more client computers. The energy gateway devices and energy data extraction servers are coupled to a network and are configured to collect energy consumption and/or energy production data from one or more devices and provide an indication of the collected data in real-time or near real-time. The facility may collect current energy consumption or production rates, predicted energy consumption or production levels over a future period of time, and/or amounts of energy that has been consumed or produced by the device over a previous period of time.

Abstract: A medical sensing system including a data acquisition module operable to receive patient data from a medical sensing device, the data acquisition module being operable to packetize the patient data, a processing module operable to process the packetized first patient data, a user interface module operable to present the processed packetized patient data within a graphical user interface, and a message queue module in communication with the data acquisition module, processing module, and user interface module, the message queue module being operable to receive the packetized patient data from the modules, temporarily store the packetized patient data, and make the packetized patient data available for retrieval by the modules.

Abstract: A medical telemetry system includes: a medical telemeter including: a measuring portion which measures a biological signal of a patient as biological signal data; a communicating portion which wirelessly transmits the biological signal data; and a connection information storing portion which stores connection information; and a receiver including: a non-contact communicating portion which executes first non-contact communication to read the connection information in a non-contact manner; a storage portion which stores the connection information read by the non-contact communicating portion; and a receiving portion which starts reception of the biological signal data transmitted by the communicating portion, when the connection information is stored in the storage portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed at methods and systems for transmitting utility usage data using a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”). The methods and systems may include collecting utility usage data pertaining to a customer premises with a utility meter at the customer premises. The utility usage data may be transmitted automatically from the utility meter to an access point of a public broadband network. The utility usage data may be received at the access point. A digital subscriber line (“DSL”) modem in communication with the access point may modulate the utility usage data at the access point. The utility usage data may be transmitted securely through the public switched telephone network to an Internet point of presence. The utility usage data may be received at the Internet point of presence. The utility usage data may be transmitted from the Internet point of presence to a utility provider via the Internet.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of housings for an automatic meter reading device permit the automatic meter reading device to be mounted on a meter such as a water meter, or on a wall remote from the meter. A removable portion of the housing can be separated from a body of the housing when the housing is used to mount the automatic meter reading device on the meter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for managing an end-device connected to a commodity delivery network. One device includes computer-readable medium containing instructions for managing the end-device and a processor for executing the instructions. The instructions include instructions for detecting tampering of the end-device, ignoring the detected tampering when the end-device has been placed in an ignore mode, and automatically disconnecting the end-device from the commodity delivery system based on the detected tampering when the end-device has not been placed in the ignore mode.

Abstract: A method for optimized monitoring and identification of AMI device communication failures in an AMI network is provided. A graphical representation of AMI devices is generated comprising nodes corresponding to AMI devices and links representing connectivity between AMI devices. The graphical representation is generated based on data associated with AMI devices retrieved via AMI network in real time. Further, properties of the AMI devices are computed using the graphical representation based on values associated with the nodes corresponding to the AMI devices. The graphical representation is modified based on the computed properties and predefined rules. Nodes in the modified graphical representation are selected and processed in an order based on AMI device hierarchy, priority and criticality. Further, the graphical representation is modified based on processing of selected nodes.

Abstract: A battery powered remote control unit or other ancillary device is shipped in the same packaging as the main product and is subject to similar environmental conditions throughout the supply chain. The remote control unit is fitted with an environmental sensor to detect such conditions during transit, when the main product has no power supply and stores the data. When the main product is first powered up and used, the remote control communicates to the product and relays data captured by the handset. This data, together with data collected by the main device when in use, using its own sensor, is stored to be retrieved subsequently by a reader to identify events that may have caused a fault in the device.

Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

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: Vehicle-related messaging methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one of the methods, a telematics unit disposed in a vehicle detects that the vehicle is no longer in operation. Upon making the detection, the telematics unit automatically transmits a message to a device, where the message includes a suggestion, a recommendation, an indication, or a notification pertaining to a vehicle utility. An application resident on the device, or on a cloud computing system in communication with the device, presents the message on the device by displaying i) the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification and ii) a plurality of actionable items associated with the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an ambulatory patient includes receiving a patient parameter from a medical device, and receiving a clinician parameter from a clinician device. The method further comprises analyzing the patient parameter, transforming the patient parameter and the clinician parameter into history parameters, and transforming the patient parameter into an audio parameter. The method further comprises transmitting the audio parameter to the clinician device, updating the history parameter in response to receiving a second patient parameter or a second clinician parameter, and updating the audio parameter in response to receiving a second patient parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for remotely reading fluid meters, according to which a meter comprises a module having a metering clock and a wireless transmitter for transmitting a frame of time-stamped remote-reading information to a server which comprises a server clock; after every N frames are transmitted, the meter module enters a receiving mode (Rx) for a period of time (?Rx); upon receiving a frame of time-stamped information, the server determines the difference between the time information contained in the received frame and the time information provided by the server clock; then, if the difference is greater than a predetermined limit (?L), the server sends a reset message to the meter; upon receiving the reset message, the module of the meter updates the meter clock.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are described that assist in predicting, diagnosing, and/or managing an incident in a utility service area. A communication system is provided in the service area to communicate with nodes of the service area. In some instances, the communication system is configured to communicate with nodes of the service area according to a hierarchy of the nodes and/or a physical location of the nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for attachment to a resource consumption meter emitting and detecting a signal having a first frequency relative to the rate of metered resource consumption. The apparatus comprises at least one signal detection means adapted to detect said signal from said resource consumption meter; and, a circuit operatively connected to the signal detection means and adapted for interpreting the signal for a human. A method for multi-mode operation of the apparatus is disclosed so that it is possible for the apparatus to automatically detect the type of resource consumption meter it is attached to and operate accordingly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power, wherein Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages including IP packets are generated by transforming raw data content into settlement grade content. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. Messaging related to settlement is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems of communicating with smart appliances through a smart grid and smart meter infrastructure.

Abstract: A visually and remotely readable apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of sensing units, a control unit and a flexible printed cable (FPC) to connect two units for exchanging information therebetween. A preferable structure of the sensing unit includes a fixed part secured to the body of the apparatus and two oppositely positioned rotatable parts, where two rotatable parts mounted on a common shaft with the fixed part arranged therebetween forming two angular position sensors. Each sensor is based on the capacitive coupling between two working surfaces of the rotatable part and the respective working surfaces of the fixed part with the electrodes are secured thereto. Two working surfaces of one part are confronted with two respective working surfaces of another part forming two working surface pair. Each sensor has two working surface pairs, one working surface pair is sensing pair for sensing angular position; another is coupling pair for coupling sensing signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for remote monitoring. In some example implementations, there is provided a method. The method may include receiving, at a remote monitor, a notification message representative of an event detected, by a server, from analyte sensor data obtained from a receiver monitoring an analyte state of a host; presenting, at the remote monitor, the notification message to activate the remote monitor, wherein the remote monitor is configured by the server to receive the notification message to augment the receiver monitoring of the analyte state of the host; accessing, by the remote monitor, the server, in response to the presenting of the notification message; and receiving, in response to the accessing, information including at least the analyte sensor data. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity, and are compensated through settlement for their functional participation in the electric power grid.

Abstract: A device for monitoring power consumption includes a measuring unit, a wireless communication unit, and a shell unit. The measuring unit is for obtaining a set of current parameters of an electricity-consuming apparatus, and is operable to obtain power consumption information with reference to the set of current parameters. The wireless communication unit is operable to transmit the power consumption information. The shell unit includes a shell body and a set of connection ports. The shell body is formed with at least one opening. The set of connection ports is disposed at the at least one opening. The set of current measuring components is coupled to a processor via the set of connection ports, and is exposed from the shell body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a battery-operated stationary sensor arrangement with a unidirectional data transmission. The battery-operated stationary sensor arrangement has a sensor, a means for generating data packets and a means for transmitting data packets. The transmitter is implemented to determine sensor data and provide a sensor data packet based on the sensor data, wherein the sensor data has an amount of data of less than 1 kbit. The means for generating data packets is implemented to divide the sensor data packet into at least two data packets, wherein each of the at least two data packets is shorter than the sensor data packet. The means for transmitting data packets is implemented to transmit the data packets with a data rate of less than 50 kbit/s and a time interval via a communication channel.

Abstract: A transparent networking system for meter infrastructure within a network. The system has a single transparent meshed communication network comprising a first ZigBee network provided within a first spatial region and a second ZigBee network provided within a second spatial region. The network has a powerline carrier configured between the first ZigBee network and the second ZigBee network to facility transfer of bi-directional information packet by packet between the first ZigBee network and the second ZigBee networks.

Abstract: The method included herein is an alternative energy wireless solar panel wind turbine communication server appliance node mechanism with built in communications server array, wireless energy and communications mechanism with protection, sharing, storage, accessing, authentication, battery management, certification, processing attachment and tracking mechanisms. The method and mechanism is utilized via networked servers, solar panels, and wireless electronic devices (online and offline) as well as mobile (wireless) communications devices built into one waterproof, temperature, controlled self-sensing hardware package. The method and mechanism also works as part of a kilowatt hour banking system, and thermal passive solar control mechanism for living spaces.

Abstract: A system includes a patient environment having a first surface and a second surface, an accelerometer mounted to the first surface and configured to capture physiological data of a patient in contact win the second surface, and a connection to transmit the physiological data to a processing system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for short-range low-power wireless communication of analyte information are provided. In some implementations, short-range low-power wireless communication of analyte information may include receiving an electromagnetic wireless communication signal and harvesting energy from the electromagnetic wireless communication signal. In some implementations, short-range low-power wireless communication of analyte information may include enabling capabilities associated with an external sensor in response to detecting the external sensor. In some implementations, short-range low-power wireless communication of analyte information may include detecting an analyte sample; determining an analyte concentration associated with the detected analyte sample; and transmitting an indication of the analyte concentration to an external device.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a gateway node having a housing, a bracket mounted relay and wireless communication capabilities. The gateway node is connected to a pad mount transformer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device (54) for an actuator having at least one mechanical display element (10, 11) and a variable speed gear unit, particularly a signal gear unit designed as a variable speed gear unit, having at least two gears with differing transmission ratios, wherein there is a mechanical switching arrangement with which the different gears and/or transmission ratios of the variable speed gear unit can be selected and/or switched even when the display device is mounted operationally ready in a housing without intervention into the housing and without opening the housing from outside, and/or wherein the resolution of the display device (54) and/or the movement of the at least one display element (10, 11) on the actuating path to be displayed of a respective actuator and/or a respective armature can be selectively adjusted. The invention furthermore relates to an actuator having a said type of display device (54).

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.

Abstract: Management routers perform control for performing a prefix information delegation request for requesting a management server to delegate the management of prefix information, receiving, as a response to the prefix information delegation request, prefix information management delegation from the management server, and delegating the management of the prefix information within a range of management delegation from the management server in response to a prefix information delegation request from meters. The meters perform control for transmitting a prefix information delegation request to the management routers, receiving prefix information management delegation from the management routers as a response to the prefix information delegation request, and notifying a home apparatus in a home network connected to the meters of the prefix information, the management of which is delegated from the management routers.

Abstract: A network communication device, such as an electricity meter, is configured to communicate with devices on a circuit internal to a site via power line communication (PLC), even when electricity service to the site is disconnected. The network communication device is configured to monitor one or more circuits internal to the site and to receive power line communications from the device(s) coupled to the circuit internal to the site when the site is disconnected from electricity service. A PLC module of the network communication device may include a switch-based or capacitor-based monitor that maintains a PLC coupler electrically connected with the circuit internal to the site even when electricity service to the site is disconnected.

Abstract: Techniques for utilizing near field communications (NFC) with utility meters are described herein. In one example, a meter is configured for operation, either in a stand-alone or utility network capacity. The example meter may include a processor in communication with a memory device and a tag device configured for near field communication (NFC). In operation, the processor operates the tag device to read from the memory device to obtain data for transmission via NFC and/or write data obtained via NFC to the memory device.

Abstract: Method for measuring cable loads in a mineshaft (2), comprising the steps: provision of cable load measuring elements (6) on the conveyor means, provision of a cableless transmitter for cable load measured values on the conveyor means (4), connected to the cable load measuring elements, provision of a cableless receiver (12) for cable load measured values at the level of the surface of the mineshaft, provided with an output interface, measurement of the cable loads on the conveyor means by means of the cable load measuring elements for generating cable load values; and transmission of the cable load values in a cableless fashion between the transmitter (10) and the receiver for cable load measured values; and evaluation by means of an evaluation program with specification of the correction values.