Abstract: Communicating data via an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). An infrastructure is disclosed that includes: a plurality of communication modules incorporated into a plurality of associated utility meters; a data aggregator configured for communicating with each of the plurality of communication modules, wherein the data aggregator includes a system for translating meter specific data formats into an aggregated format that includes data quality attributes and a timestamp, and includes a system for synchronizing aggregated data over a back haul; and a head end system having a communication management system that receives and processes synchronization messages from the data aggregator received over the back haul, wherein the head end system includes a metering system for requesting and obtaining meter data from the associated utility meters via the data aggregator, and issuing signals to individual meters and groups of meters.

Abstract: A characteristic of a first utility meter is detected with a first probe head, and a characteristic of a second utility meter is detected with a second probe head. The characteristic of the first utility meter is dependent on a usage of a first utility metered by the first utility meter, and the characteristic of the second utility meter is dependent on a usage of a second utility metered by the second utility meter. Information related to the characteristic of the first utility meter is communicated from the first probe head to a communication unit, and information related to the characteristic of the second utility meter is communicated from the second probe head to the communication unit. A message is also sent from the communication unit indicating the usage of the first utility or the usage of the second utility.

Abstract: In a method for managing greenhouse gas emissions investigations, collected data of greenhouse gas emissions is received from one or more computing devices and checked. An amount of CO2 emitted from each of one or more emission sources is calculated according to the collected data, statistical analysis is implemented to the calculation result, a report is created according to the statistical analysis, and the report is transmitted to the one or more computing devices.

Abstract: Techniques for reconfiguring utility meters from a mobile mode to a network mode are discussed. A utility meter may be configured for operation in a mobile mode environment, wherein it transmits data using radio frequency (RF) transmissions, such as by “bubbling-up” a “standard consumption message” at intervals. However, a switchover from mobile mode to network mode may be scheduled. The switchover may involve a plurality of endpoints (i.e., metering devices together with associated mobile mode and network mode functionality) transitioning from mobile mode functionality to network mode functionality. In one example, processors on an endpoint using a first “image” including executable software providing mobile mode functions may reboot to use a second image providing fixed network mode functions (e.g., mesh or star network operability). Following the transition, the endpoints may discover adjacent or nearby endpoints, and a fixed network having network mode functionality may be configured.

Abstract: A remote inspection system and a communication method thereof are provided. According to exemplary embodiments, the system may be implemented such that desired inspection data can be received from a meter only after unlocking the meter, by setting the meter to a lock state using an inherent obis code at the beginning and receiving a corresponding unlock obis code from a remote inspection server. This may result in further enhancement of security levels of the meter and the system.

Abstract: There are provided a watt-hour meter capable of detecting an abnormal status due to the surreptitious use of electricity or electrical current leakage by vector synthesis of a three-phase current and a method of detection of an abnormal status thereof, the watt-hour meter including a sensing unit detecting alternating current (AC) power, an abnormal status detecting unit detecting an abnormal status by vector-synthesizing a current value of the AC power detected by the sensing unit, and a controlling unit controlling displaying of the abnormal status according to a detection result from the abnormal status detecting unit.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for displaying monitored activity data in substantial real-time on a screen of a computing device. One example method includes capturing motion data associated with activity of a user via an activity tracking device. The motion data is quantified into a plurality of metrics associated with the activity of the user. The method storing the motion data in storage of the activity tracking device. The method connects the activity tracking device with a computing device over a wireless data connection, and sending motion data to the computing device for display of a metric, of the plurality of metrics, on a graphical user interface of an activity application of the computing device. The sending of motion data to the computing device is configured to continue while additional motion data is captured and sent to the computing device. The metric displayed on the graphical user interface is shown to change in an increasing numerical or graphical form in substantial real-time.

Abstract: The automatic meter reading (AMR) systems and methods of the present invention facilitate meter reading utilizing one-way and two-way communication with utility meter endpoint devices while at the same time providing an operating regime that conserves energy for long battery life and utilizes the available airwaves for AMR communications efficiently. Embodiments of the invention are applicable in AMR systems employing handheld and/or vehicle-based mobile readers, fixed readers, and combinations thereof. Moreover, embodiments of the invention facilitate smooth transition from mobile AMR systems to fixed systems, and provide for automatic AMR system performance monitoring and automatic adaptability to maintain or improve performance.

Abstract: A wireless sensor reader is provided to interface with a wireless sensor. The wireless sensor reader transmits an excitation pulse to cause the wireless sensor to generate a ring signal. The wireless sensor reader receives and amplifies the ring signal and sends the signal to a phase-locked loop. A voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop locks onto the ring signal frequency and generates a count signal at a frequency related to the ring signal frequency. The voltage-controlled oscillator is placed into a hold mode where the control voltage is maintained constant to allow the count signal frequency to be determined. The reader uses an ambient reading or other information to select a subset of the possible ring signal frequencies, and tunes or adjusts its circuits and algorithms to focus on that subset.

Abstract: Methods for providing predictive notifications to a monitoring device are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving retrospective patient data collected from a plurality of medical devices, and determining, based on a comparison of the retrospective patient data with current patient data for a patient from a medical device, a likelihood of a potential adverse medical event occurring for the patient. The method also includes providing a notification to a monitoring device indicative of the potential adverse medical event for the patient. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring energy source by a server receives a service request transmitted by a user terminal, requesting to gather statistics of an energy usage situation of a monitor object corresponding to an energy sensor. The server obtains energy input quantity and energy output quantity of the monitor object detected by the energy sensor according to the service request. The server gathers the statistics of the energy usage situation of the monitor object according to the energy input quantity and the energy output quantity.

Abstract: A system includes a utility meter, which includes a first sensor configured to detect usage of electric power, and a tamper detection system configured to detect an abnormality with an electrical current measurement from the first sensor as an indication of a tamper event associated with the first sensor.

Abstract: The apparatus 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 apparatus for energy generation and transfer is utilized via networked servers, solar panels, light and wireless electronic devices (online network and offline network) as well as mobile (wireless) communications devices built into one waterproof, temperature, controlled self-sensing hardware package. The apparatus also works as part of a kilowatt hour banking system, a portable energy mobile system, and apparatus for energy transferable to a KWH Bank ATM, and/or to another solar server nodes utilizing light.

Abstract: Receiver and digital demodulation circuitry for an external controller for communicating with an implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is used to sample received analog data transmitted from the IMD at a lower rate than would otherwise be required for the frequency components in the transmitted data by the Nyquist sampling criteria. To allow for this reduced sampling rate, the incoming data is shifted to a lower intermediate frequency using a switching circuit. The switching circuit receives a clock signal, which is preferably but not necessarily the same clock signal used by the DSP to sample the data. The switching circuit multiplies the received data with the clock signal to produce lower intermediate frequencies, which can then be adequately sampled at the DSP at the reduced sampling rate per the Nyquist sampling criteria.

Abstract: A product may be provided with a product sensor, thus making it possible to determine, together with the product, data relating to a system or a machine with the aid of the product sensor. The data determined can be used to diagnose and/or control the system or machine. In this case, it is advantageous that the data are obtained at the location of the product and it is thus possible to directly determine a desirable or undesirable effect (for example of environmental parameters or of the system itself) on the product. This system can be used, for example, in automation, in systems or machines or in different product manufacture variants.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing energy management utilizing a power meter are provided. A request for a graphical user interface may be received by a power meter in communication with an external device. The requested graphical user interface may be associated with at least one of (i) operation of the power meter or (ii) provision of electrical power to one or more loads. Based at least in part on the received request, information associated with the graphical user interface may be generated by the power meter and communicated to the external device.

Abstract: A method and system for activity monitoring of a user are disclosed. In a first aspect, the method comprises calibrating posture by the user to determine a calibration vector. The method includes validating the calibration vector by comparing an anteroposterior axis to a threshold, wherein activity of the user is monitored using the validated calibration vector. In a second aspect, a wireless sensor device comprises a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor, wherein the memory device includes an application that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to receive a posture calibration request from the user and to determine a calibration vector based on the received request. The application, when executed by the processor, further causes the processor to validate the calibration vector by comparing an anteroposterior axis to a threshold, wherein activity of the user is monitored using the validated calibration vector.

Abstract: A system includes a utility head end and a utility meter. The utility meter is configured to communicatively couple to the utility head end. The utility meter includes a metrology processor and a head end communications module. The metrology processor is configured to read a measurement. The head end communications module is configured to communicate with the utility head end to transmit the measurement to the utility head end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system of full optical complete bridge safety monitoring with speech warming for smart phones. The Integrated system of full optical complete bridge safety monitoring includes a stabilizing device, optical sensing device and communication device. The basic structure involves cable and optical fiber connecting two ends and joined by heat shrink tubes. A measuring segment is located between two heat shrink tubes. The stabilizing device provides a pre-determined tensile strength to the measuring segment. The optical fiber sensing device detects a response via a Fiber Bragg grating in the optical fiber's measuring segment. When the measuring segment receives a response, it changes from first phase to second phase and creates a signal change from the reflected signals. Signal processing device converts the signal changes to physical parameters. The communication device sends warning signals to users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising providing an activation signal from a wireless communication unit to a measurement unit to switch the measurement unit from its inactive state to its active state; providing a measurement request signal to the measurement unit to request measurement of a filling level of a product in a tank; and thereafter switching the wireless communication unit from its active state to its inactive state. The measurement unit measures the filling level and provides a measurement ready signal to the wireless communication unit; the wireless communication unit is switched from its inactive state to its active state in response to the measurement ready signal received from the measurement unit; the wireless communication unit retrieves the value indicative of the filling level from the measurement unit; and wirelessly transmits the value indicative of the filling level to the remote device.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for interaction with water usage information are provided. In various embodiments, a method comprises receiving water usage data from a meter device, receiving an identifier from a user associated with the meter device, providing an interactive interface to the user, the interactive interface conveying at least some water usage information based on the water usage data, receiving a first characterization of a first water activity from the user, generating a visualization based on the water usage information and the first characterization of the first water activity, and displaying the visualization.

Abstract: The present inventors recognized a need to leverage the data from Advanced Metering Systems (AMIs) in the management of electrical outages. To address this and/or other needs, they present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software that not only intelligently filter and communicate AMI outage data to Outage Management Systems (OMSs), but also facilitate communications between OMSs and multiple types of AMI systems. One exemplary system includes an outage management module that receives AMI outage data in the form of “last gasp” messages from meters and determines whether the OMS is already aware of a power outage associated with those meters. If the OMS is already aware of an outage associated with these meters, the outage management module excludes the outage reports from its communications with the OMS, thereby preserving its capacity to handle new outage information and overcoming a significant obstacle to using AMI data within OMSs.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting and mitigating fraud in a distributed monitoring system which includes fixed-location monitoring and communication devices. According to one aspect, a method for detecting and mitigating fraud includes receiving a signaling message that originates or appears to originate from a wireless communication device that is associated with a fixed-location management system that performs at least one of monitoring and control of a resource, wherein the wireless communication device is responsible for communicating information generated by the management system over a network. The method further includes determining whether the signaling message indicates an expected location of the wireless communication device and in response to a determination that the signaling message does not indicate an expected location of the wireless communication device, initiating a mitigating action.

Abstract: Apparatus for remote inspection of oxygen containers includes an electronic circuit in communication between each container (or at various locations along a pipeline) and a remote central station. The electronic circuit is adapted to issue a signal to the remote central station that includes information about predetermined internal and/or external conditions such as the level of oxygen stored in the tank, a pressure condition of material stored in the tank, a lack of presence of the tank in an installed position, or the presence of an obstruction restricting access to the tank.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions include and apparatus and method for providing a universal Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system. Such system may be configured to work in a plurality of modes including a walk-bay, drive-by and fixed network mode. For some configurations RF scavenging technology is used to power the transmitter.

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: A method for obtaining physiological data from a medical sensor device includes detecting a proximity of the medical sensor device by an electronic computing device. After the proximity is detected, a message is received from the medical sensor device. A determination is made as to whether the received message includes configuration information for a wireless communication link. When the received message includes the configuration information for the wireless communication link, the wireless communication link is used to receive physiological data from the medical sensor device and the received physiological data is processed at the electronic computing device. When the received message does not include configuration information for the wireless communication link, a determination is made as to whether the received message includes physiological data. When the received message includes the physiological data, the physiological data is processed at the electronic computing device.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and redirecting a radio signal using a data transmission system, the data transmission system including a data collection unit, a radio transmitter being connected to the data collection unit, and a redirection device being arranged at the top of a hollow shaft, the radio transmitter and the data collection unit being arranged in a lower part of the hollow shaft, the method including the steps of the radio transmitter transmitting the radio signal representative of measurement data from the data collection unit, and the redirection device redirecting the radio signal to be received at a communication device. The invention furthermore relates to a data transmission system and a redirection device adapted for operating in accordance with the above mentioned method.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed that includes a central controller that communicates data available from an Energy Services Interface (ESI) to devices over multiple secondary networks of a home in different communication protocols. The controller is a home energy gateway that includes multiple communication modules for binding to a meter on a primary network and to form multiple secondary networks.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring service in which remote monitoring units are distributed to customers who then set up monitoring as desired at their facilities. The devices may be registered through a web site using the Internet. Monitoring information may be communicated using a publicly available, wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network. The service may be provided with a system, including a server, which can deliver high levels of monitoring functionality. The server may support streaming monitoring information to a customer for analysis or sending a command activating a device connected to a remote unit. Remote units associated with the same location may be in a pool, comprising one active unit and one or more spare units, in which the server automatically identifies the active unit. The server may support analyzing monitoring information according to an expected cycle pattern of a ventilation system at the monitored facility.

Abstract: This invention is a system and process for determining and verifying the voracity of data gathered for use in recording and tracking vehicle usage. The device operates to verify and detect events that may affect data integrity by sensing a condition indicative of faulty data acquisition or of corruption of data integrity. Data evidencing potential problems are encoded and included with normal data uploaded to a central server. The central server compares the encoded entries against criteria that have been determined to indicate potential data inconsistencies.

Abstract: An electrical metering system capable of performing multiple metering functions, collecting data, and wirelessly provides the collected metering data to a utility operator. In the electrical metering system, at least one computing device for initiating a request for data. A first modem connects the computing device to an infrastructure. A wireless embedded modem for wirelessly connects an electric meter to an infrastructure, and the wireless electric modem receives a request from the computing device and wirelessly transmits the metering data to the computing device, thereby initiating the request.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus is disclosed which includes a receiver unit for receiving data and outputting a first alert signal based on the received data; and a docking unit comprising a converter unit which converts the first alert signal when the receiver unit is connected to the docking unit.

Abstract: A utility meter and method for metering consumption of at least one utility including: a metering unit, a communication unit for sending/receiving messages to/from a management center, a memory to store a unique identifier pertaining to the utility meter and a first key, an encryption unit for encrypting the utility consumption as a first cryptogram, a message generator for generating a utility message containing the first cryptogram, a key generator for generating a payload key to be used by the encryption unit for encrypting the utility consumption, a second cryptogram generated by the encryption unit by encrypting the payload key with the first key, the second cryptogram being intended to be included, by the message generator, at least once into the utility message to be sent to the remote management center.

Abstract: A modular metering unit, shown generally at 10, comprises a master module 12, slave modules 14a to 14f, and a communications module 16. Together the modules 12, 14 and 16 make up a modular metering unit for metering electricity from plural Loads (not shown) such as, in the case of a large food retail premises, chill or freeze display cabinets. Each of the slave modules includes electricity meters for measuring electricity supplied to a load. The loads may be located remotely from the metering unit and each one has a current detector that feeds a low-voltage signal back to the meter via a cable (not shown). The slave modules are connected to one another and to the master module by an internal bus through which data and power are carried between the modules.

Abstract: Supply chain systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring fluid levels in liquid containers, such as kegs. Embodiments include sensors that fit within a keg's false bottom, measure the weight of the keg, and transmit the weight information to a computer database via a wireless network. Other embodiments include an RFID device with information about a characteristic of the liquid within a keg (such as brand and/or type of beer) that may be attached to the keg and paired with the sensor so the sensor can transmit information about the characteristic of the liquid in the keg. In alternate embodiments, the sensor's transmitter is short range and an uplink/gateway is used to receive information from the sensor and relay that sensor's information to a broader wireless network. Multiple containers in close proximity may each be fitted with an RFID device and sensor and communicate their individual information to the database.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for receiving an encoded data packet, one or more activation commands, and a communication identifier, decoding the received data packet, validating the decoded received data packet, and executing one or more routines associated with the respective one or more activation commands.

Abstract: An intelligent electronic device having an audible and visual interface for providing audible and visual instructions to a user in an event of an alarm or trouble indication in the electrical power system. The intelligent electronic device includes at least one sensor configured for measuring at least one power parameter of an electrical circuit and generating at least one analog signal indicative of the at least one power parameter; at least one analog to digital converter for receiving the at least one analog signal and converting the at least one analog signal to at least one digital signal; a processor configured for receiving the at least one digital signal and detecting at least one event occurring in the electrical circuit; and an interface configured for providing instructions associated to the at least one detected event. The instructions may be in the form of text, audio and/or video.

Abstract: Radio messages may be transmitted by endpoints delivering utility consumption data. A portable unit may traverse a route among the endpoints and obtain the consumption data. If the endpoints are sufficiently grouped, communication between the portable unit and a plurality of endpoints may be possible in a same power cycle to a radio of the portable unit while the portable unit is at a single location. In a two-way communication environment, the portable unit may send commands to a plurality of endpoints during a single power cycle, which may result in responses from the plurality of endpoints during the same power cycle. Such communications may be performed with endpoints that are ahead of a current endpoint on the route being traversed, and may constitute read-ahead data. Read-ahead data reduces power cycles to the radio, because when the portable unit reaches an endpoint on the route whose data has previously been read, a power cycle is not required.

Abstract: A single bay parking meter device is provided which accepts payment by means of a credit or debit card, an electronic purse, or coins. The device has a power supply unit, a solar power charging arrangement and power management, such that it does not need power supply cables to be installed for each meter. The parking meter device also transmits financial data to a financial institution in a wireless manner, also to avoid the need for cabling. The parking meter device is receivable in the base of a conventional single bay parking meter, such that the new parking meter device may be retrofitted to existing coin operated installed single bay parking meters, using a new cover that is also engageable with the conventional housing base.

Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system device is adapted to be mounted in a utility meter pit. The device includes a housing constructed to at least partially enclose at least one portion of an AMR system device. The housing is integrally formed with at least two different mounting members selected from among: a rod mounting member that includes a port sized and shaped to receive a rod to facilitate mounting of the device in the pit, a wall mounting member that includes a wall-mount provision that facilitates mounting of the device to a wall of the pit, a tie mounting member constructed to receive at least one tie fastener that facilitates mounting of the device to a structure in the pit, and a lid mounting portion constructed to facilitate mounting of the device to a lid of the pit.

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: Some embodiments relate to a fluid monitoring system, comprising: a housing positioned in-ground above a buried fluid conduit, the housing having a lockable access hatch to allow access to an internal volume of the housing from surface level; at least one sensor accessible through the internal volume and arranged to sense at least one condition of fluid in the fluid conduit; and a wireless telemetry unit supported in the housing and coupled to receive output signals from the at least one sensor in relation to the at least one condition. Some embodiments relate to methods usable by such systems. Some embodiments relate to fluid supply/drainage zone monitoring systems and methods employing multiple in-ground installations.

Abstract: A method and system for effective management of energy consumption by household appliances, using a home energy information gateway. Particularly, the invention provides a method and system for an efficient and economic home energy information gateway which can provide the energy consumption information and communication interface through a set top box like gateway device on the existing display device such as television thereby reducing extra display medium cost. More particularly, the invention provides a method and system for managing energy consumption effectively by monitoring, controlling and displaying energy usage of household appliances by way of collecting smart meter data and generating user friendly reports and graphs.

Abstract: A digital electrical power and energy meter integrates a primary processing module and a user interface module onto a single printed circuit board to reduce overall meter size, assembly time, and cost.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of circuit boards are operative to perform communication functions in a network, where the device includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The device includes a first actuatable member that is operative to selectively activate circuitry on the second circuit board, where the first actuatable member has a toggle switch that is operative to disable power supplied to the second circuit board while the first circuit board retains power and is fully operative to perform communications functions. The device includes a second actuatable member that is operatively coupled to an enclosure and a detachable cover. The detachable cover is configured to raise an alert when an unauthorized entity attempts to access the circuitry.

Abstract: In a data collection system having a utility data collector configured for remotely collecting utility data, a system includes one or more endpoints. Each endpoint has a utility meter, memory for storing at least utility consumption data from the utility meter, and a radio for transmitting a communication message to the utility data collector. The radio establishes a communication link between the endpoint and the utility data collector, and provides consumption data when a wireless communication channel quality test determines an adequacy of communications from the endpoint and the utility data collector (e.g. using RSSI). The utility meter sets a hold-off timer or other validity check and only performs subsequently received reset requests or other reconfigurations if the timer has expired or the validity check is valid. Other features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement includes a mobile device which may include circuitry to receive ECG data, circuitry to identify a notable finding in the ECG data and circuitry to send the ECG data corresponding to the notable finding to a computing system. The mobile device may also include circuitry to receive from the computing system a pattern based on analysis of the ECG data sent from the computing system using additional computing resources of the computing system.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (10) that relays communication between a sensor device (50) located in a neighbor area and a server device (70) includes a biometric information receiving unit (20) that receives biometric information of a user wearing the sensor device (50) from the sensor device (50), a sensor unit (30) that detects a change of state in the mobile communication device (10), and a public network communication unit (40) that transmits the biometric information and information about the change of state to the server device (70) via a public network (60) and receives health management information generated in the server device (70) using the transmitted information. The biometric information receiving unit (20) transmits the health management information to the sensor device (50) for display on the sensor device (50).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on computer-readable media, are configured for receiving monitor data from a water meter. A data stream is created based upon the monitor data. The data stream is spread with a common pseudo-noise (PN) code that is used by a plurality of nodes in communication with an access point. The spread data stream is transmitted at a first time based on a slot start time and a first randomly selected timing offset. The spread data stream is transmitted while at least a portion of a second spread data stream is transmitted at a second time based on the slot start time and a second randomly selected timing offset. The second spread data stream is spread with the common PN code.