Abstract: A monitoring device, system and method are provided for in-home/on-premises monitoring of usage of utilities, such as electricity and other services. The monitoring device receives information from a smart meter, and displays usage through a display, illuminating an area using a colour indicative of the current cost of consumption, and varying the illuminated area at a rate indicative of a rate of consumption or other metric, the varying of the illuminated area simulating movement in the display. The display provides a consumer with “at a glance” visual information on current usage. Optionally a digital display screen provides detailed alphanumeric and graphical information, through a number of selectable display modes. One or more devices may be networked, and interface directly or indirectly with a transceiver of a smart metering system, or a retrofit transceiver for a conventional meter. Monitoring of other utilities and services may alternatively or additionally be provided.

Abstract: A power meter having fault tolerance enhances the monitoring of electrical power by increasing the reliability of data output by the power meter having fault tolerance. The power meter having fault tolerance may enhance the monitoring process by transitioning from a faulty power monitoring device to a non-faulty power monitoring device without losing or corrupting power management data.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a feedback mechanism to a system operator that provides a positive indication of the position of a valve which controls gas flow to a consumer. Rotation of a stepper motor controlling a valve mechanism is optically monitored and a feedback signal is sent to the system operator indicating positive operation of the valve only when a selected number of rotations of the stepper motor is reported. The stepper motor may be operated in different modes, each associated with different nominal current consumption levels. In a higher current consumption mode, such as a torque-oriented mode, the stepper motor may be stepped a few additional steps after valve closure to ensure seating of the valve.

Abstract: A meter apparatus, a metering network, and a metering method thereof are provided. The meter apparatus includes a pulse generator, an optical sensor, a spinning disc, and a magnetic sensor. The pulse generator is configured to generate a number of pulses proportional to an amount of a consumed resource. The optical sensor is configured to detect the number of pulses to generate a first signal, and transmit the first signal to a meter reader. The spinning disc is configured to produce an amount of rotation proportional to the amount of the consumed resource. The magnetic sensor is configured to detect the amount of the rotation to generate a second signal, and transmit the second signal to the meter reader.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing communications functionality between a utility central facility and a field worker. A WiFi Hotpoint is associated with a cell relay in an Advanced Metering System (AMS). Field workers using WiFi enabled communications devices may securely receive information including work orders from the utility central facility via the WiFi connection, thereby reducing or eliminating need for the worker to visit the utility central facility.

Abstract: A system and method that allow customers to provide acknowledgement to a utility provider for closing a utility meter. One embodiment features an authorization code disposed on the utility meter such that when a customer sends the authorization code to the utility provider as acknowledgement, the utility provider, having received the authorization code, sends a signal to the utility meter that closes the utility meter.

Abstract: A data-capable strapband is described, including techniques for monitoring co-participation in an activity using a data-capable strapband. Data associated with each co-participant's participation in the physical activity may be gathered, processed, analyzed, monitored and compared by each co-participant using data-capable strapbands. Additional devices, such as mobile communications devices, mobile computing devices, computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like, along with any available accompanying software applications, may be used in conjunction with the data-capable strapbands to further analyze the data that is gathered and presented via, for example, a server configured to provide a social networking service.

Abstract: An electronic auxiliary device is adapted for being joined with a wrist strength training device and wirelessly coupled to an information device, as well as the electronic auxiliary device comprises a device body and a function device. The device body has an auxiliary unit and is adapted for being joined with the wrist strength training device. The function device is disposed inside the device body. The function device is capable of acquiring the exercise information and transmitting the exercise information to the information device wirelessly, so as to compute the exercise information by the information device or to interact with the information device through the exercise information. Therefore, the wrist strength training device has both training and entertaining effects.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methodologies, apparatuses, and systems for providing cell router (relay) failure detection in a mesh network. Individual cell relays heading up cells within a mesh network transmit synchronization signals including as a portion thereof a counter value. Nodes with the cells monitor the counter value and search for a new connection to a central facility if the counter value fails to update within a predetermined value.

Abstract: A first apparatus receives, from a second apparatus, a signal including information on first time-periods each associated with an occupancy rate, using a wireless channel. The first time-periods each indicate a time-period during which data are scheduled to be collected by the second apparatus, and the occupancy rate indicates a ratio of a duration-time during which data are actually collected by the second apparatus using the wireless channel, to the each first time-period. The first apparatus, based on the occupancy rate and the received power of the first signal, calculates interference values each indicating a degree of interference caused by a radio wave from the second apparatus during the each first time-period, and acquires, based on the calculated interference values, second time-periods during which data are scheduled to be collected by the first apparatus, and collects data from a node apparatus during the third time-periods using the wireless channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for adjusting a transmission power level of a transceiver (12, 15) at a utility meter data origination site (10). A power level of transmission at the site transceiver (12, 15) is adjusted to an optimum level if an acknowledgement is not received from a network gateway (30) in response to data transmissions from the site transceiver (12, 15). Also, for each unsuccessful transmission period, the amount of metering data is increased in the next transmission period to make up for the failed communication tries. Upon establishing communication with the gateway (30), the site transceiver (12, 15) can receive commands from the gateway (30) that further adjust its power level of transmission to optimize reception at the gateway from a large plurality of utility meter data origination sites (10) within a geographical area served by the gateway (30).

Abstract: A first embodiment is an arrangement, such as a meter programming device, that includes a memory, a user interface, a communication interface, and a processing circuit. The user interface arrangement is configured to receive user input. The communication interface is configured to communicate with a corresponding communication interface on a utility meter. The processing circuit is configured by software stored in the memory to: receive a user input at the user interface identifying a disconnect threshold as a measure of current; generate a disconnect threshold value as a function of the user input and a service voltage; and provide the disconnect threshold value to the utility meter via the communication interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a meter capable of having communication security and a data transmitting/receiving system using the same, the system being such that a the server generates a public key and a private key corresponding to the public key, and transmits the public key to a meter, and the meter comprises a communication unit receiving the public key from a first communication unit, a frame generating unit encoding the data frame using the public key, and a controller controlling the communication unit to allow transmitting the encoded data frame.

Abstract: A patient communicator for communicating with a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) and facilitating communications with a remote server via a wireless network. The communicator has a housing configured for portability, and an identity module to store subscriber identification data. A processor is coupled to the identity module and is configured to prevent data exchange with the PIMD unless the identity module is authorized for use. Memory coupled to the processor stores wireless radio firmware and medical firmware. A first radio is configured to effect communications with the PIMD in accordance with execution of the medical firmware by the processor. A second radio is configured to effect communications via a channel of the wireless network with a remote server in accordance with execution of the wireless radio firmware by the processor. The processor is generally configured to use subscriber identification data to facilitate authentication by and of the remote server.

Abstract: A system for extending the Smart Meter's range to connect to Home Area Networks for energy monitoring and demand response in a variety of locations. The system has a data concentrator with a wireless communicating module configured to transmit and receive information at one or more first frequencies ranging up to 2.4 GHz, and a power-line module configured to transmit and receive information at one or more frequencies ranging from about 100 to 30 MHz. The data concentrator receives power information from one or more Smart Meters and convert the wireless signal to a power-line carrier signal over the existing all three phases of the AC wiring. The system also includes a wireless and power-line carrier bridge that converts the power-line carrier signal back to a wireless signal to connect to various Home Area Network (HAN) devices such as programmable communicating thermostats (PCTs), smart appliances and in-home displays (IHDs).

Abstract: Metering of a physical characteristic is described, in which a stochastic approach is taken. A random signal is generated on the basis of a metering signal, with a view to maximising a statistical distance between the two. The random signal and the metering signal are mixed together to obscure characteristics of the metering signal which could otherwise divulge private information to third parties.

Abstract: Pulses, including electrical waveforms, emitted light, and light reflected by a moving mechanical device, that are emitted by a standard utility meter may be received. A device may be controlled to vary its usage of the utility and that may be used to determine a usage per pulse. The usage per pulse information may be used to convert a pulse rate from a meter to emulate the pulse rate from another meter. Information about the other meter and/or services offered by the other meter may be provided to allow for emulation of the other meter.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring system for multiple layer structures includes a plurality of strain-sensitive magnetic particles dispersed within a bonding area between at least two individual layers, at least one multiferroic sensor dispersed on a surface of the multiple layer structure, proximate to an area of the structure to be monitored, the at least one multiferroic sensor capable of monitoring strains experienced by the strain-sensitive magnetic particles, and analyzing changes in the strains experienced by said strain-sensitive magnetic particles that may indicate damage or degradation in the structure, and a controller configured for periodic interrogation of the at least one multiferroic sensor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and devices for monitoring one or more utilities consumed within a monitored area. At least certain disclosed methods include detecting an amount of a first utility consumed by a load associated with a device. An amount of a second utility consumed by a load associated with the device is detected. The identity of the device is determined based on the amount of the first and second utility consumed. In further disclosed methods, a utility monitoring method is disclosed that includes measuring an amount of a utility consumed by a first device at a first time and an amount of a utility consumed by a second device at a second time. The identity of the first device is determined based on the measured consumption of the first and second devices at the first and second time. In certain implementations, the electricity meter uses an effective variance analysis of the conductance waveform on an electrical circuit to identify specific appliances.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods for monitoring a plurality of worksites at a facility, the methods including transporting a central monitoring station package to the facility, seating a transport container, stationing worksite monitoring equipment packages at the worksites, connecting communication links from the worksite monitoring equipment packages to central monitoring station equipment, transmitting remote transmissions from worksite monitoring equipment packages to central monitoring station equipment, displaying worksite monitoring information for a monitoring technician, and responding when remote monitoring information received from a worksite meets a response threshold criteria.

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, the 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 present technology relates to protocols relative to utility meters associated with an open operational framework. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to protocol subject matter for advanced metering infrastructure, adaptable to various international standards, while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field. The present subject matter supports meters within an ANSI standard C12.22/C12.19 system while economically supporting a 2-way mesh network solution in a wireless environment, such as for operating in a residential electricity meter field, all to permit cell-based adaptive insertion of C12.22 meters within an open framework. Cell isolation is provided through quasi-orthogonal sequences in a frequency hopping network. Additional features relate to apparatus and methodology subject matters relating to real time clock distribution and recovery.

Abstract: A method for use in a power line communication systems for an electrical distribution system (1) to quickly and accurately poll electrical meters (6) installed at user facilities to determine if an outage has occurred at a facility. An outbound communications message is transmitted to the meter at the facility requesting a short response consisting of a bit pattern that is either partially or completely known to the receiver. Any perceived response from the meter is then processed to ascertain whether or not the meter actually transmitted a message. Receipt of a message indicates that an outage has not occurred at that site, while an indication the message was not received indicates an outage has likely occurred. In processing the received message, two types of errors can potentially occur; i.e., a false positive or a false negative.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to real time monitoring of usage of multiple pieces of exercise equipment and providing exercise based metric data based thereon to devices for aggregation, display or other processing thereof. In particular, the disclosed embodiments facilitate collection of exercise based metric data from various pieces of exercise equipment, such as stationary bikes, treadmills, and the like, in real time, i.e. as the equipment is utilized by an exercising user, combine the collected data in a form suitable for use by various interested devices and broadcast or otherwise disseminate the combined data to the various devices wherein the various devices may access the broadcasted combined data to access the usage metric data from any one or more of the pieces of exercise equipment from which it was collected for subsequent aggregation, display and/or further processing.

Abstract: In a method for processing data from a domestic appliance, appliance data from the domestic appliance is determined and at least part of the determined appliance data is incorporated in a user profile. At least part of the user profile is useable for information purposes through display on a display unit or transmission to an external unit.

Abstract: A glucose monitoring system, includes a glucose sensor strip or package of strips. The strip includes a substrate and a glucose monitoring circuit that has electrodes and a bodily fluid application portion of selected chemical composition. An antenna is integrated with the glucose sensor strip. An RFID sensor chip is coupled with the glucose sensor strip and the antenna. The chip has a memory containing digitally-encoded data representing calibration and/or expiration date information for the strip.

Abstract: The technology described herein includes a system and/or a method for policy-based data management. The method includes receiving, by a sensor platform device, sensor data from one or more sensors; selecting, by the sensor platform device, one or more screening policies from a plurality of screening policies based on one or more mission parameters and a platform type associated with the sensor platform device; generating, by the sensor platform device, a data set from the sensor data based on the selected one or more screening policies; and transmitting, by the sensor platform device, the data set to one or more computing devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring ambient conditions in venues using a number of real-time signals, including sound, temperature, light, motion, water usage, vibration, infrared signal and others. Ambient signal data is transmitted to a cloud-based application that stores the signal levels in a database and presents the information in a visual format for use by venues and by consumers. The system can, among other things, provide an overall measure of crowd activity in a venue.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for remotely controlling an AMI is disclosed. The method includes receiving at an AMI controller module, meter event data from a remote command and control module; generating, at a third module, rules for the management, implementation and compliance documentation of connect/disconnect orders; processing, at the third module, the meter event data based on those rules to aggregate, batch, filter, or prioritize execution of individual connect/disconnect orders; communicating the connect/disconnect execution orders and policy compliance verification information to the AMI controller module; and, at the AMI controller module, executing connect/disconnect operations via the command and control module.

Abstract: A communications network (12) for use by a utility (10) for communication, command, and control of the utility's distribution area for gas, water and electrical services including the utility's distribution system, security, workforce, and asset management. The network includes apparatus for obtaining information and data concerning usage of the electricity, gas, or water by each of the utility's customers, the operation of installations throughout the system, and how electricity, gas, or water is being distributed throughout the system. The information and data from each source (16) is processed to provide an up-to-date overview of the system and its operation to the utility's management and operating personnel. This includes identification of any current problems, including distribution or security, within the system, and asset monitoring and management to identify possible future problems which may occur within a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Pulses, including electrical waveforms, emitted light, and light reflected by a moving mechanical device, that are emitted by a standard utility meter may be received. A device may be controlled to vary its usage of the utility and that may be used to determine a usage per pulse. The usage per pulse information may be used to convert a pulse rate from a meter to emulate the pulse rate from another meter. Information about the other meter and/or services offered by the other meter may be provided to allow for emulation of the other meter.

Abstract: Methods and devices and systems including a data collection module for receiving and storing analyte data over a predetermined time period from a subject, a user interface unit coupled to the data collection module for providing one or more indication related to the analyte data, a control unit coupled to the data collection module and the user interface unit to control, at least in part the operation of the data collection module and the user interface unit, a communication module coupled to the control unit for communicating one or more signals associated with the analyte data to a remote location, where the user interface unit is configured to operate in a prospective analysis mode including substantially real time output of the analyte level received by the data collection module, and a retrospective analysis mode including limited output of information to the subject during the predetermined time period, and further where the communication module is configured to communicate with the remote location afte

Abstract: A remote water meter monitoring system is provided. A mesh network-type transceiver unit is coupled to a water meter housing having a water counting mechanism inside to transmit water consumption information as well as other sensor information, such as backflow detection, water pressure, and water metrics (e.g., residual chlorine and temperature) to a central server system via a bridge device and a corresponding mesh network. Mechanical energy from the water flowing through the water meter housing is converted to electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. An electrically powered shut off valve is remote addressable via the transceiver unit.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods and apparatus enabling production of a stable output from a phase locked loop (PLL) circuit. A crystal controlled oscillator provides a reference signal to the PLL circuit. Temperature variations associated with the crystal cause variations in the operating frequency of the crystal that result in variations of the PLL output frequency. The presently disclosed subject matter compensates for such variations in frequency output by modifying an operation of the PLL circuit based on the temperature variations so that the output frequency remains stable even with temperature induced variations in the reference signal.

Abstract: Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improving the collection of GDT meter readings. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for prioritizing the transmission and process of GDT meter readings in an AMR system. In particular, the method includes capturing a GDT meter reading that quantifies the consumption of a utility service at a utility meter. Then, during a reporting window, one or more packets of the GDT meter reading having a data item that identifies the enhanced priority level of the data is transmitted from the utility meter. When a collector receives the transmission, the elevated priority allocated to the transmission is identified. As a result, the collector causes the GDT meter reading to be forwarded to a host computer prior to the processing and transmission of other meter readings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining whether an appliance is leaking gas is provided. Pressure measurements are taken after closing off the flow of gas to the appliance and within the appliance so as to isolate the gas within the distribution system of the appliance. If unacceptable changes in the pressure of the gas are detected, a warning signal can be provided and the flow of gas into the appliance can be maintained in an off state until further corrective steps are undertaken. Corrections for temperatures changes between pressure measurements can also be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow consumption modular meter. It comprises a base module providing the connection between flow distribution lines and a subscriber supply, equipped with a metering connection interface and a metering module equipped with an interface for connecting to the base module via the metering connection interface. Electrical components of a permanent nature are installed in the base module and electronic components of a changeable nature are installed in the metering module. Application to flow meters, particularly electricity meters.

Abstract: A metering device may be configured to communicate with other devices in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system. For example, a metering device may be configured to communicate with a collection device. To enable such communications, a collection device may send a wake-up-tone and/or a request message to a metering device. Based on the request message, a metering device may send data to the collection device. Metering communication networks may be mobile and/or fixed. For example, a mobile collection device may use a wireless signal to interrogate a metering device to retrieve data from the metering device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing an information processing request in a mobile device. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving an information processing request message; collecting at least one type of environmental state information associated with the mobile device if the information processing request message is not processed by the mobile device within a predetermined time; generating prompt information according to the collected environmental state information, wherein the prompting information is used to prompt a user to process the unprocessed information processing request message. Therefore, a user can timely perceive the information processing request message that has been received but not processed by the mobile device in time, thus effectively increasing the usability of the mobile device.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to communications units. In some uses thereof, such communications units may be respectively associated with utility meters for use in an advanced metering system infrastructure. Present communications units have a medium-agnostic front end module and associated transmitting and receiving functionalities that are programmable to provide simultaneous reception and transmission using multiple protocols over different media and to change to a single protocol functionality upon reception of a valid signal on one of the monitored transmissions. The communications unit may be field programmable for known and previously undefined transmission protocols to provide a future proof device.

Abstract: A planar dipole antenna is described. The antenna may include a ground element, a feed point, a matching element, and first and second radiating elements disposed on a substrate, and a feed point. The ground element may have a substantially rectangular shape and the feed point may be arranged adjacent to the ground element. The matching element may be connected to the feed point and may include a central bar connected to a first and second arm. The first and second arms may be substantially symmetrically disposed on the substrate in respect to the central bar. The first and second radiating elements may have substantially trapezoidal shapes and may be extend from the first and second arms of the matching element, respectively. The first and second radiating elements may be substantially symmetrically disposed on the substrate in respect to the central bar of the matching element.

Abstract: A method of presenting structured information, via software gadgets, based on monitored data in a utility monitoring system. First monitored data is exposed to a network to produce, via a first web service, first structured data. The first monitored data is indicative of utility characteristics measured by a first IED in the utility monitoring system. The first structured data is received over the network and second structured data is received from a network-accessible data storage service. The data storage service has a second web service that exposes second monitored data to produce the second structured data. The first structured data is manipulated, in at least one of the software gadgets, to produce structured information based on the first monitored data, and the structured information is communicated from the at least one software gadget to a web browser for display in a web page by the web browser.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for outpatient monitoring. In some examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring and consultations of patients' state associated with automated interpretation of vital signs signals. In other examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring of patients' state associated with analysis of full-disclosure vital signs digital signals with reduced bit data or channel data. In some examples, the outpatient monitoring technology includes a system for remote monitoring of patients' state associated with ongoing automated analysis and transmission of full-disclosure vital signs digital signals and automatically generated signals' interpretation results and manually marked patient symptoms.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods, systems and devices of providing multicast functionality through an energy portal such as a meter, which reduces bandwidth required for communication between the energy portal and a server. In accordance with one aspect, a method is provided of providing multicast functionality through an energy portal, which reduces bandwidth required for communication between the energy portal and a server.

Abstract: Optimized RF telemetry transmission between an active implantable medical device and a remote external receiver in which the information to be transmitted are grouped by class (TYPE 0, TYPE 1, . . . , TYPE n) according to a criticality index (IC) defining a priority rank as between the different information classes to be transmitted. A plurality of modulation schemes and of data rates characterize different transmission configurations, each with a reliability index inversely related to the probability of failure of transmission in a noisy environment. The criticality indexes of the highest priorities are assigned to the transmission configurations with the higher reliability indexes. On an information transmission request, an RF telemetry transmission configuration is selected (52-62) depending on the criticality index characterizing the information to be transmitted. The transmission is operated (64, 66) with the transmission configuration thus selected.

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: 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: 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: A method for operating a monitoring module in a monitoring system. A monitoring module is configured with means for detecting impulse signals from sensors of the monitoring module and from other monitoring modules of the monitoring system, and with one or more groups of functions. A function defines a relation between an impulse signal detected by a monitoring module and a monitoring response of the monitoring module, and each group of functions corresponds with one level of hierarchy of monitoring modules of the monitoring system. One or more impulse signals from a sensor of the monitoring module and/or from another monitoring module of the monitoring system are detected; and a prevailing set of functions in a group of functions is determined. One or more monitoring responses are then determined with the prevailing set of functions.