Abstract: Systems and methods for a continuous monitoring of analyte values received from an analyte sensor system are provided. One method for a wireless data communication between an analyte sensor system and a mobile device involves storing identification information associated with a transceiver of the analyte sensor system, the identification information entered by a user of the mobile device via a custom application running on the mobile device; causing the custom application to enter a background mode; searching for advertisement signals; receiving an advertisement signal from the transceiver; authenticating the transceiver based on the identification information; prompting the user to bring the custom application to a foreground mode; causing the custom application to request a confirmation from the user that a data connection with the transceiver is desired; receiving the confirmation from the user; and completing the data connection with the transceiver.

Abstract: A connection device for providing both a connection for liquid transport and a connection for the transport of electrical energy is disclosed. The connection device comprises a first part and a second part, which detachably connect to one another such that a first liquid conduit comprised in the first part connects with a second liquid conduit comprised in the second part, and a primary coil comprised in the first part inductively couples to a secondary coil comprised in the second part, wherein the first part further comprises a first electronic circuit electrically connected to the primary coil, and the second part further comprises a second electronic circuit electrically connected to the secondary coil.

Abstract: Techniques for limited data messaging with standards compliance are described herein. A network may be configured as an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) for automatic meter reading (AMR). A plurality of endpoints (EP) may each be associated with a meter configured to measure consumption of a resource, such as electricity or natural gas. The plurality of EPs may communicate consumption data to a data collector (DC), which transfers the data to a central office. In one example, network traffic and battery power consumption of the EPs may be reduced if each endpoint packages data as a compact array, having minimal data formatting and tagging. A class object associated with each EP and stored at the DC allows the DC to interpret the compact array. Based on this interpretation, the DC is able to reformulate the data as a COSEM (or other standards-based object) for transmission to the central office.

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: A sensor node, having a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, receives a data acquisition command from a network controller. The command includes various parameters. The RF transceiver is deactivated and data is obtained based on the parameters included in the command. The RF transceiver is activated and an inquiry message is sent to the network controller requesting the network controller to confirm that an event of interest has occurred during the data acquisition time interval. A subset of the obtained data containing the event of interest is transmitted to the network controller, using the RF transceiver, in response to receiving a confirmation from the network controller that an event of interest has occurred. Otherwise the RF transceiver is deactivated and no data is transmitted, in response to receiving from the network controller a negative acknowledgment message indicating that an event of interest has not occurred during the data acquisition interval.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring usage of a telemedicine system are described. A monitoring system at a hospital or other central monitoring location provides for communication between personnel at a monitoring location (e.g. a medical care provider) and patient and/or caregiver at a patient location (e.g., the patient's home) via a telemedicine system. The telemedicine system may provide for audiovisual or other communication between the monitoring location and patient location, which may be in combination with medical monitoring or treatment provided with one or more associated article of medical equipment. The medical support monitoring system tracks the amount and type of usage of telepresence system and/or associated medical equipment. Tracked information regarding system usage may be used for various purposes, including billing, quality assurance, data analytics, including population studies of usage patterns, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of consumption meters (2) arranged in a communication network, where program data of the consumption meters can be updated via the communication network. A data collector (3) is arranged for updating the program data of a group of consumption meters over the network. This is performed by establishing a dedicated update session to each consumption meter of the group of consumption meters, and transmitting addressed update program segments to consumption meters in session. During the update session with a given consumption meter, any other consumption meter which is within communication range (8) will, if it receives the update segment, store it even though the segment is addressed to another meter. In an update session of a next meter, only segments not already stored from a previous session to another consumption meter are transmitted to the next meter.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward the use of broadcast transmissions to multiple endpoint devices. These broadcast transmissions can be particularly useful for reducing the communication bandwidth used during transmission of configuration data to the endpoint devices. In order to implement the broadcast communications, the present disclosure describes a mechanism for configuring targeted endpoint devices to be responsive to the broadcast communications. For instance, a configuration command can be sent to each of the targeted endpoint devices. The configuration command can include a virtual ID. The targeted endpoint devices can configure themselves to listen for subsequent broadcast messages addressed to the virtual ID. Configuration data can then be sent using the virtual ID and associated broadcast messages.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for monitoring water leaks within a home. A home network with various devices monitors these devices with a controller. Information is received from a water flow meter via a transceiver for tracking a total water flow amount through pipelines in the home. By comparing information collected to a predetermined threshold, a leak is determined as present or not within each pipeline. Upon the detection of a leak in the home, a home owner is notified of the condition so that action is taken expeditiously. A shut off valve can be triggered remotely when a request is received from the user, which closes the water pipeline to prevent water damage.

Abstract: Information in a data store may be efficiently accessed to perform boundary reading processing. In one example, register readings of one or more register channels that are linked to one or more interval channels may be retrieved from the data store to determine whether or not a boundary reading of a time span is missing. If a boundary reading is missing, but a proximate register reading exists, the boundary reading may be estimated from the proximate register reading and at least one interval reading.

Abstract: A device adapted to determine an analyte concentration of a fluid sample using a test sensor. The device comprises a display adapted to display information to a user. The device further comprises at least one user-interface mechanism adapted to allow the user to interact with the device. The device further comprises a body portion including at least one opening formed therein, the at least one opening being of sufficient size to receive the test sensor. The device further comprises a memory adapted to store a plurality of stored analyte concentrations. The device further comprises a processing feature adapted to inhibit the stored analyte concentrations from being displayed on the display.

Abstract: A battery monitor is paired to a communication device, e.g., as provided on an industrial vehicle, battery charger, etc., for wireless communication. Pairing is implemented by transmitting an encoded message from the communication device to a load. The encoded message is detected by the battery monitor, by sensing changes in a characteristic of the battery that occur responsive to the communication device transmitting the encoded message to the load. The battery monitor then converts the encoded message into a discovery parameter. A paired wireless connection is set up between the communication device and the battery monitor using the discovery parameter such that the battery monitor and communication device wirelessly communicate thereafter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are for storing and retrieving data related to the installation, service, repair or performance of an industrial flow meter or other measurement instrument. Methods and apparatus are also for other processes associated with measurement instruments.

Abstract: An industrial meter has wireless communication circuitry for communicating with a remote communication device. A repeater device allows the wireless communication circuitry of the industrial meter to continue to communicate with the remote communication device when the meter device is positioned in a location where direct communication between the wireless communication circuitry and the remote communication device is not possible (such as for example when the industrial meter is located underground).

Abstract: A body sensor, a system including the body sensor and a method of transmitting a biosignal are provided. A wearable body sensor includes a conductive electrode configured to conduct a biosignal from a body, a main board comprising a radio frequency (RF) communication circuit to generate an RF signal based on the biosignal, and an antenna disposed on the RF communication circuit to radiate the RF signal.

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: 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: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing in-premises management of home area networks. An example management includes a network interface device, a processor in communication with the network interface device, and a transceiver device in communication with the processor. The network interface device can establish a paired communication link with a computing device that is in communication with a head-end system. The processor can receive a command originating from the head-end system and communicated to the management device from the computing device via the paired communication link. The processor can identify a terminal device of the home area network that can perform a function in response to the command. The processor can generate a message for the terminal device including the command. The transceiver device can transmit the message from the processor to the terminal device via a wireless communication link of the home area network.

Abstract: The system comprises: first event detection means for detecting events defined as changes in a magnitude of a passive electric current circulating through an electrical load point (5), and the time between events, second event detection means for detecting events defined as changes in a magnitude of a passive electric current circulating through a distribution line and/or through a supply point connected thereto, and the time between events, and connectivity checking processing means to compare the time between the events detected by the first event detection means with the ones detected by the second event detection means, to determine at which distribution line the load point is connected to. The method performs the functions of the system. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium contains program code for identifying connectivities in electrical networks implementing the functions of the connectivity checking processing means of the system.

Abstract: A remote server is connected to at least one energy box, each energy box being connected to at least one energy consuming device, and each energy box being connected to a metering device. The remote server sends to the energy box a transaction demand. The energy box sends to at least one energy consuming device an energy consumption reduction request. The metering device measures energy consumption of the energy consuming device. The metering device sends to the energy box the measured energy consumption. The energy box verifies whether the demanded transaction has been carried out based upon at least one test, the test depending on at least one measured energy consumption. If the demanded transaction has been carried out, the energy box sends to a remote server a transaction response.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include receiving data from an electric grid device via a network interface. The method may include processing the data from the electric grid device at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include transmitting a filtered portion of the data to an electric utility head end system, after processing the data at the communication node. In some embodiments, a method of operating a communication node may include using a message broker controlled by a virtual machine in the communication node to provide a protocol to interface with a field message bus that includes a standards-based or open-source Application Programming Interface (API). Related communication nodes and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: A mechanical fluid meter, for liquid or gas, includes an electronic device (E) that has means for metering, and generally also displaying, consumption, said fluid meter including: at least one fluid temperature sensor (3) near the meter and at least one ambient temperature sensor (4) where the meter is installed; a connection means between the temperature sensors (3, 4) and the electronic device (E); and analysis means (5) for establishing the temperature difference (??) between the fluid temperature and the ambient temperature and for taking into account the fluid flow rate value supplied by the meter, said analysis means being programmed so as to display and/or transmit information indicating a meter blockage when the temperature difference (??) is higher than a predetermined limit and the flow rate value supplied by the meter is zero.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of providing utility service network information for a utility service network. The method includes obtaining utility service network information from a plurality of external sources, integrally combining the utility service network information obtained from each of the plurality of external sources into and displaying the utility service network information in real-time in a global positioning map to a user via a graphical user interface, selecting, via the user, specific utility service network information of the utility service network information, to be displayed, and automatically reconfiguring the system or manually reconfiguring the utility service network via the user, as needed based on the specific utility service network information selected.

Abstract: Device flag techniques are described. In one or more implementations, responsive to detection by a computing device that a device has been communicatively coupled to bus of the computing device, a database is queried by the computing device to determine whether one or more flags have been set for the device. Responsive to a determination made as a result of the querying that the one or more flags have been set for the device identifier, information associated with the one or more flags is communicated to software that is associated with the device to configure the software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that uses the Internet protocol, TCP/IP, for a home control network. The invention also provides embedded servers, email clients at the electrical boxes. The invention integrates the Internet to the electrical outlet, switch, or appliance boxes using a low cost embedded web server.

Abstract: The invention generally concerns systems and methods for monitoring and controlling the power consumption of a power-consuming device. The system and method may connect to a power source and a power-consuming device, connecting the power-consuming device to the power source. The power usage of the power-consuming device may then be measured and monitored. This monitoring data may then be stored and optionally sent to a controlling device on a data network. The location of the power-consuming device may also be determined, recorded, and sent to a controlling device. The system may also control the power usage of the power-consuming device. In some cases, a remote server may connect multiple energy monitoring systems in order to gain additional efficiencies and foster a community-based social network.

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: 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: 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: An all-electronic utility gas meter using with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensor to measure gas metrology data for custody transfer or tariff in city gas metering application is disclosed in the present invention. The meter has two separate metrology units. One of the units is located in the main flow channel with the insertion probing configuration while the other is configured as a bypass unit assembly with the main metrology unit. The bypass metrology unit can perform independent metrology tasks and can be exchanged onsite during service, maintenance or repair without dismantle the meter from the service pipeline. The bypass metrology unit also can be used to compare the measured data from time to time and performance self-diagnosis that shall help the performance and data authentication during the meter field service. Both of the units can be powered by battery or external sources.

Abstract: A control device may include a control unit to control transmission of a predetermined control command to a controlled device, when an operation surface is put face down is detected from a detection result of at least one sensor indicating the operation surface is put face down.

Abstract: A wireless meter reading system and method are provided to facilitate billing a consumer for utility usage. The wireless meter reading system comprises: (a) at least one utility meter; (b) at least one camera or imaging device optionally coupled to the at least one utility meter, wherein the at least one camera or imaging device operates to provide wireless meter reading image(s) of the utility meter from time to time, and wherein the wireless meter reading images comprise utility usage data and identifying data of the utility meter; (c) a power source coupled to the camera or imaging device; (d) a communication device for wirelessly receiving the meter reading images from the camera or imaging device; and (e) a wide area connection with the communication device for communicating the meter reading images to a central location.

Abstract: A meter apparatus and method of operating a removable meter apparatus are described. The meter apparatus includes a tag associated with unique tag identification information and configured to be permanently affixed to a location housing at a unique physical location, and includes a removable meter unit configured to mate with the location housing and receive the tag identification from the tag and report the tag identification to a data manager configured to associate an identifier of the removable meter unit with the tag identification and unique physical location, and associate configuration information for the physical location with the removable meter unit and the tag identification. The unique physical location can comprise a single-space parking location.

Abstract: A wireless monitoring system comprises a remote asset about which data is to be collected and a wireless data-transfer device connected to the remote asset. The wireless device includes a radiofrequency transceiver and a chip having a memory for storing a plurality of subscriber identifiers corresponding to different wireless networks and for further storing logic that constitutes network selection rules for selecting one of the wireless networks to use for transmission of the data. In a GSM/UMTS implementation of this technology, the subscriber identifier is the IMSI and the chip is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) chip or card. By using multiple IMSI's, the wireless data-transfer device connected to the remote asset may switch seamlessly between wireless networks. A new IMSI (for a new network) may be provisioned over the air to enable the device to communicate over a new network for which it did not previously have an IMSI.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for collecting and retrieving characterization data of measurement devices, such as flow meters. The system includes a meter, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for storing the meter characterization data, and electronics, such as a totalizer, to read the characterization data from the RFID tag and calibrate the meter measurements using the characterization data.

Abstract: A modular warning light system for warning aerial vehicles of an obstacle such as a steel lattice tower includes a support, a light structure adjustably mounted onto the support, a warning light coupled to the light structure, and a power system coupled to the light structure. The power system comprises a solar panel and a rechargeable battery. The solar panel is configured for charging the rechargeable battery, and the rechargeable battery is configured for powering the warning light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for prioritizing the processing of messages sent between site transceivers (12, 15) at utility meter data origination sites (10) and gateway transceivers (20, 30, 40) in a fixed meter data collection network. To reduce message processing time, priorities are assigned for processing messages destined for mobile gateways, messages sent to assigned gateways, and messages sent to any gateway after not receiving an acknowledge signal from an assigned gateway. The gateway transceiver also has four receivers for processing four respective messages on four different frequency channels to further reduce processing time and to conserve power usage at the site transceivers.

Abstract: A wireless field device may include a first communication unit that performs wireless communication via a wireless network, a storage unit that stores setting information including at least one of device information specifying the wireless field device, communication setting information for implementing wireless communication via the wireless network, and device setting information prescribing an operation of the wireless field device, and a change control unit that performs control not to enable a change of the setting information when prohibition information representing prohibition of the change of the setting information is received by the first communication unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communication include one or more wireless relay devices having a first receiver capable of wirelessly receiving medical device data over a wireless relay network from at least one network device, a first transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting data over an internet-accessible wireless communications network and a second transmitter capable of wirelessly transmitting medical device data to a second medical device or a wireless relay module over the wireless relay network. Patient identification information can be obtained and/or communicated.

Abstract: A wireless-enabled tension meter is disclosed. The wireless-enabled tension meter can include a pulley arrangement through which a portion of a guiding member is routed for use during a pull of conductor through a conduit network. A tension force is exerted on the guiding member during the pull as the guiding member is pulled through the pulley arrangement. The wireless-enabled tension meter can also include a sensor for measuring the tension force, a wireless network interface, and a control module for performing operations. The operations performed by the control module can include capturing data corresponding to the tension force and causing the wireless network interface to send the data to a wireless communication device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and several types of devices for converting meter reading signals into data messages including a first message (40) having meter data (44) representing consumption of a utility, and meter diagnostic status data (43), and a second message (60) having meter reverse flow data (63-65) and meter diagnostic data (66) particular to an electronic flow meter, and receiving, said first message (40) and said second message (60) and converting first message and said second message to radio frequency signals (25) and transmitting said radio frequency signals (25) to a receiver (22, 24).

Abstract: A garden management system including a monitoring device, the monitoring device including a soil sensor; a body including a set of ambient environment sensors, a geographic location mechanism, a wireless communication mechanism, a power supply electrically connected to and configured to power the soil sensor, ambient environment sensors, wireless communication mechanism, and geographic location mechanism; and a renewable power source electrically connected to and configured to charge the power supply with harvested renewable power; and a set of supports connecting the body to an end of the soil sensor, the body cooperatively defining a handle void with the set of supports.

Abstract: The present application is directed to systems and methods for operating a measurement system. Various embodiments may comprise a measurement device and a receiving device remote from the measurement device. The measurement device may acquire data corresponding to one or more measurements, convert any analog portion of the data into a digital transmission signal, and transmit the signal. The receiving device may receive the signal, convert the signal into digital data, and display the digital data.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a wireless gauge reader system for use on an existing electrical substation where the substation has a window through which at least one glow tube is visible. The system includes a frame fastened to the substation that surrounds at least a portion of the window, and a door in connection with the frame that allows the door to open and close. The door includes a wireless gauge reader (WGR) that has an optical sensor that is positioned to view the glow tube when the door is closed. The WGR also has a transmitter to transmit a wireless signal based on the illumination state of the glow tube. Various aspects of the connection of the door to the frame are disclosed.

Abstract: A metering arrangement includes at least a first and second meter. The first meter includes a first metrology circuit, an Ethernet controller, and an isolation circuit. The first metrology circuit has a first data interface. The Ethernet controller has an Ethernet port and a conversion circuit coupled to convert Ethernet standard signals having a first communication protocol to signals of a second communication protocol. The isolation circuit is coupled between the Ethernet controller and the first data interface. The Ethernet controller is operably coupled to communicate data with the first data interface via the isolation circuit, and the conversion circuit is further operably coupled to communicate data via the first data port. The second meter includes a second metrology circuit having a second data interface operably connected to a second data port. The second data port is operably coupled to communicate data with the first data port.

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: The disclosed subject matter relates to an integrated decision support “cockpit” or control center for displaying, analyzing, and/or responding to, various events and contingencies that can occur within an electrical grid.