Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods and systems of controlling irrigation. Some of these systems comprise: a connector of a controller interface (CI) coupled with an irrigation controller, wherein the connector is configured to receive a valve activation signal activated by the irrigation controller; a user interface of the CI; a processor of the CI configured to obtain valve transceiver (VT) programming with VT programming being received from inputs through the user interface, determine a station identifier, and identify as defined in the VT programming a remote valve associated with the station identifier and controlled by a remote VT; and a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit a wireless activation signal configured to be wirelessly received by the VT controlling the valve associated by the VT programming with the station identifier such that the VT is configured to control an actuator to actuate the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data recorder unit and system for a vehicle. The system includes at least one video camera device configured to generate video data associated with the vehicle and/or its surroundings, and wirelessly transmit at least a portion of the video data. The data recorder unit includes a data recorder enclosure, a data processing unit located in the enclosure and configured to: wirelessly receive at least a portion of the video data from the at least one video camera device, process at least a portion of the video data, and generate processed video data based at least partially on the video data, and at least one storage device comprising at least one crash-hardened memory in communication with the at least one data processing unit and configured to store at least a portion of at least one of the video data and the processed video data.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an appliance with respect to the appliance's energy usage, in which a signal relating to the energy used by the appliance is received, and a determination of whether to continue or interrupt a cycle of operation being conducted by the appliance is made based at least on part upon the receipt of the signal.

Abstract: A method of managing a server group comprising a plurality of group members in a server group may include receiving, from a group member, health status data and obtaining location data. The health status data may indicate a group member's status with respect to a health parameter. The set of health parameter states may include a compliant, borderline, and non-compliant state defined by one or more thresholds. The location information may indicate locations of the group members relative to one another. A status-location operation may be performed in accordance with the health status and location data to generate a display including, for each of the group members, a data point indicating a status for a particular health parameter and a location of the applicable group member relative to other group members. Historical status change data may be maintained and used to predict a next status change expected.

Abstract: A lighting control system of networks and devices designed to allow scheduled events to continue to operate in the case of partial or full network operation and failure. The lighting control system can rely on any network controller to act as a schedule master that evaluates a schedule of time-based lighting control events. When failure of the acting schedule master occurs or network communication therewith, the lighting control system changes the scheduling master to a different network controller based on a fail over protocol. The failover protocol includes detecting when an acting schedule master controller stops working by, for example, failing to receive a keep-alive message at a different network controller within a predetermined amount of time. Upon detecting failure of the schedule master controller, a network controller with a different controller identifier takes over as the schedule master in accordance with a controller identifier evaluation or protocol.

Abstract: A system to implement a vehicle-reservation reliability prognosis prior to a reservation is herein presented. The system includes a memory, controller, and vehicle. The memory is configured to have one or more executable instructions and one or more vehicle-share records. The controller is configured to execute the executable instructions and communicate with the vehicle-share records. The vehicle includes one or more vehicle systems configured to generate system function information and is configured to communicate with the controller. Moreover, the executable instructions enable the controller to: retrieve system function information from one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle; deliver the vehicle-reservation reliability prognosis based, at least in part, on the system function information; and modify the vehicle-share records based upon the vehicle-reservation reliability prognosis.

Abstract: Sensing/control/identification devices of machines are provided. The devices include a shielding defining a shielded volume, a rectification and power conditioning module within the shielded volume and configured to receive electromagnetic (EM) transmissions from an EM transmitting source and convert said EM transmissions to electrical power, a communication interface module within the shielded volume and configured to receive power from the rectification and power conditioning module and at least one of receive the EM transmissions or transmit EM communications, and a control module within the shielded volume and configured to at least one of (i) receive the EM transmissions from the communication interface for processing or prepare the EM communications for transmission from the communication interface module and (ii) communicate with a remote sensor of the machine.

Abstract: It is proposed a method for downloading data to a central unit in a seismic data acquisition system including a network, connected to the central unit and having a plurality of modules. Each module is adapted to generate and/or receive data and to store them. The method includes the following steps, for a given module: when the given module is connected, via a wired or wireless link, to the central unit, it sends to the central unit a historic, chronological or not, representative of data stored in the given module; the central unit cross-checks the historic with missing data of at least one pending experience, and upon match the central unit obtains at least some of the missing data from the given module.

Abstract: A method of residential or small and medium business (SMB) demand response (DR) coordination may include receiving a DR event notification from a DR server. The DR event notification may include DR event information pertaining to a DR event and curtailment information. The method may also include communicating a notification acknowledgement to the DR server. The notification acknowledgement may indicate reception of the DR event notification. The method may include displaying a curtailment request pertaining to the DR event. The curtailment request may be based on the curtailment information included in the DR event notification and may include some portion of the DR event information. The method may also include receiving a user input including a DR event participation confirmation or a DR event participation refusal. The method may further include communicating a participation signal representative of at least a portion of the user input to the DR server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying recorded playbook plays are described. The method includes recording locations of one or more players during execution of a play and evaluating the recorded locations with one or more known plays in a playbook. Based on the evaluation, one or more plays can be identified as being most correlated with the recently executed play. The evaluation can also be used to compare how a particular player has been executing the playbook play (e.g., deviations). Use of the identified play can also be used to produce one or more counter-plays.

Abstract: A system and method of arranging a transport service for a user is described. The system determines a first estimated time of arrival (ETA) of a user to a specified location data point based, at least in part, on a position of a user device operated by the user. The system also determines a second ETA of a vehicle of a set of vehicles to the specified location data point. When the first ETA and the second ETA are within a predetermined amount of time of each other, the system can select a driver to provide a transport service for the user based, at least in part, on the specified location data point.

Abstract: Technology for completing an electronic run ticket is provided. In an example method, user credentials may be received on a client device. A barcode associated with an oil tank may be scanned to identify the oil tank. Fields of the electronic run ticket may be populated based on the identification of the oil tank. Fields of the electronic run ticket may also be populated based on the user credentials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for utilization of a smart antenna in facilitating wireless communication between adjacent seismic data acquisition modules. The smart antenna may target an adjacent module with a radiation pattern directed toward the adjacent module. As such, the modules may employ space division multiplexing techniques to avoid interference between modules in the array. The modules may scan throughout a continuum of positions to locate adjacent modules. Once located, a spatial signal signature may be identified for the adjacent module and beamforming vectors may be calculated for targeting the radiation pattern toward the located module.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes a relay apparatus (30) connected between a base station (40) and a base control station (20) and a location information control station (10), in which: the location information control station (10) includes: a request generation unit (11) for generating a location information request including regional information of a region for which the location information is requested; and a request transmission unit (12) for transmitting the location information request that has been generated to the base control station (20), and the base control station (20) includes: a request reception unit (21) for receiving the location information request transmitted from the location information control station (10); and a request transmission unit (22) for transmitting the location information request including the regional information in the location information request that has been received to the relay apparatus (30).

Abstract: Information about the real-time location of an object (e.g., a football) within a venue (e.g., a sport stadium), as determined by an object tracking system, may be used to generate communications that are then transmitted via wireless transmitters to one or more user devices (e.g., smartphones of venue spectators) located within the venue. The communications may be triggered by particular event triggers (e.g., the football enters a goal area, the football travels a particular distance, the football reaches a particular velocity, the football reaches a particular height), and the communication may be based on the event trigger that was reached. The wireless transmitter may be a local wireless transmitter, so that only user devices within the venue receive the communication.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying recorded playbook plays are described. The method includes recording locations of one or more players during execution of a play and evaluating the recorded locations with one or more known plays in a playbook. Based on the evaluation, one or more plays can be identified as being most correlated with the recently executed play. The evaluation can also be used to compare how a particular player has been executing the playbook play (e.g., deviations). Use of the identified play can also be used to produce one or more counter-plays.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device in a network receives a message from a neighboring device that identifies the electrical phase on which the message was sent. Crosstalk is identified between the device and the neighboring device by determining that the message was received on a different electrical phase than the phase on which the message was sent. One or more distinct communication channels between the device and the neighboring device are identified based on the identified crosstalk with each communication channel including or more electrical phases.

Abstract: A dual band transmitter for transmitting a data signal in a first frequency or second frequency band. An antenna receives and sends data in one of the first and second frequency bands. An impedance matching network is connected in series with the antenna, and to a first node, and matches the impedance of the antenna to a predetermined value. The impedance matching network includes first and second antenna matching networks. The first antenna matching network is connected in series with the second matching network. In the first frequency band, the first antenna matching network matches the impedance of the antenna to the predetermined value, and in the second frequency band the second antenna matching network matches the impedance of the antenna to the predetermined value without affecting the first antenna matching network's matching in the first frequency band.

Abstract: A portable terminal, including a first housing including opposing first and second sides, a second housing including opposing first and second sides, a hinge connecting the first sides of the first and second housings, a flexible display including a first end disposed in the second side the first housing, a second end disposed in the second side of the second housing, and a driver configured to drive the display, wherein the first housing and the second housing are configured to rotate on the hinge to form an angle in therebetween such that a corresponding portion of the display is exposed, and the driver is configured to output driving signals corresponding to the angle to the flexible display, such an image is displayed on the exposed portion of the flexible display.

Abstract: A system of collecting and displaying statistical performance data of American football or rugby football tactical plays includes a) Optional ball tracking sensors b) data loggers worn by each player that include accelerometers and location sensors that provide data on duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts c) a processor that collects and analyzes the data for each tactical play to determine i) the initial fine of scrimmage for each play, ii) the end of each play, iii) for each player one or more of duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts, and iv) normalizing all the statistics so that all tactical plays and all individual player performances can be compared from the same start point d) display means to graphically display the statistics and combine the graphics with video images of the play and players.

Abstract: A server may receive information from one or more service providing apparatuses. Computer-readable instructions may cause the server to store device identification information, type information, and/or a transmission condition in association with service identification information. The server may receive device state information from one or more information devices when an information device determines that a transmission condition is satisfied. The server may also store the received device state information in association with device identification information identifying a specific information device, which transmitted the device state information. Further, the server may transmit, to a specific service providing apparatus, identified by specific service identification information, the device state information stored in association with the specific service identification information.

Abstract: A communication system comprising a base station and two or more terminals configured for communicating with the base station by means of a communications protocol, wherein: the communications protocol operates in a frequency band to which unlicensed access is permitted; and the terminals are configured for unattended operation with the base station.

Abstract: A system and a method for efficient service-instance oriented energy management in the IoT are provided. The method comprises: a predicting step for predicting target service instances to be serviced in a subsequent time period based on a service instance stance transition model; a selecting step for selecting an ON-sensor set to be turned on to provide services on which said target service instances are based, according to a critical covering set corresponding to the target service instances, the use history data of sensors in the critical covering set and energy parameters of said sensors; a controlling step for performing, when said time period begins, an ON/OFF control on the sensors in the IoT so that the sensors in the ON-sensor set are turned on and the sensors other than those in the ON-sensor set are turned off; and an updating step for updating the use history data of sensors according to the usage of sensors in said time period.

Abstract: A system includes a user interface module, a level determination module, and a level storage module. The user interface module outputs an oil level request based on user input. The level determination module determines N oil levels of an engine. N is an integer greater than one. The level storage module stores the N oil levels and outputs one of the N oil levels in response to the oil level request.

Abstract: The techniques for resolving asynchronous clock times include determining at least a high resolution time period and a low resolution time period for a clock of a first time domain, generating a plurality of sequenced transition signals for the high resolution time period where each sequenced transition signal corresponds to a respective bit transition period of the high resolution clock of the first time domain, encoding the plurality of sequenced transition signals for the high resolution time period into a high resolution vector, and encoding the low resolution time period into a low resolution vector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote meter reading method and system of the type that may be poled by wireless communication. Other remote reading systems require a periodic change of batteries used to supply the power to the communication and other systems used in the remote meters. The present invention mitigates this need by using the water and gas flow into homes or other buildings to generate power used to recharge those batteries.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a policy-based residential networked meter can be an energy switch router device (ESRD) that provides policy-based advanced metering, load control and shaping, energy services delivery and accounting, and secure web services interfaces and internetworking communications. The ESRD can be integrated and inter-related with advanced policy-based sensory, metrology, monitoring, control, recording, classification, prioritization, security, routing, and switching functions. The ESRD may be used to sense, measure, meter, and control electrical service flows to the utility service point at the customer premise, and may be configured and managed with one or more policy-based networking methods.

Abstract: There is provided a light-emitting device including a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with another device, a light-emitting unit that emits light, and a control unit that performs control by switching between a mode in which the light emission of the light-emitting unit is controlled in accordance with a timing at which a signal is received by the wireless communication unit and a mode in which the light emission of the light-emitting unit is controlled in accordance with an internal timer based on a light emission timing included in a signal received from the other device by the wireless communication unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (S) for measuring the position of a coupling member (1) that comprises a shaft part (2), a first flange (3), a second flange (4) and a first resilient bushing (5), which secures the first flange (3) to the shaft part (2), and a second resilient bushing (6), which secures the second flange (4) to the shaft part (2). Each resilient bushing (5, 6) is arranged with a resilient yield between the respective flange (3, 4) and the shaft part (2). The flanges (3, 4) are intended to be secured to a respective first shaft (7) and second shaft (8). When the coupling member (1) is placed between the first shaft (7) and the second shaft (8), it is intended to transfer a rotation movement from the first shaft (7) to the second shaft (8).

Abstract: Technologies are generally disclosed for systems and methods for monitoring a liquid. An illustrative method may include disposing one or more sensors in the liquid, sensing one or more properties exhibited by the liquid using the one or more sensors, producing sensed data from the properties by the one or more sensors, encoding the sensed data into an acoustic signal by the one or more sensors, transmitting the acoustic signal through the liquid by the one or more sensors and receiving the acoustic signal by one or more sound receiving devices.

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 disclosed telemetry system comprises an Nth number of telemetry devices and an equal number of standard disposable circular electrode patches. A body of each telemetry device in the system includes a female snap receptor configured to attach to a single male snap post of an electrode patch. A wireless transmitter module is disposed immediately around and in direct connection with each female snap receptor. Each wireless transmitter module transmits a signal from the respective female snap receptor to a receiver. A wireless receiver module is configured to receive and to process an Nth number of transmitted signals from the Nth number of telemetry devices into an Nth?1 number of signals where the number of signals is greater than zero. There are Nth?1 number of signals because at least one of the Nth telemetry devices is configured as a ground reference for the rest of the Nth telemetry devices.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for monitoring the consumption of a plurality of metered resources. The techniques involve receiving a KYZ pulse from a first utility meter, where the first utility meter is coupled to a source of one of the metered resources, and where the first utility meter outputs the KYZ pulse based on a predefined amount of metered resource being passed through the utility meter. A first counter is incremented, where the first counter is associated with the utility meter and stored in a memory.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system uses read difficulty factors (RDFs) to improve tag-parameter estimation. During inventory, a reader can obtain a tag's item identifier (II), determine a read metric such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), retrieve an RDF associated with the II, and adjust the RSSI using the RDF to more accurately estimate a tag parameter such as distance from the reader antenna. The system can then use the estimated distance to categorize the tag.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system and method that packages, transmits, receives, decodes, stores, and distributes data sent from remote monitoring devices via a wireless network and that provides manufacturers with reduced wireless manufacturing expenses, data collection costs, dissemination costs, and wireless network access fees.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting a property of or within an absorbent article. The system may comprise a first sensor and a first transmitter. The sensor may be disposed in or on the absorbent article. The sensor may have a first status and may be capable of changing to a second status. The first transmitter may be capable of sensing a change in status of the sensor from the first status to the second status. The first transmitter may be capable of checking the status of the sensor noncontinuously. The first transmitter may programmed to check the status of the first sensor at least every 5 minutes but not longer than every 2 hours.

Abstract: A method for generating sensor data is presented. A number of wireless power signals is sent to a group of sensor units. A number of wireless data collection signals is sent to the group of sensor units after the number of wireless power signals have been sent to the group of sensor units. Sensor data in a number of wireless response signals is received from the group of sensor units.

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 (both network and device related) and methodology subject matters relating to uplink routing without requiring a routing table.

Abstract: A communication method between a collecting unit (5) and a plurality of control devices (7i), each of which is associated with at least an electrical device 1(i) via the power line. Messages are exchanged between the collecting unit (5) and the control devices (7i), each of which contains at least: a progressive message number (Pr_N); an addressee identification number assigned to each control device and to the collecting unit. The messages are therefore addressable selectively to a specific control device via said addressee identification number.

Abstract: A method for continually controlling the collective behavior of a set of computing devices in a distributed data processing system. A gateway node disseminates a specification request comprising a set of parameters to a set of computing devices. The gateway node may be unaware of the number and identity of individual computing devices. Each computing node receiving the request determines whether its attributes satisfy the predicates expressed in the specification request. If so, the node processes the parameters in the specification request and modifies its own behavior based on the values in the parameters of the specification request. Subsequently, the gateway node may also observe the quality of information (QoI) values communicated from the set of computing devices. The gateway node iteratively modifies the parameters disseminated in subsequent specification requests based on a divergence between a computed quality of information value and a desired quality of information value.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a network device having a plurality of hardware interfaces is disclosed. The network device includes a central processing unit and a main circuit board. The main circuit board has expansion slots that receivably connect corresponding secondary circuit boards to the main circuit board. The main circuit board also has sensors for detecting predetermined parameters. A voltage regulator is operative to regulate one or more particular expansion slots, in response to detection of a predetermined parameter associated with respective slots.

Abstract: A meter reader for reading a meter have a display portion displaying a total output of a quantity being metered and plural incremental outputs defining the total output. The meter reader includes a sensing mechanism for sensing one of the plural incremental outputs in the meter display portion, and a processing unit coupled to the sensing mechanism for accumulating incremental outputs sensed by the sensing mechanism and for determining accumulated meter output over a time period based on the accumulated incremental outputs. Also included is an output mechanism for outputting the accumulated meter output determined by the processing unit. In one example, the sensing mechanism includes a sensor for sensing only a least significant incremental output in usage included in the meter display portion, and an emitter for illuminating the least significant incremental output included in the meter display portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a monitoring system that is capable of monitoring data from sensors using both wired and wireless communication links. A wide variety of sensors can be utilized with various monitoring systems through the use of an interface device that translates the communication protocol of the sensors to the communication protocol of the monitoring device. In this fashion, the sensors can be mass produced at lower prices to reduce the overall cost of the sensors, as well as providing a wide variety of sensors. Interface devices can also be mass produced, which also lowers the overall cost of the sensing system.

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

Abstract: In the process of coating pharmaceutical tablets in a moving bed, the temperature of the tablets is measured by incorporating a temperature transducer in the form of tablet into the bed of tablets, and transmitting temperature data to an external receiver by wireless telemetry.

Abstract: A system for using telemetry data based on a user habit information includes one or more sensors coupled to a wearable device that has a unique user ID, and acquires user information selected from of at least one of, a user's activities, behaviors and habit information. The wearable device includes ID circuitry that includes ID storage, a communication system which reads and transmits the unique ID from the ID storage, a power source and a pathway system to route signals through the circuitry. The telemetry system communicates with the one or more sensors. The telemetry system includes a database of user ID's. Telemetry data is analyzed using the telemetry system based on at least one of, user's activities, behaviors and habit information. Personalized information about the user is created.

Abstract: A water pressure sensing system for self-propelled irrigation systems has a waterline pressure sensing device mounted at the outermost sprinkler in wireless communications with a master control unit (MCU) mounted elsewhere on the irrigation system. The waterline pressure sensing device includes a water pressure sensor and a processor to detect changes in waterline pressure, in addition to a short-range radio for wireless communication with the MCU. The MCU includes a short-range radio for wireless communication with the water pressure sensing device, a processor for processing the received waterline pressure status data, and a long-range transmitter for relaying this data to a remote internet-connected central computer. The remote central computer alerts mobile operator devices to inform the operator of the waterline pressure status.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for monitoring a physiological parameter of players engaged in a sporting activity. The system includes a plurality of reporting units, a controller, and a signaling device. The reporting unit has an arrangement of sensing devices that measure the physiological parameter of an individual player and generate parameter data. The controller receives the parameter data transmitted from each reporting unit and then processes the parameter data to calculate a parameter result. When the parameter result exceeds a predetermined value, the controller communicates with a signaling device that provides an alert to sideline personnel to monitor the player(s) in question. The system also includes a remote storage device for holding historical data collected by the system which permits subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating at least one of a dynamic motion of a portion of interest of a drill string and a static parameter associated with the portion of interest, the apparatus having: a plurality of sensors operatively associated with the drill string at at least one location other than the portion of interest; and a processing system coupled to the plurality of sensors, the processing system configured to estimate at least one of the dynamic motion and the static parameter using a measurement from the plurality of sensors as input.

Abstract: A meter data management system includes one or more application servers configured to receive, validate and estimate received meter data. The one or more application servers may include various memory/media elements for storing raw and transformed meter data as well as software in the form of computer-executable instructions, which are executed by a processor to implement a variety of functions, including establishing a mapping between the plurality of external devices and a plurality of preconfigured processing workbins (e.g., collections of meter channels in the same time zones), transforming the received meter data into a plurality of data files identified by timing parameter and workbin, validating data provided in each data file, estimating missing or invalid data, and automatically writing validated (and optionally estimated) data as import files to a database server. Such clean data files are then imported to one or more dedicated databases installed on the database server.