Abstract: A method of collecting weather data includes determining probable occurrences of weather events. Contact information corresponding to a plurality of users is maintained. Weather collection devices are sent to the plurality of users prior to the occurrence of the probable weather event. Data is collected by the weather collection devices upon the actual occurrence of the probable weather event.

Abstract: A method and system to curtail electrical use of a residential or commercial establishment to prevent a user from exceeding a user defined threshold amount. The method and system may monitor and control individual electrical components.

Abstract: A method for analyzing formation data includes decomposing the formation data into simple components that can be used to reconstruct the formation data, wherein the decomposing is performed at a first location and includes a process to minimize an overlap between the simple components; and transmitting parameters representing the simple components to a second location for reconstructing the formation data. A system for analyzing formation data that includes a processor and a memory that stores a program having instructions for decomposing the formation data into simple components that can be used to reconstruct the formation data, wherein the decomposing is performed at a first location and includes a process to minimize an overlap between the simple components; and transmitting parameters representing the simple components to a second location for reconstructing the formation data.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for managing containers through RF communication and to a container position tracking and real-time management system employing RF, in which safety information and management information of a container are obtained by a sensor and a wireless terminal device attached to a container, the position of the container is tracked until it reaches its destination through a reader through RF communication, environments within the container are monitored in real-time for safe transportation, and security and crime prevention functions are carried out.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.

Abstract: A handheld, portable device is used to store data that indicates an operator was sufficiently close to each of a plurality of components during a safety inspection to actually inspect the components. The portable device includes a sensor that detects tokens, such as radio frequency identification tags, which are affixed adjacent to the components. Messages appearing on a display of the portable device prompt the operator to proceed to each checkpoint, determine a state of the component disposed there, and if the component is not operating properly, indicate a plurality of predefined conditions from which the operator can choose to identify the observed condition of the component. The state and condition of each component entered during the safety inspection are stored as data that are subsequently transferred to a remote data storage site over a wire or wireless link.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a computer system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals from the computer system and validates the telemetric signals using a nonlinear, nonparametric regression technique. Next, the system assesses the integrity of a power supply unit (PSU) in the computer system by comparing the telemetric signals to one or more reference telemetric signals associated with the computer system. If the assessed integrity falls below a threshold, the system performs a remedial action for the computer system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ a distributed algorithm to enable sensor nodes in a sensor network to adaptively self-configure into sensor clusters to provide a desired higher-level functionality.

Abstract: A bio-information monitoring system is provided. The bio-information monitoring system comprises a wireless sensor and a first wireless network node. The wireless sensor senses at least a bio-information. The first wireless network node collects the bio-information, wherein the bio-information is monitored in response to a command from a second wireless network node to the first wireless network node.

Abstract: System and method for detecting partial discharge arcing phenomena in a power network distribution system which employs a mobile receiving assemblage including a wideband antenna, a computer controllable wideband radio receiver deriving an amplitude detected output and a global positioning system providing system position data. The amplitude detected outputs are digitized and treated with a digital signal processor based analysis including fast Fourier transforms extracting narrowband signal frequencies that are harmonically related to the network fundamental frequency. The narrowband signal frequencies are analyzed for peak amplitudes which are summed to derive maintenance merit values related to the arcing phenomena.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and device for operating a circuit. In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and device that may allow an observant Jew to operate a circuit on the Sabbath or on the Jewish holidays. Embodiments of the present invention may include a combination of mitigating factors which may allow an observant Jew to operate a circuit on the Sabbath or on a Jewish holiday.

Abstract: In an encoder constituted from a detection part (a light-emitting part, rotating disk, and light-receiving part), which detects a signal corresponding to the state of a specimen, and calculates and stores the position information of the specimen from a signal outputted from this detection part, and a signal processing part for transmitting the stored position information to a host machine by way of serial communications, the signal processing part being constituted having: a two-way communication mode M1 for receiving command data from the host machine, and, when this command data is a two-way communication request command (commands A through C), transmitting the requested position information and the like to the host machine; a one-way communication mode M2 for transmitting the position information to the host machine by executing one-way transmission processing S105 when the command data is a one-way communication request command (command P); and a quasi one-way communication mode M3 for transmitting the po

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method to deactivate a utility meter. In one exemplary embodiment, the method includes the step of reading a first status indicator associated with the utility meter in a memory of a utility meter management host processor, and the step of determining if the status of the utility meter is active. The method further includes the step of sending a first deactivation request message from the utility meter management host processor to an on-premise processor, and the step of deactivating the utility meter. The method further includes the step of sending a first acknowledgement deactivation message from the on-premise processor to the utility meter management host processor, and the step of recording, in the memory of the utility meter management host processor, a date and an activation status indicator associated with the utility meter.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system distinguishes a mounted tire from a non-mounted tire, and which automatically changes over IDs and tire-pressure thresholds without any exclusive apparatuses. A tire pressure monitoring unit stores an identification code of a tire pressure sensor unit and a tire-pressure set value as a pair. While a vehicle is traveling at a speed equal to or faster than a predetermined vehicle speed, if an identification code received within a predetermined time coincides with any one of identification codes of registered tires and the number of coinciding identification codes is equal to the number of tires, and, at least one of the coinciding identification codes is an identification code other than specified identification codes, the specified identification codes are replaced with those coinciding identification codes which are newly specified as respective identification codes of tire pressure sensor units mounted in tires mounted on the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensing and context management architecture that can detect that a user is interacting with a given device and in an associated context, and in response thereto, manages device processes as the user moves from device to device, location to location, and/or context to context. The invention comprises a system that facilitates management of a user situation or context. A sensing component is provided that senses a context of a user by way of one or more sensors and/or a particular device with which the user is interacting in the context, for example, and a management component that manages the device and/or one or more services in the context according to rules or inferences user preferences, sensed observations, and user input data.

Abstract: A signal monitoring circuit includes a plurality of sensors, a meter chip, a micro control unit (MCU), and a multiplexer. The sensors are adapted for collecting electrical signals of an electrical system, and each of the sensors correspondingly generates an output signal. The multiplexer is adapted for receiving the output signal of each of the sensors. The MCU controls the multiplexer to selectively output one of the output signals. The meter chip receives the selected one of output signals from the multiplexer and generates corresponding meter signals to the MCU.

Abstract: A transmission system for a measurement device on a coordinate positioning apparatus comprises a station (18) mounted on the measuring device (10) and a station (20) mounted on the coordinate positioning apparatus (22), wherein the stations communicate with each other using a spread spectrum radio link, for example frequency hopping. The station on the probe sends a regular signal and on receiving the signal the station on the coordinate positioning apparatus synchronises its clock and sends an acknowledgement signal. Measurement data is either sent in the regular signal or in a measurement event driven signal.

Abstract: An elevated mesh network supported and operably coupled to street lamps can be used to remotely monitor and control field devices. The packet transceiver modules of the mesh network can also be coupled to sensors that monitor operation of a street lamp as well as environmental conditions. The elevated mesh network supported by street lamps can use RF links to couple with one or more remote field devices that also have packet transceiver modules. The elevated mesh network can also include a communications gateway that couples the elevated mesh network to an asynchronous communications system. The communications gateway is a store and forward system that can periodically connect to the asynchronous communications system in order to upload compressed data derived from the remote field devices. The asynchronous communications system can connect the elevated mesh network to a back-end computer system that may monitor, diagnose, and control the remote field devices.

Abstract: A system and method for activating an inactive telematics unit provides a group of communications functions to the telematics unit. Initially, a call is received at a call center from a user of the telematics unit, through which subscriber information is obtained. An account data set is created at the call center based on the subscriber information and the call center advisor sets an activation trigger in the telematics unit. When the trigger condition occurs, the telematics unit places a VDU call to the call center. The call center then automatically activates and configures the telematics unit via the VDU call to provide the group of one or more communications functions.

Abstract: A computerized security system which enhances the security provided by watchdogs on a given premises by analyzing the auditory and physiological indications given by the dogs to assess the level of security at any point in time. By attaching sensors to the dogs and placing microphones in their proximity the system continuously collects information about the dogs' auditory and physiological behavior, and according to predetermined parameters it assesses the watchdogs' physiological and emotional state. Having concluded that any of the dogs sense a threat or has been neutralized in any way the system may update the state of security on the users' security terminals. The system determines between three possible security states: no alert when no irregular activity is registered, medium alert if the dogs indicate a state of moderate alertness and high incase there are indications for a definite hostile presence.

Abstract: A telemetry system is disclosed herein. The telemetry system includes a transmitter/monitor configured to provide tracking data and monitoring data, and a receiver adapted to define a coverage area. The receiver is configured to receive the tracking data and the monitoring data from the transmitter/monitor when the transmitter/monitor is within the coverage area. The telemetry system also includes a processor configured to receive the tracking data and the monitoring data from the receiver, analyze the tracking data and the monitoring data, and identify an alarm condition based on the analysis of the tracking data and the monitoring data.

Abstract: A computer processor implemented method of measuring, monitoring, comparing and diagnosing the power generated of at least two renewable power systems provided to at least two consumers and alerting at least one of consumers in the event of comparative underperformance, the method taking into account at least two diagnostic variables including weather and the renewable power system cover status (such as covered by snow), wherein the at least one data server determines comparative information for a predetermined geographic area based upon at least two diagnostic variables, and at least two normalized performances to provide a comparative value; and informing the consumer of the comparative value in the event of an underperforming comparative value.

Abstract: An electronic system includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated sensor transponder. The sensor transponder includes a reader and a remotely powered and remotely interrogated sensor transponder. The sensor transponder includes a sensor and a radiation receiving device. Data from the sensor is conditioned to provide sensor data ratiometric with magnitude of excitation voltage provided by the radiation receiving device.

Abstract: A slag discharge condition monitoring apparatus and a method for monitoring a slag discharge condition that are capable of preventing the detection accuracy of the slag discharge condition from being lowered due to scaling-up of a coal gasification facility, especially a coal gasification furnace, are provided. A slag discharge condition monitoring apparatus to be mounted in a furnace facility that processes molten slag produced within a furnace by dripping the molten slag from a slag hole provided on a furnace bottom into cooling water outside the furnace includes an underwater microphone provided in the cooling water substantially equidistant from each of a pair of slag taps that are disposed opposite each other and that cause the molten slag to flow into a slag hole.

Abstract: A method of collecting weather data includes determining probable occurrences of weather events. Contact information corresponding to a plurality of users is maintained. Weather collection devices are sent to the plurality of users prior to the occurrence of the probable weather event. Data is collected by the weather collection devices upon the actual occurrence of the probable weather event.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter that preferably includes a transmitter output circuit that provides bidirectional HART and controller area network communication transceiver lines. The transmitter output circuit also includes sensor circuit interface contacts. An isolated circuit couples to the sensor circuit interface contacts. The isolated circuit includes sensor circuitry sensing a process variable. The isolated circuit further comprises a galvanic isolation barrier galvanically isolating the sensor circuitry from the HART and controller area network transceiver lines. A stacked power supply provides power management. Other aspects may include a controller area network current limiter diagnostic output, timed sequencing of microcontroller startup and shutdown, a local operator interface and power management.

Abstract: A distributed monitoring system for a structure.

Abstract: A sensing system for sensing conditions or characteristics associated with a process or thing. The sensing system includes one or more energy converters and a sensor, which are coupled to the process or thing. A node is coupled to the sensor and the energy-converter, and the node is powered by output from the energy converter. In a more specific embodiment, the node includes a controller that implements one or more routines for selectively powering a wireless transmitter of the node based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition may specify that sensor output values are within a predetermined range or are below or above a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may specify that electrical energy output from the energy converter is below a predetermined threshold. A remote computer may be wirelessly connected to node and may include software and/or hardware that is adapted to process information output by the sensor and relayed to the computer via the node.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: Provided are a capsule endoscopy system, a medical system, and an operation method of the medical system. A control device outside a human body and two or more implantable medical devices (e.g. capsule endoscopes) form a network with each other, and the two or more implantable medical devices divisionally perform investigation, identification, and treatment while cooperating with each other, by controlling the control device outside the human body.

Abstract: An integrated, self-powered, sensing and transmitting module (300) that can be placed within an operating environment, such as by being affixed to a gas turbine engine component, in order to sense the local operating environment and to deliver real-time operating environment data to a location outside of the environment. Such a module may integrate a power element (302); a sensing element 9304); and a transmitting element (308) on a single substrate (320) within a single housing (310). Both sensors and circuitry components are formed directly on or in the substrate in novel configurations to decrease the size and weight of the module.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring a machine. In one implementation, a system for monitoring the machine includes a monitoring server in communication with a machine. The monitoring server receives data from the machine, estimates, based on the received data, an operating condition of the machine, and estimates a depreciation value of the machine based on the operating condition.

Abstract: A self-powered current loop transmitter transmits a process variable over a wireless link, deriving operating power from the current which drives the loop. A storage capacitor is connected across the system input terminals through a switch to provide the operating power for the system components.

Abstract: A method for reporting at least one detected active threat to the homeland security (HS). Each threat is either hidden inside at least one cargo container before transit, or is placed inside at least one cargo container while in transit. Each threat while interacting with its surrounding generates a unique threat signature.

Abstract: A system (30) includes an analysis engine (34) and a notification engine (38) for selective notification of a condition (72) of an apparatus (26) monitored by a monitoring device (28). A method executed by the system (30) receives (116) data elements (58) from the monitoring device (28), processes (118) the data elements (58) to detect the condition (72) of the apparatus (26), and determines that the condition (72) defines an exception (74) to a normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26). A first notice (60) of the condition (72) is conveyed (146) to a responsible party (59) at a first instance of determination of the exception (74), and conveyance of a second notice (60) is prevented (140) at a second, subsequent, instance of determination of the exception (74). In addition, communication of the normal condition (70) of the apparatus (26) is prevented.

Abstract: A device for continuous measurement of the forces acting upon a movable compressible playable object is provided with at least one transmitter communicating with at least one receiver outside the movable object. The at least one receiver transforms signals received and evaluates them online. The movable compressible playable object, for instance a ball, includes at least one pressure sensor and/or at least one three-dimensional acceleration sensor as well as a converter for transforming signals therefrom to transmit them to the transmitter. A method for the use of this device causes activation of the transmitter in the movable object so that a system is created for the measurement of the forces acting upon such an object wherein the received measuring signals are present in evaluated form, online or offline, to be analyzed. By means of the activation method, the active sensor system is initiated to receive and transmit measuring signals.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for dynamically tasking one or more surveillance resources includes a first logical layer identifying a collection requirement (CR) and a second logical layer identifying one or more surveillance resources in the CR. Each of the surveillance resources includes one or more sensors. The system also includes a third logical layer specifying how each of the sensors in the surveillance resources in the CR should carry out surveillance.

Abstract: A wear monitor for footgear can indicate when a shoe or component may have exceeded its expected useful life. The indication can be triggered by a measure of use, such as steps taken or distance accrued in the shoes, either through estimation or actual measurements. The monitor can take into account varies parameters related to the individual wearer of the shoe and environmental factors to more accurately determine when a pair of shoes has reached a wear out period. By employing sensors, the monitor can also be measure certain operating parameters of the shoe, such as the loss of a critical amount of resilience, and indicating to the wearer that the shoes are no longer adequate to protect the wearer from injury. The wear monitor can be fabricated into the shoe during manufacturing or can be a portable stand-alone device and can employ various technologies to provide a status indication to the wearer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that allow a user to monitor, diagnose, and configure a process. A user interface may be presented that displays data received from process monitors, sensors, and multivariate models. The user interface may be interactive, allowing a user to select which composite and multivariate models are displayed. The user interface and multivariate model may be constructed and updated in real time. The user interface may present various data and interfaces, such as a representation of a composite variable in a multivariate model, a representation of the contribution of process variables to the composite variable, and a representation of a subset of the process variables. The user may select a point of the composite variable for analysis, and the interface may indicate the contribution and values of process variables at the selected point. The interface may be transmitted to a remote user.

Abstract: A device that fits inside a transport pod communicating with the slots of the transport pod so that the device can be inserted and removed from the transport pod. The transport pods are for silicon wafers. The device has sensors that monitor the environment within the transport pod. Depending on the device's size, silicon wafers may be able to accompany the device so that the device can monitor the precise environment the silicon wafers are exposed to while inside the transport pod. The device may also be placed in a transport pod and run through the manufacturing process as one transport pod in a series. The results on the environmental monitoring can be used for alarms and monitoring or data logging to improve the yield of the silicon wafers.

Abstract: A frequency transmitter and receiver system and apparatus to facilitate communication, care and intervention during critical events. The system communicates either directly or indirectly with medical monitors and sensors, which measure and collect a subject's physiological data and vital signs information. The system communicates with a two-way mobile communication device in order to help facilitate transmission and/or reception of information. When a critical event is detected, a radio frequency transmitter and receiver apparatus can communicate to a two-way mobile communication device that is configured to communicate with the monitor to transmit data and location coordinates of the subject to the service provider, and it initiates a conference call with emergency contacts to facilitate aid to the subject. The radio frequency transmitter and receiver apparatus may include a speaker and GPS technology.

Abstract: Tracking vibrations on a pipeline network includes installing multiple vibration recorders on the pipeline network, with each recorder including a sensor, a timer, a processor, and a digital communication device. At each vibration recorder, vibration signals are received from the sensor at programmed times under the control of the processor of the vibration recorders and processed by the processor. The processed vibration signals are communicated from the vibration recorder to a reader device using the digital communication device. Thereafter, the processed vibration signals from the one or more reader devices are collected at a central computer system. Finally, the collected processed vibrations signals are analyzed at the central computer system to determine abnormal vibration patterns and to obtain measures of any leaks present in the pipeline network.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a wireless communication system for medical sensor data. This communications system includes a portable unit that connects to a wireless sensor and a monitor unit that connects to a sensor monitor. Once activated, the units will self organize into a wireless communication structure controlled by the portable unit. As other pairs of units activate, they can self-organize their transmissions by joining an existing network or by creating new networks.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide apparatuses, methods, and systems that support measuring and conveying energy consumption by an electrical device. An apparatus includes an energy sensor that measures an incremental energy value consumed by an electrical device. Apparatus obtains the incremental energy value, accumulates an energy usage measurement in accordance with the incremental energy value, provides requested information about energy consumption of the electrical device in response to a request from a network controller, and adjusts the energy usage measurement in accordance with the requested information. The total energy consumption may be partitioned into at least one energy component, in which the at least one energy component corresponds to the energy consumption of the electrical device during an associated time interval. A network controller may use the energy consumption information to determine a new set temperature for a thermostat unit that instructs the device control logic.

Abstract: A wireless electronic monitor for a container such as an aquarium is described. The apparatus comprises a sense and transmit assembly (STA) 15 configured with a pH sensor 6 submerged in the water inside the aquarium, and a receive and display assembly (RDA) 33 that displays the output of the sensor 6. A line-of-sight orientation is maintained between openings in each assembly using magnets to generate a clamping force on a transparent tank wall 16. A water test button 22 is pressed, and a single pulse of light travels from the RDA 33 to the STA 15. The single pulse of light turns the STA 15 on by closing a timed switch to the battery power. The pH sensor 6 output is converted to a train of frequency-modulated pulses of light that are transmitted back to the RDA 33. The frequency of the train of light pulses is determined by a CPU in the RDA 33, and assigned a pH value from calibration tables stored in electronic memory.

Abstract: A coffee brewing apparatus comprises a corresponding coffee brewer as well as a sensor that is configured and arranged to sense food components as used by that means for brewing coffee beverages. This coffee brewing apparatus then further comprises an external network interface that is configured and arranged to facilitate interfacing with a remote resource (or resources). The coffee brewing apparatus can further comprise an end user interface and a processor that is operably coupled to the sensor, the external network interface, and the end user interface and that is configured and arranged to independently use information regarding food components as are used by the means for brewing coffee beverages to facilitate obtaining corresponding responsive information from the remote resource and to then present that information to an end user via the end user interface.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.