Abstract: A home system includes a server having a first wireless communication port, and a plurality of devices, such as sensors. Each one of the devices includes a corresponding second wireless communication port. One or more of the devices is a timer/reminder sensor device associated with an object of interest. The timer/reminder sensor device includes a timer mechanism having a time input and an output. The timer mechanism is associated with the object and is adapted to input a time interval from the time input, time for the time interval and then responsively output to the output. The timer mechanism communicates the time input and the output of the timer mechanism between the second wireless communication port of the timer/reminder sensor device and the first wireless communication port of the server.

Abstract: A method for automatically cutting off power in case of a low battery voltage in a mobile electronic unit is provided. The method comprises (a) cutting off the power of the mobile electronic unit when a battery voltage is detected in a first check section during a booting period of the mobile electronic unit that is not in a normal state, and (b) cutting off the power of the mobile electronic unit when the battery voltage detected with respect to the first check section is in the normal state and when a battery voltage is detected in a second check section during a period after booting of the mobile electronic unit is completed that is not in the normal state.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for starting a mobile communications device are disclosed. The mobile communications device is operated by a device user. The device includes an output device for emitting a sensible signal. An input device receives user input from the device user. An alarm application receives an input time and date through the input device and determines an adjusted time and date. The adjusted time and date comprises the input time and date minus a predicted boot time for the device. The alarm application also causes the output device to emit the sensible signal at the input time and date. A system timer component monitors a current time and date when the device is in a low-power or off state and initiates a boot process when the current time and date match the adjusted time and date. The boot process is completed prior to the input time and date to enable the alarm application to cause emission of the sensible signal at the input time and date.

Abstract: Monitoring the health of a system module can be carried out during state transitioning, for example when starting or stopping a system module. A monitor module can be operationally connected to the system module. The system module can output a status signal for predetermined system status points during state transitioning. The monitor module can start a timer on detecting a first status signal and can reset the timer on detecting a subsequent status signal. The timer can indicate a failed transitioning of the system module in the event that the timer is not reset within a determined period of being reset.

Abstract: A performance monitor includes at least one Monitor Mode Control Register (MMCR) and plural Performance Control Monitors (PMCs). Each PMC is controlled by the MMCR to pair or group the PMCs so that the overflow from one PMC can be directed to its pair/group. By coupling the PMCs so that overflow from one can be directed to another, the effective size of the counters can be increased.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that processes time series, event and/or activity data of a process according to a data structure is disclosed. The data structure defines one or more activities that frame the time series, event and/or activity data. Each activity and each event has one or more attributes. Each attribute has a value. At least one of the attributes defines an interval of the activity by start and end times. Another attribute includes a time varying parameter that represents the time series data. Another attribute defines a time stamp of an event. The time varying parameter is linked to a device that produces the time series data when the process is run. The time series, event and/or activity data is collected and processed according to the data structure for storage in and/or retrieval from a memory.

Abstract: A performance monitor includes at least one Monitor Mode Control Register (MMCR) and plural Performance Control Monitors (PMCs). Each PMC is controlled by the MMCR to pair or group the PMCs so that the overflow from one PMC can be directed to its pair/group. By coupling the PMCs so that overflow from one can be directed to another, the effective size of the counters can be increased.

Abstract: A target processor performance level is calculated from a utilisation history of a processor in performance of a plurality of processing tasks. The method comprises calculating a task work value indicating processor utilisation in performing a given processing task within a predetermined task time-interval and calculating a target processor performance level in dependence upon the task work value.

Abstract: An automated system and method for conducting a usability test. The system conducts the usability test and records events that occur on the computer screen in sync with both the video and audio of the user and creates a complete chronicle of events that occur behind the scenes in the applications and the operating system. The system, depending upon the settings specified in the configuration, also captures other input streams and then saves the complete recording of the usability test, along with all the desired events and captures, in a file format. The system allows a remote viewer to observe, in real time, the recording of the usability test and to set markers at critical moments during the recording which are to be recorded. The system also allows the manager or administrator to configure the preferences, import and analyze the usability test and recording files, and prepare presentation videos of the usability test based upon the analyzed criteria.

Abstract: A device for measuring electrical energy in an electric circuit is disclosed. The device includes at least one sensor coupled with the electric circuit and operative to sense at least one electrical parameter in the electric circuit and generate at least one analog signal indicative thereof. The device also includes at least one analog to digital converter coupled with the at least one sensor and operative to convert the at least one analog signal to at least one digital sample and a time synchronization receiver operative to generate a time synchronization signal. Further, the device includes a processor coupled with the at least one analog to digital converter and the time synchronization receiver, the processor operative to alter a timing clock signal based on the time synchronization signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to evaluate whether a statistical time delay (TD) between a first event and a second event of a device under test is better than a test limit (TL). The method includes the steps: performing a minimum number N of tests and evaluating the time delay (TD) from each test; modeling a first probability distribution (P1) of the evaluated time delays (TD); obtaining a second probability distribution (P2) of the evaluated time delays (TD); performing a statistical transformation in order to obtain a third probability distribution (P3) of the evaluated time delays (TD); and deciding to pass the device under test, if a certain percentage of the area of the third probability distribution (P3) is on a good side (GS) of the test limit (TL2).

Abstract: A circuit and related method for distributing events in an event stream (i.e., an electronic signal having a plurality of rising edge transitions and falling edge transitions). The circuit distributes the events in a primary event stream across multiple secondary event streams in such a way that the event rate in each of the secondary event streams is lower than the event rate in the primary event stream, but the relative timing of the events in the primary event stream is maintained in each of the secondary event streams. The secondary event streams can then be provided to respective timestamp circuits, which record the times at which events occur in the secondary event streams. Since the relative timing of the events in the primary event stream is maintained in each of the secondary event streams, the multiple timestamp circuits collectively record the times at which events occur in the primary event stream. The circuit and related method can be used when debugging/testing semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A worker management device comprises time clocks (CL1) provided in a plurality of work places for having worker's entrance and exit times recorded therein and managing means (CL2) for inputting time recording information from the respective time clocks and managing the work place where the worker entered and exited and how long he/she has engaged therein. The time clocks each comprise fingerprint inputting means (CL11) for inputting a fingerprint of each worker, worker specifying means for having personal information and fingerprint information of each worker stored therein in advance, conducting collation of the input fingerprint with the fingerprint inputting means to specify the worker, and time recording means (CL13) for having worker's entrance and exit times recorded therein on the basis of the specification of the worker by the worker specifying means.

Abstract: System and method providing surveillance of an asset such as a process and/or apparatus by providing training and surveillance procedures that numerically fit a probability density function to an observed residual error signal distribution that is correlative to normal asset operation and then utilizes the fitted probability density function in a dynamic statistical hypothesis test for providing improved asset surveillance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method support the synchronization and calibration of a plurality of clocks in a medical device system that may provide treatment to a patient with a nervous system disorder. The plurality of clocks, which may be located at different components of the medical device system, includes a first clock and a second clock. The second clock may be synchronized to a first clock by disabling a run mode operation and setting the second clock to a selected time. When a reference time of the first clock approximately equals the selected time, the second clock enables the run mode operation. Additionally, a drift time that is indicative of a time difference between the first clock and the second clock is determined. If the drift time is greater than a predetermined amount, an indication to resynchronize the first and second clocks is provided.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize a multi-point data acquisition apparatus which enables communication with multiple measurement modules at high speed. The present invention improves upon a multi-point data acquisition apparatus comprising a main module which performs serial communication through a serial bus to multiple measurement modules connected to a single-system serial bus.

Abstract: A combination of a racecourse and a plurality of racing vehicles where the racecourse has a predefined path defined by at least one gate. This gate further includes a unique identifier. Each of the plurality of racing vehicles has a sensor capable of detecting the unique identifier and the sensor is further coupled to a logic circuit and to a transmitter. A scoreboard has receiver to receive information from the transmitter and display that information, such as lap speed and ranking, according to a desired format. Alternatively, the unique identifier is mounted to the racing vehicle and the sensor to the gate.

Abstract: A time and work tracker that automatically collects and analyzes information about time and work performed on a wireless device is described herein. According to the present invention, a time and work tracking function is initiated on a wireless device. Thereafter, a user begins to perform work on the wireless device. As the user works, the tracking function on the wireless device collects data relating to the activities performed by the user. The collected data is then analyzed to determine what types of work the user has actually performed.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is provided with multiple data processing components associated with respective sources which generate trace data streams. A reference timestamp generator is provided and the trace data streams are annotated such that they are output off-chip together with reference timestamp data. Outputting the reference timestamp data together with the trace data streams enables temporal correlation between points in different trace data streams by trace analysis tools.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for starting a mobile communications device are disclosed. The mobile communications device is operated by a device user. The device includes an output device for emitting a sensible signal. An input device receives user input from the device user. An alarm application receives an input time and date through the input device and determines an adjusted time and date. The adjusted time and date comprises the input time and date minus a predicted boot time for the device. The alarm application also causes the output device to emit the sensible signal at the input time and date. A system timer component monitors a current time and date when the device is in a low-power or off state and initiates a boot process when the current time and date match the adjusted time and date. The boot process is completed prior to the input time and date to enable the alarm application to cause emission of the sensible signal at the input time and date.

Abstract: A method (300) for detecting excessive use of a data processing system, such as a computer or a video game, is disclosed. In a first embodiment of the invention, the method estimates (315 340, 365) the length of a period of continuous use of the system, typically a computer. When the estimated period reaches a pre-set threshold value, a warning is provided to the user (325, 345), in order to discourage he or she from looking at the monitor. In a different embodiment of the invention, the system (typically a video game) is disabled when its usage during the current day reaches a further pre-set threshold value. In this way, parents may limit the daily usage of video games by their children.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for tracking utilization data for an electronic device, the electronic device having a non-volatile data storage component associated therewith for retaining the utilization data. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of: a) after passage of a utilization interval, reading a first utilization data value for the electronic device stored in the non-volatile data storage component; b) incrementing said read value; and c) storing said incremented value into the non-volatile data storage component. In an embodiment, the electronic device is a circuit card operating in a communication switch, and the utilization data value is a time value indicating cumulative time of operation of the circuit card in the communication switch.

Abstract: A technique for implementing an extended bit timer with a time processing unit (TPU), without using the channel hardware of the TPU includes a number of steps. A timer of the TPU is periodically read to determine the value of the timer. A counter is incremented when rollover of the timer has occurred and a coherency flag is de-asserted after the timer transitions through a first count. The coherency flag is asserted after the value of the timer transitions through a third count and the value of the timer is combined with the value of the counter to provide a current count. When the coherency flag is asserted and the value of the timer is equal to or between the first and second counts, the current count is adjusted.

Abstract: A method (and structure) of optimizing a sampling period for a system having at least one measurable system parameter z, includes calculating a probability distribution function f(Tz,x). The time Tz,x is a first time that the measurable system parameter z will reach a predetermined system threshold x, given level z.

Abstract: A production machine has at least one signal output with the capability of transmitting production status information to a production control system or production monitoring system. Signal outputs of the production machine are picked up and the statuses of the signal outputs are passed on via data connections to an operator console. The product status information obtained in this way is transmitted together with the information input manually by an operator via a data connection to a computer system for evaluation. A method generates events regarding production information while the production machine is operating.

Abstract: A fryer controller is provided with a calendar function. In addition, a maintenance execution time is set for each maintenance item by operating a switch on an operating panel 16. When the maintenance execution time reaches a preset time, an asterisk * is displayed on a display portion 18 of the operating panel 16. In this way, a maintenance schedule is precisely managed.

Abstract: The invention further includes a method and system for encouraging employees and employee managers to use the time keeping and expense entry server for entering and approving time entries. Thus, the employee is coupled to produce final time entries to the TKET server wherein the TKET server is coupled to produce the final time entries to an employee manager for approval. After receiving approval, the TKET server generates approved time entries to an accounting department terminal, and if appropriate, to a contract employer terminal so as to trigger invoicing and payment for the employee's labor. The TKET server also generates an award, if appropriate, to the employee of his manager for following specified time entry procedures.

Abstract: A method for creating a guardband that incorporates statistical models for test environment, system environment, tester-to-system offset and reliability into a model and then processes a final guardband by factoring manufacturing process variation and quality against yield loss.

Abstract: A security seal for a freight car, freight container or other enclosure. The seal has an electronic timepiece which displays the time and date and is preset at an established reference time. A cut-resistant strap is secured at one end to the seal and has a latch at the other end. When the latch is passed through a lock and is engaged in a receiver in the seal, the strap is locked in place and the power to the timepiece is interrupted providing an indication of the time and date on which the lock was sealed. Other information may be applied to the seal at the time of sealing such as the identification of the individual responsible for the sealing.

Abstract: A circuit and method for distributing events in an event stream. A circuit for distributing events in a signal into a plurality of channels of circuitry capable of timestamping events is described. The circuit includes a first plurality of flip-flops arranged in a cascading configuration. The cascading configuration distributes a primary event stream into a first plurality of secondary event streams on each successive rising edge of the primary event stream. The circuit also includes a second plurality of flip-flops arranged in another cascading configuration for distributing the primary event stream. The primary event stream is distributed into a second plurality of secondary event streams on each successive falling edge of said primary event stream.

Abstract: Performance of a set of video processing devices in a flexible architecture can be predicted by analyzing and storing information about the performance of individual video processing devices. A combination of operations to be performed is associated with a set of video processing devices. Performance characteristics of individual video processing devices in the set are accessed. For each frame, a total performance characteristic of the set of video processing devices is determined by combining the performance characteristics of the individual video processing devices according to a combination of operations performed by the set of video processing devices to produce data for each frame. The performance characteristic may include latency, processing time and/or memory bandwidth. The total performance characteristic may be compared to a threshold. According to this comparison, it can be determined whether the set of video processing devices can produce each frame in real time.

Abstract: A process data capture and reporting system captures process data values at sensors. A client computer appends absolute-value time stamps to the values to complete records, which are uploaded to a server. The server writes the records to a persistent database. At a later stage, the server retrieves selected records, and performs a very fast conversion of the time stamps to a calendar format with “granular” values for units such as day, month, or minute. The conversion is performed in an optimised manner with use of look-up tables in memory. This minimises processor overhead, and is thus very advantageous where data volumes are high and/or near real time reporting is required.

Abstract: Propagation time Tp of an ultrasound signal between two spaced-apart transducers constituting an emitter and a receiver is measured. The emitter transducer is subjected to an excitation signal of n successive pulses of period Te giving rise to an ultrasound signal being emitted towards the receiver transducer which receives the ultrasound signal generating and outputting a receive signal. A measurement of an intermediate propagation time Tint is started when the emitter transducer begins to be excited. The receive signal is detected and the oscillations in the receive signal are counted. Measurement of the intermediate propagation time Tint is stopped when an ith oscillation is detected. The propagation time Tp is determined by taking the difference Tint?i×Te. Advantageously, measurement of Tint is stopped for an ith oscillation of the receive signal that corresponds to the receive signal being at a maximum amplitude.

Abstract: An on-chip event timer apparatus including a hardware timer and a debug interface. The hardware timer includes at least an up-counter for counting clocks of a clock signal, a match register for storing a programmable count value, and a comparator for monitoring whether the up-counter's count value matches the count value of the match register. The debug interface includes enable control unit for enabling the up-counter's operation based on a pre-defined relationship between a state of an enabled signal supplied to said up-counter and an internal state of the hardware timer. Additionally, the debug interface may comprise a clock divider connected to the enable control unit to reduce the clock's frequency in accordance with a pre-programmed divider value. Based on the received clock with the reduced clock frequency, the enable control unit adapts the up-counter's processing speed to the reduced clock frequency.

Abstract: The present invention is to a measured data synchronization system having measuring instruments for measuring objects and outputting measured data, and a data processing apparatus connected to the measuring instruments via a signal line and which acquires and processes the measured data. The system relates to a measured data synchronization system which performs data processing using measured data for which synchronization among measuring instruments is ensured. The measuring instruments are given an input of reference times from the data processing apparatus and append these reference times to the measured data before outputting the data. The data processing apparatus outputs the reference times at prescribed intervals to each of the measuring instruments; receives an input of the measured data appended with the reference times from each of the measuring instruments; and performs data processing using measured data appended with desired reference times.

Abstract: A tracking system and method automatically tracks time spent by end users in different applications on the end users' computers while performing tasks. The time keeping application is integrated with at least some of the applications on the end user computers. This integration allows the time keeping application to detect and track events, such as the opening and closing of files, that signify a change in the task being performed by the end users by receiving messages directly from the other applications being used by the end user. The time keeping software may automatically suggest a categorization for the task based on at least one criteria.

Abstract: A hardware based utilization metering device, and a corresponding method are used in a computer system having one or more central processor units (CPUs) to provide a measure of CPU utilization. The device includes a state indicator coupled to a CPU. The state indicator receives an indication when the CPU is in a first state, which may be a busy state. A counter coupled to the state indicator and coupled to a system clock, receives a measure of system time from the system clock and receives data related to the indication when the CPU is in the first state, and generates a counter value indicative of time the CPU is in the first state. A data usage provider coupled to the counter maintains a non-volatile value of the counter value.

Abstract: A time and work tracker that automatically collects and analyzes information about time and work performed on a wireless device is described herein. According to the present invention, a time and work tracking function is initiated on a wireless device. Thereafter, a user begins to perform work on the wireless device. As the user works, the tracking function on the wireless device collects data relating to the activities performed by the user. The collected data is then analyzed to determine what types of work the user has actually performed.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods for providing time translation to a requester of information incorporating human factors. The requester initiates a request for information onto a computer network, typically the Internet. Time information contained in the request for information is extracted. A translation of the time according to human factors is compared to the time in a table of database records. A determination is made as to whether to include search results as meeting the requested time criteria. If the request is met, the results are displayed when all other required criteria are true.

Abstract: The system of the invention is used in measuring sports metrics at an event or venue. The system includes “n” sensors, “m” repeaters, a base station and an operations terminal. One or more sensors attach to each athlete (and/or the athletes vehicle) at the event or venue to determine a sports metric, e.g., airtime, g's, drop distance, spin, rotation. The information about the sports metric is transmitted to one or more repeaters; and that information is relayed to the base station. The operations terminal provides a user interface, and may further interface with a judging station or TV to provide the sports metric, in near real-time, to judges, viewers and others at the event or venue.

Abstract: A measuring system having a clock and a plurality of measuring modules, each of the measuring modules having a data processing unit, a data input unit, and an indicator unit for providing at least one measuring function. The system also includes a releasable coupler for no-galvanically coupling a selected one of the measuring modules with the clock for the transmission of data between the clock and the selected measuring module. Each of the measuring modules can be selectively coupled to the clock by means of the coupler to provide a measuring function associated with the coupled module in accordance with time data provided by the clock. The system can include a housing for supporting the selected measuring module and the clock. The measuring modules can be configured to measure various parameters of a human body or the environment.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to identify peak switching errors in an ultrasonic meter and how to correct for them. The method compares transit time measurements from two chords having different lengths to establish an error value. Depending on the magnitude and sign of the error value, any peak switching error can be identified and consequently corrected.

Abstract: A hardware based utilization metering device, and a corresponding method are used in a computer system having one or more central processor units (CPUs) to provide a measure of CPU utilization. The device includes a state indicator coupled to a CPU. The state indicator receives an indication when the CPU is in a first state, which may be a busy state. A counter coupled to the state indicator and coupled to a system clock, receives a measure of system time from the system clock and receives data related to the indication when the CPU is in the first state, and generates a counter value indicative of time the CPU is in the first state. A data usage provider coupled to the counter maintains a non-volatile value of the counter value.

Abstract: A method for measuring a bandwidth of a signal path between a data source and a data recipient involves sending a block of test data from the data source along the signal path to the data recipient, using that test data to obtain a measured bandwidth of the signal path, and transferring information from the data source along the signal path to the data recipient in accordance with the measured bandwidth. The measured bandwidth value can be calculated each time the data recipient accesses a website or the measured bandwidth value can be retained for future use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correlating raw transducer data in a system of transducers communicates transducer data in a common format. Transducer data and relationships between transducers are characterized in a common format, and interdependencies of transducers are defined for modeling a system. The data is time correlated from the various transducers. Data is archived, updated and exchanged without being corrupted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a data path of a digital circuit uses an even bit pseudo-random calibration pattern. A portion of the pattern is captured in a capture period and used to predict a next arriving portion of the calibration pattern. The next arriving portion of the calibration pattern is captured and then compared to the predicted pattern in a compare period, and the result of the comparison is used to relatively time data arriving in the data path to a clocking signal which clocks in the data. The time duration of the compare period may be varied to ensure that all possible bits of the calibration pattern are used in the calibration procedure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus of managing time for a processing system located on a machine. The processing system includes a plurality of controllers and a communication network connecting each of the controllers. Each of the controllers has a local clock. The method includes the steps of establishing an operating characteristic of the machine, determining whether to update a local time in response to said operating characteristic, and updating said local time based upon the local clock in response to said update determination.

Abstract: A time and work tracker that automatically collects and analyzes information about time and work performed on a wireless device is described herein. According to the present invention, a time and work tracking function is initiated on a wireless device. Thereafter, a user begins to perform work on the wireless device. As the user works, the tracking function on the wireless device collects data relating to the activities performed by the user. The collected data is then analyzed to determine what types of work the user has actually performed.

Abstract: A data word is used to represent the total amount of time duration or predefined events a device has experienced during its lifetime. The data word is incremented count by count while the device is powered on and each updated data word is backed up to a non-volatile memory. A two-version redundancy scheme is employed to ensure failsafe backup and restoration of the data word. At any time at least one valid version of the data word exists in the non-volatile memory. In another aspect, a partitioned memory configuration is implemented to backup the data word and its associated error correction code to the non-volatile memory. In this way the non-volatile memory is able to store a range of counts whose maximum number far exceeds the memory's endurance limit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to realize a measured data synchronization system wherein data processing is performed using measured data for which synchronization among measuring instruments is ensured.