Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to an architecture that can employ a control plane for managing communications with respect to a set of sensors. By utilizing a control plane, a distinction between control messages and data messages can be provided in a standardized way and the set of sensors can benefit from additional functionality and configurability. For example, the control plane can be employed to modify parameters associated with the set of sensors, which can be effectuated in real time and in situ as opposed to at the time of fabrication or deployment. Moreover, such modifications can relate to both the sensing portions of a particular sensor as well as the communication portions of a particular sensor.

Abstract: Predicting the probability of detection of major and minor defects in a structure includes simulating a plurality of N defects at random locations in a region specified by an array of transducers. Defect size is incremented until it intersects one path between two transducers. The defect size is again incremented until it intersects two or more adjacent paths between pairs of transducers. The number of major defects up to a selected size is determined by the total number of single path intersections by defects up to the selected size. The number of minor defects up to a selected size is determined on the basis of the total number of defects intersecting two or more paths up to the selected size. The probability of detection up to a selected size is the cumulative number of major or minor defects up to the selected size normalizing by N.

Abstract: To solve a leakage problem in a box, it is proposed to provide the box with an electronic circuit for measurement of its specific humidity. It is shown that by comparing this current specific humidity to an initial specific humidity and by evaluating the difference found in relation thereto, one has a reliable tool for measuring the permanence of tightness.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a monitoring/diagnostic apparatus is provided, which is designed for use in a system for monitoring and diagnosing a plurality of object devices. The monitoring/diagnostic apparatus has an agent management module and a diagnostic module. The agent management module is configured to manage agents for collecting operation data of an object device. The diagnostic module uses the operation data collected, thereby to diagnose a problem in the objective device.

Abstract: System and method for configuring a client system, e.g., a measurement system. First input is received from a client system over a network requesting access to a plurality of configuration diagrams comprising respective solutions to respective tasks. At least a subset of the plurality of configuration diagrams is displayed on a display device of the client system for viewing by a user. Second input is received from the client system selecting one of the displayed configuration diagrams indicating a solution for a task to be performed by the client system. The solution is provided to the client system over the network, and may include the selected configuration diagram and/or pricing information for proposed products. The configuration diagrams are stored in a configuration diagram database. The stored configuration diagrams may be pre-defined solutions for pre-defined tasks, generated in response to received user requirements, and/or received from client systems and/or vendors.

Abstract: A method includes defining a hierarchy associated with a test system including a plurality of test units for testing integrated circuit devices. At least some of the test units have a plurality of sockets. The hierarchy includes a first level including a first plurality of entities each associated with one of the sockets and at least a second level including a second plurality of entities each associated with a grouping of the sockets. State data associated with operational states of the sockets is received. A set of state metrics is generated for each entity at each level of the hierarchy based on the state data. Each set of state metrics identifies time spent in the operational states.

Abstract: A system using a number of portable or wrist-worn remote controller units that communicate with a number of sensor units or sensor head sets for vehicle or automotive testing. An optional central communications controller can coordinate communications between the wrist-worn units and the sensor sets. A particular remote unit can associate with particular sensors or a particular sensor set and thus receive and transmit data only with that sensor set. Mechanics or technicians can run tests and take data completely from the remote units. The remote units generally contain a display screen that can show all parts and results of any vehicle test procedure. Various wireless communications techniques can be used to establish this communication.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for acquiring, processing and presenting data produced by one or more devices and meters in the field. One or more servers, such as Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) servers, gather and store data from one or more field devices. Remote polling interfaces (RPI) provide a secure transport from the SCADA servers to processing and storage elements of the present embodiments. Data gathered from a plurality of heterogeneous SCADA servers are normalized and consolidated into one or more databases for subsequent processing and presentation, thereby collecting and unifying data from a plurality of heterogeneous sources into a device-agnostic and unified presentation for user viewing and interaction.

Abstract: An infrastructure is provided for gathering diagnostic data that is relevant to an error or other conditions detected in a monitored system. A diagnosability framework is provided that automates the gathering of relevant diagnostic data upon occurrence of the condition in the monitored system. In one embodiment, context data is determined for the condition detected in the monitored system. A rule-based engine is provided that is configured to automatically determine one or more actions to be performed for the condition detected in the monitored system based on the determined context data. The actions may include performing tasks that gather diagnostic data that is relevant to the detected condition, store the gathered diagnostic data in a repository, recommend one or more diagnostic actions to a user, and other diagnostic related actions.

Abstract: A system for remotely diagnosing and repairing a computer controlled asset, includes an access point connected to a computer controlled asset thereby allowing electronic access to the computer system of the computer controlled asset. A service center remotely connected to the access point provides diagnostic review and repair of the computer controlled asset. An interface linking the access point to the service center allows the service center to communicate with the computer controlled asset via the access point.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the location and attitude (roll, pitch, and yaw) of a moving object relative to an external reference frame by tracking unique two-dimensional patterns in the external reference frame from the moving object with displacement sensors. The displacement sensors lock onto the unique two-dimensional patterns by means of a steering mechanism which steers an optical path element capable of deviating the optical path using the displacement information from the relative movement of the two-dimensional patterns. The system is able to detect position and attitude to sub-millimeter accuracy without a physical connect between the moving object and the external reference frame and without a physical connection between the moving object and the external reference frame.

Abstract: A method for indicating a performance of a wind turbine is provided. Target performance data are created based at least in part on performance data for one or more wind turbines of interest. Baseline performance data are calculated based at least in part on performance data for a plurality of other wind turbines. The target performance data are compared to the baseline performance data to create a relative performance profile. In addition, a graphical representation of the relative performance profile may be created, and an available upgrade for the wind turbines of interest may be evaluated based at least in part on performance data for one or more wind turbines including the available upgrade.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for managing well assets. The method includes the steps of determining “first tier” statuses corresponding to pre-defined well attributes, mapping the first tier statuses to one or more well performance classifications, determining “second tier” statuses corresponding to the well classifications, and combining the second tier statuses to determine an overall well surveillance status. The method and corresponding system can be used to manage wells by exception, to readily identify “under-performing” wells, and to prioritize actions to be taken by well operators.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing utility data of a power grid is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a datamart comprised of a plurality of physical databases storing utility data, a plurality of applications comprising an automated meter application configured to process power usage data from a plurality of automated meters, a power outage application configured to identify a location of a power outage, and a power restoration application configured to identify a location of a power restoration. The system may include an analysis engine comprising a plurality of analysis objects with each analysis object configured to process data to provide a specific analysis, wherein said analysis engine is accessible via one or more of the plurality of applications, and the system may include a report module configured to receive an output from the analysis engine and to output a report.

Abstract: A method includes an electrostatic capacitance detecting step of detecting electrostatic capacitances of opposing parts of a moving body side electrode and an oscillating plate electrode; an electrostatic capacitance storing step of storing the electrostatic capacitances at the first movement limit position and the second movement limit position detected at the electrostatic capacitance detecting step; a ratio calculating step of calculating a ratio of the electrostatic capacitances at the first movement limit position and the second movement limit position stored at the electrostatic capacitance storing step to a movement limit distance that is a distance between the first movement limit position and the second movement limit position; and an absolute position calculating step of calculating an absolute position of the moving body between the first movement limit position and the second movement limit position from the ratio.

Abstract: A two-part sensor composed of a sensor head and a sensor-head counterpart, testing is performed as to whether a correct sensor head is connected with the sensor-head counterpart.

Abstract: A method involves, via a sensor application interface, 1) receiving, from an application, a measurement request associated with a quality-of-service control; 2) in accord with the quality-of-service control, obtaining measurement data from a sensor; and 3) returning to the application i) the measurement data obtained from the sensor, and ii) an indicator of accuracy of the measurement data.

Abstract: A system, method and device for monitoring a vehicle is provided wherein a vehicle monitoring device regulates its power consumption of a host power source based upon determined states of operation of the vehicle. The power consumption management scheme of the monitoring device utilizes the following modes of operation to regulate power consumption: a work mode, a transport mode, and sleep mode, and a deep sleep mode. The mode of operation of the monitoring device depends on the determined state of vehicle operation. The monitoring device utilizes the various states of operation to power down certain portions of the monitoring device in order to reduce the electric power consumed by the monitoring device. A communication network is adapted to communicate the vehicle data to an end user via an access device. The communication network is also adapted to communicate end-user data via an access device to the monitoring system.

Abstract: In a network of sensor nodes, operational efficiency may be increased by configuring the sensor nodes so that sensor agents may be transferred to alternative sensor nodes to process sensor node data, such as when the host sensor node is in a low-power mode. A processing node of the network may be configured to retrieve real-time data from a sensor node, but if real-time data is not available, the processing node may perform calculations on cached data retrieved from a processor node cache or data of a nearby sensor node.

Abstract: A high accuracy wireless sensing platform assembly comprising a sensor subassembly that is configured to obtain measurement data from a device in response to a measurand; a data transceiver assembly that is configured to communicate with an antenna assembly; a parameter coder, in communication with the sensor subassembly, that is configured to control the data transceiver assembly and/or the sensor subassembly, based on the measurement data; and a resonant circuit that is formed by the data transceiver, the sensor subassembly, and/or the parameter coder. Embodiments are capable of provide robust performance and high accuracy in harsh (e.g., hot environments). The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.

Abstract: An automatic machine status detection system uses apparatus data from one or more sensors or machine components to determine a status for an agricultural machine. An automatic data unit onboard a machine can receive apparatus data and communicate it to a central management system. In an exemplary embodiment, a status determination module can receive the apparatus data, use the to make one or more state determinations, and based on the results of those determinations, determine an activity status for a machine. Engine state, motion state, heading state, implement state and PTO state can be used to determine that a machine has a status identified as “Off”, “Idle”, “Traveling”, “Turning” or “Working”. Machine status information can be provided to a user to improve operations efficiency and facilitate billing and administrative services.

Abstract: A solution for managing an asset is provided. A set of sensing devices associated with the asset are operated independent of a user to acquire sensor data. At least some of the sensor data is evaluated using a computer system associated with the asset to determine whether any sensor data in at least a portion of the sensor data is suspect. In response to a determination that at least a portion of the evaluated sensor data is suspect, an action is initiated by the computer system associated with the asset. The action can include adjusting additional processing of the sensor data, adjusting interaction between the computer system and at least one other system remote from the asset, and/or adjusting management operations of the asset.

Abstract: A plant control system includes: an engineering apparatus for defining change information so as to change definition information about the system; and a control apparatus for referring to the change information downloaded from the engineering apparatus to set an output value of a field device. The control apparatus includes a locking part for inhibiting setting of the output value of the field device.

Abstract: An image processing device in which predetermined image processing is carried out on image data, and the image data that has been processed is saved as processing history information, is provided with: a format determination means that determines whether or not the image data is in a specified document format, and a saving means that, when it is judged that the image data determined by the format determination means is in the specified document format, saves format information of the specified document format together with the image data as the processing history information.

Abstract: An analysis system for determining an analyte of a body fluid comprises a test element and an analysis instrument having a measurement and evaluation unit. The test element has a sample application zone and two analysis zones and a reagent system, whose reaction with the analyte results in a detectable change characteristic for the desired analytical result. The measurement and evaluation unit comprises two analog measuring units, in each of which an analog measurement signal corresponding to one of the analysis zones is generated, two analog-digital converters for digitizing the analog measurement signal, a comparator unit for comparing control data values based on the digitized measurement signals, and a final processing unit, in which, if the determined deviation between the control data values of the digitized measurement signals is less than a predefined value, at least one of the control data values is allowed to pass for further processing into the desired analytical result.

Abstract: An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic method for a centrally managed computer system. The method provides central diagnostic expertise regarding central management software used for managing a system. The method further provides for managed software that integrates with the central management software; the managed software includes its own diagnostic expertise. The method further provides for importing the managed diagnostic expertise and combining it with central diagnostic expertise to define collective diagnostic expertise.

Abstract: Method of imaging seismic data recorded using a set of seismic receivers positioned to receive seismic responses from a subsurface formation upon activating a seismic source. The seismic responses are direction-sensitive responses. A virtual signal received by receiver k from the virtual source at the position of receiver m is determined by processing involving cross correlating at least part of the responses of a receiver m with at least part of the responses of a seismic receiver k. Part of direction-sensitive responses or part of the virtual signal that contains a component of the wave field at receiver m traveling in a first direction and part of the direction-sensitive responses or part of the virtual signal that contains a component of the wave field at the receiver k traveling in a second direction may be removed.

Abstract: The online measurement system of radioactive tracers in oil wells head, object of this invention, is characterized by the use of new technology to measure concentrations of tracer activity in real time, using a radiation detector NaI (TI), with features that make it possible to detect up to three different tracers and be able to operate in temperature conditions up to 150° C., which allows to be immersed in a container with fluid coming from the flow stream, achieving with this to increase the sensitivity of the measurements. This system of measurement in the head of production wells will allow having much more data of the tracer activity, avoiding having to transport the operational staff to production wells to carry out sampling test, with all the advantages that this represents.

Abstract: A fault isolation method and system includes tailored fault isolators for each grouping of similar data to differentiate between one or several potential faults within any group.

Abstract: A measuring transducer has a sensor for recording a physical or chemical parameter and for generating a corresponding measurement signal and has an analytical device for determining a measured value dependent on the measurement signal and for outputting the measured value. A first interface for digital transmission of the measured value and a second interface are provided between the sensor and the analytical device. The analytical device is provided with a signal by the second interface, providing the measurement signal from the sensor. A synchronization of the analytical device t to the sampling time of the sensor is thus possible.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for diagnosing abnormal conditions, that quantitatively considers acquisition difficulties between abnormal symptoms provided on a computer screen and quantifies acquisition difficulties of the abnormal symptoms through distinctiveness of measuring devices to exactly diagnose the abnormal conditions even under an improved control environment, making it possible for a user to rapidly and easily diagnose the abnormal conditions that may be generated from a complicated device. With the present invention, the abnormal conditions are diagnosed using the sequential diagnosis technique and the Boolean logic between the abnormal symptoms, making it possible to effectively diagnose the abnormal conditions even under masking effects that may be generated between the abnormal symptoms.

Abstract: A system for implementing a situational awareness includes a plurality of data gathering devices for observing the physical environment and transforming observations of physical phenomena into digital information; a plurality of field monitoring units with each of the plurality of units communicating with a corresponding plurality of data gathering devices to obtain data therefrom; and an aggregate monitoring unit communicating with each of the plurality of field monitoring units to monitor and control each of the plurality of field monitoring units and collect and store data from the plurality of data gathering devices.

Abstract: A network for electronic communications in which disparate anonymous devices may transmit and receive information, such as in a secure manner. A method for collecting health-related data may, for example, comprise detecting, at a first time, that a sensor has moved within a detection range of a link component, the sensor having not been identified to the link component prior to the first time; receiving data collected by the sensor relating to activity by and/or health of a human subject associated with the sensor; and processing the data to determine at least one indicator of the human subject's health.

Abstract: A personal health monitor, including: (a) a physiological data input device operative to gather physiological data; (b) a detachable module that is detachably connected to a multi-purpose personal data accessory, operative to transmit the physiological data to the multi-purpose personal data accessory; and (c) the multi-purpose personal data accessory, whereas the multi-purpose personal data accessory is adapted to execute health monitoring software such as to enable the multi-purpose personal data accessory to receive the physiological data, process the physiological data to provide processed physiological data and control a long range transmission of the processed physiological data to a remote entity.

Abstract: Protection, measurement and control IEDs in a substation compute if switches they control may be operated safely, according to interlocking rules or physical principles as well as the dynamic topology of the substation. The IEDs have access to the substation electrical topology, to real-time information generated by other IEDs, and to the rules for interlocking. A standardized Substation Configuration Description (SCD) of the substation for which a Substation Automation system is intended, and a standardized description of the implemented device functions or capabilities of an individual IED are utilized. The substation topology is available from SCD file, real time information about the position of switches and line voltage/current can be obtained via an appropriate protocol, and the interlocking rules are available in script form. These features apply both to simulated and real devices, and increase system testing possibilities by supporting an efficient configuration of a simulation.

Abstract: There is described a portable wrist worn device for determining information about the movement of a human body when swimming. The device comprises a waterproof housing containing: an accelerometer operable to generate an acceleration signal; a processor operable to process the acceleration signal so as to generate one or more metrics relating to the movement of the human body; and a means for feedback of the one or more metrics to the user. The accelerometer may be operable to generate an acceleration signal along an axis parallel to the proximo-distal axis of the user's arm in use and/or the accelerometer may be operable to generate an acceleration signal along an axis parallel to the dorsal-palmar axis of the user's hand in use. The device may also be used in sports other than swimming.

Abstract: A method of automatically identifying whether intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) in a power monitoring system are in multiple electrical grids. A controller sends an instruction to each IED in a predetermined time sequence such that each IED receives the instruction at a different time, commanding each IED to begin logging frequency variation data in a current/voltage signal monitored by the IED and to send the data to the controller and an associated cycle count. The controller receives the variation data and associated cycle count and determines a peak correlation using a data alignment algorithm on IED pair combinations. If the IEDs are on the same electrical grid, the peak correlations should occur at cycle count offsets that match the order that the IEDs received the instruction. Any discrepancies in the expected order of peak correlations are flagged, and the corresponding IEDs are determined to be on different grids.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote monitoring diagnostic system in which a center and monitoring diagnostic units of a number of objects to be monitored are connected by a network. The center includes an algorithm forming unit for forming algorithms for monitoring, diagnosing, and operating each object to be monitored, a program group formation unit for forming monitoring, diagnostic, and operational programs from these algorithms, a transmitter for transmitting the programs in response to a request from the monitoring diagnostic unit, and a unit for forming information concerning prevention/maintenance form a diagnostic result and monitoring data from the monitoring diagnostic unit of each object to be monitored. The monitoring diagnostic unit of each object to be monitored includes a mobile program execution processor for executing the corresponding object to be monitored, and a transmitter for transmitting monitoring data to the center.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing nondestructive inspection (NDI) services. For example in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a system for remote inspection includes a nondestructive inspection (NDI) system configured to examine a structure and provide NDI data related to a damage condition of the structure, the NDI system being configured to communicate the NDI data to a remote location; and a remote computer disposed at the remote location, the remote computer being configured to receive the NDI data and provide the received NDI data for a review, the remote computer being configured to communicate an analytical result based on the review to the NDI system, the analytical result including a repair disposition decision corresponding to the damage condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and related methodology for providing fast low frequency jitter rejection in the measurement of signals under test. A signal under test may be sampled alternately with a reference signal under similar conditions. The resulting sampled signal blocks may then be processed to subtract the known calibrated value of the reference signal from the average signal under test.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for presenting users with dynamic views of process data related to the operations of an industrial system. Data obtained by a SCADA system may be stored in a real-time status database (which reflects the current process data of the industrial system) and a historian database (which archives the process data from the industrial system as it changes over time). A design canvas allows users to compose a dynamic view of the process data obtained by the SCADA system. For example, a user may compose a dynamic view of selected temperatures, pressures, and flow rates obtained by the SCADA system while monitoring the status of a pipeline.

Abstract: An equipment set generation support apparatus (a) acquires, from a plurality of equipments connected to a network, state change event information notifying a state change of each equipment and an occurrence time and date of the state change, (b) sets a detection condition including a start time and an end time of a detection period, (c) selects state change event information whose occurrence time and date of the state change falling within the detection period from the state change event information acquired, and (d) detects, from the plurality of equipments, a set of equipments whose states change in the detection period and a set of state values after the state change of each equipment based on the state change event information selected.

Abstract: A utility meter includes a processor operative to receive a data processing task and data at a utility meter, process the data in the meter, and send the results of the processing from the utility to a server.

Abstract: A system determines athletic performance. A pressure sensor senses change in elevation. A microprocessor processes signals from the pressure sensor to determine speed corresponding to the change in elevation. A display reports the speed to a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a schedule for testing a fuel cell in a station. Because of the apparatus, the station can test a low-temperature fuel cell or a high-temperature fuel cell. The apparatus enables a user to test the fuel cell through the station manually or enables the station to test the fuel cell automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring quantum efficiency (QE) of solar cells. The apparatus includes a light source including an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) that each emit light corresponding to a differing portion of a test spectrum and each LED is driven by a sinusoidal power supply that operates at a unique frequency. The light source includes an optical coupling focusing the LED light into a test beam targeted on a solar cell, and a signal conditioner converts analog current signals generated by the solar cell into digital voltage signals. A QE measurement module determines a QE value corresponding to each of the LEDs based on the digital voltage signals using a Fast Fourier Transform module that processes the digital voltage signals to generate values for each operating frequency. The QE measurement module determines the QE values by applying a conversion factor to these values.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a first portion and a second portion of a data set are identified. The first portion of the data set is sent to a first node that stores it in a first primary storage. The first primary storage is configured such that a first processor of the first node accesses information stored in the first primary storage without accessing another storage device. The second portion of the data set is sent to a second node that stores it in a second primary storage. The second primary storage is configured such that a second processor of the second node accesses information stored in the second primary storage without accessing another storage device. The first node generates a first set of results by processing the first portion of the data set. The second node generates a second set of results by processing the second portion of the data set.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring an integrated information system through a common user interface are provided. A user accesses a graphical user interface and selects client, premises, location, monitoring device, and processing rule information. The graphical user interface transmits the user selection to a processing server, which configures one or more monitoring devices according to the user selections.