Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a portable device. The portable device includes first and second sensors that respectively measure first and second fabrication process parameters. The first fabrication process parameter is different from the second fabrication process parameter. The portable device also includes a wireless transceiver that is coupled to the first and second sensors. The wireless transceiver receives the first and second fabrication process parameters and transmits wireless signals containing the first and second fabrication process parameters.

Abstract: The invention is a system that is integrated with an existing robotic system in order to extend its observation, surveillance, and navigational capabilities. The system comprises: a sensor module comprising imaging and other types of sensors that is attached to the robotic device of the robotic system and a system control station comprising a communication link to the robot control station of the existing robotic system. Both the system control station and the sensor module comprise processing units that are configured to work in complete harmony. These processing units are each supplied with software that enables using information supplied by the sensors and other components in the sensor module to provide the robotic systems with many advanced capabilities that could not be achieves prior to attachment of the sensor module to the robot.

Abstract: A transceiver for wirelessly transmitting process variables with a radio interface and a field device interface is provided. The transceiver has two operating states. The transceiver is designed to receive a field device signal at the field device interface and relay the field device signal via the radio interface in the first operating state. In the second operating state, the transceiver receives a field device signal via the radio interface, and makes the field device signal available at the field device interface.

Abstract: A method and system of determining forthcoming failure of transducers. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods comprising creating a first electrical signal representative of acoustic energy propagating between a first pair of transducers of a fluid meter, creating a second electrical signal representative of acoustic energy propagating between a second pair of transducers of the fluid meter (the creating the second electrical signal substantially concurrently with create the first electrical signal), calculating a value indicative of a relationship between a parameter of the first electrical signal a parameter of the second electrical signal, and determining whether performance of the first pair of transducers indicates upcoming failure of at least one transducer of the first pair of transducers, the determining using the value.

Abstract: A network device may include logic configured to receive a problem report from a second network device, where the problem report includes event data, determine at least one of an action to perform or whether reconfiguration information is associated with the event data in the received problem report and add information to the received problem report to provide a reformatted problem report and transmit the reformatted problem report to a third network device when it is determined that reconfiguration information is not associated with the event data in the problem report.

Abstract: Techniques for surface exploration and monitoring are presented. In representative embodiments, a system is provided that can perform multiple types of measurements of a surface. For example a single system of survey probes and one or more survey controllers can be used to offer both seismic and electrical measurements. A survey controller can be configured to automatically poll survey probes to obtain identifiers of the probes and determine a relative order the probes. Survey probes can be configured to: (a) collect signals associated with a surface; (b) digitize the signals to form digital data; and (c) store the digital data for later transmission to the survey controller. Relative positions of survey probes can be automatically determined using a transmitting beacon or other techniques. Survey probes can automatically disconnect from a power conduit while measuring a surface property and operate using an internal source of power when disconnected, to reduce noise.

Abstract: Sensors and techniques for an automated data acquisition and notification system having a plurality of receptacles adapted to store items. In each of the plurality of receptacles, at least one sensor is operated to detect a presence of an item in that receptacle. Light is emitted from a planar surface within the receptacle to a space within the receptacle opposite the planar surface. While that light is emitted light incident on the planar surface is detected. A determination is made whether an amount of light that is detected is significant to indicate a presence of the item.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes an adjustable platform vertically adjustable to place a sensing module near a rotating target to obtain measurements there from with a sensing element. The apparatus can be configured to include a bottom channel mounted to a base and a PCB tray mounted to a top channel, the PCB tray and top channel vertically adjustable from the base by a rotating shaft. The top and bottom channels are coupled to side bars and side channels in pairs movably connected by joint pins with a rotatable shaft movably connecting said joint pins. The sensing module is movable with respect to the base via rotation of said rotatable shaft causing movement of said pair of side bars and side channels, placing said sensing element nearest a target to obtain rotational movement data.

Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for providing remote monitoring of a power device or power delivery system. In architecture, the system includes a remote device for performing the operation. The remote device comprises a power condition detection circuitry and a memory circuitry that stores information describing the power condition of the power device. Moreover, the remote device further comprises a transmission circuitry that transmits the information of the power condition to the service device for analysis. The present invention can also be viewed as a method for providing remote monitoring of a power device. The method operates by (1) detecting a power condition of the power device; (2) storing information describing the power condition of the power device; and (3) transmitting the information of the power condition to the service device for analysis.

Abstract: A process is provided for testing or operating an integrated circuit that includes providing a passive radio frequency identification transponder in electrical communication with the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is associated with a printed circuit board or analog circuitry. The passive radio frequency identification transponder is shielded from the integrated circuit with a ferrite material ground in power planes as well as radiated emissions from the printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is energized. Information about the function of the integrated circuit is communicated to a remote location with an antenna coupled to the transponder in response to an external signal that provokes the communication so as to test or operate the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and systems described herein relate to tracking and/or managing any combination of energy consumption, GHG emissions, carbon credits, and/or costs associated with one or more pieces of equipment, one or more sites, or an entire enterprise.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for outage detection. In one embodiment, an outage detection system includes a signal sampler configured to sample a signal on a communications link and to determine a noise level and a signal level of the sample. An outage detection system also includes a comparator configured to compare a critical value with a sum of signal and noise of the sample. An outage detection system further includes a binomial probability analyzer configured to calculate a binomial probability of false outage of the sample and the previous N samples.

Abstract: An integrated management system having at least one air conditioner group including a plurality of air conditioners, and a remote integrated management system connected to the at least one air conditioner group and configured to analyze operation state information related to the plurality of air conditioners in the at least one air conditioner group and to generate an alarm signal based on the analyzed operation state information.

Abstract: A sensor interface system interfaces a collection of one or more sensors that can sense chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) materials. The system includes one or more digital and/or analog sensor interfaces for communicating with one or more sensors including: chemical sensors, biological sensors, radiation sensors, nuclear sensors, and explosives sensors. A processor is configured to receive and process signals from the one or more digital and/or analog sensor interfaces, and when the one or more sensors include a radiation sensor and/or nuclear sensor, the processor differentiates between gamma pulses and neutron pulses, by: receiving a signal from an output of a neutron detector; analyzing a pulse shape of the signal; differentiating the pulse shape between gamma pulses and neutron pulses; and determining that the pulse shape of the signal is one of a gamma pulse and a neutron pulse.

Abstract: A system for the sensing of ambient parameters within an enclosure is provided having: a hardware closure whereby an aperture to the enclosure is secured; at least one sensor disposed within the hardware closure; a wireless transmitter disposed within the hardware, communicating with the at least one sensor; a base station, wirelessly in communication with the transmitter; a processing unit, whereby data collected by the sensor and transmitted by the transmitter to the base station is processed and information relevant to the environment of the enclosure obtained.

Abstract: A system for acquiring environmental data from a plurality of sensors is provided with a microprocessor having a sensor input for receiving data from a sensor, a memory access port for communicating with a memory system, and an output port for issuing data. Plural sensors each produce associated sensor signals responsive to respective characteristics of an environment. The sensor signals are propagated to the sensor input of the microprocessor, and a memory system is coupled to the memory access port of the microprocessor for storing calibration data associated with the plurality of sensors. A communications arrangement is coupled to the output port of the microprocessor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a remote hardware inspection system, including a remote monitor station and a client server. The monitor station includes a hardware inspection unit and a first network interface. The hardware inspection unit is for generating a hardware inspection command which is transmitted to the server by the first network interface. The server includes a second network interface, an input/output unit, and a managing/controlling unit. The input/output unit has an inspection program. The second network interface receives the hardware inspection command and transmits it to the managing/controlling unit. In response to the hardware inspection command, the managing/controlling unit generates and transmits a trigger signal to the input/output unit to implement the inspection program. Thereby, the inspection program writes data into the target hardware of the server according to the content of the hardware inspection command.

Abstract: A network intelligence system may include a plurality of sensors located throughout and industry system. The sensors may obtain data related to various aspects of the industry network. The network intelligence system may include system endpoint intelligence and system infrastructure intelligence. The system endpoint and system infrastructure intelligence may provide distributed intelligence allowing localized decision-making to be made within the industry system based in response to system operation and occurrences. The network intelligence may include a centralized intelligence portion to communicate with endpoint and infrastructure intelligence. The centralized intelligence portion may provide responses on a localized level of the system or on a system-wide level.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing a residential wastewater treatment system includes an in situ control unit that monitors an individual system. The control unit provides local control and alarms, and also sends status reports and/or alarms to a remote monitoring center via a telemetry device. The remote monitoring center makes information concerning the individual system available through a website.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an alarm engineering aiding system for aiding engineering of an alarm generated in a plant. There are provided an alarm generating scenario file in which types of pseudo alarms and generation timings are defined, a plant instrumentation information DB for storing instrumentation information of the plant, and a pseudo alarm generating section for generating the pseudo alarm based on the alarm generating scenario file, and adding instrumentation information of the plant while referring to the plant instrumentation information DB when the pseudo alarm is generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The system for measuring fluid quality and/or equipment operation in a fluid treatment system includes a remote computer that may be associated with a database that accesses data transmitted from the fluid treatment system with the data collected, acquired, etc., from one or more sensors placed in the fluid treatment system. The data may be analyzed or manipulated by a local computer and/or the remote computer, which may be used to generate an analysis result or analysis report. Such results or reports, along with any other information or data including historical or expected information, may be sent or communicated to a remote viewing device for viewing by a user. Methods are further provided for the operation of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.

Abstract: This analysis apparatus includes a plurality of a plurality of measurement units of mutually identical types generating measurement data by measuring the specimens, a transporter transporting the specimens to the respective ones of the plurality of measurement units, a display, common to the plurality of measurement units, displaying the analytical results generated by analyzing the measurement data and a transmitter transmitting the analytical results to a host computer.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that analyzes telemetry data from a monitored system. During operation, the system obtains the telemetry data as a set of telemetric signals from the monitored system and groups the telemetry data into one or more clusters of correlated telemetric signals from the telemetric signals. Next, the system increases a bandwidth associated with monitoring the telemetric signals. To increase the bandwidth, the system omits one or more of the correlated telemetric signals from each of the clusters during sampling of the telemetric signals and estimates the omitted correlated telemetric signals by applying a nonlinear, nonparametric regression technique to the sampled telemetric signals.

Abstract: A system and method of managing therapy provided to patients in an institution. The system monitors all aspects of the medication delivery to a patient, as well as other information related to the patient, such as values of vital signs, laboratory results and patient factors such as history, diagnosis, allergies and the like. The system includes one or more databases of information, including institutionally developed rules, guidelines and protocol representing the best medical practices of the institution. The system provides alerts and/or recommendations based on the application of the rules to the information being monitored, and alerts care givers accordingly, providing for dynamic adjustment of the patient's therapy. The system also monitors the status of the alerts, and if no action is taken in a selected period of time, may escalate the priority of the alert and/or halt the delivery of medication to the patient until the alert is resolved.

Abstract: Advanced spaceport information management methods and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling a test system to the payload and transmitting one or more test signals that emulate an anticipated condition from the test system to the payload. One or more responsive signals are received from the payload into the test system and are analyzed to determine whether one or more of the responsive signals comprises an anomalous signal. At least one of the steps of transmitting, receiving, analyzing and determining includes transmitting at least one of the test signals and the responsive signals via a communications link from a payload processing facility to a remotely located facility. In one particular embodiment, the communications link is an Internet link from a payload processing facility to a remotely located facility (e.g. a launch facility, university, etc.).

Abstract: A system for monitoring energy consumption of an electrical appliance. The present invention provides an elegant means of monitoring energy consumption by legacy appliances such as a HVAC system. The energy consumption is monitored by the use of new and innovative wireless sensing device that is placed adjacent to or in contact with the appliance while it is operational. Appliance usage pattern information and power consumption information is communicated by the wireless sensing device and is collected by a gateway (and in some embodiments, an energy pump device, an intelligent power meter or a collector device). User behavior is modified by recommending approaches to cut energy consumption by the appliances thereby providing savings and reducing the cost of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems of tracking enterprise gas emissions such as greenhouse gas emissions. The systems and methods relate to collecting or entering data relating to one or more emissions source of an enterprise or an enterprise location, calculating emissions totals, and, according to certain embodiments, generating emissions reports.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a plurality of sensor units which transmit any one of a pressure detection signal and a temperature detection signal as a detection signal, a processing unit which transmits a switching command signal to the sensor unit and receives a detection signal from the sensor unit, communication lines through which the switching command signal is transmitted from the processing unit to each of the sensor units, and signal lines through which the detection signal is transmitted in a form of analog signal from the sensor unit to the processing unit. The sensor units are grouped into a first group and a second group. A plurality of communication lines of the first group are branched from one first base line connected to a first communication port of the processing unit.

Abstract: An appendable system includes a plurality of appendable devices that are adapted to interoperate with each other and/or a workstation via a communication network to monitor and/or control a process. Each of the appendable devices can communicate with one or more sensors and/or control outputs and includes a housing that facilitates mounting of the appendable device to a surface.

Abstract: Packet formats and associated metering infrastructure for filtering meter reading data that is being transmitted by utility meters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method suitable for being implemented in a metering environment is provided that filters meter reading data being received by multiple collectors. Specifically, the method includes ranking the relative ability of the plurality of collectors to capture transmissions from the same utility meter. Based on the relative ranking, at least one collector from the plurality of collectors is identified that will be configured to disregard transmissions that originate from the utility meter. Then, the method provides the collector with a read list for differentiating between transmissions containing meter reading data that will be forwarded to a utility service provider from transmissions that originate from the utility meter.

Abstract: In a method for detecting anomalies in a sensor-networked environment, packages of data are received from a plurality of sensors located in the environment. At least one candidate problem location in the environment is identified based upon data contained in the packages. A principal components analysis is performed on the data collected from sensors associated with the identified at least one candidate problem location to identify a number of hidden variables and the number of hidden variables are analyzed to detect anomalies in the environment. In addition, detected anomalies are outputted. An analyzer for performing the method is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote data collecting system comprising a measuring device comprising at least two scales in communication with a terminal center. The terminal center is in communication with a control center. The control center can be linked to a computer with software to collect, distribute, analyze, and display data collected from the measuring device. The remote data collecting system is particularly useful for uncontrolled environment (e.g., in-home) product testing such as testing the palatability of pet foods.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring performance of an industrial process includes a service portal for collecting, transmitting and analyzing parameter data from process field devices that includes a network connection that connects to a process control system of the industrial process, a remote collector that collects parameter data from process field devices, a processor that identifies, sorts, and stores the collected parameter data and a communications module for transmitting the stored parameter data to a remote monitoring station for analysis.

Abstract: A monitoring system capable of being operationalized. Power consumption is electrical devices is monitored by the use of new and innovative consumption power monitoring device in accordance with the present invention. Power consumption information is collected by an intelligent power hub that is communicatively coupled to a remote server that presents overall power usage displays. A method of operationalizing a power usage monitoring system comprises powering up an energy pump device when the energy pump device is plugged into a first power socket, setting the energy pump device automatically to a SET mode to acquire new monitoring devices, and discovering the presence of a power consumption monitoring device.

Abstract: A smart, adaptive control system that monitors and influences physical conditions of an architectural setting. The architectural setting in which the system is deployed typically includes a plurality of private spaces and at least one community space. The individual private spaces, and the community spaces, may include an environmental control device that affects one or more physical conditions of the individual private space. Each private space may also include an environmental sensor that measures a particular physical condition of the private space. The private spaces may also include one or more occupant sensors, which measure either behavioral or physiological parameters of an occupant. The environmental control devices, environmental sensors, and occupant sensors are in communication with a computer. The computer is also in communication with a database, which houses a data set that describes how to best modify the physical conditions of the architectural setting.

Abstract: Real time performance comparison involves identifying predefined route data corresponding to a route. Measured locations are detected while a user traverses the route carrying a mobile device. The measured locations are sent via a network synchronously with the detection of the respective measured locations. Comparative data points are derived based on the predefined route data and the measured locations in response to receiving the measured locations. The comparative data points are sent, via the network, in response to measured locations. The comparative data points allow the user to measure relative performance during the route traversal.

Abstract: A wireless tracking device for monitoring usage patterns and power consumption of appliances such as a refrigerator. The power consumption is monitored by the use of new and innovative wireless tracking device that is placed by a user inside the appliance while it is operational. Appliance usage pattern information and power consumption information is communicated by the wireless tracking device and is collected by an intelligent power hub (and in some embodiments, an energy pump device, an intelligent power meter or a collector device). User behavior is modified by recommending approaches to cut power consumption by the appliances thereby providing savings and reducing the cost of operation.

Abstract: A sensor interface is disclosed including a flexible substrate in which are embedded sensors for measuring physical parameters such as temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure and force present between objects such as a railcar bearing and a truck side frame. The substrate is positioned between the objects of interest Electronic components such as a data processing unit, a data storage device, a communication device and a power source may also be embedded within the substrate. The electronic devices communicate with one another and the sensors to process signals generated by the sensors indicative of the parameters being measured.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining real-time performance in a sub-assembly device that is driven by a dc motor. In one example embodiment, an electric motor is energized such that a sub-assembly driven by the motor achieves a target operating speed. Pulse width modulation data is captured and plotted along a time axis. A time duration when the sub-assembly device ended a startup operation and achieved a steady state operation is determined. A portion of the plotted data is then compared to an ideal plot defined for that sub-assembly device. Based on the result of that comparison, a determination is made whether the sub-assembly device is performing within accepted operational parameters. A maintenance operation is signaled to be performed in response to the determined sub-assembly operational performance. The data is stored in a historical database from which a preventative maintenance schedule can be derived.

Abstract: System and method for generating an application domain specific graphical program. A graphical user interface (GUI) for specifying functionality of a graphical program in an application domain is displayed, where the GUI corresponds specifically to the application domain. User input to the GUI specifying the functionality of the graphical program is received, and the graphical program generated in response, where the graphical program is executable to perform the specified functionality, and comprises multiple interconnected graphical program nodes that visually represent the graphical program functionality. The GUI includes graphical interface elements operable to indicate and/or specify, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring electronic commerce transactions. A network delay agent, coupled to the access point for the electronic commerce provider's system is operable to send and receive communications to a designated customer's site for measuring network transport latency. Application test latency is also determined. An application monitor agent that is coupled to the electronic commerce provider's access point sends application tests that correspond to tasks performed during a typical electronic commerce transaction, to the electronic commerce provider's system. The time required for the electronic commerce provider's system to perform the indicated tasks and return a response to the application monitor agent is recorded as application test latency. Network transport latency and application test latency are displayed to indicate the delays that are experienced by a user in executing an electronic commerce order.

Abstract: A system for monitoring parameters of produce including at least one sensor assembly for sensing at least one parameter of packaged produce at a plurality of times and locations of the packaged produce; a communications network operative to receive information from the at least one sensor assembly at the plurality of times and locations and to transmit the information to at least one information receiving location; and at least one computer at the at least one information receiving location for receiving the information transmitted via the communications network and for providing an information output representing the at least one parameter at the plurality of times.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring performance of a wireless network are disclosed. According to one described example, at least one probe is generated. In the example, the probe determines the portion of a wireless network to monitor, the type of the probe, and the number and frequency of the probe or probes to target a specific carrier, a specific system, or a specific geographical area. A probe server generates the probe based on a parameter specified by the user and transmits the probe to a plurality of posts or to the wireless network. In the example, the probe server controls the posts to send and receive probes to the wireless network. In response to the received probes, the wireless network responds by sending feedback information, which can be used to indicate how the wireless network is performing.

Abstract: A plant matter sensor, the sensor includes a pair of parallel spaced apart sensor arms and a control console, a first of the arms having a plurality of emitter means spaced along its length, each emitter configured and arranged to, in use, emit a signal substantially perpendicularly to the arm to be received by a corresponding receiver on the second arm. The console contains controller means to, in use, control the rate, strength and regularity of the signal emitted by each of the said emitters, collectors to, in use, collect data from each receiver as to the existence or absence of receipt of a signal, a processor to process data received from the controllers and the collectors and determine the height of any plant matter traversed by the plant matter sensor and predetermined intervals, and storage to store the plant matter height data generated by the processor for subsequent download or analysis.

Abstract: A network operation center for a light management system having networked intelligent luminaire managers. A plurality of networked luminaire managers, each collocated with a respective luminaire, monitor the status of their respective luminaires. The luminaire managers include transmitters for transmitting status information about their respective luminaires and third-party devices to a network server. The network server forwards the received status information from the networked luminaire managers to a computer of an owner/operator of the plurality of luminaires and/or a third-party user. The luminaire managers communicate with each other, whereby they form a network.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant disclosure may provide users with access to information that details, by application category, the potential impact an application may have on the health of a user's computing device. A method for determining the impact of a new application on the health of a computing system by category is also disclosed. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated management system for controlling multi-type air conditioners can reduce a communication load by transmitting only changed operation state information among operation state information related to at least one air conditioner system which is disposed in a room or office and is being operated.

Abstract: An appliance configured to perform an operation cycle to effect a physical operation on an article, the appliance includes at least one component configured to effect the physical operation, and a cycle engine on the component. The cycle engine can build a cycle structure for the operation cycle to enable the component to perform the physical operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for visualizing environmental conditions in a data center using wireless sensor networks. An example embodiment includes: establishing communication with a plurality of networked environmental sensors deployed at particular points in one of a plurality of pre-defined layers for a facility; periodically obtaining measured environmental data values from each of the plurality of networked environmental sensors using a wireless sensor network; using the measured environmental data values at the particular points to extrapolate computed environmental data values at intermediate points in the facility; and using the measured environmental data values and the computed environmental data values to generate a visualization of environmental conditions in the facility.