Abstract: Methods and systems to detect abnormal operations in a process of a process plant include collecting on-line process data. The collected on-line process data is generated from a plurality of dependent and independent process variables of the process, such as a coker heater. A plurality of multivariate statistical models of the operation of the process are generated using corresponding sets of the process data. Each model is a measure of the operation of the process when the process is on-line at different times, and at least one model is a measure of the operation of the process when the process is on-line and operating normally. The models are executed to generate outputs corresponding to loading value metrics of a corresponding dependent process variable, and the loading value metrics are utilized to detect abnormal operations of the process.

Abstract: A single chip wireless sensor comprises a microcontroller connected by a transmit/receive interface to a wireless antenna. The microcontroller is also connected to an 8 kB RAM, a USB interface, an RS232 interface, 64 kB flash memory, and a 32 kHz crystal. The device senses humidity and temperature, and a humidity sensor is connected by an 18 bit ?? A-to-D converter to the microcontroller and a temperature sensor is connected by a 12 bit SAR A-to-D converter to the microcontroller. The device is an integrated chip manufactured in a single process in which both the electronics and sensor components are manufactured using standard CMOS processing techniques, applied to achieve both electronic and sensing components in an integrated process.

Abstract: A data logger is disclosed wherein a common housing includes different function blocks which are connected to one another. These function blocks include at least one analog/digital converter for conversion of measurement signals into digital input data, a memory unit for recording of digital data and of digitized event data, a timer, a processor unit for processing of data, a power supply source and input and output interfaces for measurement signals or digital data and event data. The processor unit is configured for conversion of digital input data and time data into a format which is compatible with standardized software (e.g., freely available) and which makes it possible to display the processed data using standardized software in tabular and/or graphic form on an output device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide devices, methods and systems, including without limitation data acquisition systems, that can provide flexible sensing and/or data acquisition solutions. An exemplary sensing device, which may be in communication with one or more computers, such as a server, etc., can include one or more sensor(s), a processor and/or a data store. The sensing device can, perhaps in response to instructions received from the computer, filter and/or otherwise process data acquired by the sensor before transmitting the desired data to the computer. The sensing device may store some or all of the acquired data locally and/or may transmit, replicate, etc. some or all of the stored data to the computer.

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: Systems and methods are provided for detecting abnormal conditions and preventing abnormal situations from occurring in controlled processes. Statistical signatures of a monitored variable are modeled as a function of the statistical signatures of a load variable. The statistical signatures of the monitored variable may be modeled according to an extensible regression model or a simplified load following algorithm. The systems and methods may be advantageously applied to detect plugged impulse lines in a differential pressure flow measuring device.

Abstract: A disposable assay device that assays one or more samples, and transmits assay data or information to a remote receiving system. The device is provided with one or more assay context sensors configured to monitor one or more assay context factors.

Abstract: A system for monitoring variable parameters out of working parameters of a processing machine includes a selecting module, a frequency updating module, a first communicating module, a central processing unit (CPU), and a value processing module. The selecting module selects a number of variable parameters out of working parameters of the processing machine. The frequency updating module sets an updating frequency of the selected variable parameters according to the number of the selected variable parameters. The first communicating module converts the selected variable parameters into appointed formats. The CPU receives the converted variable parameters at the updating frequency, and gather the values of the received variable parameters. The value processing module receives the values of the selected variable parameters, and transforms the values of the selected variable parameters to display formats for presentation.

Abstract: A system and method of using an adaptable interface for a medical device such as a scale. The scale includes a memory, a display, a processor, and a measurement component to measure one or more characteristics of a subject, such as height or weight. The adaptable interface includes a reconfigurable driver module that enables communication with different Electronic Health Record (“EHR”) systems. The interface can download new drivers or update drivers to reconfigure the driver module. The reconfigured driver module is then configured to communicate with an EHR system according to the particular EHR system communication protocol. The adaptable interface is modular and includes one or more mounting adapters to enable coupling to adjustable interface mounting assembly. The adjustable interface mounting assembly is also operable to receive other modular interface units.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a hardware architecture and reference platform family for constructing large-scale, long-lived, wireless data acquisition networks. Embodiments of the device are designed to enable data collection, data processing, data storage, and data communication across a broad range of sensor, storage, and communication technologies. When deployed at scale, the devices form an intelligent sensing fabric that can cover a large geographic area with minimal power requirements at a low cost. While the architecture was originally conceived to suit the requirements of the Intelligent River™ program, the architecture and its platform realizations provide value to a range of industry segments, from agriculture and utilities to defense and manufacturing.

Abstract: A wireless data logging module for a test and measuring device is presented. The data logging module includes a test and measuring device that measures a variable of a process and a wireless transceiver coupled to the test and measuring device. The wireless transceiver includes a microprocessor for capturing and processing signals. The signals encode data and information including the measured variable from the test and measuring device. The transceiver also includes memory coupled to the microprocessor for storing the data, and communication circuitry coupled to the microprocessor. The communication circuitry includes input/output circuitry for transmitting and receiving the signals over a wireless communication path to a plurality of wireless devices. In one embodiment the process variable includes at least one of temperature, voltage, humidity, pressure, strain, resistance, motion, light, current, velocity and flow.

Abstract: Brings the response time of a Web server and the like closer to a targeted value. A controller controlling the average response time elapsed between reception by information processing apparatus of a processing request and response of information processing apparatus to the processing request. The controller including: a section for obtaining a response time goal which is a target value of the average response time; a section for calculating a predicted response time which is a predicted value of the average response time at the time point when a predetermined reference period has elapsed from setting an operation mode in the information processing apparatus, the operation mode being any of a plurality of operation modes which provide different throughputs; and a section for setting the operation mode in the information processing apparatus if predicted response time calculated by the predicted response time calculating section is less than goal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a renewable energy system monitor. In one embodiment, information is received in a server from solar power stations across a network. The information includes operational data for each solar power station identified by a particular power station identification (ID). The information is stored in a database and grouped data groups corresponding different solar power stations. Data groups are processed using different models associated with different power stations to control the different power stations. Software or parameters may be sent to different devices in the different power stations to control the power stations.

Abstract: The invention compares geographically remote locations on a power grid by determining at each location the amount of change to phasor measurements for a period of time, and then comparing the determined change values from each location to determine relative differences in values as an indicator of the stability of the power grid. One embodiment calculates the product of the node's most recent phasor and a complex conjugate of that nodes previous phasor sample to produce a phase difference phasor for that node. The various phase difference phasors are sent to a monitoring location (which may be local for one of the phasors) and comparisons made among the phase difference phasors to assess the amount of load imbalance among the nodes that are being compared. In one embodiment those comparisons are done by determining “relative” phase change rate phasors by calculating the product of one incoming phase difference phasor with the conjugate of another incoming phase difference phasor.

Abstract: A central test facility transmits wirelessly test data to a local test facility, which tests electronic devices using the test data. The local test facility transmits wirelessly response data generated by the electronic devices back to the central test facility, which analyzes the response data to determine which electronic devices passed the testing. The central test facility may provide the results of the testing to other entities, such as a design facility where the electronic devices were designed or a manufacturing facility where the electronic devices where manufactured. The central test facility may accept requests for test resources from any of a number of local test facilities, schedule test times corresponding to each test request, and at a scheduled test time, wirelessly transmits test data to a corresponding local test facility.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for capturing interactions in a system is disclosed. The method includes receiving a selection of a first component of the system and receiving a selection of a second component of the system. The method further includes receiving a selection of an interaction between the first component and the second component, and displaying a list of functions performed by the selected interaction.

Abstract: Disclosed are a universal adapter for the personal health device (PHD) standardization of a non-standardized healthcare device and an operating method thereof. The universal adapter includes: an adapter interface device communicating with a non-standardized healthcare device, which does not follow PHD standardization, to collect measurement data measured by the non-standardized healthcare device; and a universal adapter device receiving the measurement data from the adapter interface device, generating a PHD standard message including the received measurement data, and transmitting the PHD standard message to a PHD gateway according to a PHD standard communication scheme.

Abstract: A ground-based system that provides quasi real-time measurement and collection of snow-water equivalent (SWE) data in remote settings is provided. The disclosed invention is significantly less expensive and easier to deploy than current methods and less susceptible to terrain and snow bridging effects. Embodiments of the invention include remote data recovery solutions. Compared to current infrastructure using existing SWE technology, the disclosed invention allows more SWE sites to be installed for similar cost and effort, in a greater variety of terrain; thus, enabling data collection at improved spatial resolutions. The invention integrates a novel computational architecture with new sensor technologies. The invention's computational architecture is based on wireless sensor networks, comprised of programmable, low-cost, low-powered nodes capable of sophisticated sensor control and remote data communication.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems and computer readable media for receiving data from infusion pumps in a healthcare setting and displaying the data on a user device are provided. Centralized clinician views are provided to manage individual and multiple patient infusions. Embodiments provide near real-time graphical displays of infusion data to clinicians on separate user devices. In addition, near real-time graphical displays of patient physiologic data is displayed simultaneously to a clinician along with the infusion data.

Abstract: An industrial process control transmitter includes a first input configured to couple to a first sensor, and a second input configured to couple to a second sensor. Measurement circuitry is configured to couple to the first and second sensors and provide an output related to a sensed process variable. A multiplexer is configured to selectively couple the first and second sensors to the measurement circuitry. An equalizer circuit is coupled to the first and second sensors and configured to equalize a voltage potential between the first sensor and the measurement circuitry.

Abstract: A remote generator fuel monitoring system is provided. The system can include graphical user interface logic and connection logic. The graphical user interface logic typically provides a user with periodically updated data points associated with a fuel monitor coupled to an AC plant. The connection logic typically connects to a monitoring server and receives the periodically updated data points associated with the fuel monitor, the monitoring server being coupled to a number of fuel monitors via a network. Methods and other systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system for identifying a piece of oilfield equipment having an exterior surface, the system having an identifier assembly that includes an RFID tag storing a unique identifier, an enclosure receiving and retaining the RFID tag, and a reader.

Abstract: An electric vehicle information system prevents circulation of non-authentic batteries and battery components for electric vehicles. An electric vehicle data processing system is employed that performs, on an electric vehicle battery module having a plurality of battery cells installed therein, authentication of individual battery cells and the battery module itself in a hierarchical manner using a microcomputer. An electric vehicle is configured so as to cause the microcomputer of the data processing system to accumulate voltage history and charge history of the batteries in a nonvolatile storage circuit. The history information and the electric vehicle ID can be gathered by a maintenance device and a data server via an electronic control unit of the electric vehicle. A maintenance service system may thus be provided.

Abstract: A controller for use in monitoring at least one operating wind turbine is communicatively coupled to the at least one operating wind turbine, to a server sub-system, and to a user interface device. The controller is configured to receive operational data from the at least one operating wind turbine and select at least one formula based on the received operational data, wherein at least one of a predetermined formula is selected, a formula is selected via the user interface device, and a formula is selected via the server sub-system. The controller is further configured to determine at least one site level parameter using the at least one selected formula, and transmit at least one of operational data, the at least one selected formula, and the determined parameter to the server sub-system.

Abstract: A moored buoy floating at the ocean surface and anchored to the seafloor precisely measures acceleration, pitch, roll, and Earth's magnetic flux field of the buoy over a limited sampling period.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring, storing and communicating measurements of a dog, cat, other animal or inanimate object's environment. The apparatus may take the form of a collar, bridle, tag, harness or other mechanism worn by the animal or a device to be shipped with the animal or inanimate object. The apparatus may include mechanisms to initiate and terminate measurement and may include the ability to detect and report values exceeding specified limits.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to methods and systems anticipating a potentially threatening or dangerous incident, and providing varying levels of response to a user. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides varying levels of assistance to a user prior to, during, and after a threatening incident occurs. By providing assistance prior to a threatening incident occurring, the system may be able to thwart potential attacks, bodily harm, robberies, break-ins, and other criminal or dangerous activity. The assistance can be, for example, in the form of deterrents, alerting first responders to go to the scene, sending security personnel to the scene, remotely monitoring the scene, remotely interacting with the scene, providing information and advice to the user.

Abstract: This invention provides an extensible method for performing management operations on known and unknown targets. The extensible method is implemented on a fully extensible system where management software and triggers that cause these management operations to be run are easily extended in the field. The triggers may include information indicating a change in inventory, product state, or an event, and may originate directly from a product or from an information store containing information about installed products. The management software facilitates mining this information, parsing the information through a manifest of the triggers, and selecting functions to determine if a management operation should be executed, and if so, which management operation. Generally, the management software executes the selected management operation.

Abstract: A method for event monitoring for a wind turbine is described. The method includes measuring a first signal pattern representing a characteristic selected from a characteristic group, the characteristic group consisting of: a mechanical characteristic of a wind turbine, emitted noise of a wind turbine, emitted noise of a part of a wind turbine; power output of a wind turbine, surface conductivity of parts of a wind turbine, operational data of a wind turbine, temperature of parts of a wind turbine, outside temperature, wind velocity, wind direction, and outside air humidity or other weather conditions; measuring at least a second signal pattern representing a different characteristic selected from the characteristic group; analyzing the first and the second signal pattern or a combination of the first and the second analyzed signal pattern with an analyzing method, wherein analyzed data is generated; and evaluating the analyzed data, wherein the evaluation provides a result indicative for an event.

Abstract: An alarm control apparatus which collects alarms from an equipment of a plant and handles the alarms includes a support information collecting section which adds support information for managing the equipment to the alarms.

Abstract: Processes and techniques for environmental monitoring in a data facility are described. A network of environmental sensors is arranged to monitor a variety of environmental conditions of the facility. The sensors can be queried to generate data describing specific environmental conditions, and the data can be processed to generate an environmental image of all or part of the data facility. The environmental image can optionally be viewed by data facility personnel and can be used to manipulate one or more environmental conditions of the data facility.

Abstract: An environmental sensor including an inlet and an outlet such that a flow of fluid moves from the inlet to the outlet, a particle detection portion to detect particles in the fluid, and a controller connected to the particle detection portion. The environmental sensor can be in communication with a data acquisition system (e.g., via a wireless access point) to form a particle counting system. Also disclosed are methods of operating the environmental sensor and methods of operating the particle detection system.

Abstract: A controller for use in managing an operational lifetime of at least one wind turbine is communicatively coupled to at least one wind turbine and a server sub-system. The controller is configured to receive operational data from the wind turbine, transmit the operational data to the server sub-system, and transmit a request for historical data corresponding to the wind turbine to the server sub-system. The controller is further configured to receive a response from the server sub-system, wherein the response includes historical data corresponding to the wind turbine, and to determine an estimate of a time failure of the wind turbine based on at least one of the operational data and the historical data.

Abstract: Representative embodiments are directed to distributed sensor systems from which measurement data is extracted using mobile devices. Representative embodiments record access attempts by the mobile devices and calculate the probabilities of future access by a mobile device to sensor devices using the recorded information. Collection points are selected in response to the probabilities of future access. Additionally, memory management and data prioritization may occur that is at least partially dependent upon the probabilities of future access.

Abstract: Providing for event-controlled continuous logging for a mobile operating environment is described herein. For instance, collection of mobile device operating system (OS) log data can be initiated and terminated as a result of one or more predetermined events. The events can both trigger collection as well as terminate collection of the log data. Further, limiting collection/termination of log data to particular log index codes is also described herein, enabling logging of data pertinent to one or more determinable events. As described, the subject specification discloses mechanisms to initiate and to terminate continuous logging of mobile OS log codes as a result of occurrence of one or more determinable events.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for astronomical activity monitoring and imaging using a plurality of distributed remotely-reprogrammable observing devices communicating with a server, and providing astronomical activity monitoring and imaging information. In one embodiment the observing devices may also have sensors coupled to provide atmospheric data that further characterizes the astronomical activity monitoring and imaging information. Furthermore, remote reprogramming of observing device by broadcast data transmitted by a satellite is provided.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a field device connected via a data bus with a control unit. To prevent unauthorized tampering with the field device, the control unit requests, at intervals of time, an individual identifier of the field device. The requested individual identifier is compared with an identifier stored in the control unit. An alarm is produced or a warning, in the case of a change in the requested individual identifier.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: There is provided a monitoring apparatus that can reduce the processing load when a plurality of such monitoring apparatuses are centrally managed. The monitoring apparatus is capable of communicating with a management apparatus that centrally manages a plurality of monitoring apparatuses. The monitoring apparatus manages maintenance information relating to a plurality of peripheral apparatuses, including at least operation information. The maintenance information relating to the peripheral apparatuses is managed. Confirmation information including identification information identifying the monitoring apparatus, and the managed maintenance information is periodically transmitted. The management apparatus generates monitoring object management information based on a history of transmissions of the transmitted confirmation information.