Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to generating persistent transaction records (PTR), each containing fields/parameters determined by a template that gets stored on a centralized blockchain to identify a certified transaction associated with a particular Certified Body and Certified Subject pair, the persistent transaction records being unilaterally issued by the Certified Body. In an illustrative example, the Certified Body may be authenticated by a trusted Certifying Transaction Authority System (CTAS) configured to authenticate parametric data from one or more Certified Bodies and cause the authenticated parameters to be stored on the blockchain in association with the Certified Subject as a PTR. The PTR may be accessible in the decentralized blockchain by, for example, the Certified Body, the Certified Subject, and an authorized 3rd Party. The CTAS may advantageously provide an automated infrastructure for unilateral issuance of trustworthy and immutable records of diverse information (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed are various examples of integrating multiple domains within a directory service. A computing device retrieves a first list of members in a first group of users for the domain from a first directory service for a first domain. The computing device then determines that a second group of users is a member of the first group of users, wherein the second group of users corresponds to a second domain. The computing device then retrieves a second list of members in the second group of users from a second directory service for a second domain. The computing device subsequently compares the first list of members in the first group of users and the second list of members in the second group of users with a third list of members in a third group of users, wherein the third list of members in the third group of users corresponds to a user list maintained by the application.

Abstract: A connection method and apparatus are provided for smart home devices. A method for connecting a user equipment to smart home devices includes identifying, when a connection request for a smart home device is detected, reception of a first broadcast message transmitted by the smart home device according to a first communication mode; determining whether the smart home device permits communication mode negotiation based on information included in the first broadcast message; and establishing a connection to the smart home device according to the first communication mode or a second communication mode based on a result of the determining.

Abstract: A physiological monitor has a sensor port configured to attach and communicate with a sensor. A processor board is in communications with the sensor port and has a board digital signal processor (DSP). Firmware residing on the processor board is executable by the board DSP so as to calculate physiological parameters in response to a sensor signal received from the sensor. Upgrade tools are individually attachable to the sensor port in lieu of the sensor so as to designate to the processor board which of the physiological parameters, if any, to calculate when the sensor is attached to the sensor port.

Abstract: A technique allows a smart meter to receive a mask. The smart meter may receive the mask from a utility company or an escrow service. The smart meter may apply the mask to original metered data on a continuous schedule, on a periodic schedule, or on a determined schedule, or on a randomized schedule to conceal the original metered data. The smart meter may apply different masks at different times. The smart meter transmits the concealed metered data as augmented metered data remotely to an electric utility via a communication network.

Abstract: A region-based electrical intelligence system is used to configure and control electrical usage within regions, for example, within certain areas of a floor of a building or within certain floors of a building. A number of network-enabled electric plugs are deployed in a region. Each of the network-enabled electric plugs is configured to deliver electricity from an electricity source to one or more powered devices located in the region. A server runs a web application used to monitor electrical usage information for the region based on electrical usage by each of the one or more powered devices. The web application generates rules for selectively controlling the delivery of electricity from the network-enabled electric plugs to the powered devices based on the monitored electrical usage information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing and re-commissioning a controlled device in a home area network are described. A utility meter is communicated with. An authentication key and encryption data for communicating with the utility meter may be determined. The authentication key and encryption data are sent to a controlled device. A set of translation rules for a message are determined. The translation rules are sent to the controlled device. The controlled device establishes a secure communication link with the utility meter using the authentication key and the encryption data. The controlled device receives a request to change power usage from the utility meter over the secure communication link. The controlled device translates the request to change power usage into control instructions using the translation rules.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to generating persistent transaction records (PTR), each containing fields/parameters determined by a template that gets stored on a centralized blockchain to identify a certified transaction associated with a particular Certified Body and Certified Subject pair, the persistent transaction records being unilaterally issued by the Certified Body. In an illustrative example, the Certified Body may be authenticated by a trusted Certifying Transaction Authority System (CTAS) configured to authenticate parametric data from one or more Certified Bodies and cause the authenticated parameters to be stored on the blockchain in association with the Certified Subject as a PTR. The PTR may be accessible in the decentralized blockchain by, for example, the Certified Body, the Certified Subject, and an authorized 3rd Party. The CTAS may advantageously provide an automated infrastructure for unilateral issuance of trustworthy and immutable records of diverse information (e.g.

Abstract: A problem to be solved is to optimize a storage schedule in which changes in power (W) stored in an energy storage apparatus with time are determined, and an output upper limit (W) of a renewable energy power supply.

Abstract: An equipment management apparatus manages at least one equipment unit that is supplied with energy and that consumes energy. The equipment management apparatus includes a result value storage unit, an adjustment control implementation status storage unit, and a hypothetical value computation unit. The result value storage unit stores result values of an amount of energy consumed in a first particular day by the at least one equipment unit. The result values are stored in association with time slots of the first particular day. The adjustment control implementation status storage unit stores adjustment control implementation status information indicating whether or not energy adjustment control has been performed in each of the time slots of the first particular day. The hypothetical value computation unit computes a hypothetical value of an amount of energy consumed by the at least one equipment unit as if the energy adjustment control had not been performed.

Abstract: A system and method may be used to control a plurality of services for one or more facilities. A data store may receive a first meter catalog that identifies a first meter, and a second meter catalog that identifies a second meter. The data store may also receive first and second meter readings from the first and second meters. The first and second meter readings may be indicative of provision of services to the one or more facilities. A processor may automatically process the first and second meter readings to provide first and second processed meter readings that are more readily understood by a user. A display screen may display the first and second processed meter readings. An input device may receive user input that establishes control and/or user reporting related to provision of the services.

Abstract: The slave is used in an energy management system for collecting meter-reading data from an energy meter for measuring an amount of electric energy supplied from a power source to a predetermined place through a distribution line. The slave includes: a first interface unit configured to communicate with an upper device; a second interface unit configured to communicate with an electric appliance installed in the predetermined place; and a third interface unit configured to perform first wireless communication using an electric wave with a communication terminal. One of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is a wired communication unit configured to perform power line communication using the distribution line, and the other of the first interface unit and the second interface unit is a wireless communication unit configured to perform second wireless communication using an electric wave.

Abstract: Disclosed is an energy metering system, apparatus and method that enables an energy meter to reduce power consumed in communication when remotely inspecting the energy meter under an energy pricing system changed depending on time. To this end, the energy meter transmits information on energy consumption at only a changed time of energy price, and operates in a power saving mode except the changed time. If the information on the energy consumption is transmitted at the changed time, the information on the energy consumption in each period having the same energy price is secured, and therefore, a central server has no difficulty in calculating an energy consumption rate. Thus, it is possible to minimize power consumed in communication while transmitting all the information on the energy consumption, required in the central server. Particularly, a battery is used longer in an environment using the battery, thereby reducing maintenance/repair cost.

Abstract: An energy management system in a smart grid environment includes: an electrical power producing apparatus for collecting and analyzing real time price information and electrical power production environment information inputted through a communication network interface to thereby determine a control of an electrical power production; a micro grid, connected to the electrical power producing apparatus, for supplying an electrical power in a local micro grid environment; an electrical power grid, connected to the micro grid, for supplying a main power; and an energy routing service apparatus for transmitting an electrical power and processing an energy information packet for a control of an electrical power flow.

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: The present invention relates to a system, a method, a service server, a mobile communication terminal, an end-point terminal, and a storage medium, for providing a service to an end-point terminal that uses authentication information of a mobile communication terminal to which it is not currently connected, wherein the end-point terminal is connected to a first mobile communication terminal and to a second mobile communication terminal through a short-range communication network and to a service server via the second mobile communication terminal. The end-point terminal uses the authentication information of the first mobile communication terminal and is connected to the service server which is connected to the first and second mobile communication terminals through the mobile communication network, for authenticating the end-point terminal that uses the authentication information of the first mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: A measurement device, which communicates data to at least one system, and which has the capability of identifying measurement data returned by the system via the data communication as its own, and the capability to rule out manipulation of measurement values without use of a public or non-personal key. The measurement device includes at least an encryption and/or signature encoder that supplies information including a validity and reliability identifier for inspecting the integrity of the data, and compiles said information into a current data set and transfers it to at least said communication interface for transfer, and at least an encryption and/or signature decoder that inspects data sets returned via the communication interface using one or more keys in memory for integrity of data content and identification of the measurement device and, upon successful inspection of this data, supplies said data for further processing, evaluating or displaying.

Abstract: A license manager running on a central-management server receives a license request for licensing a managed node as a client of a central-management product running on a central-management server. The license manager proposes a solution involving applying respective licenses for plural distinct central-management products. In response to a unified command, implementing said solution.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a data managing apparatus including: a storage, a power consumption acquiring unit, an information generating unit and a sending unit. The storage stores information on an electricity unit price applied to a customer for each of a plurality of periods of time. The power consumption acquiring unit acquires a history of power consumption for the customer, from a meter apparatus of the customer. The information generating unit sums up the power consumption for ones of the periods of time for which same electricity unit price is applied to generate first information indicating an integrated value of the power consumption for each electricity unit price. The sending unit sends the first information to an external system.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for measuring the supply of a consumable product/energy source, such as electrical power, to a facility over time and analyzing the measurements to determine the consumption or supply of the product by one or more loads and/or sources in the facility, and to determine induced and residual heat flow through the facility's envelope. Various aspects compare the measured supply of the consumable product to a database of consumption signatures, which characterize access to the consumable product by particular users. In doing so, costs for the product may be more accurately divided between different tenants of the facility without having to install individual services or measurement equipment for each individual tenant. Operating conditions and facility characteristics, such as temperatures, load factors, insulation factors, etc., may be further considered in determining a particular user's access of the consumable product.

Abstract: A request for an acknowledgement using a private key may be generated and transmitting to a customer device. The acknowledgement may be received from the customer device and verified using a public key associated with a customer operating the customer device. A request for a current location of the customer device may be transmitted and the current location may be received. A determination that the current location is proximate to a meter may be made, and, in response to determining that the current location is proximate to the meter, the meter may be manipulated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a power aggregation system. In one implementation, a method includes a establishing a communication connection with each of multiple electric resources connected to a power grid, receiving an energy generation signal from a power grid operator, and controlling a number of the electric resources being charged by the power grid as a function of the energy generation signal.

Abstract: An advanced underwriting and risk evaluation system leverages data from utility based metering devices and other IP addressable devices, and machines to provide real time operational and usage data. The data is used by an insurance entity to modify and adjust insurance coverages and premiums in the case of certain usage exceptions and conditions in view of an underlying policy coverage.

Abstract: A pricing method for utility consumptions of utility meters each connected to at least one management center through an intermediate data concentrator. The data concentrator receives, from each management center, at least a tariff table comprising at least one time interval and an associated pricing rate. It selects the lowest rate for each received time interval. The data concentrator receives, from the utility meter, secured utility meter messages, each comprising: a metering data measurement, the utility meter identifier, a data concentrator identifier and a management center identifier. On the basis of several metering data measurements, a metering counter differential consumption value is determined and the management center suggesting the lowest rate is assigned thereto. Finally, a secured report containing at least the metering counter differential consumption value together with the utility meter identifier to which this value refers is sent from the data concentrator towards each management center.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for validating network coverage (i.e., desired functionality) of newly installed network devices. Per use of presently disclosed technology, equipment installers may confirm both one and two way communications abilities of newly installed network devices as well as receive network diagnostic related data to assist them in the equipment installation process. Validation of communications operation may be initiated by any of the newly installed equipment, a handheld device, or via mobile device communications.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for enabling a client to request a server to cancel the digital signing of a form file associated with a form. Successful cancellation of the digital signing process results in a return of the form file to its initial state, in which data are not lost, and the form can be resubmitted and/or the application of the digital signature can be retried. Request and response messages, communicated between a protocol client and a protocol server, cause the performance of protocol functions for applying a digital signature to a form file and for cancelling the signature thereof where errors in the signing process are detected. A versioning mechanism enabling the detection of version differences and resulting upgrades to the digital signature control allows for robust communications between a client and a server operating under different product versions.

Abstract: A protocol to provide security, privacy and robustness in the context of distributed metering statistics is described herein. Blinded readings may be produced by a subset of meters. A service provider receives a subset of blinded readings and calculates to uncover their weighted sum. To achieve this, a de-blinding value may also be requested by the service provider from a set of aggregation authorities.

Abstract: A utility meter implementing the ANSI C12.19 standard is able to bypass security processing using Decade4 security tables for a single data access operation. The meter includes a procedure that is executed by a processor in the meter to process requests for security keys. Data internal to the meter is used to generate a security key. The security key is used by the requesting external device and the procedure to generate an access key. The external device sends its access key to the procedure so it may be compared to the internally generated access key. If both access keys are the same, a data access operation performed by the external device is allowed without reference to the Decade4 security tables. Once a timeout or data access operation is performed, subsequent data access operations are subject to processing in accordance with the Decade4 security tables unless another security key is requested for repetition of the process.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for configuring utility meters are provided. A meter configuration application may be executed by a device that includes one or more computers and that facilitates utility meter configuration. A plug-in module associated with a utility meter type may be received by the device. Based at least in part upon providing the plug-in module to the meter configuration application, a configuration file may be built for the utility meter type. The utility meter may then be configured utilizing the configuration file.

Abstract: Particular embodiments provide a method for orchestrating an order fulfillment business process that includes a sub-process. In one embodiment, abstraction of business processes from an underlying information technology (IT) infrastructure is provided. An orchestration process can be designed using sub-processes such that the sub-process is assembled at run-time into an executable process. The sub-process may be defined in an interface as a single step. A plurality of services as then assembled as steps in the executable process at run-time.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to associate each of a plurality of tenants with a respective virtual portal and individually meter virtual portal usage at each respective virtual portal. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to determine a fee amount for the each of the plurality of tenants based on the individually metered virtual portal usage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digitally originated check (DOC) through an electronic payment system (EPS) which captures payor metadata instructions regarding the intended payment to a payee. The metadata is stored in a database or the like for further processing instead of printing a paper check. The EPS is operable to clear the DOC through either paper or electronic Check 21 mechanisms.

Abstract: A secure detachable utility monitoring device is disclosed, to be appended to a utility metering apparatus for controlling at least one utility usage consumption. A detachable metering monitoring device of at least one embodiment includes: a usage reading interface to acquire a utility consumption value metered by the utility meter; a first memory to store at least a unique identifier ID and a personal key, both pertaining to the device; a crypto processor to generate a cryptogram from information data comprising at least the utility consumption value, the cryptogram being encrypted with the personal key; a message generator to generate an information message including at least the cryptogram and the unique identifier ID; and a communication network interface including a sending unit to send the information message to a remote management center.

Abstract: An embodiment defines access control allowing the expression of access control rules using ontology based semantics and references an ontology subset using XPath as the ontological expression. The access control rules or access criteria are defined by an access control statement and may be expressed using classification criteria and ontology classes. The access control statement comprises a structural description that is used to define an asset and a logical expression that may be used to express the classification criteria. The access control statement defines access policy for various assets.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product is provided for managing network based preferences associated with charging transactions for electric vehicles. The network based energy preference service receives an identification of a principal associated with a first computing device using a network connection. The network based energy preference service receives a selection of preferences from the principal associated with the first computing device over the network connection to form a set of preferences for the principal. In response to receiving a request for a subset of preferences from the set of preferences for the principal from a preference requesting service, the network based energy preference service retrieves the subset of preferences from the set of preferences by the network based energy preference service and sends the subset of preferences to the preference requesting service.

Abstract: A retail energy provider system comprising a market transaction manager, business rules and requirements processor, usage rater, customer analysis and quality control auditor, customer billing processor and collection manager, customer payment processor, third party sales and marketing application programming interface, customer acquisition and residual income interface, having a wholesale forecaster, interactive voice response system, intranet web services, internet web services and network based external customer service and executive management systems and financial services functions, all said functions and systems interacting with a robust SQL database engine for which the novel database schema is taught herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for energy management between a utility provider and a consumer. According to one embodiment of the invention, a system can be provided. The system can include a computer processor. The system can also include a memory operable to store computer-executable instructions operable for receiving a readable code associated with a utility meter, and further receiving a unique identifier associated with a mobile device; verifying that the readable code is associated with the unique identifier; and authorizing a consumer associated with the mobile device to access account information associated with the at least one utility meter.

Abstract: A computer-implemented user feedback method, system and program product for customizing business suite software that is executable on a computer system. The method includes: acquiring a business logic software function associated with a feedback mechanism in a business suite software user interface for the business suite software; acquiring an existing customization requirement related to the business logic software function and the relationship between the existing customization requirement related to the business logic software function and another existing customization requirement related to the business logic software function; and presenting the acquired existing customization requirement and the relationship between the existing customization requirement related to the business logic software function and the other existing customization requirement related to the business logic software function.

Abstract: A platform for managing delivery of content originating from one or more content providers to users is provided. The platform includes a portal that is configured to support access through a plurality of access channels configured to receive requests through one or more access channels. A request for content is received from an access device through an access channel. An identity management module is configured to determine a user associated with the message. A content manager is configured to manage content for delivery through the plurality of access channels and configured to determine eligible content for the user. A billing module is configured to process billing for the user and content provider based on the content provided to the user. The content manager is then configured to deliver the requested content to the user's access device through the access channel.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a Web-page display unit configured to receive a Web page from a Web page server unit to display the received Web page on a display device, an update request wait unit configured to wait for receipt of an update request to update the displayed Web page, and an update request reporting unit configured to report the update request to the Web page display unit in response to receipt of the update request by the update request wait unit from the Web server unit, wherein the Web page display unit is further configured to send a Web page transmission request to the Web server unit based on a definition provided in the displayed Web page in response to the reported update request, and to display on the display device the Web page returned from the Web server unit in response to the Web page transmission request.

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: A reputation server is coupled to multiple clients via a network. Each client has a security module that detects malware at the client. The security module computes a hygiene score based on detected malware. The security module provides the hygiene score and an identifier of a visited web site to a reputation server. The security module also provides identifiers of files encountered at specified web sites to the reputation server. The reputation server computes secondary hygiene scores for web sites based on the hygiene scores of the clients that visit the web sites. The reputation server further computes reputation scores for files based on the secondary hygiene scores of sites that host the files. The reputation server provides the reputation scores to the clients. A reputation score represents an assessment of whether the associated file is malicious.

Abstract: Methodology and corresponding apparatus ensure the integrity of utility metering data during power outages while providing improved memory integrity. An initial step includes determining and storing an energy top value that is representative of metered energy, and also includes establishing an update pattern. Accumulated energy is then monitored until a predetermined energy threshold is crossed, at which point a selected state in the update pattern is stored into one of a plurality of energy increment cells. Such stored value can be validated at some point after the data read. The steps of monitoring accumulated energy and storing a selected value/state of the update pattern into additional energy increment cells continue until each of the plurality of energy increment cells is updated with a new value. Upon completion, the energy top value is updated with a new energy total and the process of cycling through each energy increment cell is repeated.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system for estimating electrical power usage of commercially available devices utilizing a portable computing device equipped with a digital camera. In some embodiments, initial input to the system is accomplished by taking a digital photograph of an electrical device surface in order to capture text or other marks such as barcodes from which power usage of the device can be determined. In some embodiments OCR (optical character recognition) is used to retrieve text from the digital photograph. If successfully extracted from the captured text, power parameters such as voltage, amperes and watts are provided to the system user on the display of the mobile device. At this point an estimate of electrical device usage during a particular time period, such as a week, can be input into the system. The system will then calculate power usage over the specified time period for the electrical device and show the result on the system display.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to generate an energy consumption index are disclosed. In one described example, a method to generate an energy consumption index is disclosed, the method including measuring resources consumed at a home associated with a first person and calculating a home energy value indicative of the resources consumed at the home and measuring resources consumed by the person while located outside the home and calculating an out of home energy value indicative of the resources consumed by the person while located outside the home. The example method further includes identifying goods purchased by the person and calculating a purchase energy value indicative of the resources associated with the purchased goods, and generating an energy consumption index associated with the person based on the home energy value, the out of home energy value, and the purchase energy value.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a method, medium, and system for generating a distribution attribution value to analyze distribution of telecommunications services. The method including compiling values for at least three variable elements associated with the distribution of telecommunication services. A first total value being defined as a product of first element values associated with the at least three variable elements. A second total value being defined as a product of second element values associated with the at least three variable elements. The method also including generating an attribution value representing an amount of influence at least one of the at least three variable elements has on a difference between the first and the second total values. The attribution value being calculated using the first and second total values. Also, the attribution value being adapted to at least one of verify and adjust the distribution of telecommunication services.

Abstract: A solution for metering usage of services—for example, in a SOA Framework—is proposed. For this purpose, the submission of any invocation of a provider service by a consumer service is intercepted by a license manager; a corresponding request is then submitted to a dedicated licensing service, which returns an entitlement code when the consumer service is entitled to submit the service invocation. The service invocation is decorated with this entitlement code and actually submitted to the provider service. The (decorated) service invocation addressed to the provider service is likewise intercepted by another license manager; a request is then submitted to the licensing service for verifying the received entitlement code. The running of the provider service is then enabled only if the entitlement code is correct.

Abstract: There is provided a cryptographic round dater and its method of use. By capturing customer profile information and encoding the information on a label affixed to the customer's submitted mailpiece, fraudulent or criminal use of the mail may be deterred by providing traceability to the source of the mail piece. The information attached to the mailpiece may be both human readable and machine readable, said machine readable portion being optionally encrypted to protect the privacy and security of the encoded information. Further benefit is provided by allowing the handling of a mailpiece to be traced, allowing for effective remediation or investigation in the event of an unauthorized use of mail.

Abstract: Prepaid services include a multi-user prepaid services account as well as a prepaid balance associated with the account. A plurality of user records associated with the account each includes a quota. A service monitoring component may be configured to repeatedly draw down the prepaid balance by providing one or more allocations of the prepaid balance during a service period to a user associated with a respective user record.

Abstract: A dispute resolution system for requesting a service provider to provide services so that the service provider can demonstrate to a service intermediary that a service consumer requested services. A service consumer that wants to start requesting services of the service provider registers with the service intermediary an end code of a sequence of code generated using a one-way function. The service intermediary provides the end code to the service provider. The service consumer can then using codes of the sequence requests the service provider to provide services. When the service provider receives a request, it verifies that the code of the request can be used to derive the end code. If the verification is successful, then the service provider can provide the verified code to the service intermediary as non-repudiatable evidence of the services requested by the service consumer.