4195results about "Testing/monitoring control systems" patented technology

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.

Wireless communication networks for monitoring and controlling a plurality of remote devices are provided. Briefly, one embodiment of a wireless communication network may comprise a plurality of wireless transceivers having unique identifiers. Each of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be configured to receive a sensor data signal from one of the plurality of remote devices and transmit an original data message using a predefined wireless communication protocol. The original data message may comprise the corresponding unique identifier and sensor data signal. Each of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be configured to receive the original data message transmitted by one of the other wireless transceivers and transmit a repeated data message using the predefined communication protocol. The repeated data message may include the sensor data signal and the corresponding unique identifier. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality of wireless transceivers may be further configured to provide the original data messages and the repeated data messages to a site controller connected to a wide area network. The site controller may be configured to manage communications between the wireless communication network and a host computer connected to the wide area network.

A home automation system and method for automatic control of controlled devices throughout a home. A unique architecture of occupancy sensors includes entry/exit sensors for detecting movement through doorways that separate rooms in the home, room motion sensors for detecting room occupancy, spot sensors to detect occupancy of specific locations within the rooms, and house status sensors to detect the status of certain parameters of the home. A central controller communicates with the sensors and controlled objects over a communications network, where the sensors and controlled objects can be added to the system in a ‘plug and play’ manner. The central controller controls the controlled objects in response to the entry/exit sensors, room motion sensors, spot sensors and the house status sensors. This control is accomplished by assigning each room to one of a plurality of room occupancy states, and to one of a plurality of room modes for creating desired room atmospheres using the controlled objects, which both dictate how the controlled objects are controlled by the central controller. The room modes travel from room to room as the occupant moves throughout the home, and multiple occupants can be using different room modes as they move about the home. The controlled objects also have controlled object states, which are used by the central controller to control the controlled objects.

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.

An article inventory control system for articles, such as books, uses RFID tags attached to each article. Each tag has a unique identification or serial number for identifying the individual article. An inventory database tracks all of the tagged articles and maintains circulation status information for each article. Articles are checked out of the library using a patron self-checkout system. Checked out articles are returned to the library via patron self-check in devices. The shelves are periodically scanned with a mobile RFID scanner for updating inventory status.

This invention provides a system and method for identifying, locating, authorizing by proximity and communicating with equipment and personnel in a facility that generally employs a series of limited range transceivers for location determination and a distributed wireless data network for data transfer. The system employs unique RF transceiver tags on personnel and equipment that are each uniquely identified and registered with a facility control application that oversees activities in the facility. The tags are tracked by RF communication based upon their proximity to one or more fixed-base networked access points and relays (which transfer location data by RF back to access points) within four range zones. Location data on all tags is uploaded periodically to a location server that interfaces with the facility control server. Tag data is monitored by the facility control server to track, authorize and deauthorize certain data transfers, movements and activities in accordance with rules established for each tag (or type of tag) within the facility control server's application. Wireless networking (WiFi, for example), in combination with the RF-derived location information, allows the facility control server to correlate and transmit data to staff in conjunction with location and proximity. WiFi can transmit authorizations, deauthorizations and general data based upon triggers established by proximity and location. Likewise, data can be transmitted over WiFi from readers etc. from personnel and equipment located and identified by the system.

In an electronic apparatus having a user identification function or in a user identification method, an electronic apparatus and an electronic instrument having stored therein user personal information communicate in wireless with each other so as to enable the electronic apparatus to automatically identify the electronic apparatus user. If the electronic apparatus identifies a plurality of possible users, the electronic apparatus automatically selects the user by executing specific user identification processing.

The present invention concerns an automated vehicle rental system for a fleet of rental vehicles, where the vehicles are geographically distributed and normally locked when not rented. At least one of the vehicles, when not in use, is parked in an unguarded location. The system has a vehicle communications unit for enabling communication to and from the vehicle, user-carried electronic devices, or other readers, and for interfacing with the user. An on-board unit (OBU) is located on each of the vehicles for interfacing with the vehicle communications unit, and with a door unlocking mechanism. The system further has a central reservations, management and location system (CRMLS) in communication through a communications network with each OBU, the CRMLS performing all reservations and management functions, and being linked to a database containing a location and availability of each of thr vehicles and a rate for rental, the CRMLS also being provided with an allocation manager system for geographically allocating vehicles. In order to access the vehicle, the system also includes a key being borne by the user. The system minimizes the human intervention in the rental process, and is more user-friendly.

A near field communications enabled mobile communication is used to provide or receive information.

The present invention provides a home security system that includes a home security controller for collecting monitor data from various crime prevention and disaster prevention sensors installed in a home via a home network and notifying the portable terminal when a state of emergency occurs. The home security controller also enables devices in the home to be operated through remote control signals via an external network. The home security system further includes a portable terminal capable of connecting to the external network and having fingerprint data inputting means mounted on the body of the portable terminal for inputting fingerprints used for authentication. The fingerprint data inputting means has an assigned ID number. The home security system further includes a security center server having fingerprint authenticating means for receiving fingerprint data from the portable terminal via the external network and authenticating the fingerprint data through comparisons with registered fingerprint data. The fingerprint authenticating means completes authentication by checking the assigned ID number of the fingerprint data inputting means and matching the received fingerprint data with fingerprint data registered in association with the ID number. The security center server allows a connection between the portable terminal and the home security controller and controls bi-directional communications between the two after the security center server has completed authentication, enabling the portable terminal to receive monitor data from and transmit remote control signals to the home security controller via the external network.

A personal biometric key system uses a personal identity code transmitted to a universal biometric electronic lock via a communication system and using a clock or GPS chip and allows a person to select one or more personal biometric methods and to be personally responsible for the maintenance of the sensor and its availability. The selection can be tailored to the particular needs and circumstances of the person using the key. The person can also change the personal biometric sensor when needs and circumstances change. The organization being accessed by the key can set minimum levels for what type sensor data they will accept and for level of services they will provide for a given type sensor.

A system for monitoring ingestion of medicine (21) comprises forming a digestible radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (10). The RFID tag is attached to the medicine. The RFID tag and medicine are ingested. A signal from the RFID tag is monitored.

A controller for a building management system is configured to analyze faults in the building management system. The controller detects a fault in the building management system by evaluating data of building management system using a system of rules. The controller determines a conditional probability for each of a plurality of possible fault causes given the detected fault. The controller determines the most likely fault cause by comparing the determined probabilities and electronically reports the most likely fault cause.

A medical sanitation device may include a detector for detecting the physical presence of a clinician token within a detection area in the vicinity of the medical sanitation device. The clinician token may be indicative of the identity of a clinician. The medical sanitation device also includes a sanitation module configured to be used by the clinician to perform a sanitation task. Detection of a clinician in proximity to the medical sanitation device may be used to at least partially control access to, or operation of, a medical patient monitoring device.

The present invention provides a system for operating a power line communications system that is comprised of a plurality of network elements, which may take the form of repeaters, bypass devices, backhaul devices, wireless backhaul devices, enhanced bypass device, communication interface devices and others. In one embodiment, two groups of network elements in the same electrical distribution system are isolated except selected communication link.

A system for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis includes a data collection function that acquires time histories of selected variables for one or more of the components, a pre-processing function that calculates specified characteristics of the time histories, an analysis function for evaluating the characteristics to produce one or more hypotheses of a condition of the one or more components, and a reasoning function for determining the condition of the one or more components from the one or more hypotheses.

A wireless security module (20) adapted to authenticate a mobile device (16), such as a mobile telephone, thereby to allow communication between the mobile device and a terminal (12), such as a self-service terminal. The wireless security module (20) is paired with the mobile device (16) and is adapted to send an authentication signal to the mobile device (16) or the terminal (12) using a wireless communication path, such as a telecommunications network or an IR link or a Bluetooth connection.

A wireless charging apparatus and system according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless charging service through authentication so as to efficiently control charging rights with respect to a plurality of electronic devices, which desire to receive the wireless charging service using a shared wireless charging apparatus, resulting in allowing a user to get a stable wireless charging service and proposing a new benefit creation model. The wireless charging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a wireless communication unit configured to receive authentication result information relating to a target electronic device from a server, and a wireless charging unit configured to wirelessly transmit power to the target electronic device if the authentication result information indicates a successful authentication, wherein the wireless communication unit transmits the authentication result information to the target electronic device if the authentication result information indicates an unsuccessful authentication.

A system for hazard mitigation in a structure including a subsystem coupled to a circuit of an electrical distribution system and set of nodes. The nodes monitor operating conditions of the circuit and generate data in response. A data processing system is operable to process the data generated by the set of nodes and in response identify a trigger representing a condition requiring that an action be taken. The data processing system processes the trigger in accordance with a predetermined policy to initiate an action by the subsystem.

An energy transfer system comprises a transmitter array, an energy transfer controller, a receiver array, a charging module. The transmitter array is embedded in a roadway and the energy transfer controller is coupled to the transmitter array. The receiver array and the charging module are part of a mobile vehicle. The transmitter array and the receiver array each include a plurality of coils. The energy transfer controller estimates a likely trajectory of the mobile vehicle and energizes individual coils of the transmitter array using this position estimate. The energy transfer controller varies the resonant circuit component values of the transmitter during the transfer cycle such as resonant coupling capacitance values. The charging module also varies the resonant circuit component values of the coils in the receiver array to match the transfer array for transfer of energy from the transmitter array to the receiver array. The present invention also includes a method for energy transfer.

The present invention is directed toward a device for biometric authentication. The device comprises an infra red signal transmitter, signal receiver, memory module, and processing module. The signal transmitter transmits infrared energy toward a user. The infrared energy is partly absorbed and partly reflected by the user's body. The infra red signal receiver collects partly reflected infrared energy. The memory module stores the data, and the processing module processes and compares the reflected infrared energy and stored data for use in biometric authentication.

A biometric method and system for personal authentication using sequences of partial fingerprint signatures provides a high security capability to various processes requiring positive identification of individuals. This approach is further enhanced by employing a frequency domain technique for calculating a Similarity Index of the partial fingerprint signatures. In a baseline usage, the sequential partial fingerprint sequence techniques augments sentinel systems for gaining access to restricted areas, and when used in combination with financial cards, offer a unique and greatly simplified means for authenticating or identifying individuals. A highly automated technique initially obtains a reference set of linear partial fingerprint signatures which serve as reference data against which later proffered candidate data in the form of at least two linear partial fingerprint signatures are compared for authentication. The particular two candidate signatures used and the sequence in which they are submitted are selected with the user's consent and serve as a PIN-like unique personal code. In an advanced embodiment, a pair of proximity sensors located along each of the linear tracks used for developing the linear partial signatures produce finger sensing signals which compensate for finger movement speeds and hence significantly improves the calculated Similarity Index values. The use of only partial fingerprint data greatly allays the concerns of widespread fingerprint dissemination by many individuals.

An efficient method and a system for controlling access to a location secured by a lock mechanism controlled by a lock control unit, which may provide a high degree of flexibility and a high level of security. The method includes the steps of storing a first access code in the lock control unit, the first access code being indicative of a predetermined access right to the location, and storing a plurality of access codes including a second access code in an electronic key device. Using the electronic key device, access to the location is requested by initiating transmission of the second access code to the lock control unit where the transmitted second access code is compared with the first access code and, if the first access code corresponds to the second access code, operation of the lock mechanism is initiated. The user can edit and rearrange the plurality of access codes to obtain access to a plurality of locations.

A method and apparatus is disclosed for assessing performance of control applications in an environmental control network and for diagnosing performance problems. The apparatus includes a performance assessment and diagnostic display comprising a facility navigation tree, a system navigation tree and a performance/diagnostics window. The facility navigation tree and system navigation tree may be used to select the facilities and systems that are to have their associated control applications assessed and/or diagnosed. The performance/diagnostics window includes graphs of performance indictors that are indicative of performance levels for the included control applications. The system tree may be used to delve to more detailed views of the performance indicators to obtain additional information that may help to diagnose problems noted in performance of the selected control applications.

A computer system to authenticate users of vendors supplying services and/or products to the users, the system having programmed processors providing authentication rules, authenticating users according to the authentication rules responsive to user authentication requests, configuring the authentication rules in real-time, thereby allowing real-time customization of the system, providing multi-factor user authentication processes, using any data sources providing information about and/or known to the users to authenticate the users, thereby providing a data agnostic system, and authentication strategies correspond to the authentication rules, thereby allowing the system to support authentication strategy experimentation.

A mobile navigation system implemented as an embedded system in a vehicle is easy to use, does not detract the driver's attention from the road, and limits the number of choices presented to the user of the navigation system according to a predetermined set of preferences or personalized information. Choices are filtered according to a set of driver preferences, according to the vehicle's geographic position, direction of motion, and the driver's intended itinerary. The itinerary, including intermediate stops, is calculated on an external computing system. The information is downloaded from the computing system to a memory device such as, for example, a smart card. The information is then transferred from the smart card to the embedded vehicle navigation system. In one application of the invention, a kiosk located at a car rental agency may be used to create and store personalized navigation information onto a smart card which the customer then inserts into the vehicle navigation system that is installed in the rental car.

A method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device.

Smart graphic elements are provided for use as portions or components of one or more graphic displays, which may be executed in a process plant to display information to users about the process plant environment, such as the current state of devices within the process plant. Each of the graphic elements is an executable object that includes a property or a variable that may be bound to an associated process entity, like a field device, and that includes multiple visualizations, each of which may be used to graphically depict the associated process entity on a user interface when the graphic element is executed as part of the graphic display. Any of the graphic element visualizations may be used in any particular graphic display and the same graphic display may use different ones of the visualizations at different times. The different visualizations associated with a graphic element make the graphic element more versatile, at they allow the same graphic element to be used in different displays using different graphical styles or norms. These visualizations also enable the same graphic element to be used in displays designed for different types of display devices, such as display devices having large display screens, standard computer screens and very small display screens, such as PDA and telephone display screens.

A vibrational analysis system diagnosis the health of a mechanical system by reference to vibration signature data from multiple domains. Features are extracted from signature data by reference to pointer locations. The features provide an indication of signature deviation from a baseline signature in the observed domain. Several features applicable to a desired fault are aggregated to provide an indication of the likelihood that the fault has manifested in the observed mechanical system. The system may also be used for trend analysis of the health of the mechanical system.

Methods and apparatus for a smartcard system are provided which securely and conveniently provides for secure transaction completion in a contact or contactless environment. The invention utilizes selection of processing applications based on the account issuer parameters and risk factors (stored on a smartcard) and merchant system parameters and risk factors (stored on a merchant system database). The invention permits a merchant system and smartcard to exchange information useful for determining if particular transactions should be completed online or offline.