2398 results about "Residence" patented technology

The invention is an audio-video communication and answering system that synergistically improves communication between an exterior and an interior of a business or residence and a remote location, enables messages to be stored and accessed from both locally and remotely, and enables viewing, listening, and recording from a remote location. The system's properties make it particularly suitable as a sophisticated door answering-messaging system. The system has a DVMS module on the exterior. The DVMS module has a proximity sensor, a video camera, a microphone, a speaker, an RF transmitter, and an RF receiver. The system also has a computerized controller with a graphic user interface DVMS database application. The computerized controller is in communication with a public switching telephone network, and an RF switching device. The RF switching device enables communication between the DVMS module and the computerized controller. The RF switching device can be in communication with other RF devices, such as a cell phone, PDA, or computer.

A programmable system for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business, including:(a) a Measuring Transmitting Unit integrated in a main circuit breaker or utility meter in the residence or business; comprising: (1) a means of receiving AC analog signals, converting the AC analog signals to DC analog signals, summing the DC analog signals, and outputting the information; (2) a microcontroller; (3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; and (4) a power supply for powering the Measuring Transmitting Unit; and(b) a programmable Receiving Display Unit, comprising: (1) a power supply for powering the Receiving Display Unit; (2) a power plug; (3) a power line carrier transmission interface controller; (4) a data decoder; (5) a microcontroller; (6) memory associated with the microcontroller; (7) a visual display; and (8) a mechanism for inputting to the Receiving Display Unit; andwherein the Measuring Transmitting Unit translates current to digitally encoded signals, and transmits the signals over existing power circuits in the residence or business; and the Receiving Display Unit receives the signals, decodes them, and translates them for viewing. A method for monitoring electricity consumption by a residence or business is also included.

A disaster alert system and disaster alert devices for use in the system. Each disaster alert device includes a radio receiver, and a processor programmed to monitor radio transmissions from one or more central stations for disaster alerts directed to the location of the disaster alert device. Each alert device also includes an audio unit to alert personnel located at the site of the device to the precise nature of the disaster. The disaster alert devices are pre-programmed with information identifying the precise use location of the warning device. This use location information includes latitude and longitude of the use location and may also include other location information such as street address and zip code. Warnings are broadcast from central stations identifying with latitude and longitude information specific at-risk regions to which the warnings are directed which could be, for example, nationwide, statewide, countywide, or to much smaller regions, such as several houses on a single street or even a single residence. Each disaster alert device is preferably programmed to ignore all warnings directed to at-risk regions that do not include the latitude and longitude of the use location of the device.

Environmental characteristics of habitable environments (e.g., hotel or motel rooms, spas, resorts, cruise boat cabins, offices, hospitals and / or homes, apartments or residences) are controlled to eliminate, reduce or ameliorate adverse or harmful aspects and introduce, increase or enhance beneficial aspects in order to improve a “wellness” or sense of “wellbeing” provided via the environments. Control of intensity and wavelength distribution of passive and active Illumination addresses various issues, symptoms or syndromes, for instance to maintain a circadian rhythm or cycle, adjust for “jet lag” or season affective disorder, etc. Air quality and attributes are controlled. Scent(s) may be dispersed. Noise is reduced and sounds (e.g., masking, music, natural) may be provided. Environmental and biometric feedback is provided. Experimentation and machine learning are used to improve health outcomes and wellness standards.

A system and method for scheduling, and reminding people receiving care (PRC) about upcoming events uses a remote computer-based interface that allows a Caregiver at a remote location to schedule the events for the PRC. The PRC has in their residence (or other location) a device that prompts the PRC, by an audio and / or video prompt, so as to “nudge” the PRC, asking whether they intend to participate in a pre-scheduled event. A man-machine interface, such as a two input keypad containing one button labeled “yes” and another button labeled “no”, the remote Caregiver is able to monitor the responses of the electronic “nudges” offered by the system to the PRC. In turn, the device used by the remote Caregiver accumulates the responses and creates a history of the level of activity the person has indicated in which they wish to participate.