11980 results about "Telecommunications link" patented technology

A portable augmented motor-sensory interface (“PAMI”) system for “tele-controlled” surgery includes a PAMI tele-controller and a portable PAMI medical field unit positioned at a different, distant location and configured for wireless communications with the tele-controller. (“Tele-control” refers to electronically translating and / or transmitting a physician's actions over a long distance.) The field unit has a surgical module, including robotic effectors / arms, configured for carrying out medical procedures, and a video sensor boom for electronically viewing a wound site. The tele-controller has a user interface with input controls and a display that outputs sensory information relating to the patient and field unit. For treating a patient, the field unit is deployed next to the patient and a communications link is established to the tele-controller. A physician at the tele-controller receives sensory input from the field unit through the user interface display, and manipulates the input controls for tele-controlling the surgical module.

A technique for training links in a computing system is disclosed. In one aspect, the technique includes configuring a first receiver in a first port using a first training sequence or a second training sequence; transmitting the second training sequence from the first port indicating the first receiver is configured; and receiving a second training sequence transmitted by a second port at the first port, the second training sequence transmitted by the second port indicating that a second receiver in the second port is configured. In a second aspect, the technique includes locking a communication link; handshaking across the locked link to indicate readiness for data transmission; transmitting information after handshaking across the locked link. And, in a third aspect, the technique includes transmitting a first training sequence from a first port and a second port; and synchronizing the receipt of the first training sequence at the first and second ports; transmitting a second training sequence from the first and second ports upon the synchronized receipt of the first training sequence at the first and second ports; and receiving the second training sequence transmitted by the first and second ports and the second and first ports, respectively, in synchrony.

A system, method and computer program product provides for power line communications (PLC) over electric power lines includes a device mountable near an electrical distribution transformer (DT) to provide a high speed interface and communicates with one or multiple access devices, which provide low speed interfaces for analog signals or digital signals over RS 232, RS 485, optical, wireless and Ethernet. The device transmits data to / from these access devices over the electric lines to other repeaters over one or more wires of an electrical line or over multiple lines, and serves to strengthen and improve signal quality. Upon detecting a wire or line is having problems carrying data, the data is sent over other wires, and upon power line failures, wireless backup to mobile / GSM and WiMax networks is utilized. The device permits utilities and others to read electric meters, monitor the power quality of the distribution grid and detect power losses / failures / outages, and permits telecom service providers and others to provide a communications link to cell phone towers, WiFi Access Points and enable broadband Internet and telephony in rural, remote or sparely populated areas.

A patient interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is configured to be at least partially carried by a patient and to receive gas exhaled by the patient. The patient interface includes first and second cannula tubes each having a first end and a second end, the first ends are configured to be inserted into the nostrils of a patient, the first and second cannula tubes are configured to direct exhaled gas from the patient from the first ends to said second ends. The patient interface also includes first and second sensors positioned near the second ends, and the first and second sensors are configured to provide first and second signals based upon the gas, wherein the first and second signals are indicative of a physiological parameter of the patient. The patient interface also includes a communications link configured to provide the signal to a physiological monitor.

Embodiments of a location-based social network manager process are described. The process is executed on a server computer coupled to a plurality of location-aware mobile communication devices over a wireless network. The process determines the geographic location of a mobile communication device operated by a user within an area, displays a map representation of the area around the mobile communication device on a graphical user interface of the mobile communication device, and superimposes on the map the respective locations of one or more other users of mobile communication devices coupled to the mobile communication device over the network. The process establishes communication links between the user and the plurality of acquaintances through respective location aware mobile communication devices through a network protocol. The process facilitates the sharing information about places of interest among a plurality of users. The system stores location information for a place of interest in a region in a database along with information related to the place of interest. The location of the place of interest is displayed on each user's mobile communication device as an icon superimposed on the map shown on the display. The location of the users can be established with respect to their distance relative to a place of interest. Users can define their own places of interest as well as provide a quantitative or qualitative ranking for places of interest within a region. This information can then be shared with other users in the network.

An enterprise-resource planning (ERP) system in which information processing and data management may be integrated or otherwise combined with a vehicle-diagnostic-and-information system is provided. The ERP system includes a first device for obtaining vehicle characteristic information from a vehicle, and a second device for integrating the vehicle characteristic information into an information management system. The first device is adapted to send the vehicle characteristic information over a communication link. The second device is adapted to receive from the first device over the communication link the vehicle characteristic information. When the second device integrates the vehicle diagnostic information into the information management system, the first and second devices are operable to function as the ERP system.

A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having an imaging sensor, a camera microcontroller, a display device having a display element, a display microcontroller, and at least one user input selectively actuatable by a user. The imaging device communicates an image signal to the display device via a communication link. The display microcontroller affects the image signal in response to the at least one user input. The camera microcontroller monitors the image signal on the communication link and adjusts a function of the imaging device in response to a detection of the affected image signal. The vision system may adjust a display or sensor of the system in conjunction with a distance detecting system.

A method and system for delivering content to a plurality of devices is provided. In one embodiment, the method may be for delivering content elements of one or more presentations to a device configured to communicate via a wireless data network, wherein the content elements include static content elements, dynamic content elements, and on-demand content elements. The method may comprise delivering to the device, data, such as compilation data, of the content elements included in the one or more presentations; delivering the static content elements to the device via the wireless data network during one or more time periods of increased available wireless data network capacity; delivering the dynamic content elements to the device via the wireless data network substantially according to a schedule; and delivering the on-demand content elements to the device via the wireless data network substantially immediately after a user request for an on-demand content element. In addition, the method may comprise determining that the device is accessible via a communication link, such as a wireless local area network, that does not include the wireless data network and delivering one or more content elements to the device via the communication link. Further, the method may comprise determining that the device is communicatively coupled to an internet access device and delivering one or more content elements to the device via the internet access device.

The present system is directed to a computerized system for monitoring and controlling remote devices by transmitting data between the remote systems and a gateway interface via a packet message protocol system. The system comprises one or more remote sensors to be read and possibly one or more actuators to be remotely controlled. The remote sensor(s) / actuator(s) then interface with uniquely identified remote transceivers that transmit and / or receive data. If necessary in individual applications, signal repeaters may relay information between the transceiver(s) and the gateway interface. Communication links between the remote transceivers and the gateway interface are preferably wireless but may also be implemented via a mixture of wireless and wired communication links. To successfully communicate between the transceiver(s) and the gateway interface, the present invention receives a plurality of RF signal transmissions containing a packet protocol via RF signals that includes sender and receiver identifiers, a description of the packet itself, a message number, any commands, the data, and an error detector. In addition, the packet protocol can be easily integrated with alternate data communication protocols for use with systems other than the Internet.

This application describes completely in many unique ways and detail all the devices to reduce a vehicle's speed and / or reduce a machines RPMs and / or stop any piece of equipment's as well as guide it if mobile through automated controls. First to slow it down, and guide it and / or control it if necessary (i.e., other pieces of equipment). Secondly it discusses how to stop any piece of equipment completely. And thirdly, the invention secures it in a safe stationary position either entirely or any number of specific moving parts. Many of these systems are initially here described to slow, reduce speed, steer, stop and / or secure equipment functions. However, they also can be used to increase a piece of equipment's functions. In other words their variations are completely capable to serve any remote or automated controls on a vehicle in the future to provide full robotics systems, e.g., for automated transportation systems, automated manufacturing, etc., either through individually isolated remote control systems and / or interfaced with other off-board systems through communication links, gateway computers, computer networks and the world wide web for inexpensive long distance monitoring and remote control. The invention focuses on the automobile industry but as has always been maintained throughout all these applications these devices and systems are designed to control every piece of equipment. The invention includes various accountable protocols and commercial developments to control speed, brake and steering for an automobile shut down to be performed through automation to a safe controlled secured deactivated state to be considered as a basis for a standard in aggressive vehicle remote control and / or to control and guide a vehicle and / or piece of equipment through many different automated systems.

A computer executable "aggregate" task is processed by dividing it into subtasks and distributing the subtasks "on demand" to remotely located subscribing computers via a computer network. The aggregate task originates at a coordinating computer, coupled to one or more peripheral computers by appropriate communications links. The coordinating computer divides the aggregate task into multiple independent subtasks. Each peripheral computer begins to "subscribe" to the coordinating computer's aggregate task by obtaining an "idle time activation program" from the coordinating computer, and then installing the program locally. The idle time activation program which may include a screen saver, activates automatically when the subscribing computer is inactive. Continuing the subscription process, each peripheral computer requests a subtask from the coordinating computer. In response, the coordinating computer distributes different subtasks among the subscribing computers, completing the subscription process. The subscribing computers automatically work on their respective subtasks whenever they are idle, as directed by the local idle time activation program. When a subscribing computer completes its subtask, it transmits results back to the coordinating computer. When results of all subtasks have been received from subscribing computers, the coordinating computer compiles and stores these results, concluding the aggregate task.

Methods and systems are disclosed for a vehicle status reporting system for allowing a user to define when a user will receive a vehicle status report about the status of a mobile vehicle, in relation to a location, for establishing a communication link between the system and the user, and for delivering the status report during the communication link, the status report indicating occurrence of one or more events.

This application describes completely in many unique ways and detail all the devices to reduce a vehicle's speed and / or reduce a machines RPM's and / or stop any piece of equipment's as well as guide it if mobile through automated controls. First to slow it down, and guide it and / or control it if necessary (i.e., other pieces of equipment). Secondly it discusses how to stop any piece of equipment completely. And thirdly, the invention secures it in a safe stationary position either entirely or any number of specific moving parts. Many of these systems are initially here described to slow, reduce speed, steer, stop and / or secure equipment functions. However, they also can be used to increase a piece of equipment's functions. In other words their variations are completely capable to serve any remote or automated controls on a vehicle in the future to provide full robotics systems, e.g., for automated transportation systems, automated manufacturing, etc., either through individually isolated remote control systems and / or interfaced with other off-board systems through communication links, gateway computers, computer networks and the world wide web for inexpensive long distance monitoring and remote control. The invention focuses on the automobile industry but as has always been maintained throughout all these applications these devices and systems are designed to control every piece of equipment. The invention includes various accountable protocols and commercial developments to control speed, brake and steering for an automobile shut down to be performed through automation to a safe controlled secured deactivated state to be considered as a basis for a standard in aggressive vehicle remote control and / or to control and guide a vehicle and / or piece of equipment through many different automated systems.

A system and method has been disclosed for controlling the transmission flow rate of data bits in a data bit transfer session from a serving entity to a client, the session involving bit transfer over a wireless communications link, the method comprising: setting up the session, included establishing the addressing, by providing a radio control node to establish flow rate parameters relating to the wireless link, monitoring the wireless communication link; based on monitoring, sending new flow rate parameters so that the serving entity can update the transmission rate of the session in accordance with the new rate control parameters.

Method for selecting a route within a wireless ad-hoc routing protocol using a QoS metric. The method begins by dynamically defining a routing zone that encompasses at least two of the network nodes. A communications link is established between the source node and a destination node. If the destination node is within the routing zone of the source node, the route is determined by a proactive routing protocol. If, however, the destination node is outside the routing zone, the route is determined using a reactive routing protocol. A QoS metric for each route is calculated by combining the individual QoS metrics for each hop within the particular route. Finally, the route with the best QoS metric is selected to use as the communications link between the source node and the destination node.

A thermostat includes an improved user interface, including automatic scheduling, remote control, system failure warning messages, and Energy Star compliance messages. Diagnostics can be provided without additional communication links to the thermostat. A sub-base accepts multiple thermostats and uses color coded terminals to ease installation. Glow-in-the dark features reduce power needs. In one embodiment, thermostats are coupled to AC power sources and communicate using wireless communications to control an HVAC system. A dampered system can be effected through a thermostat that communicates directly with zoned dampers.

A vision system for a vehicle includes an imaging device having an imaging sensor, a camera microcontroller, a display device having a display element, a display microcontroller, and at least one user input selectively actuatable by a user. The imaging device communicates an image signal to the display device via a communication link. The display microcontroller affects the image signal in response to the at least one user input. The camera microcontroller monitors the image signal on the communication link and adjusts a function of the imaging device in response to a detection of the affected image signal. The vision system may adjust a display or sensor of the system in conjunction with a distance detecting system.

A portable source medical device determines communication links of a network presently available to effect communications with a target component when the source medical device is at each of a multiplicity of geographical locations. A profile is generated comprising information about each available communication link and attributes associated with each available communication link for each geographical location. When the source medical device is at a particular geographical location, a profile associated with the particular geographical location is accessed and a network connection is established between the source medical device and the target component using a communication link associated with the particular profile. Medical information is transferred between the source medical device and the target component via the communication link associated with the particular profile.

A method, related system and apparatus are disclosed. The method is implemented by an operative set of processor executable instructions configured for execution by a processor. The method includes the acts of: determining if a monitoring client is connected to a base through a physical connection; establishing a first communications link between the monitoring client and the base through the physical connection; updating, if necessary, the interface program on the monitoring client and the base through the first communications link; establishing a second communications link between the monitoring client and the base using the first communications link; and communicating data from the base to the monitoring client using the second communications link.

An interactive apparatus is described comprising a multiple portable gaming systems interconnected with a wireless communications link. Each gaming system comprises a visual display, a user interface, a communications link, a computer system and gaming software. The gaming system can display the real-time real-world images captured by a video camera mounted on the gaming system overlaid with simulated gaming objects and events. In this way a combined on-screen off-screen gaming experience is provided for the user that merges real-world events with simulated gaming actions.

A method and system for transferring information from a first computer-based device to a web site, for temporary storage and later transfer of the stored information from the web site to a second computer-based device. First, a communication link is established between a first computer-based device and the web site. Next, the first computer-based device is scanned, via the web site, to determine the information contained on the first computer-based device. The user then selects which of the scanned information is to be uploaded from the first computer-based device onto the web site for temporary storage. Finally, the selected information is transferred from the first computer-based device onto the web site for temporary storage. Once retrieval of the temporarily stored information is desired, the user establishes a communication link between a second computer-based device and the web site. The second computer-based device is scanned, via the web site, to determine the information contained on the second computer-based device. The temporarily stored information, from the first computer-based device on the web site, is then displayed to the user and the user selects which of this temporary information, from the first computer-based device, is to be downloaded from the web site onto the second computer-based device. The selected information is finally downloaded from the website onto the second computer-based device.

A system utilizing a personal security device to provide access to a computer terminal where the personal security device includes circuitry and transceiver components for transmitting identification information and exchanging other digital information with a computer terminal and other compatible devices and the personal security device establishes a communication link with a computer terminal to allow a user to logon to the terminal so that when a user leaves the computer terminal, the communication link is terminated, causing the computer terminal to lock the keyboard, blank the monitor, and / or logoff the user if the communication link is not restored within a sufficient time period and also allowing the personal security device to facilitate subsequent computer access within a time range by providing time related access codes to the terminal that can be used to reestablish computer terminal access.

A system and method of home entertainment, security, surveillance, and automation control includes a plurality of remote devices, a display device, and various user input devices capable of receiving a home user's commands. The system further includes a main control unit capable of controlling and programming the system, and a communication link capable of transferring various data and control signals between the main unit and the plurality of remote devices. The home user's command enables to select the remote devices, to transmit various automation control signals, and to establish exchanges of various data between the main control unit and at least one of the plurality of remote devices. Finally, the communication link between the main control unit and the remote devices includes power line communication network over existing home AC power line. The home user is also able to control and communicate with the system at remote location over the Internet.

A task management system including a task server linking a plurality of system users, including at least one task definer, at least one task requestor and at least one task fulfiller all linked over a communications link. The task server includes a task processor for processing tasks, a task memory for storing task definitions and one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for interfacing the system users to the task server to facilitate operation of said task processing system. The GUIs include task view interfaces, task fulfiller interfaces, which are used by task requesters and task fulfillers to request and fulfill tasks, respectively. The GUIs also include a plurality of administrative editor interfaces, which are used by task definers to define, group and sequence tasks.

A near field communication device included in a secure transaction card provides an addition and / or transitional communication link for communicating secure transaction information. The near field communication device may be selectively engaged or disengaged and, when engaged, either active or passive modes of operation of the near field communication device can be selected. in the active mode, secure transaction information is transmitted upon establishment of a communication link with a complementary near field communication device. In the passive mode, secure transaction information is transmitted upon interrogation from a complementary near field communication device. Secure transaction information is generated and stored for transmission in a memory and at least a portion of the memory is erased or nulled upon transmission or upon expiration of a selected period of time.

The present invention provides a remote notification device in electronic communication with a user's personal communication device that alerts the user that the personal communication device is receiving an incoming telecommunications signal. A user who is not in operable contact with the communication device is alerted to the incoming call, message, or page by the remote notification device, which is in operable contact with the user, and alerts the user with a suitable indication (e.g., visual, audible, and / or tactile). The remote notification device preferably permits the user to not alter his or her desired appearance in social situations. The remote notification device is easily concealable or integral to an article of clothing, piece of jewelry, piercing, or accessory that the user desires to wear or carry independent of the desire to be notified of incoming calls, messages, or pages.

A method and apparatus for implementing dynamic tunnel access sessions at a network device within a communications network. The tunnel access sessions are created between a network device, typically a gateway device and a network service, such as the Internet or a corporate intranet. The dynamic tunnel access sessions provide for subscriber-transparent tunneling. The present invention does not require special client-side software to be loaded on the remote host of the subscriber, and does not require any manual configuration of the remote host. A subscriber is capable of establishing more than one tunnel access session to more than one network service during a network session. Additionally, more than one subscriber who accesses the communication network via the network device is able to establish a communication link with a pre-existing tunnel.