Abstract:
A system for providing remote monitoring of electricity consumption is provided. Briefly described, in one embodiment the system may comprise a plurality of electric meters, a plurality of communication devices having a unique address and defining a wireless communication network, and a site controller. Each of the plurality of electric meters may be configured to measure the electricity consumption of a load attached to the electric meter. Each of the plurality of communication devices may be associated with one of the plurality of electric meters and configured to receive data related to the electricity consumption of the electric meter data and generate a transmit message using a predefined communication protocol being implemented by the wireless communication network. The transmit message may comprise the unique identifier and the data related to the electricity consumption of the electric meter. The site controller may be configured for communication with the wireless communication network and configured to receive the transmit message from one of the plurality of communication devices, identify the electric meter associated with the transmit message, and provide information related to the transmit message to a wide area network for delivery to a host computer.
Abstract:
Devices and methods are disclosed for establishing device interaction among electronic devices of an environment. The device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules and a processor for implementing the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The device also includes components for performing the device specific functions and a state sensor for determining the logical or physical state of the device. The methods involve detecting a change of state at a device and then communicating in accordance with the interaction rules thereafter. The communication may involve broadcasting change of state messages to the environment, directing change of state messages to specific devices, and directing requests and/or directing replies to requests. Through device interaction, changes of state may automatically occur at one device in response to a change of state at another in order to reduce the burden on the user.
Abstract:
A thermostat and remote control apparatus, that is made up of a housing, an interface, a plurality of icons on the interface, corresponding to controls for items, a display screen, indicating the current temperature setting, time and date, a recessed program and enter button for entering temperature settings to a thermostat, a clear button for deleting any entered information, a cradle that is used to recharge the apparatus, a universal serial bus port (USB) connecting a computerized device to the apparatus, an RS-232 port to standardize a transmission of serial data between any devices and the apparatus, and a microcontroller for processing information and data. The apparatus utilizes infrared and radio frequency technology for transmitting and receiving information from various items. A controlled apparatus with a microprocessor (e.g., a child monitor) is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A system for monitoring and controlling an area comprising a controller for controlling system operational functions; at least one remote control transmitter for transmitting at least one system command to said controller in a code word having a fixed word and a hopping word therein; the fixed word having an identification code for selective control of the controller, the identification code programmed therein, and a channel code for issuing high and low security commands to the controller; a hopping algorithm for modifying the hopping code of the transmitter n-times in response to n-times activation of said transmitter and for modifying the hopping word m-times within the controller upon receipt of the code word m-times from said transmitter; and, a bypass mode for bypassing the code hopping algorithm and for controlling system functions in response to the controller receiving the low security command.
Abstract:
A method for remotely monitoring conditions such as carbon monoxide or methane gas concentration, longwall roof support pressure, machine parameters or uncut coal, trona or potash layer thickness in a natural resource mining system such as a longwall or continuous mine system. The method utilizes a plurality of sensors connected to low magnetic moment transmitters, e.g. 0.1 ATM.sup.2, or high magnetic moment transmitters, e.g. 2.5 ATM.sup.2, that transmit collected data during multiple short burst transmission periods. Prior to transmission, the data is converted to a digital word format. An algorithm in the transmitter microcomputer ensures that random time intervals exist between data transmission bursts thus preventing a data transmission clash at the central receiver. A microcomputer algorithm in the central receiver protects against data contention caused by simultaneous transmission from several sensors. The data is transmitted to the central receiver either through a natural waveguide pathway or through a utility conductor that is magnetically coupled to the transmitter and central receiver by properly oriented electrically short magnetic dipole antennas. The method can be used, for example, to automatically control the positioning of a plurality of longwall roof supports or to transmit data from a longwall drillhead, along the drill rod, to the central receiver. Data can be communicated between a remote location and a surface area by utilizing a system of repeaters inductively coupled to a utility conductor. Use of the repeater system permits operation of mining machines from a surface computer.
Abstract:
Various techniques are disclosed for controlling the operation of a workpiece inspection procedure using a battery operated probe to contact the workpiece and transmit information back to a controller in a machine tool system. In one embodiment, battery power is applied to the probe transmission circuitry in response to a flash of infrared radiation. In another embodiment, the probe is turned on by touching the probe against a reference surface. In both embodiments, a timer is provided to automatically disconnect the batteries after a predetermined time period. In such manner battery life is prolonged.
Abstract:
Apparatus for transmitting meter data in serial form by IR emissions to a remote, hand-held communicator having a front-end detector circuit including a photodiode responding to the meter data and dissipating a d.c. term occasioned by indirect ambient illumination of the photodiode in the IR region. Corresponding control communication from the communicator to the meter is provided by IR emissions directed from an emitter of narrow beam angle to a wider angle receiving photodiode mounted with the meter at a location shielding it from direct sun illumination emanating above a horizontal plane extending from the immediate region of the photoresponsive receiver. Higher data transmission rates of 19.2 Kbaud are available in conjunction with an FSK transmission approach employing two channels.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for transcutaneous communication using infrared light signals to communicate bidirectionally between electronic apparatus implanted within a living organism and electronic apparatus external to the body by which measurements of physiological data can be obtained and command signals can be imposed on implanted apparatus.
Abstract:
An optically coupled in-process gaging system is disclosed for use with numerically controlled machine tools wherein a battery-powered gage unit is enclosed in a housing adapted for retention in an automatic NC program controlled selection from the NC tool magazine. The gage unit can be placed in a machine tool device, such as a spindle, whose movement is directed by the NC program to place a gage transducer of the gage unit in contact with a workpiece to perform dimensional gaging. The gage unit converts an electrical transducer signal into an infra-red optical FM signal for wireless transmission to a receiver unit coupled to a microcomputer-based control unit.
Abstract:
A hand-held device having a touch sensitive surface uses a relative distance from an origin location to each of a plurality of touch zones of the touch sensitive surface activated by a user to select a one of the plurality of touch zones as being intended for activation by the user.