Showing papers on "Timer published in 2001"

Method for clock synchronization between nodes in a packet network

Abstract: A method and system for synchronizing clocks in a packet network that includes a master node and at least one slave node that communicate with one another is disclosed. A timer value from a master clock is retrieved upon transmission of a first packet to the slave node. The timer value and an associated code are subsequently sent to the slave node in a subsequent packet. After receiving the first packet, the slave node, retrieves a timer value from a slave clock and associates it with an identifying code of the first packet. After receiving the subsequent packet, the slave node relates the timer values and adjusts a clock value of the slave clock accordingly. An interrupt scheme may be used to implement the retrieval of the timer values.

Electronic programmable speed limiter

Abstract: The instant invention utilizes a programmable circuit which has a 186EM Micro controller therein to operate a circuit which integrates peripherals such as a memory controller, a programmable input and output, a timer and serial controller to increase system functionality and lower cost. The entire CPU circuit is mounted in a vehicle near the steering wheel where the key fob of the particular driver can be inserted for driver identification. There is an electronic box mounted forward of the firewall that contains the module specific for the brand of vehicle. The CPU module is wired to the under the hood box and a connection to that wiring in the back of the dash mounting holder. The holder guides the CPU module into the connector as the CPU module is inserted into the holder. The programmable unit is contained in a module which controls the speed of the vehicle and the memory function of the module itself. The unit is essentially a hand-held computer that is an integrated, low-voltage, single chip implementation of a high-performance 16 bit, x86 compatible microprocessor with the extra logic needed for PC/AT-compatible PCs. It has an AM 386 CPU core with a memory control unit, ISA bus controller and peripheral control logic.

Television program record scheduling and satellite receiver control using compressed codes

Abstract: A code converter is provided in a satellite remote controller for converting commands from an instant programmer or universal remote into commands recognizable by a satellite receiver. The commands are sent to a satellite receiver to command the satellite receiver on and off and to select the proper channel in the satellite receiver. Communication between the satellite remote controller and the satellite receiver can be either via infrared or radio frequency (RF) signals. In an embodiment of the invention, encoded video recorder/player timer programming information listed in a television calendar, which allows a timer programming feature on a video cassette recorder VCR to be programmed using a compressed code of as few as 1 to 8 digits, is decoded by a decoder built into an instant programmer to convert the compressed code into channel, date, time and length information. At the appropriate time the instant programmer transmits the proper commands to a VCR to command the recording of the selected program. To allow the instant programmer to command the satellite receiver to turn on and tune to the proper channel for recording the selected program, the instant programmer sends commands to the satellite receiver remote controller and the code converter in the satellite remote controller converts the commands from the instant programmer into commands recognizable by the satellite receiver. Then the commands are sent to the satellite receiver to command the satellite receiver on and off and to select the proper channel in the satellite receiver.

Electronic apparatus and method for monitoring net calorie intake

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking net consumption of calories by a user has an input to allow a user to enter the number of calories in food consumed by the user. The apparatus also includes a heart rate monitor and a timer. The heart rate monitor and timer. A processor in the apparatus can calculate the number of calories expended by the user in an exercise session from the duration of the exercise session, as measured by the timer, and the intensity of the exercise session as measured by the timer. The apparatus may be provided as a light weight wrist wearable instrument. The apparatus simplifies tracking the expenditure of calories in exercise and makes it possible to vary dietary constraints on calorie consumption in accordance with the amount of exercise in which the user has participated.

Method, apparatus and system for tracking, locating and monitoring an object or individual

Abstract: A device and system for locating, positioning and monitoring an object or an individual comprising a transmitter member attached to the object or individual having a preset encryption code, radio frequency and preset range for the radio frequency, a power source and a process timer for programming the frequency interval for transmission, at least one transceiver member positioned within range of the transmitter and in communication with a host central processing unit having database software capability and mapping software capability. The system may further include an automatic shutdown module for initiating a sleep mode in response to either an absence of motion or continuous motion, a transmit counter for automated tracking of transmitter battery life, and an automatic peripheral data interface for communicating peripheral data with the location transmissions.

Method and apparatus for transmitting data over a network within a specified time limit

Abstract: A radio link protocol for a communications system ensures that delivery of Internet protocol data packets occurs within a set delay bound for the packets, in order to satisfy specified quality of service levels. Data packets arriving at a transmitter are subdivided into data blocks. As each block is transmitted, the transmitter starts an associated acknowledgement timer. The timer is turned off, before it expires, if the transmitter timely receives from a receiver a message informing the transmitter that the associated block was successfully received. If such message is not received, the timer expires and the transmitter sends an acknowledgement request signal to the receiver and starts an associated panic timer. The panic timer is turned off, before it expires, if the transmitter subsequently timely receives a message that the associated block was successfully received. If such message not received, the panic timer expires and the transmitter sends one of more copies of the corresponding block to the receiver before occurrence of the delay bound. If the transmitter receives a negative acknowledgement message from the receiver, that a block is missing or corrupted, the transmitter retransmits a copy of the block to the receiver. To reduce messaging traffic, the transmitter cancels acknowledgement and panic timers based upon information contained in negative acknowledgement messages, and the receiver can periodically send acknowledgement messages to inform the transmitter of successfully received blocks.

Inter-network relay unit and transfer scheduling method in the same

Abstract: An inter-network relay unit is provided that is capable of simultaneously achieving guaranteed minimum bandwidth and priority control (including relay priority, discard priority, delay priority, etc.). A rate controller outputs relatively high priority packets from priority queues as guaranteed traffic based on guaranteed bandwidth for each link. Relatively low priority packets left in the priority queues are marked for preferential discard and output as best-effort traffic by an aging timer. When an output port is congested, an output queue portion discards only the marked packets. Thus, traffic having a plurality of relay priorities can use the guaranteed minimum bandwidth effectively and the guaranteed minimum bandwidth can be secured, irrespective of change in traffic volume for each relay priority level.

Transmitting and receiving devices and methods for transmitting data to and receiving data from a communication system

Abstract: A pager transceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide associated information. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that information is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the information. The user can then download or otherwise act on the information at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The messages stored by the systems and delivered to the paging transceiver may be of different types, such as voice, text, audio, or even video. In addition to messages, the paging system can store other information for the user, such as songs or video clips that the user can sample or updates on weather or stock rates. The paging transceiver includes a timer so that the desired action taken on the information may be performed at a desired time. The timer may be set so that the action may occur at a certain time, for instance at an off-peak hour to lower costs to the user. The timer may be programmed by the user so that messages are delivered after a certain time delay or at any other desired time.

System and method for identifying errors in a video conference conducted on a packet-based network

Abstract: A system and method for identifying errors in a video conference conducted on a network are disclosed. A central device includes a central agent that detects an error during a video conference conducted on a network between two or more endpoints. The central agent distributes a capture agent via the network to a remote device associated with a collision domain that contains one of the two or more endpoints. The capture agent collects a plurality of media packets associated with the video conference in a capture file located in a storage medium associated with the remote device until a timer expires. When the timer expires, the capture agent communicates the capture file to the central agent at the central device.

Non-time dependent synchronization of databases

Abstract: A first database is synchronized with a second database, wherein the first database is located in a mobile terminal. To avoid erroneous synchronization results that can occur if a timer associated with the mobile terminal is changed, relative to a timer associated with the second database, an indicator is set to indicate that a full synchronization should be performed whenever it is detected that the timer in the mobile terminal has been set back. Then, when synchronization is to take place, full synchronization of the first database with the second database is performed if the indicator is set. Otherwise, a fast synchronization that uses a change log may be performed. The indicator may be in the form of a change in a database identifier.

Valve with smart handle

Abstract: A valve with a smart handle including a memory module to log relevant data. A sensor on the handle determines when the valve is open, and this triggers the start of timers and recording of the “open” event in a log in the memory module. When the valve is closed, the sensor triggers stopping of the timers and recording of the “closed” event in the log. The timer information is used to calculate the duration of the time “open” event, and this, together with the actual date and time of the opening and closing of the valve are recorded in the log. Other relevant information, such as cylinder fill date, cylinder I.D. number, batch number, and patient name or account number may also be logged in the memory module. The log of the events and the corresponding dates and times may be used to prepare invoices for billing gas treatments, for inventory control, and for other record-keeping and control functions.

Activity monitoring device

Abstract: A device for monitoring the inactivity of a user, wich device finds particular use in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers and other travellers. The device comprises a carrier (20) for positionig adjecent a user, a motion sensor (10) mounted on the carrier (20) and adapted to detect the user performing motion, a timer (12) connected to the motion sensor (10) and reset when the predefined motion is detected, and an alarm (14) operated should the timer (12) count a preset time period without being reset. The carrier (20) is preferably a small container that can be strapped around the limb of a wearer. Failure to undertake the required motion will cause the alarm (14) to be activited, thus notifying the wearer of the omission.

Setback timer of air conditioner, air conditioning system, and method of setting setback timer display

Abstract: A setback timer of an air conditioner, comprising a display screen (15) for displaying the information on regular operation and setback operation, wherein a regular operation time zone display (53) showing a time zone for the regular operation in a day"s time zone and a setback operation time zone display (64) showing a time zone for the setback operation in the regular operation time zone appear on the display screen (15) independently of each other, whereby the relation between the regular operation time zone and the setback operation time zone in the regular operation time zone can be easily and accurately confirmed at a glance in a day" time zone, the set contents can be confirmed very easily, and thus the operability of the air conditioner can be improved.

Intelligent coffeemaker appliance

Abstract: The invention may be broadly conceptualized as an approach in which a coffeemaker ( 116 ) receives a plurality of timer settings from a network and communicates the state of the coffeemaker ( 116 ) to another network device while keeping a real-time clock ( 1112 ) synchronized and correctly set by receiving period time synchronization messages.

Ignition device for an internal combustion engine

Abstract: A one-chip integration circuit including a power part and a control part integrated within an IGBT monolithic silicon substrate is disclosed The control circuit part comprises a current limiting circuit for limiting a current so that it does not flow over a set-up value, a reference pulse generating circuit for detecting that an ignition control signal is inputted over a predetermined period of time, a digital timer made up by a digital counter, a latch circuit for dropping the gate voltage of the IGBT by latching due to the digital timer output signal and carrying out resetting when the ignition control signal is off, an input circuit having a potential comparison circuit in its input stage, in which the operation voltage for ignition control signal has a threshold value and a hysterisis, and an input protection circuit having a Zener diode and a resistor connected in parallel therewith for protecting the element from disturbance surges A one-chip igniter with high operative stability and high reliability can be provided

Method and system for transmission of headerless data packets over a wireless link

Abstract: Headerless (i.e., zero byte) data packets are sent by a compressor over a radio bearer. The radio bearer includes a synchronized wireless link. A sequential timer-based value is associated with each of the headerless data packets. A decompressor generates a header based on the sequential timer-based value associated with a given received headerless data packet. A data packet having a compressed header is sent periodically over the synchronized wireless link. The data packet having the compressed header can also be sent when the compressor detects changes in slowly-varying header fields, in response to feedback received from the decompressor indicating that a decompression context is out of synchronization and/or just before talk spurts occur.

Method and apparatus for capture, analysis and display of packet information sent in an IEEE 802.11 wireless network

Abstract: A wireless analyzer device for an IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN is programmed to perform both a per packet processing routine to obtain packet statistics, and a one second timer routine, followed by arranging the packet statistics in a logical manner for display on a computer monitor.

Feature timer functionality for a wireless communication unit

Abstract: In one embodiment, a calendar program is loaded and stored internally within a wireless communication unit. The calendar program is accessed in order to schedule an occurrence of a first event using the calendar program. The first event may cause activation or deactivation of a first operating mode for the wireless communication unit. Such activation or deactivation may occur for a specified period of time.

Method, apparatus and computer program product for controlling LED backlights and for improved pulse width modulation resolution

Abstract: A method for driving an LED backlight device using pulse width modulation with an additional timer to manage the power consumption, thermal output, and lighting level of the device with improved resolution

Power tools having timer devices

Abstract: Power tools are taught having a motor M 1, a tool 1 coupled to the motor M 1 via a tool holder 2, at least one light 4 disposed proximal to the tool 1, a switch 6 coupled to the motor M 1 and the light 4, the switch 6 being capable of activation by an operator, a power supply 7 coupled to the switch 6, and a timer circuit 3 coupled to the light 4, the switch 6 and the power supply 7. Preferably, activation of the switch 6 causes the motor M 1 and the light 4 to operate and the timer circuit 3 causes the light 4 to remain lit for a predetermined amount of time after either (1) the switch 6 has been activated or (2) the switch 6 has been deactivated subsequent to being activated. The timer circuit 3 can be, for example, a RC timer circuit 11 or a microprocessor 15. The light 4 may be an LED. The power supply 7 can be a rechargeable battery Ba.

Multimedia download timer system and method

Abstract: A multimedia download timer system and method is provided. The multimedia download timer system allows users to purchase large content files from a source, such as an Internet content provider, and select various times to download the content files to the users' computers. For example, the large content files may comprise motion pictures, videos, audio files, such as music, or games. The various download times may be associated with various price options.

Application-level software watchdog timer

Abstract: A software implementation of an application watchdog, comprising a restart service operating in the user mode and a watchdog driver operating in the kernel mode of a computer operating system. The driver incorporates a system thread configured to monitor a plurality of user applications operating in the user mode. The driver provides a first IOCTL signal interface for communicating control signals between the watchdog driver and one of the user applications and a second IOCTL signal interface for communicating control signals between the watchdog driver and the restart service. A communication interface exists for coordinating timer events with the operating system scheduler. If the system thread does not receive a message from one of said applications within an allotted period of time, the timer event alerts the watchdog driver that the allotted time has elapsed and the watchdog driver signals the restart service to restart that application.

Automatic scent dispensing system

Abstract: A automatic scent dispensing system for distributing scents throughout a building on a user-adjustable schedule without requiring user attention. The automatic scent dispensing system includes a tank system for holding a scent substance, with the tank system including a tank housing having a plurality of reservoirs for holding a scent substance therein. A selector valve selects flow from one of the reservoirs. A pump pumps the scent substance out of the reservoirs. A dispensing nozzle mounts on the duct of the air circulating system such that an orifice of the nozzle is in communication with the air passage of the duct. The dispensing nozzle is connected to and in fluid communication with the outlet of the pump. A duration timer selectively controls a duration of dispensing of the scent substance. The duration timer controls supply of electrical power to the pump, and is adjustable to set the duration of the supply of electrical power to the pump for dispensing the scent substance. The duration timer is triggered to supply electrical power to the pump for the selected time duration by a trigger. An occurrence timer selectively controls a time period between occurrences of dispensing of the scent substance. The occurrence timer triggers the duration timer after passage of a selected time period. A regular/irregular selector switch controls the actuation of the duration timer. The selector switch has an irregular setting wherein the trigger is sent to the duration timer by the fan switch of the air circulating system upon operation of the fan of the air circulating system. The selector switch also has a regular setting wherein the trigger is sent to the duration timer by the occurrence timer upon the passage of the selected time period.

Method of timer based download and playback scheme for internet browser

Abstract: The invention is disclosed as a scheme for use in a browser application to schedule the download of the documents from a list of source server uniform resource locators in a networked environment at a specified time, and for a specified duration, and with a specified time interval. It can optionally save the downloaded documents onto a local storage, or storage at local network, or on a remote storage. The document downloaded over the network can be processed and rendered onto the browser at the specified time in the future. The invention further provides a scheme to schedule a download of the document based on a reference time embedded in the document downloaded from the source server.

Combination barbecue tool

Abstract: A simple, effective, lightweight, durable, combination tool having removably attachable interchangeable implements, which are interchangeable one with the other. The combination tool has locking means, which releasably locks the removably attachable interchangeable implements into a handle. The handle can have a light for illuminating an area or work surface, and the food being cooked and/or barbecued. The handle can have a timer capable of being set to at least one time duration, and audibly alerting a user at the end of a selected one of such time durations, as to how long the food has been cooked or barbecued.

Marine macerator pump control module

Abstract: A marine macerator switch including a comparator programmable with over and under current limits corresponding with the characteristics of a macerator drive motor. A sensing circuit senses the real time motor current and compares it with the current limits to, at respective predetermined differentials, shut the motor down. The control also includes a timer programmed to allow the motor to run for a period of time corresponding with that required for emptying of the tank.

On optimum timer value of area and timer-based location registration scheme

Abstract: In typical mobile communication systems, mobile station (MS) location information is updated when the MS crosses the location area boundary or the registration timer is expired. When a call attempt occurs, sequential paging rather than blanket paging is used to reduce the paging cost. We propose a new location update scheme in which to increase the paging accuracy, timer-based location update is performed within a location area. In this work, the optimum timer value of the area and timer-based location registration scheme with intelligent paging is derived. In case of a fixed location area, the optimum registration timer value depends on the speed and call arrival rate of the MS. If the speed or call arrival rate of the MS is high, location registration based on timer value should be performed frequently. Otherwise, location registration based on the crossing of location area is sufficient.

Input device having keyboard and touch pad

Abstract: There is provided an input device which can prevent click or pointer movement during the key input operation from the keyboard. In the control of the present invention, when a key input monitoring module detects the key input from a keyboard, the input from a touch pad is brought into an inhibit state and a timer is driven; when there is another key input within a set time of the timer, the set time is updated to start clocking again while the input inhibit state from the touch pad is maintained; and when there is no key input within the set time, the input inhibit state from the touch pad is released.

Method for designing a circuit for programmable microcontrollers

Abstract: A method to program a microcontroller using a software program. First a user selects a module from a catalog of available modules. The module may be for implementing an amplifier, timer, pulse width modulator, etc. This causes information related to the selected module to be displayed. For example, a schematic and data sheet for the selected module may be displayed. Next, the user requests a position and places the selected module in a graphical user interface, which represents the resources available to implement the available modules. For example, the resources may be programmable system blocks. Additional user modules may then be selected and placed. The user then configures the circuit by selecting circuit parameters for the user modules (e.g., amplifier gain), pin configurations, and interconnections between programmable system blocks. The user may then edit source code used to cause the user modules to perform their functions.

Method of sharing information among a plurality of stations in a frame-based communications network

Abstract: A method of sharing information among a plurality of stations on a communications network, each of the stations being capable of transmitting and receiving frames over the communications network. A group of agreed-upon flags is established, periodic timing is provided in each station that expires after an interval, and a common frame format is defined providing the capability of specifying a current transmit flag set, an old transmit flag set, and a current receive flag set. Each station maintains: a current transmit state set a recent and previous timer expiration set and a current and previous transmit received set. A control frame is generated and transmitted by a transmitting station to all other stations on the communications network each time a flag in a logical union of current transmit flag sets is set and upon the expiration of the timer in the transmitting station.