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Patent US20040024818 - System and method for updating chatting data in an interactive disc player ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsAn interactive DVD system for reproducing chatting data is provided. The Content disk player is connected to a content server via a communication network. The Content disk player system comprises means for forwarding a request to the content server to receive new chatting data associated with content...http://www.google.com/patents/US20040024818?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20040024818 - System and method for updating chatting data in an interactive disc player networkAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20040024818 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/456,879Publication dateFeb 5, 2004Filing dateJun 6, 2003Priority dateJun 7, 2002Also published asCA2456655A1, CN1554057A, CN100435130C, EP1512083A1, EP1512083A4, US7836125, WO2003105018A1Publication number10456879, 456879, US 2004/0024818 A1, US 2004/024818 A1, US 20040024818 A1, US 20040024818A1, US 2004024818 A1, US 2004024818A1, US-A1-20040024818, US-A1-2004024818, US2004/0024818A1, US2004/024818A1, US20040024818 A1, US20040024818A1, US2004024818 A1, US2004024818A1InventorsWoo Yoon, Jea Yoo, Tae Kim, Soung Um, Limonov AlexandreOriginal AssigneeLg Electronics Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (3), Classifications (18), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetSystem and method for updating chatting data in an interactive disc player network
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention, illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. [0020]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an I-DVD player, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0021]FIG. 2 is a rough illustration of directory structure of an I-DVD, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0022]FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of various I-DVD players and a content server connected in a communication network; [0023]FIG. 4 illustrates a broadcasting frame communicated between an I-DVD and content servers, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0024]FIG. 5 illustrates chatting data that is recorded and managed in a database of a content server, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0025]FIG. 6 illustrates organization of message data stream that is transmitted from a content server, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and [0026]FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of chatting data transmission and reception process between an I-DVD player and content servers, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0027] Features, elements, and aspects of the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in different figures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements, or aspects in accordance with one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERRED EMBODIMENT [0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the system of the present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, is implemented to reproduce audiovisual (A/V) data stored on a content disk 10. A/V data may comprise DVD video data, image data, audio data, text, or other forms of information. The content disk 10 in addition to A/V data may contain enhanced navigation (ENAV) or control data to provide an interactive reproduction device (e.g., ENAV player or I-DVD player) with instruction on how to reproduce the A/V data or to provide additional information to be played with the A/V data. The terms ENAV or I-DVD are used interchangeably and refer to an interactive DVD system. [0029] For the purpose of simplicity and efficiency, throughout the application, the system of the present invention has been described in association with an “I-DVD” disk or “IDVD” player. This association, however, is by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the invention to the particular embodiments disclosed. As such, alternative recording mediums or players are within the scope of the invention. [0030] An I-DVD player, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, comprises a DVD reproduction engine and an enhanced navigation or interactive (I-DVD) reproduction engine. The DVD reproduction engine is utilized in association with the I-DVD reproduction engine to reproduce A/V data stored on the I-DVD disk, in accordance with the enhanced navigation data stored on the I-DVD disk. [0031] In some embodiments, the I-DVD engine of the system comprises a file system 11, a web browser 12, an interface 13, a navigator 14, a storage unit 15, a decoder 16, a presentation engine 17, and a controller (not shown). The web browser 12 and interface 13 provide network management services for connecting the I-DVD player to a communication network such as the Internet, and also to support enhanced user interface and to handle user interaction with the system. The file system 11 and navigator 14 act together to load, parse, and interpret digital data loaded from disk 10 for decoding purposes. The controller is utilized to process enhanced navigation data and the interface between the DVD engine and the I-DVD engine, and to control the system elements in response to a user request, for example. [0032] The decoder 16 is utilized for decoding digital data read from disk 10, for example. The presentation engine 17 processes decoded A/V data to provide an A/V output to a display terminal, for example. File system 11 is provided for conducting file management (e.g., searching and reading recorded files, such as a disk information file, a setup file, and a sync data file), for example. Web browser 12 includes a web surfing function and is able to set up presentation environment for reproduction of A/V data, for example. [0033] Storage unit 15 may be any type of data storage medium such as flash memory or a hard drive for storing files uploaded from disk 10 or files downloaded from a communication network to which the system is connected. Storage unit 15 can be cache memory or a buffer for temporary storage of information, for example, and may be implemented in RAM, ROM, EEPROM, a hard disk or other type of storage medium. [0034] The navigator 14, the file system 11, and the web browser 12 represent logical units and may be implemented in form of software, hardware, or a combination of the two. In some embodiments, some or all of the logical units and components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be implemented in one or more integrated logic chips such as Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) or Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICS) [0035] Referring to FIG. 2, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the system, one or more data and/or control files exist or can be implemented under a root directory of the I-DVD disk. A DVD enhanced navigation directory (i.e., DVD_ENAV or ENV_TS) directory may exist, for example, directly under the root directory as shown in FIG. 2. Files including enhanced navigation or other control information and enhanced navigation content files may be placed under the DVD enhanced navigation directory. These files may include html, xml, and A/V content, for example. [0036] In some embodiments, a first file ‘EnDVD.Inf’, for example, comprises information for reproduction of A/V data recorded on an I-DVD disk 10, a second file ‘Index.html’, for example, comprises information relating to initial setup for reproduction of A/V data, and a third file ‘Index.syn’, for example, comprises time information for synchronizing between A/V data and additional data provided through the communication network or a user. [0037] In some embodiments, under the root directory, other subdirectories may be implemented. A directory ‘VIDEO_TS’, for example, may comprise files of video data. Another directory ‘AUDIO_TS’, for example, may comprise files of audio data, and a subsequent directory ‘ENAV_TS’, for example, may comprise additional content files (e.g., ‘html’ files, ‘xml’ files, image files, video and audio files). [0038] In one embodiment, the file ‘EnDVD.Inf’, for example, under the root directory comprises information about a disk version, a content version, a content manufacturer, or a reference address (e.g., URL) for accessing a remote content provider. The remote content provider may provide a variety of contents and content-related information provided by other users connected to the same communication network or new update information that correspond with the A/V data being reproduced at a certain time interval. [0039] The setup file ‘Index.html’, for example, under the root directory may comprise environment setup information for the web browser 12 and control or navigation information for reproduction of the content stored on I-DVD disk 10. The file ‘Index.syn’, for example, may comprise time stamp data to synchronize A/V data read from the I-DVD disk 10 with other contents down loaded from a remote content provider, for example. [0040] In some embodiments, the directory ‘ENAV_TS’, for example, comprises additional contents to be reproduced or outputted in synchronization with A/V data. Additional contents provided from a remote content provider may be also stored under the directory ‘ENAV_TS’, for example. The additional contents may comprise html or xml files, image files, sound files, and video files, for example. It is noteworthy that the file and directory names and the particular data structures disclosed here with reference to the A/V and enhanced navigation data are for the purpose of example. As such, other names and different or equivalent directory structures and formats may be implemented or used that would accomplish the objectives of the present invention in the same manner to perform the same function and to obtain the same results, without limiting the scope of the invention. [0041] Referring to FIG. 3, a content server 300 provides a service for enabling reception and verification of updated versions of content information associated with A/V data. For example, additional services, such as virtual theater, may allow various users located at remote locations to play the A/V data of the I-DVD simultaneously. Such services can provide identical content information to a number of I-DVD players 100 1˜100 k that are connected to the content server 300 via the Internet, or another type of communication network. [0042] The content server 300 allows various users, who are equipped with I-DVD players connected to the content server 300, to exchange various information among themselves by transmitting and receiving data (i.e., chatting data). Referring to FIG. 4, when a broadcasting frame request is received from the I-DVD player 100 k, a time stamp that comprises play start time information (Play_Start_Time) of the I-DVD, or relative current playtime information (Relative_Current_Play_Time), and ENAV data of content information (or chat data, for example) are transmitted to the I-DVD player 100 k. [0043] The I-DVD player 100 k links and plays back the A/V data of the I-DVD 10 inserted in the apparatus, and content information or chatting data transmitted in the broadcasting frame, from the content server. Prior to playback, the I-DVD player searches and verifies playback starting time information (Play_Start_Time) in the broadcasting frame. In one embodiment, the I-DVD player searches and verifies relative current play time information from the timing information included in the broadcasting frame. [0044] The I-DVD player 100 k, after receiving the broadcasting frame, searches through a specific recording field of the I-DVD 10. I-DVD player 100 k performs a series of Internet multi-playback operations that link and play the A/V data from the searched recording field. Content information or chatting data transmitted via the broadcasting frame is also played back. [0045] Referring to FIG. 5, chatting data is recorded and managed in database of content server 300. When the content server 300 receives chatting data, in form of a message, from various I-DVD players connected to the content server, the chatting data and the current receiving time information are associated with each other as the last updated time information (LUT) and are then stored and managed in a database. The chatting data message, includes index information (Tx_Player) of at least one I-DVD player, and can be stored and recorded as a single entry, for example. [0046] The chatting data message that is recorded and managed as a single entry can be transmitted in a message data stream. In some embodiments, TCP/IP header information (IP_HD, TCP_HD) can be added, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The message data stream body comprises header information (M_HD), chatting data, time header information (T_HD) and the updated time information (e.g., LUT), for example. [0047] In certain embodiments, the chatting data has a recording size that corresponds to a fixed number of letters. For example, in one embodiment, the chatting data has a recording size of about 256 letters. Various messages (message #1˜#n) may be generated in sequence, and the update time information (LUT) can be appended to the end of the messages. [0048] The update time information is transmitted along with the chatting data, in order to indicate the last time that the chatting data stored in an I-DVD player, which receives the chatting data message. In certain embodiments, to ensure nonoverlapping transmission of the already-received chatting data from the I-DVD player in the content server, the chatting message gets transmitted after being included in the message data stream. [0049] The time information becomes the relative time information, which is counted to the point of time when the chatting data is provided either by setting the play start time (Play_Start_Time) of the I-DVD, or by setting the proper time that is being self-counted in the content server. [0050] In one or more embodiments, when an I-DVD is inserted in the I-DVD player, the navigator 14 of the apparatus extracts ‘index.html’ file that is written under the root directory by controlling the operation of the file system 11. Then, the navigator 14 writes the extracted ‘index.html’ file into the storage device 15, such as a hard disk or a Flash Memory, and configures the necessary system environment for playing-back the I-DVD through an interface with a user, as well. [0051] When a user requests Internet access, in one embodiment, the navigator 14 searches and extracts URL information of ‘EnDvd.inf’ file that is written under the root directory. Then, by driving and controlling the web browser 12 and the Internet interface 13, the access to the content server that corresponds to the URL information is established. [0052] Thereafter, the navigator 14 transmits the disc version information, written in the ‘EnDvd.inf’ file, to the content server and requests transmission of the last updated setup file and the synchronization file that can be accommodated in the disc version to the content server. [0053] In some embodiments, the content server searches and extracts, for example, ‘index.html’ file and ‘index.syn’ of the last updated contents version that is linked to the disc version and then transmits the files via the Internet. An I-DVD player at the receiving end reconfigures the system environment by using the last updated contents version, for example, ‘index.html’ file and ‘index.syn’ file that are transmitted from the content server. [0054] According to a user request, the I-DVD player sets to Internet multi-play mode, for example, to process an Internet multi-play operation, in reference with FIG. 4. The I-DVD player requests and receives broadcasting frame through the interface with the content server 300, and requests transmission of the chatting data of the other users who are connected via the Internet (S10), for example. [0055] In one embodiment, the I-DVD player requests transmission of last updated chatting data stored and managed in the content server 300, extracts last update time (LUT) of the chatting data transmitted to the I-DVD disk, and transmits said data to the content server 300 as illustrated in FIG. 7. [0056] The content server 300 references the last updated time (LUT) information to search and extract new chatting data from a database. New chatting data is recorded in the data base after the time of the received LUT. The content server 300 transmits the updated chatting data via a message data stream, as illustrated in FIG. 7 (S11). [0057] In some embodiments, the content server 300 transmits chatting data message with a recording size of about 256 letters, for example, to the I-DVD player. Also transmitted is time information that corresponds to the transmission time of the updated chatting data (S12). [0058] In one embodiment, the I-DVD player 100 k transmits confirmation message (e.g., Confirm & Close Session), indicating correct reception of the chatting data and the time information received through the aforementioned processes, to the content server 300 (S13). The time information is updated and stored as the last update time (LUT) information of the chatting data most recently transmitted to and preferably recorded on the I-DVD player. [0059] In certain embodiments, the updating process of the chatting data can occur at a predetermined time interval, for example, a time interval of every 30 seconds. The last updated time (LUT) information can be used to prevent redundant transmission of chatting data by tracking the exact time new data was forwarded to each I-DVD player in communication with the content server. [0060] In one embodiment, the last update time (LUT) information does not include in the chatting data transmitted from an I-DVD disk of I-DVD player which requests transmission of last updated chatting data. In that case, the content server groups the chatting data that has been received and stored since the beginning of playback of an interactive optical disc, in sequence. The content server then transmits the grouped chatting data to the I-DVD disk player with a relative time information counted from the beginning of the interactive optical disk. [0061] The relative time information is the time information that has been counted on the content server since an interactive optical disk started. An I-DVD player that has lost the last update time for the chatting data can request to receive the relative time information from the content server. Thus, the I-DVD player can use the relative time information as the last update time for the chatting data. [0062] In one embodiment, if no new chatting data is produced or transmitted from an I-DVD player 100 k, the content server 300 transmits an update message, for example, indicating that there are no new chatting data produced in a certain time interval. This enables a user of an I-DVD player to identify the data. [0063] As such, a system and method for playing back updated chatting data in an I-DVD network is provided. While the invention has been disclosed with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS8042144 *Mar 8, 2004Oct 18, 2011Lg Electronics Inc.Interactive medium and method for managing additional data thereofUS8046341 *Jun 24, 2004Oct 25, 2011Sony CorporationInformation processing apparatus for reproducing metadata and method, program, and recording mediumUS8090765 *Apr 29, 2003Jan 3, 2012Lg Electronics Inc.System and method for reproducing information stored on a data recording medium in an interactive networked environment* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification709/204, G9B/27.019, G9B/27.05, G9B/27.001International ClassificationH04N7/173, G06F15/00, G06F15/16, G11B27/32, G06F17/00, G11B27/00, G11B27/10Cooperative ClassificationG11B2220/2562, G11B27/002, G11B27/329, G11B27/105European ClassificationG11B27/10A1, G11B27/00A, G11B27/32D2Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 16, 2014FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Oct 6, 2003ASAssignmentOwner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC., KOREA, REPUBLIC OFFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KIM, TEA HO;YOO, JEA YONG;YOON, WOO SEONG;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015399/0756Effective date: 20030930RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services

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Most of the convictions occurred before the offenders began working in nursing homes. But for 16 percent of employees with convictions, the most recent offense occurred after they had started work in a nursing home.Joshua M. Wiener, an expert on long-term care at RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, said nursing homes had historically had difficulty recruiting and retaining employees, especially nurse’s aides, who he said were paid an average starting wage of $10 an hour.
Dr. Harrington said that many nursing homes did background checks in a perfunctory way, and that some did not check people who applied for housekeeping, food service or laundry jobs.“Even some of the better nursing homes have problems with theft, rampant theft of residents’ clothing and personal possessions, including jewelry,” Dr. Harrington said. “People convicted of crimes are often left alone with nursing home residents because the supervision of care is, in many homes, very inadequate.”The new health care law offers $160 million to states to improve criminal background checks on prospective employees at nursing homes and other providers of long-term care.

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Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Prem, Tokyo, Japan - Booking.com
Share Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier
103-0022 Tokyo-to, Chuo-ku, Nihonbashi Muromachi 3-4-4, Japan – Excellent location – show map – Subway Access
Excellent location – rated 9.1/10! (score from 2223 reviews)
Lock in a great price for Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier – rated 9 by recent guests!
Kanda Station: only 6 minutes away! (1,350 feet by foot)
The room was comfortable and a good size. The location is about 12 mins walking from Tokyo Station, but you can also ride transit. The hotel is next door to the Mitsukoshimae station, a great way of moving around Tokyo. A couple of days during our stay it rained, and we were offered umbrellas for free, nice gesture. The bathroom had all the amenities and toiletries we needed, including a hair dryer. And they have an onsen onsite!
It was very close to the station and the staff are very helpful and polite we like it so much that we booked the same hotel in Kyoto and their service and location are both amazing!!!
Room is good size , place is modern & clean . Staff is friendly ! Close to subway station . Will definitely be back again in future .
It was a fantastic stay at this hotel. The hospitality is incredible. I lost my wallet on a day trip and they spent two hours helping my contacting the local police office and found the wallet for me. The room itself is very neat. The traditional Japanese breakfast is great and I love the public bath.
Beautiful modern style hotel in a lovely area of Tokyo. Very close to Kanda and Central station for easy logistics but located in an upmarket area of Tokyo at the same time. Best of both worlds. Very clean hotel overall, comfortable bed, rooms are tastefully decorated, brilliant shower, friendly and professional staff. I would highly recommend this hotel and would stay there again.
The location is unbeatable, hot bath is relaxing.
Zhewen United States of America
Everything was above and beyond our expectations. Excellent customer service, fabulous breakfast buffet at the restaurant “ Asada”. Nice clean bath house experience was definitely a plus!
Amazing hotel! Japanese Bath very relaxing and breakfast was delicious. Great staff!
Ramses Brazil
Very modern design and comfortable beds. Nice hot tub as well. Close to the city center. Will be back soon
Very good Japanese breakfast. Very nice Japanese bath.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!
“The room was comfortable and a good size. The location is about 12 mins walking from Tokyo Station, but you can also ride transit.”
“It was very close to the station and the staff are very helpful and polite we like it so much that we booked the same hotel in Kyoto and their service and location are both amazing!!!”
“Room is good size , place is modern & clean . Staff is friendly ! Close to subway station . Will definitely be back again in future .”
“It was a fantastic stay at this hotel. The hospitality is incredible. I lost my wallet on a day trip and they spent two hours helping my contacting the local police office and found the wallet for me....”
“Beautiful modern style hotel in a lovely area of Tokyo. Very close to Kanda and Central station for easy logistics but located in an upmarket area of Tokyo at the same time. Best of both worlds.”
“The location is unbeatable, hot bath is relaxing.”
“Everything was above and beyond our expectations. Excellent customer service, fabulous breakfast buffet at the restaurant “ Asada”. Nice clean bath house experience was definitely a plus!”
“Amazing hotel! Japanese Bath very relaxing and breakfast was delicious. Great staff!”
“Very modern design and comfortable beds. Nice hot tub as well. Close to the city center. Will be back soon”
“Very good Japanese breakfast. Very nice Japanese bath.”
One of our top picks in Tokyo.Open from September 2018, located within a 11-minute walk from Tokyo Station Nihonbashi Exit and 1.2 mi of Japan Imperial Palace, Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier features accommodations with a bar. The property is directly connected to Shin-Nihombashi Station and Mitsukoshimae Station.
Guests can reach Shibuya and Shinjuku in 30 minutes by train. Yasukuni Shrine is 1.7 mi from Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 9.3 mi from the accommodations.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier has been welcoming Booking.com guests since May 14, 2018
Saved to 10437 lists
Moderate Double Room with Tokyo SkyTree View
Superior Queen Room with Tokyo SkyTree View
Amenities of Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier Great facilities! Review score, 9.1
House rules Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier takes special requests – add in the next step!
Please note that onsite public bath is temporarily closed until further notice.
FAQs about Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier
What is there to do at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier?
Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):
How much does it cost to stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier?
The prices at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.
What type of room can I book at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier?
Room options at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier include:
How do I get to Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier from the nearest airport?
From the nearest airport, you can get to Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier by:
What are the check-in and check-out times at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier?
Check-in at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.
What kind of breakfast is served at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier?
Guests staying at Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 8.5).
All reviewers Families (515) Couples (957) Groups of friends (115) Solo travelers (409) Business travelers (418)
All review scores Awesome: 9+ (1511) Good: 7 – 9 (611) Okay: 5 – 7 (80) Poor: 3 – 5 (14) Very Poor: 1 – 3 (7)
“The room was comfortable and a good size. The location is about 12 mins walking from Tokyo Station, but you can also ride transit. The hotel is next door to the Mitsukoshimae station, a great way of moving around Tokyo. A couple of days during our stay it rained, and we were offered umbrellas for free, nice gesture. The bathroom had all the amenities and toiletries we needed, including a hair dryer. And they have an onsen onsite!”
“Room is good size , place is modern & clean . Staff is friendly ! Close to subway station . Will definitely be back again in future . ”
“It was a fantastic stay at this hotel. The hospitality is incredible. I lost my wallet on a day trip and they spent two hours helping my contacting the local police office and found the wallet for me. The room itself is very neat. The traditional Japanese breakfast is great and I love the public bath. ”
“Beautiful modern style hotel in a lovely area of Tokyo. Very close to Kanda and Central station for easy logistics but located in an upmarket area of Tokyo at the same time. Best of both worlds. Very clean hotel overall, comfortable bed, rooms are tastefully decorated, brilliant shower, friendly and professional staff. I would highly recommend this hotel and would stay there again.”
“The location is unbeatable, hot bath is relaxing. ”
“Great property, very convenient, stay wonderful, clean rooms! Get the breakfast package.”
The shared baths were closed. But it was necessary
Breakfast was extremely nice, rooms were quiet
“Good access, could have some more improvements”
Several facilities are closed at the venue. We booked this hotel for its facilities and paid alot of money for it. I would have been happy if they would have told me that their facilities are closed after booking so I could have booked elsewhere. I understand that we did travel amid this time of COVID19 being present, but notifying me of their current operation would have gone a long way. The cups in the rooms that were in the cupboards had some dust on them, not what I expected for a posh place like this.
Good decor, comfortable bed, and friendly front desk. The location is also central and near tokyo station.
“Good value, but other Mitsui Gardens in Tokyo are better”
They don't have a gym, or a coin laundry room. They have 2 vending machines (one with beer) but they are not the kind that take Suica payment so you'll need cash. Views from the room are mediocre. I can wholeheartedly recommend another location by Mitsui Gardens, their "Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingu-Gaien Tokyo Premier" that has all the missing amenities of this location.
The bedroom is comfortable, there is a little table with small sofa which is convenient for the laptop. The restaurant provide a nice and delicious course menu of Japanese specialities. And the bar staffs was very welcoming, thank you for the whisky tasting :)
Nothing, great property!
Love it! Modern and cozy hotel with close by eateries, subway stations and a great staff. Perfect for business travelers.
I loved everything about this hotel ,it’s beautiful,the staff are friendly,it’s right on top of the train station. Short distance to any shops we want to visit. In the nicer part of town.
Want extra to check in a bit early, Rooms very small
Clean, access to metro and a bar.
“Our first choice when stay in Tokyo”
We always booked this hotel if we travelled to Tokyo. The hotel is very close to metro station and JR station. The breakfast is also very delicious .
Central location, very clean and comfortable. Very good breakfast.

value: This website is a Dutch online travel agency for lodging reservations & other travel products, and a subsidiary of Booking Holdings. It is headquartered in Amsterdam.The website has over 28 million listings.


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text: Retail: $24.99 Save 28% ($7.00) 5 Stars Out Of 5 1 Reviews Availability: In Stock CBD Stock No: WW243215 Welcome to the Christianbook.com Author / Artist Review Center where you can let our customers know a little about your work. Simply enter your personal information and respond to any or all of the questions provided regarding this product and your work in general. Answer only the questions you choose. Questions for which there is no response will not appear in the review.

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Chaptico Classic Race
A three-mile walking trail and 5- and 10-kilometer running courses are part of the 19th annual Chaptico Classic Race and Walk on Saturday in St. Mary's County. The course has been rated as one of the best county road races, according to Running Times magazine. The routes take participants along rolling farm fields and through scenic countryside and historic Chaptico village. Participants can sign up the day of the event, but advance registration is recommended. Proceeds from the race and walk benefit Alternatives for Youth and Families, a nonprofit agency that serves troubled youths and their families. 7 a.m. registration; 8 a.m. start. Christ Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Zach Fowler Road, Chaptico. $30. 301-884-0312.
Folk artists Carrie and Michael Kline present entertainment and social history with their music of rural America, mountain harmonies, love ballads, and storytelling. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Black Box Theatre, Indian Head Center for the Arts, 4185 Indian Head Hwy., Indian Head. $15; seniors, students and groups of 10 or more, $12. 301-743-3040 or IndianHeadBlackBox.org.
Barley Moon, Campfire
Enjoy the rising of a full Barley Moon on Saturday while singing songs and cooking a picnic supper over a campfire. Battle Creek invites the community to close out the summer, send the birds to roost and watch as bats emerge for their nightly hunt. Bring a musical instrument for the singalong and food to cook over the fire. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, 2880 Grays Rd., Prince Frederick. Adults, $3; BCNES members and children with a paid adult, $1. Reservations requested. 410-535-5327.
The folk music of Michael and Carrie Kline, featured Saturday at Black Box Theatre at the Indian Head Center for the Arts, is both entertainment and social history.

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Onezero by Nitin Sawhney on Amazon Music - Amazon.co.uk
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5.0 out of 5 starsThis is a lovely thing to own on vinyl even if you don't like the music
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The content and vinyl is pretty, but package what I received was Absolutely awful! The cardboard box was separate from the contents and completely broken!Read more
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Once again Nitin Sawhney does not disappoint. From his cleverly crafted lyrics and music to the excellent musicians and vocalists that surround him this is well worth buying.Read more

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Patent US6737985 - Remote metering - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA meter for use in a radio frequency remote metering system comprises an antenna; a transmitter for transmitting meter signals via the antenna; a receiver connected to the antenna for receiving and filtering an incoming radio frequency signal; and a carrier signal detect circuit which is connected to...http://www.google.com/patents/US6737985?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6737985 - Remote meteringAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6737985 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/555,089PCT numberPCT/GB1998/003749Publication dateMay 18, 2004Filing dateDec 15, 1998Priority dateDec 16, 1997Fee statusLapsedAlso published asCA2311617A1, CN1110781C, CN1282440A, DE69802715D1, DE69802715T2, EP1040460A1, EP1040460B1, WO1999031633A1, WO1999031633A8Publication number09555089, 555089, PCT/1998/3749, PCT/GB/1998/003749, PCT/GB/1998/03749, PCT/GB/98/003749, PCT/GB/98/03749, PCT/GB1998/003749, PCT/GB1998/03749, PCT/GB1998003749, PCT/GB199803749, PCT/GB98/003749, PCT/GB98/03749, PCT/GB98003749, PCT/GB9803749, US 6737985 B1, US 6737985B1, US-B1-6737985, US6737985 B1, US6737985B1InventorsPeter Garrard, Peter HibbittOriginal AssigneeAdvanced Technology Ramar LimitedExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (6), Referenced by (9), Classifications (11), Legal Events (9) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetRemote metering
US 6737985 B1Abstract
A meter for use in a radio frequency remote metering system comprises an antenna; a transmitter for transmitting meter signals via the antenna; a receiver connected to the antenna for receiving and filtering an incoming radio frequency signal; and a carrier signal detect circuit which is connected to receive the filtered radio frequency signal and which is operable to detect the presence or absence of a carrier signal, and to prevent activation of the transmitter in response to the presence of the carrier signal, to activate the transmitter in response to the absence of the said carrier signal.
What is claimed is: 1. A remote metering system comprising:
a plurality of remote meters each of which includes an antenna, a transmitter for transmitting meter signals via the antenna, a receiver connected to the antenna for receiving and filtering an incoming radio frequency signal, and a carrier signal detection circuit which is connected to receive the filtered radio frequency signal and which is operable to detect the presence or absence of a carrier signal, and to prevent activation of the transmitter in response to the presence of a carrier signal, or to activate the transmitter in response to the absence of said carrier signals; a plurality of concentrator units arranged for direct RF communication with respective groups of remote meters to receive respective meter data therefrom; and a central control unit arranged for communicating with the plurality of concentrator units for receiving meter data from the plurality of concentrator units, wherein the remote meters in a meter group are operable to initiate communication with the corresponding concentrator unit during respective predefined time periods; and wherein the receiver is provided with a local oscillator signal by the transmitter (116), the transmitter (116) output being isolated from the antenna (120) during such provision of the local oscillator signal. 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the local oscillator frequency is set differently to that required by the transmitter for transmission of a signal.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each concentrator unit defines a plurality of RF communication channels over which communication between the concentrator unit and the meters in the corresponding meter group occurs.
4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each meter in a meter group is assigned a predetermined channel defined by the corresponding concentrator unit for communication therewith.
5. A system as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein each meter in a meter group is operable to communicate with the corresponding concentrator unit at predetermined time intervals.
6. A system as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein at least one of the remote meters (1) is operable to receive transmissions from the associated concentrator unit (2), such transmissions relating to changes in operating conditions of the meter concerned.
7. A system as claimed in claim 3 or 4 wherein meter data is stored in a non-volatile memory in the remote meter concerned.
8. A system as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one concentrator unit is operable to receive signals from additional units other than the remote meters in the group, and to transfer those other signals to other predefined central control units.
9. A system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the additional units provide security or fire systems.
a plurality of remote meters each of which includes an antenna, a transmitter for transmitting meter signals via the antenna, a receiver connected to the antenna for receiving and filtering an incoming radio frequency signal, and a carrier signal detection circuit which is connected to receive the filtered radio frequency signal and which is operable to detect the presence or absence of a carrier signal, and to prevent activation of the transmitter in response to the presence of a carrier signal, or to activate the transmitter in response to the absence of said carrier signals; a plurality of concentrator units arranged for direct RF communication with respective groups of remote meters to receive respective meter data therefrom; and a central control unit arranged for communicating with the plurality of concentrator units for receiving meter data from the plurality of concentrator units, wherein the remote meters in a meter group are operable to initiate communication with the corresponding concentrator unit during respective predefined time periods; wherein the receiver is provided with a local oscillator signal by the transmitter (116), the transmitter (116) output being isolated from the antenna (120) during such provision of the local oscillator signal; and wherein, if the remote meter is an electricity meter, the antenna is provided by power supply lines, or, if the remote meter is a water meter, the antenna is provided by the sensor lines of the meter. 11. A remote metering system comprising:
a plurality of remote meters each of which includes an antenna, a transmitter for transmitting meter signals via the antenna, a receiver connected to the antenna for receiving and filtering an incoming radio frequency signal, and a carrier signal detection circuit which is connected to receive the filtered radio frequency signal and which is operable to detect the presence or absence of a carrier signal, and to prevent activation of the transmitter in response to the presence of a carrier signal, or to activate the transmitter in response to the absence of said carrier signals; a plurality of concentrator units arranged for direct RF communication with respective groups of remote meters to receive respective meter data therefrom; and a central control unit arranged for communicating with the plurality of concentrator units for receiving meter data from the plurality of concentrator units, wherein the remote meters in a meter group are operable to initiate communication with the corresponding concentrator unit during respective predefined time periods; wherein the receiver is provided with a local oscillator signal by the transmitter (116), the transmitter (116) output being isolated from the antenna (120) during such provision of the local oscillator signal; and wherein each remote meter is an electricity meter, the antenna of each meter being provided by the supply lines of the meter.
The present invention relates to remote metering and in particular to radio frequency transmitters suitable for remote metering applications.
Public and private utility distribution companies, for example water, gas and electricity distributors, are continuously exploring new ways to monitor service provision and to reduce costs. Increasing the number of times that readings from a particular meter are taken can improve the monitoring of the service. However, increased readings with current manual systems would result in higher costs due to the increased number of meter reading personnel that would be required.
Thus, it is desirable to provide utility meters, which can be remotely accessed, for example by way of a radio frequency (RF) communication system.
A previously considered remote metering system is shown schematically in FIG. 1, and comprises a number of remote meters 1 which communicate in groups to remote metering concentrators 2. The remote metering concentrators 2 are in turn connected to communicate with a central billing unit 3. In such systems, the remote meters 1 may ideally communicate with a remote meter concentrator 2 by way of a radio frequency communications link. The concentrators 2 can communicate with a gateway to the central billing unit 3 by way of a radio frequency link, a PSTN land line, or other wide area network.
One way of avoiding signal clash between remote units in the same group would be to provide a distinct channel for each remote meter in the group. This however would prove extremely costly, both in terms of money and bandwidth requirements. Reducing the number of remote meters in a group would decrease the number of channels required, but would mean that many more concentrators would be required, hence increasing the cost.
However, there is a problem associated with using radio frequency communications for such metering applications, because of the large number of meters involved, particularly in cities. Such large numbers of meters can easily lead to collision of the signals from adjacent meters, and hence lead to loss of data.
Previously considered systems have incorporated radio connections in which polling of remote meters takes place by the concentrator. The concentrator polls the meter to request information, and in reply the meter concerned returns the meter reading. This requires a complicated receiver and decoder to be provided in each meter.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a meter for use in a radio frequency remote metering system, the meter comprising a transmitter for transmitting meter signals, a receiver for receiving and filtering an incoming radio frequency signal, and a carrier signal detection circuit, which is connected to receive the filtered radio frequency signal and which is operable to detect the presence or absence of a carrier signal, and to prevent activation of the transmitter in response to the presence of the carrier signal, and to activate the transmitter in response to the absence of the said carrier signal.
Preferably, the receiver can be provided with a local oscillator signal by the transmitter, and the transmitter output can be isolated from its antenna. The local oscillator frequency is preferably set differently to that required by the transmitter for transmission of a signal.
In one embodiment of the present invention, meter information is stored in a non-volatile memory. In an electricity meter embodying the present invention, the mains supply lines can provide the power supply for the meter.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remote metering system comprising a plurality of meter according to the first aspect of the invention, at least one remote meter concentrator for receiving signals from a predefined group of remote meters, and a central control unit for receiving signals from each remote meter concentrator.
The data from the meters is maintained at the concentrator, reducing the data traffic from the meters when a request for a reading comes from the utility. This is particularly necessary where the country regulations require a 20%/80% data flow on the license exempt frequency allocation between meters and concentrators.
Thus aspects of the present invention do not need to perform the process of poll, request and reply associated with previously considered systems.
Another problem associated with remote metering devices is the desirably small size of the meter housing, so that the meter is unobtrusive. This restricts the size of the antenna, which in turn can restrict the effective propagation range between the transmitters and receivers.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a radio frequency transmitter system for use in a metering device, wherein a supply line of the metering device serves as an antenna for the transmitter.
One electricity meter embodying the third aspect of the present invention makes use of the earth supply line as an antenna.
Thus, the third aspect of the invention can provide a longer antenna than previously available for small meter applications. This leads to consequent improvements in propagation and performance.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a remote metering system;
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a remote meter embodying the present invention; and
FIGS. 3A and 3B show a detailed circuit diagram of one specific design of remote meter embodying the present invention.
The overall scheme of the previously considered remote metering system of FIG. 1 can be used with embodiments of aspects of the invention.
A remote-access electricity meter embodying the present invention is shown schematically in FIG. 2, and a specific example of such a meter is shown in detail in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The meter comprises electricity supply inputs and outputs 10 and a meter disc 100 which is caused to rotate when current flows through the electricity supply terminals. This aspect of the remote meter 1 is entirely conventional.
A power supply 108 is provided, and takes power from the voltage coil of the mains input. As shown in more detail in FIG. 3A, the power supply 108 provides two separate supply voltages for the processing and RF circuits (UP 5V and RF 5V respectively). In this way, these two circuits can be effectively isolated from one another in order to suppress noise transmission therebetween.
The meter disk 100 is provided with a mark, for example a black paint mark, which is used to detect rotation of the disk 100. A reflective opto-switch detector 102 is connected via a signal amplifier 104 to a micro-controller 106. The opto-switch 102 provides a pulse each time the mark passes the opto-switch 102. The opto-switch includes a light source, which produces a light beam, which is reflected by the face of disk 100. When the reflecting beam is broken by the paint mark, a pulse is produced.
A micro-controller 106 operates to count and store a meter reading relating to the total pulse count. The reading is stored in non-volatile memory 110 so that it can be retained even when the electricity supply is interrupted.
When appropriate, the micro-controller 106 operates to transmit, via the transmitter 116 and antenna system 120, the currently stored meter reading to the appropriate remote meter concentrator 2 (FIG. 1).
Preferably, the meter can be assigned one of a number of different frequencies used in the concentrator group, for example a total of sixteen different channels can be provided in one concentrator group. This has the advantage that many meters can be provided which are arranged in cells and can be spaced apart in both time and frequency domains. A further function that becomes available from the software-programmed frequency is that if any frequency becomes blocked by faulty units, other users, etc., alternate channels are available.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the transmitter can be centred on 183.875 MHz, and can have sixteen separate channels at 25 KHz spacing between 183.675 and 184.050 MHz. The channel selection is made by way of a channel select switch 112, or software selection, which is preferably a dual in-line switch package SW1.
The time at which the reading is transmitted can be controlled in any appropriate manner. For example, the meter reading can be transmitted on a specific RF channel at predetermined intervals, for example every three hours.
Alternatively, the channel selection and time of transmission for a particular transmitter could be chosen such that a particular channel is chosen for the particular time of transmission. For example channel one could be used during the first three minutes of every hour, channel two the next three minutes, etc. The other transmitters in the concentrator group could be allocated channels at different times to the first transmitter to provide effective time domain multiplexing.
Time domain multiplexing can be used to enable a concentrator to provide, for example, around 300 readings per hour, and each meter can for example transmit once every three hours.
Due to the high number of remote meters installed in a given area, particularly in a city, it is necessary to avoid collision of transmitting signals. The provision of a number of channels and the allocation of the channels can serve to reduce the chances of collision between transmitted signals. Naturally, it will be possible to have respective signals transmitted on all channels at the same time, but signals transmitted on the same channel at the same time from different remote meters will collide and data will probably be lost.
Accordingly, the remote meter 1 embodying the present invention incorporates a receiver 114 and a carrier detect circuit 115. The RF receiver 114 operates to receive and filter the incoming RF signal, and the carrier detect circuit 115 simply operates to detect the presence or absence of the carrier frequency for the channel on which the meter will transmit. In order to isolate the transmit detect circuit from spuriously detecting the transmitter circuit, the local oscillator of the transmitter is switched to a non-transmitting frequency (CH-1). This serves to prevent the transmitter producing a signal at the expected carrier frequency.
In addition, an output attenuator (126 in FIG. 3) is enabled and the radio frequency power amplifier of the transmitter is not powered. The attenuator is preferably provided by a PIN diode package. The receiver 114 receives a local oscillator signal from the transmitter in order to be able to search for signals. This simplifies the overall circuitry by reducing the number of local oscillators required for transmission and reception of the signal. The transmit detect circuit 115 is then able to detect reliably the presence of the carrier frequency of the channel concerned, and when this carrier frequency is not detected, the transmitter can be activated. In one embodiment, the detection circuit operates to detect any carrier signal within its bandwidth, thus simplifying the detection circuit considerably.
The micro-controller 106 receives an output signal (coll_det) from the transmit detect circuitry 115. A transmit control output TXON (from pin 3.7) of the micro-controller 106 switches the transmitter on and off.
When the transmitter is activated, the attenuator 126 is disabled, the RF power amplifier is powered, and the output data modulation sequence is provided to the transmitter. An output filter 122 serves to filter the modulated output signal before transmission to the antenna 120.
As shown in FIG. 3B, in one specific embodiment of the present invention uses a diode package D3 to detect the carrier signal. One half of D3 detects beat frequencies presented by the receiver, and the other half provides temperature and voltage compensation.
In the specific example shown in FIG. 3, the attenuator 126 is provided by diodes D1 and D2. The output of the transmitter amplifier can be blocked from the antenna by half of D1 and D2 while the transmitter local oscillator frequency is used by the receiver. The other half of D1 connects the antenna to the receiver. The functions of D1 and D2 can then be reversed in order to connect the transmitter output to the antenna.
The output data sequence comprises data for transmitting to the remote meter concentrator 2. Typically this sequence could include a preamble or header portion, data concerning the meter type and meter ID, total pulse count data (meter reading data), an error detection code and check sum, and finally a stop bit. The pure data sequence is preferably encoded into a high frequency digital modulation scheme which can provide robust communication and minimal data loss.
The non-volatile memory 110 can preferably store up to three pages of data, which can be used to correlate meter readings when the power supply is interrupted.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the antenna 120 is provided by the mains earth connection. The radio frequency ground is provided by the neutral line of the mains supply. Using the mains supply lines in this way enables the effective length of the output antenna to be greatly increased over that possible within the confines of the meter housing. This is due to the fact that if an RF signal is applied to the mains supply lines, those lines act as an antenna up to the point at which the supply reaches the first earthing point or transformer. Thus, in a large building, virtually the whole of the mains supply system can be used as an antenna. This greatly improves the output of the transmitter.
The meter illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B is an electricity meter, although the principle could of course be applied to water and gas meters, assuming that a power supply for the circuitry can be provided.
A remote metering system comprising a plurality of meter according to the first aspect of the invention, at least one remote meter concentrator for receiving signals from a predefined group of remote meters, and a central control unit for receiving signals from the or each remote meter concentrator.
A relay repeater system is usefully provided using a plurality of meters embodying the first aspect of the present invention, and at least on repeater to connect the meters to a remote meter concentrator. The repeaters are capable of re-transmitting the meter readings on any RF channel used by the concentrator or meter.
The concentrator may provide further functions when used as a simultaneous data pathway for other uses. It may be used for monitoring any Radio frequency linked devices that require to be monitored within the geographic environment covered by the combination of the concentrator and relay repeaters. One combination of the system links security systems and fire systems to the appropriate utility.
The combination provides full bi-directional communication of all such systems. For example meters may be switched off from the central utility database.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4173837 *May 13, 1976Nov 13, 1979Kiejzik Paul AMicrofilm jacket microfilm feeding device and processUS4504822Dec 29, 1981Mar 12, 1985Josif GoizmanElectric field change sensor employing mains wiring as the transmitting antennaUS5280498Nov 27, 1991Jan 18, 1994Symbol Technologies, Inc.Packet data communication systemUS6246677 *Sep 4, 1997Jun 12, 2001Innovatec Communications, LlcAutomatic meter reading data communication systemUS6441723 *Nov 15, 2000Aug 27, 2002General Electric CompanyHighly reliable power line communications systemGB629098A Title not available* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6963738 *Jun 23, 2000Nov 8, 2005Actaris S.A.S.Method for evaluating a communication link, terminal and system thereforUS7230972May 3, 2004Jun 12, 2007Itron, Inc.Method and system for collecting and transmitting data in a meter reading systemUS7298288Apr 29, 2005Nov 20, 2007Itron, Inc.Automatic adjustment of bubble up rateUS7372373Aug 24, 2005May 13, 2008Itron, Inc.Embedded antenna and filter apparatus and methodologyUS7385524Sep 21, 2000Jun 10, 2008James Robert OrloskyAutomated meter reading, billing and payment processing systemUS7417557Apr 14, 2005Aug 26, 2008Itron, Inc.Applications for a low cost receiver in an automatic meter reading systemUS7616896 *Sep 7, 2005Nov 10, 2009ProbetecWireless optical data probeEP2287818A1Aug 25, 2005Feb 23, 2011Itron, Inc.Embedded filter apparatusWO2006026329A2 *Aug 25, 2005Mar 9, 2006Itron Electricity Metering IncEmbedded antenna and filter apparatus and methodology* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification340/870.02, 370/346, 455/86International ClassificationG08C15/00, H01Q1/44, G08C17/00, G08C17/02Cooperative ClassificationG08C17/02, H01Q1/44European ClassificationG08C17/02, H01Q1/44Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJul 10, 2012FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20120518May 18, 2012LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesJan 2, 2012REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedApr 13, 2008SULPSurcharge for late paymentApr 13, 2008FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Nov 26, 2007REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJan 11, 2005CCCertificate of correctionJul 14, 2003ASAssignmentOwner name: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RAMAR LIMITED, ENGLANDFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ATL MONITORS LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:014258/0048Effective date: 20010731Owner name: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RAMAR LIMITED 7 ENTERPRISE WAYOwner name: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RAMAR LIMITED 7 ENTERPRISE WAYFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ATL MONITORS LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:014258/0048Effective date: 20010731May 9, 2003ASAssignmentOwner name: ATL MONITORS LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOMFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GARRARD, PETER;HIBBIT, PETER;REEL/FRAME:014046/0316Effective date: 20000515Owner name: ATL MONITORS LIMITED POOLE UNIT 5, NW FIELD BUSINEOwner name: ATL MONITORS LIMITED POOLE UNIT 5, NW FIELD BUSINEFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:GARRARD, PETER;HIBBIT, PETER;REEL/FRAME:014046/0316Effective date: 20000515RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services


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Patent US7463132 - Door lock and operation mechanism - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA locking doorknob which recognizes a fingerprint, in which the detecting sensor of a fingerprint is installed on the spot of the doorknob that a thumb or other fingers are placed naturally as the door is being opened. The locking doorknob is an electro mechanical device which can be powered by a remote...http://www.google.com/patents/US7463132?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7463132 - Door lock and operation mechanismAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS7463132 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 11/026,778Publication dateDec 9, 2008Filing dateDec 30, 2004Priority dateMar 21, 2003Fee statusLapsedAlso published asCA2461210A1, US7113070, US20040183652, US20050116480Publication number026778, 11026778, US 7463132 B2, US 7463132B2, US-B2-7463132, US7463132 B2, US7463132B2InventorsSheng Bill Deng, Sheng Yung DengOriginal AssigneeSheng Bill Deng, Sheng Yung DengExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (29), Referenced by (9), Classifications (20), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetDoor lock and operation mechanism
US 7463132 B2Abstract
A locking doorknob which recognizes a fingerprint, in which the detecting sensor of a fingerprint is installed on the spot of the doorknob that a thumb or other fingers are placed naturally as the door is being opened. The locking doorknob is an electro mechanical device which can be powered by a remote electrical power system, specifically by electromagnetic induction through the door latch and strike plate. During operation, as soon as a user grasps the doorknob, a fingerprint is measured and searched and, if the fingerprint corresponds to a fingerprint previously input, the door is unlocked and the doorknob can be turned to open the door. An image capture device may also be combined with the doorknob to facilitate recognition of persons using or attempting to use the doorknob. In this way, fingerprint recognition, continuous real time security and opening of the door are performed at the same time.
a door handle and a door handle support body defining a rotational axis about which the door handle rotates relative to the support body;
a first input having a non-optical biometric fingerprint scanning surface aligned on an outer surface of the door handle for receiving input data from direct contact with a user's fingerprint;
a processor for comparing received input data with the stored comparison data and producing an output instruction to the locking mechanism to place the bolt in the locked or the unlocked state;
a second input positioned on the door handle support body apart from the first input to facilitate the storage of comparison data in the memory;
an image capture device communicating with at least one of a controller and the processor for acquiring an image; and
wherein the second input includes a control pad having a selection button for selecting between a plurality of operation modes of the door locking apparatus including at least one of the operation modes of, enroll, erase, enter passcode, system reset, system log, set time as displayed on a visual display positioned on the support body.
2. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein a positive match is determined between the user's fingerprint and the comparison data the output instruction causes the locking mechanism to actuate the door latch 70 to the unlocked position.
3. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising an environmental conditions sensor connected to an environmental conditions indicator incorporated within the door opening device.
4. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a power source integral with the door opening device and directly connected to the locking mechanism and user verification system.
5. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 4, wherein the remote power source separate from the door opening device is a source coil of an induction circuit which generates a current in an induction coil in the door opening mechanism to provide electrical power to the operate the locking mechanism and user verification system.
6. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein the source coil of the induction circuit is located in a door frame and aligned coaxially adjacent the induction coil in the door opening device when the door is in a closed position.
7. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein the source coil is circumferentially aligned about a strike plate located in the door frame and the induction coil is coaxially aligned with a door latch bolt which engages the strike plate when the door is in the closed position.
8. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the processor instructs an image capture device associated with the door locking apparatus to acquire an image according to a preprogrammed set of instructions.
9. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the image capture device transmits an acquired image to a remote image display device via a network interface.
10. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the image capture device transmits an acquired image to the processor for storage.
11. The door locking apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the image capture device transmits an acquired image to a computer network via a network interface. Description
Another object of the invention is the use of a still camera, video camera or other image acquiring device to capture a reproducable image of a user accessing the door lock or attempting to access the door lock according to a prescribed set of criteria and communicating the image to a computer security network, or real time communication system.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for the input, removal or setting operations of a locking doorknob which recognizes a fingerprint in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart detailing the input handling for operating the locking mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic representation of the system components and related functions including combination with an image capturing device;
FIGS. 14A-C are front views of the outer side of the door lock showing various locations of a lens of the image capturing device or camera; and
FIG. 15 is a front view of an opposite inner side of the door lock showing the location of an image display or data display connected to the image capture device located on the face plate of the inner side of the door lock.
Turning now to FIG. 2, a further description of the biometric operation of the present invention is provided. In at least one of the first or second doorknobs 10, 30 or handles, shown here in conjunction with the first doorknob 10, the fingerprint scanning plate 16 may be generally located on the extreme end in a position coincident with the axis of rotation A of the doorknob handle. This is the position where a person's thumb would generally or easily be placed during operation of the doorknob 10, 30 or handle. The fingerprint scanning plate 16 is of a type which is generally commercially available, for instance the TouchChip� as provided by STMicroelectronics�. The scanning plate 16 is connected via an electrical connection 22 which extends within the first doorknob 10 from the scanning plate 16 to a processor module 18 located substantially between the first and second doorknob body support members 12, 32 and within the doorknob hole 4.
The central lock pin 73 is inserted and supported within a bore of the latch bolt 74. A portion of the lock pin 73 can be flush with or extend slightly from the end of the bore along the sloped end surface of the latch. The lock pin 73 is provided also with an induction coil which, due to a magnetic field M created by the source coil 102 in the strike plate 100, to be further discussed below, has an electrical current induced 2 therein. In an embodiment of the present invention the central lock pin 73 can be made of a magnetic material to assist in focusing of the magnetic field flux M with respect to the induction coil 80. In an embodiment of the invention the coil 80 can be substantially wrapped around the magnetic material to facilitate such coupling. The induction coil 80 sends the induced current i2 via electrical leads 64 to the charger circuit which, in turn, relays the appropriate electrical charge through the second electrical connection to the rechargeable battery 38 as well as directly to the processor 18. In normal operations, the induction coil 80 provides the processor 18 and lock mechanism 50 with operating power. In a power failure mode, the battery 38 can provide the necessary power to the system.
Referring now back to FIG. 4, the illustrated door handle 1 also comprises at least a first temperature sensor plate 36 sandwiched between the second body portion 32 and the second cover plate 34. By way of example, the sensor plate 36 be formed of a temperature sensitive material which changes color if its temperature exceeds a certain level. Such chemical temperature sensors are widely used and readily available and thus are not described in further detail here. With the particular embodiment illustrated, the senor plate 36 can be provided as any number of environmental sensors 36 for air quality/condition, gas detection, heat, fire and smoke detection as well.
The control pad 20 is connected to the decoder, via a I2CBus or any other known electrical connector, which is the encoded LCD data signal, an SCL is the clock for the 12C data signal and Power and Ground for the LCD where VSS is ground, Vdd Power for the LCD logic and VLCD supply voltage for LCD (contrast adjustment). An Interface Bus Ibus is a bus of data that communicates between the Processor module 18 and the decoder.
In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 13-15, an image capture device 15 can be utilized in combination with the doorknob and lock of the present invention to observe, and record persons utilizing or attempting to utilize the door lock. For example an image capture device 15 such as a digital camera, video camera or closed circuit TV receiver communicates with the processor module 18 to facilitate identification of person(s) accessing or attempting to access the doorknob 1. By way of example, the processor 18 may be programmed to obtain and save an image, or video of any person gaining or attempting to gain access through the door by using the finger print sensor 16 on the door lock. The processor module 18 may also be programmed to store the acquired image or video of the person using the sensor and door lock with the appropriate date and time for later retrieval as a data file in the processor 18. Alternatively, the processor 18 can be provided with network interfaces 13, hard wired or wireless, e.g. wifi, to receive and transmit information to and from remote networks, display devices etc. By way of further example, upon capture of an image by the image capture device 15 the image can be sent to an image display device 17 on an opposing side of the door lock, also for instance to a cellular communications device remote from the door knob for immediate scrutiny, and also to a local area computer network 21 for current or future security purposes.
It is to be appreciated that the camera or other image capture device 15 can be mounted in the lockset faceplate and body as shown in FIG. 14A, the door knob as in FIG. 14B, or directly in the door itself similar to a conventional security peep hole as seen in FIG. 14C. Also, an LCD display 17 or other display known in the art could be placed on the inner locking doorknob plate to permit monitoring of the outside condition and environment on the opposing side of the door as shown in FIG. 15. Besides the date and time of the acquired image, the data acquired by the fingerprint sensor 16, for instance finger print data, may also be associated with any acquired image. Of course the processor 18 can be programmed to acquire images and transmit only in certain circumstances, for instance where the processor cannot verify an operator's fingerprint data, or if there is any attempt to bypass the code word input or fingerprint data input, i.e. forced entry through the door.
It is also to be appreciated that a controller for the image capture device 15 may be implemented in the processor 18, or the controller may be an essentially independent device 15 a as shown in FIG. 13, or even a separate stand alone feature which can be programmed independent of the processor 18 and may or may not communicate, i.e. receiving and transmitting data through the processor 18.
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SOFTWARE - When Few Knew the Code, They Changed the Language - NYTimes.com
SOFTWARE; When Few Knew the Code, They Changed the Language
The other great success of Fortran was that it worked so well. That is, Fortran generated programs that ran as efficiently, or very nearly as efficiently, as the ones hand-coded painstakingly by the programming elite. Machine time was a precious, costly resource. Matching the run-time efficiency of human programmers was thought to be impossible. The I.B.M. team overcame that barrier because of the masterful design of the Fortran compiler. Put simply, a compiler is software that captures the human intent of a program and recasts it in a way that is understandable -- executable -- by the machine. For his first two recruits, Mr. Backus tapped Irving Ziller and Harlan Herrick, programming veterans, which in the early 50's meant they had a couple years' experience. Mostly, Mr. Backus simply chose people he spotted or who were recommended, people who were bright and seemed to have a knack for programming. Richard Goldberg, a math Ph.D., had just abandoned teaching after a semester at Dartmouth College. He applied for a job at I.B.M. and was hired. ''I didn't know anything about computing,'' said Mr. Goldberg, who excelled in a three-month programming course and was sent to the Backus team. After graduating from Vassar, where she did well in math and science, Lois Haibt was lured to I.B.M. by a starting salary of $5,100, nearly twice the offer from Bell Laboratories. ''They told me it was a job programming computers,'' she said. ''I only had a vague idea what that was. But I figured it must be something interesting and challenging, if they were going to pay me all that money.'' David Sayre, a crystallographer, began to use computers for his biophysics research, and found himself pulled in. ''You entered a world that kind of ran the way it was supposed to, a world made for working out the logic of something,'' Mr. Sayre said. Fortran was presented to the computing world in February 1957 at the Western Joint Computer Conference in Los Angeles. At the conference, I.B.M. arranged for what is known in the industry today as a ''demo'' -- a public demonstration -- of Fortran. Shortly before the conference, I.B.M. had asked a few of its customers to come up with real-world computing chores, like calculating airflows for the design of a jet wing. The problems would be given to assembly programmers to code, but also written in Fortran. When the Fortran-compiled programs ran on the computer, they matched the hand-coded programs in terms of running time on the machine. Fortran saved a lot of labor, enabling professionals to program a problem about five times faster than before; it also opened up programming to new practitioners. ''It was a revelation to people,'' Mr. Ziller said, recalling the 1957 demo. ''At that point, we knew we had something special.'' Today, the six surviving members of the original Fortran team are in their 70's. They are far removed from the computer business, but not altogether divorced from software. Mr. Backus conceded that he ''couldn't live without'' his Palm hand-held organizer, which is many, many times more powerful than the room-size machines of the 50's. Mr. Sayre has returned to crystallography, as a researcher affiliated with the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Like biology, crystallography is increasingly becoming a computational science, relying on fast computers and clever software. ''With any luck, crystallography will take on a new life, extending its reach, thanks to the magic of these machines and software,'' Mr. Sayre said. Photos: More than 40 years ago, the Fortran team transformed the world of computer programming. Left, the group in the late 1950's. Above, from left, Richard Goldberg, Irving Ziller and John Backus today. (George M. Gutierrez for The New York Times [Goldberg and Ziller]; Dan Krauss for The New York Times) < Previous Page
Steve Lohr is writing a history of computer programming to be published by Basic Books in November.
Correction: June 22, 2001, Friday A picture in the special E-Business section on June 13 with an article about the development of the Fortran computer language was published in error. It showed the first programming class for the I.B.M. 704 computing system in 1956, not the I.B.M. team that developed Fortran in the late 1950's. Inside NYTimes.com Health » Too Hot to Handle


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Stock No: WW494966
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