A method is provided for analyzing a monitoring signal from a sensing system to determine an alarm condition, where the monitoring signal is provided as a stream of digital values which are analyzed using a frequency-based or time-based algorithm to generate a plot of elements, applying a delta to each element of the plot of elements to adjust sensitivity thereof to provide a threshold and comparing a plurality of the elements of the stream with the threshold and triggering the alarm condition in the event that the threshold is exceeded; where the algorithm is changed in different time periods in response to ambient conditions of the environment determined for those time periods.

A method is provided for analyzing a monitoring signal from a sensing system to determine an alarm condition, where the monitoring signal is provided as a stream of digital values which are analyzed using a frequency-based or time-based algorithm to generate a plot of elements, applying a delta to each element of the plot of elements to adjust sensitivity thereof to provide a threshold and comparing a plurality of the elements of the stream with the threshold and triggering the alarm condition in the event that the threshold is exceeded; where the algorithm is changed in different time periods in response to ambient conditions of the environment determined for those time periods.

When extending the leader or tape from a traditional tape measure over a large distance, a user situated away from the body of the tape measure is unable to determine the length that has been extended at the leading edge. Presented herein is a retractable measuring device in which the body of the measuring device is configured to compute and broadcast the amount of tape that has been withdrawn from the body to a receiver. The receiver may be located at the leading edge of the tape or comprise a secondary device such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the broadcast may include tactile, audible, or visual feedback relating to the distance that may be received directly by the user. Additionally, the retractable device may include an interface for setting a desired length and provide either the user or receiver with feedback when the desired length has been reached.

When extending the leader or tape from a traditional tape measure over a large distance, a user situated away from the body of the tape measure is unable to determine the length that has been extended at the leading edge. Presented herein is a retractable measuring device in which the body of the measuring device is configured to compute and broadcast the amount of tape that has been withdrawn from the body to a receiver. The receiver may be located at the leading edge of the tape or comprise a secondary device such as a smartphone. Alternatively, the broadcast may include tactile, audible, or visual feedback relating to the distance that may be received directly by the user. Additionally, the retractable device may include an interface for setting a desired length and provide either the user or receiver with feedback when the desired length has been reached.

A method and a system (110) for providing sound data for generation of an audible notification relating to power consumption at a site (120) are disclosed. The system receives (201) information about power consumption at the site (120); and The system determines (202) the sound data based on the information about power consumption and on preference of a user of the system (110). A corresponding computer program and a carrier therefor are also disclosed.

A method and a system (110) for providing sound data for generation of an audible notification relating to power consumption at a site (120) are disclosed. The system receives (201) information about power consumption at the site (120); and The system determines (202) the sound data based on the information about power consumption and on preference of a user of the system (110). A corresponding computer program and a carrier therefor are also disclosed.

A hands-free harmonica microphone for controlling undesired audio feedback, the microphone comprising: a reflective curved microphone chamber, a harmonica mount, a transducer, associated electronics and a neck brace attachment apparatus for connecting the microphone to commercially available harmonica holders (neck braces). In one embodiment, the harmonica mount is detachably coupled (magnetically or otherwise) to the microphone chamber. In another embodiment, the harmonica mount is integrated to the microphone chamber so that is also possible to mount the harmonica directly onto the microphone chamber.

A method for responding to a voice activated request includes receiving a speech input request from a smart speaker requesting energy management data associated with energy consumption at a premises of the smart speaker. The method also includes generating a voice service request including a first query for a first data source. The first query includes a request for the energy management data. Additionally, the method includes communicating the first query to the first data source and receiving a first response to the first query from the first data source. Further, the method includes generating an audible speech output in response to the speech input request based on the first response to the first query and transmitting the audible speech output to the smart speaker. The smart speaker audibly transmits the audible speech output.

A method for responding to a voice activated request includes receiving a speech input request from a smart speaker requesting energy management data associated with energy consumption at a premises of the smart speaker. The method also includes generating a voice service request including a first query for a first data source. The first query includes a request for the energy management data. Additionally, the method includes communicating the first query to the first data source and receiving a first response to the first query from the first data source. Further, the method includes generating an audible speech output in response to the speech input request based on the first response to the first query and transmitting the audible speech output to the smart speaker. The smart speaker audibly transmits the audible speech output.

Various embodiments of a wearable device for detecting temperature of objects when in close proximity or in direct contact with an object and providing visual, audio and haptic feedback if an adverse temperature is detected are disclosed herein.