Abstract: An intelligent lock, overlock, and lock system can be electrically controlled to open and close one or more locks. The lock, lock system, and method may function on a frequency selected to avoid cross talk, which permits numerous locks to function simultaneously on the same central system with little interruption or delay. A lock may be used as an overlock for an existing lock or be a primary lock and may include a pivoting engagement structure that engages a locking mechanism to provide added strength.

Abstract: A smoke detector and method for testing a smoke detector are provided. The smoke detector includes a housing defining a chamber, an emitter, and a receiver. The housing includes an inlet port and an outlet port configured to allow an airflow to pass through the chamber. The emitter is configured to emit light into the chamber. The receiver is configured to receive light reflected by ambient materials in the airflow passing through the chamber. The smoke detector includes an entry point and an exit point, defining a channel therebetween. At least a portion of the airflow passes through the channel. The channel is in fluid communication with a sensor. The sensor is configured to detect at least one of a pressure differential and a mass flow of the airflow. The smoke detector and method for testing the smoke detector enable in situ testing of the smoke detector.

Abstract: A wearable strap 10 comprising releasable connection means 14 for securing the strap 10 around part of a person's body, a detector for wirelessly detecting an electronic device, a controller 16 programmed with at least one predetermined threshold for a distance between the strap 10 and electronic device, and at least one of: a) alert means 26a, 26b including at least a speaker or vibrator in the strap 10, and b) signalling means in the strap for sending a signal to a remote location, such as initiating an alert from the electronic device; the controller 16 being configured to use the detector to monitor the distance between the strap 10 and electronic device, and the controller 16 being configured to initiate the alert means 26a, 26b and/or signalling means to provide an audible or vibrating alert when the distance between the strap 10 and electronic device exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for providing a service linked to the condition and/or behavior of a vehicle and/or of a tire comprises the following steps: when a vehicle passes a road infrastructure equipped with a system for assessing the condition of a vehicle, determining an identifier of the vehicle and/or of a tire of the vehicle, at the same time, determining at least one parameter representative of the condition of the vehicle and/or of a component of the vehicle, transmitting the determined data to a remote data server, from the identification data, retrieving external data concerning the vehicle and/or the tire and/or the running conditions, combining the determined information with the external data such as to determine a relevant indicator concerning the condition and/or the behavior of a vehicle, and transmitting the relevant indicator to a provider of a service linked to the condition and/or to the behavior of a vehicle and/or of a tire.

Abstract: A personal digital key (e.g., which can be carried by a human) contains a memory having different service blocks. Each service block is accessible by a corresponding service block access key. As the personal digital key (PDK) moves around, it is detected by sensors. The sensors report position data, thus enabling location tracking of the PDK. The sensors also provide a data path to various applications. An application that has access to a service block access key can therefore access the corresponding service block on the PDK. The sensors themselves may also contain service block access keys.

Abstract: A locking system and method for a movable freight container door comprises an electronic module and a mechanical lock element. The mechanical lock element comprises a shaft, at least of portion of which is configured to be inserted through an aperture in the electronic module, across a door handle retention region, and into a cavity in the electronic module. The shaft is securely retained in the electronic module by moving a lock mechanism to a locked position. At least one magnetic field sensor in the electronic module is used to read the position of the shaft in the cavity by sensing or not sensing one or more magnets in the shaft. A wireless communication component in the electronic module wirelessly transmits magnetic field sensor information.

Abstract: A method for indicating the presence of a buried person in a building after a collapse of the building may include repetitively monitoring a signal indicative of a presence of a person in at least one sensor disposed in or on a housing, and repetitively measuring an acceleration of the housing. The method may also include while the acceleration of the housing is smaller than or equal a predefined threshold value storing information indicating the presence of the person within the area in a memory module. The method may also include when the acceleration of the housing is larger than the predefined threshold value start repetitively sending the information indicating the presence of the person within the area into the surrounding space at least if the information indicates that a person is present within the area. An indication apparatus for use with the method may also be used.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention disclose a method for identification of a distributed prohibited item across various dimensions as well as spatial and/or temporal spaces. The method includes one or more processors assigning an identifier to each container of a plurality of containers entering a defined area. The method further includes determining one or more subcomponents of the plurality of containers entering the defined area that correspond to one or more prohibited items. The method further includes generating a set of subcomponents corresponding to a first prohibited item of the one or more prohibited items based at least in part on the plurality of containers. The method further includes determining whether the set of subcomponents corresponding to the first prohibited item exceeds a prohibited item threshold of the defined area based on a weighted sum of the set of subcomponents, which is a score related to the set of subcomponents.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing pressure pulsations within drilling mud being pumped downhole by a plurality of pumps to thereby improve quality of mud-pulse telemetry. The apparatus may include a position sensor disposed in association with each pump and operable to generate a position signal indicative of operational timing of a corresponding one of the pumps, a surface telemetry device fluidly connected with the drilling mud and operable to output a telemetry quality signal indicative of the quality of mud-pulse telemetry, and a controller communicatively connected with the pumps, the position sensors, and the surface telemetry device. The controller may be operable to receive the position signal and the telemetry quality signal, and cause the pumps to change relative operational timing of the pumps based on the position signal and the telemetry quality signal to improve the quality of mud-pulse telemetry.

Abstract: An information processing system includes: a receiver that receives a signal transmitted by a call button including a push button, and a communicator which transmits the signal outside in response to detection of an operation performed on the push button by a user; and an outputter that outputs (i) first notification information, when the signal is received in a first time period within a predetermined period, and (ii) second notification information different from the first notification information, when the signal is received in a second time period within the predetermined period which is different from the first time period.

Abstract: One or more servers may include a first communication interface to communicate with a mobile device; a second communication interface to communicate with devices associated with a plurality of vehicles; and a selection mechanism. The first communication interface may receive, via a network, a request from the mobile device based on an interaction with the mobile device. And, the selection mechanism may determine weighted scores for two or more, of the plurality of vehicle, and select one of the two or more vehicles by using a selection function that improves access to vehicle services and decreases waste of resources used by the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: Storage units including platforms that are outfitted with RFID antennas and auxiliary sensors detect changes in loading on the platforms based on changes in loading determined by the auxiliary sensors or changes in signals received by the RFID antennas. The platforms include surfaces for receiving items tagged with RFID transmitters thereon, such as items of common types and variable weights. An interaction involving the placement of an item on the platform, or the removal of the item from the platform, is detected by the auxiliary sensors. The energization of an RFID field is triggered in response to the detected interaction, and an item is identified where an RFID signal transmitted by the item is present at one time and absent at another time.

Abstract: A position keyed lockbox is unlocked by geographical location data or other positional data and includes an enclosure, a locking mechanism, and a control system. The control system unlocks the lockbox when the lockbox is taken to a location that matches a pre-selected location stored in the memory.

Abstract: A wearable combination drowning prevention and soothing device is operable in either a drowning prevention mode or a soothing mode. In the drowning prevention mode the device monitors a wearer's heart rate and a moisture sensor to determine when, and how long, the device is submerged. Upon occurrence of a condition of those parameters meeting a predefined state consistent with distress, the device transmits an alert signal to an associated mobile device. In the soothing mode the device likewise monitors the wearer's heartrate as well as movements, and upon an indication in those monitored parameter that the wearer may be agitated, the device plays selected audio over a speaker of the device in an attempt to soothe the wearer.

Abstract: Methods are described that perform a dispatched consumer-to-store return or swap logistics operation for an item being replaced using a modular autonomous bot apparatus assembly and a dispatch server. The method begins with receiving a return operation dispatch command that includes identifier information, transport parameters, and designated pickup information for the item being replaced/returned, along with authentication information related to an authorized supplier of the item being replaced. Modular components of the bot apparatus are verified to be compatible with the dispatched logistics operation.

Abstract: A notification can be generated to notify a user of a value of a first parameter of a vehicle. Generating the notification includes identifying a second parameter based on an association of the second parameter with the first parameter; comparing the value of the first parameter to a first threshold value and a second threshold value; and generating the notification notifying the user of the value of the first parameter based on a value of the second parameter if the value of the first parameter is between the first and second thresholds.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide smart alerts to users, e.g., alerts to users about diabetic states that are only provided when it makes sense to do so, e.g., when the system can predict or estimate that the user is not already cognitively aware of their current condition, e.g., particularly where the current condition is a diabetic state warranting attention. In this way, the alert or alarm is personalized and made particularly effective for that user. Such systems and methods still alert the user when action is necessary, e.g., a bolus or temporary basal rate change, or provide a response to a missed bolus or a need for correction, but do not alert when action is unnecessary, e.g., if the user is already estimated or predicted to be cognitively aware of the diabetic state warranting attention, or if corrective action was already taken.

Abstract: A reader device of an access control system comprises physical layer circuitry and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is operatively coupled to the physical layer circuitry and is configured to initiate transmission of a command to a credential device; determine a time duration from sending the command to the credential device to receiving a response to the command from the credential device; and generate an indication when the time duration exceeds a relay attack detection threshold time duration.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to securing wireless communications for passive keyless entry (PKE) to an asset. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring operating conditions associated with the asset. The operating conditions identify security characteristics of the asset and interactions of wireless devices with the asset. The method includes selectively activating at least one countermeasure from an available group of countermeasures according to at least the operating conditions. The method includes wirelessly communicating, by the asset with an accessing device, according to the at least one countermeasure.

Abstract: The techniques and systems described herein determine whether a computing device is within a particular range to communicate with a monitoring device. If the computing device is within the particular range, the computing device is configured to communicate with the monitoring device via a primary monitoring communication mode (e.g., a radio frequency RF channel). If the computing device is outside the particular range, the computing device is configured to communicate with the monitoring device via a secondary monitoring communication mode (e.g., a Wi-Fi channel or a mobile telephone network MTN channel). The computing device receives, from the monitoring device via the primary monitoring communication mode or the secondary monitoring communication mode, monitoring information associated with a monitored subject (e.g., a baby) or associated with an area in which the monitored subject is located (e.g., a room of a residential dwelling).