Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system uses read difficulty factors (RDFs) to improve tag-parameter estimation. During inventory, a reader can obtain a tag's item identifier (II), determine a read metric such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), retrieve an RDF associated with the II, and adjust the RSSI using the RDF to more accurately estimate a tag parameter such as distance from the reader antenna. The system can then use the estimated distance to categorize the tag.

Abstract: A method for actuating a tactile interface layer of a device that defines a surface with a deformable region, comprising the steps of deforming a deformable region of the surface into a formation tactilely distinguishable from the surface, detecting a force from the user on a deformed deformable region, interpreting the force as a command for the deformable region, and manipulating the deformable region of the surface based on the command.

Abstract: An ECU of a driving support device predicts the risk of contact between a host vehicle and obstacles around the host vehicle when the host vehicle travels by a driving action related to at least one normative action candidate, which is a normative driving action candidate of the host vehicle for the surrounding conditions of the host vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to provide the normative action candidates considering the risk of contact between the host vehicle and the obstacles around the host vehicle.

Abstract: An flight-safe indicator for a battery displays the flight-safety state of a battery to be transported by an aircraft. The indicator can be easily recognized by ground personnel anywhere regardless of the language they speak or read. The indicator comprises an icon indicating that the battery is safe for flight and would be easily recognized by personnel at an airport. The icon would be placed on the battery or on the battery packaging prior to loading on the aircraft. When the magnitude of power stored on the battery exceeds a safety threshold, the icon changes to an indication that the battery is not safe for transporting by aircraft and the operator may discharge the battery using a load until it reaches a safe level.

Abstract: A container defines an interior volume, an opening into the interior volume, and a sealing surface bordering the opening. A closure assembly for the container comprises an imperforate sealable metal liner for covering a container opening in its entirety. A radio frequency identification tag includes a microprocessor electrically coupled with an antenna through mounting contacts extending from the microprocessor to the antenna for receiving, storing, and transmitting digitized information. Electromagnetic interference with receiving, storing, or transmitting of digitized information to or from the radio frequency identification tag is controllable by restricting electrical coupling of the microprocessor with the imperforate metal liner to the mounting contacts. When sealed over a container opening to cover a container opening in its entirety, the imperforate metal liner abates migration of fluids between a container interior volume and an exterior of a container.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a warning system that can be implemented in any kind of vehicle, in order to efficiently detect moving objects. The system utilizes at least one camera for a continuous imaging of the surroundings of the vehicle. Thereby, moving objects can be monitored. A computing unit is programmed to estimate a motion of any moving object based on a pixel motion in the camera image. If a dangerously moving object is detected, a warning unit can be used for issuing a warning signal. To take such a decision, the estimated motion of at least one of the moving objects can be correlated or compared to predetermined motion patterns.

Abstract: A method for interleaving time slots in a multi-antenna system for communication with RFID tags is disclosed. An example is shown for an eight antenna system. A first four antennas arranged side-by-side are sequentially energized to interrogate RFID transponders. A second set of four antennas arranged side-by-side, the first of which is adjacent to the last of the first set of antennas. A four-antenna sequence is performed for the first four antennas and a second four antenna sequence is performed for the second set of antennas. The first and second four antenna sequences are offset by only a marginal amount, sufficient to ensure that a transponder signal received four antennas away from an active antenna is not acknowledged because the receive window for the non-active antenna is delayed.

Abstract: The mechatronic locking apparatus comprises a control circuit (4), from which information signals can be transmitted to a control circuit (6) of the lock cylinder (2) using a first communication path (5). A security key (3) has at least one second communication path (7) for storing and/or processing access data. The two communication paths (5, 7) are connected to said control circuit (4) of the security key (3). The first communication path (5) preferably uses an electrical contact in the lock cylinder (2). The second communication path (7) comprises a transponder (8). The first communication path (5) may also be used for power supply purposes.

Abstract: An RFID module including an antenna element forming an RFID antenna; an RFID circuit block to which the antenna element is connected; and a first resonance frequency adjustment circuit having an element that includes a drain terminal connected to the antenna element, a gate terminal that is grounded, and a source terminal that is grounded, wherein a pull-up resistor is connected between the drain terminal and a power supply.

Abstract: A computer process is disclosed for assessing the risk of theft or loss of electronic devices in particular locations. The risk assessments may be based on data regarding reported theft and/or loss events, and based on data regarding current locations of user devices. The risk assessments may be used to generate location-based alerts.

Abstract: Devices, methods, systems and a computer readable medium for the provision of alerts to electronic devices in response to real-time, location based analysis of the risk of theft or loss of such devices are provided. A continually updated database of locations of thefts, losses and/or stolen or lost electronic devices is accessed in order to provide the alerts to the electronic devices.

Abstract: A monitoring device in accordance with the disclosure stores a serial number list in non-volatile memory, the serial number list including data indicative of at least one valid serial number associated with one or more key fobs permitted to interact with the monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to receive a wakeup signal via a key fob interface configured to communicate with a key fob. The monitoring device reads a serial number from a key fob via the key fob interface and searches the stored serial number list for data indicative of a valid serial number matching the serial number read via the key fob interface. The monitoring device reads action data from the key fob via the key fob interface, the action data being indicative of an action to be taken by the monitoring device. The monitoring device, in response to the read serial number matching a valid serial number of the stored serial number list, takes an action based on the action data.

Abstract: The invention includes using multiple wireless vehicular sensor nodes to wirelessly receive multiple, time-interleaved vehicular waveform reports from the nodes. Each vehicular waveform report approximates a raw vehicular sensor waveform observed by a magnetic sensor at the node based upon the presence of a vehicle. The vehicular waveform reports are products of this wirelessly receiving process. The invention includes apparatus supporting the above outlined process. The vehicular waveform reports may be time synchronized.

Abstract: In a method for optimizing an order in which certain points on a circuit board can be tested and evaluated, a coordinate system is established in a circuit diagram of a circuit board, and at least one locating point is preset. When an operator selects a signal path routing within the circuit diagram, the method can display the testing points in the selected signal path routing on a display device. After calculating the distance between each of the testing points and each of the at least one locating point, a group of distances is obtained. By comparing the distances, the minimum distance can be determined from the group of distances. The method further optimizes the order of the testing points according to the distance between each of the testing points and the locating point that consists of the minimum distance.

Abstract: Biometric authorization is provided for a passive secure data card. An additional layer of security may be provided in the form of a biometric password. Session timing may be enforced to limit opportunities of third parties to snoop transmitted information while providing ample time to complete the card transaction. Biometric retries may be enforced to limit opportunities of third parties to hack the biometric security.

Abstract: A seat belt alarm system to alert users to the presence of an infant or child, or disabled, infirm or elderly person in a vehicle. The seat belt alarm utilizes a portable bracket configured to removably attach to a female receptacle of a seat belt system. The bracket includes a tension mechanism positioned to be acted upon by a male buckle of a seat belt system when the male buckle of the seat belt mates with the female receptacle of the seat belt system. In a depressed state, the tension mechanism activates a signal transmitter configured to transmit a local signal received by a signal receiver integrated in a keychain fob. When the keychain fob moves outside of a signal range (e.g., 10 feet) while the tension mechanism remains in a depressed state, an alarm and/or red indicator light on the keychain fob is/are activated.

Abstract: A Real Time Locating System (RTLS) hygiene management and monitoring system for individuals and companies to manage and monitor the hygiene of their surroundings. In some embodiments of the invention, RTLS is used to monitor and manage cleanliness of rooms and surfaces and the location of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel. The invention provides improved efficiency and quality of hygiene services. For instance, the invention can enable prioritization of cleaning, improve efficient use of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel, track short and long term cleaning operations, and provide insight into ineffective cleaning.

Abstract: Vehicle-related messaging methods and systems are disclosed herein. In one of the methods, a telematics unit disposed in a vehicle detects that the vehicle is no longer in operation. Upon making the detection, the telematics unit automatically transmits a message to a device, where the message includes a suggestion, a recommendation, an indication, or a notification pertaining to a vehicle utility. An application resident on the device, or on a cloud computing system in communication with the device, presents the message on the device by displaying i) the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification and ii) a plurality of actionable items associated with the suggestion, the recommendation, the indication, or the notification.

Abstract: Devices, methods, systems and a computer readable medium for the provision of alerts to electronic devices in response to real-time, location based analysis of the risk of theft or loss of such devices are provided. A continually updated database of locations of thefts, losses and/or stolen or lost electronic devices is accessed in order to provide the alerts to the electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID-based intelligent storage cabinet and its management method, while utilizing the shielding effect enabled by each partitions for allowing any electromagnetic wave in one compartment to transmit only inside the confinement of such compartment without interfering another compartment. Each stock keeping unit (SKU) that is to be stored in the RFID-based intelligent storage cabinet is attached with at least one RFID tag, and different SKUs of different usages are sorted so as to be stored in different compartments. Moreover, each RFID reader can be designed to function according to the command of a control device for scanning the corresponding compartment in a periodic manner or non-periodic manner, by that any SKU that is stored in the corresponding compartment can be detected and identified as each RFID reader is also connected to an inventory database, a database of item list, or a memory database.