Abstract: A traffic information update method includes recognizing, by a terminal, a first traffic sign from a road image; detecting whether traffic information of the terminal includes first alert information corresponding to the first traffic sign; if the traffic information of the terminal does not include the first alert information, generating a traffic sign adding instruction corresponding to the first traffic sign; and sending the traffic sign adding instruction to a server. After finding a new traffic sign, the terminal may report a content indication and a location indication of the traffic sign to the server such that the server can directly update traffic information according to the information reported by the terminal.

Abstract: Improved systems and techniques are disclosed for controlling the security states of anti-theft security systems such as product display assemblies using security fobs. The tasks relating to fob authentication are offloaded to a computer system, and these authentications can be based on identifiers for the different security fobs. The computer system can maintain a list of identifiers for authorized security fobs that is easily updated when new security fobs are added to or existing security fobs are de-authorized from the system.

Abstract: An irrigation management system monitors irrigation parameters, including progress of flood irrigation water admitted onto a farm field, water levels in ditches, basins or boxes, soil moisture, water usage and other important factors. In flood irrigation a series of small, inexpensive sensors detect the presence in each of the sensor locations in a field, and each sends a signal when water first reaches the sensor. In a preferred form the sensor communicates by long-range radio communication either directly with a hub or gateway, or by sending a transmission that is relayed from location to location and ultimately to the hub or gateway. All aspects of irrigation water need, availability, task completion, pipe and equipment status, and water usage are monitored and communicated to the farmer. The system allows efficient water management and reliable and responsible irrigation at all irrigated fields.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for undersea navigation with a maritime vehicle or diver undersea navigation device. A sensor interface receives navigation information from a plurality of sensors used to sense navigation information. A processor receives the navigation information from the sensor interface. The processor converts the navigation information into graphics data. The processor provides the graphics data to a graphics processing unit to render a navigation board image on a display of the maritime vehicle or diver undersea navigation device. The navigation board image comprises a plurality of navigation indicators to indicate the navigation information and a compass comprising a plurality of rotational orientation indicators to indicate rotational orientation information. The rotational orientation indicators include a plurality of heading direction indicators, a current heading indicator, and a plurality of pitch indicators, where the plurality of pitch indicators indicate pitch information.

Abstract: A long-range power-efficient multiple-band identification system and method includes, for example, a base-station control module and paired electronic key fob. The base-station control module and paired electronic key fob is arranged to provide a UHF (ultra-high frequency) wake transmitter for transmitting a wakeup signal in a UHF frequency range to the paired electronic key. When in range, the electronic key is awakened by the wakeup signal and in response transmits an acknowledgment reply to the base-station control module. After receiving the acknowledgment, the base-station control module transmits a relatively high power localization signal for determining an electronic key location.

Abstract: A haptic actuator may include first and second bodies movable along an arcuate path of travel. The haptic actuator may also include a biasing member coupled between the first and second bodies. At least one electrical coil may be configured to move the first and second bodies to produce a haptic effect.

Abstract: A method performed in a wireless communication network for handling access of a first radio capable device, to a wireless medium in the wireless communication network. The wireless communication network prioritizes the first radio capable device over a second radio capable device for accessing the wireless medium based on a respective type of the first radio capable device and the second radio capable device. The first radio capable device is of a first type with an energy harvesting capacity or an energy harvesting capacity with a battery capacity below or equal a threshold, and the second radio capable device is of a second type with a non-energy harvesting capacity or an energy harvesting capacity with a battery capacity above the threshold.

Abstract: An inventory system for objects contained in a space bounded by an enclosure, said system including a tag fixed to each of the objects to be inventoried and a reading point provided with at least one antenna for emitting a wakeup electromagnetic wave confined inside said enclosure so that a tag, on receiving same, becomes active and then emits its identification data intended for said reading point, wherein the system includes means for controlling the emission power of said wakeup electromagnetic wave in accordance with a power-variation model defined by a series of emissions by said or each antenna in stages at power levels different from one stage to another in order to carry out said inventory. The present invention also relates to an inventory method implemented by such an inventory system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to monitor point of sale terminals and provide information to customers, via a lighting system. In some embodiments, information is provided, via visible light, to consumers and, via invisible light, to the management of a retail shopping facility. For example, a notification system for monitoring point of sale terminals in a retail shopping facility may include one or more visible light emitting status lights, at least one non-visible light emitting status light at each of the point of sale terminals, one or more optical sensors configured to detect the non-visible wavelength and an intensity associated with the non-visible wavelength emitted from the at least one non-visible light emitting status light; and a control circuit.

Abstract: A security system for use with bicycles. The security system includes a tube having two tube halves attached to the down tube of a bicycle and includes two movable arms adapted to releasably hold onto an existing structure. An electromagnet is also attached to the tube for releasably attaching to metallic structures. The two arms and electromagnet can be controlled using a remote control fob or cell phone. A surface detection sensor attached to the handlebars of the bicycle is also employed to locate the bicycle in the event of theft.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a wireless sensor that combines semiconductor technology with chemical diffusion in order to measure specific chemical and physical properties such as pH, acid level, SO2, temperature and liquid level of a target liquid in a container, and wirelessly delivers all the data to an internet-based computing network where the data can be accessed by an end user using a device connected to the internet, and a method to measure and analyze the chemical and physical properties of a target liquid using the wireless sensor, the method comprising immerging the wireless sensor into the target liquid in the container, measuring the chemical and physical properties of the target liquid, obtaining and analyzing data wirelessly through an internet-based computing network, wherein the target liquid can be an aqueous solution such as wine, spirits and beer.

Abstract: A borehole drilling communication system that includes a hydraulic drill, a communication module, and a transducer. The hydraulic drill has a drill pipe and a drill head where the communication module is located, The transducer has an input end and is mounted on the drill pipe adjacent the communication module. The communication module includes a first output terminal electrically connected to the drill pipe and a second output terminal electrically connected to the input end of the transducer. The transducer includes a helical conductor that is positioned coaxially over a section of the drill pipe at the drill head, with the helical conductor terminating at an electrically isolated free end. During use in borehole drilling, data sent from the communication module is launched by the transducer and transmitted along the drill pipe as a single conductor transmission line.

Abstract: Visibility of information that is provided to a worker is enhanced. A working machine includes an indicator device that functions as an information providing unit that provides information of a machine body to the worker, and the indicator device emits an indicator light to a ground that is located in front of the working machine and is exposed to a worker side that is located at a manipulation position.

Abstract: A communication system includes a communication device functioning as a master device and a plurality of slave devices communicably connected to the communication device via a communication line, the communication device setting a prescribed address in an added slave device based on a position of the added slave device in a topology composed of a plurality of slave devices, judging whether a change has possibly occurred in the topology when the prescribed address is set in the added slave device, if there is an erroneously set slave device whose address was erroneously set, specifying that slave device, when it is judged that a change has possibly occurred, and resetting the address of the specified erroneously set slave device to an original address.

Abstract: A child safety assembly includes a wristband that is selectively worn around a child's wrist. A lock is movably coupled to the wristband and the lock is selectively manipulated. The lock is selectively positioned in a locked position to retain the wristband on the wrist. The lock is selectively positioned in an unlocked position to facilitate the wristband to be removed from the wrist. An alert unit is coupled to the wristband and the alert unit is in thermal communication with the wristband's environment. The alert unit selectively emits an audible alarm and the alert unit is in wireless electrical communication with an electronic device. The alert unit emits the audible alarm when the alert unit detects a temperature of the wristband's environment falls below or rises above a trigger temperature. In this way the alert unit alerts a caregiver to a potential hazard with respect to the child.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a qualified target for an association with a misplaced item within a venue includes detecting, using a detection and locationing system, a communication device and/or person within the venue. The method and apparatus detect a physical item that has been misplaced within the venue, where that misplaced item at has one or more attributes. The method and apparatus perform a digital association of the misplaced item with the communication device or with the person, using a determined proximity and a profile attribute. With the digital association made, a digital notification is communicated to the associated communication device or person to retrieve and return the misplaced item along a determined path.

Abstract: An RFID tag device with an RFID antenna assembly that increases transmission range of the RFID tag device when adhesively coupled to a mobile device. The RFID tag device includes a RF interface that operates at a first RF frequency, a controller coupled to the RF interfaces, and the RFID antenna assembly. The RFID antenna assembly includes a first and a second dipole elements, each shaped as a half rectangle with an additional segment joining the respective element to a tuning element. The RFID antenna also includes a tuning element, which is a loop antenna, connecting the RF interface to the controller and a ferrite dielectric on the back of one of the dipole elements. A structure of the RF antennal assembly, when the RFID tag device is coupled to a mobile device, causes the mobile device to function as a reflector to increase gain of the RFID antenna assembly thereby improving transmission range.

Abstract: A low product indicator comprising an upright portion capable of being attached to a pusher or paddle on a conventional merchandiser and having indicia relating to at least one of: a store the conventional merchandiser is displayed in; a product the merchandiser is intended to be stocked with; a product category encompassing the general type of product the merchandiser is intended to be stocked with; and/or advertising. In one form, a product display merchandiser is disclosed comprising a tray, a spring biased pusher slidable within the tray, and a visual indicator comprising at least one light activated by a switch, the switch configured to be actuated when the pusher is within a predetermined portion of the tray.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable medium are provided for a detection system for identifying unsafe activity occurring at a shelving unit. A plurality of distance sensors are disposed at a top end of the shelving unit and point downwards towards a bottom end of the shelving unit. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect presence of a person near the shelving unit. An initial height of the person is determined, and a change in height of the person is detected. A processor determined whether the change in height indicates unsafe activity at the shelving unit. If unsafe activity is determined, then an alert is generated.

Abstract: An infrastructure and methods for the analysis of flow in pipe systems. In a preferred form, the infrastructure and methods account for energy status of a sensor device and wear cost functions. The infrastructure comprises a controller and a plurality of sensor devices coupled to the pipe system to collect measurements related to one or more of the following: vibration, magnetic field, fluid pressure, temperature, humidity, chemical composition of the fluid, fluid flow or fluid throughput. The controller has access to a database containing one or both of—(i) current energy status of a sensor device and/or (ii) a cost allocation relating to use of a sensor device and assigns workloads using energy status and/or cost.