Abstract: A master control device in the configuration of a wand may control pre-programmed aspects of the user's environment using RFID/NFC tags and RFID/NFC readers to initiate pre-programmed behavior in a computer database. This pre-programmed behavior be the control of items that rely on electricity and/or gas, such as lights, electric fireplaces, electric valves, activating the listening feature on a home assistant, accruing a balance, paying for items with a topped-up balance, and locking and unlocking doors. This master control device can be used in the connected home or business, such as a pub, restaurant, hotel, or immersive experience.

Abstract: A drilling rig apparatus is disclosed for improving autodriller control during directional drilling. A BHA determines a relationship between downhole WOB and downhole differential pressure and sends the relationship to a surface controller. The relationships may be sent on a set periodic basis or dynamically in response to the relationships over time differing from each other above a threshold amount. The surface controller estimates downhole WOB by inputting surface differential pressure into a formula implementing the relationship from downhole. The estimated downhole WOB is input into the autodriller for control and is used to estimate MSE. Downhole WOB, either estimated or actual values, may further be used to determine a ratio between downhole WOB and surface-determined WOB values. If the ratio falls below zero in comparison to a prior ratio, then a slack-off rate is adjusted until the ratio reaches zero or a positive value again.

Abstract: A method for giving a warning on a blind spot of a vehicle based on V2V communication is provided. The method includes steps of: (a) if a rear video of a first vehicle is acquired from a rear camera, a first blind-spot warning device transmitting the rear video to a blind-spot monitor, to determine whether nearby vehicles are in the rear video using a CNN, and output first blind-spot monitoring information of determining whether the nearby vehicles are in a blind spot; and (b) if second blind-spot monitoring information of determining whether a second vehicle is in the blind spot, is acquired from a second blind-spot warning device of the second vehicle, over the V2V communication, the first blind-spot warning device warning that one of the second vehicle and the nearby vehicles is in the blind spot by referring to the first and the second blind-spot monitoring information.

Abstract: A networked radio frequency identification system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers, a computer in signal communication with the RFID tag readers over a network, and a software module for storage on and operable by the computer that localizes RFID tags based on information received from the RFID tag readers using a network model having endpoints and oriented links. In an additional example, at least one of the RFID tag readers includes an adjustable configuration setting selected from RF signal strength, antenna gain, antenna polarization, and antenna orientation. In a further aspect, the system localizes RFID tags based on hierarchical threshold limit calculations. In an additional aspect, the system controls a locking device associated with an access point based on localization of an authorized RFID tag at the access point and reception of additional authorizing information from an input device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide traffic control systems and methods. The traffic control system may include a communication interface configured to receive vehicle trajectory data acquired by sensors and traffic control data from traffic signal controllers. The traffic control system may further include at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to detect an abnormal traffic condition. The at least one processor may be further configured to optimize an online traffic control scheme based on the vehicle trajectory data by adjusting green splits for a plurality of phases. The at least one processor may be also configured to provide, in real-time, the optimized online traffic control scheme to a traffic signal controller for generating traffic control signals.

Abstract: A control system includes: a transmission device that transmits a plurality of signals having different frequencies from one of a first communication unit mounted in a vehicle and a second communication unit mounted in a mobile device carried by a user in such a manner that the plurality of signals are combined to generate a predetermined composite signal in an area located at a distance from the first communication unit, the distance being not more than a predetermined distance; and a permission device that permits a predetermined action of the vehicle when the predetermined composite signal generated in the area from the plurality of signals transmitted by the transmission device is detected and an authentication signal transmitted by the second communication unit is authenticated as an authorized authentication signal for the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of an occupant in a child seat is provided. The system includes at least two sensor modules positioned to detect acceleration of the child seat. The sensor modules provide signals representative of the acceleration detected at the first and send sensor modules to a controller. The controller includes signal processing circuitry for processing the signal to determine whether the signals received from the sensor modules are representative of the physiological motion of the occupant. The controller processes the signals received from the sensor modules to isolate acceleration of the child seat from the motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle control system (VCS) in a passenger compartment interfaces with underhood components using a Bluetooth® link. The underhood components include a siren assembly with a sound generator and backup battery. The battery enables the siren assembly to function after the vehicle's battery is disabled. The siren assembly includes a Bluetooth® transceiver for establishing the link with the VCS. The siren assembly monitors the hood of the vehicle through a hood sensor, to detect unauthorized opening. In response to such opening, the siren assembly transmits an alarm to the VCS, which transmits an alarm to a user's mobile device and/or a security service. The sound generator may also be activated, by itself or under control of the VCS. The siren assembly connects to the engine computer/ignition module, to allow the VCS to monitor engine speed, and facilitate proper start of the engine when the VCS receives a remote start command.

Abstract: A product display merchandiser 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: A networked radio frequency identification system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers, a computer in signal communication with the RFID tag readers over a network, and a software module for storage on and operable by the computer that localizes RFID tags based on information received from the RFID tag readers using a network model having endpoints and oriented links. In an additional example, at least one of the RFID tag readers includes an adjustable configuration setting selected from RF signal strength, antenna gain, antenna polarization, and antenna orientation. In a further aspect, the system localizes RFID tags based on hierarchical threshold limit calculations. In an additional aspect, the system controls a locking device associated with an access point based on localization of an authorized RFID tag at the access point and reception of additional authorizing information from an input device.

Abstract: A method performs an automated measurement of dimension(s) of an arriving vehicle arriving at a parking area. The method obtains a skills assessment of a driver of the arriving vehicle, which indicates skill level of the driver in performing parking maneuver(s). The method dynamically defines, based on the dimension(s) of the arriving vehicle and the obtained skills assessment, a parking space in an unoccupied area within the parking area. The defining includes selecting dimensions of the dynamically defined parking space. The method directs the arriving vehicle to the dynamically defined parking space, the directing including providing live parking guidance to facilitate maneuvering the arriving vehicle into position in the dynamically defined parking space.

Abstract: A networked radio frequency identification system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers, a computer in signal communication with the RFID tag readers over a network, and a software module for storage on and operable by the computer that localizes RFID tags based on information received from the RFID tag readers using a network model having endpoints and oriented links. In an additional example, at least one of the RFID tag readers includes an adjustable configuration setting selected from RF signal strength, antenna gain, antenna polarization, and antenna orientation. In a further aspect, the system localizes RFID tags based on hierarchical threshold limit calculations. In an additional aspect, the system controls a locking device associated with an access point based on localization of an authorized RFID tag at the access point and reception of additional authorizing information from an input device.

Abstract: A networked radio frequency identification system includes a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag readers, a computer in signal communication with the RFID tag readers over a network, and a software module for storage on and operable by the computer that localizes RFID tags based on information received from the RFID tag readers using a network model having endpoints and oriented links. In an additional example, at least one of the RFID tag readers includes an adjustable configuration setting selected from RF signal strength, antenna gain, antenna polarization, and antenna orientation. In a further aspect, the system localizes RFID tags based on hierarchical threshold limit calculations. In an additional aspect, the system controls a locking device associated with an access point based on localization of an authorized RFID tag at the access point and reception of additional authorizing information from an input device.

Abstract: A method for providing an Advanced Pedestrian Assistance System to protect a pedestrian preoccupied with a smartphone is provided. The method includes steps of: the smartphone instructing a locating unit to acquire 1-st information including location and velocity information of the pedestrian and location and velocity information of the smartphone; instructing a detecting unit to acquire 2-nd information including hazard statuses of hazardous areas near the pedestrian and location information and velocity information of hazardous objects, by referring to images acquired by phone cameras linked with the smartphone and the 1-st information; and instructing a control unit to calculate a degree of pedestrian safety of the pedestrian by referring to the 1-st and the 2-nd information, and to transmit a hazard alert to the pedestrian via the smartphone. Further, the method can be used for surveillance or a military purpose.

Abstract: A security system control panel or home automation control panel including an end-user replaceable cellular telephony module that is removable from the control panel without disassembling the control panel. The cellular module includes a body, a cellular telephony circuit coupled to the body, a cellular telephony antenna coupled to the body and the cellular telephony circuit, and a first connector coupled to the cellular telephony circuit and the body, wherein the first connector is sized and shaped or otherwise configured to be removably engaged by the end-user with a second connector in the control panel.

Abstract: A patient communication system having a medical sensing device operable to collect medical data, a network communication module operable to transmit the medical data onto a data network, a controller operable route the first medical sensing data to the network communication module, and a power source operable to provide power to the first medical sensing device, the controller, and the network communication module.

Abstract: A remote meterless parking monitoring system including a plurality of individual parking spaces, a plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units for monitoring the status of the individual parking spaces; at least one Gateway device responsive to the plurality of vehicle detector/RFID units; a Command and Control Server for employing numerous security provisions at least including encryption of data, Virtual Privacy Networks, firewalls and authenticated connections and responsive to data from said Cellular gateway via the internet; and the Command and Control Server uses the status of each space and the ID from the motorist's RFID tag to cross reference data according to a Policy database and identifying the motorist through a Motorist Database including information about the motorist's mailing address, vehicle payment account balance or other information.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicle collision mitigation with vulnerable road user context sensing. The system and method include determining one or more biosignal parameters and one or more physical movement parameters associated with a vulnerable road user (VRU). The system and method also include determining a context of the VRU based on the one or more biosignal parameters and one or more physical movement parameters associated with the VRU. Additionally, the system and method include determining one or more physical movement parameters associated with a vehicle. The system and method further include estimating a probability of collision between the VRU and the vehicle. The system and method also include providing a human machine interface output response based on the estimation of probability of collision between the VRU and the vehicle.

Abstract: A breathing light assembly of an air purifier includes a front panel, a cover, a breathing light, a body cover, and a reflective strip. The cover includes a light transmission panel and a curved surface and is mounted to the front panel. The breathing light is mounted to the curved surface and faces the light transmission panel. The body cover cooperatively defines an optical channel with the cover. A surface of the body cover includes a light emitting zone within the optical channel. The light emitting zone faces the breathing light across the optical channel. Light emitted by the breathing light passes through the light transmission panel to the light emitting zone. The reflective strip is mounted on the light emitting zone and positioned at an end of the optical channel. The reflective strip reflects the light emitted by the breathing light.

Abstract: A smoke detector includes an illuminator, a light sensor, a memory, and a microprocessor. The illuminator is configured to emit a first electromagnetic signal having a first center wavelength and a second electromagnetic signal having a second center wavelength. The light sensor is configured to generate (a) a first clean-air voltage in response to receiving the first electromagnetic signal and (b) a second clean-air voltage in response to receiving the second electromagnetic signal. The memory stores non-transitory computer-readable instructions. The microprocessor is adapted to execute the instructions to: (i) determine a first signal drift value from the first clean-air voltage and a first reference voltage, (ii) determine a second signal drift value from the second clean-air voltage and a second reference voltage, and (iii) determine the operational state from both the first signal drift value and the second signal drift value.