Abstract: A vehicle tracking system central host comprises a memory cache processor for managing a plurality of memory caches and a storage device linked with the memory cache processor, for receiving messages from the memory caches and writing them to a database. There are n receiver ports each for receiving message packets of an associated protocol from remote vehicle on-board tracker units. There are also n receiver processors, each associated with a port and each receiver processor being for: reading message packets received at the associated port, performing initial processing of the message packets including adding headers to provide processed messages, and writing the processed messages to a log dedicated to the receiver processor.

Abstract: A system, method, and medium for tracking the contents of a container in which the items stored in the container are provided with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags, and a tracker affixed to the container periodically polls the items in the container to collect identification information. An electronic manifest, also attached to the container, is updated periodically to reflect items which have been added to the container or removed from the container since the last polling. The tracker emulates an RFID tag when polled by an external reader, responding by uploading the entire electronic manifest to the external reader. The external reader and the affixed reader preferably utilize distinct RFID protocols so as to produce a hierarchical manifest data structure with high integrity.

Abstract: According to the invention, a wheel identifying apparatus includes a plurality of transmitters and a receiver. Each of the transmitters is mounted on one of wheels of a vehicle with a given distance from a rotation axis of the wheel. Each of the transmitters is configured to transmit a signal when an angular position thereof coincides with a predetermined angular position. The receiver includes a receiving antenna located at such a predetermined position on a body of the vehicle that all distances from the receiving antenna to the rotation axes of the wheels of the vehicle are different from each other. The receiver works to receive all the signals transmitted from the transmitters, detect the received signal levels of the signals, and identify, for each of the signals, the wheel on which the transmitter having transmitted the signal is located, based on the detected received signal level of the signal.

Abstract: “Smartmat” (Smartmat Area Activity Monitor and Personnel Identification System) monitors and identifies people, animals and other objects that pass through a control volume. Among other attributes, the exemplary system implementation can count, classify and identify objects, such as pedestrians, animals, bicycles, wheelchairs, vehicles, rollerbladers and other objects, either singly or in groups. Exemplary Smartmat implementations differentiate objects based on weight, footprint and floor/wall pressure patterns such as footfall patterns of pedestrians and other patterns. The system may be applied to security monitoring, physical activity monitoring, market traffic surveys and other traffic surveys, security checkpoint/gate monitoring, traffic light activation and other device activation such as security cameras, and other monitoring applications. Smartmat may be portable or permanently installed.

Abstract: A warning device in a vehicle includes at least one output unit for outputting at least one warning. A training mode for calling up warnings may be started via an input unit, in which the warnings are output following a call-up without a situation, for which a warning should be output, actually having to exist. Due to this fact, the driver may intuitively inform him/herself about the warning outputs.

Abstract: A noise suppressing circuit (1) suppresses noise emerging from an electronic apparatus (2) and propagating through conductive lines (3a and 3b). The noise suppressing circuit (1) comprises a low-band noise reducing circuit (10) and a high-band noise reducing circuit (80). The low-band noise reducing circuit (10) is connected to the electronic apparatus (2) through the conductive lines (3a and 3b). The high-band noise reducing circuit (80) is cascade-connected to the low-band noise reducing circuit (10) and connected to conductive lines (4a and 4b) of a power line (4).

Abstract: Collision deterrence system including signaling apparatus and method collision having frequency diversity, amplitude diversity, duty cycle diversity, and modal diversity and capable of being perceived by the following vehicle operator as being indicative of a lead vehicle motive state. The apparatus produces distinctive visual and aural signals constituting a characteristic hazard alert, representative of a lead vehicle motive state. The method generates an unambiguous signal representative of a predetermined hazard in the vehicle travel path. A collision deterrence diversity signaling method provides unique visual and audible signals directed toward a following vehicle operator, eliciting a REC avoidance response.

Abstract: Traffic disturbances are detected and data is collected by various sensors where the data reflects the entity that is responsible for the disturbance and the number of vehicles that are impacted by the disturbance. The data is analyzed to determine whether a traffic violation has occurred and to then assess a fine based at least on the number of vehicles that have been impacted as a result of the traffic violation. The fine may then be collected by notifying the entity that is responsible, such as by sending a message to an electronic device of the entity. The notification may provide for an automated payment of the fine or an option to appeal the fine. Additionally, those affected by the traffic disturbance may be identified and granted a portion of the fine that has been imposed and collected.

Abstract: A distance indicating apparatus and method determine the distance between a fixed object and a moving object (such as a motor vehicle, airplane or water vessel) by using two spaced-apart projectors to project a distance indicating scale (which can include non-linear markings) and an index along two different paths onto a projection target surface where they are visible to create a visual distance indication that varies as the fixed and moving objects vary in distance less than a certain distance.

Abstract: A doorbell detection and playback circuit for a doorbell pushbutton connected to an alternating current power source comprises at least one bridge rectifier circuit coupled to the power source through a diode placed in parallel with the pushbutton. The bridge rectifier circuit generates a signal at a first frequency when the pushbutton is not depressed, and generates a signal at a second frequency when the pushbutton is depressed. A frequency detection circuit is included and is coupled to the signal from the bridge rectifier. The frequency detection circuit further comprises an output responsive to the presence of a signal at the second frequency coupled to a sound generator for playing a ring tone or series thereof.

Abstract: A controller (10) senses via one or more sensors (12) parameters that correspond to likely cognitive loading for the driver of a vehicle. Based upon a sense of this cognitive loading, the controller (10) selects a particular user interface mode from amongst a plurality of user interface modes when receiving a message via a wireless unit (11) intended for the driver of the vehicle. In general, the selected user interface will present a corresponding cognitive challenge that is reasonable in view of the present cognitive load being experienced by the driver. In one embodiment, the sensor information can be used to also estimate the likely duration of present cognitive loading. This window-of-opportunity information is then additionally used to select a particular user interface option.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling usage times for at least one device, including the steps of: (a) identifying a device to be controlled; (b) utilizing the device by a user; (c) tracking a device usage value for the device as the user utilizes the device; and (d) initiating an action sequence based upon the device usage value. Also disclosed is an apparatus for controlling usage times for at least one device.

Abstract: A solid-state electronic avionics display instrument includes one or more bar-graph-like displays mounted within a housing in a manner that emulates the manner in which prior electro-mechanical indicator mechanisms have been mounted in such housings so as to indicate a value along a vertically readable scale. An aircraft can be retrofitted with such instruments to replace existing electro-mechanical mechanism-based avionics instruments.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system includes a microprocessor and associated radio frequency receiver/transmitter installed within a vehicle. The microprocessor is operably connected to the engine control unit and the existing security system. The vehicle transmitter continuously transmits an interrogating signal within a given transmission field. A remote unit includes a transmitter and a receiver that are in discrete communication with the vehicle receiver and transmitter whenever the remote is within the transmission field. If the remote is outside the transmission field and is therefore unresponsive to the interrogating signal, the microprocessor initiates various security measures such as locking doors, disabling the engine and arming the security system. When the remote carrier reenters the transmission field, the interrogating signal triggers an authorized, encoded response from the remote causing the microprocessor to reverse each of the security measures to prepare the vehicle for routine operation.

Abstract: A terrain database that is rendered in three-dimensional perspective on a Synthetic Vision display in a moving vehicle is updated in real-time in response to data from a ranging sensor. The updated database may be stored and shared with users of displays in other vehicles.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a capacitive encoding system is provided that includes a pair of capacitive elements formed from an arrangement of stripline conductors.

Abstract: A dual security label comprising a cover stock body comprising a first side and a second side, with an adhesive on the second side of the cover stock body. A first antitheft device adhered to the adhesive and a second antitheft device adhered to the adhesive. The exposed adhesive used for adhering the dual security label to products being sold by retailers or used for adhering to an enclosing member.

Abstract: An inventoriable-object control and tracking system comprising, in accordance with its preferred embodiments, an object identification assembly having an electronic device, with a unique electronically-readable identification code, which is connected to an inventoriable-object to enable control over access to the object and tracking of the object to identify a user in possession of the object. The system further includes a row and column matrix of electrical connectors located offset from a panel defining a corresponding row and column matrix of polarized slots for receipt of a plurality of object identification assemblies in a single orientation. Each connector of a matrix of electrical connectors comprises a pair of opposed, spring contacts having independently-deflectable portions to insure proper electrical contact with an electronic device of each object identification assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle-to-trailer light-connection verification tester (10) designed to be located within a towing vehicle (20), a towed trailer (30) or within a cable adapter (24) that is connected between the vehicle (20) and the trailer (30). The tester (10) features an electronics circuit (12) that includes a plug (P1), a receptacle (J2), a three-position mode switch (S1), a plurality of isolation diodes (D1-D4), and a loudspeaker (LS1). The mode switch (S1) has a vehicle test position V, a trailer test position T, and a normal lighting position N. When the switch (S1) is in the vehicle test position the rear vehicle lights are tested and when the switch (S1) is in the trailer test position (T) the rear trailer lights are tested. If each light in either the vehicle (20) or the trailer (30) is operational the loudspeaker (LS1) produces an audible sound. Conversely, if a particular light is not functioning no sound is heard.

Abstract: A person-carried hydrogen sulfide instrument is adapted for use with a conventional SCADA system or other type of fault monitoring system normally intended for monitoring well-related conditions at a well site. In response to detecting an abnormally high concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas, the instrument triggers the fault monitoring system to record an H2S fault and convey that information to a remote computer. In some embodiments, the instrument includes a signal relay unit that listens to a conventional H2S monitor. The signal relay unit has a learning mode that teaches the unit to recognize an audible alarm from the H2S monitor. In response to bearing the H2S alarm, the signal relay unit emits a trigger signal to the fault monitoring system.