Abstract: In one embodiment, a two-way radio console (600) and a portable communication device (100) comprise a mobile communication system in accordance with the present invention. The two-way radio console (600) has a docking interface (602) formed therein. The portable communication device is capable of coupling to the two-way radio console via the docking interface. Further, the portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio console and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio console. In this embodiment, the accessory is at least one of the following: a microphone, a speaker, and a two-way controller.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (100) employs a method (700) and apparatus for automatically tracking locations of wireless communication devices (102, 104, 106) in a geographic area, such as an ad hoc area of an emergency scene, that is divided into two or more zones (108, 110, 112). A wireless communication device (102) or a host device (122), determines a location of the wireless device (102). The wireless device's location is then associated with one of the zones (108, 110, 112). An indication (410) of a zone change is presented to a user of the wireless device and/or the host device (102, 122), as applicable, in the event that the wireless device's location reflects a transition of the device from one zone to another. Alternatively, each wireless device (102, 104, 106) might be associated with a corresponding group, such as a fire department, and the zone change indication might include an identifier (412) of the wireless device's group.

Abstract: A first velocity model for a first object (190) and a second velocity model for a second object (195) are established. A spatial relationship between the first object and the second object is established. At least a portion of the first velocity model is adjusted based on at least a portion of the second velocity model and the spatial relationship of the first object to the second object.

Abstract: A first set of coordinates (100) of a device and an estimated positional error (“EPE”) radius (102) is measured. An EPE circle (104) is derived, in which the device is approximately located, from the first set of coordinates (100) and the EPE radius (102). When it is determined that the EPE radius (102) exceeds a predetermined threshold, a first range (106) between the device and a ranging site (108) is measured, and a locus of points (110) on and within the EPE circle (104) is determined, wherein a distance between the ranging site (108) and each point in the locus of points (110) approximately equals the first range (106).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a two-way radio console (600) and a portable communication device (100) comprise a mobile communication system in accordance with the present invention. The two-way radio console (600) has a docking interface (602) formed therein. The portable communication device is capable of coupling to the two-way radio console via the docking interface. Further, the portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio console and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio console. In this embodiment, the accessory is at least one of the following: a microphone, a speaker, and a two-way controller.

Abstract: A perimeter threshold of an area is defined. The location of a device (102) is tracked using a first location technology (108) when the device (102) precedes the perimeter threshold. The location of the device (102) is tracked using a second location technology (100) when the device (102) exceeds the perimeter threshold.

Abstract: A portable communication device (100) is capable of coupling to a two-way radio (102) via an interface. The portable communication device is capable of selectively functioning as an accessory for the two-way radio and as a standalone communication device when coupled to the two-way radio.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (100) employs a method (700) and apparatus for automatically tracking locations of wireless communication devices (102, 104, 106) in a geographic area, such as an ad hoc area of an emergency scene, that is divided into two or more zones (108, 110, 112). A wireless communication device (102) or a host device (122), determines a location of the wireless device (102). The wireless device's location is then associated with one of the zones (108, 110, 112). An indication (410) of a zone change is presented to a user of the wireless device and/or the host device (102, 122), as applicable, in the event that the wireless device's location reflects a transition of the device from one zone to another. Alternatively, each wireless device (102, 104, 106) might be associated with a corresponding group, such as a fire department, and the zone change indication might include an identifier (412) of the wireless device's group.

Abstract: A first set of coordinates (100) of a device and an estimated positional error (“EPE”) radius (102) is measured. An EPE circle (104) is derived, in which the device is approximately located, from the first set of coordinates (100) and the EPE radius (102). When it is determined that the EPE radius (102) exceeds a predetermined threshold, a first range (106) between the device and a ranging site (108) is measured, and a locus of points (110) on and within the EPE circle (104) is determined, wherein a distance between the ranging site (108) and each point in the locus of points (110) approximately equals the first range (106).

Abstract: A first velocity model for a first object (190) and a second velocity model for a second object (195) are established. A spatial relationship between the first object and the second object is established. At least a portion of the first velocity model is adjusted based on at least a portion of the second velocity model and the spatial relationship of the first object to the second object.

Abstract: A motion device (100) includes a shape memory transducer (110) having a preset memory state and logically divided into first and second portions (116, 118). A coupled electrical circuit (130) is operable to selectively energize the first portion (116) to create a force that moves the first portion (116) toward its memory state which moves the second portion (118) in a first direction out of its memory state, and to selectively energize the second portion (118) to create a force that moves the second portion (118) towards its memory state which moves the first portion (116) away from its memory state in a second direction different from the first direction. A feedback system (120) is preferably included to provide for precise motion control.

Abstract: A perimeter threshold of an area is defined. The location of a device (102) is tracked using a first location technology (108) when the device (102) precedes the perimeter threshold. The location of the device (102) is tracked using a second location technology (100) when the device (102) exceeds the perimeter threshold.

Abstract: A valid position of a device (102) is established using a first location technology (108). The first location technology (108) uses a plurality of radio frequency (“RF”) signals. A location of the device (102) is tracked using the first location technology (102). At least one metric of the plurality of RF signals is monitored. At least one metric of at least one RF signal in the plurality of RF signals is identified to have fallen below a predetermined threshold required for acceptable location tracking accuracy. As a result, a next valid position of the device (102) is established using a second location technology (100), and the location of the device (102) is tracked using the second location technology (100).

Abstract: A method of increasing location accuracy in an inertial navigational device (100) is described herein. The navigational device (100) generates real-time data to depict its location. The data comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data. The navigational device (100) transmits the real-time data to a second device (104) in a real-time fashion. The navigational device (100) receives an update message from the second device (104), based on a comparison of the real-time data generated by the navigational device (100) against a second set of data. The navigational device (100) adjusts its depicted location based on the update message in order to increase the location accuracy of the navigational, device (100). Alternatively, the navigational device (100), absent the second device (104), can compare the real-time data generated against the second set of data internally and adjust its depicted location accordingly.

Abstract: A method of increasing location accuracy in an inertial navigational device (100) is described herein. The navigational device (100) generates real-time data to depict its location. The data comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data. The navigational device (100) transmits the real-time data to a second device (104) in a real-time fashion. The navigational device (100) receives an update message from the second device (104), based on a comparison of the real-time data generated by the navigational device (100) against a second set of data. The navigational device (100) adjusts its depicted location based on the update message in order to increase the location accuracy of the navigational device (100). Alternatively, the navigational device (100), absent the second device (104), can compare the real-time data generated against the second set of data internally and adjust its depicted location accordingly.

Abstract: A first device (104) receives a first set of data from an inertial navigational device (100). The first set of data comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data, and is real-time output from the inertial navigational device (100). The first device (104) also receives a second set of data from a secondary source. The second set of data also comprises at least one of sensor data, motion data, and location data. The first device (104) generates an update message based on comparing the first set of data against the second set of data in order to improve location accuracy of the inertial navigational device (100). Optionally, the first device (104) can transmit the update message to the inertial navigational device (100).

Abstract: A diaphragm includes a vibratory membrane and at least one nickel titanium memory metal member having a shape that can be mechanically adjusted with a heating signal. The mechanical adjustment of the at least one nickel titanium memory metal member tunes the frequency response of the vibratory membrane in the diaphragm. The at least one nickel titanium memory metal member can be a sheet providing a vibratory membrane, or sheet sections or wire made of nickel titanium memory metal bonded to a vibratory membrane.

Abstract: A re-configurable interface used in modular electronic architectures includes a host (203) and one or more modules (201) for interfacing with the host (203) to provide additional functionality. A configuration controller (209) located in the host (203) is for reading a memory device (215) located in the module (201) for providing configuration information to the host. The pin controller (209) then is able to reconfigure pins of the host connector (207) to communicate with the module (201).

Abstract: A fingerprint acquisition assembly (110) includes a camera (205) for capturing an electronic image at a first focal range. An optical interface such as prism (207) or lens and mirror assembly (501,503) is used to provide a macro image to the camera (205) at a second focal range. The camera (205) is pivotable within the acquisition assembly (110) for capturing an image of a fingerprint in a second focal range though the prism (209) enabling the image to be easily transmitted to another location for authentication.

Abstract: A communication device provides for a hardware configurable module interface port by using a programmable logic device (108). The programmable logic device (108) is reconfigured using software stored in memory (106). The reconfiguration of programmable logic device (108) depends on the type of module (110) that is attached to the communication device. Since data translation is not required to be performed by each of the different types of modules that can be attached to the communication device, the time to develop a module is shortened and support circuitry requirements to perform data translation is reduced.