Abstract: A mobile platform is equipped with a broadcast signal receiver operative to receive a broadcast message, an electronic memory storage device, a processor, and, a human-machine interface comprising a visual display screen. A first message is broadcast from a communications source and received at the mobile platform via the broadcast signal receiver. The first message includes a graphic image which is cached in the electronic memory storage device and selectively displayed with the visual display screen of the human-machine interface.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conductive surfaces, and antennas improved by the method are disclosed. For a selected frequency of antenna operation, values for surface current density in areas distributed over the surface of the thin-film are determined. Regions of the surface containing areas having concentrated current flow are identified based upon the determined values of current density. Antenna efficiency is improved by increasing conductivity in areas of the thin-film surface found to have concentrated current flow. The method enables the improvement of the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conducting surfaces, without unnecessarily obstructing the optical view through the thin-film surfaces of the antennas.

Abstract: A wireless vehicular sensing system is disclosed. The wireless sensing system may include a radio frequency access control system including a plurality of antennas distributed within the vehicle and at least one radio frequency transceiver coupled to the plurality of antennas for effecting radio frequency interrogations of radio frequency access permission devices via the plurality of antennas in response to operator invoked interrogation requests, and a plurality of radio frequency sensors distributed within the vehicle and associated with systems other than vehicle access control. The at least one radio frequency transceiver effects radio frequency interrogations of the plurality of radio frequency sensors via the plurality of antennas in response to system invoked interrogation requests.

Abstract: A wireless sensing system and method for wireless sensor interrogation are disclosed. The wireless sensing system includes a plurality of radio frequency sensors distributed within a predefined area, a forward communication link with an energizer coupled to a transmission cable. The energizer is adapted to provide radio frequency signals intended for the plurality of radio frequency sensors to the transmission cable. The transmission cable is adapted as a leaky waveguide antenna selectively slotted and routed within the predefined area for effective air linking of leaked radio frequency signals to the plurality of wireless sensors.

Abstract: A network server is presented operable to communicate time-critical information over a wireless communications system, comprising a location manager, an alert notification manager, and a message delivery notification manager. The communications system is a push-to-talk over cellular system, including a wireless carrier core IP network, which may connected to a private intranet service. Location manager identifies and locates recipients within a known geographical area. Message delivery notification manager schedules and formats delivery of alert messages, based upon geographic location and direction of travel of each recipient. The network utilizes existing systems to communicate the information utilizing a push-to-talk cellular networking system, to immediately provide such information to the subscriber without inquiry seeking such information.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for system control includes inputs for an input device which may take the form of switches or sensors. Input device states are related to identification keys. The identification keys are communicated wirelessly or through hard-wired means to a system.

Abstract: A wireless sensing system and method for wireless sensor interrogation within a vehicle are disclosed. The wireless sensing system includes a plurality of radio frequency sensors distributed within a predefined area, a plurality of energizers within the predefined area for transmitting radio frequency signals to the plurality of radio frequency sensors, and at least one reader within the predefined area physically independent from the energizers for receiving radio frequency signals from the plurality of radio frequency sensors wherein the number of energizers exceeds the number of readers.

Abstract: A wireless sensing system and method for wireless sensor interrogation are disclosed. The wireless sensing system includes a plurality of radio frequency sensors distributed within a predefined area, a wiring system with conductors distributed in proximity to the plurality of sensors for providing at least one of electrical power and ground distribution, and a forward communication link with an energizer air link coupled to the wiring system. The method for wireless sensor interrogation includes providing a plurality of radio frequency sensors distributed within a predefined area, providing a forward communication link including an energizer coupled to a wiring system with conductors in proximity to the plurality of sensors for providing at least one of electrical power and ground distribution, transmitting radio frequency signals through the wiring system and air linking transmitted radio frequency signals to the plurality of radio frequency sensors through the conductors.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conductive surfaces, and antennas improved by the method are disclosed. For a selected frequency of antenna operation, values for surface current density in areas distributed over the surface of the thin-film are determined. Regions of the surface containing areas having concentrated current flow are identified based upon the determined values of current density. Antenna efficiency is improved by increasing conductivity in areas of the thin-film surface found to have concentrated current flow. The method enables the improvement of the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conducting surfaces, without unnecessarily obstructing the optical view through the thin-film surfaces of the antennas.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conductive surfaces, and antennas improved by the method are disclosed. For a selected frequency of antenna operation, values for surface current density in areas distributed over the surface of the thin-film are determined. Regions of the surface containing areas having concentrated current flow are identified based upon the determined values of current density. Antenna efficiency is improved by increasing conductivity in areas of the thin-film surface found to have concentrated current flow. The method enables the improvement of the efficiency of antennas having transparent thin-film conducting surfaces, without unnecessarily obstructing the optical view through the thin-film surfaces of the antennas.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant architecture, comprising fault tolerant units, a wire-based communication bus, and respective radio transceivers is offered. The fault-tolerant units communicate using the radio transceivers when communication via the wire-based communication bus is compromised by a fault. The intent is to enhance reliability and fault-tolerance of a distributed system architecture, such as a steer-by-wire system for a vehicle. The novel drive-by-wire/wireless architecture uses multiple wireless sensors and short-range low power radio transceivers associated with various micro-controllers. These sensors and radio transceivers allow the micro-controllers to communicate critical control signals and drive commands in the event of a communications fault, e.g. in a vehicle drive-by-wire system.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling switching between and among multiple antennas in a diversity antenna system comprising a radio head unit associated with a radio receiver; two or more antennas, either located in separate antenna modules or co-located in the same antenna module; a switch circuit; and a single cable. Control signals for controlling switching are provided as changes in a DC power supply signal carried on the single cable. In the case of multiple antenna modules, the radio head unit and the antenna modules are connected by the single cable using a daisy-chain architecture.