Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A graphical display is provided to allow a user to dynamically customize the location, appearance, priority, and arrangement of virtual gauges displayed on an instrument panel of a vehicle. A user can select a virtual gauge and move to a desired location in the instrument panel. The selected virtual gauge is assigned a highest priority level, which may result in a hierarchical structure including other virtual gauges. In one aspect, the selected virtual gauge may appear more prominently that other virtual gauges in the hierarchical structure and thus is readily accessed by a user without having to navigate through multiple layers of other virtual gauges. When an adverse vehicle condition is identified, a virtual gauge associated with the condition is assigned an urgent priority level that generally trumps any priority levels assigned to other virtual gauges on the display.

Abstract: Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to managing communications from a mobile device. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for establishing a communication session with a contact is provided. The method includes causing information about at least one contact associated with the user to be displayed on the mobile device and receiving input to initiate a communication session with the contact. Then, if the identified contact is associated with a CB radio, a CB based communication session is established in which audio is transmitted and received from the mobile device using a CB radio communication unit. On the other hand, if the identified contact is associated with a remote device capable of performing data-based communications, a data-based communication session is established and which data is transmitted and received in accordance with IP-based protocols.

Abstract: A barrier operator system, such as a garage door operator system, includes one or more remote control units, such as an inside remote control unit, an external wall mounted remote control unit and portable vehicle disposed remote control units which include speech recognition modules for recognizing spoken command signals to open or close a garage door or energize or de-energize lighting associated with the garage. The speech recognition modules are operably connected to interface or microcontroller circuits for operating a radio frequency transmitter for sending signals to operate lighting, and/or the barrier operator to move a barrier between open and closed positions, and possibly perform other functions.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle communication networks is provided having a plurality of communications ports provided in at least two different portions of the vehicle. These ports may be interconnected for providing communication between capable devices located in different portions of the vehicle, such as the cab and sleeper, via one or more communication protocols. Additionally, in several embodiments, the ports are “powered” for charging capable devices when plugged into one of the ports.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system is disclosed that monitors vehicle surroundings, operational conditions, etc., in order to identify potential safety concerns or hazardous operational conditions. In doing so, the vehicle safety system collects data from one or more sources, such as sources that generate data from the vehicle itself (e.g., internal sensors), sources that generate data from the surroundings of the vehicle (e.g., external sensors), and sources that receive data from local or remote locations with respect to the host vehicle (e.g., a satellite, telematics, cellular, short or long range RF, etc., data acquisition unit). In response to data collected by components of the system, the system may use a hierarchical system to address the potential hazardous conditions or safety concerns.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system is disclosed that monitors vehicle surroundings, operational conditions, etc., in order to identify potential safety concerns or hazardous operational conditions. In doing so, the vehicle safety system collects data from one or more sources, such as sources that generate data from the vehicle itself (e.g., internal sensors), sources that generate data from the surroundings of the vehicle (e.g., external sensors), and sources that receive data from local or remote locations with respect to the host vehicle (e.g., a satellite, telematics, cellular, short or long range RF, etc., data acquisition unit). In response to data collected by components of the system, the system may use a hierarchical system to address the potential hazardous conditions or safety concerns.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A barrier operator system, such as a garage door operator system, includes one or more remote control units, such as an inside remote control unit, an external wall mounted remote control unit and portable vehicle disposed remote control units which include speech recognition modules for recognizing spoken command signals to open or close a garage door or energize or de-energize lighting associated with the garage. The speech recognition modules are operably connected to interface or microcontroller circuits for operating a radio frequency transmitter for sending signals to operate lighting, and/or the barrier operator to move a barrier between open and closed positions, and possibly perform other functions.

Abstract: An RFID reader with dual mode capability. A digital signal processor controls an RF source and preamplifier module according to programmed RFID protocols. RF signals received are decoded and transmitted to a host computer. RFID protocols usable with the reader include Intellitag 500 and ISO/AAR.

Abstract: An RFID transponder is provided with an active backscatter amplifier that amplifies and re-transmits a received signal. The RFID transponder comprises an antenna and a circulator having a first port connected to the antenna. A modulator is connected to a second port of the circulator. An amplifier is connected to a third port of the circulator, with the amplifier connected to the modulator. An RF signal impinging upon the antenna passes through the circulator, the amplifier, and the modulator, and returns to the antenna through the circulator. The modulator further comprises an input coupled to the second port of the circulator and an output coupled to an input of the amplifier. The amplifier has an output coupled to the third port of the circulator. The modulator is adapted to modulate the RF signal using on-off keying.

Abstract: An automated vehicular information retrieval and delivery system is disclosed. The system integrates, into a single module, a plethora of discrete information and data related to vehicular operating status and a surrounding highway infrastructure. Integrated information is accessible to occupants of a vehicle, an on-board computer in the vehicle, and to the surrounding infrastructure. The data and information is routed throughout the system via a communications medium. The communications medium may be hard-wired and a wireless technology.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A system and method for automated, wireless short-range data collection and communications for interconnected mobile systems, such as trains includes a master control unit and a plurality of data transmission units communicating in a daisy-chain fashion along the collection of interconnected mobile systems. The master control unit can verify collected data and serve as an interface with an external communications system for providing real-time data to a central control site, for example via wayside readers, satellite communications, cell phone linkage, 2-way radio, etc. Data could include sensor information, railcar identification, status, trouble spots, location, and warnings.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: An automatic barrier operator system for operating a gate or upward acting garage door, for example, includes a controller for operating a reversible motor, a base radio frequency transmitter and a base radio frequency receiver. One or more remote control units include a radio frequency remote receiver and remote transmitter. The controller is operable to automatically close or open the barrier in response to a query signal sent from the base transmitter to the remote receiver and when the remote receiver is within range, returning a signal to effect operation of the barrier. The system is operable to effect operation or maintain the status quo of the barrier depending on the state of the barrier and a particular signal or lack of signal received by the controller from an authorized remote control unit or units. The system provides essentially hands-free automatic operation of opening and closing a garage door and the like.

Abstract: A barrier operator system, such as a garage door operator system, includes one or more remote control units, such as an inside remote control unit, an external wall mounted remote control unit and portable vehicle disposed remote control units which include speech recognition modules for recognizing spoken command signals to open or close a garage door or energize or de-energize lighting associated with the garage. The speech recognition modules are operably connected to interface or microcontroller circuits for operating a radio frequency transmitter for sending signals to operate lighting, and/or the barrier operator to move a barrier between open and closed positions, and possibly perform other functions.

Abstract: A system and method for automated, wireless short-range data collection and communications for interconnected mobile systems, such as trains includes a master control unit and a plurality of data transmission units communicating in a daisy-chain fashion along the collection of interconnected mobile systems. The master control unit can verify collected data and serve as an interface with an external communications system for providing real-time data to a central control site, for example via wayside readers, satellite communications, cell phone linkage, 2-way radio, etc. Data could include sensor information, railcar identification, status, trouble spots, location, and warnings.