Abstract: Provided is a driving assistance system capable of providing more pieces of information to a vehicle side by using magnetic markers. A driving assistance system (1A) is a system including magnetic markers (1) laid on a travelling road so as to be magnetically detectable and also be able to provide code information to a vehicle side, a vehicle (5) configured to be able to magnetically detect the magnetic markers (1) and also read the code information, and a base station (6) configured to make a reply with corresponding information when receiving the code information from the vehicle (5) reading the code information.

Abstract: As mobile computing devices are increasingly expected to be smaller, thinner, and/or lighter, less space is available for incorporating such structurally stiff perimeter components, as well as energy-absorbing components. The electroactive perimeter stiffening devices, systems, and methods described herein detect a free-fall event or condition, anticipate a subsequent impact event, and actively stiffen one or more electroactive perimeter stiffeners of an associated mobile computing device in preparation for the impact event. The electroactive perimeter stiffeners direct impact energy away from, and in some cases, distribute and/or dissipate the impact energy, in an effort to prevent damage to impact-sensitive components of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: Illuminated dental instrument assemblies (e.g., illuminated dental mirrors, illuminated dental wedges, trans-illumination dental instrument, illuminated dental bite blocks, etc.) are provided. The illuminated dental instrument assemblies may be adapted to be periodically sterilized. The illuminated dental instrument assemblies may include a magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler. The magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler may be configured to allow the illuminated dental instrument assembly to rotate with respect to an associated fiber optic cable that is removably connected to the magnetically energetic fiber optic coupler. The illuminated dental instrument assemblies may include a fiber optic material that is encapsulated.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a voltage regulator generating, based on a power supply voltage, an internal power supply voltage having a voltage value lower than that of the power supply voltage and to apply the internal power supply voltage to a power supply line; an internal circuit receiving the internal power supply voltage via the power supply line and a grounding line; and a protection circuit in which first to n-th transistors of PNP type which are Darlington-connected. A collector terminal of each of the first to the n-th transistors is connected to the grounding line. An emitter terminal of the first transistor within the first to the n-th transistors is connected to the power supply line while a base terminal of the n-th transistor within the first to the n-th transistors is connected to the grounding line.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone and a method for manufacturing a MEMS microphone are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention provide a MEMS microphone including a MEMS microphone structure having at least one counter electrode structure and a diaphragm structure deflectable with respect to the counter electrode structure and a thermocouple arranged at the MEMS microphone structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the physical wiring plant of a computer local area network (LAN) in order to detect the presence of extraneous electronic circuitry placed onto that physical wiring which were not originally designed as part of the electronic circuitry of that LAN and reporting the presence of that additional electronic circuitry and taking action against that additional electronic circuitry based on user directive. The LAN asset being monitored could consist of a single device such as a computer, cell phone, credit card machine, network interface card, printer/scanner, server, router, modem, etc. or an entire network of many such devices.

Abstract: Systems, automobiles, and methods are provided for warning of a potential collision between an approaching object and an opened side door of a vehicle. A system for a vehicle includes an approach sensor, a side door sensor, an alarm, and a controller. The approach sensor is configured to attach to the vehicle and to generate approach sensor data indicating an approaching object that may collide with a side door of the vehicle. The side door sensor is configured to generate door sensor data indicating an impending opening of the side door by an occupant. The alarm is configured to communicate with the occupant. The controller includes an alert initiation module configured to alert the occupant that the approaching object may collide with the side door in response to detecting the impending opening of the side door and detecting the approaching object.

Abstract: A method for reducing a delay, between a transition of a transmission of a metal detector and a process of a receive signal received by a receive coil of the metal detector, due to a critically damped time constant of the receive coil, including: introducing a negative capacitance into the receive coil to reduce the critically damped time constant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a caregiver the capability of modifying the tone and volume of an audible alarm for a medical device based on non-hand contact methods.

Abstract: A circuit that may control current to a load without generating a large amount of electromagnetic interference on main lines of an AC power supply for the load and circuit. Control may be effected with silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs). For instance, the circuit may implement passive triggering using a capacitor between the anode and the gate of an SCR. By using a sufficiently large capacitor, gate current may be applied during a zero crossing of a waveform of the AC power supply in a passive manner without a need to store energy prior to the zero crossing. The circuit may synchronize SCR triggering with a voltage variation in a clean manner, that is, without generating electromagnetic interference. The circuit may be used with an in-line thermostat. However, the circuit may be used in other ways.

Abstract: An alarm system for emitting an alarm includes a distance detecting circuit, a gate circuit, a voltage conversion circuit, a distance judging circuit and an alarm circuit. The distance detecting circuit receives a first signal, detects a distance between an object and the alarm system, outputs a second signal and a third signal according to the distance. The gate circuit receives the second signal and the third signal and outputs a voltage level signal. The voltage conversion circuit receives the voltage level signal and converts the voltage level signal into a DC voltage signal. The distance judging circuit receives the DC voltage signal and compares the DC voltage signal against a reference voltage signal to output a control signal if necessary. The alarm circuit receives the control signal and produces the alarm when the distance between the object and the alarm system is less than a threshold distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch acting in contactless fashion for the purpose of detecting the position of a first part with respect to a second part, having a transceiver for attachment to one of the parts, which transceiver is supplied with power by an electrical supply source and comprises a coil, which is connected to a transmission/reception circuit, for the purpose of transmitting an interrogation signal and for the purpose of receiving a response signal, which can be transmitted in response to the interrogation signal by a transponder which can be arranged on the other part, wherein in addition to a first path for processing the response signal to an evaluation circuit, a second path is provided which has a proximity circuit, which is connected on the input side to a connection of the coil and on the output side to the evaluation circuit for the amplitude of the voltage tapped off by the coil for the purpose of determining the distance between the parts.

Abstract: A variable capacitance unit is formed between one portion of a human body and an opposed electrode facing it through a casing of a robot toy (electronic device) when the one portion of the human body such as a hand or a finger approaches the surface of the casing of the robot. Since the capacitance of the variable capacitance unit varies according to the facing area and the facing distance of the one portion of the human body and the opposed electrode, it is possible to detect the one portion of the human body approaching or touching the robot toy by detecting this change. Since the opposed electrode forming the touch sensor can be provided within the casing, the touch sensor cannot be seen directly from the outside of the robot toy.

Abstract: A capacitive proximity switch for detecting the change in the capacitance relative to a setpoint capacitance by the approach or retreat of an object in the sensitive area of a proximity switch, especially for use in the door handle of a motor vehicle, provides reliable error detection and error suppression at a fundamentally high sensitivity of the capacitive proximity switch by utilizing an evaluation unit that evaluates a measured value of the change in capacitance over time and depending on the time behavior of the measured value activates changes the operating threshold from a first threshold (which can be caused by a false object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch) to a higher second threshold which can be reached only at a relatively greater change in capacitance caused by a target object coming into or out of the sensitive area of the proximity switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor signal detection device which allows the improvement of reliability. This sensor signal detection device comprises an internal power supply voltage generation circuit, a buffer amplifier for receiving signals from a sensor, a first pull-up element and pull-down element which are connected to an input terminal of the buffer amplifier via a first pair of switches, a gain amplifier for receiving output signals of the buffer amplifier, a second pull-up element and pull-down element which are connected to an input terminal of the gain amplifier via a second pair of switches, and a failure inspection circuit for inspecting buffer amplifier and gain amplifier by controlling the connection of the two pairs of switches in a predetermined sequence, and measuring the voltage at a predetermined location when power is started up.

Abstract: A human body detecting device for detecting an approach of a human body includes a sensor electrode provided in a housing and having detecting portions for detecting the approach of the human body to the housing. Each of the detecting portions is provided at a respective surface side in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor signal detection device which allows the improvement of reliability. This sensor signal detection device comprises an internal power supply voltage generation circuit, a buffer amplifier for receiving signals from a sensor, a first pull-up element and pull-down element which are connected to an input terminal of the buffer amplifier via a first pair of switches, a gain amplifier for receiving output signals of the buffer amplifier, a second pull-up element and pull-down element which are connected to an input terminal of the gain amplifier via a second pair of switches, and a failure inspection circuit for inspecting buffer amplifier and gain amplifier by controlling the connection of the two pairs of switches in a predetermined sequence, and measuring the voltage at a predetermined location when power is started up.

Abstract: A technique for controlling a switching circuit, such as a relay, includes one or more sensing circuits that generate signals based upon the presence of an actuating object and upon a randomly applied strobe signal. The generated signals are sampled and are used as a basis for determining the state of an output signal. The sensing circuit may generate the signals based upon capacitive coupling with the actuating object. The randomization of the sampling provides enhanced immunity to periodic or cyclic noise. Where more than one sensing circuit is included, the output of the circuits may be considered together for determining the state of the output signal, such as based upon predetermined ranges of signal levels. Signals of the sensing circuit may be sampled in the absence of the strobe to provide an indication of the relative noise level. If the noise level is determined to be elevated, the output signal may not change states.

Abstract: A variable capacitance unit is formed between one portion of a human body and an opposed electrode facing it through a casing of a robot toy (electronic device) when the one portion of the human body such as a hand or a finger approaches the surface of the casing of the robot. Since the capacitance of the variable capacitance unit varies according to the facing area and the facing distance of the one portion of the human body and the opposed electrode, it is possible to detect the one portion of the human body approaching or touching the robot toy by detecting this change. Since the opposed electrode forming the touch sensor can be provided within the casing, the touch sensor cannot be seen directly from the outside of the robot toy.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad and a local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. The touch pad preferable includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from and surrounding the first electrode. The control circuit is preferably in integrated circuit form. A signal is provided to the touch pad to generate an electric field thereabout. Introduction of a stimulus near the touch pad disturbs the electric field. The control circuit detects the electric field disturbance in and generates a control signal in response.

Abstract: A pulse signal generator comprises a magnetic element capable of causing a large Barkhausen jump, a detector provided in relation to the magnetic element, a magnetic field source provided in the vicinity of the magnetic element to produce a biasing magnetic field which causes a predetermined magnetization of the magnetic element, and a magnetic circuit forming member provided in the vicinity of the magnetic element to produce a main magnetic field which cause a large Barkhausen jump in the magnetic element such that movement of the object to be detected changes the main magnetic field of the magnetic circuit forming member thereby causing a large Barkhausen jump to provide a pulse signal.

Abstract: Selfadjusting capacitive level switch for a non-contact or contact sensing of media or objects comprising a sensor (S6), on a dielectric body (db) of which between an opposite plate (op) and a plate (p) a screening plate (sp) is mounted. Starting from the plate (p) there are alternately mounted additional screening plates (sp.sub.1, . . . , sp.sub.n+1) connected through a resistor (r1) to the screening plate (sp) and additional plates (p.sub.1, . . . , p.sub.n). Groups of additional plates (p.sub.1, . . . , p.sub.n+1) are connected through resistors to the inverting input of an operational amplifier (1). At the beginning of each oscillation halfperiod the potential of the plates (p, p.sub.1, . . . , p.sub.n) has a phase opposite to the phase of the screening plates (sp, sp.sub.1, . . . , sp.sub.n+1). The level switch detects electrically very poorly conductive materials with the relative permittivity near to 1 even through a thick, electrically well conductive deposit on its sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides passive networks which act as the host to nonlinear and parametric interactions, with energy inputs to said networks being caused to "bleed off" auxiliary, and time-delayed conditioning flows resulting in phase modulations to the main input and which achieve, e.g., RF phase conjugation with cancellation of the noise modulation after two-way passage of beams between transmitter and receiver and when used in duplex arrangements. Also, passive networks for noise reduction in communications transmission due to conditioning of electromagnetic fields in higher order group symmetry form. Because a transmitted wave from a network of the present invention is in higher-order group symmetry form, and fields of such higher-order symmetry have a low probability of occurrence naturally, then environmental noise, which is of lower group symmetry form (usually, U(1) symmetry) and has a high probably of natural occurrence, will be excluded from a receiver matched to higher-order symmetry waves.