Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes obtaining a delivery schedule for a property, determining that a portable camera used by a visitor is at the property, determining that the portable camera corresponds to the delivery schedule, in response to determining that the portable camera corresponds to the delivery schedule, providing access to the property, and obtaining a video recorded by the portable camera.

Abstract: An embodiment method for controlling a physical object to be shared by several potential users and in an enclosure in an open state or in a closed state includes detecting a presence or an absence of the object in the enclosure in the closed state via a first wireless link between the object and a reader situated in the enclosure, the first wireless link being contained in the enclosure in the closed state. The method also includes transmitting a first information item representative of the presence or of the absence of the object in the enclosure to a computer server via a second link and an internet network, the computer server being accessible via a website configured to be managed by an administrator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for communicating with a transponder. The apparatus includes a transmit apparatus, a receive apparatus and an evaluation apparatus. The transmit apparatus transmits a transmit signal to the transponder. Based on a signal emitted by the transponder, the receive apparatus receives a receive signal. Based on the transmit signal and/or a signal portion, the evaluation apparatus evaluates the receive signal with respect to data errors. Further, the invention relates to a respective method as well as to a system for communicating.

Abstract: A smart light-emitting-diode (LED) bulb includes apparatus enabling the bulb to be turned ON, OFF, or dimmed without the use of a wall switch. Such apparatus may include circuitry responsive to rotating the LED portion of the bulb, circuitry responsive to touching or tapping on the bulb, or a Bluetooth or WiFi interconnection enabling the bulb to be controlled using a smartphone or other device executing a bulb-control application. Other apparatus may include a microphone enabling the bulb to be controlled with a voice, sound or music. In other embodiments, apparatus enabling the bulb to be turned ON, OFF, or dimmed may include a power line communication (PLC) interface enabling the bulb or bulbs to be controlled via the Internet. A camera or image sensor may be provided enabling the bulb to be gesture-controlled. A system may include a plurality of smart LED light bulbs.

Abstract: Intelligent gadgets to visualize critical environmental data in wet chemistry laboratories, and a healthcare and life science environment that are easy to configure, customize and deploy for web dashboard presentation. It may further reveal an intuitive dashboard framework for creating, managing and publishing a collection of visualization gadgets for critical environments.

Abstract: In one aspect, an example system includes an arrow nock configured to couple to an arrow, a transmitter coupled to the arrow nock, and a controller. The controller is configured to (i) determine that the arrow has been shot from a bow and (ii) responsive to determining that the arrow has been shot from the bow, cause the transmitter to transmit a beacon signal at a variable rate that varies based on an amount of time elapsed since determining that the arrow has been shot from the bow.

Abstract: An emulation system comprises a first computing device having a processor configured to generate a synchronization clock signal on receiving a data transfer request. The first computing device further comprises a first non-transitory machine-readable memory buffer storing machine readable binary data. The emulation system further comprises an emulator controller configured to receive the synchronization clock signal from the first computing device. The emulation system further comprises a memory port controller configured to initiate transfer of the machine readable binary data from the first non-transitory machine-readable memory buffer to a non-transitory machine-readable hardware memory, in response to receiving the synchronization clock signal from the emulator controller, during a latency period of the synchronization clock signal.

Abstract: A system and methods of securely storing biological samples prior to the secure transportation of the biological and/or biohazardous specimens to a depository where the system can determine the locations and pickup times of the couriers transporting the enclosures from the storage unit to the depository.

Abstract: Introduced is a technology for withdrawing cash from a cash transaction machine (CTM) by use of a mobile payment application installed on a mobile device of a consumer user (“the CTM technology”). Briefly described, the CTM technology enables a consumer user to identify one or more CTMs from which to withdraw cash by using his/her mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) as a “virtual” card. A particular CTM can be a conventional ATM or a POS system at a merchant's place of business. The user can use a mobile payment application installed on the user's mobile device to identify any nearby CTMs, request a withdrawal amount from a particular CTM from the identified nearby CTMs, receive a transaction code specific to that particular CTM, and physically obtain, or collect, the cash representative of the withdrawal amount at that particular CTM using the transaction code.

Abstract: An increase in communication traffic at the time of transmission of commands of controlling power consumption of individual buildings can be suppressed so as to be low.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for distributing luggage among a plurality of outlet ports of a luggage distribution unit is provided. The method includes associating, using a processor system, a passenger key and a luggage identification (ID) device of a luggage unit, and assigning, using the processor system, the luggage ID device to a dispensing unit based at least in part on a determination of a desired distribution of luggage units among the plurality of outlet ports. The method also includes detecting a location of the passenger key, providing a status of the luggage ID device of the luggage unit, and signaling the presence of the luggage ID device and the luggage unit at the dispensing unit. The method includes receiving the association to access the at least one luggage unit, and releasing the luggage unit responsive to receiving the association.

Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising a DC power supply for supplying DC power to a device having a universal electric motor configured to operate on AC power. The system is configured to have a first authorization component associated with the device and second authorization component associated with the DC power supply so that DC power is supplied to device, or is continued to be supplied to the device, only when the first and second authorization components operatively engage.

Abstract: A pickup location that includes a control station and one or more storage compartment modules provides the ability for items to be ordered and delivered for pickup by a user without having to pack those items in a shipping package prior to shipping from a materials handling facility. Delivering items for pickup by a user without having to package the items prior to shipping, may provide a better experience for the customer, reduce waste in packaging material and a lower cost of delivering the ordered items to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heavy freight train marshalling device and marshalling method, and an electronically controlled pneumatic brake system; the latitude and longitude data of the carriage control unit is acquired by a Beidou positioning module; the first-vehicle state data of the carriage control unit is acquired by detecting a first-vehicle identification terminal; and, the carriage control units only need to transmit the acquired location data and the first-vehicle state data to the HEU via communication modules. Accordingly, the number of communication messages between the carriage control units and the HEU is decreased, the complicated process of connecting the carriage control units to or disconnecting the carriage control units from a switchable load is omitted, the marshalling time is shortened, and the complexity of marshalling is reduced.

Abstract: An intuitive dashboard framework for creating, managing and publishing a collection of visualization gadgets for critical environments. It may further reveal intelligent gadgets to visualize critical environmental data in wet chemistry laboratories, and a healthcare and life science environment that are easy to configure, customize and deploy for a web dashboard presentation.

Abstract: An actuator in an HVAC system includes a housing, a motor, a hub configured to receive a shaft, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to operate the actuator in at least a first speed mode and a second speed mode that is faster than the first speed mode. The processing circuit is further configured to perform a calibration process for the actuator. The calibration process includes temporarily shifting the actuator from the first speed mode to the second speed mode and driving the shaft through a predetermined sequence of positions with the actuator in the second speed mode.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus having a near field wireless communication function can display a screen including an icon representing the near field wireless communication function, and set, as a setting about the near field wireless communication function, one of an ON setting for enabling the near field wireless communication function and an OFF setting for disabling the near field wireless communication function. If a user operates the icon on the screen, it is determined whether the ON setting or the OFF setting has been set, and a message based on a result of the determination is displayed.

Abstract: An example method for transmitting wireless power is provided, the method including: transmitting a first plurality of power transmission waves such that each of the transmission waves interferes constructively with other power transmission waves in the first plurality of power transmission waves to form controlled constructive interference at a first location having a receiver. The method also includes transmitting a second plurality of power transmission waves such that each of the second plurality of power tranmission waves interferes destructively with other power transmission waves in the second plurality of power transmission waves to form controlled destructive interference at a second location without any receiver. The method further includes receiving a communication signal from the receiver, and adjusting a phase or a gain and phase of at least one power transmission wave in each of the first plurality and the second plurality of power transmission waves based upon the communication signal.

Abstract: An actuator/sensor device (1) includes: at least one actuator (3) controlled by a control signal and at least one sensor (5) transmitting an acquisition signal, the actuator (3) and the sensor (5) being integrated into the same component; an actuator/sensor pin (8) connecting a terminal of the actuator (3) and an output of the sensor (5) to the same single electrical wire (9) external to the actuator/sensor device (1); and switching elements adapted to cause either the control signal in a control phase (19) or the sensor information in an acquisition phase (21) to be sent on the electrical wire (9).

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products for interactive deliveries are provided. For an upcoming service point that is associated with a service point device, it is determined whether the item to be delivered to the service point is within an activation zone for activating the service point device. Responsive to determining that the item is within the activation zone, the service point device is remotely activated. Remotely activating the service point device triggers dynamical provision of an alert interface. An indication of user interaction via the user interface indicating availability of the user to receive the item is received. A notification of the indication of the user interaction is provided. If the notification indicates that the individual is available to receive the item at the service point, the item is delivered to or picked-up from the service point.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth technology). The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device. Accordingly, the embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a transmitted signal containing an object identifier at multiple dispersed antennas, and utilizing inverse Kriging to identify a probable location of each object within a reception area. An object being tracked may detect an event, generate a communication indicative of the event and an object identifier, and transmit the communication to multiple receivers to identify a location of the object.

Abstract: Diversity receiver front end system with variable-gain amplifiers. A receiving system can include a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of a plurality of paths between an input of a first multiplexer and an output of a second multiplexer. The receiving system can further include a plurality of bandpass filters, each one of the plurality of bandpass filters disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to filter a signal received at the bandpass filter to a respective frequency band. The receiving system can further include a plurality of variable-gain amplifiers (VGAs), each one of the plurality of VGAs disposed along a corresponding one of the plurality of paths and configured to amplify a signal received at the VGA with a gain controlled by an amplifier control signal received from the controller.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) automatic vehicle identification (AVI) system configured to mitigate signal interference, the system comprising a plurality of RFID readers, comprising a first RFID reader and a second RFID reader; and a plurality of antennas, wherein a first antenna is connected to the first RFID reader and a second antenna is connected to the second RFID reader. Prior to the first RFID reader transmitting a signal through the first antenna, the first RFID reader samples a received radio frequency (RF) signal from the first antenna, and if the received RF signal meets predetermined strength and frequency criteria, the first RFID reader inhibits transmission of the signal through the first antenna.

Abstract: In order to support a user operation in a system cooperation function using wireless communication, an information processing system includes an image processing apparatus with an image scanning unit and a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal performs wireless communication with the image processing apparatus; identifies a distance from the image processing apparatus based on the wireless communication; displays a screen used to accept a user operation; and controls an image scanning operation by the image scanning unit in cooperation with the image processing apparatus. If the distance is less than a predetermined distance, the mobile terminal displays a first screen that prompts a first scanning method, and if the distance is not less than the predetermined distance, the mobile terminal displays a second screen that prompts a second scanning method different from the first scanning method.

Abstract: A method and a read/write device for selecting at least one wireless data medium from a number of detected wireless data media that are RFID transponders, wherein the data media are registered in a detection area of a read/write device via a plurality of detection cycles, at least one receive parameter is recorded for each of the detected data media, and at least one data medium of the data media is selected based on an evaluation of the recorded receive parameters, a plurality of detection cycles are performed at different antenna polarizations, at least one receive parameter is recorded at each of utilized antenna polarizations for the detected data media, and at least one of the detected data media is selected in each case based on a statistical evaluation of the receive parameters recorded in the different antenna polarizations.

Abstract: AT commands are used for controlling Mobile Termination (MT) functions and GSM/UMTS network services from a Terminal Equipment (TE) through Terminal Adaptor (TA). 3GPP introduces multiple backoff timers and barring to solve network congestion problem. However, a TE does not know the timer value and the barring status. In accordance with one novel aspect, a new AT command interface that can respond timer value and barring status to the TE is proposed. It reduces wasteful retries and saves power consumption of the TE. Through the new AT command interface, the TE can query backoff timer status. Via unsolicited result code (URC), the MT can detect backoff timer status change and report updated backoff timer status to the TE.

Abstract: An article management system according to the present invention includes: a reader antenna (102) including an open-type transmission line terminated in an impedance matched state; an RF tag (104) that is placed at a location that is electromagnetically coupled to the reader antenna (102) and is visible from the reader antenna (102) in a state where a management target article (105) is placed in the vicinity of the RF tag; a management target article arrangement region in which the management target article (105) is placed, the management target article arrangement region being set in a location where the management target article (105) is electromagnetically coupled to a tag antenna of the RF tag (104); and an RFID reader (103) that sends a transmitted signal to the reader antenna (102) and receives a response signal output from the tag antenna via the reader antenna (102).

Abstract: A transportable container is enabled with radio frequency identification (“RFID”) technologies to maintain automated inventory levels of those items that are inside the container. The inventory data is communicated via wireless methods, such as cellular or Wi-Fi, to a remote device such as enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. The ERP system may use the inventory data received from the remote device to automatically update appropriately and generate appropriate records (e.g., container inventory, restocking, invoicing, etc.). In some embodiments, automated RFID scans are triggered when the container is opened and subsequently closed. The container may include RF containment/screening to prevent inadvertent scanning of RFID tags outside of the container. The container may also include a location device to allow the location of the container to be readily determined.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first communication unit, an image processing unit, and an authentication unit. The first communication unit performs contactless communication using a radio-frequency identification (RFID). The second communication unit performs wireless communication. The image processing unit performs an image processing job. The authentication unit authenticates a user of the image processing apparatus. In a case where the authentication unit authenticates a user, the second communication unit starts the wireless communication with an external apparatus which has been identified by an identification (ID) communicated from the external apparatus. The image processing unit performs the image processing job using the wireless communication between the second communication unit and the external apparatus.

Abstract: A system and methods of securely storing biological samples prior to the secure transportation of the biological and/or biohazardous specimens to a depository where the system can determine the locations and pickup times of the couriers transporting the enclosures from the storage unit to the depository.

Abstract: A reagent container carrier structure for holding at least one reagent container, wherein the carrier structure has thereon an RFID assembly and an optically detectable definition pattern defining an orientation of the carrier structure, is disclosed. The reagent container carrier structure may have an orientation identification label that has a front surface and a back surface, and further include an RFID assembly positioned on the back surface, and an optically detectable definition pattern defining an orientation of the label on the front surface. A reader module for reading RFID data in combination with optically detectable data defining an orientation of a respective label is also disclosed.

Abstract: Communicating with verified data includes receiving a request with a first device where the request is addressed to a register within the first device and sending a response with the first device to a second device where the response includes an address of the register.

Abstract: A tag includes an integrated circuit thereon, including memory, antenna means for RF transmission of data acquired by the integrated circuit, a sensor sensing environmental conditions to which the sensor is subjected, the sensor providing signals based on the environmental conditions to the integrated circuit, a thermistor device of increasing the accuracy of the tag by confining on-board calculation data to a resistance domain and leaving conversion of the data to a temperature domain for an external device once the data is retrieved from the tag's memory.

Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a system and method for remote monitoring of a subject wearing a sports helmet. In one aspect, the system includes a safety helmet and a sensor integrated with the helmet for continuously gathering head acceleration force data, the head acceleration force data associated with the head movements of a subject. The system also includes a wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor for transmitting the head acceleration force data and a mobile device for receiving the head acceleration force data from the wireless transceiver. The system further includes a database engine for displaying the head acceleration force data to a user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprise at least one data processing element with slow response (5), wherein the method controls the at least one reader (1) to continuously communicate with one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5). The invention further relates to a RFID system comprising at least one reader (1) and a plurality of wireless data carriers (2), each of which comprises at least one slow response element (5), wherein the system is capable to continuously communicate with at least one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2), while at least another one of the plurality of wireless data carriers (2) is processing data with its at least one slow response element (5).

Abstract: Provided are an anti-collision system and method which address the mobility of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. An RFID reader may transmit an identification start command to identify a plurality of RFID tags in an identification area of the RFID reader. The RFID tags compare the number of collisions of each RFID tag receiving the identification start command with a collision threshold Cth and attempt to be identified in a binary tree section of a frame or in a framed slotted ALOHA (FSA) section of the frame based on the comparison.

Abstract: Provided are a terminal having a radio frequency identification (RFID) function and a method of processing information of the terminal for allowing intuitive interaction between a screen manipulation and an RFID manipulation with respect to using an RFID related service. The method of processing the information of the terminal including a screen and an RFID recognition unit, includes detecting a screen area corresponding to a position of the RFID recognition unit disposed at a predetermined position of the screen; displaying an RFID icon at a position of the detected screen area; recording information in an RFID tag based on the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon, and recognizing the information from the RFID tag the RFID tag contacting the RFID icon.

Abstract: In one aspect where a load or a subset of one or more tags is in motion relative to an RFID reader system, the RFID system obtains tag readings and derives tag scalar or vector motional data e.g. tag velocity, tag acceleration, and/or rate of change of tag acceleration which can be compared to known tag motional information to distinguish true tags of interest from false positives which are unavoidably also within the field of the reader system. An antenna system may also make readings during distinctive movement patterns of true tags, such as vertical or arcuate movement and utilize computed tag motional data based on the tag readings to distinguish true tags from false positives. Two components of the RFID system may communicate information on identified tags, and/or interact (e.g. by silencing tags), so as to cooperate in identifying true positive tags.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention allow for dynamic selection and query of different types of RFID tags into a session. Embodiments of the present invention also allow for dynamic activation of different types of RFID tags. In certain embodiments of the invention, an inclusive operation is performed on the RFID tags and in other embodiments an exclusive operation is performed.

Abstract: A system to multiplex antennas for radio-frequency communication uses one or more antenna shorting circuits to selectively enable RF communication via one of a plurality of antenna matching networks. The system is cost-efficient compared to alternatives. The RF communication includes read and/or read/write communication with, e.g., radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.

Abstract: A system and method monitor skier behavior. An identifier is read from a lift access product when the lift access product is in the vicinity of a lift boarding area and a scan record containing the identifier, location information of the lift boarding area and a time stamp if generated. The scan record is processed to generate a location event record that is stored within a location database. The location database is processed to determine skier behavior based upon the location event records.

Abstract: A reader for communicating with both an eye-mountable device and a display device is provided. The reader can transmit radio frequency power to a tag that is part of the eye-mountable device. The reader can communicates with the tag using a first protocol. Communicating with the tag can include having the reader request data from the tag and receive the requested data from the tag. The reader can process the received data. The reader can store the processed data. The reader can communicates with the display device using a second protocol, where the first and second protocols can differ. Communicating with the display device can include having the reader transmit the stored data to the display device. The display device can receive the transmitted data, process the transmitted data, and generate one or more displays including the transmitted and/or processed data.

Abstract: An archive apparatus is provided for storing and archiving laboratory samples including radio frequency identification means. The apparatus comprises a support structure or cabinet (4), a drawer (6) translatable in a translation direction (12) into and out of the support structure (4), and sample support means comprising ribs (8) associated with the drawer (6) for supporting an array (10) of samples or slides (20) spaced along the translation direction (12) for movement with the drawer (6). A radio frequency reader antenna (14) is connected to the support structure (4) adjacent to the drawer (6) and recording means (34, 38) are adapted to operatively communicate with the reader antenna (14) to store information obtained from the radio frequency identification means of laboratory samples or slides (20) supported by the drawer (6).

Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) multiplexer, which may be in a network, interprets an RF signal from an RFED reader as RFE) tag interrogation data. A single cable directs an RF signal from the RFID reader and RF control signals and/or RF power through the multiplexer. An RF sampler may be coupled to the cable; and an RF detector detects the RF signal from the cable via the RF sampler. A data decoder decodes and interprets the RF signal as the RFID tag interrogation data and forwards the RFID tag interrogation data to a control logic circuit as a MUX channel-change command. The logic circuit and decoder may be combined in a microcontroller, and an RF backscatter modulator coupled to the cable enables reverse communication with the RFID reader to determine whether another RFID multiplexer is coupled to the RFID multiplexer.

Abstract: An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.

Abstract: A wireless communication device according to embodiments includes a position detection unit configured to detect the position of the wireless communication medium in a moving path, and a control unit configured to control communication based on the detection signal from the position detection unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an IC card includes a communication module, a first command processing module, a determining module, a second command processing module, a response processing module. The first command processing module performs a process corresponding to a first command received from the external device. The determining module determines whether a second command is contained in a data portion of the first command. The second command processing module performs a process corresponding to the second command if the determining module determines that the second command is contained in the data portion of the first command. The response processing module sets a processing result of the second command executed by the second command processing module in the data portion of the response indicating a processing result of the first command executed by the first command processing module and transmit the same to the external device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for detecting and re-personalizing are provided herein. In an embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining an ID (i.e., an identification, such as a Dynamic Unique Identifier) from a RFID tag, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to the RFID tag. The ID read from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database. If the write of the new ID to the tag is verified, then database changes are committed to link the new ID to the subject. In an alternative embodiment, the invention operates by obtaining data from a memory of a RFID tag, wherein the memory has a first partition and a second partition, generating a new ID, and writing the new ID to either of the first partition or the second partition of the RFID tag. If such write is verified, then the new ID is written to the other partition of the RFID tag. The data from the tag is used to lookup a subject's record in a database.

Abstract: A power management system is disclosed in which ESL labels communicate with a server through a base station. The frequency and times at which each ESL label communicates with the server is optimized for the minimum communication necessary to provide up to date pricing and related information, and to simultaneously minimize consumed battery power for the ESL labels. The base stations and servers for the system are preferably operated from hard wired power.