Abstract: A wireless switching apparatus is provided for three-way switching at least one energy load with an AC power source. The apparatus comprises a relay controlled by a controller. The controller is also connected to both a toggle and a wireless transceiver. A remote wireless transceiver unit is in communication with the wireless transceiver. The controller operates the relay for making and breaking electrical continuity between the energy load and an AC power source in response to a change in the state of either toggle or wireless signals received from the remote wireless transmitting unit. Control of the energy load using a combined system comprising an energy monitoring device operatively coupled to the apparatus is also provided. Methods are provided for retrofitting conventional receptacles and switches with the wireless switching apparatus.

Abstract: A lighting system and method for providing a particular lighting pattern from a predetermined set of lighting patterns are disclosed. The system comprises a presence detector for detecting a presence of a person in an area, a timer for measuring a duration of the presence, a pattern selector for selecting the particular lighting pattern from the predetermined set of lighting patterns based on the presence and the duration, and a plurality of adjustable light sources for applying the particular lighting pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing connection of devices to a wireless network using out-of-band communications.

Abstract: A mobile terminal circuit for transmitting radio frequency identification (RFID) data to an RFID reader. The mobile terminal circuit comprises an antenna for communication with the RFID reader; a memory portion for storing RFID data together with mobile terminal protocol data; a codec for encoding the RFID data into RFID codec data; a modulator connected to the codec, for modulating the RFID codec data into RFID modulation data; a processor connected to the memory portion, for extracting RFID data stored in the memory portion and delivering the extracted RFID data to the codec; a detector connected to the antenna and the processor, for informing the processor of approach of the RFID reader; a first clock generator connected to the processor and the memory portion, for providing operation timing to the processor and the memory portion; and a second clock generator connected to the first clock generator, the codec and the modulator, for providing operation timing to the codec and the modulator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new data collection method employed by a middle layer between the host and the equipment, which improves the speed and consistency of data collection. The middle layer incorporated with the proposed data collection method functions as a data format converter as well as a data processor/classifier, which helps to filter and format messages before delivering data to the host or equipment. The proposed data collection method enables the middle layer to perform local reply, local data sampling, and group data polling, thus relieving processing resources of both the equipment and the host. This allows implementation of APC on older wafer fabrication processes using old equipment.

Abstract: Interactive radio frequency tags that are responsive to external stimuli to change state are disclosed. The tags preferably include a passive radio frequency transponder, having an antenna, an interface for receiving an external stimulus, and one or more integrated circuits responsive to the external stimulus received at the interface to change the state of the transponder. Also disclosed is a “sensor tag” which changes state in response to a particular environmental stimulus. In addition, either of these “button” or “sensor” features may be combined with an output feature which visually, audibly, tactilely or otherwise signals the state or change of state of an RF tag, or the tag may be designed to produce an output in response to the external stimulus of the RF signal received at the tag's antenna.

Abstract: A method provides for real-time asset location tracking. An asset in a wide area network, be it a utilities network or a communication network, registers itself with a network management center. The registration process includes identification of a physical location of the asset usable for mapping and tracking the asset.

Abstract: A method and RFID tag for locating RFID tags. A passive RFID tag A receives a polling command transmitted from a RFID reader and addressed to another passive RFID tag B. The RFID tag A determines that the polling command is not addressed to the RFID tag A and consequently, at time t1, switches the REID tag A to a catching mode for catching echos from other tags. The RFID tag A receives at time t3>t1 an echo of a message sent by the RFID tag B to the RFID reader. The RFID tag A determines a distance (D.t2t) between the RFID tag A and the RFID tag B based on t3 minus t1. The distance D.t2t does not exceed a specified radius limit and the identification of the RFID tag B and the distance D.t2t are stored in a database within the RFID tag A.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a redundant network and communication protocol at least including host computers, RF base stations, and roaming terminals. The network may utilize a polling communication protocol such that under heavy traffic conditions, a roaming terminal wishing to initiate communication may be required to determine whether the channel is clear by listening for an entire interpoll gap time. When a hidden terminal is communicating, the roaming terminal may conclude that the communication is taking place upon receiving a polling frame directed to the hidden terminal from the normally silent base station. Inherent redundancy techniques may be used with a spanning tree approach for determining the most efficient pathways from a source to a destination and ensuring that the network adapts to spatial changes or breakdowns within the network.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a redundant network and communication protocol at least including host computers, RF base stations, and roaming terminals. The network may utilize a polling communication protocol such that under heavy traffic conditions, a roaming terminal wishing to initiate communication may be required to determine whether the channel is clear by listening for an entire interpoll gap time. When a hidden terminal is communicating, the roaming terminal may conclude that the communication is taking place upon receiving a polling frame directed to the hidden terminal from the normally silent base station. Inherent redundancy techniques may be used with a spanning tree approach for determining the most efficient pathways from a source to a destination and ensuring that the network adapts to spatial changes or breakdowns within the network.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of handling items such as files are disclosed, including systems and methods for polling RFID-tagged items while they are stored in storage areas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a controlling and/or monitoring device, comprising a plurality of peripherals (Pa, Pb, Pc, Pn), a central control unit (4) and a communication network (5) connecting the central unit (4) to the various peripherals (Pa, Pb, Pc, Pn). The central control unit (4) comprises one or two transmission controllers (41, 42) connected to the various peripherals through a transmission channel (50), each transmission controller (41, 42) comparing context codes (Ka, Kb, Kc, Kn) received from the peripherals with stored reference codes (Ra, Rb, Rc, Rn) to set a security circuit (6) in a security configuration or in a fault configuration, depending on whether or not the compared codes show identical one-to-one correspondence.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: A communication protocol for a lighting control system having a plurality of control devices coupled to a communication link uses a polling technique to coordinate the transmission of digital messages between the control devices. When the control devices are powered up, one of the control devices is established as a “master” device. During normal operation, the master device transmits a standard poll message to each of the control devices in succession using a unique semi-permanent Poll ID for each of the control devices. The master device periodically transmits a Poll-ID-Request poll message to the control devices allow those devices that do not have a Poll ID to request a Poll ID. If a control device determines either that the master device is not transmitting poll messages to it, or that another control device has the same Poll ID, the control device drops its Poll ID and acquires another Poll ID.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a redundant network and communication protocol at least including host computers, RF base stations, and roaming terminals. The network may utilize a polling communication protocol such that under heavy traffic conditions, a roaming terminal wishing to initiate communication may be required to determine whether the channel is clear by listening for an entire interpoll gap time. When a hidden terminal is communicating, the roaming terminal may conclude that the communication is taking place upon receiving a polling frame directed to the hidden terminal from the normally silent base station. Inherent redundancy techniques may be used with a spanning tree approach for determining the most efficient pathways from a source to a destination and ensuring that the network adapts to spatial changes or breakdowns within the network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of information exchange between an interrogator device and a plurality of transponder devices are disclosed. Each of the transponder devices is equipped with a different binary identification code and is located in the magnetic field of the interrogator device, consisting in modifying the duration of the signals and/or the waveform of the signals transmitted by each transponder device according to the ratio between the signal transmitted by the transponder device and the ambient electromagnetic noise.

Abstract: A method for identifying objects within a set of objects includes the steps of transmitting a signal toward a region of interest, receiving energy reflected from the region of interest, establishing a baseline field strength for the received reflected energy, determining at least one frequency at which the field strength substantially differs from the baseline field strength for the received reflected energy, and identifying at least one object within the region of interest based upon the determined at least one frequency.

Abstract: A “super-fast” polling method for electrical meters for outage detection. In response to a query, a large group of electric meters (M) all simultaneously transmit reply signals over an electrical distribution network using TWACS®. The signals are separated by an inbound detector (IB) at a receiving end of the network. This allows a very large number of meters to be polled in a very short period of time to determine whether or not an outage has occurred at the location of each meter. Each meter transmits a bit pattern, and bit patterns are designed so a group of meter units can transmit their patterns simultaneously over a power line (L) to the inbound detector. The presence or absence of a bit pattern in the received signal conveys the presence or absence of the associated meter in the system. The ability to transmit multiple bit patterns in parallel requires that they be orthogonal to each other. The Hadamard matrices are a class of matrices whose rows could be used as a set of bit patterns.

Abstract: A master entity is capable of broadcasting commands to slaves which move to another state when they satisfy a primitive condition specified in the command. By moving slaves among three sets, a desired subset of slaves can be isolated in one of the sets. This desired subset of slaves ten can be moved to one of the states that is unaffected by commands that cause the selection of other desirable subsets of slaves. In the incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,547 and 5,673,037, certain subgroups of radio frequency tags are selected for querying, communicating, and/or identifying by commands from a base station.

Abstract: For transmitting data, a receiving/backscattering arrangement receives, modulates and reflects or backscatters electromagnetic waves emitted by a base station. The modulation corresponds to the data to be transmitted and is carried out selectively using first and/or second different modulation methods depending on the received field strength of the received electromagnetic waves. Preferably, phase shift keying is used especially or at least at low field strengths at far range, while amplitude shift keying is used additionally or alternatively for high field strengths at close range. The two modulation methods can be superimposed. A circuit arrangement includes two different modulator arrangements to perform the two modulation methods depending on the received field strength. The second modulator arrangement preferably comprises a multi-stage voltage multiplier circuit with a modulated switching device intervening in one of the stages to achieve the modulation.

Abstract: A home network system for controlling one or more home appliances connected to a network and a method for operating the same. If an alive message or a connection termination message is normally generated from the home appliance, or if the alive message or the connection termination message is not normally transmitted to a network manager due to a transmission failure in a communication path, the network manager automatically recognizes a network connection state of the home appliance using a network search process, performs a connection termination operation according to the recognized information, and updates network information, resulting in increased reliability and user's convenience of the home network system.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The system includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with a large number of sensors. When one or more of the sensors detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet, etc. In one embodiment, one or more wireless repeaters are used between the sensors and the base unit to extend the range of the system and to allow the base unit to communicate with a larger number of sensors.

Abstract: In the case where close range wireless communication is performed among a plurality of communication devices, when a predetermined connection operation is performed in a first communication device 10a, an inquiry message is wirelessly transmitted in order to discover a device to be connected by the wireless communication after restricting a transmissible distance to a close range; when a predetermined standby operation is performed in a second communication device 10b, the inquiry message is received and a response message to the received inquiry message is wirelessly transmitted; and when the response message is received, the first communication device 10a performs the connection processing with respect to the second communication device 10b.

Abstract: A method and a system is disclosed for providing quality of service (QoS)-driven channel access within a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless network. A contention control (CC) frame is sent from a point coordinator (PC) station of the BSS. The CC frame contains information relating to a number of available centralized contention opportunities (CCOs) for receiving a reservation request (RR) in a centralized contention interval (CCI) following the CC frame. The CC frame also contains information relating to the identification of stations from which an RR was successfully received by the PC station in a preceding CCI. The CC frame is sent by the PC station during a contention-free period (CFP) of a superframe. The superframe includes a contention-free period (CFP) and a contention period (CP). The CC frame is received at a non-PC station in the BSS. An RR is then sent in a selected one of the available CCOs in the CCI in response to the received CC frame.

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for providing quality of service (QoS)-driven channel access within a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless network. A point coordinator (PC) station determines whether at least one of upstream traffic and side-stream traffic is scheduled to be transmitted from at least one non-PC station At least one available TO is allocated to each selected non-PC having at least one traffic to transmit. A multipoll frame containing information relating to at least two allocated TOs is then sent from the PC station containing information relating to each allocated TO.

Abstract: A data transmission method in which a transmission request is forwarded from a host apparatus to a terminal apparatus. When receiving the transmission request, the terminal apparatus forwards as communication request to the host apparatus. In this communication request, a timer value of a system timer included in the terminal apparatus is incorporated. Having received the communication request including the timer value, the host apparatus establishes an ID for the terminal apparatus according to the timer value. Then, the host apparatus conducts polling for collecting data from the terminal apparatus using the established ID.

Abstract: A system for the control and monitoring of electronic sanitary appliances with a command level, an automation level and a field level. The automation level includes automation stations (1) which are each connected by a field bus (2) with several sanitary appliances (A, B, C, D, E). At least one radio station (4) is provided which communicates via a connected line with the appropriate automation station (1). The radio station (4) is in connection with at least one part (C, D) of the several sanitary appliances by means of a wireless data transmission path.

Abstract: In a control network system of household electric appliances, particularly, an each introduction of a household electric appliance thereto does not cause a change in the means of acquiring operation data by a controller, and the electric power consumption of a controller is made less. A home network system is simplified and made efficient. As a means for the above, an accessible device in a common manner to household electric appliances is incorporated into a controller by object processing using communications middlewares, and a device for linked operations is incorporated into household electric appliances. Then, it is noted that each household electric appliance needs a specific kind of another appliance and operation data thereof.

Abstract: A master entity is capable of broadcasting commands to a plurality of three-state-selection machine slaves. Transitions from one state to another are effected on instruction from commands in a sequence of commands broadcast from the master. Slaves move to another state when they satisfy a primitive condition specified in the command. By moving slaves among the three sets, a desired subset of slaves can be isolated in one of the sets. This desired subset of slaves then can be moved to one of the states that is unaffected by commands that cause the selection of other desirable subsets of slaves.

Abstract: In a security system that has a large number of individually-addressable modules interconnected on a data bus to a control panel, a method of concurrently supervising the modules by first configuring each module with a unique zone number including a group number and a module number. During operation, the control panel initiates a group supervision poll sequence for each group number by transmitting a group poll command including a group number data field populated by the group number currently being polled. If a module is part of the group being polled, then it sets a discrete bit appended to a group poll response message that logically corresponds to the module number for that module. The control panel then determines if any bit in the group poll response message has not been set, and then issues a unit poll sequence addressed to a module that corresponds to any such bit not determined to have been set in the group poll response message.

Abstract: A system for controlling and/or regulating operational sequences in a motor vehicle having several equal-access control units for controlling and/or regulating certain functions in the motor vehicle. Control units each have a volatile memory, and a nonvolatile memory in which a loading routine is included. They are connected to one another via a time-controlled communications system.

Abstract: The invention can enable the position (i.e., location and/or orientation) of one or more untethered objects to be tracked. One or more transmitters, each of which has a fixed and known positional relationship to a corresponding object, each emit a sequence of position tracking signals. Each transmitter can emit a unique, identifiable position tracking signal so that the transmitter (and the object to which the transmitter is coupled) from which a signal was emitted can be identified, thereby enabling the position of multiple objects to be tracked. Multiple receivers receive the position tracking signals emitted by each transmitter. The receivers record the times at which signals are received. These recorded times can be communicated to a controller, which can determine from the recorded times the location of each object at a time that a position tracking signal was emitted from the corresponding transmitter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a redundant network and communication protocol at least including host computers, RF base stations, and roaming terminals. The network may utilize a polling communication protocol such that under heavy traffic conditions, a roaming terminal wishing to initiate communication may be required to determine whether the channel is clear by listening for an entire interpoll gap time. When a hidden terminal is communicating, the roaming terminal may conclude that the communication is taking place upon receiving a polling frame directed to the hidden terminal from the normally silent base station. Inherent redundancy techniques may be used with a spanning tree approach for determining the most efficient pathways from a source to a destination and ensuring that the network adapts to spatial changes or breakdowns within the network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for reading a dynamic set of tags present in the electromagnetic field of a polling device, consisting in updating cyclically a list of tags present in the electromagnetic field and minimizing the time for checking the presence of tags already identified, by assigning to each of these tags a sequence number whose binary size is significantly smaller than that of the ID code and that allows to realize a “call” of the tags present by enumeration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic control unit for a motor vehicle with a plurality of data networks and an electronic immobilizer. The control unit according to the invention is configured both as a vehicle-end control section for the electronic immobilizer and as a gateway between at least two of the data networks. At least one component of the gateway also serves as a component of the vehicle-end control section for the electronic immobilizer. Preferably, there is common use of components of the gateway for the immobilizer function such that, in addition to the normal vehicle-end immobilizer control section, a further, redundant vehicle-end immobilizer control section, is formed, which significantly reduces the failure rate of the immobilizer.

Abstract: A process to determine malfunctioning detectors in a danger signaling system having a control center and at least two-wire signaling line joined to multiplicity of detectors.

Abstract: A system which enables the position of each plurality of mobile labelled objects in a specified environment to be determined from the transit times to fixed receivers of ultrasound energy transmitted by object mounted transponders which are triggered by radio energy, wherein the specified environment is divided into cells each have a radio transmitter transmitting the radio triggered signals, these radio transmissions being multiplexed in accordance with identifying characteristics of the respective cells, no two cells with the same identifying characteristics overlapping one another.

Abstract: A technique is provided for verifying network connectivity between a medical diagnostic system and a remote service facility. The remote service facility is contactable at will by the subscribing system to request service, information, technical assistance, and so forth, while the service facility may also contact the subscribing system for acquisition of data, transmission of service messages, protocols, and so forth. In the connectivity verification sequence, a subscribing system is selected by the service facility and a network connection is established. A message is transmitted to the system provoking software at the system to re-establish the network connection from the system side. Two-way connectivity is thereby verified. Mobile systems may be configured to contact the service facility at their own initiation, and exchange data for permitting the service facility to re-contact the mobile system.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking unit may include a vehicle position determining device, a wireless communications device, and a controller. The controller may cooperate with the vehicle position determining device and the wireless communications device to send vehicle position information to a monitoring station based upon receiving an activation signal via a communications network. Furthermore, the controller may selectively cause the vehicle tracking unit to be in a low power mode to conserve power. Also, the controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device to intermittently awaken the vehicle tracking unit from the low power mode to poll the communications network to thereby determine whether the activation signal has been directed to the vehicle tracking unit.

Abstract: A system which enables the position of each of a plurality of movable labelled objects to be determined in an environment having two or more isolated zones, wherein the objects carry transponders which, in response to encoded radio signals, transmit ultrasonic signals of which the transit times to a plurality of fixed receivers are determined, the transponders in the different zones being triggered in a common timeslot but in staggered relationship for one zone as compared to another, and an algorithm is applied to verify the consistency of the transit times having regard to the possible movements of objects from one zone to another.

Abstract: A utility distribution system is provided for modular furniture of the type comprising individual furniture units which are juxtaposed to form one or more workstations. A signal conductor is positioned in each furniture unit, and extends generally between opposite sides thereof. Quick-disconnect connectors are provided at the opposite ends of each of the signal conductors, and mate with like quick-disconnect connectors in adjacent furniture units to create a communications network through the workstations. Each furniture unit has a signaler physically associated therewith, which is connected with an associated signal conductor at a coupler. A network controller is operable connected to the network to evaluate the network and/or the associated furniture units. The furniture units may be equipped with one or more utility ports, which are connected with the coupler, and service utility appliances, such as personal computers, telephones, facsimile machines, switches, power outlets, data receptacles, and the like.

Abstract: A system for determining the position of a labelled object within an environment containing a plurality of detectors sensitive to energy of a first type and located at known positions therearound, wherein the object has a transmitter for transmitting energy of the first type, and each object is labelled by means of a receiver forming part of a communication link with a remote controlling transmitter for triggering the object-mounted transmitter. The transit time between the transmitter and each detector is used to determine the straight line distances between the object and the receivers, to enable the position of the object relative to the receivers to be determined. The arrival and departure of an object into and from the environment is determined by a second communication link from a second transmitter on each object, to a remote receiver. The two communication links may be combined in a bi-directional radio communication system.

Abstract: An electrical power control system is adapted for controlling power and lighting in a building. Switch controls have either relays or triacs, controlled by microprocessors, to switch power on electrical branch circuits. An interface device 122 communicates with the switches 124,126, arranged in a multidrop configuration, with variable length data packets over serial branch circuits or data buses 142. In addition to being controlled by the interface device 122, the switch controls also have local switch actuators. The actuation of the local switch controls can be used by the interface device 122 as a control inputs to initiate other actions. Adaptive polling of switch controls is used to minimize system response time, and both transmit and receive signals are carried between the switch controls and the interface device 122 at different times on the same twisted pair wires. The interface device 122 can also communicate with a home automation system controller.

Abstract: An automatic addressing technique for flexibility specifying the individual physical addresses of a plurality of devices coupled to an information bus. An anchor pattern is applied to an address bus of a plurality of address taps sufficient to uniquely specify the numbered J of devices to be attached thereto. Each device is connected to a tap on the address bus, each tap having the same number of bits. A plurality of address transform elements are serially connected to the bus, each transform element being located between adjacent tap positions. Each transform element converts the address pattern coupled to its input to another pattern capable of uniquely specifying the next address in the desired sequence. A wide variety of address sequences are available for selection, with each particular address sequence automatically determined by the related specific anchor pattern.