Abstract: A combination low voltage light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a yard wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. Outdoor lighting and sound is produced with low voltage lighting that is wired or solar powered for operation. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for presenting viewer-related programming to a particular viewer. In at least one embodiment, a wireless reader is configured to receive at least one identifier when the particular viewer is in proximity to the reader. A controller is configured to receive the identifier from the wireless reader and to associate the identifier with the particular viewer, and, upon successfully associating the wireless identifier with the particular viewer, to present the viewer-related programming associated with the particular viewer via the display or other presentation device located in proximity to the wireless reader. Viewer-related programming may including placeshifted content, viewing preferences, settings or other information as desired.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a mobile device that transmits a signal ordering the vehicle to perform an opening operation, and an in-vehicle electronic device that performs the opening operation in response to the signal. In the system, the in-vehicle electronic device includes a determination part that determines whether a manipulation mode of the mobile device should be set; and a setting part that sets the manipulation mode of the mobile device in accordance with the determination result.

Abstract: A method for updating a content of a given warning message emitted in an aircraft by a monitoring system in case of detection of a particular state of at least one monitored system of the aircraft, the method including a step of delivery of a plurality of modification information items to a selection tool, each modification information item defining a modification of a content of a warning message capable of being emitted by the monitoring system, the selection tool being capable of selecting at least one information item among the plurality of modification information items in such a way as to permit modification of the content of the given warning message.

Abstract: A remote tracking system is described that includes one or more remote tracking devices, where each remote tracking device including a cellular transceiver, a positioning system receiver, and a processor connected to the positioning system receiver and the cellular transceiver. A dedicated monitoring center is in communication with each of the remote tracking devices and includes a monitoring center application to process and store the location information and status information received from each of the at least one remote tracking device. The monitoring center also includes agents available as an initial contact point when the monitoring center application determines that attention to a particular remote tracking device is required. The system further includes a portal through which an authorized user responsible for one or more of the at least one remote tracking device can access information related to each of the remote tracking devices.

Abstract: A container seal device is provided that comprises a seal device for a shipping container, comprising a first unit that is affixed to a shipping container. A control system is contained in the first unit containing a control system. A second unit is provided that is configured to engage with an element of a door of a shipping container to which the first unit is affixed and to electrically connect with the control system in the first unit. The control system in the first unit is configured to detect a breach of the second unit indicative of access being made to the shipping container.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein that includes a presence server which is capable of notifying a watcher about a location of a person using a rich presence element in accordance with security and privacy rules specified by the person. In the preferred embodiment, the system uses a read/write RFID tag and RFID reader as well as a presence server to collect, store and distribute location information as a presence element to the watcher. To accomplish this, the user data and program carrying capability of the read/write RFID tag is used to push to the presence server not only location information but also policies and rules established by the user to control the distribution of the location information as a presence element to watchers. The location policy rules can be made and controlled by the user and/or a third party.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods using a means for wirelessly communicating, preferably a radio location-tag unit, for reporting a sensed state of a container handler. The status reporting device may include: a micro-controller module, a means for wirelessly communicating, which may include means for wirelessly determining container handler location, and a means for sensing the state of the container handler.

Abstract: A method for identifying available resources for responding to an incident is provided. The method includes receiving a communication from each of a plurality of first responders, where the communication is responsive to an incident generated request, processing each of the communications to generate a response status for each of the plurality of first responders, and sending the response status for each of the plurality of first responders to a remote program.

Abstract: A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.

Abstract: A security system comprises a control panel configured to control devices in a security system, a keypad and an arm/disarm device. The keypad is in communication with the control panel and comprises a transceiver configured to communicate with the control panel and a magnet having a magnetic field extending within a predetermined proximity of the keypad. The arm/disarm device comprises a transmitter and a switch configured to activate the transmitter when the switch is in the magnetic field. The transmitter is further configured to transmit a low power signal when activated. The transceiver is further configured to receive the low power signal and transmit a message to the control panel. The control panel is further configured to change an Armed/Disarmed Mode of the system based on the message.

Abstract: A multivariate environmental sensing system with redundant transmission pathways with a network of nodes detecting environmental conditions and processing a transmissible signal. Nodes use predetermined criteria to make periodic detections, maintaining a low power state between detections. Power is conserved by deciding whether detections are transmitted immediately, or may be stored for periodic transmission. The nodes power up and immediately transmit urgent detections, storing routine detections for delayed batch transmission. Nodes may transmit signals received from other nodes, passing along signals received from more distant nodes. Transmission may have a predetermined pattern, but the system alters this pattern if there is disruption to the system or pattern. Gateways process data from nodes and pass data to other gateways, on an immediate or deferred basis, to a control center, where data is analyzed.

Abstract: A device for controlling the brake lights in a motor vehicle having a brake system, designed to be operated by outside forces, is described. The device includes a control device for actuating the brakes of the vehicle in such a manner that an automatic braking operation can be carried out as a function of the vehicle operating conditions, and at least one brake lamp which can be actuated by the control device or by a separate control unit. The control device or the control unit may be designed in such a manner that during an automatic braking operation, the brake lamp is switched on below a predefined boundary speed, as a function of a braking pressure determined in the activated brake of the vehicle, or as a function of a parameter correlating to the braking pressure.

Abstract: Enhanced product tracking, in which a data collection interface is established between a first supply management device and a transaction database, the data collection interface providing the transaction database with access to identification data and event data, the identification data uniquely identifying a pharmaceutical, and the event data relating to a supply chain process step for the pharmaceutical. Tracking also includes receiving a tracking request for formatted identification data and/or event data from a second supply management device; and establishing a data conversion interface between the second supply management device and the identification data and/or the event data, the data conversion interface providing the second supply management device with access to the identification data and/or the event data, according to the tracking request.

Abstract: Agricultural data collection and management, such as for tracking a product in a supply chain. A data collection interface is established between a first supply management device and a transaction database, the data collection interface providing the transaction database with access to identification data and event data, the identification data uniquely identifying the product, and the event data relating to a supply chain process step for the product. A product tracking request for formatted identification data and/or event data is received from a second supply management device. A data conversion interface is established between the second supply management device, and the identification data and/or the event data, the data conversion interface providing the second supply management device with access to the identification data and/or the event data, according to the product tracking request.

Abstract: A security system for not enabling, enabling or disabling electrical devices for deterring theft, or preventing unauthorized use of such devices. The security system comprises a plurality of electrical devices which are operationally linked via a bi-directional communication medium, which may be via a mains power supply or a microwave or radiowave medium. Programmable means are provided for controlling operation of the operative parts of the electrical devices. The programmable means may have a signal transmitting and receiving means associated with it for transmitting and receiving control signals over the communication medium.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including an output unit configured to output an alarm, a memory configured to store an expandable alarm-integrated database, and a controller configured to expand the alarm-integrated database to include alarm information corresponding to an alarm feature of content added after the mobile terminal was manufactured.

Abstract: An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised, or spoiled.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tracking systems and methods for monitoring the location of an asset or group of assets. In particular, the present invention provides systems for monitoring the location of a large group of assets. Furthermore, the present invention provides systems and methods for identifying an asset within a group of assets.

Abstract: An RFID ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) that can receive and store digital data from at least one of sensors and A/D converter devices. The ASIC can include one or more of the following components as desired for a given application: a passive power/communications coupling component with antenna that couples power into the ASIC when employed as a passive device, and for facilitating communications with the device when powered; a control module that control or facilitates the control of all onboard functions; a memory for storing data (e.g., timestamp and event information) and/or programs; a clock for the generation of clock signals and in support of onboard timing requirement; and, a digital I/O interface that facilitates interfacing to digital inputs such as from sensors and/or A/D converters.

Abstract: A method and system that enables users to remotely control or manage certain vehicle features, such as emergency flashers or a remote engine start, through the use of a trigger device other than a conventional vehicle key fob. For example, a trigger device like a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a computer can be used to remotely control or activate select vehicle features. In one embodiment, short message service (SMS) messages are used to send feature commands either directly from the trigger device to the vehicle or via a call center or other message processing entity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an authentication card inserted to a portable device. The authentication card 1 is inserted (installed) in a cellular phone 30 and the authentication card 2 is inserted (installed) in a PDA 40. The authentication card 1 comprises an identification code transmission unit 10 and the authentication card 2 comprises a usage restriction cancellation unit 20. The units 10 and 20 exchange the identification code by means of wireless signal and mutually authenticate the identification code mutually. In case that the PDA 40 is moved more than the predetermined distance from the cellular phone 30 and the reception level of signal from the unit 10 received by the unit 20 is smaller than the predetermined value, or the unit 20 can not authenticate the identification code of the unit 10, the unit 20 stops transmission of the usage restriction cancellation signal to the PDA 40.

Abstract: A theft prevention system for protecting portable electronic devices is disclosed. An acceleration sensor detects the acceleration of a portable electronic device, and a controller analyzes this acceleration to determine whether a theft condition is present. If so, an alarm can be initiated. The theft prevention system can include a filter for attenuating irrelevant acceleration frequencies and isolating those representative of theft, and comparison hardware/software for determining whether the detected acceleration matches a known acceleration profile characteristic of theft. Various parameters of the theft prevention system can also be set by a user through mechanisms such as a graphical user interface.

Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The sound producing elements is an arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers oriented directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product that prevents theft of a portable information handling system and the intellectual property stored on the portable information handling system is provided based on pre-resuming activities that indicate that the computer has been stolen. A system and method detects whether a portable information handling system, such as a notebook computer, has likely been stolen in order to perform theft deterrence actions that render data stored on the portable information handling system inaccessible. When a user resumes a stopped portable information handling system, the system analyzes activities that occurred at the portable information handling system before the system was stopped. This analyzing includes comparing the activities to theft detection thresholds. If the theft detection thresholds have been reached, the system performs the theft deterrence actions rendering data stored at the portable information handling system inaccessible.

Abstract: Security system communication with a user device via electronic means, including via e-mail transmitted over the internet are provided. A security system interface receives a signal indicating an occurrence of an event, such as a fault or alarm condition, in a zone of the security system; a memory stores a user e-mail address associated with the security system and the address of a server for providing internet service, such as an ISP server; and an e-mail generator transmits to the server an e-mail message based on the event. The communication node in such a system may be integrated with the control panel of the security system. The e-mail generator can transmit the e-mail using SMTP or other TCP/IP. An attachment of the e-mail, such as a picture or an audio or video file relevant to the event or the zone may be transmitted.

Abstract: Systems, methods, or computer program products may collect information about the performance of individual RFID tags. In particular, signal strength and/or signal sensitivity of individual RFID tags may be measured and the resulting performance information may be stored in a data repository. In the data repository, the performance information for an individual tag may be associated with an identifier that is uniquely associated with the tag. In one exemplary embodiment, the performance information may be used by an on-line system configured to automatically determine the performance margin with which RFID tags are being read in an RFID system, or to automatically tune the RFID system to achieve a desired performance margin.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of communicating emergency alerts. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a multicast emergency alert message at a set-top box device via a multicast-enabled network, where the multicast emergency alert message includes data related to a location code and data related to a set-top box action. The method also includes executing the set-top box action when the location code matches location information stored at the set-top box device.

Abstract: In the system for monitoring tire pressure in a tire of a vehicle, temporally successive tire pressure measured values are sensed by a transmitting unit, and at least part of the tire pressure measured values is transmitted to a receiving unit with a variable frequency of occurrence, wherein the frequency of occurrence is derived from the sensed tire pressure measured values by means of a control unit.

Abstract: An on-vehicle controller performs smart control for transmitting a transmission request signal to a predetermined area and for unlocking a door of a vehicle based on a return signal transmitted by a portable device receiving the transmission request signal, security control for providing a warning if improper conduct to the vehicle is detected, remote keyless entry control for locking or unlocking the door according to a manual operation signal, which is transmitted from the portable device according to button manipulation thereof, and immobilizer control for permitting an engine start if an identification code transmitted from a transponder of the portable device coincides with an identification code stored in the vehicle. If a mode switch is switched to an off position, the controller is switched to a power-saving mode for performing only the immobilizer control.

Abstract: Parameters defining operational characteristics of audible, visual or audible/visual alarm indicating output devices, can be transmitted to the respective devices from common output control circuitry to avoid having to set up the devices electromechanically in the field upon installation, or upon replacement for maintenance purposes. The downloaded parameters can be stored locally at the respective device and can include prerecorded verbal messages, horn or chime output volumes, tonal patterns and repetition rates. Candela settings for strobes can also be downloaded from the control circuitry.

Abstract: A method allows an H2S alarm system installed at a remote wellsite to be monitored and configured from a distant location. Alert-signals from the alarm system to the distant location and configuration settings from the distant location to the alarm system can be transmitted using the text-messaging feature of a conventional cell phone. The cell phone, for example, can send the H2S alarm system a text message that sets the H2S concentration threshold at which the alarm system triggers an alert. When the H2S concentration reaches the threshold or a fault occurs with the alarm system, the system can send the cell phone a text message that describes the problem, identifies the location of the wellsite, and lists the names and telephone numbers of those that should be notified.

Abstract: In a vehicle control apparatus for reprogramming data stored therein based on a reprogramming instruction transmitted thereto via a wireless communication network, an asking unit is provided. The asking unit asks a data reprogramming unit about whether the reprogramming instruction is validated or not. The data reprogramming unit has been authorized to reprogram the data stored in the vehicle control apparatus. A determining unit is provided in the vehicle control apparatus. The determining unit receives a reply to the asking transmitted from the data reprogramming unit via the wireless communication network and determines whether to enable or disable the reprogramming of the data stored in the vehicle control apparatus based on the received reply.

Abstract: A system for managing a network of environmental control units (ECUs) enables an ECU user to more easily move from one living environment to another. The system allows an ECU to be conveniently configured based on the contents of an ECU configuration profile database that stores ECU user profiles and living environment profiles, without manual reprogramming of specific user or living environment characteristics. An ECU configuration profile database is maintained that stores user profiles made up of user specific ECU configuration information, and living environment profiles made up of living environment specific ECU configuration information. Each user profile contains user specific characteristics. Each living environment profile contains living environment characteristics. Individual user profiles and living environment profiles are independently stored in and retrieved from the ECU configuration profile database.

Abstract: A system federates heterogeneous monitoring systems to provide end-to-end monitoring information for conveyances with item-layer visibility. A first node of the federated system comprises a first monitoring system and a first port and a second node comprises a second monitoring system and a second port. In parallel with a conveyance being transported between the first node and the second node, the first monitoring system sends an agent to the second monitoring system. The agent comprises logic and/or data necessary to implement processes on the second monitoring agent while the conveyance is at the second port. When the conveyance arrives at the second port, the second monitoring system executes the agent to determine conditions of the conveyance and/or its contents.

Abstract: A safety indicator monitors environment conditions detrimental to humans e.g., hazardous gases, air pollutants, low oxygen, radiation levels of EMF or RF and microwave, temperature, humidity and air pressure retaining a three month history to upload to a PC via infra red data interface or phone link. Contaminants are analyzed and compared to stored profiles to determine its classification and notify user of an adversity by stored voice messages from, via alarm tones and associated flashing LED, via vibrator for silent operation or via LCD. Environmental radiation sources are monitored and auto-scaled. Instantaneous radiation exposure level and exposure duration data are stored for later readout as a detector and dosimeter. Scans for EMF allow detection with auto scaling of radiation levels and exposure durations are stored for subsequent readout. Electronic bugs can be found with a high sensitivity EMF range setting.

Abstract: An installation and maintenance method for maintaining a control module for remote starter and alarm system for vehicles includes the steps of plugging in a signal converter onto the control module, establishing an electronic connection between the control module and a first information processing device, obtaining a control information for the control module, and applying the control information on the control module. The signal converter includes a serial to wireless converter and the first information processing device includes a personal digital assistant (PDA). The method can further includes the steps of establishing a connection between the first information processing device and a second information processing device through a communication network and downloading an information from the second information processing device. A remote installation and maintenance system includes an information processing device, a communication network, and a server.

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: Disclosed is a telemetering system that comprises a wireless base station and a number of wireless sensor nodes. Each wireless sensor node includes a solar cell, a sensor for producing observation data indicating a quantity being measured, a wireless interface for receiving the observation data from the sensor when the node is activated, and a time-schedule memory for storing time-schedule data. Control circuitry briefly activates its own node by supplying power from the solar cell to the wireless interface at periodic intervals according to the time-schedule data of the memory and briefly establishes a wireless link to the base station. During the time the wireless link is briefly established, the control circuitry of each node transmits the observation data to the base station and updates its time-schedule memory if it receives time-schedule data from the base station.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically uploading the configuration of a security system to a central station automation system via telephonic lines, long-range radio (e.g., cellular), or Internet. The end result is that the automation system has sufficient information regarding the type and configuration of the system installed at the protected premises to properly handle alarms reports from that system.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indicator(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale.

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. In one embodiment, each sensor is labeled according to its intended location, and system configuration data containing the sensor identification codes and corresponding sensor locations is provided to the user.

Abstract: A monitoring terminal device is provided which is capable of reducing its power consumption to a minimum and of being fully operated even indoors by using a solar cell as a power source. In the monitoring terminal device including a sensor unit, the transmitting unit to transmit, by wireless, a sensor monitoring output, and a control unit which control the sensor unit and the transmitting unit, further including a power supply section, when only state change of object to be monitored, that is, a output of the sensor unit is detected the control unit and the transmitting unit are started to transmit monitoring information by the sensor unit. When the sensor unit and the generating section are not activated supply of power to the sensor unit and the generating section is stopped and the control unit by itself is put into standby state, which enables reduction of power consumption to a minimum.

Abstract: A wireless communication device with an embedded dual-band antenna system. The wireless communication device has a body, a housing, a shielding unit, a first antenna unit, a second antenna unit and a control unit. The shielding unit, the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit are disposed in the body, and the shielding unit, the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit are enclosed by the housing. The second antenna unit is separated from the first antenna unit by the shielding unit. The first antenna unit transmits a first signal and the second antenna unit transmits a second signal respectively. In a predetermined interval, the first signal and the second signal are transmitted simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and method for acquisition management of subject position information that utilizes radio frequency identification (RF ID) to store position information in position tags. Tag programmers receive position information from external positioning systems, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS), from manual inputs, such as keypads, or other tag programmers. The tag programmers program each position tag with the received position information. Both the tag programmers and the position tags can be portable or fixed. Implementations include portable tag programmers and fixed position tags for subject position guidance, and portable tag programmers for collection sample labeling. Other implementations include fixed tag programmers and portable position tags for subject route recordation. Position tags can contain other associated information such as destination address of an affixed subject for subject routing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a device with protection from a weather event. A method for providing a device with protection from weather events may include receiving a notification of a weather event. At least one weather characteristic of the weather event is determined and whether at least one device of a plurality of devices is ascertained as susceptible to the determined weather characteristic. Protective action is taken to protect the at least one device susceptible to the determined weather characteristic from the notified weather event.

Abstract: An intrusion event detection system, method, and program product with an enumeration of specific known benign intrusion events, and performing a vulnerability test on specific elements of the computer system for the particular known benign intrusion event. These vulnerability tests are performed at predetermined time intervals measured from a previous test or previous intrusion event of the known benign intrusion event. The predetermined time interval is increased based on various attributes, passage of time since the last intrusion event of either the specific known benign intrusion event or another known benign intrusion event, or even a an undetermined or harmful intrusion event, or the present detection of an intrusion even; or the vulnerability of a specific element in the computer system to a specific intrusion event.

Abstract: Self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network, are provided. A self-registration system for dynamically updating information related to a network, comprises: a connector comprising an integrated circuit that stores a first block of information; an adapter coupled to the connector; a reader that receives the first block of information from the integrated circuit via the adapter; and a communication line coupled to the adapter via the connector, where the first block of information comprises a first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit, and where the first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit comprises information other than information identifying the connector, the adapter, the communication line and the integrated circuit.