Abstract: A system is disclosed for tracking and monitoring sets of assets in or on a container using RFID-RF tags associated with the assets. The system comprises a specimen holder bin or similar container and a wireless tag affixed to the specimen holder bin. The specimen bin holder is configured to hold a plurality of assets. The wireless tag comprises a radio frequency identifier (RFID) circuit, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a processor, a memory storing an identifier (ID) associated with the RFID circuit, and an energy source electrically connected to the RFID circuit, the RF circuit, and the processor. The wireless tag is configured to broadcast the identifier associated with the RFID circuit responsive to an interrogation signal by one or more gateways associated with the system. In some embodiments, each asset of the plurality of assets additionally comprises an RFID tag.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for facilitating sampling water of water bodies, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the apparatus comprises a primary housing, a secondary housing, a movement assembly, a sensor, a storage device, and a power source. Further, the secondary housing is submerged in a water body based on disposing of the primary housing. Further, the secondary housing receives a water sample from a depth of the water body in a secondary interior cavity through an opening of the secondary housing based on submerging of the secondary housing in the water body in the depth. Further, the movement assembly transitions the secondary housing between a retracted position and an extended position for the submerging. Further, the sensor generates sensor data based on detecting a characteristic of the water sample. Further, the storage device stores the sensor data. Further, the power source powers the sensor, and the storage device.

Abstract: An aberration engine that collects data sensed by a monitoring system that monitors a property of a user and aggregates the collected data over a period of a time. The aberration engine detects, within the aggregated data, patterns of recurring events and, based on detecting the patterns of recurring events within the aggregated data, takes action related to the monitoring system based on the detected patterns of recurring events within the aggregated data.

Abstract: A system for detecting and verifying an environmental anomaly within a shipping container (transported on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver) has wireless sensor-based ID nodes at different locations within the container and multiple command nodes mounted to the container. A first command node is programmatically configured to be operative to detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; responsively identify the anomaly based upon the sensor data detected by that command node; and transmit a validation request to another command node. The other command node is configured to be operative to also detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes; receive the validation request from the first command node; verify the anomaly in response to the validation request and based upon the sensor data detected by the second command node; and broadcast a verification message based upon whether the anomaly for the shipping container is verified.

Abstract: A system and method in a building or vehicle for an actuator operation in response to a sensor according to a control logic, the system comprising a router or a gateway communicating with a device associated with the sensor and a device associated with the actuator over in-building or in-vehicle networks, and an external Internet-connected control server associated with the control logic implementing a PID closed linear control loop and communicating with the router over external network for controlling the in-building or in-vehicle phenomenon. The sensor may be a microphone or a camera, and the system may include voice or image processing as part of the control logic. A redundancy is used by using multiple sensors or actuators, or by using multiple data paths over the building or vehicle internal or external communication. The networks may be wired or wireless, and may be BAN, PAN, LAN, WAN, or home networks.

Abstract: A secure delivery system according to various aspects of the present technology comprises a transport box having a storage space, an environmental control unit, a plurality of electrical contacts, and a deployable receiving tray responsive to automated delivery systems. The transport box fits within an interior space of a delivery box having a GPS receiver that provides a geographic delivery location of the delivery box. The delivery box comprises a plurality of corresponding electrical contacts configured to be coupled to the electrical contacts of the transport box to provide power to the transport box. The delivery box may further comprise an electronic lock that is responsive to a delivery box controller circuit configured to operate the electronic lock.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for tracking and monitoring sets of assets in or on a container using RFID-RF tags associated with the assets. The system comprises a specimen holder bin or similar container and a wireless tag affixed to the specimen holder bin. The specimen bin holder is configured to hold a plurality of assets. The wireless tag comprises a radio frequency identifier (RFID) circuit, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a processor, a memory storing an identifier (ID) associated with the RFID circuit, and an energy source electrically connected to the RFID circuit, the RF circuit, and the processor. The wireless tag is configured to broadcast the identifier associated with the RFID circuit responsive to an interrogation signal by one or more gateways associated with the system. In some embodiments, each asset of the plurality of assets additionally comprises an RFID tag.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless power energy distribution in which power is allocated for both real-time use as well as subsequent distributed energy storage including host objects that achieve enhanced features as enabled by the availability of wireless power. Embodiments range from stationary to mobile host objects such as reusable packaging system including direct impact on a transport vehicle moving a reusable container within a reusable packaging system.

Abstract: System and method incorporating devices wirelessly connected to remote gateway locations or other devices. Remote gateway locations can be located on towers, buildings, silos, trees, utility poles, light poles or any other support structure capable of supporting the equipment used. A wired or wireless backhaul connects each remote gateway to a centralized headend gateway location via Ethernet, fiber, laser, or licensed or unlicensed microwave signals. Devices wirelessly connected to a remote gateway location device then act like a new remote gateway, redistributing signals to the surrounding area for additional CPEs to connect to that CPE. This continues over and over in a self-propagating manner, creating one or more network legs off the original remote gateway device.

Abstract: A wireless activity and environmental monitoring system and device for small, caged mammals is disclosed which combines all sensing, processing, and communication functions of a small animal home cage health and monitoring system into a device small enough in volume that it can be unobtrusively placed in animals' home cages. The device is battery-powered and communicates wirelessly and requires no extraneous supporting hardware for operation.

Abstract: A method for automatically electronically associating vessel identity information of a vessel with an unassociated telemetric device, the unassociated telemetric device comprising a processor and being configured to detect and transmit quantity or usage data and being configured with a location sensing device, wherein the unassociated telemetric device is configured to communicate with a remote server, the method comprising the steps of: the remote server receiving the vessel identity information comprising a deployment location for the unassociated telemetric device; the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with an automatic action rule; in response to the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with the automatic action rule, the processor receiving location information of the unassociated telemetric device from the location sensing device; the unassociated telemetric device transmitting the location information; the remote server receiving the location information; the remo

Abstract: Systems and method are described for detecting and responding to an environmental anomaly in a shipping container transported by a transit vehicle having an onboard fire suppression system. Systems generally have a set of ID nodes within the container and another set outside the container, and a command node mounted to the container. The command node's processor is programmed to monitor both sets of ID nodes per their respective ID node communication profiles for unanticipated cessation of ID node broadcasting, detect an unresponsive group of ID nodes based on the monitoring, determining if the group includes ID nodes from which set of ID nodes, identifying the anomaly when the unresponsive group's size exceeds a threshold setting, generate an alert notification, and transmit the alert notification to the external transceiver or the fire suppression system directly based on an alert level setting so as to initiate different levels of mediation response.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a drying process for damp laundry items outside a laundry treatment appliance includes, as components to be located in a plurality of appliances that are spatially separate from one another, at least one sensor device including at least one air humidity sensor and a first radio unit for a wireless information exchange with an external evaluation unit and/or an external display device which, to this end, have at least one second radio unit and a first sensor device to be placed in the vicinity of the damp laundry items. An evaluation unit is provided for sensor signals from the sensor device. A display device displays information for a user of the system. A method for operating the system is also provided.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a sensor communication system includes a sensor to sense a condition and to include the condition in a message formatted in a communication protocol. The system includes a vibration actuator placed in contact with a building structure and operatively coupled to the sensor. The vibration actuator is to transmit the formatted message through the building structure as a vibration pattern, and an accelerometer is to detect the vibration pattern. A receiver hub coupled to the accelerometer is to decipher the condition from the vibration pattern.

Abstract: Systems and methods can support application development in a movable object environment. A movable object manager can establish a connection with a movable object, and receives one or more data packets from the movable object. Then, the movable object manager can provide information in said one or more data packets to an application on a user terminal.

Abstract: An aberration engine that collects data sensed by a monitoring system that monitors a property of a user and aggregates the collected data over a period of a time. The aberration engine detects, within the aggregated data, patterns of recurring events and, based on detecting the patterns of recurring events within the aggregated data, takes action related to the monitoring system based on the detected patterns of recurring events within the aggregated data.

Abstract: For example, an apparatus may include one or more processors comprising circuitry to cause a first wireless device to generate a wakeup packet comprising a payload comprising at least one payload field modulated according to an On-Off keying (OOK) modulation, the payload field comprising a sequence of a plurality of codes to encode binary bit values of the payload field according to an encoding scheme having a code rate less than one, a first code of the encoding scheme representing a binary bit value of “0” comprising a first sequence of two or more bits comprising at least one bit having a value of “1”, and a second code of the encoding scheme representing a binary bit value of “1” comprising a second sequence of two or more hits comprising at least one bit having a value of “1”; and to transmit the wakeup packet to a second wireless device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for network port monitoring using low energy wireless communications are provided. In one embodiment, a device comprises: at least one port module, the at least one port module comprising one or more connector ports each configured to receive a connector of a network data cable; and a port state sensor that includes a port sensing circuit coupled to a sensor controller, wherein the port sensing circuit is configured to sense a port state for the one or more connector ports; wherein the sensor controller is configured to input the port state from the port sensing circuit, wherein in response to detecting a change in the port state from the port sensing circuit, the sensor controller wirelessly transmits port state information to a port state monitor.

Abstract: Technologies for managing the security and custody of assets in transit are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include an IoT gateway that can make intelligent decisions concerning the status of assets over which it has custody, e.g., based on sensor data received from IoT devices associated with those assets. Technologies for managing the transfer of custody of assets between responsible parties (e.g., multiple gateways) are also described.

Abstract: A method for automatically electronically associating vessel identity information of a vessel with an unassociated telemetric device, the unassociated telemetric device comprising a processor and being configured to detect and transmit quantity or usage data and being configured with a location sensing device, wherein the unassociated telemetric device is configured to communicate with a remote server, the method comprising the steps of: the remote server receiving the vessel identity information comprising a deployment location for the unassociated telemetric device; the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with an automatic action rule; in response to the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with the automatic action rule, the processor receiving location information of the unassociated telemetric device from the location sensing device; the unassociated telemetric device transmitting the location information; the remote server receiving the location information; the remo

Abstract: A proximity alert system creates an audible warning when a child or pet applies force to mat that is positioned near a hazard or other protected area. A bladder, when squeezed discharges air through a horn to create the warning. The bladder is enclosed in a durable outer covering.

Abstract: A tag management device includes a signal detecting unit configured to detect signals which are emitted from an old RFID tag and a new RFID tag, a comparison unit configured to compare the signals emitted from the old RFID tag and the new RFID tag, and a comparison result output unit configured to output a result of the comparison.

Abstract: Asset tracking systems and methods include one or more tracking devices that pair with one or more hub devices to transmit sensor data from a tracking device only to a paired hub device with a hub device state quality rating, and from the paired hub device to a network server, thereby reducing redundant communications and communication network usage.

Abstract: A method includes: sending, by a first processing device, a first message including an instruction to a first tag to collect first data from at least one device, the first tag coupled to a first physical object for organizing the first physical object; receiving, by the first processing device, a second message from the first tag, the second message including the first data; obtaining, by the first processing device, a first descriptor as being associated with the first data; and presenting, by the first processing device, at least the first descriptor to a user as an indication to a location of the first physical object.

Abstract: A command node designates a group of monitor beacons from wireless ID nodes in different locations in a shipping container where the group further includes a remote monitor beacon located outside a reception range of the command node. The command node programmatically configures another ID node to be a dedicated bridging node providing a dedicated intermediary communication link between the command node and the remote monitor beacon. The command node receives a respective broadcast signal from the monitor beacons (directly or indirectly through the bridging node), monitors those signals for any unanticipated ceased broadcasting, identifies an unresponsive subset of monitor beacons from such monitoring, and detecting an environmental anomaly when the size of the unresponsive subset exceed a threshold setting. The command node then generates an alert notification related to the anomaly and initiates a mediation response for the anomaly by transmitting the alert notification to an external transceiver.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a sensor communication system includes a sensor to sense a condition and to include the condition in a message formatted in a communication protocol. The system includes a vibration actuator placed in contact with a building structure and operatively coupled to the sensor. The vibration actuator is to transmit the formatted message through the building structure as a vibration pattern, and an accelerometer is to detect the vibration pattern. A receiver hub coupled to the accelerometer is to decipher the condition from the vibration pattern.

Abstract: An adaptive method and system for monitoring a shipping container for an environmental anomaly uses sensor-based ID nodes within the container and a command node. Sensors on each ID node generate sensor data about an environmental condition proximate the ID node as disposed within the container. Each ID node periodically broadcasts the sensor data. The command node monitors a first group of sensor data from the ID nodes over a first time period to detect an initial environmental threshold condition related to the container, then monitors a subsequent group of sensor data over a second time period under a modified monitoring parameter to detect a secondary environmental threshold condition related to the container as the anomaly. In response to detecting the secondary condition, the command node generates an alert notification and transmits the alert notification to an external transceiver to initiate a mediation response related to the anomaly.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sharing shipment condition information in a wireless node network having a plurality of network devices and a server. In one method, a first node detects an advertising signal broadcast from a second node, where the first node is a first of the network devices and related to a first package, and the second node is a second of the network devices and related to a second package. The method continues by associating the first node and the second node. The first node then accesses the shipment condition information from a memory in the first node, and transmits or otherwise shares the shipment condition information with the second node if the first node is authorized to share the shipment condition information with the second node.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to detecting a broken conductor in a power transmission line. In an embodiment, a processor receives a signal indicating current on the transmission line. The processor determines that a broken conductor is present on the transmission line based at least in part on a magnitude of the current being less than a line charging current of the transmission line and a phase angle of the current leading a respective phase voltage of the transmission line. The processor effects a control operation based on the determined broken conductor.

Abstract: A method for protecting a MEMS unit, in particular a MEMS sensor, against infrared investigations, at least one area of the MEMS unit being doped, the at least one doped area absorbing, reflecting or diffusely scattering more than 50%, in particular more than 90%, of an infrared light incident upon it.

Abstract: A distributed wireless radio frequency-based charging system includes hardware and software platforms. The hardware platform includes adaptive energy harvesters and programmable energy transmitters. The software platform manages the hardware profiles, resources (e.g., energy waveforms and transmission powers), schedules the beams of the energy transmitters, and switches between modes of wireless charging and data access point. This allows the energy transmitters to be configured adaptively based on the ambient energy availability, energy needs and number of energy-requesting devices in the network. Under the software control, the energy transmitters can cooperatively form focused beams of energy and power for transmission to energy harvesters in the energy-receiving devices, such as sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled appliances, and mobile/wearable equipment.

Abstract: A method for automatically electronically associating vessel identity information of a vessel with an unassociated telemetric device, the unassociated telemetric device comprising a processor and being configured to detect and transmit quantity or usage data and being configured with a location sensing device, wherein the unassociated telemetric device is configured to communicate with a remote server, the method comprising the steps of: the remote server receiving the vessel identity information comprising a deployment location for the unassociated telemetric device; the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with an automatic action rule; in response to the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with the automatic action rule, the processor receiving location information of the unassociated telemetric device from the location sensing device; the unassociated telemetric device transmitting the location information; the remote server receiving the location information; the remo

Abstract: Described herein are techniques for beamforming a wireless signal to a harvesting device. In an example, a method to increase available energy to a harvesting device is performed by a WiFi transmitting device. The WiFi transmitting device determines a preferred wireless path to the harvesting device using input from a proxy device. The WiFi transmitting device then beamforms a WiFi signal to the harvesting device along the preferred wireless path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing end to end logistic chain control and tracking during shipping by utilizing a cost-efficient and reliable RPMA wireless network technology. The system consists of a wireless, self-powered device connected to shipping container containing goods for transportation and a variety of required sensors to sense the conditions of the goods inside the container. The container related information is transmitted in real-time or in near real-time to customer end in the following sequence: Device to RPMA Access points to Data center via satellite backhaul connectivity to Customer's Platform. The present system also enables the customers to take an intelligent action to control cargo container, if required.

Abstract: An automatic data collection system tracks medical articles by providing a robust electromagnetic (EM) field within an enclosure in which the articles are stored. Respective data carriers, such as RFID tags, attached to each medical article respond to the EM field by transmitting unique data identified with each medical article. The use of probes for injecting the EM field into the enclosure results in a greater likelihood of activation of the tags and greater accuracy in detecting and tracking medical articles.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating automatic control of devices, such as network-coupled home appliances. An example method includes receiving and storing data available from plural devices, resulting in stored data; determining a pattern in the stored data; using the pattern to generate one or more control signals; and forwarding the one or more control signals to one or more of the plural devices to selectively control one or more device features or behaviors consistent with the pattern. In a more specific embodiment, the method further includes collecting a first set of data from one or more devices; obtaining a second set of data from a server coupled to a network; analyzing the first set of data and the second set of data to determine one or more predictive control signals; and employing the one or more control signals to adjust one or more behaviors of the one or more devices.

Abstract: A method includes controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle to fly over a forestry worksite and capture imagery information with an image capture component. The imagery information is used to generate a set of ground disturbance metrics, each having a value indicative of a measure of ground disturbance at a different geographic location in the forestry worksite. Alternatively, the imagery information is used to generate a set of slope metrics or a firefighting metric. According to the ground disturbance, slope, and firefighting metrics, the method is used to generate an action signal, such as an action signal that controls movement of a mobile machine operating at the forestry worksite, among others.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder may include a substrate and a device. The substrate may be in communication with a controller and an antenna, and the antenna is arranged to receive radio frequency signals. A first side surface of the substrate may include a capacitor. The device may be detachably coupled with the substrate via a conductive member positioned between the structure and the capacitor of the substrate, and the conductive member may be within a desired proximity of the capacitor. The structure may be attached to an attachment surface so that an attachment strength between the structure and the attachment surface may be greater than a force required to decouple the structure from the substrate. When the structure is decoupled from the substrate, the conductive member separates from the capacitor, disabling the transponder.

Abstract: A method for automatically electronically associating vessel identity information of a vessel with an unassociated telemetric device, the unassociated telemetric device comprising a processor and being configured to detect and transmit quantity or usage data and being configured with a location sensing device, wherein the unassociated telemetric device is configured to communicate with a remote server, the method comprising the steps of: the remote server receiving the vessel identity information comprising a deployment location for the unassociated telemetric device; the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with an automatic action rule; in response to the unassociated telemetric device operating in accordance with the automatic action rule, the processor receiving location information of the unassociated telemetric device from the location sensing device; the unassociated telemetric device transmitting the location information; the remote server receiving the location information; the remo

Abstract: An aberration engine that collects data sensed by a monitoring system that monitors a property of a user and aggregates the collected data over a period of a time. The aberration engine detects, within the aggregated data, patterns of recurring events and, based on detecting the patterns of recurring events within the aggregated data, takes action related to the monitoring system based on the detected patterns of recurring events within the aggregated data.

Abstract: A method in an on-board unit comprising: receiving and decoding, with a transceiver, a broadcast packet (BCP) from a road side unit (RSU); processing BCP with a micro controller unit (MCU), wherein processing comprises determining whether there is a first interrupt from the transceiver, wherein the first interrupt is used to interrupt idle state of MCU; searching for low level state from a falling edge after the first interrupt; determining whether duration time of low level is within a time range; inputting one byte into the transceiver if duration time is within the range and clearing the first interrupt; determining whether there is a second interrupt from the transceiver, wherein the second interrupt is used to interrupt data reception; processing data in BCP if there is second interrupt; and converting, with the transceiver, processed data to a wireless signal and transmitting the signal to RSU.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and techniques for mitigating retail theft include securing items at a receptacle of a retailer via an electronic lock, and providing a transceiver that is proximate to the secured items and that transmits a beacon which may be detected by a personal electronic device (PED) of a customer. Based on a wireless transmission between the PED and the transceiver, a customer's identity may be determined and the customer's risk profile may be accessed. A risk score corresponding to the customer accessing the secured item may be determined based on the customer's risk profile and optionally based upon a profile of the secured item. If the risk score is indicative of an acceptable risk, a trigger to remotely unlock the electronic lock may be sent, thereby remotely and automatically allowing qualified customers to access secured items. An item's removal may be detected and tracked.

Abstract: A zero-power digital chemical analyzer can include a chemically-selective percolation switch. The chemically selected percolation switch can include a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated from the positive electrode by a gap. A binding agent can be located at binding sites in the gap. The binding agent can be selective for binding to a target chemical compound. The binding sites can be distributed in the gap so that target chemical molecules binding to the binding sites can form an electrically conductive pathway via a natural percolation phenomenon between the electrodes when the ambient concentration of the target chemical compound reaches a threshold concentration.

Abstract: A zero-power digital chemical analyzer can include a chemically-selective percolation switch. The chemically selected percolation switch can include a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated from the positive electrode by a gap. A binding agent can be located at binding sites in the gap. The binding agent can be selective for binding to a target chemical compound. The binding sites can be distributed in the gap so that target chemical molecules binding to the binding sites can form an electrically conductive pathway via a natural percolation phenomenon between the electrodes when the ambient concentration of the target chemical compound reaches a threshold concentration.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods and systems of detecting and monitoring shoplifting of products by individuals at a retail facility include sensors coupled to a product and located at a fixed threshold distance relative to each other. The sensors are configured to generate an alert signal indicating that the fixed threshold distance between the first and second sensors has been altered. An alert sensor positioned in the product stocking area of the retail facility is configured to receive the alert signal from one or both of the product sensors. A central computing device at the retail facility is configured to determine the alert sensor that received the alert signal, and to activate a video camera in order to acquire a photo or video of the portion of the product stocking area of the retail facility associated with the alert sensor that received the alert signal.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a change in state of an asset comprising including a transmission antenna operable to transmit a control signal to an external device, control electronics connected to the transmission antenna configured to provide instructions to the transmission antenna to transmit the control signal, and a bypass antenna positioned and configured to prevent the control electronics from providing the instructions to the transmission antenna when the bypass antenna is in an undisturbed position and to permit the control electronics to provide the instructions to the transmission antenna when the bypass antenna is displaced from the undisturbed position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method for operating a haptic device including driving a haptic device using a control signal, measuring a frequency related to the operation of the haptic device and comparing the measured frequency with a target frequency. A control signal is adjusted based on the comparison to drive the haptic device to the target frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for stability monitoring, analysis, and control of energy systems, such as electric power systems, is provided. Specifically, the system and method described herein use a Koopman mode analysis to represent the operation of individual components in an energy system and/or to determine and rank a level of stability of the individual components in the energy system. The system and method described herein also use a Koopman mode analysis to determine optimal and/or safe times to release energy stored in storage systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an inductor structure mounted on a PCB board and a voltage regulator module having the same. The inductor structure includes inductor cores and inductor windings. The PCB board is provided with at least one hollow part, and the hollow part comprises a plurality of through holes spaced apart. The legs of the inductor cores are correspondingly inserted into the through holes at the corresponding positions of the hollow part, wherein any two adjacent through holes of the plurality of through holes have a spacer therebetween for use as the inductor winding of the inductor structure, and the thickness of the spacer is less than the thickness of the PCB board.

Abstract: RFID tags are combined in increase their range. A first RFID tag comprises a first chip and a first antenna configured to transmit data from the chip. The first RFID tag has a first initial range by which data may be obtained by an RFID reader from the first chip. A second RFID tag comprises a second chip and a second antenna configured to transmit data from the chip. The second RFID tag has a second initial range by which data may be obtained by an RFID reader from the second chip. A conductive path from first antenna to the second antenna is established to change initial ranges to modified ranges which are greater than the initial ranges.