Abstract: A system and method for using identification codes found on ordinary articles of commerce to access remote computers on a network. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a computer is provided having a database that relates Uniform Product Code (“UPC”) numbers to Internet network addresses (or “URLs”). To access an Internet resource relating to a particular product, a user enters the product's UPC symbol manually, by swiping a bar code reader over the UPC symbol, or via other suitable input means. The database retrieves the URL corresponding to the UPC code. This location information is then used to access the desired resource.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting an intruder in a region with increased performance and decreased false alarms. The security device has a microwave sensor and a PIR sensor operatively coupled to a processor. To increase the performance of the security device the device determines distance information of an object in the region with the microwave sensor, processes the distance information to adapt a frequency response of the PIR sensor to provide a frequency adapted PIR signal, and determines if the object is an intruder by using the frequency adapted PIR signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand held portable remote such as a key fob that allows a user to interact with the security system using a flat panel touch-pad. The touch-pad input allows a user to rapidly select and control a large number of security functions, such as Arm, Disarm, Panic, garage door open, lamp on/off, and lamp dimming control, etc. The security device comprises a housing, a wireless communication port for interface with the security system, a touch-pad input device, and processing circuitry. In order to operate the security device, the user generates a user input by creating a contact motion on the touch-pad input device with a fingertip. The contact motion may consist of a swiping motion, a tapping, or a circular motion. In order to distinguish the contact motion clearly, when the fingertip contact comprises a wider than normal contact, it causes the processing circuitry to not generate an output signal.

Abstract: In a security system having wireless transmitters, a wireless receiver module, and a control panel processing signals sent from the transmitters to the receiver module, the present invention is a method of prefiltering the received wireless signals by first generating a prefiltering map by the control panel. For each of the transmitters in the security system, an algorithm such as a hashing function is performed on the identification number of each transmitter enrolled in the system with the control panel. The results of the algorithm are stored in a prefiltering map, which is then sent to the receiver module(s). For each wireless message received from a transmitter, the receiver module extracts from the message the identification number of the transmitter that transmitted the message. The receiver module then performs the algorithm on the extracted identification number, and then compares the result against the prefiltering map.

Abstract: An optical sensing system uses light scattered from a sensing fibre to sense conditions along the fibre, and has a receiver with a frequency to amplitude converter to obtain a frequency of a Brillouin component of the received scattered light, to deduce the conditions. This converter can avoid time consuming scanning of frequencies to obtain the Brillouin frequency spectrum, and avoids the heavy processing load of deducing a peak or average frequency from the spectrum. The converter can be implemented in the optical domain using a grating or interferometer, or in the electrical domain using a diplexer or electrical interferometer. It can generate complementary signals, having opposite signs, a ratio of these signals representing the frequency. This can avoid sensitivity to amplitude changes in the received scattered signals and provide common mode rejection of noise.

Abstract: A memory pumping circuit is proposed. The feature of the present invention is the charging capacitor of the pumping circuit is a DRAM cell for enhancing the capacitance.

Abstract: A security device that is adapted to be affixed along a window to provide anti-intruder protection while providing the ability to open the window a variable amount for venting an area. The security device comprises a magnetic member, located in a housing, and means for mounting the magnetic member at a desired location along the housing. The means for mounting the magnetic member may comprise a track extending substantially along the length of the housing and means for slidingly engaging the magnetic member along the track, whereby the magnetic member may be engaged at a desired location. The security device further comprises a contact switch adapted to provide a closed signal to a security system when the contact switch is in proximity to the magnetic member and an open signal when the contact switch is not in proximity to the magnetic member.

Abstract: Determining the viability of an egg by: (a) causing electromagnetic radiation, having one or more wavelengths in the infra-red part of the spectrum, to impinge upon the egg; (b) receiving at least a part of the infra-red radiation that has passed through the egg and generating an output signal representative of the received infra-red radiation; and (c) processing said output signal to determine whether there is a cyclical variation in the intensity of the infra-red radiation leaving the egg corresponding to action of a heart, the existence of said cyclical variation indicating that the egg is viable; wherein step (a) is performed by directing infra-red radiation so that it passes through the shell for reflection from an outer surface of a vascular structure adjacent an inner surface of said shell, and step (b) is performed by receiving any infra-red radiation so reflected.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a security device to determine if it is authorized to be used with a security system. First and second encryption keys are stored in the control panel and the security device. A challenge message is produced by encrypting, with the first key, a challenge index (such as a random number generated by the control panel). The challenge message is transmitted the security device, where the encrypted challenge index is extracted from the challenge message and then decrypted using the first key at the security device to produce a response index. A response message is produced by encrypting, with the second key, the response index decrypted by the security device. The response message is transmitted to the control panel, and the encrypted response index is extracted and then decrypted using the second key at the control panel to produce the response index. The control panel then compares the response index with the challenge index previously generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combinded FOX and poly gate structure, for effectively reducing the trigger voltage of a conventional field device, for improving the robustness of a NMOS transistor of a small drive I/O circuit, and for improving the ESD performance of a stack-gate voltage tolerant I/O.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in which movement of a weight by the user generates a vibration which acts on the muscles being exercised.

Abstract: A drive assembly for use with a mechanical flying or walking device comprises an articulated member (7) having first and second portions (7a, 7b) arranged such that the portions move relative to each other, and a drive mechanism (9) for imparting motion to the articulated member. The drive mechanism (9) comprises: a drive member for imparting a cyclic motion on the articulated member, and a control member for controlling, in a predetermined manner, the relative position of the first and second portions during each cycle of the cyclic motion of the articulated member. In the case of a mechanical flying device, two such drive assemblies may be provided, the articulated member of each assembly forming a wing.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for determining the viability of an egg, which apparatus (10) comprises shielding means (12, 14), emitting means (30) and detecting means (32), the arrangement being such that, in use, the shielding means (12, 14) inhibits exposure of an egg to background infra-red radiation, said emitting means (30) can emit electromagnetic radiation at infra-red wavelength(s) to impinge on the egg, and the detecting means (32) are positioned to detect at least a part of said electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the egg, the apparatus further comprising means for processing an output signal of the detecting means to determine whether there is a cyclical variation in the intensity of the infra-red radiation leaving the egg corresponding to action of a heart, the existence of said cyclical variation indicating that the egg is viable.

Abstract: A drinking straw (1) has a spherical transparent housing (2) formed part way up it in which there is a ball (3) which can be marked or decorated and when a drink is sucked up the straw (1) the ball (3) rotates.

Abstract: A device for opening a locked door or drawer, which device comprises; a) means for facilitating the insertion of a key into a lock; and b) means for rotating said key when inserted.

Abstract: A method of operating a control panel in a security system that includes a door entry security device in a housing suitable for mounting within a recess of a doorjamb or door of a premises. The control panel is programmed to register a system arm/disarm device and a door closure device, both with the same identification number, such that the control panel recognizes that identification number to be associated with a door entry security device. In the even that the control panel receives, while in an armed state, an alarm signal from a security device in the security system and then receives a system disarm message, then the control panel determines if the system disarm message was received from a system arm/disarm device that has been registered as a door entry security device.

Abstract: A method of tuning a dielectric resonator uses a ferroelectric element to change the dielectric resonator electric field and hence the resonance frequency of the dielectric resonator.

Abstract: Using an existing system of formatting for RF message transmission and receiving, additional information can be sent to an alarm control panel to sort classes of messages (and hence equipment) without changing hardware, RF or baseband timing, power levels, etc., and therefore not affect FCC rules and registration of many individual products. A plurality of security devices are programmed with a unique identification number by generating a series of initial serial numbers, and then applying a masking algorithm to the serial number. Only if the masking application provides a true result will the security device be programmed with that serial number. At installation, the serial number is obtained from the security device, and the masking algorithm is applied to the serial number. Depending on its use in the security system, registration is allowed only if the masking algorithm application provides a true result.

Abstract: A security system device including a single housing including at least a primary alarm sensor, an alarm verification unit, and processing circuitry. The primary alarm sensor is adapted to monitor a primary protected area and to generate a primary alarm signal when the primary alarm sensor is triggered. The alarm verification unit selectively provides verification information (e.g. video and/or audio signals) from at least part of the primary protected area to a central station monitor. The processing circuitry is adapted to generate an alarm enable signal when the primary alarm signal is generated. On the occurrence of an alarm enable signal, the processing circuitry generates an alarm detected signal and causes the alarm detected signal to be transmitted to a central station monitor, enables operation of the alarm verification unit, and enables transmission of the verification information from the protected area to the central station monitor.

Abstract: A combination telephone set (such as a cordless phone) and security system control device that has a first interface means for interfacing the control device with a security system bus, a second interface means for interfacing the control device with a telephone network such as the PSTN, and a user interface means with an input means for providing user control information to the control device, the input means including means for a user to switch the control device between a telephone mode and a security system mode, an output means for providing status data to a user regarding operation of the control device, and adapted to enable a user to communicate over the telephone network when the security device is in the telephone mode. Processing means controls operation of the control device, and is adapted to switch between a telephone mode and a security system mode on receipt of a user command from the input means.