Abstract: Techniques for protecting communication between a card reader and a contactless smartcard are disclosed. In one embodiment, a protocol transmitter includes a transmit circuit and a processor. The transmit circuit is configured to generate a blocking signal having a frequency used by the card reader to communicate with the contactless smartcard. The processor is coupled to the transmit circuit and configured to modulate the blocking signal according to a communication protocol of the contactless smartcard. A first antenna of the protocol transmitter is disposed a predetermined distance from the card reader and is coupled to the transmit circuit to radiate the blocking signal. Optionally, the processor modulates the blocking signal so as to simulate a data exchange between the card reader and the contactless smartcard.

Abstract: A photodiode is provided according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, the photodiode includes a substrate and an active region. The active region is configured to receive light through the substrate. In such a configuration, the substrate not only participates in the photodiode operation acts as a light filter depending on the substrate material. In some embodiments, the active region may include solder balls that may be used to couple the photodiode to a printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the active region is coupled face-to-face with the printed circuit board.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for sensing a location of laser and/or other optical signals. According to certain embodiments of the invention, an electro-optical assembly can include a detector array coupled to one or more lenses for detecting the signals. Outputs of the photo detectors can be processed using peak detection and/or other techniques to conserve power, help ensure detection, and avoid the need for moving parts.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for enabling the management of a transit user account of a transit system with a mobile device. Embodiments of a transit system utilizing such transit user accounts are also disclosed. Embodiments for enabling a mobile device to manage a transit user account can include receiving an identification code of a fare media and receiving contact information of the mobile device. The transit user account, which can be used in transactions of the transit system associated with the fare media, can be created using user information and a passcode. Additionally, the mobile device can be authenticated by sending at least one message to the mobile device and receiving at least one message from the mobile device.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and machine-readable media are disclosed for detecting potential misuse of a primary account number (PAN) associated with a first handheld media in a transit system having one or more access points. Embodiments may creating a user account and include enrolling the first handheld media for use as a fare media for a transit product, where the PAN is stored in the user account. Embodiments may further include receiving, a plurality of fare transaction records. Each fare transaction record may include the PAN associated with the first handheld media and a transaction identifier. Embodiments may additionally include determining a potential misuse of a handheld media associated with the PAN based, at least in part, on the relationship between a plurality of the transaction identifiers. In response, an action may be taken related to using the first handheld media as a fare media for the transit product.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for enabling accelerated rejoining of network devices in a low-power wireless network after a connection to the low-power wireless network is lost. Embodiments generally include, for a network device that periodically conducts scans for beacons on the low-power wireless network, increasing the frequency, or scanning rate, at which the scans are performed. After a certain period of time, if the network device has not joined the low-power wireless network, the network device can implement a different scanning rate until it rejoins with the network. Additional techniques may be used to reduce power usage and preserve the structure of a portion of the low-power wireless network that has become disconnected with the rest of the network.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing power of network devices in a low-power wireless network. Embodiments generally include, for a network device that periodically toggles between high-power and low-power modes, increasing the relative amount of time the network device operates in a low-power mode under certain conditions that may otherwise cause the network device to consume more power. Such conditions include when the network device fails to join the low-power wireless network and/or when the network device fails to communicate with the low-power wireless network with an accuracy above a certain threshold level.

Abstract: A monitoring device in accordance with the disclosure stores a serial number list in non-volatile memory, the serial number list including data indicative of at least one valid serial number associated with one or more key fobs permitted to interact with the monitoring device. The monitoring device is configured to receive a wakeup signal via a key fob interface configured to communicate with a key fob. The monitoring device reads a serial number from a key fob via the key fob interface and searches the stored serial number list for data indicative of a valid serial number matching the serial number read via the key fob interface. The monitoring device reads action data from the key fob via the key fob interface, the action data being indicative of an action to be taken by the monitoring device. The monitoring device, in response to the read serial number matching a valid serial number of the stored serial number list, takes an action based on the action data.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for enabling wireless mobile devices to be automatically detected and used as fare media on vehicles in a transit and/or transportation system. Embodiments include detecting a wireless mobile device and utilizing a unique identifier of the wireless mobile device to track a transit user's entry to and exit from a transit vehicle. Embodiments further include causing the wireless mobile device to display a fare payment indicator, allowing the transit user to use the wireless mobile device to show proof of payment if so solicited by a fare inspector. A corresponding fare can be calculated and paid for in a variety of ways.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating optical systems and assemblies that provide increased field of view (FOV) for light detection by coupling a flip-chip light sensor directly to a condenser lens. According to certain embodiments of the invention, an optical assembly can include a condenser lens with a substantially flat surface optically contacted with a substantially flat surface of a substrate of a flip-chip light sensor. The thickness of the substrate is such that the active area of the light sensor is disposed on a focal plane of the optical system. This enables accurate light detection and increased FOV over conventional techniques.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for creating optical systems and devices that provide through-sight information while enabling the optical systems and devices to maintain a small, lightweight form factor. According to certain embodiments of the invention, an optical assembly can include a liquid-crystal display (LCD) disposed between the two prism elements of a Schmidt-Pechan prism at a focal plane of the optical assembly. This allows the LCD to be used to display information by blocking light passing through the optical assembly. Additionally, a light-emitting display, such as a backlit LCD, light-emitting diode (LED) display, or organic LED (OLED) display, can be coupled at a surface of one of the two prism elements of the Schmidt-Pechan prism to provide additional information in low-light environments.

Abstract: A method and system for beamforming a multi-element array using time delays is provided. The array includes transmit array elements and receive array elements. Each of the array elements includes a processor. Modulation and demodulation functions are performed at the processors of each array element. The modulation and demodulation functions utilize receive time offsets and phase shifts, and transmit time offsets and phase shifts, respectively. The receive time offsets and phase shifts, and the transmit time offsets and phase shifts are determined by a central processing unit in order to beam form received signals and transmitted signals, respectively. The array elements are arranged in a daisy chain fashion in order to facilitate communication of control parameters, communication of hits to be transmitted and distributed combining of demodulated baseband samples from one array element to another and communicating the combined samples to the central processing unit.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for determining whether to grant a user access at an access control point of a transit system based on information about a user associated with a fare media from one or more information sources. These techniques can include receiving an authorization response after attempting to authorize payment from a fare media, and accessing at least one information source. This can include accessing historical information regarding prior transactions in the transit system made with the fare media. A determination can then be made whether to grant a user access at the access control point of the transit system.

Abstract: A system and method for an automated improvised explosive device training is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system utilizes an IED mock-up that embeds a processor and wireless modem. A separate processor and wireless modem is embedded in a trainee unit. A wireless network interface is provided, allowing for communication between the IED and trainee processors. Upon a simulated detonation, the IED processor queries each trainee unit for their current position using a wireless local area network message. The IED processor is configured to determine distance differentiation and casualty assessment data based on received signal strength of exchanged wireless messages or GPS coordinates. The trainee processor is configured to automatically signal casualty status to the trainee based on casualty assessment data.

Abstract: A system for achieving multi-axis angular alignment of devices includes a monolithic mount. The mount includes three sections arranged along a longitudinal axis. The first two sections are connected by two flexures that constrain the second section to rotate in relation to the first section in a first rotational degree of freedom. The second and third sections are connected by flexures that constrain the third section to rotate in relation to the second section in a second rotational degree of freedom. The first and second rotational degrees of freedom are different. Actuating screws contact bearing surfaces on the mount to actuate the rotations.

Abstract: Techniques for authenticating a contactless smartcard in a card processing system are disclosed. A card reader measures an impulse response associated with the contactless smartcard during outbound modulation of an RF carrier and compares measured impulse data to reference impulse data. The reference impulse data can be stored at the card reader or obtained from the contactless smartcard in an encrypted form. Optionally, the card reader issues one or more challenges to the contactless smartcard in connection with a card transaction and verifies a response to the one or more challenges using calibration data. The card reader can determine the card's authenticity based on the impulse data, the response to one or more challenges, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for enabling network devices to join a network. These embodiments generally include a first network device, which is joined to the network, sending authentication information. If the authentication information is determined as valid by a second network device, the second network device sends a join request toward the first network device. During or after the joining process, the first and second network devices can share scheduling information. These embodiments enable a network to have additional security while consuming low amounts of power.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided regarding an optical communication system for both short- and long-range applications employing specialized diffusive elements. An interrogator unit can utilize a diffusive element that diffuses a portion of the laser beam for short-range applications. Other portions of the beam can have low divergence to enable long-range functionality as well. A response unit can utilize a diffusive retroreflector to help ensure sensors coupled to the interrogator unit detect a reflected beam. The interrogator unit can employ a plurality of sensors for sensing one or more response signals at a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A wireless laser detection system for use in a military training environment and method of implementing the same are described. The wireless laser detection system includes at least one laser detector module characterized by a sensor, a decoder, and a network adapter. The laser detection system also includes a control module and a status indicator. The sensor detects an information bearing laser signal and communicates it to the decoder. The decoder extracts event data from the laser signal and sends it to the network adapter. The network adapter wirelessly transmits the event data over a personal area network to the control module. The control module processes the event data and stores it in a memory. The control module also optionally downloads the stored event data to an external device.

Abstract: A method and system for a projectile training system that automatically predicts a ballistics solution based upon automatically-gathered meteorological and distance information is disclosed. The projectile training system also confirms that manual efforts performed by an operator to adjust the sight turrets would or would not result in a hit and/or kill of the target. Both adjustment of the turrets and aim of weapon is automatically gathered in a determination of whether there was a hit, kill, miss, or near miss. A light or other signal is sent from the weapon toward the target to indicate a shot was sent by the weapon.