Abstract: On-board vehicular monitoring system in a movable vehicle including a frame defining a compartment in which an occupant is able to sit and a drive system for enabling movement of the vehicle. The monitoring system includes at least one sound-receiving/vibration-detecting component that receives sounds from an environment in or around the vehicle and/or detects vibration, a processor coupled to each sound-receiving/vibration-detecting component and that analyzes the sounds and/or vibrations to identify non-speech sounds or vibrations, and a communications device coupled to the processor that transmits a signal, data or information about analysis by the processor of the identified non-speech sounds to a remote location separate and apart from the vehicle.

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling a component having multiple states includes a device that generates a signal at a frequency that enables it to be conducted through a human body, and a conductive surface coupled to the device, situated in a position accessible by a part of the human, and which enables proximity or contact of the part of the human to the conductive surface to develop a reactive coupling between the human and the conductive surface. The component has multiple, different states and is controlled by the human to change from a first state to a second state upon completion of an electrical circuit including the component, the conductive surface and the device upon developing reactive coupling between the human and the conductive surface when the device is generating the signal conducted through the human. The component may be a vehicular component such as a door or window.

Abstract: Method for conveying driving conditions and using the conveyed driving conditions for vehicular control includes generating information about a travel surface or an environment around the travel surface using sensors fixed in position relative to the travel surface. Each sensor includes a measuring or detecting component that measures or detects a property or condition of the travel surface or the environment around the travel surface. A communication of the information generated by that sensor to a vehicle or its occupant is initiated only when that vehicle is within the set distance from a sensor. Operation of a display, navigation, control and/or guidance system in that vehicle is caused to change from an existing operating state to one of several different operating states as a result of reception of the communication from the sensor.

Abstract: Headpiece (10) including a frame (22) having a support portion supported on a test-taker's head, an imaging device (14) that obtains images of an environment around and in front of the test-taker, a biometric identification system (26) that obtains biometric data about the person, a display (12) viewable by the test-taker, and a sound generator and detector (16, 18). A processor on the frame (22) is coupled to these components and controls content of the display (12) based on input received via the imaging device (14) and the biometric identification system (26). The processor also monitors detection of audio communications by the sound detector (16) relative to sound generated by the sound generator (18) and images obtained by the imaging device (14) and a test is displayed on the display (12) to determine whether a person other than the test-taker is present in an image obtained by the imaging device (14) or orally providing information to the test-taker.

Abstract: Intrusion-protected memory-containing assembly including a substrate, a data storage component and processor on the substrate, and a chassis intrusion detector assembly around the substrate. The chassis intrusion detector assembly includes a first plastic film, a mesh including conductor wires arranged on the first plastic film, and a second plastic film covering the mesh. The conductor wires are connected together in a single circuit with the processor to form a single transmission line. The second plastic film has sealed edges integrated with the mesh such that the edges are inseparable without breaking one of the conductor wires of the mesh. The processor takes action to prevent access to data in the data storage component upon detecting a variance in current through or impedance of the transmission line defined by the conductor wires caused by breaking of one of the conductor wires, e.g., causes the data storage component to self-destruct.

Abstract: Vehicle-mounted device includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) (8) having at least one accelerometer or gyroscope, a GPS receiver (6), a camera (10) positioned to obtain unobstructed images of an area exterior of the vehicle (16) and a control system (20) coupled to these components. The control system (20) re-calibrates each accelerometer or gyroscope using signals obtained by the GPS receiver (6), and derives information about objects in the images obtained by the camera (10) and location of the objects based on data from the IMU (8) and GPS receiver (6). A communication system (18) communicates the information derived by the control system (20) to a location separate and apart from the vehicle (16). The control system (20) includes a processor that provides a location of the camera (10) and a direction in which the camera (10) is imaging based on data from the IMU corrected based on data from the GPS receiver (6), for use in creating the map database (12). (FIG.

Abstract: System and method for obtaining and recording information about cargo includes a frame defining a cargo-receivable compartment, a position determining system at least partly on the frame and that allows for determination of position of the frame, an identification system on the frame that obtains information about cargo when present in the compartment, a memory component that receives and records information about position and movement of the frame, and the obtained information about cargo when present in the compartment in association with a unique identification of the frame, and a communications system on the frame to enable communication of information to and from the memory component.

Abstract: Card including a substrate, at least one biometric data entry device on the substrate to receive biometric data about an individual holding the substrate, a memory component on the substrate and containing biometric data about an individual possessing the card and at least one private key, and a processor configured to compare biometric data received via the biometric data entry device to biometric data contained in the memory component to determine whether they match. When there is a biometric data match, a process requiring use of the private key(s) is initiated for authorized use of the card. A chassis intrusion detector system detects tampering with the card and upon such detection, causes deletion of the private key(s) to thereby prevent unauthorized use of the card.

Abstract: On-board vehicular monitoring system in a movable vehicle including a frame defining a compartment in which an occupant is able to sit and a drive system for enabling movement of the vehicle. The monitoring system includes at least one sound-receiving/vibration-detecting component that receives sounds from an environment in or around the vehicle and/or detects vibration, a processor coupled to each sound-receiving/vibration-detecting component and that analyzes the sounds and/or vibrations to identify non-speech sounds or vibrations, and a communications device coupled to the processor that transmits a signal, data or information about analysis by the processor of the identified non-speech sounds to a remote location separate and apart from the vehicle.

Abstract: Headpiece (10) including a frame (22) having a support portion supported on a test-taker's head, an imaging device (14) that obtains images of an environment around and in front of the test-taker, a biometric identification system (26) that obtains biometric data about the person, a display (12) viewable by the test-taker, and a sound generator and detector (16, 18). A processor on the frame (22) is coupled to these components and controls content of the display (12) based on input received via the imaging device (14) and the biometric identification system (26). The processor also monitors detection of audio communications by the sound detector (16) relative to sound generated by the sound generator (18) and images obtained by the imaging device (14) and a test is displayed on the display (12) to determine whether a person other than the test-taker is present in an image obtained by the imaging device (14) or orally providing information to the test-taker.

Abstract: Method for controlling a vehicle including a smartphone-engaging coupling element. Data about operational status of the vehicle is transferred from one or more vehicle-resident systems to a smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element. Commands are received by the vehicle from the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element, which commands being based in part on data previously transferred from the vehicle-resident system(s) to the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element. A vehicular system, e.g., seat positioning system, mirror positioning system, passenger compartment temperature control system, route guidance or navigation system, changes its operation in accordance with the commands received by the vehicle from the smartphone when the smartphone is engaged with the coupling element.

Abstract: Headpiece for test-taking includes a frame having support structure for supporting the frame on a person's head and a viewing portion configured to be in front of the person's face when the frame is supported on the person's head, and at least one light valve assembly arranged in the viewing portion. Each light valve assembly has a first state in which the person is able to see therethrough and an alternative second state in which viewing therethrough is prevented. A controller controls whether the light valve assembly is in the first state or the second state to thereby control viewing therethrough. The light valve assembly may be situated rearward of part of the viewing portion. Only the headpiece wearer is thus able to view test questions on a display through the light valve assembly.

Abstract: Intrusion-protected component including a housing including a substrate containing a data storage component and access functionality only through which access to each data storage component is enabled, and conductors connected together in a single circuit to form a single transmission line. A processor renders each data storage component and/or access functionality inoperable upon detecting a variance in current or impedance caused by breaking of one of the conductors, e.g., causes the data storage component to self-destruct. The housing includes a head band worn on a person's head and an L-shaped housing part having a portion positioned in front of the frame. A display, imaging device, microphone and sound generator are arranged on or in the housing, and coupled to the processor which conducts a test while detecting cheating by monitoring images received by the imaging device and sounds received by the microphone.

Abstract: System, arrangement and method for tolling includes a location determining system arranged at least partly in a vehicle to determine the vehicle location during vehicular travel, a toll database including data about tolls for use of a plurality of lanes of a multi-lane roadway at a plurality of different geographic points, the toll data being different for different lanes of the multi-lane roadway at at least one geographic point, and a communications device arranged on the vehicle. A processor directs transmission including the determined vehicle location and an identification of the vehicle by the communications device to a remote site separate and apart from the vehicle. A toll is determined at the remote site based on the toll database and the vehicle location which is the lane-specific location of the vehicle or based on at least two vehicle locations each of which is a lane-specific location of the vehicle.

Abstract: Processing arrangement for managing temporary updates to a map for use by vehicular navigation systems in vehicles in which a communications system at a remote site receives wireless communications from each vehicle including information about presence of an object or condition at a specific location automatically identified at the specific location without requiring manual entry of data about the object or condition at the specific location and that affects movement of vehicles on a roadway. A processor generates a map update for use by vehicular navigation systems based on the identified object or condition at the specific location which is transmitted to any vehicle in a vicinity of the specific location to cause the vehicular navigation system of that vehicle to use a map with the generated map update to display or otherwise indicate the presence of the object or condition at the specific location.

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling a component having multiple states includes a device that generates a signal at a frequency that enables it to be conducted through a human body, and a conductive surface coupled to the device, situated in a position accessible by a part of the human, and which enables proximity or contact of the part of the human to the conductive surface to develop a reactive coupling between the human and the conductive surface. The component has multiple, different states and is controlled by the human to change from a first state to a second state upon completion of an electrical circuit including the component, the conductive surface and the device upon developing reactive coupling between the human and the conductive surface when the device is generating the signal conducted through the human. The component may be a vehicular component such as a door or window.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement including vehicles, a locating system in each vehicle that provides location data about the vehicle, a sensor system in each vehicle that detects presence of at least one chemical in the air at a location at which the vehicle is situated when the sensor system is analyzing air, and a monitoring facility. Each vehicle also includes a communication system that generates a signal based on data provided by the sensor system about the detected presence of at least one chemical in the air and a signal based on the location data and directs the signals to the monitoring facility. Data provided by the sensor systems and sent via the communication systems is analyzed at the monitoring facility in association with location data about the vehicles determined by the locating systems.

Abstract: Method for conveying driving conditions includes determining when a vehicle is within a set distance from an activatable sensor using a proximity sensor coupled thereto. Only when the proximity sensor determines that the vehicle is within the set distance from the activatable sensor, the activatable sensor is activated (from a deactivated state) to measure or detect a property or condition of the travel surface or the environment around the travel surface that affects interaction between tires of the vehicle and the travel surface using a measuring or detecting component, and communicate the sensor-generated information directly from the activatable sensor to the vehicle or occupant thereof. Energy is provided to the activatable sensor from an energy harvesting system associated with the activatable sensor to enable it to measure or detect the property or condition of the travel surface or the environment around the travel surface.

Abstract: System, arrangement and method for tolling includes a location determining system arranged at least partly in a vehicle to determine the vehicle location during vehicular travel, a toll database including data about tolls for use of a plurality of lanes of a multi-lane roadway at a plurality of different geographic points, the toll data being different for different lanes of the multi-lane roadway at at least one geographic point, and a communications device arranged on the vehicle. A processor directs transmission including the determined vehicle location and an identification of the vehicle by the communications device to a remote site separate and apart from the vehicle. A toll is determined at the remote site based on the toll database and the vehicle location which is the lane-specific location of the vehicle or based on at least two vehicle locations each of which is a lane-specific location of the vehicle.

Abstract: Processing arrangement for managing temporary updates to a map for use by vehicular navigation systems in vehicles in which a communications system at a remote site receives wireless communications from each vehicle including information about presence of an object or condition at a specific location automatically identified at the specific location without requiring manual entry of data about the object or condition at the specific location and that affects movement of vehicles on a roadway. A processor generates a map update for use by vehicular navigation systems based on the identified object or condition at the specific location which is transmitted to any vehicle in a vicinity of the specific location to cause the vehicular navigation system of that vehicle to use a map with the generated map update to display or otherwise indicate the presence of the object or condition at the specific location.