Abstract: A method for locating wireless devices within a local region, comprising: determining respective global locations of two or more of the wireless devices; determining whether the wireless devices are within the local region by calculating respective distances between the global locations; determining respective ranges between the wireless devices within the local region; and, determining respective relative locations of the wireless devices within the local region by triangulation using the ranges.

Abstract: A token has an antenna and a short-range RF receiver to receive wireless receive bursts comprising receive protocol overhead and transaction credentials. A parsing circuit selects a subset of the transaction credentials including a duration of an associated transaction. A credentials memory holds at least the subset of the transaction credentials for the duration of the transaction. A display and/or short-range RF transmitter notifies a transaction notification indicative of the subset of the transaction credentials held in the credentials memory. The short-range RF transmitter transmits wireless transmit bursts in a burst data length shorter than a burst data length of the receive bursts. The wireless receive bursts can have control data and the parsing circuit selects the subset based on instructions in the control data. A display on a vehicle can render the subset of the transaction credentials for the duration of the associated transaction.

Abstract: A high definition thin lens dimensional image display device and methods of manufacturing the same. The thin lens dimensional image display device generally includes a lens array on a first surface of a film, such as a lenticular lens array or a fly's eye lens array, with a printed imaged either printed directly on a second planar surface of the film, or on a separate substrate that is laminated thereto. The resulting display device offers a lower cost display device having greater flexibility for a wider variety of applications than traditional image display devices, without compromising image quality. Processes for manufacturing the display device include printing on a pre-fabricated thin lens web, inline printing of an image and patterning of the lens array, and inline printing of a substrate and application of a coating to the substrate which is subsequently patterned or embossed.

Abstract: A method for identifying and ranging a wireless device, comprising: transmitting an original radar signal from a detecting system; in response to the original radar signal, receiving a modulated radar signal at the detecting system, the modulated radar signal being backscattered from an antenna of the wireless device and containing information pertaining to the wireless device, and the modulated radar signal being a frequency offset version of the original radar signal; and, using a processor at the detecting system, determining an identity and a range of the wireless device from the modulated radar signal.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus for backscattering an incoming radio frequency (RF) signal includes an antenna for backscattering the incoming RF signal in accordance with a reflection coefficient characteristic of the antenna. A variable impedance circuit includes an output electrically connected to the antenna. A band-pass delta sigma modulator is coupled to the variable impedance circuit and digitally controls the output of the variable impedance circuit, such that the reflection coefficient of the antenna is adjusted based on the digitally controlled output of the variable impedance circuit. In an RFID network, the apparatus and method reduces the effect of DC offset in the reader device and the effects of the reader device's phase noise, while allowing for complex modulations.

Abstract: A secure carrier assembly for media devices and media content. The assembly includes a carrier having a front panel, a rear panel, and an intermediate panel. At least one panel of the carrier comprises a durable polymeric material, such as a lens sheet assembly including a lens sheet, and an image layer. The carrier with lens sheet assembly provides enhanced security features, increased durability, and eye-catching features compared to traditional carrier or packaging assemblies.

Abstract: A system for golf course vehicle management can include a tag device having a transceiver and a vehicle management process. The vehicle management process includes an application service for receiving the location of the tag device from the transceiver, at least one geographical zone, and a tracking module for comparing the location to the zone and generating an alert when the location is within the zone. Also included in the process is a control module for recognizing the alert. The control module can initiate an action, such as performance of a vehicle control action by a vehicle controller device.

Abstract: A system for decoding energy peaks of an identifier comprises an decoder. The decoder is configured to receive a first reference peak position and a second reference peak position associated with an identifier. The identifier comprises a rugate microtag. The encoder is configured to receive a set of data pattern peak positions associated with the identifier. The decoder is configured to determine a set of adjusted data pattern peak positions based on the first reference peak position and the second reference peak position.

Abstract: A financial transaction card is packaged by a carrier which contains the card and restricts motion of the card sufficiently to inhibit removal of the card by improper means (e.g., creating a slit in the exterior of the package and sliding the card out) prior to activation of the financial transaction account associated with the card at the point of sale. In a preferred embodiment, the package is a simple three-panel construction having an internal panel provided with slits that do not contact the card unless improper removal of the card is attempted. Such a feature provides substantial security for the packaged card, at minimal manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.

Abstract: A marking apparatus (1) for marking an item (12). The apparatus comprises: means to receive the item; a nucleic acid marker; means to release a marking fluid (8); and a distribution mechanism (11) coupled to the nucleic acid marker and the means to release the marking fluid. The means to release the marking fluid can be activated to release the marking fluid such that the distribution mechanism disperses a mixture of the nucleic acid marker and the marking fluid onto the item.

Abstract: Auto-applied packing list and upper label systems. A carrier material with an upper label and a lower label removeably adhered thereto is provided. The upper label and lower label are dispensed in sequence onto a label applicator apparatus. The label applicator apparatus applies the upper label and the lower label to a surface simultaneously, whereby after application the underside of the lower label is in contact with the surface and the undersurface of the upper label is in contact with the top side of the lower label.

Abstract: Unfilled prescriptions are submitted to a registry comprising pre-qualified pharmacies for a “reverse auction” in which the pharmacies bid for the opportunity to fill the prescription. The pharmacies or a network of pharmacies on behalf of the pharmacies are allowed to bid based on price and/or offering ancillary services. The auction may also be used to bid on supplying specified pharmaceutical cognitive services. The method may also include obtaining cost comparisons with generic substitutes or similar alternative pharmaceutical products. The system may further comprise automatically requesting a review by the prescriber for a list of similar substitutes or prior-authorization for third-party payers. The winner of the reverse auction is selected by the customer.

Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.

Abstract: A lens sheet having one or more lens arrays positioned in selected discrete areas. Each lens array includes a plurality of lenses, each having a width, a height, and a lens peak. The lens array is set below the planar surface of the lens sheet, such that lens array does not extend above the lens sheet. Furthermore, the lens array is completely bordered by or contained within planar portions of the lens sheet. One or more dimensional images are printed below each of the lens arrays, and/or one or more static images can be printed on the planar portions of the lens sheet.

Abstract: The disclosure includes systems and methods for promoting fundraising organizations and merchants. In one embodiment, a method can be provided. The method can include receiving an indication a merchant-associated tag was scanned by a tag reader via a processor-based device at a merchant location; validating the merchant-associated tag and scanning event; and providing an incentive to a beneficiary based at least in part on the validation of the merchant-associated tag and the scanning event.

Abstract: A vendor portal for electronic commerce over a network is provided. The vendor portal comprises a vendor portal web site, a collection of preconfigured modules linked to the portal, and vendor tools to enable a vendor to compile a promotional offer or service by selecting and personalising one or more preconfigured modules. The vendor portal further comprises a unique identifier generator to generate and link a unique identifier to said promotional offer or service; wherein the portal is operable to cause the vendor compiled promotional offer or service to be displayed on a user interface of a customer's networked device when a customer uses their networked device to scan said unique identifier.

Abstract: The apparatus described is computer controlled and includes a visual display system with a triple screen arrangement in front of and on the sides of a driver of a vehicle positioned on a chassis dynamometer. Three projectors project virtual scenic imagery onto the triple screen arrangement which spans at least 180° relative to the driver. The virtual scenic imagery has a progression which is dependent upon the speed of at least one of the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, as controlled by the driver, when the motor vehicle is positioned on rollers of the dynamometer. The apparatus may include a steering sensing arrangement for providing signals of steering actions by the driver, which signals are used to deflect the virtual scenic imagery in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.

Abstract: This invention relates to capturing and processing the full bandwidth of an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signal. An incoming UWB signal is processed in two different analog signal bands in parallel and their magnitudes summed to facilitate a Field programmable gate array (FPGA) processing of the entire UWB bandwidth to minimize digital implementation loss and promote a higher range.