Abstract: A system generates haptic effects using at least one actuator and at least one speaker. The system receives a high definition (“HD”) haptic effect signal and a corresponding audio signal if audio is to be played. The system generates a standard definition (“SD”) haptic effect signal based at least on the HD haptic effect signal, and generates an audio based haptic effect signal based at least on the HD haptic effect signal. The system mixes the audio signal and the audio based haptic effect signal, and then substantially simultaneously plays the SD haptic effect signal on the actuator and plays the mixed signal on the speaker.

Abstract: We describe an RFID tag reading system comprising a plurality of transmit/receive antennas to provide spatial transmit/receive signal diversity, and a tag signal decoder. The system combines received RF signals from the antennas, and the antennas are spaced apart from one another sufficiently for one said antenna not to be within the near field of another. The system performs a tag inventory cycle comprising a plurality of tag read rounds, each having a set of time slots during which a said tag is able to transmit tag data including a tag ID. The system is configured to perform, during a tag inventory cycle, one or both of: a change in a frequency of the tag interrogation signals transmitted simultaneously from the plurality of antennas, and a change in a relative phase of a the RF tag interrogation signal transmitted from one of the antennas with respect to another.

Abstract: A gas detector management system includes a plurality of docking stations distributed in a region being monitored. One or more gas detectors in the region, which have been exposed to various gas concentrations, and which include respective stored maximum concentrations can be coupled to respective docking stations. Information including the maximum stored concentrations can be downloaded to the stations. Alert messages can be automatically generated and transmitted to displaced safety officer for follow-up.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an information gathering method. The information gathering method includes identifying a location of a package, the location associated with one or more location-based restrictions on collecting data. The information gathering method also includes restricting access to sensor-collectable data associated with the package in accordance with the or more location-based restrictions.

Abstract: A portable information handling system includes a top cover, a base, and an electronic latch. The top cover is connected to the base. The top cover has a gesture sensitive surface configured to receive a trace. The electronic latch is in communication with the gesture sensitive surface, and is configured to latch the top cover and the base together. The electronic latch is further configured to unlatch the top cover from the base in response to receiving a signal representing that the trace received on the gesture sensitive surface is proper.

Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.

Abstract: A communication system is installed in information home appliances controlled by an operation system connected to an IP network. The communication system includes a first communication apparatus connected to the IP network; and a second communication apparatus connected to the first communication apparatus.

Abstract: A car alarm apparatus includes a first horn; a second horn; an electrical source; a theft detection section; a horn switch; a first relay closed when the horn switch is operated; a first fuse connected to the electrical source in series with the first relay and the first horn; a second fuse connected to the electrical source separately from the first fuse; and a second relay connected to the electrical source in series with the second fuse and the second horn, wherein the second relay includes a first contact that connects the second horn to an electrical source through the first fuse and the first relay in parallel with the first horn and a second contact that connects the second horn to the electrical source through the second fuse, and closes the second contact when the occurrence of the theft is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle has a search signal transmission unit that transmits a search signal for searching a position of a portable device, which remotely operates the control device, a determination unit that determines a bright and dark state of outside of the vehicle, and a storage unit that stores a determination result of the determination unit.

Abstract: A mattress or support surface including an identifier to enable the mattress or support surface to be associated with a location in the healthcare facility and more particularly a room within the healthcare facility.

Abstract: An RFID tag having mounted thereon an IC chip capable of receiving and delivering information from and to an external source without contact. In the RFID tag, a central axis of its own antenna having mounted thereon the IC chip coincides with a center of the RFID tag, and an antenna width is controlled. That is, a position of the central axis of the antenna is controlled to correct the mass eccentricity of the RFID tag. Further, the RFID tag is an RFID tag having mounted thereon the IC chip capable of receiving and delivering information from and to an external source without contact, and an RFID tag having attached thereon the IC chip at a position in which a first and a second antenna lengths are different from each other.

Abstract: An illuminated wind indicator including a wind chime assembly with a moveable pendulum assembly. The pendulum assembly includes a suspension member to support moveable suspension of the pendulum assembly proximate the wind chime assembly and further includes a component configuration of components including power and control circuitry, at least one solar panel, at least one light source and a striker, wherein each of the components has a distance relationship to the suspension member, where the power and control circuitry, the at least one solar panel and the at least one light source is electrically connected to form an illumination circuit that is separate and spaced apart from the wind chime assembly.

Abstract: A remote control method for remotely controlling the operation of equipment furnished in a vehicle in response to a remote control request generated by a remote controller is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) acquiring vehicle status information from the vehicle; (b) determining whether to operate particular vehicle equipment designated by the remote control request based on the vehicle status information; and (c) regulating the remote control request based on the determination result representing acceptability of remote-control operation of the requested vehicle equipment.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining when a set of RFID tags on a set of objects belongs to a same defined subset of objects (“set identification”).

Abstract: Reminding of the owner of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port connectible device that the same has been left connected to a USB port of a powered computer is provided by an alarm disposed on a portable base for the device activated by cessation of reception of a limited range radio frequency (RF) signal. Transmission is powered by the computer through the USB port. The portable base has an independent power source for reception/alarm circuitry preferably switched on by separation of a USB port connectible device and/or signalling attachment from the portable base and switched off by physical reunion of the same. Alarm activation while retrieving the USB port connectible device from the USB port of a computer is avoided with an alarm activation delay exceeding in duration a transmission interval minimizing the likelihood of RF signal interference between multiple proximate reminders or other signals of the same RF.

Abstract: A radio frequency tag for a radio frequency identification system is provided that includes an antenna and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The receiver receives and demodulates a message received on at least one frequency. A retransmit controller receives the message, determines a retransmit status for the message, and if the retransmit status is positive, initiates retransmission of the message for reception by another radio tag.

Abstract: A vehicular light control system for controlling the illumination of a vehicle's external directional/turn signaling and/or hazard warning lights, by controlling continuous illumination of pairs of the brightest signal filaments of either dual or single filament bulb designed vehicles, where such bulbs were previously flash only and underutilized. The system operates to control the brightest filaments when the operator wishes to draw attention to the vehicle for safety, or for visibility and utility purposes, without the same system negatively affecting normal operation of existing turn signal/hazard warning systems.

Abstract: A lifting device equipped with an RFID scanning system having an article receiving area configured for receipt of a stack of articles having RFID tags associated therewith. A first scanning antenna is provided at a first height relative to the article receiving area, and a second scanning antenna is provided at a second height relative to the article receiving area that is above the first height. A computer control system is in communication with the first and second scanning antennas and applies a verification parameter to RFID signals received by the second scanning antenna to determine whether RFID tagged articles detected by the second scanning antenna are within the stack of articles carried by the lifting device.

Abstract: A motorcycle awareness system for use when a motorcycle is in operation in conjunction with vehicular traffic is disclosed. The motorcycle awareness system includes an infrared light emitter that is located on the front of a motorcycle, with the infrared light emitter having an internal oscillating motor that is attached to an emitter. The emitter continually emits infrared light in a forward manner once it is turned on and emits this light in a sweeping manner. Vehicles would be equipped with an infrared light receiver, which, when infrared light is received, would activate a number of lights that are attached to the receiver. The lights are preferably either yellow or blue to distinguish these lights from other vehicular lights. When activated, the lights signify the presence of a motorcycle in close proximity to the vehicle, thereby notifying the driver to pay extra attention while driving so as to not endanger the motorcyclist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wireless communication device that attaches using magnetic force in whole or part to an article of manufacture, or other material having a magnetic surface portion. The wireless communication device contains a form of a magnet to provide magnetic force and attraction. A magnet can be a natural magnet, electromagnet or other type of material having magnetic properties. The wireless communication device may be detached from the article by altering the magnetic force created by its associated magnet. Altering is accomplished by using an external device or a device internal to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device is also operable to receive and communicate information regarding the article to which it is attached remotely for identification, informative, and tracking purposes.