Abstract: A network node determines the suitability of coupled devices for being remotely line powered before actually powering them. The node scan its ports to determine which ports are coupled to devices. The node then interrogates the coupled devices. A unique discovery tone or bit pattern is generated and sent to devices coupled to ports. The node then monitors the port for a return signal. If there is a return signal, it is compared to the transmitted discovery signal. The signal will be identical after allowing for line losses if the coupled device is suitable for remote line powering. If the comparison yields a match, the network node supplies remote line power to the device.

Abstract: A personal authentication device can perform a fingerprint authentication processing by simple operation steps. The personal authentication device is installed in a slot of a portable phone. Approval authentication is carried out for a person who presses a button installed in a fingerprint sensor of the personal authentication device. Transaction data output from the personal authentication device is transmitted using an external communication module of the portable phone.

Abstract: An ID code is wirelessly sent to a device, such as a keyless-entry system or a keyless-starter system mounted on an automobile, from a portable transmitter. Electronic components including an electronic circuit board, a transponder and a battery are all contained in a resin case. The resin case is composed of a front case and a rear case, both firmly connected to each other. The case cannot be opened to take away the transponder contained therein without breaking the case. If the case is forcibly opened, a trace showing such a fact is unavoidably left on the case. The battery contained in the case, however, can be replaced or unloaded without breaking the case through an opening formed exclusively for the battery.

Abstract: An RFID tag has an N data element tag identifier that uniquely identifies the RFID tag. The RFID tag selects M data elements of the tag identifier, where M<N, and transmits only the selected M data elements to a tag reader so as to identify the RFID tag to the tag reader.

Abstract: A switch device is provided that ensures formation of a communicable area by a coil antenna. The switch device includes an ignition switch operated by an operator for driving an engine starter, a decorative cap arranged to surround the ignition switch and having an ornamental surface, and the coil antenna arranged adjacent to the decorative cap for transmitting a transponder-driving radio wave. The decorative cap includes a transmittable area that can transmit the transponder-driving radio wave therethrough. The transmittable area is formed in a part of the decorative cap excluding the ornamental surface.

Abstract: A system for unlocking a key cylinderless automobile vehicle door includes a portable object having an identifier and a circuit for interrogating the object. The circuit powers the object and interrogates the object when it is outside the vehicle. The interrogating circuit supplies a signal authorizing unlocking of the door as a function of the identifier. A standby power supply, which is separate from the main power supply of the vehicle, also powers the circuit and the object. As a result, the vehicle door does not require a key cylinder while still ensuring unlocking even if the main power supply of the vehicle fails.

Abstract: An interconnection network has a first stage network and a second stage network and a collection of devices outside the network so that a first device is capable of sending data to a second device. The first stage network is connected to inputs of the second stage network. The first and second stage networks each have more outputs than inputs. The data is first sent from the first device to the first stage network and then from the first stage network to the second stage network. The data is sent to the second device from the second stage network. The number of inputs to a device from the second stage network exceeds the number of outputs from a device into the first stage network. The latency through the entire system may be a fixed constant.

Abstract: A remote controller accesses via a connection control data from an appliance to be controlled. The remote controller includes a connection interface, a control unit, an input keypad and a remote signal output unit. When a user intends to remotely operate the appliance, first the connection interface needs to be inserted to a connection slot of the appliance, allowing the control unit to read the control data for remotely controlling the appliance. Then, when the user uses the input keypad to operate a function of the appliance, the control unit transmits an operational instruction from the input keypad and the control data to the remote signal output unit where a control command is generated and transmitted to the appliance such that the appliance can execute the function corresponding to the control command.

Abstract: A switch device that occupies less space and that can be manufactured at a lower cost. The switch device includes an operation switch operated by an operator for driving an actuator and a coil antenna used to output a transponder-driving radio wave. The coil antenna is arranged adjacent to the operation switch.

Abstract: A method of coupling a wireless portable communications device (PCD) to a base station by way of a second network is disclosed. The PCD is normally in communication with the base station by way of a first network, and is coupled to the base station by way of the second network when the PCD is out of communication with the base station by way of the first network. In particular, the PCD is coupled to the second network, and is caused to leave an base station mode and enter a second network mode. A network connection is established with the base station by way of the second network, and communication with the base station is entered into by way of the second network.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments may relate to vehicle (10) having a control system (12) located within the vehicle (10). The control system (12) may include a processor (26) and a wake-up circuit (46) coupled to the processor (26). The processor (26) may utilize a program (34) during a standby mode of operation. The program (34) is configured to provide a voltage to the wake-up circuit (46) for a first time period (T1) once an interrupt is received by the processor (26). Then, the program (34) may monitor the wake-up circuit (46) for a second time period (T2). If a response of the wake-up circuit (46) exceeds at least one of a plurality of predetermined limits, then the program (34) may recalibrate the wake-up circuit (46).

Abstract: A device for identifying authorization and triggering/enabling an action. The device comprises a base unit that detects identity information of a key unit, compares it with predetermined identity information and, if there is a match, triggers or enables the action. The base unit and the key unit each include synchronous generators outputting digital information that changes at predetermined time intervals. The key unit combines information of the digital generator with stored identification code to form a coded information item. The base unit codes the predetermined identity information with information from its own generator and compares this coded information with the coded information from the key unit. If the base unit detects the coded information, the action is triggered. The base unit outputs a signal, the key unit switches an antenna between matched and mismatched states, the antenna reflects the received signal, and base unit evaluates the reflected signal.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for phase modulation in an input circuit of a backscattering transponder includes a varactor and at most one capacitor connected in series between two antenna terminals, as well as a varactor control arrangement applying a control voltage to the varactor to selectively vary the capacitance thereof. One of the antenna terminals is connected directly to one of the varactor terminals without a capacitor therebetween. The other antenna terminal is connected either directly or through a capacitor to the other varactor terminal. One antenna terminal and/or one varactor terminal can be grounded. A DC-decoupling capacitor can be connected between a transponder circuit unit or a circuit ground and the common junction of the antenna terminal with the varactor terminal. The circuit arrangement is simple, economical, and uses minimal chip area by omitting further capacitors between the antenna terminals.

Abstract: A RFID tag structure determining the authenticity of an article, and an information processing system for reading RFID tags, enable authenticity determinations of articles using read only RFID tags. A plurality of RFID tags, each holding tag information inside ROM (read-only memory) and responding to tag information via a radio wave received from a reader, are designed to have a service identifier which designates a common utilization goal for which the same value is set, and service data which sets different values for the respective RFID tags, as tag information. By dividing the data structure of a RFID tag having a read-only memory into a service identifier, which is common to a certain product, and sequential data for managing individual products, it is possible to confirm that an article is authentic by simply confirming the service identifier.

Abstract: An electrical appliance includes at least one sensor for recording at least one operating parameter and at least one actuator for influencing at least one operating parameter of the electrical appliance. The at least one sensor and the at least one actuator are conductively coupled with a central computing and control unit for controlling the electrical appliance. The central computing and control unit is coupled with a communication unit that allows a wireless communication with an external remote station. The communication unit is, preferably, a transponder for wireless radio communication.

Abstract: Methods for controlling access to a facility and access to funds from authorizing providers are disclosed. The methods assign an environmental risk profile to the facility and risk factors to the authorizing provider, wherein both include point of entry systems. A person is pre-registered for access to the facility or funds or registered using an authentication server from public or private entities or authorizing providers. The person is issued an individual identification code on a smart card that is read and compared to the person's biometric data at the point of entry system, which contacts the authentication server to verify the person's eligibility. Personal data on the person is compiled using sets of rules to create an individual risk profile or an access level for receiving funds. Second and third transmissions communicate information for updating the individual risk profile for accessing the facility or updating the access level to funds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control system capable of controlling a number of devices on a network by one remote controller. A remote controller (10) requires a controlled device (20) defined as an object to be controlled to send display information. Thus, the display information stored in a ROM (21) of the controlled device (20) in advance is read and transmitted to the remote controller (10). The display information is described in a language such as HTLM, JAVA or the like. A browser on the remote controller (10) side displays a screen indicative of functions corresponding to a plurality of function keys (11) on a liquid crystal display (12). Thus, the function is selected based on the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display (12), and the function key (11) corresponding to the function is depressed, thereby making it possible to control the controlled device (20).

Abstract: A master entity is capable of broadcasting commands to slaves which move to another state when they satisfy a primitive condition specified in the command. By moving slaves among three sets, a desired subset of slaves can be isolated in one of the sets. This desired subset of slaves ten can be moved to one of the states that is unaffected by commands that cause the selection of other desirable subsets of slaves. In the incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,547 and 5,673,037, certain subgroups of radio frequency tags are selected for querying, communicating, and/or identifying by commands from a base station.

Abstract: A handle on doors, hoods, or the like especially for vehicles, with a stationary handle part, which can be mounted in a recess in the outer skin of the door, with a gripping element, which acts as a movable handle part and is supported on the stationary handle part, with an electrode of an electrical field-generating capacitor, located in the area of the stationary handle part, and with an electronic circuit for generating and monitoring this electrical field. The electronic circuit responds to the approach of a human hand to the gripping element and, if the response is positive, initiates defined functions in the motor vehicle. The electrode of the capacitor is integrated into a supplemental housing, and the supplemental housing is selectively locatable on the surface of the stationary handle part by the connector.

Abstract: A garage door power module is provided with the capability of operating over a number of different operating frequencies by configuring a power module chassis with a receptacle for receiving radio receivers where each of the receivers is adapted to receive one of the frequencies. The receptacle located near one edge of the chassis and is configured with a planar surface and support members that permit the receivers to be slidably inserted and removed from the receptacle. In addition the radio receiver is equipped with a plug connector and the receptacle is equipped with a socket for receiving the plug connector in order to transmit radio control signals from the receiver to logic control circuits in the power module.