Abstract: An electronic event recorder for attachment to a vehicle is provided which can broadcast encrypted signature and data, thereby leaving behind an electronic version of a “fingerprint” in the event of an accident or traffic violation. The fingerprint, captured by an external data acquisition system or another vehicle so equipped, provides a history of events related to the vehicle. The event recorder is preferably integrated on a smart card and housed in a tamper proof casing. In a first mode of operation, monitoring stations along the roadways periodically send an interrogation signal, such as when radar detects that the vehicle is speeding. Upon receiving the interrogation signal the smart card transmits the vehicle's signature information to the monitoring station where it is time and date stamped along with the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system that allows a claim by a registrant as to the number of occupants traveling in a vehicle over a section of highway with a high occupancy vehicle incentive program in place to be transmitted. The registrant is identified by a registrant identifier. The claim about occupancy is optionally visually displayed as the vehicle traverses the highway. The identification of the registrant making the claim is captured by a plurality of reading devices along the highway and transferred to a central processing system. That system determines if a qualified ride-sharing event has occurred, and if so it will then provide for distribution of the program incentives to the registered individual(s).

Abstract: A system for processing alerts receives alerts from managed elements on different specific transport mechanisms. An interpreter converts alerts in different specific formats to a system format. A notifier notifies a user about the alert in a user identified manner. The system is modular in that functions may be added as components which are available to multiple modules. Managed elements may be queried to determine new types of alerts, and the state of an element. Further, multiple events may be correlated to determine the state of an element.

Abstract: A hitch mechanism comprises an interlocking safety pin and a sleeve or other mechanism which, in a locking position, exposes a hole which is adapted to receive the safety pin. The safety pin includes an interlock to activate either an audible alarm, a visible alarm, of both. In alternative embodiment, the pin mechanism further includes means to foil a would-be thief in uncoupling the towed vehicle. In a further alternative embodiment, the safety pin includes an internal power supply to eliminate certain wired connections.

Abstract: A warning light system for a traffic intersection for alerting pedestrians and operators of passenger vehicles to the approach of an emergency vehicle. The warning light system is activated only by sounds in the range of frequencies which are emitted by the siren of an emergency vehicle. The warning light system has a warning light assembly having a control unit, and also has an audio sensor unit. The warning light assembly has a blue light and a white light, which flash alternately and repeatedly, after receipt of an audio signal by the audio sensor unit from the siren of an emergency vehicle, and processing of that signal by the control unit. The lights of the warning light assembly continuously flash until the sound emitted from the siren is no longer detectable by the audio sensor.

Abstract: An airline distress system is provided for an airplane. The airplane includes a pilot cockpit and a transponder for transmitting signals to an air traffic controller. The airline distress system includes an auxiliary transponder (10) that transmits auxiliary signals to the air traffic controller. The auxiliary transponder is preferably disposed outside of the pilot cockpit and inaccessible to airplane crew and passengers. In one embodiment, a sensor (16) is operatively coupled with the cockpit door, and a switch (20) communicates with the sensor (16) and the auxiliary transponder (10). The auxiliary transponder (10) is configured to be automatically activated by the switch (20) according to a signal from the sensor that the cockpit door has been opened.

Abstract: To provide a monitoring system and method that allows customization of a monitoring system and method according to a user's instruction, thereby achieving a higher flexibility in configuring the monitoring scheme. The monitoring system comprises a user system and a security server. The user system includes a capture unit, an input unit, a sensor, an imaging unit and a home server. The home server accepts the user's instructions and configure monitoring program realized by the home server. The user may specify logical connections between imaging unit and sensor, notification rule when the alarm is occurred.

Abstract: A seatbelt fastening prompting apparatus comprises a display device of driving assistance information which displays driving assistance information on a screen, a seatbelt fastening detection device which detects a fastening situation of a seatbelt as to whether the seatbelt is fastened or unfastened, a vehicle speed detection device which detects a vehicle speed, and a control device which allows the screen to display warning contents to the effect that the seatbelt should be fastened, when an ignition switch is turned on and the seatbelt is detected as being unfastened by the seatbelt fastening detection device. In the seatbelt fastening prompting apparatus, the warning contents are changed to raise a warning level thereof step by step in accordance with the vehicle speed.

Abstract: Enhanced HART device alerts enable HART devices within a process control system to report alarm or alert conditions that are detected within the devices to a system user or operator using a plurality of intuitive device status conditions, each of which corresponds to a different level of severity and each of which may require a different type of response by the system user or operator. The status conditions are consistent with enhanced Fieldbus device alerts and include a condition associated with a failure of a HART device, a condition associated with maintenance needed by a HART device and an advisable action in connection with a HART device.

Abstract: An asset securing and tracking system (30) operates in conjunction with a wireless communication network (65) for tracking a portable asset (35). The system (30) includes a tracking device (31) adapted to be attached to the portable asset (35) and communicate with the wireless communication network (65). The tracking device (31) determines the location of the asset (35) using signals from GPS satellites (55) and the terrestrial wireless communication network (65). A monitoring station (32) receives and processes a location signal regarding the geographic location of the portable asset (35) from tracking device (31) via the wireless communication network (65).

Abstract: A remote motor vehicle signal indicator system consists of a transmitter coupled to a vehicle indication signal drive line. The transmitter wirelessly transmits a receiver activation signal corresponding to a vehicle indication signal of the vehicle indication signal drive line. The vehicle indication signal is selected from the group consisting of a turn signal, a brake signal, a reverse gear signal, and a hazard signal. The system also includes a remote vehicle signal indicator coupled to a surface outside of the vehicle and includes a signal indicator display. The remote vehicle signal indicator receives the receiver activation signal from the transmitter and, in response, activates the signal indicator display. In some variations, a power supply not coupled to the vehicle power supply powers the remote vehicle signal indicator and the transmitter is powered by the vehicle indication signal.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector can provide verbal feedback to a user or consumer indicative of an alarm condition being sensed beyond the existence of a predetermined alarm condition and/or location. Information pertaining to developing alarm conditions whether gas or fire, that are being sensed can be verbally fed back to the consumer either automatically or in response to incident infrared control signals directed to the detector by the consumer. Additional status and/or parametric information can be provided by the consumer in response to incoming infrared command signals.

Abstract: A method and system for sending messages that indicate position. In one embodiment, the message transmission device includes a message transmission unit that is coupled to a position determination system. A server is adapted to receive messages from the message transmission device. In operation, a first message is generated at the message transmission device. The position of the message transmission device is determined and is included in the message. The message is then sent to the server. The server then generates a second message that complies with any instruction indicated in the first message that relates to position. An instruction that relates to position can indicate routing, format, performance of a task, etc. By indicating return routing in the instruction, a user can obtain location in any of a number of desired formats without the need to store extensive databases in the message transmission device.

Abstract: A home automation module having an externally powered communications port. The module includes an automation microprocessor for controlling the module, a communications port for enabling the module to draw power in limited quantities from an external source, a receiver/transmitter section, a power line carrier (PLC) coupler for enabling the transfer of signals between the module and a main while electrically isolating the module from the main, a zero-crossing detector for monitoring the phase of the power on the main while maintaining substantial electrical isolation of the module from the main, and a boost regulator for enabling the module to derive sufficient power from the communications port to drive the PLC coupler during signal transmissions from the module to the main. The detector maintains substantial electrical isolation through an opto-isolator. The boost regulator stores up power over time so that sufficient power will be available when the demand is made.

Abstract: A system for operating a plurality of power generation stations. The system comprises: a general control device for monitoring a plurality of power generation stations, each of the stations including at least one electric power generation unit; a plurality of unit control devices, each of which monitoring each of the generation units, the unit control devices producing alarm data; and communication means for exchanging data between the general control device and each of the unit control devices. Only part of the alarm data produced in the unit control devices are displayed at the general control device.

Abstract: A radioactive material detection system includes a cargo container monitoring system and a control center. The cargo container monitoring system has a radiation sensor configured to detect radiation over a predetermined or commanded period of time and a transceiver configured to send the information received from the radiation sensor. The control center is in communication with the transceiver of the cargo container monitoring system. The control center is configured to receive data from at least one additional source other than the cargo container monitoring system and to asynchronously analyze the data from the at least one additional source and the information from the radiation sensor, during transit, so as to detect radioactive material in a cargo container.

Abstract: A behavior of a group of persons is monitored. Each person is given a radio frequency identification tag. Tag identification information that is unique to the radio frequency identification tag, and reader identification information that is unique to a tag reader, which detects the radio frequency identification tag, are acquired. A position of each of the persons in the group is detected based on the tag identification information and the reader identification information. A position of majority of the persons in the group is regarded as the position of the group. If the position of a person is different from the position of the group, then that person is determined as having parted from the group.

Abstract: A detectable warning system, for tactily signaling the presence of a terrain transition to a pedestrian, using a plurality of detectable warning domes that are arranged in a grid within a detectable warning carrier assembly. The detectable warning carrier assembly comprises a top layer and base layer of thermoplastic material with heat resistant detectable warning domes therebetween. The base layer is heated and adhered to a pavement surface. The detectable warning domes protrude from the pavement surface in an evenly spaced pattern that is detectable by the pedestrian using a cane or other guidance instrument.

Abstract: A system is described for detecting at least one event of interest. The system comprises a detector, a programmable controller, and a network. Upon detection of an event of interest, the detector communicates that information to the programmable controller through the network. The programmable controller allows a user, who may be in diverse geographic locations, to control the detector.

Abstract: A method and system for registering information about a variety of property items either centrally or in distributed fashion enables quick notification of proper authorities when the property item is stolen. The system can invoke police authority networks and/or a private security system network. Various types of information can be stored in a central database accessible over a public network such as the Internet, or locally on a personal credential item, such as a security card carried with the owner/user of the property item. Information types can include descriptive textual information, visual information, and auditory information about the property item and its owner or user. When the item is discovered stolen, the card can be scanned at a variety of participating card reader devices, which can include ATM machines, retail point-of-sale scanners, gas station pumps, and any other properly equipped public/private/commercial devices.