Abstract: Embodiments of the invention pertain to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) method and system using an antenna array, an array controller, and control algorithms. Embodiments of the invention can induce strong radio-frequency (RF) excitation, for a given level of radiated RF power, at any point within an arbitrary inhomogeneous medium. For RFID applications, one typical inhomogeneous medium is an ensemble of cases on a pallet. Another typical medium is a warehouse environment having stored goods together with shelving and other material present. An embodiment of the invention is applicable to the process of reading battery-less, or “passive” RFID tags, which rely on incident RF electromagnetic fields established by RFID readers to power the electronic circuitry within the tags.

Abstract: This smoke detector is provided with: a plurality of light emitting devices which emit light beams of mutually different wavelengths; and a plurality of scattered light receiving sections which receive, at a different scattering angle for each light beam of the respective wavelengths, scattered light generated due to the plurality of light beams emitted simultaneously from these light emitting devices impinging on smoke.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating tactile messages to a user, such as a racecar driver, yacht crewmember, or other athlete. The system can include a tactile vest having tactile activators for conveying tactile messages to the user, including real time messages for helping the user assess and improve physical performance. The messages may be generated based on various types of sensor data, including, for example, data collected by vehicle sensors of a racecar or yacht.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of indicating the progress of a boot sequence on a communication device, the method comprising initiating the boot sequence; receiving input at the communication device during the boot sequence; and, in response to receiving input, outputting a progress indicator indicating the progress of the boot sequence.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the location of fixed wireless assets (FWAs). The system includes at least one FWA having an asset tracking number, at least one mobile device wirelessly coupled to the FWA via a first communication link, and a database having information that associates people with locations. The mobile device is assigned to one of these people. The system also includes a computer that is coupled to the FWA via a second communication link and to the database. The FWA is configured to forward the data received from the mobile device to the computer along with the FWA's asset tracking number. The computer is configured to determine the location of the FWA based at least in part on the data received from the FWA and the information retrieved from the database.

Abstract: An appliance alarm assembly indicates unauthorized use of an appliance. The assembly includes a cover having a first wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending from the first wall defining an enclosed interior space. An attachment member is coupled to the cover for coupling the cover to an appliance such that the cover is positioned over a control panel of the appliance. A pressure switch is coupled to the cover and includes a sensor arm extending outwardly from the cover. The pressure switch is tripped by movement of the sensor arm. The pressure switch activates an alarm coupled to the cover upon the pressure switch being tripped by movement of the sensor arm.

Abstract: A rollover warning system for a vehicle includes: a base control inertial measurement unit with a plurality of sensors and a computer. The plurality of sensors measures a plurality of vehicle measurements. The plurality of vehicle measurements include at least two of: a longitudinal acceleration measurement; a lateral acceleration measurement; a vertical acceleration measurement; a roll rate measurement; a yaw rate measurement; and combinations thereof. Optionally, a pitch rate gyro for pitch measurement can be added for additional functionality, such as a vertical slope warning, or it can also be input into the predictive algorithm for defining additional vehicle hazardous operation states and conditions. The computer calculates a Rollover Risk Estimate based on the plurality of vehicle measurements taken by the plurality of sensors in the inertial measurement unit.

Abstract: The system and method for tracking people provides for the tracking of individuals in large crowds, such as the tracking of individual pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. A polling request is initially transmitted from a tracking station to a mobile device associated with a particular person of interest. Upon receipt of the polling request, a location signal is transmitted back to the tracking station. The location signal includes positional and time data representative of the location of the mobile device at the time of transmission. Additionally, a supplemental location signal is also transmitted to the tracking station, the supplemental location signal being representative of the location of the mobile device when the mobile device is detected within proximity of a fixed sensor. A visual display image of the path of the person of interest is then displayed at the tracking station overlaid on a geographic map.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting use of a wireless device is disclosed. In one embodiment, wireless device activity data is received from a wireless network. User account data is searched using selected parameters from the wireless device activity data to identify one or more subscribers that are or were using a wireless device. One or more subscriber vehicles or vehicle monitoring systems associated with each of the one or more subscribers are identified. Vehicle operation data from one or more vehicle monitoring systems is received. The vehicle operation data is used to determine whether any of the one or more subscriber vehicles were moving during use of an associated wireless device.

Abstract: A sensor suite for a vehicle, the sensor suite comprising a 3D imaging system, a video camera, and one or more environmental sensors. Data from the sensor suite is combined to detect and identify threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. Additionally, a method for detecting and identifying threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. The method comprises: gathering 3D image data including object range, volume, and geometry; gathering video data in the same physical geometry of the 3D image; gathering non-visual environmental characteristic data; and combining and analyzing the gathered data to detect and identify threats.

Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.

Abstract: A traffic signal system with dual light sources includes a signal displaying module, an ambient light module and a supplementary light module. The ambient light from environment is assembled by the ambient light module for generating a first light beam. A second light beam is provided by the supplementary light module disposed near the ground for easy maintaining and avoiding danger. The supplementary light module includes a sensor and a control circuit. The sensor senses the brightness of the first light beam passing through the signal displaying module and generates a photosensitive signal. The brightness of the second light beam is regulated by the control circuit according to the photosensitive signal. The brightness of the first light beam is supplied by regulating the brightness of the second light beam, so the signal displaying module has high-brightness light source and achieves the energy conservation.

Abstract: A key unit for a lock system of a vehicle includes a device for opening and closing a lock system, in particular having a transmitter for the remote control of the lock system and/or a mechanical key. The key unit has a modular design, which includes a key case and an attachment. The key case accommodates the device for opening and closing the lock system. The attachment is releasably joined to the key case and permits various embodiments of the key unit.

Abstract: A computer including a microprocessor, a memory system, a bus system, and a single point indicator. The memory system includes an operating system stored therein. The bus system couples the memory system to the microprocessor. The single point indicator is coupled to the microprocessor and is capable of emitting a single point of light of substantially any wavelength in a visible spectrum. The computer also includes logic that determines a level of a selected operational parameter of the computer and logic that generates a corresponding wavelength of light emitted from the single point indicator. The corresponding wavelength of light corresponds to the level of the selected operational parameter. A method for indicating a level of a selected operational parameter of a computer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for inventory control of items in a location are disclosed. In an embodiment, this comprises an identification tag associated with a transaction authorizing some items to be removed from the location, such as a purchase, an identification tag reader configured to read the identification tag and placed to cover a portion of the location, and a computer configured to process information including the identification tag read by the reader and take action in response, such as issuing an alert. An identification tag reader having erase/reprogram capability may be provided to reprogram identification tags, and the reprogrammed code may include an identification of the transaction. The inventory control system may be further configured to detect when an identification tag is brought back into the location.

Abstract: The invention makes use of human perception to derive potential faults of at least one component of the technical installation. A sensor device may be employed for acquiring at least one human physiological reaction whereby said human physiological reaction may include at least one of neuritic currents and changes in neuritic currents and blood pressure and changes in blood pressure and pulse rate and changes in pulse rate and pulse strength and changes in pulse strength and galvanic skin reflex and changes in galvanic skin reflex and breathing patterns.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a plurality of electronic detection devices for detecting and making available vehicle-related information items, wherein the vehicle-related information items relate to various areas or components outside or inside the motor vehicle; a display unit for displaying the vehicle-related information items; an operator control device for detecting an operator control action; and a control unit. The control unit is configured and coupled with the detection devices, the display unit and the operator control device such that in a first display operating state, first vehicle-related information items and a first graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, are displayed. In a second display operating state, second vehicle-related information items and a second graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, are displayed. The first graphics object, which represents the motor vehicle, is larger than the second.

Abstract: A monitoring facility includes at least one acoustic sensor arranged in a monitoring area to convert an acoustic wave picked up following the occurrence of an activity in the monitoring area into an information signal, and a processing device to receive the information signal. Also included is a system for transmitting at least one alarm and a database including, for each one of at least one predetermined reference activity, an occurrence of which is likely to generate acoustic waves in the monitoring area, reference characteristics relating to said predetermined reference activity. The processing device includes an analysis system to analyze the information signal according to reference characteristics of at least one predetermined reference activity of the database, and to activate the system for transmitting at least one alarm according to said analysis. Furthermore, at least one acoustic sensor is included to detect seismic waves propagating in a solid medium.

Abstract: A transponder is disclosed to receive a wireless electromagnetic query signal and transmit a corresponding wireless electromagnetic response signal. The transponder comprises a first coil and at least one further coil that function as antennas to receive the wireless electromagnetic query signal and generate separate wired electrical incoming signals. An axis of the first coil and an axis of the at least one further coil are differently aligned in space, and each coil is associated with at least one means for limiting the voltage of the respective incoming signal. The separate wired electrical incoming signals are rectified and converted to current signals. The peak values of the current signals are detected and compared, such that a control signal is generated to identify one coil between the first coil and the at least one further coil that has a larger peak value of current.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing haptic feedback. The apparatus includes a frame having a protrusion extending from the side wall of the frame, a piezoelectricity vibrator including a substrate having a main body, at least one piezoelectric layer attached to the main body of the substrate, the main body defining two contact portions extending out of the side facing to the frame, and the two contact portions clip the protrusion for fixing together. The apparatus includes a first through hole arranged on the protrusion and two second through holes respectively arranged on the two contact portions and corresponding to the first through hole, and a screw passing through the second through holes and the first through hole for engaging the contact portions with protrusion together.