Abstract: A environmental sensor network having at least two environmental sensor units and a central display unit. Each sensor unit includes a sensor adapted to measure a condition and a transmitter adapted to operate in an “activation” mode in which the transmitter transmits a predefined sequence and a sensor ID and a “data” mode in which the transmitter transmits data based on the measurement. The central display unit includes a receiver adapted to receive a transmission from the two environmental sensors, a memory device, and a processor adapted to selectively operate in an “add” mode in which the processor records the presence of an environment sensor unit in the memory device upon the receipt of the predefined sequence and the sensor ID, and a “display” mode in which the processor outputs information based on the measurement.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus having a RF tag communication function is provided which includes a RF tag reader/writer and a main controller for controlling the RF tag reader/writer. The RF tag reader/writer includes a radio communication section for executing radio communication with a RF tag and a controller for controlling the radio communication section. The main controller is capable of communication with the controller. A command which requests a reply is transmitted from the main controller to the RF tag reader/writer, and the controller is diagnosed based on the reply from the RF tag reader/writer.

Abstract: Apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an advisory system that transmits information regarding the status of the host vehicle to drivers of other vehicles, in particular when the status of the host vehicle presents a hazardous condition to other vehicles. An advisory system may also receive information from other vehicles, and provide an alert to the driver of the host vehicle if a hazard to the host vehicle exists. Methods of providing such information are also described.

Abstract: A current limiting system in accordance with the present invention comprises an accessory or canopy mount device that is permanently installed between a source of electrical power 1 and a track lighting system 2. The system may be installed integrally with a track lighting system to supply power to a plurality of lighting tracks from a plurality of power sources or circuits, as desired by a user or lighting designer. The system may also be configured to be compatible with a wide variety of track lighting system power tracks and is difficult to remove once properly installed, thereby making it tamper-proof.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system for a school bus allows automatic activation of hazard mode operation of the vehicle's signaling lights in response to activation of other warning lights. Deactivation follows upon the vehicle exceeding a predetermined maximum speed.

Abstract: An information presenting method and apparatus for a vehicle which may process display information based on a predicted direction of movement of the vehicle, detect an object near the vehicle, determine whether the object is a dangerous object, and control a presentation direction so that the display information is a direction of movement of the vehicle during operation, and if the object is a dangerous object, the information presenting method or apparatus moves the presentation direction from the direction of movement of the vehicle to a direction of the object and presents the display information of areas outside the vehicle.

Abstract: Tracking devices having computational and communication resources receive information from a plurality of local devices, such as passive RFID tags, and collect and process the received information to determine one or more of when, where, and in what format to forward the collected information. The tracking devices typically include hardware resources for temporal- and location-awareness. In operation, these tracking devices may receive and respond to queries from remotely located tracking entities. In some embodiments, records of the communications between the devices and the remotely located tracking entities are made, and charges for the communication services are billed to the tracking entities that receive the communication services.

Abstract: There are methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sensor node management. The methods and apparatus may include the ability to receive a message indicating that a sensor node is active, determine the type of data generated by the sensor node, and designate a location to store the type of data. The methods and apparatus may also include the ability to determine a transformation for generating a seal condition based on the type of data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.

Abstract: A plurality of modules interact to form an adaptive network in which each module transmits and receives data signals indicative of radio-frequency identification signals, and indicative of proximity sensing at the module. A central computer accumulates the data produced or received and relayed by each module for analyzing inventory, pricing and customer responses to transmit through the adaptive network signals representative of information to be displayed at selectively-addresses modules in response to computer analyses of the data accumulated from modules forming an adaptive network.

Abstract: A de-icing information system processes weather data indicating precipitation rate and temperature to determine a check time for a de-icing fluid. The de-icing fluid remains effective if applied after the check time, and the de-icing fluid may not remain effective if applied before the check time. The de-icing information system transfers the de-icing information indicating the check time.

Abstract: A device displays images such that a driver can easily recognize an obstacle. The device includes a measurement for measuring a distance and direction to an obstacle, a comparison section for comparing the measured distance with a threshold value, a viewpoint determination section for determining a first viewpoint when the measured distance is larger than the threshold value and a second viewpoint based on the measured direction when the measured distance is not larger than the threshold value, an image generating section for generating an image representing an environment as seen from the first viewpoint when the first viewpoint is set and an image of a particular spot representing a view of the vehicle and the obstacle as seen from an area of the second viewpoint when the second viewpoint is set, and a display section for displaying the bird's eye image or the image of the particular spot.

Abstract: A vehicle backing guide for marking a parking area into which a vehicle may be backed, comprising an elongate strap, a plurality of bright segments spaced apart longitudinally along the strap having a high visual contrast with the strap and an indicator member that indicates to the vehicle driver when the vehicle has obtained it preferred position in the parking area. The strap is of length representative of a length of a vehicle to be backed into a parking area therein substantially defining a side boundary of the parking area, the bright segments providing a measure of distance along the strap and hence the parking area, at least a portion of the bright segments being of a same length and mutually spaced apart a same distance longitudinally along the strap, the measure of distance providing the driver an indicator of backing progress into the parking area.

Abstract: A large side vandal and weather resistant sign, capable of displaying images from several components, including a video cassette with tapes or video disc and other component parts for broadcasting command directions and to provide information. The sign system, with a front and back side and a left and right side is securely enclosed with a top side and a bottom side. The frame's materials include aluminum steel, and vandal and weather resistant plastics for the left and right sides and plastic sheets coverings for the front and back side door panels. In the event of a power outage, batteries are provided to ensure power for the system; it also remain constant in providing power for the sidewinder gun devices, sensors, receivers, timers and other devices which include surveillance camera, transmitters and relay devices.

Abstract: A device and method to detect force and provide feedback to a runner or jogger so that the person can judge whether to adjust his or her stride in order to lessen the impact on his or her body. The device includes a housing, a power supply, a piezo sensor, a controller, and an output generator. The piezo sensor is accommodated within a user's shoe and is connected to the controller, and the controller, output generator and power supply are accommodated within the housing. The controller is connected to the output generator so that it is set to generate a signal to the output generator when a threshold level of force signal is received from the piezo sensor. The sensor signals the controller when force from an impact is applied to the piezo sensor and the controller signals the output generator when one or more signals indicating threshold levels of force have been reached, and the output generator generates a perceivable signal in response to the controller's one or more signals.

Abstract: A communication system includes a power line, a plurality of PLC networks connected to the power line in common, and an electronic control unit for controlling an electric equipment, connected to the power line between the PLC networks. The electronic control unit includes a bypass capacitor that attenuates a communication signal transmitting over the power line.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for alerting of an occupant endangered by being situated in a variable temperature setting. The system can be utilized within a motor vehicle, and occupants include an infant, a child, a person, and an animal or pet. In an aspect, when a security device receives a signal that an occupant sensor detects the presence of an occupant and a temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature, both within a predetermined time period, then a security response is initiated. A security response can include triggering an audible alarm, flashing a light, lowering a window, unlocking a door, notifying an owner of the security device, and transmitting an emergency signal to an emergency system including telephone 911 and an emergency response company. The occupant sensor and the temperature sensor may be affixed to a key fob such that an antenna transmits to the security device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a RFID device comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver and antenna element co-located with a semiconductor device, a method for making same and a method of using the RFID device of the present invention to locate, track and identify semiconductor devices and the devices they reside in. One embodiment of the RFID device of the present invention comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver embedded within packaging of a semiconductor device. A second embodiment of the RFID device of the present invention comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver as a separate circuit block within the semiconductor device. A third embodiment of the RFID device of the present invention comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver as a separate independent circuit on top of the semiconductor device, System on Chip (SoC).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a work machine having a radio frequency device. The system includes a radio frequency reader that transmits a radio frequency signal over a first communication channel to the radio frequency device when the work machine travels within range of the radio frequency reader. The radio frequency device generates a trigger signal in response to the radio frequency signal, and an interface control system receives the trigger signal from the radio frequency device and performs a predetermined programmed function associated with the work machine based on information included in the trigger signal.

Abstract: Shipping containers are networked for transferring data between the shipping containers. The shipping containers include sensors for detecting hazardous conditions associated with the shipping containers. The hazardous condition sensed by any shipping container on a ship is transmitted through the network to a satellite transmitter and/or a radio transmitter for reporting to a central database.