Abstract: An interrogation system employable with an object having a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation system includes a database having prior knowledge about the object, and an interrogator that scans the RFID tag and discerns additional information therefrom about the object. The interrogator still further includes a control system that identifies the object based on the prior knowledge and the additional information.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the creation of vehicle sound fonts, for utilizing the vehicle sound fonts to augment the engine sounds of a vehicle, and for establishing a network for sharing and controlling the playback of vehicle sound fonts and other media. The systems install in automobiles and play simulated engine sounds of other recorded vehicles in a controlled manner synchronized with the engine spark frequency of the playback vehicle. Automobiles with these systems may network together to share media and to coordinate playback in a synchronized manner among all vehicles of the network.

Abstract: An electronic key system for a vehicle provides a warning corresponding to a traveling state if an occupant has dropped the electronic key while a vehicle is running. A control unit 14 of the vehicle outputs a request signal Sr to the electronic key 12 at transmission intervals T corresponding to the traveling state. An answer signal Sa caused by the request signal Sr from the electronic key 12 is detected. A warning lamp 68 is lit up at a point after the detection of the answer signal Sa stops. The transmission interval T of the request signal Sr is specified in a map 88 stored in the control unit 14, and is set short corresponding to the increase of the vehicle speed V, the acceleration/deceleration ‘a’, and the yaw rate Y.

Abstract: A radio tag communication system, when a plurality of RW apparatuses are arranged in such a manner that communication areas of adjacent RW apparatuses overlap one another, makes the polarized waves of the adjacent RW apparatuses orthogonal to each other, and causes the tag to switch the polarization direction with the movement of the tag. This makes it possible to prevent signal interference even when the communication areas are expanded.

Abstract: RFID tags assign computer-readable identification codes to articles and data is obtained from each RFID tag at points along which an article moves. Each RFID tag is separable into an article identification tag section, including an article identification code and a transmitter transmitting same, and an article information management tag section, including an obtaining device continuously obtaining article-related information of an article to which an RFID tag is assigned, a receiving device receiving the article identification code from the article identification tag section, a detecting device detecting the combination status of the article information and the article identification tag section, and a storage device storing the article identification code and the article-related information when the article information and article identification tag sections are in contact with each other.

Abstract: A method for obtaining additional information pertaining to a route along which a vehicle is traveling from a current location to a destination. Location information of the vehicle, which includes the current location, is acquired by an in-vehicle computer within the vehicle. The in-vehicle computer transmits to a server via a network: the location information, movable range information, and selection criteria information. A movable range derivable from the movable range information is an area relative to the current location in which the vehicle can travel from the current location by using a remaining amount of fuel in the vehicle when the vehicle is at the current location. A limited range with respect to the route is a function of the location information, the movable range information, and the selection criteria information. The in-vehicle computer receives, from the server, additional information limited to information concerning locations within the limited range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a product sensor (2), and a product sensor (2). In the manufacturing method, a circuitry pattern is formed in the product sensor (2) for achieving an antenna circuit (L, C1, C2). In addition, the product sensor (2) is provided with at least one measuring means (13), whose at least one electrical property is affected by at least one condition. Product control is performed by measuring the at least one measuring means (13) formed in the product sensor (2), which means is affected by at least one condition, at least one electrical condition. In order to form a product sensor, at least a first (3) and a second module (5) are formed, the first of the modules (3) being provided with at least a part of said antenna circuit, and the second module (5) being provided with said at least one measuring means (13). Said at least two modules (3, 5) are connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining the size and position of a parking space in relation to the position of a vehicle while the vehicle is driving past the parking space, the parking space extending longitudinally to the traffic lane and transversely to the traffic lane. It is the objective of the present invention to provide an ultrasound-based system for parking space measurement that operates more precisely than the known ultrasound-based systems for parking space measurement, even when passing the parking space at high speed and given high sensing depth of the parking space.

Abstract: A pedestrian alert system has a manual input mechanism accessible to a person in a first vehicle, and an alert-generating apparatus associated with the first vehicle. The system is characterized in that triggering the input mechanism causes an alert to be issued regarding presence of a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Alerts may be either audio or visual, or both, and may be directed to a person in a second vehicle behind the first.

Abstract: Presented herein is a system that enables a vehicle operator to record continuous images of surrounding traffic activity, wherein the vehicle is equipped with a video camera 20 for continuously recording the vehicle surroundings. The system further comprises a marking switch 42 that enables the vehicle operator, upon viewing a possible traffic violation, to trigger a marking module 40; a marking module 40 that identifies and marks, in real-time, at least one location of the video recording that relates to the at least one possible traffic violation committed by at least one other vehicle operator; a portable storage device 30; an editing module 50 for preparing recorded segments for transmission, which include at least one recording portion that appears before the added mark and at least one recording portion that appears after the added mark; and a communication module 60 for transmitting the prepared recording segments to a designated server.

Abstract: A vehicle parking indicator including an elongated marker having a longitudinal dimension and a top edge. The marker is mounted on an outer body of a motor vehicle and is visible from outside of the motor vehicle. The elongated marker is configured such that when an axis of the motor vehicle is positioned at a 45° angle to a curb, a sight-line between a side-view mirror of the motor vehicle and the curb is tangential to the top edge of the elongated marker.

Abstract: An electronic sensor is configured to be carried by a person and to be used by the person to detect a cleanliness state of the person's hands. A single unit includes the electronic sensor and (a) a device to provide an indication of the cleanliness state of the person's hands and/or (b) a device to identify the person. A circuit that is configured to control how long after a cleanliness state of a person's hands has been determined to be clean, the state is presumed no longer to be clean. A badge that includes indicia identifying a person who carries the badge, a sensor to be used to detect a cleanliness state of the person's hands, and a visible indicator to indicate to other people the cleanliness state of the person's hands can be used in combination.

Abstract: An auditory attitude indicator for aircraft that includes an audio source providing an audible signal, a? stereo headset with a left side and a right side, an aircraft avionics system that provides at least aircraft pitch data and roll data to an audio processor unit. The audio processor unit includes at least one lookup table of coefficients corresponding to a plurality of possible aircraft pitch and roll orientations and at least two selectable multipoint finite impulse response filters. The first selectable multipoint finite impulse response filter having a first coefficient selected by the audio processing unit from the lookup table based upon the aircraft pitch data and roll data for varying the audible signal to the stereo headset left side. The second selectable multipoint impulse response filter for varying the audible signal to the stereo headset right side having a second coefficient selected by the audio processing unit from the lookup table based upon the aircraft pitch data and roll data.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively allocating bandwidth in an electronic toll collection system. The system includes a reader that adapts the scanning time allocated to specific antennas based upon the traffic conditions. Those antennas that process a higher volume of traffic receive a greater allocation of the scanning time. In some embodiments, the determination as to when to allocate additional time to an antenna may be based upon whether or not a transponder is currently in the coverage zone for the antenna.

Abstract: Flashing lights powered by a common wild frequency power source (40) are synchronized with respect to flash rate and duration. Each lighthead includes a power supply device (1), which includes a timing signal generator (30) and a synchronization device (5). The timing signal generator (30) includes a precision clock (310), which generates a timing signal to regulate the flashing operation of the corresponding light. The synchronization device recurrently causes the timing signal to be reset in accordance with the wild frequency power source signal. By recurrently resetting the timing signal of each light according to a common wild frequency source, the flashing of the lights can be synchronized without transferring synchronization signals between the lights.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for protecting a battery pack. The apparatus includes: a sensor for detecting external physical impact so as to output a voltage signal; a first protection circuit for receiving the voltage signal output from the sensor; a gauging IC for determining whether the voltage received from the first protection circuit is larger than a predetermined value, so as to output the voltage signal to either the first protection circuit or a second protection circuit; the second protection circuit for receiving the voltage signal from the gauging IC; and an alarm circuit connected to the first and second protection circuits so as to receive the voltage signal from the first and second protection circuits and raise an alarm signal.

Abstract: A subsea communication system includes addressable nodes in a wellbore and addressable nodes on a floor, where the nodes in the wellbore and on the floor are able to communicate wirelessly with each other, such as through a formation.

Abstract: A method and system for locating tires is disclosed. According to the invention, an RFID reader antenna is positioned at a predetermined location such that the distances between the reader antenna and the tires are different. Each tire embeds at least one RFID tag. The distance between the reader antenna and each RFID tag is determined by measuring the delay required for the signal to be reflected by the RFID tag. Since all the distances between the reader antenna and the RFID tags are predetermined, knowing the distance between the reader antenna and a particular RFID tag allows the determination of the position of the particular RFID tag and of the tire.

Abstract: A system and method for continuously monitoring the intake of a fresh water system to detect pathogens, chemicals, and other biological contaminants. The apparatus consists of a number of monitoring and containment facilities which are inserted into a fresh water intake pipe at various locations. The monitoring and containment facilities detect a hazard in the incoming water, send a signal to shut down the main intake pump, and collect samples of water immediately adjacent the monitoring and containment facility that detected the hazard. A signal may also be sent to a regulatory agency and to the Department of Homeland Security. The method consists of conducting a qualitative and quantitative analysis of water in a fresh water intake pipe; testing for hazards, and shutting down the main intake pump if a sufficient level of hazard is detected. The method also consists of collecting water samples for later analysis and of notifying the appropriate agencies.

Abstract: A method for displaying the direction of an external force relative to a craft is provided. The method comprises obtaining direction data for an external force, obtaining craft directional data, calculating the force's direction relative to the craft's direction, and displaying a graphical representation of the force's direction relative to the direction of the craft.