Abstract: An RFID bridge antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The bridge includes at least two RF antenna elements spaced apart from one another and coupled together by an electrical conductor. The first RF antenna element is located proximate to the tag antenna and the second RF antenna element is located proximate to the reader antenna. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring driver fatigue in a vehicle having a steering control includes connecting a sensor with respect to the steering control and a controller with respect to the sensor. A steering input count signal and/or steering wheel rotation signal is provided from the sensor to the controller and an alarm is activated when the steering input count signal drops below a minimum level and/or the steering wheel rotation signal exceeds a maximum level. The alarm may trigger physical responses within the vehicle including audible, visual, engine management and/or similar responses.

Abstract: A tag testing device uses an infrared camera to take an image of a plurality of radio frequency identification tags, compares the image with a stored standard tag pattern image storage, and detects defective tags based on the comparison. A radio wave transceiver bulk reads the tags using anti-collision, a tag response counter counts a number of tag responses, and a defective tag detector compares a number of heat emitting tags based upon the image processing with a number of tag responses counted by the tag response counter. If the number of heat emitting tags does not match a number of responsive tags, a number of the tags tested are changed by partially shielding the tags and the radio wave transceiver repeatedly bulk reads the tags using the anti-collision function while a shielding range is gradually changed, thereby narrowing down other possible defective but heat emitting tags.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a container specifically adapted for the system and constructed with at least one door. A sensor is secured in the container for detecting proximity of the at least one door relative to another area of the container and for providing sensor data that may be communicated from the container relative to its integrity.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally placing radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas. The system varies the placement of RFID tag and interrogator antennas with respect to each other and a stationary object or objects. A signal generator sends a known reference signal to the one or more RFID interrogator antennas. The signal is received by the one or more RFID tag antennas and is displayed upon an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer or other multipurpose signal measuring device. By this method, the system finds the optimal placement of the antennas with respect to each other and the object or objects.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for tracking the geographic location. In one aspect, a method includes receiving timed magnetic field information descriptive of a magnetic field to which a magnetometer was subject, the magnetic field information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with an animal, receiving timed longitude information descriptive of a longitude position of the animal, the longitude information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with the animal, and matching the longitude information that is relevant to a first time to the magnetic field information that is relevant to the first time to determine a geographic location of the animal at the first time.

Abstract: A tray (201) comprises electrically conductive material and has at least one hand-graspable fixture (203). This hand-graspable fixture comprises an electrical conductor (301) disposed in a location that is likely to be operably interacted with by a human who grasps the hand-graspable fixture. A capacitively-coupled RFID tag is then disposed on the hand-graspable fixture with a first antenna plate (303) being electrically coupled to the tray and a second antenna plate (304) that electrically couples to the electrical conductor. A corresponding tray receiving compartment (400) has a front lip (401) over which the tray must pass and upon which the tray will rest when properly disposed within the tray receiving compartment. One or more capacitively-coupled RFID tag reader antennas (402) are disposed proximal to the front lip. These antennas may be positioned to facilitate reading the capacitively-coupled RFID tag when the tray is properly disposed within the tray receiving compartment.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are used to permanently disable or destruct an RFID so that it is no longer possible to read some or all of the data encoded on the RFID tag. In one method for disabling data on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an RFID tag is identified and its identity is confirmed. Verification that a prerequisite event has occurred is obtained, occurrence of which is required prior to disablement of the data. A destruct instruction is transmitted to the RFID tag. The RFID tag verifies that the destruct instruction is valid and disables the data upon verifying validity of the destruct instruction. The tag may disable the data by erasing the data, disabling the data, auto-destructing, or performing any operation that makes the data unreadable.

Abstract: This invention involves encapsulating an RFID device in an encapsulating material by known encapsulating processes to form a domed, encapsulated RFID tag. The encapsulating material may be translucent or opaque, flexible or hard, and has minimal effect on transmission or reception of radio frequency (RF) signals. The invention further involves a stand-off bracket, composed of one or more materials that have minimal effect on transmission or reception of RF signals, for mounting an RFID device on or near materials that impede RF transmission and reception. The encapsulated RFID tag and stand-off bracket, separately, may have an adhesive or other attachment means on one of their surfaces so that they may be adhered or otherwise attached to another surface. In one application, an encapsulated RFID tag in the 860-928 MHz range is mounted on a stand-off bracket and may be used for tracking items to which it is attached.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to locate a terminal within a workspace. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are provided in known locations, preferably in, on or adjacent the light fixtures or other workspace infrastructure. The terminal comprises an RFID tag interrogation transceiver, processor and memory. The transceiver interrogates the tags which respond with information correlatable with their unique locations. The terminal determines its locations relative to the known locations of responding tags by, for example, varying its transmit power and/or receiver sensitivity and/or by trilateration using, for example, phase or time difference of arrival measurements on the tag response signals. Once it has determined its own location it may transmit or otherwise announce its location as desired by the user.

Abstract: A signal assembly mountable to an exterior of a vehicle is configured with a light-generating unit operable to emit a visually perceptible signal, and with a sound-generating unit operable to generate a sound signal. The light and sound generating units are coupled to one another to form a unitary assembly.

Abstract: A method for tracking objects, including identifying and locating an object using a first method, identifying and locating a person using a second method, and associating the object and the person.

Abstract: A driver warning device which serves to warn the driver when a safety-critical condition of the vehicle is reached. A warning is issued only if such issuance is to take place in accordance with a user profile. This avoids unnecessary warnings from being issued to a driver, which could reduce the acceptance of the warning system on the part of the driver.

Abstract: An adapter (10) for a light fixture (F) has a socket (16) into which the base of the light bulb (L) is screwed. The adapter has a base (12) sized to be inserted in a socket of the light fixture for attaching the adapter to the light fixture. The adapter further includes a housing (14) in which is installed an audio alarm (20) for a security system. The audio alarm is electrically operated and connected in parallel with the light bulb. Electrical current routed to the adapter through the light fixture simultaneously illuminates the light bulb screwed into the socket of the light holder and the audio alarm.

Abstract: A golf bag alarm provides notification of the lifting or moving of a golf bag, to the owner thereof who may be remotely located from the bag. The alarm includes a golf bag component which may be semi-permanently installed upon an existing golf bag, or permanently, integrally installed with a golf bag during bag manufacture. The golf bag component includes a weight actuated switch, an alarm transmitter, a receiver for remotely arming the alarm, and may also include an audio or visual alarm. The second component is carried by the golfer, and includes a transmitter for remotely arming and disarming the alarm system of the golf bag unit, a receiver for detecting an alarm signal from the golf bag unit, and an alarm. The system is valuable for the golfer who must leave his/her bag outside while visiting a golf clubhouse, course restaurant, etc.

Abstract: An accessory brake light system for a vehicle comprising a secondary brake light attached to a front of said vehicle. A power source is provided for supplying power to a primary brake light. The primary brake light is attached to the rear of the vehicle. A switch connects the power to the primary brake light when the brake is engaged by an operator which causes the primary brake light to illuminate. A delay mechanism is provided which is capable of determining a delay period after the brake is engaged and the power is connected to the secondary brake light after te delay period thereby illuminating the secondary brake light.

Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a detector circuit cluster, an alarm circuit cluster and a host device, all connected to a common power supply line. The detector circuit cluster includes a detector circuit for detecting a current state of a respective component of the vehicle. The detector circuit can receive a status request signal and transmit a status response signal corresponding to the detected state of the respective component. The alarm circuit cluster is enabled upon receipt of an alarm enable signal for generating an alarm output. The host device can transmit the status request signal for the detector circuit, receive the status response signal from the detector circuit, and selectively transmit the alarm enable signal in accordance with the status response signal.