Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the deactivation of an alarm system situated within a home or business environment by the use of a sound-activated wireless key device. This present invention describes a wireless key that “hears” a pulsing, warning tone, identifies the tone and automatically sends out a signal to disarm the alarm system thus allowing for the automatic hands-free deactivation of the alarm system. The invention comprises “listening” circuitry that is able to identify the sound of the audio warning, even when the invention is located within clothing or a handbag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a functional and ornamental vehicle accessory are provided. The vehicle accessory includes a housing and a mounting mechanism for coupling the accessory to a vehicle. The vehicle accessory can also include a light source or light conducting member. Wiring for electrically connecting the light source can be included such that the vehicle accessory can illuminate during a variety of vehicle functions. The vehicle accessory can also operate as a communication hub for the vehicle.

Abstract: A fatigue-level estimation apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a heat rate calculator and a fatigue level estimator. The heart rate calculator receives a signal indicative of a heartbeat of an object to be estimated to calculate a heart rate signal changing sequentially in time. The fatigue level estimator estimates a fatigue level of the object by detecting a sharp and transient rise in the heartbeat in the heart rate signal. The fatigue-level estimation has less influence resulting from individual differences, while still maintaining high reliability in the estimation.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for interrogating a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag population are described. Tags are interrogated by a reader. The reader and tags engage in communication according to binary traversal algorithms, where single bit data symbols are exchanged between the reader and tags. Furthermore, a reader implicitly controls the operating state of every tag in the tag population by transmitting a single data symbol. Bit patterns may be collected from the tags by the reader, using a variety of interrogation techniques. In a general interrogation, the reader exchanges symbols with the tag population to interrogate the entire tag population. In a specific interrogation, a reader exchanges symbols with the tag population to target a particular tag identification number. Tags may also be placed in a superposition state by the reader, where they respond whenever a received data symbol matches the next bit of their identification number.

Abstract: A tire monitoring system providing tire status and notifying or warning the vehicle operator of early detection of imminent tire failure and performance degradation; thus improving safety by preventing blowouts from occurring, lengthening tire life by encouraging preventive maintenance, and improving fuel mileage by encouraging the operator to fill the tire to its proper pressure or repair it. The system monitors temperature of the rim of the wheel to which the tire is attached, such temperature being transmitted to the vehicle operator or other interested parties via means such as radio frequency.

Abstract: A patient ambulation motion detector designed to be worn on the body. The detector incorporates a wireless transmitter, a motion sensor switch and a second call switch. It may be enclosed in a plastic case and attached most commonly to the upper anterior chest by a non-allergic double-backed tape.

Abstract: A method for reading a license plate disposed on a vehicle includes determining whether a license plate image is required, automatically processing the license plate image in response to determining that the license plate image is required, providing at least one verified image, and determining whether to manually read the license plate image by matching the license plate image with the at least one verified image.

Abstract: In a communication system for communicating between moving objects in which a moving object determines the peripheral state based on moving object information transmitted and received using communication between moving objects, accuracy level information regarding the apparatus provided in the transmitting moving object is included in moving object information. Further, a vehicular driving support apparatus that transmits moving object information using communication between moving objects includes accuracy level information regarding the apparatus provided in a host vehicle in moving object information.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of satellite nodes coupled to a sensing device or an actuator and logically dispersed around an access node are configured to wirelessly communicate alarm conditions. A first satellite node detects and accesses an alarm condition and then prepares an alarm message containing an alarm code corresponding to the alarm condition and an address indication. The first satellite node may thereafter receive alarm messages from other satellite nodes logically further from the access node than the first satellite node. Alarm codes contained in the received alarm messages are filtered and compared to the alarm code of the prepared alarm message. The first satellite node includes a sender address in the prepared alarm message for each received alarm message containing an alarm code that matches the alarm code of the prepared alarm message. The first satellite node transmits the prepared alarm message to the access node.

Abstract: A fault detection system detecting malfunctions or deteriorations, which may result in an inverter fault, is provided. The system has a temperature sensor installed on a semiconductor module to monitor a temperature rise rate. It is judged that an abnormal condition has occurred if the thermal resistance is increased by the deterioration of a soldering layer of the semiconductor module or by drive circuit malfunctions and, as a result, the relation between an operation mode and the temperature rise rate falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and categorizing the weight and characteristics of the occupant currently occupying a vehicle seat. The method for identifying and categorizing the occupant or object involves measuring the deflection of the upper surface of the seat cushion at one or more points due to compression of the cushion produced by the weight distribution of the occupant. The system contains multiple sensor/emitter pairs for detecting the deflection. The system also includes a sensor to measure ambient temperature, preferably for temperature compensation due to the effects extreme temperatures may have on the compression properties of the seat cushion material and sensor/emitter pairs. A system processor interprets the data acquired by the sensors, and utilizes an algorithm and training tables to output a control signal indicative of the categorization of the occupant or object.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering safety and security information that includes at least one event monitor. Each event monitor has an output. The system also includes apparatus for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respective event monitors, apparatus for predetermining the format of a message related to respective events, apparatus for receiving the respective outputs of each of the event monitors and apparatus for sorting the outputs, based on the predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs, into categories related to distinct channels of communication, in addition to apparatus for delivering messages based on the predetermining criteria and predetermined format. In some forms the invention the apparatus for predetermining criteria for sorting the outputs of respective event monitors includes a web site accessible by an end-user. Similarly, the apparatus for predetermining the format of a message includes a web site accessible by an end user.

Abstract: A door system includes an antenna-based proximity sensor with a releasable electrical connector that enables the sensor to function with a breakaway feature of the door. The sensor includes a signal generator and a door-mounted antenna for sensing a body or an obstruction near the door. The signal generator (or oscillator) can be installed at various locations between a power source and the antenna. In some cases, the wiring between the antenna and the power source includes a rotatable feature to accommodate the rotation of a drum that carries a wrap-up, pliable door panel. The rotatable feature may be a rotatable electrical connector, or it may be a wire having sufficient length and flexibility to twist about itself within the hollow interior of the drum.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preventing an unauthorized person from moving or stealing electronic devices having one or more USB ports, such as portable computers. The anti-theft system includes a USB device capable of connecting to a USB port of a computer and an alarm sub-system to cause an audible alarm to be generated based on a signal generated within the USB device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and categorizing the weight and characteristics of the occupant currently occupying a vehicle seat. The method for identifying and categorizing the occupant or object involves measuring the deflection of the upper surface of the seat cushion at several points and therefore the weight distribution of the occupant. The system contains multiple weight sensors arrayed for detecting the distribution of the load causing the seat deflection. The system also includes a sensor to measure ambient temperature, preferably for temperature compensation due to the effects extreme temperatures may have on the compression properties of the seat cushion material and the weight sensors. A system processor interprets the data acquired by the sensors, and utilizes an algorithm and weight tables to simulate a neural network in providing an output a control signal indicative of the categorization of the occupant or object.

Abstract: Signals from a plurality of detectors are evaluated to establish an ingress or an egress path or paths to and from a region. Where the detectors indicate flame or smoke concentrations, the ingress paths lead first responders to the source of the flame or smoke while egress paths lead evacuees away from the flame or smoke.

Abstract: A system which is adapted to provide a personal security system to a mobile individual is presented. In addition, a method for providing a security system to a mobile individual is presented as well as a method of using such a security system. In general, the method of providing a personal security system to a mobile individual using the system described herein may include receiving information regarding a set of different locations and corresponding time frames. In addition, the method may include transmitting a communication signal to a communication device during at least one of the time frames based upon a designated schedule. Subsequently, the method may include determining a subsequent course of action based upon whether a designated reply has been received in response to the transmitted communication. In some cases, the method may include notifying a responsive entity of location information upon failing to receive the designated reply.

Abstract: The present invention 10 provides a system and method of monitoring and tracking a plurality of physical variables from a remote location. The invention 10 utilizes a plurality of radio frequency identification transponders 20 each coupled with a sensor for measuring physical data. The transponders 20 are powered by a radio frequency reader/interrogator 60 that provides radio frequency excitation to the transponders 20 and receives and demodulates back-scattered signals therefrom. The invention 10 is particularly advantageous in monitoring temperature in cattle herds as an aid to early diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease.

Abstract: A chair having a monitoring device disposed on the back support of the chair for detecting a change in position of a patient. The monitoring device indicates when the patient is no longer in contact with the device to provide a warning when the patient is falling forward, or is slouching in the seat. The monitoring device may be a single sensor or multiple sensors. The monitoring device may be permanently affixed to the chair, or integrated into the back of the chair. The monitoring device may be adjustable in position, or it may be moveable from the back of the chair. Multiple monitoring devices may be provided, or a single monitoring device having multiple zones may be provided or detection or more complex behavior. Typically, an output is provided to a controller which may or may not activate a warning system. The warning system may be visual, such as a light, or it may be audible, such as a siren or the like. The warning system may be either adjacent to or remote from the patient.

Abstract: A system for minimizing the effect of null zones in an interrogation zone of a marker detection system. The system includes a reference antenna system configured to produce a first reference electromagnetic field during a first time period. The antenna system also includes a phase canceling antenna system configured to produce a second electromagnetic field substantially in phase with the reference electromagnetic field during the first time period and a third electromagnetic field substantially out of phase with the reference electromagnetic field during the first time period. The phasing of the first field or the second and third fields may be continuously switched while the phase of the other is held constant. A method of spatially shifting null zones in an interrogation zone of a marker detection system is also provided.