Abstract: A method and a device for tracking an item using a tracking device associated with the item are described. The method, executed in a processor of the tracking device, comprises identifying a location state of the tracking device as one of an indoor location and an outdoor location relative to an indoor facility, based on at least one of satellite based data and connectivity to an access point in the indoor facility. Upon identifying the location state as the indoor location, a wireless transceiver and one or more sensor devices may be activated. The sensor devices may include at least one of a wireless signal strength sensor, a wireless signal connectivity sensor, an inertial sensor, a magnetic field sensor, a barometric sensor, and an ambient light sensor. Further, indoor localization data gathered by the sensor devices may be provided for localization.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear lamp display configured to display images as well as perform the usual functions of a rear lamp assembly. The rear lamp display may include a light source and a digital mirror device. Obstacles detected may trigger display of a static or animated representation of the obstacle in the rear lamp display. Detection of a turn may invoke display of a direction of the turn as well as text indicating a target of the turn. Detection of an intervention of a vehicle system to maintain stability, a warning may be displayed that indicates potentially hazardous road conditions. Where opening of a door is detected, a representation of an open or opening door may be displayed. Where a following vehicle is detected, the speed limit or cruising speed of the vehicle may be displayed. Objects left in the vehicle may trigger display of an alert.

Abstract: Implementations generally relate to a network reconfigurable button on a remote control. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a selection of a button on a remote control device. The method further includes accessing a configuration file, wherein the configuration file is associated with the button. The method further includes launching an application based on the configuration file.

Abstract: An integrated security system that includes a security coprocessor coupled to a conventional security system panel and an interactive security system. The integrated security system enables conventional security system features as well as the consumer-oriented interactive features and functions of an interactive security system without sacrificing reliability or the significant burden and cost associated with frequent software updates associated with conventional security systems. The integrated security system also minimizes or eliminates the need for new battery backup circuitry or larger batteries.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety system includes temperature, ambient, and interior monitoring modules. The temperature monitoring module includes at least one temperature sensor. The temperature monitoring module is configured to detect temperatures in zones within an interior of a vehicle. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to detect an ambient temperature within the interior of the vehicle. The interior monitoring module is configured to: based on the detected temperatures of the zones, determine for the zones at least one of a temperature gradient over time or a temperature gradient over space; determine if the ambient temperature is outside a predetermined range; and in response to the ambient temperature being outside the predetermined range and based on the at least one of a temperature gradient over time or a temperature gradient over space, detecting an occupant in the vehicle and performing a countermeasure to prevent an injury to the occupant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of facilitating management of parking spaces for vehicles. The method may include transmitting, using the communication device, a plurality of parking status indicators associated with a plurality of parking spaces to a user device associated with a vehicle. Further, the plurality of parking spaces may be associated with a facility. Further, the method may include receiving, using the communication device, a parking reservation request from the user device. Further, the method may include transmitting, using the communication device, a reservation confirmation to the user device. Further, the method may include generating, using a processing device, an updated plurality of parking status indicators based on transmitting the reservation confirmation. Further, the method may include storing, using a storage device, the updated plurality of parking status indicators.

Abstract: The product location system process includes steps for forming an ad hoc peer-to-peer communication network by way of multiple connected devices communicating with one another, each of which include a communication circuit for sending and receiving data communications. Location information for each of the connected devices within the ad hoc peer-to-peer communication network may then be ascertained based at least in part on bi-lateral exchange of data communications among the multiple connected devices within the ad hoc peer-to-peer communication network. That location information may then be relayed by one or more of the connected devices to an external network for storage in a database, and the location information in that database may then be accessed in real-time from, e.g., by a Smartphone.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to arrange data collected by a plurality of sequentially arranged emitters in a sensor according to a nonsequential numerical order of the emitters, transmit the nonsequential numerical order to a vehicle computer according to a secure protocol, and transmit the data to the vehicle computer.

Abstract: A sewage line plug assembly is disclosed herein. The assembly comprises a plug housing having a hollow configuration. Additionally, a diaphragm plate is disposed within the plug housing including a first element disposed on the first operative end of the diaphragm plate. Furthermore, first element is configured to depress due to pressure acting thereon due to sewage build up inside a sewage line. The housing further includes a second element disposed on the inner bottom end of the housing. Additionally, the second element interacts with the first element and is configured to depress due to depression of first element. Sewage line plug assembly further includes an alarm unit coupled to second element and configured to sound an alarm on depression of second element. The alarm sound of the alarm unit is configured to sound when the pressure exceeds a pre-determined threshold value.

Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time.

Abstract: A method for disabling a step-counting function of a wearable fitness tracker includes detecting a vehicle start-up event of a vehicle with one or more vehicle sensors, and sending an in-vehicle confirmation signal from one or more vehicle communication modules to one or more wearable fitness trackers positioned within the vehicle in response to detecting the vehicle start-up event. The in-vehicle confirmation signal is configured to be received by the one or more wearable fitness trackers and cause the one or more wearable fitness trackers to automatically disable the step-counting function of the one or more wearable fitness trackers.

Abstract: A central hand sanitizing system (CHSS) is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sanitizer stations (PSS) each in a plumbing network, a central sanitizer store (CSS) in communication with the PSS in the plumbing network; and a hand sanitizer solution (HSS) dispersed from the CSS to the PSS via the plumbing network and having a composition targeted to determined pathogens. The HSS comprises an ethanol, a glycerol, a hydrogen peroxide, a distilled water and an antipathogen solution of predetermined concentrations. A pulse oximeter, a fever sensor and an electronic processor communicate a status of users of respective PSS and a status of respective PSS. A central hand sanitizing method additionally includes dispersing a hand sanitizer solution (HSS) from the CSS to the PSS via the plumbing network and dispersing informational metrics regarding the PSS, CSS and HSS and users thereof to remote receivers via the electronic network.

Abstract: An electronic bolt using wireless communication is disclosed and includes a bolt coil formed on a surface of the bolt circuit board, and configured to receive a wireless energy from an electronic seal; and a chip electrically connected to the bolt coil, and configure to generate a wireless signal containing a unique identification to the bolt coil when the chip is driven by the wireless energy; a holder configured to fix and support the bolt circuit board; and a bolt housing configured to contain the bolt circuit board and the holder; wherein the electronic bolt is locked or unlocked with the electronic seal when the unique identification is confirmed by the electronic seal.

Abstract: A vehicular safety system includes a rearward-viewing camera, a forward-viewing camera, a left side sideward-viewing camera and a right side sideward-viewing camera. A control includes an image processor for processing image data captured by the cameras to detect a vehicle exterior of the equipped vehicle and to determine if a collision between the detected vehicle and the equipped vehicle is pending. When reverse gear is not engaged, and responsive to determination of the pending collision, a safety feature of the equipped vehicle is triggered before impact occurs. The triggered safety feature includes a triggered reversible feature of a seat of the equipped vehicle. If actual impact does not occur, the triggered safety feature returns to its condition that existed prior to the determination of the pending collision between the detected vehicle and the equipped vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for sensing and communicating characteristics of a work environment. A communication system may comprise one or more of the following one or more low cost sensor unit (LCSU) configured to detect one or more characteristics of the environment; one or more portable gas detector configured to be carried by a worker in the work environment, and comprising at least one sensor element, a display, and a wireless communication module; and one or more mobile device to be carried by a worker in the work environment, and comprising a display and a wireless communication module, wherein at least one of the portable gas detector and the mobile device is configured to receive sensed data from the one or more low cost sensor unit, process the received sensed data, and display the received sensed data to the worker.

Abstract: A remote-controlled washer, dryer, laundry product dispenser and payment system and operating method thereof, and is the front-end of the present invention. Said front-end allows the present invention to communicate with each dryer connected to a common vent. Said communication allows the present invention to sense conditions associated with each and every dryer attached to said common vent and control each such dryer. Consequently, the present invention, unlike anything in the prior art, allows an array of said dryers to be remotely controlled by a venting system.

Abstract: Radio-frequency transmission and reception circuitry is adapted for use with a high-quality-factor antenna. On the transmission side, control circuitry is provided to maintain resonance at the transmission frequency. On the reception side, multiple receive paths are independently controllable for temporal and amplitude alignment.

Abstract: A product tagging system is provided. The product tagging system includes at least one RF backscatter transmitter configured to emit (i) a main carrier RF signal, and (ii) Radio Frequency (RF) signals on two frequencies whose summation forms a twin carrier RF signal. The product tagging system further includes a passive RF backscatter tag associated with a product and configured to reflect and frequency shift the main carrier RF signal to a different frequency using the twin carrier RF signal. The product tagging system also includes at least one RF backscatter receiver configured to read the product on the different frequency by detecting a distributed ambient backscatter signal generated by a reflection and frequency shifting of the main carrier RF signal by the passive RF backscatter tag.

Abstract: A method described herein is performed by a utility meter lacking an integrated display. The method includes measuring consumption of a resource and, further, generating consumption data based on measuring the consumption of the resource. Via a communication device, the utility meter wirelessly connects directly to an external device having a display. The utility meter verifies that the external device is authorized to access the utility meter. The utility meter transmits the consumption data to the external device to utilize the display of the external device as an interface to the utility meter. The utility meter receives an instruction via manual entry at the display of the external device, and the utility meter executes the instruction.

Abstract: In one example, a sensor system of a patient monitoring system includes a voiding sensor that includes an electrical circuit configured to be transitioned from a first impedance state to a second impedance state in response to a voiding event in an absorbent region of an absorbent article worn by a patient. The sensor system also includes one or more processors configured to: determine, based on whether the impedance state of the electrical circuit is open or closed, that the voiding event has occurred; and generate, based at least in part on the occurrence of the voiding event, patient status data of the patient. The sensor system also includes a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit, via a relay module, the patient status data to a remote monitoring device that is distinct from the relay module.