Abstract: A control system for permitting voice control of at least one device by at least one user includes a transponder which outputs an electronic signal which includes an identification code; an electronic receiver for receiving electronic signal and downconverting the received signal to output the identification code; a microphone for receiving an audible signal spoken by a user; a memory for storing at least one voiceprint and a command instruction for controlling at least one function of the device; and a microprocessor for determining whether the identification code is valid and for analyzing the audible signal to determine whether it matches the voiceprint stored in memory. The microprocessor executes the command instruction to control the function of the device if a match has been found.

Abstract: A system and method are provided in which each reader may conduct concurrent, yet independent, dialog with multiple tags at the same time using two or more phase channels. The reader itself may communicate with multiple tags via the same antenna, or using multiple antennae where each antenna operates on a separate phase channel. Upon receipt from the reader of an instruction for the tags to randomize, the tags randomly choose and assign a phase channel that will be their time reference for subsequent operation, or the channel can be assigned by the reader. The tags receive reader data encoded in the clock signal from the reader, and select the reader data pertaining to the particular tag based on the selected phase channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for monitoring enablement of an electrical apparatus connected to a power grid. The method consists in: transmitting (A) from a specialised transmitter (ES) to the electrical apparatus (EA) a coded information message comprising an enablement information, in accordance with an enablement control code; and in receiving (B) by means of a receiver (R) equipping the electrical apparatus (EA) said information message. The latter is decoded (C) in accordance with specific enablement data integrated in the receiver (R) to generate decoded enablement data. The enablement of the electrical apparatus (EA) is granted (D, E) if the decoded data are in conformity with the integrated specific enablement data and enablement is refused (D, F) otherwise. The invention is useful for protecting electrical appliances against theft, for managing service delivery on a distant site, monitoring contractual terms.

Abstract: A method for the authentication of a transceiver unit with respect to a second transceiver unit, located at a distance to it. A first signal is transmitted via an aerial connected to the first unit, when second unit is located within the reception area of the first unit. The first signal is received by means of the second unit via an aerial connected to it, whereby, on the basis of the first signal received, a value is measured that characterizes the strength of the electro-magnetic field generated by the first signal at the location of the second unit. A second signal is transmitted via the aerial connected to the second unit that contains information relating to the magnitude characterizing the field strength; and the second signal is received via the aerial connected to the first unit, where, on the basis of the second signal received, a value is measured that characterizes the strength of the electro-magnetic field generated by the second signal at the location of the first unit.

Abstract: A data carrier (1) for contactless communication with the communication station comprises firstly a reception stage (3) for receiving an interrogation signal (IS), secondly a generation stage (17) for generating a response signal (RS) upon reception of the interrogation signal (IS), thirdly a processing circuit (18) for processing the response signal (RS) into a transmission signal (MCRS) suitable for transmission to the communication station, fourthly a determination device (22) for determinating at least one representative value (REP1, REP2), the representative value (REP1, REP2) representing the field strength of the field acting on the data carrier (1), and fifthly a control connection (25) between the determination device (22) and the processing circuit (18), wherein the processing circuit (18) is influenced via the control connection (25) in order to vary a transmission parameter of a transmission signal generated by the processing circuit (18) as a function of the at least one representative value (REP

Abstract: A detachable remote controller for an electronic entertainment device and a method for using the same are provided. The detachable remote controller includes a first infrared transmitter and a second infrared transmitter. The first infrared transmitter transmits signals to the electronic device while the detachable remote controller is coupled with the entertainment device. The remote controller is shaped in such a way to be docked within a cavity and flush with one surface of the entertainment device. The first infrared transmitter is aligned in the cavity such that the first infrared transmitter transmits signals to a light pipe embedded within the entertainment device. The second infrared transmitter is located at one end of the detachable remote controller to transmit signals to the entertainment device while the detachable remote controller is not coupled with the entertainment device.

Abstract: In a mobile body discrimination apparatus having an interrogator apparatus and a plurality of transponders each capable of transmitting information to the interrogator apparatus by modulation of radio waves that are reflected from a transponder antenna, which can be attached to respective articles, store data concerning the articles, and transmit the data to the interrogator apparatus in response to a command signal transmitted while the transponder traverses a communication region of an antenna of the interrogator apparatus, each transponder is configured to begin sending such response data after a randomly determined time interval following reception of the command signal, thereby reducing the probability of data conflict when plural transponders are within the communication region.

Abstract: Anti-theft protection system for a motor vehicle, and a method for operating an anti-theft protection system. The anti-theft protection system has a transmitting and receiving unit in the motor vehicle, which transmits radar signals modulated over a broad bandwidth and then waits for echo signals. A code transmitter, which receives a radar signal, for its part sends back an additionally modulated and coded signal. An evaluation unit analyses all the received echo signals firstly for authorization of the code transmitter and secondly in order to determine the distance between the code transmitter and the transmitting and receiving unit.

Abstract: A key chain rechargeable device which is recharged when a key is inserted into a matching lock. In accordance with one embodiment, the key includes two electrical contacts or is separated into two electrically isolated portions. The two electrical contacts or portions of the key contact mating contacts in the matching lock only when the key is inserted therein. In another embodiment, inductive coupling is used when the key chain rechargeable device is proximate to a matching lock of a key associated therewith. A charging circuit may be integrated in the key chain rechargeable device or in the external device associated with the lock. The key chain rechargeable device may be, e.g., a wireless device such as a BLUETOOTH™ network device, pager, a security alarm enable/disable device, garage door opener, or a keyless entry remote. In a preferred embodiment, the key relates to a vehicle ignition key, and the key chain rechargeable device is recharged during operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: A human machine interface (10) for use in situations requiring authorized access. The human machine interface (10) includes a validator controller (12) and a data transmitter (14). The validator controller (12) includes a validator status actuator (16) in communication with a validator receiver (18) via a validator logic circuit (20). The validator status actuator (16) is configured to process and perform actions based upon data signals (22) received by the validator receiver (18). The data transmitter (14), which is in contact with a human nail (24), transmits the data signal (22) to the validator controller (12).

Abstract: A vehicle key system comprises a mobile transmitter including a fingerprint information capturing unit for capturing fingerprint information from a user's fingerprint, and a transmit unit for transmitting the fingerprint information captured by the fingerprint information capturing unit together with a system-specific identifier. A receiver disposed in a vehicle includes a receive unit for receiving the fingerprint information and the identifier transmitted from the transmit unit of the mobile transmitter, a verification unit for verifying the fingerprint information against a list of pieces of previously stored fingerprint information, and for verifying the received identifier against a previously stored identifier, and a control unit for controlling pieces of equipment in the vehicle according to verification results from the verification unit.

Abstract: A remote telemetry system utilizing dual communication pathways comprising low-cost remote communications devices operating on existing wire-based communications systems, wireless communications systems, and/or a combination thereof, to provide real-time reading and control of the remote telemetry units. A central controller directs the operation of the remote telemetry units and receives data from the remote telemetry units. The central controller is configured to utilize a conventional broadcast communications channel to transmit commands to individual remote telemetry units, each of which is assigned a unique identification code. Signals broadcast from the central controller are received at receivers associated with each remote telemetry unit, which performs a directed operation if a unique identification code included in the broadcast signal matches the identification code assigned to the remote telemetry unit.

Abstract: A key system using an ID card which can output ID data is combined with a mechanical ignition key. The key system is provided with a transceiver for receiving data from the ID card, a flash memory for storing the ID data and a CPU. When the stored ID data in the flash memory coincides with the ID card data obtained by the transceiver an operation is performed with the ignition key, the CPU enables the operation of an engine start. Furthermore, if the present protection time has elapsed since the CPU recognizes the coincidence of the stored and ID card data, the operation by the ignition key is nullified.

Abstract: An apparatus (10, 240, 300) includes a signpost (11, 241-256, 322, 612, 623, 626-628, 652, 661, 682, 686, 703) which transmits signpost signals (24) that are received by a tag (12, 271-275, 301-316, 395-397, 616-618, 641-643, 653, 656-657, 662-664, 679, 708, 711). The tag in turn transmits radio frequency beacon signals (72) which are received by a reader (13, 261, 319, 521-530) The tag can vary the duration of the beacon signals, for example in dependence on whether it is currently receiving a signpost signal. Further, the tag can dynamically vary the transmission rate and/or transmission power of the beacon signals, for example following receipt of a signpost signal. Varying these parameters can facilitate compliance with governmental regulations.

Abstract: A drill string telemetry system comprises an acoustic reflector mounted to the surface end of the drill string. The reflector is adapted to reflect surface-generated torsional acoustic noise away from the drill string. The reflector attenuates the power of 500 Hz torsional acoustic noise power impinging on the reflector by a factor of at least 2.

Abstract: In order to receive protection commands in a remote tripping device, one or more signals is or are received, protection commands and combinations of protection commands are coded by means of an individual signal or by means of a predetermined combination of signals, and each protection command is allocated a predetermined minimum safety and/or security value.

Abstract: An arbitration process sets the connections to be made between ingress and egress ports of a crossbar switch of a data switching system. A weight parameter is used for each pair of ingress and egress ports. Connection requests are generated indicating ingress ports to be connected to egress ports. A selection is made among conflicting connection requests, to produce a connection proposal for each egress port. Any connection request for which respective weighting parameter is zero is not selected. When one of the connection requests is realised, the weight parameter corresponding to this connection is decreased by one. All the weight parameters for a given egress port are re-set to default values in the case that there are no connection requests for that egress port with non-zero weights.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a door lock of a vehicle having an automatic door locking circuit includes a signal sensor and a removable control unit that is responsive to the signal sensor. The removable control unit generates a door lock state change signal when the signal sensor receives a signal having a first predetermined code value. A first controllable switch that is responsive to the removable control unit is removably couplable to the automatic door locking circuit. The first controllable switch is able to override the automatic door locking circuit so that when the door lock state change signal is asserted, the controllable switch applies power to the automatic door locking circuit, thereby causing a change of state of the door lock.

Abstract: A system and method uses an appliance for delivery at a home or business when no one is home or without the need to disturb persons at the delivery site. The appliance is a locked storage container connected to remote computers such that access for particular delivery persons or companies is authorized when the owner of the appliance has placed an order. The appliance communicates, such as via the internet, with a remote delivery system computer having a scheduler that schedules deliveries during particular time intervals. Prior to scheduling the delivery, the delivery system computer compares the dimensions of the order with the available space within the appliance of the customer. After a delivery is made, the appliance communicates via the internet that the delivery has been made and the delivery system computer then charges or debits the customer's account for the cost associated with the delivery.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for effectively communicating data along the acoustic channel of a subterranean well. The method comprises optimally driving an acoustic transmitter with an adaptive transmitter controller. A data signal is transmitted along the acoustic channel and detected as a distorted signal along the acoustic channel. The distorted signal is input to the adaptive transmitter controller which, based on the detected signal, modifies later transmissions to counteract the distorting effects of the transmitter and acoustic channel. The adaptive transmitter controller preferably comprises a neural network. Another receiver may be employed, at a point further from the transmitter, to receive the optimized signals.