Abstract: An improved universal remote control unit (URC) for home entertainment units. The URC has the typical remote controller module for controlling appliances such as TV, stereo, VCR or DVD. Additionally, the URC has a built-in digital recorder module for recording the consumer's voice, or any audio messages from the appliances. The digital recorder module can be implemented with a microphone, a voice recorder chip and a speaker, all integrated with the URC unit. The digital recorder module can even use the battery that is typically used by the URC. The URC alternatively can be implemented with a memory and display screen, coupled to the number keys. Such arrangement allows the telephone information to be punched in, using the numeric keys on the URC, stored in the memory for display.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for authenticating a user of a device comprises: generating at least one arrangement comprising a sub-set of a plurality of stored objects, the sub-set comprising at least one authenticating object that forms at least part of a user's authentication key and the sub-set further comprising at least one non-authenticating object, wherein such generating comprises randomly selecting a position within the at least one arrangement for the at least one authenticating object and randomly selecting the at least one non-authenticating object from the plurality of stored objects; presenting to a user the generated at least one arrangement; receiving input that comprises a selection of at least one of the objects from the at least one arrangement; and determining whether the selection identifies the authentication key.

Abstract: A method is described for authenticating a portable object that includes a processor and a memory. The memory contains at least one code defining operations capable of being executed by the portable object, as well as a one-way function. The method comprises an authentication of the portable object which includes sending the portable object an order so that the latter executes a calculation of a result by applying to the one way function at least part of the code. This result enters into the implementation of a given operation, the operation being performed successfully only when the portable object is authentic.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of identifying a vehicle that may present safety threats to security areas are provided. When a vehicle is approaching a security zone, a request for identification (ID) is issued to the vehicle's on-board computer system (OBCS). Upon receiving the ID, a comparison is made between the ID of the vehicle and a list of suspect vehicle IDs. It there is a match, the vehicle is considered to be suspect and the OBCS is instructed to take control over the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an incentive to a customer of a store to return a shopping cart to a cart return location. The system generates a cart return signal. The system determines whether a cart is being removed from or returned to the cart corral. Alternatively, a radio frequency identification system may be used to detect return of a cart. The shopper is credited with points or credits in a frequent shopper or reward program for returning the shopping cart to the cart return location. The cart return system may be readily configured to integrate with a wide range of existing, or new frequent shopper or loyalty programs.

Abstract: A data acquisition and telemetry based control system for use in facilitating substantially real time management of an agricultural irrigation system. The soil moisture sensor includes a reader and a plurality of probes. The probes each include an electronic circuit having a moisture sensing capacitor in operative communication with the soil whose moisture is to be measured. Each probe also includes a receive/transmit antenna and the reader includes a transmit/receive antenna, so that as the reader passes near the probe, the reader transmits a digital excitation signal to the electronic circuit of the biodegradable probe via an inductive couple formed between the transmit/receive antenna of the reader and the receive/transmit coil of the probe. The electronic circuit uses an energy component of the excitation signal to generate a digital data signal which indicates the moisture content of the soil adjacent to the moisture sensing capacitor.

Abstract: A method of communicating information from first and second transponders (or multiple transponders) to a central monitoring device, and a communications apparatus, are disclosed. The method includes receiving a starting indication at the transponders, determining start times for the transponders in response to that indication, and transmitting first and second sets of bursts from the first and second transponders, respectively. The bursts of the first set occur at at least some of a first set of potential transmission times within an interrogation period, and the bursts of the second set occur at at least some of a second set of potential transmission times during that period. Each of the potential transmission times of the burst sets are respectively determined in relation to the start times of the respective transponders. The potential transmission times of the respective burst sets are separated from one another by one of a bit-cell period and a multiple thereof.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for using an electronic key to open electronic locking devices is provided. With the system, apparatus and method, a key code is sent to a user's wireless communication device and is later used to open a corresponding locking device. The key code is generated by a key supplier based on a master key obtained from a master key supplier, e.g. an electronic lock manufacturer. The key code may include a master key portion, a secondary key portion, an activation/expiration portion, a wireless device identifier portion, a time of issue portion, and a time of last use portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which determine, to a desired level of certainty, the identities of each individual granted access to an area, room, container, and/or good or service using biometric data. A plurality of access points may be networked to provide access control and/or access record generation on a real time basis. Biometric scanners, electronic locks, and control devices are preferably disposed throughout a hierarchical access facility, such as a hotel, to provide access to areas, rooms, and containers, to acquire information with respect individuals' access thereto, and/or to identify individuals for providing access to goods and services. Such devices may be in communication with one another and/or host systems, such as local hosts and facility servers, via wireline communication, wireless communication, and combinations thereof to thereby provide a pervasive access and access record management system.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a signal through an imperfectly-conducting medium includes a transmitter station and a receiver station. The transmitter station has a transmitter and at least one conductor. The receiving station has at least one conductor and a receiver. The transmitter causes a current to flow from the transmitter conductor to the receiver conductor through the imperfectly-conducting medium. Associated with the current flow is an electric field. Because the current flow varies with the signal, the electric field varies with the signal. The receiving conductor senses the electric field and provides a signal to the receiver which detects the signal to be transmitted. The receiving station then passes the signal to an output device to be output.

Abstract: An anti-interference relay device has a receiving module and a transmitting module. The receiving module modulates a received IR signal from a remote controller and an identification (ID) code of the receiving module to an RF signal and then broadcasts the RF signal. When the RF signal is demodulated by the transmitting module, the demodulated ID code is compared with a preset ID code. If the two ID codes are matched, the demodulated IR signal is allowed to output to control an appliance, otherwise the IR signal is ignored.

Abstract: A method for detecting portable objects from a network of N antennae controlled by a centralized management unit. Signals are simultaneously emitted by the management unit to all antennae. Resulting response signals from antennae that have detected a portable object are received by the management unit. Each object thus detected is successively selected from these signals according to a pre-established sequence. The invention applies in particular to access control.

Abstract: A subscriber device (10) includes one or more sensors (102) for measuring a object electromagnetic characteristic, such as conductivity, permittivity or permeability. A controller (104) stores the object electromagnetic parameter in memory (106) and, operating in accordance with a performance enhancement routine stored in the memory (106), enhances operation of the subscriber device (10) in accordance with the electromagnetic parameter. The controller (104) may do this by adjusting the power of an amplifier (112), the frequency of a synthesizer (114) or the impedance of an antenna (110). A software program controlling the subscriber device and a corresponding method are described.

Abstract: A memory card reading/writing apparatus, access method, program and storage medium thereof, that have a psychological security function, or in other words a mild security function and that make it possible to perform various kinds of management of the memory card even when the memory card is lost. In the memory card reading/writing apparatus of this invention, an apparatus-user-information-acquisition unit acquires apparatus-user information from a memory unit that stores apparatus-user information that identifies the user of the memory card reading/writing apparatus. Also, a memory-card-user-information-acquisition unit acquires the main-memory-card-user information from the memory card that identifies the main user of the memory card. A user-information-comparison unit compares the two kinds of information, and outputs a comparison result. An output unit outputs specific output based on the comparison result.

Abstract: A temperature tag and system for sensing and reporting an internal temperature reading inside a container. The temperature tag mounts on an outside surface of the container, and a shaft with a temperature sensor extends through the side of the container and senses the internal temperature reading. A plurality of readings may be recorded at a predefined sampling rate and stored in a data memory. The temperature tag then sends the temperature readings to a reader device that presents the temperature readings to a user. The reader device may trigger the temperature tag to send the temperature readings with a signal such as an infrared (IR) signal, a radio frequency (RF) signal, and the like. The temperature readings may be analyzed in the temperature tag, the reader device, or may be downloaded to a computer to determine if an alarm condition exists.

Abstract: A system comprises an apparatus which is capable of personalizing its behavior in accordance with a user profile, and a gatekeeper device which comprises control means for allowing a user to control said personalization of the apparatus. The gatekeeper device is capable of detecting apparatuses which have personalization capabilities and of notifying the user upon such detection. The user may then decide to establish a relationship with the apparatus, which relationship specifies the extent of personalization which the apparatus is allowed to exhibit and whether confirmation by the user is required at fixture occasions. The user is allowed to change the relationship at any time. The system enables the user to build up anonymous relationships with various apparatuses, providing the user with personalized services while privacy is guaranteed.

Abstract: A signal repeater, a system utilizing one or more signal repeaters, and a method for detecting a transient disturbance in the surface charge on drill pipe, which system, apparatus and method are collectively used to transfer data from deep-well and high-conductivity formation subterranean environments to a point nearer to the surface. The signal repeater comprises a housing that is securably mountable to the interior of a pipe-string disposed in a wellbore, which repeater receives and stores electrical signals for resending at an appropriate time.

Abstract: A device for sensing unauthorized use of an electronic security device has a host device and a detector with a loop antenna associated with the port that receives the electronic security device, such as a smart card. The host device comprises a housing having the port formed therein. In one embodiment, the port detector senses radiation emitted from unauthorized use of the electronic security device by attachment of hot-wire conductors to the security device, which conductors carry currents through the port and the detector. In an alternate embodiment, the dielectric constant of the electronic security device is measured and compared to a predetermined value for distinguishing a nominal device from one with attached hot wiring.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently querying and identifying multiple items on a communication channel are disclosed. The invention is well suited to use with radio frequency identification with interrogation devices and systems that identify radio frequency identification transponders. A depth-first tree traversal protocol algorithm, including commands and symbols, is used to more efficiently interrogate a plurality of transponders in a short amount of time.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a home entertainment system includes a television having one more peripheral electronic entertainment devices connected thereto. Also, the system includes a single remote control unit for controlling all of the system components. The television, the peripheral devices, and the remote control unit include respective memory slots with which a portable memory media can be engaged. Accordingly, the memory media can be engaged with the television or the peripheral devices so that control commands and user defined preferences are downloaded thereto. Thereafter, the memory can be engaged with the remote control unit so that the control commands and user defined preferences for each component are uploaded thereto. As intended by the present invention, the remote control unit includes a microprocessor for resolving any conflicting command codes or user defined preferences.