Abstract: A method to improve polling accuracy in RFID systems is disclosed. Embodiments comprise receiving information from one or more tags by a tag reader, comparing the information from the tags to other information, and adding the tag to an inventory if the tag does not exist in the other information. While some embodiments compare the tag information from the tags to baseline inventories for other areas, some embodiments compare it to current inventories for the other areas or compare it to a combination of both inventories. Some embodiments involve polling RFID tags in storage containers.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for locating devices having a given state by locating a device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds to queries from an RFID tag reader independently of the state of the device, and determining the state of the device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device. The invention also includes systems for locating devices having a given state. The systems comprise an RFID tag reader for locating a device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds independently of the state of the device, and an RFID tag reader for determining the state of the device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device.

Abstract: A floor mat and system having an electronic display device connectable to a network is disclosed. In one embodiment, the floor mat includes an electronic display device that is adapted to be connected to a network through a computer. The electronic display device may be connected to the computer via a wired connection or a wireless connection. Also, text on the electronic display device may be changed by an editor through a web page on the network.

Abstract: An article locating system comprises a first unit having a housing and a circuit for generating a coded search signal that is unique to the first unit. The first unit operatively communicates with a second unit attached to the article to be located. The second unit includes a housing and a circuit for receiving the search signal and for generating a found signal. The second unit transmits the found signal to the first unit which then responds by selectively activating an indicator connected to the circuit of the first unit. The indicator preferably includes an array of indicator lights that are programmed to illuminate in a sequence to indicate the proximate position of the second unit relative to the first unit for locating the article. In an alternative embodiment, the second unit includes a record/playback device for recording and playing an audible communication in response to receiving the first signal from the first unit.

Abstract: An activity based monitoring system is disclosed, the activity based monitoring system being configured to monitor a plurality of badges associated with a plurality of assets within a healthcare facility.

Abstract: System(s) and method(s) to increase the accuracy and efficiency of an RFID system is provided. A system includes an RFID component that receives a signal from an RFID reader, and an identifier component that interfaces with the RFID component and identifies the source of the signal. The system further includes a signal strength component that interfaces with the identifier component and measures the strength of the signal. The system can include an environment component that analyzes an operating environment.

Abstract: The present invention automatically detects the sabotage of an audio transducer such as a microphone in a security system device. An audio transducer generates an electrical signal, which is analyzed to determine if the electrical signal exhibits a predetermined sabotage characteristic. If the electrical signal does exhibit a predetermined sabotage characteristic, then an alarm device trouble signal is transmitted to an alarm control panel for further processing. If, however, the electrical signal does not exhibit a predetermined sabotage characteristic, then the electrical signal is analyzed to determine if the electrical signal exhibits a predetermined alarm characteristic. If the electrical signal does exhibit a predetermined alarm characteristic, then an alarm signal is transmitted to the alarm control panel for further processing.

Abstract: A toilet training apparatus according to the present invention includes a processor that is in data communication with a timer, a first alarm, and a presence sensor. At a predetermined time, the processor actuates the first alarm to awaken a sleeping toddler to urge him to go to the bathroom and, thus, proactively, avoid wetting the bed. The first alarm may include an audio or vibratory alarm, or both. The apparatus includes a presence sensor, such as a RFID tag/reader combination, for sensing if the toddler has in fact moved from his bed to the bathroom. Upon sensing the expected movement, the first alarm is reset for a next predetermined waking event. If this movement is not sensed in a predetermined time, the processor actuates a second alarm to awaken a parent to assist in awakening the toddler.

Abstract: A system for protecting a plurality of networked security devices is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of connectors, a plurality of security containers coupled together by the plurality of connectors, and a plurality of sensors, whereby at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is disposed in at least one security container of the plurality of security containers, and the plurality of sensors are adapted to detect a threat to each security container of the plurality of security containers. The system also includes a plurality of monitoring devices, whereby each monitoring device of the plurality of monitoring devices is coupled to at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors, and the plurality of monitoring devices are adapted to monitor the plurality of sensors and activate protective measures in response to at least one detected threat.

Abstract: A digital lighting control system for controlling a plurality of lighting elements is provided, including a PC, a signal control unit, a signal conversion unit, and a signal dispatching unit. The signal control unit has a video signal input decoder for receiving video signal input and a PC display interface for connecting to the PC. The PC can control the lighting elements through the addresses of the lighting elements stored in the signal control unit. The signal conversion unit is connected to the signal control unit to receive control signals. The received control data is converted into data including addressing and control codes of the lighting elements. The signal dispatching unit is connected to the signal conversion unit for receiving converted addressing and control codes of the lighting elements. The signal dispatching unit dispatches the address and control code to lighting elements, which are connected to the signal dispatching unit.

Abstract: A visitor monitoring system includes a reading device that reads personal data of a visitor from an identification medium, a terminal device that converts the personal data into digital data, and a remote database formed in a database server, which is connected to the terminal device via a communications line, and including precise digital personal data. The read and converted personal data is corrected and equalized with corresponding precise digital personal data before forming a new database in the remote database.

Abstract: A baby monitoring system including a baby unit for receiving audio signals, and a parent unit for reproducing an audio signal received at the baby unit. At least one of the baby and parent units includes audio signal recording capability, e.g. using a digital voice recorder. Preferably, at least one of the units includes a port capable of outputting data representing a stored audio signal, such that the data can be stored in a memory of a PC or other device. Thus, a baby's sounds/words may be monitored and recorded/stored in the memory of the baby monitoring system, downloaded to a separate device with long term storage capability, and the memory of the baby monitoring system may be reused to record new sounds, causing deletion of previously recorded sounds from the baby monitoring system's memory while permitting long term retention of a record of such sounds in the separate device.

Abstract: An reader/writer performing a two-way communication with a contactless tag through electromagnetic induction and supplying electric power to the contactless tag, includes: an antenna circuit having an antenna coil for electromagnetically coupling with an antenna coil in the contactless tag, the antenna circuit provided in the plural number, a first amplifier circuit amplifying a signal which the antenna circuits send outside, a first switch provided between the first amplifier circuit and each antenna circuit, the first switch provided in the plural number, a second amplifier circuit amplifying a signal which the antenna circuit received, a second switch provided between the second amplifier circuit and each antenna circuit, the second switch provided in the plural number and a control circuit turning on a predetermined switch among the first switches and a predetermined switch among the second switches, wherein the antenna coil has a loop shape and a plurality of the antenna coils are provided adjacently eac

Abstract: A method for inventorying and monitoring an asset located in an vehicle asset management area. The method involves an inventorying of a presence of an asset within an vehicle asset management area based on a detection of a RFID tag associated with the asset within the vehicle asset management area, and a monitoring of the inventoried presence of the asset within the vehicle asset management area based on the RFID tag associated with the asset.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for tracking an object. An identification signal is received that identifies an identification tag associated with the object to be tracked. The identification signal is stored in memory of a cellular phone. When an incoming call is received at the cellular phone, then the information associated with the identification signal is uploaded to a network database. When an outgoing call is placed from the cellular phone, then the information associated with the identification signal may also be uploaded to the network database.

Abstract: A RFID device has a nonvolatile ferroelectric memory including a memory cell array area supplied only with a high voltage and a peripheral area supplied with a low voltage, thereby reducing power consumption. The RFID device includes an antenna adapted and configured to transceive a radio frequency signal from an external communication apparatus, an analog block adapted and configured to generate a power voltage in response to the radio frequency signal received from the antenna, a digital block adapted and configured to receive the power voltage from the analog block, transmit a response signal to the analog block and output a memory control signal, and a memory adapted and configured to generate a high voltage with the power voltage and access data in response to the memory control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting presence and movement of intruders. Various embodiments of an intruder detection system can be based on, for example, a beam-interrupt detector or a thermal imaging device. The beam-interrupt detection based system can provide functionalities such as counting of intruders crossing a given beam. A plurality of such beams at different heights can also allow distinguishing different-sized intruders. The thermal imaging based detection system can provide functionalities such as tracking movement of intruders. A recording can be triggered by detection of intruder movement, thereby improving the efficiency of recording and reviewing information indicative of presence and movement of intruders in a monitored area. In one embodiment, non-intruders can be distinguished from intruders by querying an RFID tag carried by non-intruders. In one embodiment, non-intruders can be distinguished from intruders by facial recognition.

Abstract: A wireless tag reader and writer includes: a plurality of read and write boxes each having an opening at one end, through which an article with a wireless tag is accommodated, and a read antenna and a write antenna on parts of the side wall at the end opposite to the opening; and a box storage having a plurality of storage compartments for storing the read and write boxes. Each of the read and write boxes is fixed in the storage compartment with a fixing screw fixed to the side wall of the read and write box adjacent to the opening in such a manner the fixing screw is fixed in an inclined slide slit in the outer wall of the box storage adjacent to the opening such that the opening is higher than the opposite end. Thus, the wireless tag can be located close to the reading antenna and the write antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: a first table and a second table on which an article with an RFID tag may be placed; a retaining mechanism for selectively retaining the first table and the second table in a state in which the second table is placed on the first table and in a state in which the first table and the second table are apart from each other vertically by a specified distance; a first article detector and a second article detector disposed on the upper surface of the first table and the upper surface of the second table, respectively, for detecting that the article has been placed; and an antenna communicating with the RFID tag, with the directivity aimed upward when the second article detector has detected the article, and with the directivity aimed downward when the first article detector has detected the article.

Abstract: Methods for determining the resonant frequency for interrogation of a resonant device include steps for generating and transmitting RF interrogation pulses of various bandwidths to energize one or more SAW resonator elements. Initial RF interrogation pulses have a relatively wide bandwidth, such that the general location of a resonant device's resonant frequency can be expediently determined. Then, interrogation pulses having smaller bandwidth pulses can be transmitted near the determined general location of resonance to further narrow the location of resonance. In some emodiments, one or more initial interrogation pulses are transmitted in the center of or at an expected value within a range of operation of a resonant device.