Abstract: A radiofrequency identification (RFID) transceiver and microcontroller packaged into a host controllable module for interfacing with a legacy or new host device. The module includes an interface for easy adaptation into a host device and the module microcontroller is programmed to interpret commands sent by the host device and operate the RFID transceiver accordingly. The module may further include a speaker or light emitting diode (LED) for alerting a user as to whether a RFID tag presented to the module has been successfully interrogated.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronization of detection loops in a multilane environment. A plurality of loop sensors are arranged in a plurality of lanes such that loop sensors in adjacent lanes are mutually contiguous. A simultaneous synchronization signal is sent to each of the plurality of loop detector controllers, where each loop detector controller is in communication with a loop sensor. The signal causes a scheduling of sampling periods for each loop sensor, such that the sampling period of each loop sensor does not overlap with that of a contiguous loop in an adjacent lane.

Abstract: An optical-fiber-network (OFN) radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for deploying and/or maintaining an OFN. The system includes a plurality of OFN components, and at least one RFID tag that includes RFID tag data that has at least one property of the OFN component associated with the RFID tag. The RFID tag data is written to and read from the RFID tags prior, during or after deploying the OFN components. An OFN-component-data database unit is used to store and process the RFID tag data. This allows for different maps of the OFN to be made, such as an inventory map and a maintenance map. The OFN-RFID system allows for automated operations and management of OFN components by service personnel, and provides for faster and more accurate OFN system deployment and maintenance.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a lost or stolen device is disclosed herein. The system includes: a transmitter, coupled to said device, for transmitting identification information; a receiver for receiving the identification information transmitted by the transmitter, when the transmitter is within a defined distance from the receiver; and a computer, coupled to the receiver for receiving the information from the receiver, and having a database for storing data associated with lost or stolen devices; wherein the computer compares the information with the data, and generates an alarm if the information indicates that the device is lost or stolen.

Abstract: A message center that can comprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) is provided. The LCD can be divided into one or more zones, with each zone being designated for a specific message. The message center can also include a light guide system positioned behind the liquid crystal display. The light guide system can have one or more light guides, with each of the light guides having a first end, and each of the light guides can be aligned with a zone of the liquid crystal display. The message center can further include a multi-color light emitting diode (LED) that can be mounted at the first end of each of the light guides, and a control system that can set the intensity of each of the multi-colors on each of the LEDs such that a backlighting of each zone is individually controlled.

Abstract: Microstrip patch antenna (46), feed structure (48), and matching circuit (50) designs for an RFID tag (10). A balanced feed design using balanced feeds coupled by a shorting stub (56) to create a virtual short between the two feeds so as to eliminate the need for physically connecting substrate to the ground plane. A dual feed structure design using a four-terminal IC can be connected to two antennas (46a,46b) resonating at different frequencies so as to provide directional and polarization diversity. A combined near/field-far/field design using a microstrip antenna providing electromagnetic coupling for far-field operation, and a looping matching circuit providing inductive coupling for near-field operation. A dual-antenna design using first and second microstrip antennas providing directional diversity when affixed to a cylindrical or conical object, and a protective superstrate (66). An annual antenna (46c) design for application to the top of a metal cylinder around a stem.

Abstract: An emergency alerting device for a Christmas tree utilizing a sheath having a housing forming an open chamber which is capable of encompassing the top of a Christmas tree. The decorative element is connected to the sheath and includes a smoke detector mounting to the surface of the decorative element. An alarm receives a signal from the smoke detector which sets off a perceivable audio noise. A source of power linked to the audio alarm activates the auto alarm.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting proximity of at least one outside party to a multi-party communication includes steps of: receiving presence information of the at least one outside party, wherein the presence information comprises sensor data received from at least one sensor indicating that the outside party is in proximity to a second party; analyzing the sensor data to determine its threat level; and transmitting a signal to the first party, the signal indicating that at least one outside party is in proximity to the second party.

Abstract: A security system for protecting items of merchandise includes a programmable key, a programming station for generating a security disarm code (SDC) into the key, and a security device attached to the item of merchandise. The security device is initially programmed with the SDC from the key and is subsequently disarmed by the key upon matching the SDC of the key with the SDC stored in the security device. A wireless interface is provided in the programming station, programmable key and security device for programming the SDC into the key and for matching the SDC of the key with the SDC of the alarm module. An internal timer in the key invalidates the SDC in the key after a predetermined time period to prevent use of the key for disarming a security device after the time period has expired. The programming station initially generates a unique SDC which remains in the programming station for use with the programmable keys and alarm modules.

Abstract: A security alarm module for attaching to an item of merchandise in a security system for protecting the item of merchandise has a housing, a logic control circuit including a central controller, a wireless interface for communicating with a programmable key containing a security code, and a memory circuit for storing the security code. An attachment device attaches the alarm module to the item of merchandise and a sense loop operatively communicates with the attachment device for sensing when the integrity of the attachment device is compromised. An audio alarm is located within the housing and is actuated when the integrity of the sense loop is compromised. A visual indicator such as an LED, indicates the status of the alarm module. The housing includes a base and a bottom housing member which is spaced from the base to form a sound region. The audio alarm is mounted in the bottom housing member and communicates with the sound region which enhances the sound level of the alarm when actuated.

Abstract: A programming apparatus for generating and retaining a security disarm code (SDC) for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise has a housing and a logic control circuit located within the housing. The control circuit includes a controller for generating the SDC, a memory for storing the generated SDC and a wireless communication system for interfacing with a programmable key used for operating a security device attached to an item of merchandise. A visual display includes a plurality of LEDs which indicate the status of the logic control circuit. The SDC is generated initially as a random SDC by the programming apparatus, which SDC is retained in the controller of the apparatus for the life of the programming apparatus.

Abstract: A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise has a housing, a power supply mounted in the housing, a logic control circuit which includes a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security disarm code (SDC) memory. The key has visual indicators such as an LED which is operatively connected to the logic control circuit and pulsed to indicate the state of the SDC. The control circuit includes a timer which has a preset time limit programmed therein, which invalidates the stored SDC if not refreshed by a remote programming source within a certain time period. The logic circuit further includes a counter which counts the number of activations of a control switch, and which permanently deactivates the control circuit upon reaching a certain count value to ensure that the internal battery has sufficient power to maintain the key operational. The wireless communication circuit preferably is infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) controlled.

Abstract: A system for and a method of monitoring a plurality of transceivers is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes enabling one transceiver of the plurality of transceivers. The method also includes disabling all other transceivers of the plurality of transceivers. A transmit coil emits a high frequency electromagnetic field, the one transceiver transmitting a signal in response to the field of the transmit coil. At least one of a plurality of reader coils receives the signal transmitted by the one transceiver, the plurality of reader coils being suitably arranged in the vicinity of the area to be monitored. An evaluator determines a position of the one transceiver from the signal received from the one transceiver by the at least one of the plurality of reader coils.

Abstract: The invention provides protection to wireless portable transponders from unauthorized interrogation by employing a mechanical means for disabling reception by or from the antenna of the transponder. Transponders include RFID tags that are attached to items that a persons may purchase or carry. Such transponders generally have means for receiving and storing electronic and other information, commonly in binary form using memories as in electronic circuits, etc. The invention is designed to provide privacy of electronic information. The tags can be protected from receiving or providing unauthorized or unwanted information. The invention provides the mechanical means that permit the owner to decide when reception/interrogation of personal or other information is not desired by employing the provided mechanical disable control means.

Abstract: A security card may include a printed portion that includes printed data fixed to a first portion of an outer surface of the card, an interface configured to receive digitally signed information from an external device, and a display located on a second portion of the outer surface of the card and configured to display a digital image based on the received digitally signed information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.

Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.

Abstract: A universal tracking assembly that is capable of supporting more than one protocol used in electronic article surveillance (EAS) labels. The universal tracking assembly includes an acousto-magnetic (AM) EAS portion with a Radio Frequency (RF) EAS portion. The intrinsic characteristics and properties of the components of these individual labels are utilized to enhance the overall performance and utility of the combined EAS universal tracking assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to the coupling of a sensor element to a transponder, the connection of said sensor element to the transponder being achieved by capacitive or inductive coupling. This enables any separation layer that may lie between the sensor element and the transponder to be retained, allowing the invention to be advantageously used in gas and liquid-tight containers, such as tires. In addition, electrically non-conductive materials of the object to be measured can be used as a dielectric for the capacitive coupling and electrically conductive parts can form part of a conductor loop for the inductive coupling.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring movement of a person's eye, e.g., to monitor drowsiness. The system includes a frame that is worn on a person's head, an array of emitters on the frame for directing light towards the person's eye, and an array of sensors on the frame for detecting light from the array of emitters. The sensors detect light that is reflected off of respective portions of the eye or its eyelid, thereby producing output signals indicating when the respective portions of the eye is covered by the eyelid. The emitters project a reference frame towards the eye, and a camera on the frame monitors movement of the eye relative to the reference frame. This movement may be correlated with the signals from the array of sensors and/or with signals from other sensors on the frame to monitor the person's level of drowsiness.