Abstract: A system and method of using a blower device to maintain an inflatable carnival attraction at a level of inflation safe for using the inflatable attraction, wherein the blower device operates on electrical energy received from an external source, monitoring the electrical energy, and triggering an alarm if the electrical energy is insufficient for the blower device to maintain the level of inflation safe for using the inflatable attraction, wherein the alarm is of sufficient loudness to be heard by personnel operating the attraction at a location distant from the blower device.

Abstract: In a map display device, a surface storing unit stores surface information which defines a curved surface having a form that depends on positions of portions of a map which are to be enlarged and/or contracted. A mapping unit maps the map onto the curved surface defined by the surface information. A projecting/displaying unit projects the mapped map onto a flat virtual screen, and displays the projected image. Here, by defining the curved surface so that each part of the curved surface forms an intended angle with a line of sight in the projection, the image is displayed with desired portions enlarged and/or contracted, while maintaining connections of roads. The same effect can also be achieved by projecting the map onto a virtual screen having the form of the curved surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward providing a system for the remote monitoring and control of operating equipment. Through a series of sensors located on or near the equipment, a plurality of operating and production parameters are read and metered. Should any of the readings exceed predetermined levels, an alarm signal is triggered, thereby notifying service personal located remote from the equipment site. Through the automated resources at the monitoring site, the system automatically logs the readings, events, and alarms; communicates alarms to the appropriate personnel dependent upon the nature of the alarm, the type of equipment involved, and the location of the equipment. Service and maintenance information and aids are available to personnel at the equipment site through a communication network to the remote monitoring site.

Abstract: A surveillance system is mounted to a vehicle to record visual or audio data of areas in and around the vehicle. In the event of an impact on the vehicle, a sensor determines the level of impact (202). If the level of impact is of a predetermined force, then the sensor activates a cut-off timer to stop the recorder from recording a predetermined time after the impact (204). If there are multiple impacts on the vehicle of at least the predetermined force, then the cut-off timer is reset to add time to the predetermined time based on the number of impacts of the predetermined force (206, 208).

Abstract: Device-related information is communicated from a device to external equipment, such as test equipment as part of final production of the device. This is done by generating a modulated signal (e.g., by pulse code modulation) that represents the device-related information, and supplying the modulated signal to an indicator light in the device, whereby the indicator light generates a modulated light signal that conveys the device-related information. The indicator light may be a light emitting diode that, during normal operation of the device, indicates a status condition of the device, such as whether the device is on or off.

Abstract: A vehicle control system for a vehicle having a door lock actuator includes a remote keyless entry (RKE) system including an RKE transmitter carried by a user, an RKE receiver at the vehicle, and an RKE controller connected to the RKE receiver for selectively operating the door lock actuator based on signals from the RKE transmitter. A piggyback controller at the vehicle is connected to the door lock actuator for performing at least one desired piggyback control function based on selective operation of the door lock actuator by the RKE controller. The piggyback controller may switch to a feature programming mode based on selective operation of the door lock actuator. When in the feature programming mode, the piggyback controller may permit feature selection also based on selective operation of the door lock actuator. The piggyback controller may also be switched to an override or valet mode based on selective operation of the door lock actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital meter for use of the current and voltage, including a front end signal processing device, a press button input device, a central processing unit (CPU), an LCD controller, an LCD, and an alarm device. When the signals detected by the front end signal processing device exceed the digital values of the maximum or minimum limit of the signal of the current and voltage set by the press button input device, the LCD controller may drive the LCD having different colors to light. Thus, the informed person may identify the detecting results of the current and voltage according to the different colors of the LCD.

Abstract: A worker carries a sensor that senses a tag device, preferably a passive RFID tag, in or on an article being processed. The sensor obtains wirelessly from the tag device identifying data, such as a numerical tag, which has been recorded as corresponding to a specific article. A computer connected with the receiver uses the identifying data to obtain a network address on a computer data network. Data relating to the worker contact with the article is sent over the network to the address accessed, and the server, or a management computer attached to it, causes a record to be stored reporting the access regarding the article, and other bookkeeping or process control activities are performed as claimed.

Abstract: The invention provides a display device for vehicles capable of quickly and reliably displaying high-priority and high-emergency information, while maintaining sufficient display space for other information. The vehicles may be of the type including a trunk provided with a cover. The display device has a display section in which display patterns are used. The display device includes an open position detecting device which detects that the cover of the trunk is open. A warning design pattern producing device generates a warning design pattern which visually expresses a warning when the cover is open. A warning display priority device displays the warning design pattern, prior to other information, on the display section when the cover is detected to be open.

Abstract: An RFID tag system is provided that is convertable from a passive system to an active system. This is accomplished by providing chargeable ink wells on the RFID tag system that can provide power to components in the RFID tag system. The power provides the components with power to communicate messages between the RFID tag system and a base unit. The chargeable ink wells are formed by printing a conductive ink onto the RFID tag system. The conductive ink forms a capacitive well having stored up energy upon charging of the conductive ink. The ink can be charged prior to printing on the RFID tag system or charged after the ink is printed onto the RFID tag system. The printed wells can be formed similar to large capacitive plates. The capacitive wells can also be formed from printed features such as a barcode or such as a group of alphanumeric characters.

Abstract: An improved hoistway access detection system including three safety chains, one for monitoring door position on the even numbered floors, one for monitoring door position on the odd numbered floors, and one for monitoring the position of the pit door, wherein an elevator car is slowly moved to the alternate floor upon detection and subsequent closure of an open pit door and any landing door.

Abstract: A vehicle wireless data communication system of the invention comprises: a portable device including wireless data communication means and storing means for storing a network setting-up code; and a vehicle carried device including wireless data communication means and storing means for storing a network setting-up code corresponding to the network setting-up code of the portable device, wherein when the portable device approaches to a position within a communication range of the vehicle carried device (S1), an inquiry communication is carried out to compare the network setting-up codes for verification (S2), and when the network setting-up codes are coincident with each other (S3, S5), a wireless link is set up and the vehicle carried device is rendered active (S6).

Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely starting a cable pressure monitoring unit operable for monitoring the air pressure within a pressurized cable route, such as a telecommunications cable route, including a remote computer operable for generating and transmitting a command signal directing the cable pressure monitoring unit to start, an automated transfer system operable for receiving the command signal directing the cable pressure monitoring unit to start, and a computer network operable for communicating the command signal from the remote computer to the automated transfer system.

Abstract: A self-contained accessory for an analog metering device such as a speedometer or tachometer. The accessory includes a sensor which is selectively adjustable to align with a plurality of positions in the range of movement of an output needle of the analog metering device. In the preferred embodiment, the sensor is alignable with gradation marks, e.g., miles per hour indicia on a speedometer, and the accessory provides a signal when a needle reaches a selected gradation. The signal is sent to a secondary device, such as a radar detector or central monitoring system. The signal may also be used to provide an indication that alerts a user that a selected gradation has been reached by an output needle of the analog metering device. The accessory attaches to a cover of the analog metering device and allows adjustment of sensor position without removal of the accessory from the cover.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a garage door position from a remote location. A local sensor detects the position of a garage door and provides this information to a local transmitter. The transmitter is capable of generating a signal indicating the garage door position, where the signal can be detected by a remote receiver. In one embodiment, infrared sensors are used to detect the garage door position, while in another embodiment trigger switches detect the direction in which the garage door is moving.

Abstract: An intrusion detector having a transmitter, receiver, detector, signal processor, and control unit is disclosed. The transmitter is able to transmit waves into a defined space and has a variable output power. The receiver is able to receive those waves after reflection. The detector is connected to the receiver and able to detect a signal based on a change in the waves after reflection, where the detected signal is representative of any motion in the defined space. The signal processor is able to process the detected signal in order to determine if an intrusion has occurred. The control unit is able to determine any change in the detected signal, and to increase the output power of the transmitter in response to such change. A method for performing such intrusion detection is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surveillance apparatus is provided for a vehicle to record data such as images over a period of time. The surveillance apparatus has a camera for collecting images in a field of view from the vehicle and a storage apparatus to record and store the data. A method of surveilling a vehicle operating area using the surveillance apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes various interlinked facilities including a user input/output facility and a position determining facility. The navigation system is arranged to physically interface with a data communication facility pertaining to a personal digital assistant that includes a coordinate driven display, a geometrically or coordinate-wise organized input mechanism, and input keys.

Abstract: An audible warning system which reduces the number of land vehicle traffic accidents where there are already traffic control devices installed such as at stop signs, intersection control lights and on vehicles in conjunction with side lights, tail lights and brake lights. The accident reduction results from the monitoring of approaching traffic with a radar-type range sensing system. Sound generators, based on parametric-array technology, permit the focusing of sound into waves of a few degrees width and aiming them at a particular vehicle or pedestrian located at a particular range from the sound projector.

Abstract: An integrated circuit receives as supply voltages a ground reference voltage, a logic supply voltage and a high voltage. A protection device is associated with at least one gate oxide circuit element. The protection device applies to a supply node of the circuit element either the logic supply voltage under normal conditions of operation of the integrated circuit, or the high voltage under abnormal conditions of operation of the integrated circuit for breaking down the gate oxide.