Patents Examined by Wendy R. Garber
  • Patent number: 7242276
    Abstract: An unlock system does not use a key that might be copied so that only a correct person can unlock a door and security is enhanced. Unlock records of door-lock are stored in a limited memory capacity in volume. Fingerprint data input to a fingerprint input section 21 disposed outside a door 11 provided on a doorway 10 is detected, and the detected fingerprint data is verified against previously registered fingerprint data. If it was confirmed that the detected fingerprint data coincided with the registered fingerprint data, an unlock signal is output to unlock the door-lock. At the same time, an identification code of the registered fingerprint data that unlocked is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Alpha Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Usui
  • Patent number: 7239228
    Abstract: Disclosed are a communication mediation apparatus and a method for controlling the same for performing communication mediation while reducing a communication miss rate caused by collision of data. A performance of a moving object recognition system unavoidably varies with the number of moving objects to be recognized by a controller, and with a mediation parameter for use in a communication mediation algorithm. The apparatus/method dynamically varies a mediation parameter according to a difference in numbers of many moving objects, thus reducing a communication miss rate regardless of the difference (i.e., traffic volume variation) in numbers of the moving objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Digitalsis Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Ho Kim, Yong-Deak Kim
  • Patent number: 7230563
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a universal remote control, which includes a display screen and a user input mechanism. The universal remote control also includes a processing unit that is configured to display information on the display screen and to accept selection data from the user input mechanism. The universal remote control additionally includes a wireless communication mechanism that is configured to provide communications between the processing unit and an appliance or computer program running on a computer system. The appliance provides information to be displayed on the display screen, and information entered through the user input mechanism is communicated to the appliance. Since the appliance provides the information to be displayed on the display screen and also interprets the entries on the input mechanism, the universal remote control needs no special knowledge about the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Alberto Vidal
  • Patent number: 7227449
    Abstract: A communication link is established between the smart card and a computer using a valid smart card communication protocol. A smart card communication device determines the valid smart card communication protocol used by a smart card by polling a communication channel using a plurality of smart card communication protocols until a valid acknowledgment message is received. A radio frequency circuit is configured to communicate with the smart card using the valid smart card communication protocol. A digital signal processor having at least two demodulators demodulates an incoming data stream produced by the receiver in accordance with the valid smart card communication protocol in a dynamically reconfigurable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Walter C. Bonneau, Jr., Tom Vilhelmsen, Carlos Eduardo Ribeiro, Stefan Rousseau, Phil Dixon
  • Patent number: 7227444
    Abstract: An access requesting remote control device (10) includes an agile radio frequency transmitter (13) that will accommodate a variety of communication channels and modulation types. Programmable logic (11) controls the operation of the transmitter depending upon its programming. Such programming can be selectively varied as desired. In one embodiment, any of a plurality of pre-existing application programs can be selected in response to reception of a corresponding selection command via an external communication interface (14). In another embodiment, a relevant application program can be downloaded to the programmable logic via the external communication interface. In yet another embodiment, both options are available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
    Inventor: James Fitzgibbon
  • Patent number: 7227447
    Abstract: A switch device is provided that ensures formation of a communicable area by a coil antenna. The switch device includes an ignition switch operated by an operator for driving an engine starter, a decorative cap arranged to surround the ignition switch and having an ornamental surface, and the coil antenna arranged adjacent to the decorative cap for transmitting a transponder-driving radio wave. The decorative cap includes a transmittable area that can transmit the transponder-driving radio wave therethrough. The transmittable area is formed in a part of the decorative cap excluding the ornamental surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Takayuki Hiramitsu, Daisuke Kawamura, Tomoyuki Funayama, Koji Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 7224307
    Abstract: Electronic equipment includes an operation mechanism having a plurality of key buttons for inputting operations into the device by the user and a base member connecting the plurality of key buttons, both formed of a luminescent material, and a panel placed above the operation mechanism that is formed from a member which can transmit light emitted by the operation mechanism. A plurality of holes are provided to enable operation of the plurality of key buttons and to enable the user to judge the positions and functions of the key buttons for operation even in darkness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hisatsune, Tsutomu Yamaguchi, Hirokazu Okabe, Yutaka Sato
  • Patent number: 7221258
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for authenticating currency and other important documents. A preferred embodiment may contain both a substrate, such as paper, and an embedded RFID transponder. An embedded RFID transponder or electronic watermark may contain multiple hierarchical layers of electronic passwords that are used to electronically protect the host currency from counterfeiting, or unauthorized modification. In addition, such intelligent RFID tags may uniquely identify a particular document and data related to the document. The authenticating agency can utilize a public or private Electronic Product Code database as a means for the authenticating agency and third parties to authenticate documents and data in documents. The intelligent interactive Electronic Product Code can be used as an anti-counterfeit mechanism enabling third parties requested to provide services, benefits or monetary payments to authenticate documents and prevent counterfeits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventors: Kathleen Lane, William Lane, Roger Stewart
  • Patent number: 7218202
    Abstract: A biometric key having a key body incorporating a biometric sensor. There is also provided a receptor body for engagement with the biometric key, wherein the reader has a slot for retention of the key. When the key engages with the receptor body, a signal representing a biocode of data generated by the biometric sensor is forwarded to processing means for granting access to an authorised user to a facility accessible by the biometric key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Mu Hua Investment Limited
    Inventors: John D. Bacchiaz, Robert Christensen
  • Patent number: 7218242
    Abstract: A system and method for a communication apparatus to provide advanced features such as communication channel mobility, billing options for communication charges (for instance reverse billing), and definable accessibility controls. A subscriber apparatus (for instance a wireless communication apparatus) includes pager (such as a page phone) or radiotelephone functions. A caller calls the subscriber apparatus. The caller gains two-way communication with the subscriber apparatus. The subscriber apparatus may include a radio frequency power level monitor to control movement of a communication channel of the subscriber apparatus from a first communication system (for instance a regular cellular system) to a second communication system (for instance a local loop).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Pocketfinder Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph F. Scalisi, Lawrence E. Hecox
  • Patent number: 7212098
    Abstract: A process and security container that enable local protection and remote transportation of items found with the environment of a contemporary office, while generating a log of users who have gained access to the container. The container may be constructed with one or more sidewalls bearing a removable lid. The container may have a closed interior while the lid is in complete engagement with the sidewalls, and have an open interior able to removably receive items within the interior while the lid is dislodged from its complete engagement. A port is exposed through one of said sidewalls to receive data signals and a control stage with a non-volatile a memory, is mounted within the container and operationally coupled to a host computer to provide communication with the interior of the container via the port. A microprocessor based host computer sited externally to the container, has a keyboard initiating formation of the data signals and a monitor driven by the host computer to visually display video images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Myspace, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas E. Trent, Richard G. Hyatt, Jr., Hermann Sterzinger
  • Patent number: 7205881
    Abstract: An interconnection network has a first stage network and a second stage network and a collection of devices outside the network so that a first device is capable of sending data to a second device. The first stage network is connected to inputs of the second stage network. The first and second stage networks each have more outputs than inputs. The data is first sent from the first device to the first stage network and then from the first stage network to the second stage network. The data is sent to the second device from the second stage network. The number of inputs to a device from the second stage network exceeds the number of outputs from a device into the first stage network. The latency through the entire system may be a fixed constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Interactic Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Coke S. Reed, David Murphy
  • Patent number: 7205882
    Abstract: Actuating a security system includes providing a first set of access codes to a wireless device and causing the wireless device to transmit the first set of access codes to a first controller that actuates the security system. The first set of access codes provided to the wireless device may expire. Actuating a security system may also include providing expiration dates for each of the first set of access codes provided to the wireless device. Actuating a security system may also include examining each of the expiration dates and, in response to a particular expiration date being prior to a current date, erasing from the wireless device a particular one of the first set of access codes that corresponds to the particular expiration date.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: CoreStreet, Ltd.
    Inventor: Phil Libin
  • Patent number: 7202799
    Abstract: A remote controller accesses via a connection control data from an appliance to be controlled. The remote controller includes a connection interface, a control unit, an input keypad and a remote signal output unit. When a user intends to remotely operate the appliance, first the connection interface needs to be inserted to a connection slot of the appliance, allowing the control unit to read the control data for remotely controlling the appliance. Then, when the user uses the input keypad to operate a function of the appliance, the control unit transmits an operational instruction from the input keypad and the control data to the remote signal output unit where a control command is generated and transmitted to the appliance such that the appliance can execute the function corresponding to the control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Inventec Corporation
    Inventors: Ya-Hsun Hsu, Chang-Chin Lai
  • Patent number: 7202806
    Abstract: A transmitter for radio control with rotary control means on its both sides is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Nikko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Mukaida
  • Patent number: 7202772
    Abstract: In a method for operating an electronic anti-theft system, data communication is effected between the control device and the key further to an access authorization request, whereby the control device unlocks the doors and deactivates an alarm system as a function of the data communication. The data communication for unlocking the doors and the data communication for disarming the alarm system are separate from each other. In this way, the mechanical unlocking of the doors can be initiated immediately after the data communication for unlocking the doors. The corresponding data communication for deactivating the alarm system is effected in parallel with this, whereby extensive cryptological data is exchanged between the control device and the key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Emmerling, Axel Müller
  • Patent number: 7196725
    Abstract: In an X-ray film image reading apparatus, dark output distribution data of a CCD line sensor is corrected by using correction data. In order to suppress the influence of random noises on the correction data, a dark distribution correction data calculation circuit 10 calculates an average value or mode value of dark distribution outputs of all or some pixels of a CCD line sensor or a dark distribution output of the CCD line sensor subjected to a spatial low-pass filtering process, and stores it in a dark distribution memory as correction data. Next, a light source is turned on, and a subtractor subtracts the stored correction data from an output of the line sensor read from an X-ray film while the light source is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akio Saigusa, Hitoshi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7196613
    Abstract: A reader for a radio frequency identification system capable of simultaneously reading tags operating a multiple frequencies. The reader includes a radio frequency module for each operating frequency of the tags. The radio frequency modules are coupled to a bus which is connected to an interrogator control module. Each of the radio frequency modules receives the return signal from the tags at the associated operating frequency and converts the return signal into a pulse sequence. The interrogator control module locks to and decodes the pulse sequence according to the protocol associated with the tag type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Sirit Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford A. Horwitz, William E. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7190255
    Abstract: An anti-theft device for a motorcycle having an associated remote control, prevents accidental misplacement or accidental confinement of the remote control in a locked storage box on the motorcycle. The anti-theft device includes a main switch and a remote control holder integrated with a handlebar locking module. When an unlocking signal is transmitted from the remote control, the locking of a handlebar may be released by a handlebar locking actuator only when the remote control is inserted into the remote control holder, thereby actuating a main relay driving circuit so that power is supplied to electric equipment and the motorcycle's engine can be started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Konno
  • Patent number: 7190256
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a security method for gaining access, which allows authorized persons to gain access to a protected area and prevents access by unauthorized persons. The method is characterized in that a number of persons in a verification area are determined, a number of authorization passes present in said area are verified, the number of persons and the number of authorization passes are compared and if the number of persons agrees with the number of authorized passes, an access approval signal is generated. The disclosure also relates to a device that is suitable for carrying out the method and for an elevator equipped with such a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Deutsche Post AG.
    Inventor: Norbert Pieper