Abstract: A plurality of items is tracked using a distributed network of gates, each having a gate-identification. Each item is provided with an identifier for specifying an item-identification of the item and a tracking-station-identification of a tracking station related to the item. Whenever one of the items approaches one of the gates, the item-identification of that item and the tracking-station-identification of the tracking station related to the item are obtained from the identifier of the item via that gate. The item-identification of the item and the gate-identification of the gate are then communicated to the tracking station identified by the tracking-station-identification obtained from the identifier of the item such that the item can be tracked as it moves amongst the gates.

Abstract: A non-contact data carrier includes a battery, an electric-supply circuit for rectifying a received carrier signal and generating power, and an electric-supply switching circuit for comparing the voltage of the battery and the voltage generated by the electric-supply circuit and selecting either one of the voltages. When the battery can supply power, long-distance communication can be performed by supplying power from the battery. In case of battery exhaustion, power is supplied from the electric-supply circuit which receives a stronger carrier signal by using the non-contact IC card in the proximity of a question unit and rectifies the carrier signal, so that the function of the non-contact data carrier is maintained.

Abstract: The anti-theft system is placed in the initialization state by activating a key in the ignition lock in a predescribed manner that is unusual relative to the day to day operation. A bidirectional dialog then takes place with the key via an immobilizer system. If the dialog is recognized as authorized, a start value is transmitted, on the one hand from the immobilizer to the key and on the other hand from the key to the receiver of the lock system. The start value is used in the key to generate a rolling code, and is used in the receiver to generate a reference code to be compared with it.

Abstract: A detection and reading apparatus is provided for detecting the presence and reading a coded transponder that moves through a controlled passage. The apparatus is programmed to control a transmitting coil Tx so as to repeatedly emit a transponder detecting electromagnetic field only for a brief interval of the transmission signal period, of minimum duration, but sufficient to allow the transponder to emit a presence signal. When the apparatus receives the presence signal, the transmission coil receives instructions to emit an electromagnetic field of longer duration, sufficient to activate the transponder so that emits its own complete code signal that can be read and decoded. The transmission coil is then instructed to emit a repetitive electromagnetic field that remains of brief duration while the transponder is within the passage and when the transponder presence signal terminates, the detection and reading apparatus rests itself.

Abstract: A movable barrier or garage door operator has a control head controlling an electric motor connected to a movable barrier or garage door to open and close it. The control head has an RF receiver for receiving RF signals from a hand-held transmitter or a fixed keypad transmitter. The receiver operates the electric motor upon matching a received code with a stored code. The stored codes may be updated or loaded either by enabling the learn mode of the receiver from the fixed keypad transmitter or from a wired control unit positioned within the garage.

Abstract: An access control system prevents a mobile container from being compromised/opened during transit, through the use of a programmable electronic lock, which can be unlocked only by means of an enabled electronic key that has been programmed with geographical location data representative of the destination site of the container. When the mobile container arrives at its destination, the key is coupled with a comparator, which compares the geographic location information in the key with real time geographic location information from a geographic location detection unit associated with the mobile container. In response to a match, the comparator enables the key for a prescribed period of time. The key may then be inserted into the programmable electronic lock, which reads the key to determine whether it has been enabled. If the key is enabled, the lock can be unlocked, to provide access to the container.

Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) includes a portable transmitter unit (14) and a receiver unit (18), and by a method, permits remote control of performance of a function, via a signal (16). Preferably, the system (10) is a remote convenience system for a vehicle (12). The transmitter unit (14) has a microcomputer (90) that provides a message that contains a function request. First and second signals are transmitted from the transmitter unit (14). Each signal is provided by a transmitter portion (70) at a different frequency and conveys the complete message. The receiver unit (18) has a detector (e.g., 190) tuned to receive the signal (16) for both the first and second frequencies, and can discern the complete message provided via both frequencies or either frequency. Thus, if the transmitter unit (14) is in a frequency dependent “dead spot”, communication is not prevented.

Abstract: An energy coil together with an IR receiver form a mechatronic component of an ignition lock. The component is disposed in a receptacle of the ignition lock such that, with the ignition key inserted the component, it is disposed in close proximity to an energy coil and an IR transmitter of the ignition key and it is aligned with the latter.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock includes a housing containing a microcontroller, a power source, a cam, and a locking lever for holding a U-shaped lock bar in a closed, locked position within the housing. The lock further includes several buttons on the housing for entering a sequence of alphanumeric characters of a combination code and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for showing the alphanumeric characters, independently, when entering the code. Messages may also be displayed, including advertisements and company logos, upon completion of a correct code entry to open the lock. The microcontroller stores one or more combination codes and message data and controls actuation of the cam, upon entry of the correct combination code, to momentarily release the lever from the lock bar, allowing the lock bar to be pulled out from the housing, thereby opening the lock.

Abstract: A device such as a watch, pager or combination pager/watch that can iteratively display status information messages for set predetermined periods of time at a predetermined location on the display. In normal operation, the device is displaying a variety of standard information. Upon the detection of a status condition, the device will alternately display the standard information and status information messages corresponding to the status condition to more effectively alert the user to the existence of the status condition.

Abstract: A system for managing a distributed array of appliances includes a headend computer having a low power main transceiver and a distributed array of relay units. Each relay unit includes a low power satellite transceiver, a microcomputer connected to the satellite transceiver, the satellite transceiver being controlled by relay program instructions for detecting communications directed by the headend computer relative to the same relay unit and directing communications to the headend computer relative to the same relay unit, and for retransmitting communications to other relay units. At least some of the relay units are appliance controllers and include an appliance interface for communicating with the appliance, the microcomputer being also connected to the appliance interface and having program instructions for directing communication between the satellite transceiver and the appliance interface.

Abstract: In a vehicular entry control system, a code signal transmitter of a card carried by a driver modulates by a card-specific code a signal received from a transmitter/receiver of a control unit mounted in a vehicle and transmits the modulated signal to the control unit in return. The transmitter/receiver demodulates the modulated signal and a microcomputer automatically unlocks a vehicle door when the demodulated signal is correct indicating that the card is carried into a demodulating area. The microcomputer locks the door upon a driver's manual operation on a locking switch of the card. The microcomputer prohibits the automatic unlocking as long as the card is within the demodulating area after the locking in response to the manual operation.

Abstract: A time-independent, event-based system for receiving and discriminating unique codes from multiple transmitters has an event-based detection cycle instead of a time-based detection cycle. The system detects received ID codes from multiple transmitters and compares the received ID codes with registers for ID codes in an array in memory. Counters corresponding to the stored ID codes increment each time there is a match between the received ID code and the stored ID code. After a predetermined total number of increments, the system evaluates the received signals to discriminate between ID codes received from desired transmitters and those from undesired transmitters before resetting the counter. Because the system is event based and not a function of time, it will operate over a wide range of time cycles.

Abstract: A remote convenience system (10) of a vehicle (12) allows remote control operation of one or more vehicle functions (e.g., lock or unlock of vehicle doors). A portable transmitter (14) of the system (10) transmits a signal (40), having a remote convenience function request, to a receiver (46). In response to the signal (40), the receiver (46) causes performance of the requested remote convenience function. The transmitter (14) is connected with a key (16) that is used for the vehicle (12). Preferably, the key (16) is an ignition key and the transmitter (14) is integrated into the key. The key (16) has a transponder (58) that is interrogated by an interrogation coil (62) to provide a code stored within the transponder. An immobilizer control (60) is operatively connected with the coil (62) and also an electronic engine control (68). Operation of the vehicle (12) is only permitted if the transponder provides the proper code.