Abstract: A method and system for protecting video and image files processes from original files to detect skin tones of persons appearing in the media. Pixels determined to contain skin tones are blurred or blacked out, and the pixel locations and their original color values are stored in a metadata file. The metadata file is encrypted and stored with the redacted video file. Thereafter, when an authorized person wants to see an unredacted version of the video, the system decrypts the metadata and reconstituted the video, replacing the redacted pixels with their original color values, and inserting a unique watermark into the video that identifies the requesting person. The watermarked video is then provided to the requesting person.

Abstract: A surveillance system includes a lower definition video camera and a higher definition video camera. The higher definition video is not recorded, generally, but video produced by the lower definition video camera is processed and compared to predefined videographic patterns to determine whether one or more events corresponding to the predefined videographic patterns has occurred. Likewise, inputs from other sources, such as audio, can be evaluated to determine if any predefined events have occurred. Upon determining that a predefined or triggering event has occurred, then video from the higher definition camera is recorded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing vibration alerts to a user of a communication device uses a vibration alert application executing on the communication device that analyzes messages received by the communication device to select a corresponding vibration pattern to be used in alerting the user. An indication of the vibration pattern is transmitted to a vibration alert accessory having multiple vibration elements and that is communicatively linked with the communication device. The vibration alert accessory controls the vibration elements to perform the indicated vibration pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting video and image files processes from original files to detect skin tones of persons appearing in the media. Pixels determined to contain skin tones are blurred or blacked out, and the pixel locations and their original color values are stored in a metadata file. The metadata file is encrypted and stored with the redacted video file. Thereafter, when an authorized person wants to see an unredacted version of the video, the system decrypts the metadata and reconstituted the video, replacing the redacted pixels with their original color values, and inserting a unique watermark into the video that identifies the requesting person. The watermarked video is then provided to the requesting person.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting video and image files processes from original files to detect skin tones of persons appearing in the media. Pixels determined to contain skin tones are blurred or blacked out, and the pixel locations and their original color values are stored in a metadata file. The metadata file is encrypted and stored with the redacted video file. Thereafter, when an authorized person wants to see an unredacted version of the video, the system decrypts the metadata and reconstituted the video, replacing the redacted pixels with their original color values, and inserting a unique watermark into the video that identifies the requesting person. The watermarked video is then provided to the requesting person.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing vibration physiotherapy includes a vibration accessory that can produce vibrations over a range of frequencies, and is controlled by a communication device. The communication device executes a physiotherapy application program via which a user can select various operating modes to control vibration of the vibration accessory. The vibrations can be selected to be a constant frequency or the vibrations can be controlled to vary over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing vibration alerts to a user of a communication device uses a vibration alert application executing on the communication device that analyzes messages received by the communication device to select a corresponding vibration pattern to be used in alerting the user. An indication of the vibration pattern is transmitted to a vibration alert accessory that is associated with the communication device. The vibration alert accessory controls a vibration motor to perform the indicated vibration pattern.

Abstract: An RFID tag device with an RFID antenna assembly that increases transmission range of the RFID tag device when adhesively coupled to a mobile device. The RFID tag device includes a RF interface that operates at a first RF frequency, a controller coupled to the RF interfaces, and the RFID antenna assembly. The RFID antenna assembly includes a first and a second dipole elements, each shaped as a half rectangle with an additional segment joining the respective element to a tuning element. The RFID antenna also includes a tuning element, which is a loop antenna, connecting the RF interface to the controller. A structure of the RF antennal assembly, when the RFID tag device is coupled to a mobile device, causes the mobile device to function as a reflector to increase gain of the RFID antenna assembly thereby improving transmission range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating traffic condition diagrams includes a computing system configured to receive an input that indicates a roadway location. The system uses overhead images, ground level images, or both, that are available in publicly accessible databases to identify roadway and related features for depiction in the traffic condition diagram. Features and their locations are identified and corresponding graphical artifacts are selected for inclusion in the traffic condition diagram. Independently sourced images such as that acquired by a drone dispatched to the roadway location can be used to validate or verify the results of processing the overhead and/or ground level images.

Abstract: A battery-less RFID tag device with an RFID antenna assembly and RFID transmitter, which harvests power from an RF source is disclosed. The RF source can be a mobile phone, and embedded system, and the like. The RFID device can include an energy harvesting component, an energy conversion component, an energy storing component, a non-transitory memory, a controller, and an RFID transmitting component. The energy harvesting component can inductively harvest energy from RF transmissions, which charges a capacitor to power other RFID device components, including the RFID transmitter. In one embodiment, the battery-less RFID tag device can be utilized in conjunction with a mobile phone for vehicle toll payments, which are RFID based.

Abstract: A method and apparatus logs alerts and response to alerts for members of an organization. When an alert message is transmitted to a user (i.e. the user's communication device), the alert activity is logged in a record. When the user acknowledges the alert, or fails to respond to the alert, the result is also logged. As such the organization can enforce compliance with alerting procedures and actions to be taken upon receiving an alert message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus logs alerts and response to alerts for members of an organization. When an alert message is transmitted to a user (i.e. the user's communication device), the alert activity is logged in a record. When the user acknowledges the alert, or fails to respond to the alert, the result is also logged. As such the organization can enforce compliance with alerting procedures and actions to be taken upon receiving an alert message.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing vibration physiotherapy includes a vibration accessory that can produce vibrations over a range of frequencies, and is controlled by a communication device. The communication device executes a physiotherapy application program via which the user can select various operating mode to control vibration of the vibration accessory device. The vibrations can be selected to be a constant frequency or the vibrations can be controlled to vary over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing vibration alerts to a user of a communication device uses a vibration alert application executing on the communication device that analyzes messages received by the communication device to select a corresponding vibration pattern to be used in alerting the user. An indication of the vibration pattern is transmitted to a vibration alert accessory that is associated with the communication device. The vibration alert accessory controls a vibration motor to perform the indicated vibration pattern.

Abstract: A hybrid energy management method and system which provides a main power supply and a secondary power supply. The main power supply is electrically coupled to the utility power grid, while the secondary power supply is electrically isolatable from the utility power grid. A switch is provided to selectably power the appliance through the main alternating current power supply when the utility is not in a reduced demand operating mode and to selectably power the appliance through the secondary alternating current power supply when the utility is in a reduced demand mode.

Abstract: A system for effecting context-cognizant medical reminders for a patient; the system including: (a) at least one sensor unit situated proximately with the patient; the at least one sensor unit sensing and indicating at least one aspect of a personal context of the patient; (b) at least one long-range communication unit configured for wireless communication with a remote patient care monitoring facility via a wireless communication network; and (c) at least one short-range communication unit communicatingly coupled with the at least one sensor unit and with the at least one long-range communication unit; the at least one short-range communication unit and the at least one long-range communication unit cooperating to convey information from the at least one sensor unit to the remote patient care monitoring facility regarding the personal context of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable computing device (100) including a processor (102), alternate memory (106), and a DRAM memory (108). Under normal operating conditions, providing full functionality of the device, a full code instantiation in the DRAM is executed, providing operating system, user interface and application execution functionality. A reduced code instantiation (114) which duplicates certain elements of the operating system, user interface, and application code is maintained in the low power memory. When a condition occurs that dictates or allows, execution is switched from the full code instantiation to the reduced code instantiation, and the DRAM is shut off.

Abstract: A community based energy management method which avoids energy peaks oftentimes associated with the restart of appliances after the delayed start of an appliance due to energy use restrictions is lifted by a utility company. The method includes the application of a queue model, such as a first-in, first-out model for the restart time of any delayed electrical device.

Abstract: A hybrid energy management method and system which provides a main power supply and a secondary power supply. The main power supply is electrically coupled to the utility power grid, while the secondary power supply is electrically isolatable from the utility power grid. A switch is provided to selectably power the appliance through the main alternating current power supply when the utility is not in a reduced demand operating mode and to selectably power the appliance through the secondary alternating current power supply when the utility is in a reduced demand mode.

Abstract: A community based energy management method which avoids energy peaks oftentimes associated with the restart of appliances after the delayed start of an appliance due to energy use restrictions is lifted by a utility company. The method includes the application of a queue model, such as a first-in, first-out model for the restart time of any delayed electrical device.