Abstract: A method includes identifying a number of nodes in a network, where the nodes may correspond to cellular communication sites. The method may also include selecting some of the nodes as potential hub nodes and determining, for each of the potential hub nodes, a bandwidth needed to forward traffic from the potential hub node to a mobile switching office. The method may further include determining, for each of the potential hub nodes, bandwidths needed to forward traffic from the potential hub node to other ones of the nodes and calculating, for each of the potential hub nodes, costs or latencies associated with forwarding traffic from the potential hub node to the mobile switching office and to other ones of the nodes. The method may also include selecting a hub node based on the calculated costs and/or latencies.

Abstract: An auto-focus system employing a tunable liquid crystal lens is provided that collects images at different optical power values as the liquid crystal molecules are excited between a ground state and a maximum optical power state tracking image focus scores. An image is acquired at a desired optical power value less than maximum optical power established with the liquid crystal molecules closer a fully excited state than the maximum optical power state having the same image focus score. This drive signal employed during image acquisition uses more power than was used to achieve the same optical power value during the auto-focus scan, while actively driving the liquid crystal molecules is fast. A pause due to image transfer/processing delays after acquisition is employed to allow slow relaxation of the liquid crystal molecules back to the ground state in preparation for a subsequent focus search.

Abstract: A camera module and method for focusing a tunable lens configured to continuously vary its optical power in response to a drive signal. A drive circuit generates the drive signal so that the tunable lens performs a continuous scan of its optical power. An image sensor is configured to acquire light images passing through the tunable lens, and to convert the light images to image signals during the continuous scan. A processor is configured to generate focus scores of the acquired light images using the image signals during the continuous scan. The processor is configured to determine from the focus scores a peak focus score achieved or achievable, and to instruct the drive circuit to adjust the drive signal so that the tunable lens settles at a value of the optical power that corresponds to the peak focus score.

Abstract: An optical reader for reading decodable indicia is provided. In one embodiment, the optical reader can include an image sensor. In one aspect, the optical reader can be configured to read bar codes such as 1D bar codes. Particular methods and apparatus for reading decodable indicia are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for energizing one or more brake lights on a vehicle without an operator of the vehicle applying a brake of the vehicle by determining an acceleration of the vehicle, energizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever the acceleration of the vehicle equals or exceeds a braking threshold, and deenergizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever: (a) the brake lights are energized, (b) the acceleration of the vehicle is less than the braking threshold, (c) a specified period of time has elapsed since the brake lights were energized, and (d) the operator is not applying the brake of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device with single MCU-based motion detection, local alarm and supervisory arrangement for alarm system controlled by an alarm control panel (ACP) is disclosed. The device includes a sensor component to monitor environment, an output component to generate warning messages, a power supply component to provide power, and a microcontroller to communicate with sensor component, drive output component and monitor the status of ACP. The device can detect when intruders break in and make alarm warnings even when the ACP is destroyed. Plurality of devices and said ACP form a local warning matrix network (LWMN) to increase the detection area and scary effect to intruders. Each device of LWMN works independently when the ACP is destroyed.

Abstract: A frame for an electric vehicle with a motor and a transmission, the frame including a steering head unit, a power unit casing, a left side frame and a right side frame. The steering head unit includes a steering head, a left extension and a right extension, wherein the left extension and right extension extend at an angle from the steering head. The power unit casing encloses the motor and the transmission, orienting the gearbox of the transmission vertically underneath the motor. The left and right side frames mount, on one end, to the left and right extensions of the steering head unit, respectively, wherein the other end mounts to the left and right sides of the power unit casing, respectively. The steering head unit, the power unit, the left side frame and the right side frame form an open cage, configured to accept a battery assembly.

Abstract: A process and system of lighting with green energy source and intelligent power management, which saves energy consuming and limits pollution. The system is using solar power, green battery, and LED which are clean, long life; save, and energy saving. A microcontroller coordinates devices and sensors to optimize the operation of the system to generate illumination. The process includes the steps of sensing the environment, selecting power source, determining the energy output and driving the light device in order to most efficiently using energy and generate sufficient light for different purposes.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for customizing a plurality of hospitality site amenities based on a stored user profile. Certain check-in procedures are reduced or eliminated. Hospitality sites are able to provide a guest with an abundance of personalized services without a corresponding increase in staff size. Guests experience customized hotel amenities, environments, and media renderings.

Abstract: A frame for an electric vehicle with a motor and a transmission, the frame including a steering head unit, a power unit casing, a left side frame and a right side frame. The steering head unit includes a steering head, a left extension and a right extension, wherein the left extension and right extension extend at an angle from the steering head. The power unit casing encloses the motor and the transmission, orienting the gearbox of the transmission vertically underneath the motor. The left and right side frames mount, on one end, to the left and right extensions of the steering head unit, respectively, wherein the other end mounts to the left and right sides of the power unit casing, respectively. The steering head unit, the power unit, the left side frame and the right side frame form an open cage, configured to accept a battery assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying quantities of inventory items in multiple units of measure includes displaying an inventory item listing, including a desired quantity of the inventory item, on a user interface and/or display screen. The inventory item listing is then activated by a user through a user interface device within the context of the present transaction. Once the inventory item listing is activated, the quantity of the inventory item desired is displayed in a multiple units of measure display in multiple units of measure associated with the inventory item and within the context of the present transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides system, method and apparatus for energizing one or more brake lights on a vehicle without an operator of the vehicle applying a brake of the vehicle by determining an acceleration of the vehicle, energizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever the acceleration of the vehicle equals or exceeds a braking threshold, and deenergizing the brake lights on the vehicle whenever: (a) the brake lights are energized, (b) the acceleration of the vehicle is less than the braking threshold, (c) a specified period of time has elapsed since the brake lights were energized, and (d) the operator is not applying the brake of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a number of nodes in a network, where the nodes may correspond to cellular communication sites. The method may also include selecting some of the nodes as potential hub nodes and determining, for each of the potential hub nodes, a bandwidth needed to forward traffic from the potential hub node to a mobile switching office. The method may further include determining, for each of the potential hub nodes, bandwidths needed to forward traffic from the potential hub node to other ones of the nodes and calculating, for each of the potential hub nodes, costs or latencies associated with forwarding traffic from the potential hub node to the mobile switching office and to other ones of the nodes. The method may also include selecting a hub node based on the calculated costs and/or latencies.

Abstract: Wireless access equipment provides access to a data network, such as the Internet, through a cellular communication system. A command receiver receives commands from terminal equipment in accordance with an interface protocol, which may be a dial-up protocol. A first access point identifier is stored in an APN store. When a session setup command is received, an APN controller selects between the first and a second access point identifier in response to a parameter of the session setup command. For example, the session setup command may comprise an access point identifier overriding the stored first access point identifier. A session controller proceeds to set up a packet data session of the cellular communication system to the data network using the selected session access point identifier. Embodiments of the invention may provide a flexible and user friendly means of supporting a plurality of network access points through a cellular communication system.

Abstract: A device with single MCU-based motion detection, local alarm and supervisory arrangement for alarm system controlled by an alarm control panel (ACP) is disclosed. The device includes a sensor component to monitor environment, an output component to generate warning messages, a power supply component to provide power, and a microcontroller to communicate with sensor component, drive output component and monitor the status of ACP. The device can detect when intruders break in and make alarm warnings even when the ACP is destroyed. Plurality of devices and said ACP form a local warning matrix network (LWMN) to increase the detection area and scary effect to intruders. Each device of LWMN works independently when the ACP is destroyed.

Abstract: A camera module and method for focusing a tunable lens configured to continuously vary its optical power in response to a drive signal. A drive circuit generates the drive signal so that the tunable lens performs a continuous scan of its optical power. An image sensor is configured to acquire light images passing through the tunable lens, and to convert the light images to image signals during the continuous scan. A processor is configured to generate focus scores of the acquired light images using the image signals during the continuous scan. The processor is configured to determine from the focus scores a peak focus score achieved or achievable, and to instruct the drive circuit to adjust the drive signal so that the tunable lens settles at a value of the optical power that corresponds to the peak focus score.

Abstract: A system for tracking and locating surgical items and objects in an operating room environment that incorporates two-stage functionality. A first stage provides mechanisms for tracking objects using radio frequency (RF) tags that are positioned on or in conjunction with every surgical item and object so as to be tracked by a number of RF transceivers located about the operating room. In addition to integrating RF ID components, the tags integrate hard spherical components that are easily identifiable by ultrasonic detection. If an object is “lost” from the tracking system functionality (RF tracking), the system operator may review a last known location and movement path presented on a display and thereafter utilize an ultrasonic sub-system in a localized area to detect the exact location of the missing object or item. Narrowing the location of a “lost” object is facilitated by the use of one or more LED laser pointers that are directed through the last known path of the object and to its last known location.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for using a microreactor to produce biodiesel. For example, the method may comprise flowing a first fluid comprising an alcohol and a second fluid comprising an oil to the microreactor. Alcohols typically, but not necessarily, are lower aliphatic alcohols, including methanol, ethanol, amyl alcohol or combinations thereof. Biodiesel production can be under supercritical conditions, where such conditions typically are determined relative to the alcohol component. Suitable sources of oil products include soy, inedible tallow and grease, corn, edible tallow and lard, cotton, rapeseed, sunflower, canola, peanut, safflower, and combinations thereof. Catalysts can be used to facilitate biodiesel production, such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal carbonates, alcoholic metal carbonates, alkoxides, mineral acids and enzymes. Oil conversion to biodiesel typically increases with increasing mean microreactor residence time.

Abstract: A process and system of energy signal detection, which improves sensitivity, performance and reliability thereof and reduces false alarms by distinguishing between noise and real signals, includes the steps of receiving a plurality of data samples and generating a predetermined number of constructed sample windows of constructed samples in time, determining a control range for each of said constructed sample windows, determining whether there is an alarm pre-condition by comparing relationship between successive constructed sample windows, and generating an output signal when the alarm pre-condition is qualified.

Abstract: A process and system of lighting with green energy source and intelligent power management, which saves energy consuming and limits pollution. The system is using solar power, green battery, and LED which are clean, long life; save, and energy saving. A microcontroller coordinates devices and sensors to optimize the operation of the system to generate illumination. The process includes the steps of sensing the environment, selecting power source, determining the energy output and driving the light device in order to most efficiently using energy and generate sufficient light for different purposes.