Abstract: Textiles coupled with electrical components that are responsive to actions of the wearer and the surrounding environment. The textiles comprise a variety of sensors that interface with the cloud, networks, and devices. The textiles monitor physiological characteristics of the wearer. Objects in the environment may interact with the electrical components of the textiles. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems that include electrical components, such as, accelerometers, gyroscopes, Bluetooth chips, NFC chips, and RF tags integrate with the textiles to wirelessly communicate with networks.

Abstract: Queue Information & Prediction System (QIPS) uses the probability of queue existing in a given venue to assess the queue time. The instantaneous queue time for a location may be determined using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless networks. QIPS uses the distances from signal strengths along with venue characteristics to determine an estimated queue time. Using queue probability for a venue and the instantaneous queue time for the same area QIPS may generate a Queue Decision Window (QDW). The QDW is a period of time leading up to a transaction or a consumption of a service. QIPS sorts through information surrounding a venue where crowds as well as queues may exists to determine queue time. Knowing the approximate queue time for transactions and consumption of services is helpful for consumers to manage their time.

Abstract: Orientation-independent antennas and associated beamforming circuits, to provide polarization-independent determination of position. An Indoor Positioning System (IPS) may utilize beacon or tag devices equipped with orientation-independent antennas to determine the location of nearby objects. The system can exist in many different customizable configurations, sometimes utilizing orientation-independent antennas embedded in smartphones that serve as beacon or tag devices. The devices, systems and methods described herein may be used for an IPS in a residential setting, a commercial setting (like a department store), an event or workplace, or an industrial setting.

Abstract: Sounds, alarms or other indications of conditions of potential interest that are produced by appliances and other household devices are detected by one or more sensors to trigger a notification signal that is sent to a remotely located user. The signals produced by the sensors are advantageously compared with a database of signals representing conditions of potential interest produced by known appliances and devices, producing the appropriate notification signal when a match is found. Notifications may be relayed to one or more selected users only when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: Methods, software, apparatus, and systems for policy-based access control are provided. In one embodiment, a method for providing policy-based access to a policy-controlled resource for a user, comprising: detecting an electronically encoded signal from a computer-controlled electronic access control service at a user-controlled computer-controlled electronic communications device proximate to the user; receiving an electronically encoded compliance query from the computer-controlled electronic access control service at the computer-controlled electronic communications device; determining an electronically encoded response to the electronically encoded compliance query using an electronically encoded, computer-controlled process on the computer-controlled computation device; and returning the electronically encoded response to the computer-controlled electronic access control service using the computer-controlled computation device.

Abstract: Sounds, alarms or other indications of conditions of potential interest that are produced by appliances and other household devices are detected by one or more sensors to trigger a notification signal that is sent to a remotely located user. The signals produced by the sensors are advantageously compared with a database of signals representing conditions of potential interest produced by known appliances and devices, producing the appropriate notification signal when a match is found. Notifications may be relayed to one or more selected users only when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: A human safe wireless charging system using a circularly polarized source antenna that can radiate in either a hemispherical pattern or directional cardiod-like patterns at a 40-50, 150, or 200 MHz frequencies to a receiving loop antenna which is coupled to a parasitic receive element.

Abstract: Methods, software, apparatus, and systems for policy-based access control are provided. In one embodiment, a method for providing policy-based access to a policy-controlled resource for a user, comprising: detecting an electronically encoded signal from a computer-controlled electronic access control service at a user-controlled computer-controlled electronic communications device proximate to the user; receiving an electronically encoded compliance query from the computer-controlled electronic access control service at the computer-controlled electronic communications device; determining an electronically encoded response to the electronically encoded compliance query using an electronically encoded, computer-controlled process on the computer-controlled computation device; and returning the electronically encoded response to the computer-controlled electronic access control service using the computer-controlled computation device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying unwanted email messages by transmitting metadata with an outbound email message that indicates the total number of email messages sent by that sender in a predetermined time period, or alternatively indicates the total number of email messages which are equivalent to the outgoing message that have been sent. In addition the metadata may include an identification of the sender and a “pledge” made by the sender. A pledge may take the form of a binding commitment from the sender that the information contained in the metadata is accurate, and/or that the sender promises to abide by predetermined good conduct rules designed to limit unwanted email. The outgoing message may be further signed by the sender with a digital signature that provides means for verifying the content of the message and the pledge as well as the identity of the sender.

Abstract: A system, method and device to interrogate for the presence of objects, to prevent the inadvertent separation of the objects from their owner. An owner is alerted when they are separated from the objects by determining when a trigger event occurs, such as a person leaving and/or entering a particular monitored area or location. These monitored areas can be retrofitted with an electronic interrogation device that monitors local conditions to determine whether a user is entering or leaving the monitored area to trigger an interrogation of the personal items. The interrogation device is constructed and arranged to communicate with the objects to determine whether the objects are with the owner. The interrogation device automatically determines the presence of a particular object at the monitored environment and automatically generates a notification when needed. The system further controls functionality of the objects, according to illustrative embodiments, when the object is present.

Abstract: A system and method for encouraging a user of a recreational vehicle to wear safety equipment is described. The helmet contains a microprocessor and sensors to determine if the helmet is worn. The helmet communicates with the vehicle and the vehicle either disables operation or allows limited operation if the helmet is not worn. On motorized vehicles, the motor operation is restricted. On human powered vehicles mechanical resistance may limit operation.

Abstract: Sounds, alarms or other indications of conditions of potential interest that are produced by appliances and other household devices are detected by one or more sensors to trigger a notification signal that is sent to a remotely located user. The signals produced by the sensors are advantageously compared with a database of signals representing conditions of potential interest produced by known appliances and devices, producing the appropriate notification signal when a match is found. Notifications may be relayed to one or more selected users only when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for accelerometer-based sensing of motion and orientation of a portable device affixed to or integral with an object, to trigger an audio or visual output based on the motion or orientation of the object the portable device is monitoring. The audio output can be pre-recorded in the device memory or can be user recorded through the “tilt and tell” device voice recording. The invention also employs unique movement and orientation to estimated usage, the person using the device, and other application specific usage information. The unique movement can also be used as user interface to the device.

Abstract: The FaceBack system incorporates an automated mechanism for remotely capturing the reaction of the receiver of a text message. This mechanism is started when the texter incorporates instructions into a text message to take a photo or record a video when the text is read by a receiver. The receiving device scans the incoming text message and takes a photo or records a video of the receiving user when the user reads the text message. Once the video is recorded or the picture is taken, the video or picture is returned to the texter through the SMS system.

Abstract: A system, method and device to interrogate for the presence of objects, to prevent the inadvertent separation of the objects from their owner. An owner is alerted when they are separated from the objects by determining when a trigger event occurs, such as a person leaving and/or entering a particular monitored area or location. These monitored areas can be retrofitted with an electronic interrogation device that monitors local conditions to determine whether a user is entering or leaving the monitored area to trigger an interrogation of the personal items. The interrogation device is constructed and arranged to communicate with the objects to determine whether the objects are with the owner. The interrogation device automatically determines the presence of a particular object at the monitored environment and automatically generates a notification when needed. The system further controls functionality of the objects, according to illustrative embodiments, when the object is present.

Abstract: A system and method for encouraging a user of a recreational vehicle to wear safety equipment is described. The helmet contains a microprocessor and sensors to determine if the helmet is worn. The helmet communicates with the vehicle and the vehicle either disables operation or allows limited operation if the helmet is not worn. On motorized vehicles, the motor operation is restricted. On human powered vehicles mechanical resistance may limit operation.

Abstract: A computer storage system protected from electromagnetic pulses is described. The storage system utilizes either a hard drive or a solid state drive to hold the data. The device uses fiber optics to transfer data and is powered by either a Power over Fiber system or by a switched battery system. The device protects against radiation, magnetic pulses, and electronic pulses using an enclosure that incorporates a faraday cage, a radiation shield, and/or a magnetic shield.

Abstract: Intelligent cooking apparatuses incorporate wireless communication technology to carryout cooking procedures. More specifically, stoves, ovens, and cookware may send and receive data wirelessly to carryout cooking procedures. An application may guide persons through recipes and automate many of the cooking procedures. Cookware may send batch information to an application for processing, display, and analysis. Cookware may use hardware for automated cooking actions, such as a magnetic stirrer and driver for stirring the contents in cookware, all monitored by various sensors located in the cookware.

Abstract: Queue Information & Prediction System (QIPS) uses the probability of queue existing in a given venue to assess the queue time. The instantaneous queue time for a location may be determined using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless networks. QIPS uses the distances from signal strengths along with venue characteristics to determine an estimated queue time. Using queue probability for a venue and the instantaneous queue time for the same area QIPS may generate a Queue Decision Window (QDW). The QDW is a period of time leading up to a transaction or a consumption of a service. QIPS sorts through information surrounding a venue where crowds as well as queues may exists to determine queue time. Knowing the approximate queue time for transactions and consumption of services is helpful for consumers to manage their time.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and systems for accelerometer-based sensing of motion and orientation of a portable device affixed to or integral with an object, to trigger an audio or visual output based on the motion or orientation of the object the portable device is monitoring. The audio output can be pre-recorded in the device memory or can be user recorded through the “tilt and tell” device voice recording. The invention also employs unique movement and orientation to estimated usage, the person using the device, and other application specific usage information. The unique movement can also be used as user interface to the device.