Abstract: A reply code for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a method of improving a reply code for a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for interrogation by an interrogator and an RFID tag employing the same. In one embodiment, the reply code includes a preamble having information about a quality of a clock associated with the RFID tag. The reply code also includes a tag identification (ID) code providing a digital signature for the RFID tag. The reply code still further includes an aftamble located aft of the preamble and having information about the quality of the clock. The aftamble cooperates with the preamble to improve a quality of the reply code for interrogation by an interrogator.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A method for communicating information includes modulating a communications signal by orthogonal frequency domain modulation and transmitting the communication signal by a laser and/or light emitting diode carrier signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interrogator, method of discerning metal and radio frequency identification (RFID) objects, and an interrogation system employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogator includes a metal sensing subsystem configured to provide a first signal having a signature representing a presence of a metal object, and a RFID sensing subsystem configured to provide a second signal having a signature representing a presence of a RFID object. The interrogator also includes a control and processing subsystem configured to discern a presence of at least one of the metal and RFID objects from one of the first and second signals.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an optical communications system for optically networking computers and other devices together in a multi-user environment in a cost effective manner. This is accomplished through the use of low power (eye safe intensity) lasers, light emitting diodes, or photo diodes, to connect users in a time shared fashion through an optical multiplexing system (the optical access point) which can direct and manage the networking connection to each user device (user optical transceiver) independently. Both the optical access point and the user optical transceiver are capable of dynamically adjusting a beam to locate and align with each other.

Abstract: This invention describes an optical communications system for optically networking computers and other devices together in a multi-user environment in a cost effective manner. This is accomplished through the use of low power (eye safe intensity) lasers, light emitting diodes, or photo diodes, to connect users in a time shared fashion through an optical multiplexing system (the optical access point) which can direct and manage the networking connection to each user device (user optical transceiver) independently. Both the optical access point and the user optical transceiver are capable of dynamically adjusting a beam to locate and align with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interrogator, method of discerning metal and radio frequency identification (RFID) objects, and an interrogation system employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogator includes a metal sensing subsystem configured to provide a first signal having a signature representing a presence of a metal object, and a RFID sensing subsystem configured to provide a second signal having a signature representing a presence of a RFID object. The interrogator also includes a control and processing subsystem configured to discern a presence of at least one of the metal and RFID objects from one of the first and second signals.

Abstract: A wireless router access point for use with a mesh network employing a mesh protocol and a point-to-multipoint network employing a point-to-multipoint protocol, and a multimedia system employing the same. In one embodiment, the wireless router access point includes a mesh access point subsystem configured to translate between a point-to-multipoint protocol and a mesh protocol to communicate with the mesh network. The wireless router access point also includes a point-to-multipoint access point subsystem configured to translate between a mesh protocol and a point-to-multipoint protocol to communicate with a user of the point-to-multipoint network.

Abstract: A system for, and method of, providing requested information to a client. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a core information database that contains core information gleaned from the Internet and restructured according to a predetermined taxonomy and (2) a client communications interface, coupled to the core information database, that receives a request message from a client containing a request for some of the core information, derives a database query from the request message, causes the some of the core information to be retrieved from the core information database, formats the some of the core information into a response message according to display limitations of the client and transmits the response message to the client for display thereby.

Abstract: A method for communicating information includes modulating a communications signal by orthogonal frequency domain modulation and transmitting the communication signal by a laser and/or light emitting diode carrier signal.

Abstract: This invention describes an optical communications system for optically networking computers and other devices together in a multi-user environment in a cost effective manner. This is accomplished through the use of low power (eye safe intensity) lasers, light emitting diodes, or photo diodes, to connect users in a time shared fashion through an optical multiplexing system (the optical access point) which can direct and manage the networking connection to each user device (user optical transceiver) independently. Both the optical access point and the user optical transceiver are capable of dynamically adjusting a beam to locate and align with each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multi channel GPS digital signal processor on a single IC. Each channel contains circuitry to process L1 or L2 P(Y) and C/A-code signals. In addition a search processor is included to achieve fast signal acquisition. Low power adder/accumulators have been designed to provide for a high precision digital oscillator whose output is synchronous to a high speed clock. The IC contains a full low power null detector and eight correlators to aid in signal acquisition.

Abstract: An antenna system and method comprising an antenna having 2+N antenna elements, where N is zero or an odd integer, an algorithm controlled switching circuit having a separate switch associated with each of the elements and a switch control selectively causing the switching circuit to couple an adjacent pair of the antenna elements to their associated switches while maintaining the remaining switches uncoupled from their associated antenna elements. The algorithm controlled switch control includes circuitry for successively coupling each adjacent antenna element pair of the antenna elements to their associated switches, determining a predetermined parameter for each of the antenna element pair and then causing the antenna system to operate with only one of the antenna pairs responsive to determination of the predetermined parameter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a global positioning system receiver method and system which converts the analog signals to digital signals prior to performing signal acquisition and GPS unique processing functions. The A/D converter uses full null zone processing to increase anti-jamming capability and 4-level output to reduce signal processing. A single analog and digital channel is used for both the L1 and L2 channels as well as for all P(Y)-code and C/A-code thus allowing full multi channel tracking with several channels each tracking a separate signal while the remainder of the channels rove over all of the signals on the alternate L-band with programmable duty cycles. The system allows for Y-code substitution for P-code by multiplexing a portion of the Y-code generated between multiple channels.

Abstract: An enhanced P-code channel (60) for use in a GPS receiver (10) to simultaneously track L1 and L2 comprises a P-code clock generator (62) for generating two code clocks. The first code clock associates with L1 and the second associates with L2. The code clocks have the same frequency but different phases from one another. Circuitry (64) and (66) generate and store a plurality of P-code chips. A first circuit (68, 70) selects and updates P-code chips from the stored P-code chips that are in phase with the L1 code clock. A second circuit (72 and 74) selects and updates P-code chips from the P-code chips and phased with the L2 code clock.

Abstract: A navigational aid and autopilot in which informational data pertaining to the physical operating conditions of the craft, the external characteristics relevant to the operation of the craft, and a chart mapping a selected portion of the surface of the earth in which the craft is operating are combined into a single communication correlating such data in a manner assisting an operator of the craft in the performance of his duties. The navigational aid measures external physical conditions such as radio transmissions, radar soundings, sonar soundings, and the like, as well as the physical state of the craft such as fuel flow, list of the craft, and speed of the motor. By monitoring these characteristics in association with an electronic chart, the system correlates and combines the total informational content in a comprehensive form so as to relieve the operator pilot of the necessity of integrating and correlating data from a plurality of different sources.

Abstract: An improved marine radio telephone is disclosed having a microphone, display, speaker, and controls. The controls include switches and a keyboard located together with a display in a panel, a microphone conveniently located as to the front panel, and a push-to-talk switch incorporated in the microphone. A panel printed wiring board is provided for the control circuits. Digital logic circuits, including a special purpose microcomputer and a power supply mounted on a second printed wiring board, interface with the control circuits and display. The control circuits include circuit blocking means which can be readily removed to permit, when authorized, transmission on Coast Guard auxiliary channels 21, 23, 81, 82, and 83. A frequency synthesizer interfaces between the logic circuits and a transmitter and receiver. The synthesizer and receiver are mounted on a third PWB, and the transmitter is mounted on a fourth printed wiring board.