Abstract: A transponder and system are described for sharing vehicle lane data in a vehicle-to-vehicle safety system. It generates and broadcasts internally generated location points; and receives, processes and stores lane data received from other equipped vehicles. Physical lanes are represented by a sequence of logical lanes. Both the internal and external location points are aggregated into logical lanes. These logical lanes in turn are shared between vehicles via requests and replies. Each vehicle, within a temporary range, is considered a distinct vehicle. For each logical lane separate counts are maintained for the number of distinct vehicles that provided internal data, provided internal data shared once, and total data shared more than once. Internal data continues to aggregate until the logical lane changes. Total shared data is capped at a maximum of internal counted distinct vehicles and received distinct vehicle counts, to avoid counting the same (shared) data over and over.

Abstract: A transponder and system are described for sharing vehicle lane data in a vehicle-to-vehicle safety system. It generates and broadcasts internally generated location points; and receives, processes and stores lane data received from other equipped vehicles. Physical lanes are represented by a sequence of logical lanes. Both the internal and external location points are aggregated into logical lanes. These logical lanes in turn are shared between vehicles via requests and replies. Each vehicle, within a temporary range, is considered a distinct vehicle. For each logical lane separate counts are maintained for the number of distinct vehicles that provided internal data, provided internal data shared once, and total data shared more than once. Internal data continues to aggregate until the logical lane changes. Total shared data is capped at a maximum of internal counted distinct vehicles and received distinct vehicle counts, to avoid counting the same (shared) data over and over.

Abstract: System, method and device to provide apparent audio source position of a performer on a stage using a monophonic wireless microphone and volume modulation of left and right audio channels based on the actual position of the performer. Two audio channels are produced using a single audio input channel plus position information. Performances are enhanced by the perception of the audience that the source of the sound, such as singing, is the location of the performer on the stage. Other embodiments use additional audio channels. One embodiment uses the carrier amplitude of the wireless microphone to determine position. In another embodiment two or more wireless microphone receivers are used to improve position accuracy. The stage may be real, virtual or remote. The performance and/or audio may be live or recorded. Calibration and adjustment features are included in alternate embodiments. Constant power panning is included in one embodiment.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, of generating a location by the use of combining the rough locations of a “consensus set” of vehicles within wireless communication range to produce more accurate locations of the vehicles in the consensus set. Unique features of some embodiments include the continual re-computation and re-adjustment of both the vehicles in the consensus set and the more accurate locations. Embodiments use sensors on a first vehicle, such as cameras, sonar, radar and LIDAR to determine the relative location of the second vehicle to the first vehicle. Embodiments use this relative location in the computation of the more accurate locations. Algorithms are described for the computation, communication, convergence and updating of the more accurate locations. Algorithms are described for generation and update of the consensus set.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, of providing guidance, route and safety information to a driver. Embodiments use the observation and storage of signal light timing information to make recommendations. Embodiments include computation of future times of signal light changes. Embodiments use information relating to the number of vehicles, location of vehicles, and speed of vehicles in a plurality of lanes approaching a signal to recommend lane changes to a driver. Embodiments include receiving timing information wirelessly about signal timing. Embodiments include using historical information to compute a risk value for a location and then generating a recommendation to a driver responsive to that risk value. Embodiments include using speed of travel on route options to compute an expected travel time, and then generating a recommendation to a driver responsive to those computed travel times.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, of generating a location by the use of combining the rough locations of a “consensus set” of vehicles within wireless communication range to produce more accurate locations of the vehicles in the consensus set. Unique features of some embodiments include the continual re-computation and re-adjustment of both the vehicles in the consensus set and the more accurate locations. Embodiments use sensors on a first vehicle, such as cameras, sonar, radar and LIDAR to determine the relative location of the second vehicle to the first vehicle. Embodiments use this relative location in the computation of the more accurate locations. Algorithms are described for the computation, communication, convergence and updating of the more accurate locations. Algorithms are described for generation and update of the consensus set.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, of generating lane maps. Embodiments use a plurality of location points to build up a lane, then record that lane in memory. Location points may be locations over which a first vehicle generating the lane map passes, or may be location points broadcast by a second vehicle to the first vehicle. Methods are described to wirelessly share lane information and lane maps between vehicles. Embodiments use a “confidence value” describing the confidence that the lane parameters are valid. Algorithms are described for creating and updating the confidence values. Methods of compressing and storing lane information and lane maps are described. Embodiments include geographic height in lane information.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system using a first protocol, of implementing a gateway using a distinct second protocol. Embodiments include a first protocol transmitting in a government set vehicle safety band, and a second protocol in the set of: WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular phone and cellular data. An embodiment uses a validity-testing module to prevent insecure messages on the second protocol from interfering with the first protocol. Both one-way and two-way inter-protocol message transfers are described. Embodiments use the gateway to communicate from a vehicle using the first protocol to pedestrians, bicyclists, and equipped animals using the second protocol. Embodiments use a computed and transmitted risk-of-collision value. Embodiments include a driver or operator warning responsive to the transmitted risk value. Embodiments include computation of likely future position.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, of securely storing safety-related messages. Embodiments include both digital signing and digital encryption such that (i) stored message validity is assured; and (ii) only qualified or pre-selected recipients are able to decrypt the message. Embodiments include storing environmental information geographically related to a safety event. Embodiments include a plurality of vehicles within wireless communication range receiving a network warning message and then securely storing related information in response to the warning message. Embodiments include measuring time-of-transit of messages and using this measured time to triangulate position of a transmit source. This information may be transmitted or stored. Embodiments include forwarding of network warning messages. Algorithms are described to identify spoofed messages.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, of managing transmitted power levels among a group of transmitters so that the effective range of the group is approximately the same for members of the group. Various embodiments include transmitting a message comprising a currently used transmit power and a recommended power level. Embodiments include algorithms for varying transmit power levels subject to various criteria. Such criteria include the number of vehicles in the range, the size of the range, available wireless bandwidth. Unique features of some embodiments include the use of broadcast messages, and messages free of IP addresses and MAC addresses.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system of wirelessly forwarding safety related messages. Methods are provided for limiting the number of duplicated transmissions. Methods are provided for limiting the scope of forwarded message. One embodiment uses the distance of the message originator to a first message forwarder to limit duplicate messages. Various embodiments limit the scope of messages forwarding by using a forwarding count; by considering distance forwarded, and by considering the heading of vehicles performing the message forwarding. Forwarding distance depends of message type and the risk contained within the message, in some embodiments. An embodiment uses a compact message encoding to identify an original versus a forwarded message.

Abstract: Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, of transmitting a risk value in a message, wherein the risk value identifies quantitatively a risk of vehicle collision. Embodiments determine risk value by combining sub-risk values wherein sub-risks comprise: (i) vehicle behavior; (ii) weather and road conditions; (iii) current traffic; and (iv) location history. Embodiments include driver warnings responsive to the risk value in a received message. Embodiments include a collision type in a message. Embodiments include unique features of: risk is applicable to receiving vehicles; risk is applicable to a geographical region; computation and storage of location histories; messages free of IP and MAC addresses; haptic devices used for driver warning.

Abstract: A camera with multiple lenses and multiple sensors wherein each lens/sensor pair generates a sub-image of a final photograph or video. Different embodiments include: manufacturing all lenses as a single component; manufacturing all sensors as one piece of silicon; different lenses incorporate filters for different wavelengths, including IR and UV; non-circular lenses; different lenses are different focal lengths; different lenses focus at different distances; selection of sharpest sub-image; blurring of selected sub-images; different lens/sensor pairs have different exposures; selection of optimum exposure sub-images; identification of distinct objects based on distance; stereo imaging in more than one axis; and dynamic optical center-line calibration.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: System, method and device to provide apparent audio source position of a performer on a stage using a monophonic wireless microphone and volume modulation of left and right audio channels based on the actual position of the performer. Two audio channels are produced using a single audio input channel plus position information. Performances are enhanced by the perception of the audience that the source of the sound, such as singing, is the location of the performer on the stage. Other embodiments use additional audio channels. One embodiment uses the carrier amplitude of the wireless microphone to determine position. In another embodiment two or more wireless microphone receivers are used to improve position accuracy. The stage may be real, virtual or remote. The performance and/or audio may be live or recorded. Calibration and adjustment features are included in alternate embodiments. Constant power panning is included in one embodiment.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: A saw with a safety system is disclosed. The safety system includes a detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and a blade while the blade is moving. The safety system further includes a brake system adapted to engage the blade and to stop the blade when the detection system detects contact between the person and the blade.