Abstract: Surface impacts are located and characterized based on an acoustic signal produced by the impact despite the presence of signal dispersion. Acoustic signals from the surface may be compared to acoustic signals detected external to the surface in order to eliminate spurious impact sensing due to external sounds. Low-frequency acoustic signals may be sensed and identified as explicit hard “bangs” which are of limited utility for pointing and tracking applications.

Abstract: A conversation shielding system comprises sensors that detect the location of a confidential conversation and the presence and location of a potential eavesdropper, audio output devices that produce masking sounds to shield the conversation from the eavesdropper, and a controller that automatically controls the operation of the output devices in response to data from the sensors. An optional portable controller may manually engage the system. A method for shielding conversation comprises identifying a conversation to be shielded, detecting a potential eavesdropper, automatically determining masking sound types, locations and volume that will shield the conversation, directing emission of masking sounds from at least one audio output device in order to shield the conversation, including adjusting the masking sound type, location, and volume in response to movement of the conversation or the eavesdropper, and continuing to shield the conversation until it ends or the eavesdropper is no longer detected.

Abstract: A distributed sensor networks employing mobile sensing nodes that are carried to desired locations by attaching themselves to moving hosts and detaching themselves when the host arrives at the desired location or is moving away from the desired location. Each sensing node may carry a plurality of environmental sensors and communicates with nearby sensing nodes using a short range wireless link. The node further carries a location sensing mechanism and uses either active, passive or attractive means to attach itself to a moving host.

Abstract: A multimodal sensor network node is integrated into a power strip. A sensor platform comprises a power outlet, typically in the form of a power strip, at least one environmental sensor integrated into the power strip, and at least one transceiver for communicating data measured by the sensor. A sensor network is made up of a group of sensor platforms. The platforms may include a controller for directing measurement and communication of data by the sensors, and may communicate through wireless or wired communication. The device has access to power through its line cord, can control and measure the current profile consumed by devices plugged into its outlets and control the voltage at each outlet independently, supports an ensemble of sensors, and can connect to other devices. Typically, microphone, light, temperature, and vibration sensors are intrinsically built into the device, while other sensor types can be added easily.

Abstract: Identification tags are used to distinguish a unique tagged item from among a plurality of items. Tagged items are searched by scanning the items with an interrogation signal. The tag emits an observable signal when it receives an identification that matches the identification contained in the tag. When an interrogation signal is not present, the tags sleep at a very low power level or are passively unpowered. A quasi-passive wake-up function employs a continuous low power standby mode, comparing a received signal to a predetermined signal and waking up the device when the predetermined signal is received. The tags can talk back to the interrogator, permitting them to respond with an identification code or to be remotely programmable. The tags can be powered by alternative power sources, including by solar cells or photocells capturing ambient light or a signal received from the interrogator.

Abstract: A quasi-passive wake-up function for an electronic device that employs a continuous low power standby mode compares a received signal to a predetermined signal and wakes up the device when the received signal is the same as the predetermined signal. An electronic device having a quasi-passive wakeup function includes a receiver for receiving at least one stimulus signal, a comparator for comparing the received signal to a predetermined signal, and at least one logic gate for waking up the electronic device when the received stimulus signal is the predetermined signal. In one application, identification tags are used to distinguish a unique tagged item from among a plurality of items with a similar appearance. When an interrogation signal is not present, the tags sleep at a very low power level.

Abstract: An identification tag identifies a unique item from among a plurality of items with a similar appearance. Tagged items are searched by scanning the items with an interrogation signal. The tag emits an observable signal to indicate when it receives an identification that matches the identification contained in the tag. When the reader's interrogation is not present, the tag either sleeps at a very low power level or is passively unpowered.

Abstract: A distributed sensor networks employing mobile sensing nodes that are carried to desired locations by attaching themselves to moving hosts and detaching themselves when the host arrives at the desired location or is moving away from the desired location. Each sensing node may carry a plurality of environmental sensors and communicates with nearby sensing nodes using a short range wireless link. The node further carries a location sensing mechanism and uses either active, passive or attractive means to attach itself to a moving host.

Abstract: A touch responsive capacitive control for a smooth surfaced ceramic cooktop provides a continuously variable control voltage which indicates the last touched position on an elongated control surface. An A.C. potential is applied between a transmitter plate and a pair of receiver plates all of which are positioned below the surface of the cooktop. The relative area of overlap between the touching finger and the two receiver plates varies along the length of the control surface, and the resulting change in the relative currents flowing to the two receiver plates is sensed to provide a position indication used to control the cooktop.

Abstract: A wireless switch is provided having a twenty-year life energy harvesting arrangement for self-powering a wireless transmitter. The energy harvesting arrangement is implemented in one embodiment using a piezoelectric switch element. A tritium light source and photovoltaic device are used in a second embodiment, while a black light source and photovoltaic device are used in a third embodiment. The energy harvesting wireless switch arrangement of the present invention can be combined, for example, with a vehicle side mirror switch, to reduce the complexity of the wire harness feeding the door. The wireless switch can be located without regard to accessability of a wiring harness or connector.

Abstract: A touch panel in which two or more light sensors emit light into a transparent panel at an angle to sustain transmission through the panel by total internal reflection. The transmitted light is detected at an array of light detection positions around the periphery of the panel opposite to each light source. When an object contact the surface of the panel, light transmitted along the pathway from a given source past the contact point to one of the detection points is attenuated by the frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) effect. Each contact causes two or more intersecting light beams having known end points to be attenuated, enabling a connected processor to determine the position and size of the contact area.

Abstract: A wireless switch is provided having a twenty-year life energy harvesting arrangement for self-powering a wireless transmitter. The energy harvesting arrangement is implemented in one embodiment using a piezoelectric switch element. A tritium light source and photovoltaic device are used in a second embodiment, while a black light source and photovoltaic device are used in a third embodiment. The energy harvesting wireless switch arrangement of the present invention can be combined, for example, with a vehicle side mirror switch, to reduce the complexity of the wire harness feeding the door. The wireless switch can be located without regard to accessability of a wiring harness or connector.

Abstract: An identification tag identifies a unique item from among a plurality of items with a similar appearance. Tagged items are searched by scanning the items with an interrogation signal. The tag emits an observable signal to indicate when it receives an identification that matches the identification contained in the tag. When the reader's interrogation is not present, the tag either sleeps at a very low power level or is passively unpowered.

Abstract: A wireless, in-road traffic sensor system using sensors that are small, low-cost, and rugged. The sensors may be capable of measuring the speed of passing vehicles, identifying the type of passing vehicle and measuring information about roadway conditions, e.g., wet or icy. The sensor includes a wireless transmitter and may be configured for installation beneath a roadway surface. The sensors may be configured as a traffic sensor system including distributed sensors across a roadway system, concentrators for receiving the sensor broadcasts and a central computer for accumulating and organizing the sensed information. The sensed information may also be made available responsive to user requests via the Web through such reports as traffic delays, alternate route planning and travel time estimates. Alternatively, the sensed information may also be used to control traffic through a traffic control means, such as a traffic signal.

Abstract: Surface impacts are located and characterized based on an acoustic signal produced by the impact despite the presence of signal dispersion. Acoustic signals from the surface may be compared to acoustic signals detected external to the surface in order to eliminate spurious impact sensing due to external sounds. Low-frequency acoustic signals may be sensed and identified as explicit hard “bangs” which are of limited utility for pointing and tracking applications.

Abstract: A wireless, in-road traffic sensor system using sensors that are small, low-cost, and rugged. The sensors may be capable of measuring the speed of passing vehicles, identifying the type of passing vehicle and measuring information about roadway conditions, e.g., wet or icy. The sensor includes a wireless transmitter and may be configured for installation beneath a roadway surface. The sensors may be configured as a traffic sensor system including distributed sensors across a roadway system, concentrators for receiving the sensor broadcasts and a central computer for accumulating and organizing the sensed information. The sensed information may also be made available responsive to user requests via the Web through such reports as traffic delays, alternate route planning and travel time estimates. Alternatively, the sensed information may also be used to control traffic through a traffic control means, such as a traffic signal.

Abstract: A preferred reader circuit for energizing the coils and detecting loading variations is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. It was designed for tabletop operation at relatively low frequencies; the amplitudes, frequencies, and time constraints listed below can be shifted as desired for other applications. The depicted schematic includes driver circuitry for three coils, it being understood that further drivers can be added as indicated in the figure. Each driver circuit includes an inductive bridge wherein a search coil 3051, 3052, 3053 is balanced against a series of reference inductors 3071, 3072, 3073; 3091, 3092, 3093; and 3311, 3112, 3113 (the latter being variable to trim residuals in the search coil's inductance). A representative pair of search coils 3051, 3052 are identically wound and driven together, and the sensing volume between them is once again indicated at 200.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuous sensing of hand and arm gestures comprises hand-held means for continuously sensing at least tempo and emphasis. These sensed parameters are represented quantitatively, and transduced by appropriate circuitry into electrical signals indicative of the parameter quantities. The signals may be used to control the performance of a musical composition (or the evolution of some other dynamic system), or may instead convey information. The signals may, for example, be provided to an interpreter that dynamically infers control commands from the gestures on a real-time basis in accordance with the generally accepted canon of musical conducting, directing the controlled system in accordance therewith. The invention may also sense one or more additional conducting parameters such as the speed and/or velocity, direction (i.e.