Abstract: Devices, methods, and software are disclosed for reading RFID tags located in defined spatial locations. In one illustrative embodiment, a system can comprise a processor, a memory, and an RFID reading device including at least one radio frequency (RF) antenna. The system can be configured to read a first plurality of RFID tags attached to items disposed within a first spatial zone and read a second plurality of RFID tags attached to items disposed within a second spatial zone. The system can be further configured to produce a list of identifiers of RFID tags which belong to the second plurality of RFID tags and do not belong to the first plurality of RFID tags. In some embodiments, the system can be further configured, responsive to successfully decoding decodable indicia attached to an item, to match the item to an RFID tag belonging to the list.

Abstract: A method of mapping the location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space by an EIR terminal which contains a microprocessor, memory, a scanning device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The method includes scanning a signal of decodable indicia located at a pre-defined area of a physical object, locating the decodable indicia within this signal, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoded message is an identifier for said physical object, which is then displayed. After receiving an interface command, the EIR terminal is placed in mechanical contact with the pre-defined area of the physical object and a first spatial position is stored as a point of origin in the EIR terminal.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an EIR device including a two-dimensional imaging device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to detecting a pre-defined pattern in a first plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, to store in the memory a point of origin equal to a first spatial position of the EIR terminal. The EIR terminal can be further configured, responsive to detecting a user interface command, to determine, based on a second plurality of values received from the motion sensing device, a second spatial position of the EIR terminal relative to the point of origin, and to acquire an image of the object. The EIR terminal can be further configured to determine the image scale factor based on at least the second spatial position.

Abstract: A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to successfully reading a plurality of RFID tags attached to a plurality of items sustained by a physical structure, to group the plurality of read RFID tags into zero or more clusters, by correlating quantities of RFID tags read within several time periods to spatial positions of the coverage shapes of the RF signals transmitted by the RFID reading device during the several time periods. The EIR terminal can be further configured to determine the spatial positions of the RFID signal coverage shapes based on the spatial positions and orientations of the portable EIR terminal during the several time periods. The EIR terminal can be further configured to display a quantity of RFID tags within each cluster overlaid over an image.

Abstract: A system and method of adjusting the transmission strength emitted by an integrated RFID reading device by an EIR terminal. The EIR terminal scans a signal of decodable indicia, locates the decodable indicia within the signal, decodes the decodable indicia into a decoded message, which is an identifier for said physical object. The EIR terminal then makes contact with the physical object and stores the location of this contact as a point of origin and then, moves through three dimensional and receives values from its motion sensing device representing the location of said EIR terminal in three dimensional space relative to the point of origin. Then, the EIR terminal determines the distance of the RFID reading device from the point of origin and adjusts the power level of said RFID reading device relative to this distance.

Abstract: A method of mapping the location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space by an EIR terminal which contains a microprocessor, memory, a scanning device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The method includes scanning a signal of decodable indicia located at a pre-defined area of a physical object, locating the decodable indicia within this signal, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoded message is an identifier for said physical object, which is then displayed. After receiving an interface command, the EIR terminal is placed in mechanical contact with the pre-defined area of the physical object and a first spatial position is stored as a point of origin in the EIR terminal.

Abstract: A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable RFID reading terminal can be configured to display a scan trace provided by a line comprising a plurality of time varying points. Each point can be defined by a projection of a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage shape of the RFID reading device onto a chosen plane at a given moment in time.

Abstract: A system and method automatically associate wireless devices to point names. An installation plan indicates that wireless devices are installed at designated locations. Each designated location in the installation plan includes an associated point name, each wireless device is configured to transmit a message indicating itself as the source of the message, and each wireless communication device is installed proximate to its designated location. Expected distances are determined between one or more pairs of designated locations on the installation plan. Range estimate data is gathered from the installed wireless devices for one or more pairs of the installed wireless devices. A unique identifier within a signal transmitted by one of the installed wireless devices is associated with a corresponding point name on the installation plan. The association is determined at least in part by the expected distances and the range estimate data.

Abstract: A system and method automatically associate wireless devices to point names. An installation plan indicates that wireless devices are installed at designated locations. Each designated location in the installation plan includes an associated point name, each wireless device is configured to transmit a message indicating itself as the source of the message, and each wireless communication device is installed proximate to its designated location. Expected distances are determined between one or more pairs of designated locations on the installation plan. Range estimate data is gathered from the installed wireless devices for one or more pairs of the installed wireless devices. A unique identifier within a signal transmitted by one of the installed wireless devices is associated with a corresponding point name on the installation plan. The association is determined at least in part by the expected distances and the range estimate data.

Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.

Abstract: A method of determining distances between communication nodes. The method includes transmitting an initial communication frame from a first node to at least one second node. The initial communication frame includes a frame preamble, first data and a first switch point. The method further includes synchronizing a local clock of the at least one second node based on the frame preamble. Switching the at least one second node to a transmitting node based on the received switch point. Transmitting a subsequent communication frame from the at least one second node to the first node. The subsequent communication frame includes a ranging preamble, second data and a second switch point. The method continues by synchronizing a local clock in the first node based on the ranging preamble from the at least one second node and determining the range between the first node and the second node based on the ranging preamble.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking at least one mobile multi-function device in a defined area, including at least one mobile multi-function device adapted to move in the defined area. The multi-function devices including a transmitter and a device for determining the position of the device to transmit a signal including the determined position. A plurality of other multi-function devices are placed in and around the defined area to present an array of devices adapted to independently determine both the current position of the device and the accuracy of the position and communicate that to the other devices in the system using a mesh communication network. A signal processor receives the signals from the transmitters and calculate the position of the mobile multi-function device.

Abstract: A system and method to detect and measure remediated speech intelligibility by evaluating received test audio transmitted across and received in a space or region of interest. Remediation of the test audio may include altering the rate, pitch, amplitude and frequency bands energy during presentation of the speech signal.

Abstract: A system and method to detect PASS-type device audio alarm signals and to locate such devices in alarm in a public building, airport, sports stadium or other structure which can include a system to measure speech intelligibility. Time and frequency domain analysis are carried out to establish the pressure of PASS-type device audio output signals.

Abstract: A system and method to detect and remediate unacceptable levels of speech intelligibility evaluates received test audio transmitted across and received in a space or region of interest. Intelligibility is improved by altering the rate, pitch, amplitude and frequency bands energy during presentation of the speech signal.

Abstract: A method of communication that includes transmitting a communication signal having a synchronization preamble from a first node. Setting a local clock of at least one second node pursuant to the synchronization preamble to synchronize communications between the first and at least one second node. Exchanging subsequent data communications between the first and at least one second node without additional preambles until a special switch point occurs and after the special switch point occurs, transmitting information that utilizes the period of reduced time-synchronization accuracy following data communication.

Abstract: A communication system is provided. In one embodiment, a communication system includes communicant nodes. Each node includes a local clock, a transmitter/receiver circuit and a control circuit. The local clock is adapted to clock operations of the communication node. The transmitter/receiver circuit is adapted to selectively transmit and receive communication signals. The synchronization circuit is adapted to synchronize the local clock with a received communication signal from another communication node to establish communications between the communication nodes. The control circuit is adapted to control the transmitter/receiver circuit and the synchronization circuit. The control circuit is also adapted to process communication signals and to direct communications between the communication nodes without re-synchronizing the local clock until the clock drift between communication nodes makes communications unreliable.

Abstract: A measurement system and method combine an audio announcement system with a plurality of spaced apart wirelessly coupled devices which evaluate speech intelligibility of audio output from loudspeakers of the audio announcement system. Processing can take place at some or all of the devices as well as at a common control element. Evaluations can be based on use of a method which maps to a Common Intelligibility Scale.

Abstract: A method for verifying operation of a first component in a single fault tolerant system is provided. The method includes monitoring for an expected action of the system that indirectly identifies the operating condition of the first component to a second component of the system, when the monitored expected action indicates a faulty operating condition, isolating the first component's errant behavior, and when the monitored expected action indicates a proper operating condition, proceeding with normal operation of the system.

Abstract: A method and system to detect a position of a member movable along a defined path is described. The system includes a magnetic source, an array of sensors, and an analyzer. The magnetic source radiates a magnetic field and is coupled to a movable member. The array of sensors is fixed relative to the movable member. Each sensor generates an output response value based on an angle of the magnetic field passing through each sensor. The array of sensors produces a plurality of output response values for a first position of the movable member. The analyzer receives the plurality of output response values and calculates a composite output response value to determine the first position of the movable member.