Abstract: By incorporating automatic location and identity sensor equipment in an emergency or rescue scenario to facilitate a centralized tracking operation, fire fighters, rescuers, urban combat, etc. operations can be coordinated with greater safety by enabling the tracking of individuals. Passive and active RFID devices incorporated into helmets, badges, or PDA's and cell phones can be used in conjunction with transceivers disposed about the rescue environment to generate real-time tracking and alarm status alerts for the rescuers. External database information, such as the layout of the building, as well as pre-existing communication and security controls in the building can be incorporated into the tracking system to provide increased synergy and effectiveness in rescue or tracking operations. The system is sufficiently modular to enable rapid and scalable deployment to rescue locations.

Abstract: A communications and IP network gateway interface unit is provided for use with educational systems in a classroom environment. The gateway interface is configured to communicate with an IP network, and includes a digital signal processing unit storing programs for processing encoded data signals received from the IP network to produce an enhanced audio output. The audio output can be coupled to a telephone interface and connection for telephony communication configured to produce a voice signal portion of the audio output. The gateway interface further includes ports for sending a program audio signal such as music to a set of speakers, and for receiving audio from a microphone. Interface ports for synchronizing a clock are also included, as well as call switches, message display boards, audio-visual displays, in-class computer terminals, and other devices used to enhance and secure the educational environment.

Abstract: Automatic ringing/howling sound suppression from feedback or over amplifications in live performances is described An off-line approach to determine the major ring modes in the “room” is used, wherein narrow-band digital filters are used to attenuate the offending signals. Using high Q, highly stable digital filters, continuous control over these major ring nodes can be obtained. After an initial hunt is performed for the ring nodes through the use of ring node excitation signals, the first ring nodes or major ring nodes are attenuated to a increased level to improve the sound system's dynamic range. The excitation signal's level is controlled while it is injected to excite and detect the ring nodes of the room in a sequential manner. Filter parameters are created based on the location of the ring node(s) in the frequency spectrum and the required attenuation to eliminate it, resulting in an improved performance experience and yet controlling the detrimental aspects due to the acoustics.

Abstract: A communications and remote control system is provided for a patient. The system includes a portable wireless patient pendant having a transmitting unit which sends a wireless staff call signal, a wireless patient voice signal, and a wireless entertainment module control signal. The wireless patient pendant also includes a receiving unit which receives a wireless staff response signal and a wireless entertainment audio signal. The system further includes a patient station having a receiving unit which receives the wireless staff call signal. The patient station also includes an intercom unit which receives the patient voice signal and transmits a wireless staff response signal. The system also includes an interface unit for coupling to a smart television. The interface unit includes a receiving unit which receives the wireless entertainment module control signal and a transmitting unit which transmits the wireless entertainment audio signal.

Abstract: By incorporating automatic location and identity sensor equipment in an emergency or rescue scenario to facilitate a centralized tracking operation, fire fighters, rescuers, urban combat, etc. operations can be coordinated with greater safety by enabling the tracking of individuals. Passive and active RFID devices incorporated into helmets, badges, or PDA's and cell phones can be used in conjunction with transceivers disposed about the rescue environment to generate real-time tracking and alarm status alerts for the rescuers. External database information, such as the layout of the building, as well as pre-existing communication and security controls in the building can be incorporated into the tracking system to provide increased synergy and effectiveness in rescue or tracking operations. The system is sufficiently modular to enable rapid and scalable deployment to rescue locations.

Abstract: A personnel identity protection mechanism and method is provided which utilizes a pseudo-name that is used in conjunction with RFID or RFID-like tags. By correlating the location of the tag wearer to equipment or professionals attending to the tag wear, identity and/or private information relating to the tag wearer can be controlled on a need-to-know basis. Concomitantly, access to the tag wearer's identity and/or private information by attending professionals, wearing a non-pseudo-name RFID or RFID-like tag, can be automatically enabled or filtered by correlating the non-pseudo-name bearing tags' proximity to the accessing system. By use of such a pseudo-name having restricted access capabilities with a RFID or RFID-like tag system, patients or institutionalized persons can be assured of a higher degree of security with respect to their private or medical information.