Abstract: A tag incorporated with a directional antenna. Directional antennas may utilize devices equipped with orientation-independent antennas to determine the location of radio frequency signals emitted by other objects. The system can exist in many different customizable configurations, sometimes utilizing orientation-independent antennas embedded in the tag.

Abstract: An antenna array consists of multiple sub-arrays of planar, rectangular conductive patches disposed over a cavity to provide a volumetric antenna array. Each sub-array consist of multiple patch elements, arranged typically in a square or rectangular pattern. Multiple sub-arrays are further arranged along a one-dimensional row, to provide one or more unit cells. Adjacent sub-arrays in a row may be oriented at 45 degrees with respect to one another. The assembly provides a wide bandwidth, orientation dependent, directional antenna via volumetric radiating elements that can be conformal to exterior surface(s) of a vehicle such as a roof or trunk or roll bar of a passenger car.

Abstract: A loop antenna in an electric vehicle receives energy wirelessly from a source external to the vehicle, such as from a series of Radio Frequency (RF) emitters embedded in a road surface. The use of single turn, RF loop antennas to both transmit and receive power greatly reduces the need to align the vehicle with the charging equipment.

Abstract: An improved remote keyless entry (RKE) system for a vehicle to provide enhanced capabilities to a user. The improved RKE system may utilize directional antennas in the vehicle and in the FOB. Directional antennas may utilize devices equipped with orientation-independent antennas to determine the location. The system can exist in many different customizable configurations, sometimes utilizing orientation-independent antennas embedded in the vehicle or the FOB. The devices, systems and methods described herein may be used for an RKE in personal or commercial vehicles.

Abstract: A low profile, conformal antenna assembly provides wide bandwidth, orientation dependent and directional operation via volumetric radiating elements that are diposed over a cavity. The volumetric antenna elements may be further controlled by embedded inductive or capacitive components and/or surrounded by frequency-selective components. An optional AM/FM radiating structure is provided by a conductive wire helix disposed within the cavity. The antenna assembly may be integrated with system and control, conversion, amplification and/or processing electronics in a single enclosure or tightly coupled enclosure space. Integrating the antenna subassembly with an electronics subassembly in the same enclosure eliminates the requirement for discrete RF signal connections reduces associated costs, and avoides signal losses in the connections to multiple vehicle systems. The antenna can be mounted to the inside surface of glass in a vehicle.

Abstract: Antenna arrays that use volumetric elements to provide directive radiation over multiple frequencies, multiple polarizations, and/or operate in modes that reduce unnecessary radiation into a nearby human body. The arrays are particularly adapted for use with handheld wireless devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and cellular phones.

Abstract: We present several unique techniques for using touch sensor arrays to detect fingerprints and authenticate a user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting body vital signs through the use of a Bioelectric Impedance Spectroscopy (BIS), either by (a) direct contact with the person (such as through one or more of their fingers) or (b) measurement of reflections from a field projected into the person's body. The techniques may be implemented using the projected capacitive touch array in a device such as the screen of a smartphone or tablet computer, or the touchpad of a laptop computer.

Abstract: A method for operating a two-dimensional touch array by providing virtual grid intersections. The techniques may be used to improve the array resolution. It may also be used to detect fingerprint ridge and valley detail even when the finger is not moving, and when the array node spacing is much greater than the ridge and valley spacing.

Abstract: A radar system is described that uses microwave emitters to sense, classify and determine the contents of small containers that are used in transport or storage. The characteristics of these contents can be determined by orienting a set of microwave emitters and receptors around the containers. Correlating the results of the data obtained from the emitters and receptors, the volume and type of the contents of the containers can be determined.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing series-fed antenna arrays with a variable dielectric waveguide. In one implementation, coupling elements with optional controlled phase shifters are placed adjacent each radiating element of the array. To avoid frequency sensitivity of the resulting array, one or more waveguides have a variable propagation constant. The variable waveguide may use certain materials exhibiting this phenomenon, or may have configurable gaps between layers. Plated-through holes and pins can control the gaps; and/or a 2-D circular or a rectangular travelling wave array of scattering elements can be used as well.

Abstract: Antenna arrays that provide directive radiation over multiple frequencies, multiple polarizations, and/or operate in modes that reduce unnecessary radiation into a nearby human body. The arrays are particularly adapted for use with handheld wireless devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and cellular phones.

Abstract: A touchscreen, now incorporated in most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and similar devices, presents an effective and transparent method to incorporate continuous active user verification schemes. The touchscreen element grid structure can be used to capture information, such as a set of one-dimensional time-varying signals produced as the user's finger moves past the grid intersections points. This information may be used to verify the user, or that a valid user currently has possession of the mobile device, even while the user is not consciously engaged in an active verification process. Further functions, such as habitual gesture recognition, can also be performed using the same grid outputs.

Abstract: A slot fed volumetric antenna structure that activates antenna beams in three axes by selective connection of feedpoints.

Abstract: A Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna system and operating method that provides spatial- and temporal multiplexing with polarization independent operating modes.

Abstract: A loop antenna in an electric vehicle receives energy wirelessly from a source external to the vehicle, such as from a Radio Frequency (RF) emitter. The use of RF loop antennas to both transmit and receive power greatly reduces the need to align the vehicle with charging station equipment.

Abstract: A waveguide formed of two or more dielectric control layers. A varactor layer provides control over the propagation constant, in turn permitting the waveguide to act as a steerable antenna having a controllable beam direction.

Abstract: An antenna assembly operating in the AM/FM, 3G and 4G cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, satellite and 5G bands. The assembly provides a wide bandwidth, orientation dependent, directional antenna via volumetric radiating elements that conformal to exterior surface(s) of a vehicle such as a passenger car. The volumetric antenna elements may be further controlled by embedded components and/or surrounded by controllable ground plane elements. In one application, the antenna may be used to detect a direction of approach by person to, for example, operate only certain door locks.

Abstract: Orientation-independent antennas and associated beamforming circuits, to provide polarization-independent determination of position. An Indoor Positioning System (IPS) may utilize beacon or tag devices equipped with orientation-independent antennas to determine the location of nearby objects. The system can exist in many different customizable configurations, sometimes utilizing orientation-independent antennas embedded in smartphones that serve as beacon or tag devices. The devices, systems and methods described herein may be used for an IPS in a residential setting, a commercial setting (like a department store), an event or workplace, or an industrial setting.

Abstract: An antenna array for use in a passenger vehicle. Four of the roof support pillars are used as antenna elements. Each of the four pillars is electrically connected or coupled to one end of a corresponding meanderline component. The other end of each meanderline is in turn coupled to a radio receiver, typically through a combining network.