Abstract: A system of advertising has a source of advertising information adapted to transmit advertising informations of different contents substantially corresponding to objects to be advertised situated in different advertising zones and formed as a server unit, a plurality of moving vehicles, each of the vehicles being provided with a receiver for receiving the advertising informations of different contents, each of the vehicles being provided with further unit for receiving a signal which does not contain advertising information, each of the vehicles being provided with vehicle location determination allowing unit adapted to allow determination of a location of a respective one of the vehicles, each of the vehicles being provided with a display for displaying advertising information, and the server unit determining a zone in which the vehicle is located and transmitting to the further receiving unit of the vehicle the signal which does not contain advertising information to select in a vehicle and display on the d

Abstract: To provide a support system using a data carrier system by which an activity or a work operation by means of human beings and robots may be supported in a variety of environments. The support system comprises at least one tag being a data carrier that is disposed at a predetermined position; and at least one reader/writer that communicates with the tag; the tag being provided with an input/output means, a predetermined device being connected to the input/output means, and the predetermined device being operated by information output from the reader/writer.

Abstract: A non-invasive powerline communications system includes: means for generating communication signals at a first location for transmission on a powerline; means for reactively coupling the communication signals to the powerline; and means for receiving said communication signals at a second location.

Abstract: A transmission wave is applied to a predetermined range in a width-wise direction of a subject vehicle. Objects located ahead of the subject vehicle are recognized on the basis of reflected waves which result from reflections of the transmission wave. The reflected waves are converted into a received signal. Detection is made regarding a variation in an intensity of the received signal along a direction corresponding to the width-wise direction of the subject vehicle. The received signal is separated into a first signal portion and a second signal portion on the basis of the detected signal intensity variation. The first signal portion corresponds to a scattered portion of the transmission wave. The second signal portion corresponds to an unscattered portion of the transmission wave. Objects are recognized on the basis of the second signal portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for surveillance of the rearward observation area, specific to the outside mirror(s) of motor vehicles, in which the aforesaid observation area is divided into at least two observation zones (10, 20) that are detected using at least one image pick-up sensor element and the detected image is displayed on a display device (40) thus providing an improved rearward view with fewer gaps (blind spots), wherein the observation zones (10, 20) cover different angular ranges.

Abstract: A mobile telephone includes a control device, which comprises a receiver to receive an enabling signal and a controller to enable operation of the mobile telephone in dependence upon the enabling signal. An active badge transmits the enabling signal. If the telephone and the badge are separated and the mobile telephone is no longer able to receive the enabling signal, then the controller disables the mobile telephone.

Abstract: An active early warning system for storms that uses weather radar data as input to a computer which in turn projects the likely path of a tornado. The computer then accesses a database which contains telephone numbers and the telephone's geographic location. The phone numbers which are in the projected path of the tornado are dialed automatically and the called parties are notified via computer message. This provides individuals who are the most likely potential victims of a tornado with the earliest possible notification. By using geographic data which is related to the telephone number, the computer will not waste any time calling numbers which are not in the path of the tornado. This avoids unnecessarily alarming individuals who are not at risk and ensures that those who are at risk are notified.

Abstract: A personal security system including a base unit which communicates emergency voice information to a surrounding area through and amplified speaker/siren system. The security system includes a held-held remote “panic button” unit to allow activation of an amplified call for help. The unit uses an RF transmitter and receiver to trigger a digitally recorded voice/siren when the panic button is pushed. Once triggered, the pre-recorded voice and or siren alarm will sound continuously until positively reset. The base unit of the present invention is suitable for installation inside a vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring from variable endpoints the location of a remote wearer of a wireless communications device is disclosed. The device is capable of determining its current geographic location from GPS signals or the like and comparing such location to a stored set of rules defining permissible or impermissible geographic zones. Upon breach of such rules, the device will automatically report notification of the breach to a central server which will communicate notification to a designated endpoint based on previously stored routing conditions. Endpoints are capable of querying or sending a message to the device directly. Further, the system provides for a network-accessible communications center, such as an Internet website, through which users of the system may send and receive data to the device, or modify the boundary rule sets or routing conditions as needed in near real time.

Abstract: A communication system is provided which can be realized in a number of ways to facilitate baggage tracking and recovery. In the most rudimentary realization, the traveler receives a signal from transmitters placed in the baggage which can identify the presence of each item of baggage by a code number which may show either as the code number or as a user supplied personal designator for a particular item of luggage. The transmitter is inexpensive and low power but works well in the aircraft environment and causes no interference with aircraft control, communication or navigation equipment. Advanced versions of the invention include programmability and transponder control as well as enhanced audio signaling also include structure which can sense an aircraft environment based upon pressure, vibration and acceleration to provide control to portable electronic devices in response to sensing the take-off, cruise and landing conditions.

Abstract: A security system incorporates a reasoning system and security rules and processes that are designed to be as unobtrusive as the situation permits. Two independent aspects of the system facilitate the enforcement of rules and processes in an unobtrusive manner. First, transponders that can be triggered and sensed from a distance are preferably used to identify both items and individuals. These remotely sensed identifiers are processed by the reasoning system to determine whether each identified item is authorized, or likely to be authorized, to be removed from, or brought into, a secured location by the identified individual. Second, the system continually modifies and optimizes its rules and processes based on assessments of security events. An initial set of rules is created for the security system that, generally, prohibit the removal of secured items from the secured location, except that certain individuals are authorized to remove specified items from the secured location.

Abstract: A control device and method provides control of at least one operating feature of a cooking device in response to measured smoke and/or gas produced by item(s) being cooked. The device and method may control the temperature and cooking time of the device, and may also shut off the device or provide a fire alarm.

Abstract: An improved self-cleaning oven (10) is provided having an assembly (12) to control the cleaning cycle time of the oven (10) depending upon the degree of oven contamination and soil present therein. The assembly (12) includes a measuring chamber (16) as well as a passageway (18) communicating the interior (14) of the oven (10) and the chamber (16). A smoke detector (32) (preferably an infrared smoke detector) is associated with the chamber (16) and is coupled with a controller (20) so as to measure a parameter of smoke passing through the chamber during at least a portion of the cleaning cycle. This parameter is then used to determine the proper duration of the cleaning cycle. In preferred forms, measuring chamber (16a) is equipped with an ambient air inlet (52) and outlet (54) so as to draw an ambient air stream through the chamber (16a) between the smoke detector (32) and the oven gas stream.

Abstract: A system for qualifying and monitoring bearing performance and condition in a rotary servo system. A position error signal is analyzed for signal anomalies that can signify bearing damage. A DC offset ramp is applied to the position error signal to test whether the anomaly is angular position dependent. The anomaly is associated with the corresponding command signal value and range of values to calculate the angular position and range of the apparent bearing damage. The amplitude of the anomaly is measured and associated with a relative degree of bearing damage.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for discouraging theft and facilitating recovery of lost devices by placing owner information in a non-volatile memory in the device. The owner information may be entered as an audio recording, as a sequence of typed characters, and in other ways. The owner information includes specific location data, such as the owner's telephone number, email address, and/or postal address. The owner information is easily displayed to the public on the device, without the need to use a specialized reader tool or the need to enter a password or other code to authorize the display. No separate database at a manufacturer or otherwise is needed to correlate the device with the owner's contact information. Instead, the device displays owner information in response to predetermined events, such as power-on, power-off, and/or pushing a “Who Owns Me?” button.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receiver in a cyclic packet data transmission system, the said system furthermore including at least one transmitter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signal processing system comprising a signal processing device (8) and a portable information carrier (2). The signal processing device comprises a signal source selection device (11), having a number of preset positions. A preset position can be related to a signal source and a number of parameter values. With the aid of read means (1), write means (14) and the portable information carrier the preselection settings can be exchanged between similar signal-processing devices. In a first memory section (4) the signal source names are related to specific data, such as a frequency or channel number. In a second memory section (5) and in a memory of the portable information carrier preset positions are related to the parameter values and to signal source names, which uniquely identify the signal sources within a given set of signal sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an access system between an item of server automatic control equipment (20), which integrates transmission/reception means (25) to transmit and receive messages on a wireless proximity network (30) using a radio wave technology in compliance with the Bluetooth protocol, and at least one mobile device (10) or at least one item of client automatic control equipment (20′). An item of server automatic control equipment (20) comprises server communication means (27) to implement a link mechanism in order to supply control, display and monitoring functions of the server automatic control equipment from a mobile device or an item of client automatic control equipment.

Abstract: A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.

Abstract: An electronic system which facilitates active signs for car park management systems. There is a light sensitive sensor in each car space allowing a very simple circuit to distinguish whether a group of car spaces is full or has one or more vacant spaces available. There is not necessarily a need for a computer or even a microprocessor to ascertain the vacant or full state of a group of car spaces. This electronic system may directly switch devices accordingly.

Abstract: A navigation unit 1 sends map image information representing a map image of an area around a current position of an automobile in which the unit 1 is installed to a communication apparatus 9 with which the unit 1 is communicating, if the communication apparatus 9 does not have geographical data. The map image information includes information such as a symbol image that allows the current position of the navigation unit 1 to be identified. The data format of the map image information is a data format that allows the information to be reproduced in an ordinary personal computer.

Abstract: A security system for a home simulates usage of appliances to give the impression that someone is present. The system comprises a monitor for monitoring events indicative of state changes of the appliances during operational use of the appliance by a user; a storage for storing information about the events; an information processing component for creating a temporal pattern of usage based on the stored information; and a control interface for controlling the appliance according to the pattern in the absence of the user.

Abstract: An HFC return path system for digital communication signals using a sampled RF word interface to headend demodulators, provides higher performance equipment at an equivalent or lower cost and more flexible and efficient interfacing and traffic multiplexing. The return path signal from the fiber optic node to the headend/hub is represented ones and zeroes, and the digital return receiver at the headend/hub includes an optical receiver for receiving the serial stream of optical ones and zeroes and converting the optical digital signal to an electrical digital signal, a deserializer for deserializing the serial stream of digital words and synchronization information into parallel digital words, a digital filter for processing the deserialized digital words to interface digitally to an application receiver and a digital interface for interfacing and forwarding the processed parallel digital words to the application receiver.

Abstract: In order to prevent spurious signals from being generated in an electronic circuit executing an interleaving operation, a plurality of substantially similar electronic circuits 101, 102, 103 are arranged in parallel and operated in an interleaved manner. When each operating frequency of the electronic circuit is f, in order to obtain a Nf frequency (N is 2 in FIG. 1), more than N pieces (3 in FIG. 1) of electronic circuits are arranged in parallel and used, and electronic circuits 101, 102, 103 are selected for output in an at least pseudo-random manner.

Abstract: A voice recording/reproducing device implemented by using an ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Modulation) method is provided which is capable of reproducing faithfully an original voice even at a time of performing a fast-forward reproduction by removing or culling a specified voice block from a continued series of voice blocks.

Abstract: A DAC stage having a ground offset switch driver control signal generator, provides greater linearity by preventing rail-to-rail voltage swings of the switch driver signals.

Abstract: A D/A converter of a low distortion factor includes a plurality of voltage dividing resistances 53 which are formed on a P-type semiconductor substrate and are connected in series with each other between a power source voltage VDD and the ground GND. An N-channel type MOS transistor 54 as a switching element, which is selected in correspondence with the decoding result of a decoder 51, is connected between a node N1 and each of a plurality of taps provided on a current path made up of plural voltage dividing resistances 53. Since the N-channel type MOS transistor 54 is formed directly on the P-type semiconductor substrate, there is no need for the voltage dividing resistance 53 to be arranged near an N-type well region formed on the P-type substrate. This makes it possible to manufacture the voltage dividing resistance having a uniform resistive value, thus there being realized the D/A conversion of a low distortion factor.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a D/A converter of a multibit type for improving its performance by reducing dispersion of the electric currents of plural electric current sources as much as possible.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter including a quantizer and a residue generator, both of which sample an input voltage in parallel. The sampling characteristics of each of the residue generator and the quantizer are designed to substantially match one another. This converter may be used as a low-power ADC front-end circuit that does not require a dedicated sample-and-hold circuit. The front-end circuit consists of two substantially-matched sampling networks, one for the residue generator and the other for the quantizer, inside the first stage of the converter.

Abstract: An A/D converter for sampling an input signal includes a reference circuit for generating a reference signal, a comparing circuit for comparing the input signal with the reference signal to produce a digital signal in response to the difference between the input signal and the reference signal, a first latch to latch the digital signal, a second latch to latch the digital signal, a first switch connected between the comparing circuit and the first latch, and a second switch connected between the comparing circuit and the second latch. The first switch and the second switch alternately operate.

Abstract: An obstacle detection includes a transmission leakage transmission path, a receiving leakage transmission path opposite to the transmission leakage transmission path, a spread spectrum signal generation means connected to an end of the transmission leakage transmission path and generating a spread spectrum signal for detection of an obstacle for radiation from the transmission leakage transmission path. A correlation means is connected to an end of the receiving leakage transmission path so as to calculate a level of correlation between a reference spread spectrum signal and a spread spectrum signal received by the receiving leakage transmission path. A detecting means detects an obstacle in accordance with a change in the level of correlation calculated by the correlation means.

Abstract: A radar system which is used for determining optical range includes a frequency analyzer for the analysis of differential frequency signals, which originate from a mixture of the transmitted signal with the received signals, for example reflected from a fog bank. The frequency spectrum images the distance profile of the fog bank.

Abstract: The purpose of the GPS3M is for tracking purposes, either personal or professional, enabling users of GPS3M technology to assign a unique number that can never be duplicated regardless of where or when the stamp is used. A “fingerprint” of matter, if you will—any matter—large or small—animate or inanimate. Reliance of the philosophy behind GPS3M is in the simple fact that no two objects can occupy the same space at the same time. This uniqueness is what GPS3M is all about. GPS3M would be able to provide a simple mode of recording and retrieving information based on coordinates in time and space. GPS3M furthermore offers intuitive advantages that cross cultural barriers, and even technological ones, given that virtually all individuals on the planet by need of a means of communication have an inherent understanding of the nature of time and space.

Abstract: An antenna element includes a substrate formed of a dielectric material having a specific inductive capacity exhibiting frequency distributing properties, a grounding conductor formed on one surface of the substrate, a plurality of radiating conductors formed on the other surface of the substrate, and a plurality of feeder lines provided for passing through the substrate for connecting the grounding conductor to the radiating conductors. This antenna element is able to achieve equivalent gain for plural frequencies.

Abstract: The directional antenna apparatus of a base station, after sensing the direction of an undesired wave, calculates the optimum amplitude weighting coefficients and optimum phase weighting coefficients for a plurality of directions between the move starting point and move end point of a mobile station and creates a reference table. Then, when receiving a request for communication from the mobile station, the directional antenna apparatus reads weighting coefficients from the reference table, sets them in each antenna element, and points the directivity toward the mobile station, and starts communication. Then, calculating the time when the mobile station arrives at the position corresponding to each direction from the destination of the mobile station and its moving speed, and reads one by one the optimum amplitude and phase weighting coefficients from the reference table, and sets them in each antenna element, and communicates with the mobile station, while tracking the mobile station.

Abstract: A directional coupler including a first transmission line and a second transmission line adjacent to the first transmission line, the relative positions of the first transmission line and the second transmission line being changeable, an antenna element connected to a part of the directional coupler, and a driving mechanism for driving the directional coupler and the antenna element.

Abstract: The invention discloses a slot antenna having a pair of orthogonally oriented front and rear reflector panels. In one embodiment, the antenna assembly includes first and second front panels oriented approximately orthogonally to each other, said first and second front panels being coupled together and having a substantially elongate slot defined upon at least a portion of each of the first and second front panels, and first and second rear reflector panels oriented approximately orthogonally to each other, and disposed proximate the first and second front panels, and a feed terminal coupled to one of the first or second front panels, said feed terminal being coupled to an input/output RF connection point. The slot antenna according to the present invention may be disposed within an associated wireless communications device relative to a ground plane element of a printed wiring board, or may be disposed separately away from the associated wireless communications device.

Abstract: An isotropic antenna system includes a first antenna for transmitting/receiving electric waves when a cover member installed to be capable of being open or closed with respect to a main body is open, a second antenna for transmitting/receiving electric waves when the cover member is closed, and a switch for selectively switching at least one of the first and second antennas to a predetermined RF circuit module according to the opening or closing of the cover member.

Abstract: An antenna connector for holding an antenna in relation to a printed circuit board, where the antenna connector has means for releasable holding the antenna onto the printed circuit board. The holding means of the antenna connector are constructed to enable easy removal of the antenna from the printed circuit board so that components placed under antenna can be reached, repaired or replaced, and that the characteristics of a radio part on the printed circuit board can be measured without having the antenna mounted.

Abstract: In an antenna apparatus and the electronic toll collection (hereinafter, abbreviated to an ETC) system using it, an antenna apparatus (2) is provided in a space over a lane (3) through which an automobile (1) having ETC on-vehicle equipment (10) passes. An antenna which the antenna apparatus has radiates a radio wave having a radio beam emitted area (21) of a radio wave to communicate with the ETC on-vehicle equipment and, thereby, electronic toll collection is performed for the passing automobile. It is an object of the present invention to provide an antenna apparatus which is controllable so that the ETC on-vehicle equipment is in the center of the radio beam emitted area of the antenna apparatus, and also to provide an ETC system using it. The antenna apparatus integrates an antenna and a light emitting unit.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus that has an increased efficiency, and a method for increasing the efficiency of multi-mode antenna feed horns, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of exciting, within the antenna, a desired transmission mode and an undesired transmission mode of the signal to be transmitted, and converting, within the antenna, power within the undesired transmission mode into power for the desired transmission mode of the signal to be transmitted. An antenna apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a feed horn having an input opening, an aperture, and a cavity, disposed between the input opening and the aperture, for suppressing an undesired transmission mode of the antenna and exciting a desired transmission mode of the antenna.

Abstract: A plurality of copper wires are disposed between coaxially arranged an inner cylindrical member and an outer cylindrical member, with one end of each copper wire being fixed at a predetermined position. The remaining portion of each copper wire is spirally bent so as to wind itself around the inner cylindrical member, with the center axes of both the inner cylindrical member and the outer cylindrical member serving as a winding center. Then, an amount of insulative resin is poured into an annular space formed between the inner cylindrical member and the outer cylindrical member. In this way, the spirally deformed copper wires are sealed within the wall portion of a hollow cylindrical insulative resin member.

Abstract: A method for accomplishing an electronic image information transmitting service, comprising steps of: selecting by a second party whether or not to receive the electronic image information transmitting service; inputting by a first party with an inputting means information regarding the second party and a selection result by the second party in the selecting step; converting by the first party an image on a developed photographic film or on a developed photographic paper exposed based on the developed photographic film into electronic image information when the second party selects so as to receive the electronic image information transmitting service; accumulating the electronic image information converted by the first party in an accumulating means; and transmitting the electronic image information by a transmitting means through a communicating means to a reception destination designated by the second party.

Abstract: A current controlled field emission display includes a controller that provides a pair of pulsed clocking signals that allows current to flow from ground potential to an emitter in the field emission display during each clocking signal pulse. The number of electrons, and thus the intensity of the light will depend upon the number N of clocking signal pulses during an activation interval. In one embodiment, each of the pulsed signals includes a number N of pulses that corresponds to a desired intensity of pixels. The pulsed signals are formed by gating a clock signal in response to digital data applied to the display such that the transfer of electrons is controlled directly by the digital data. In another embodiment, the pulsed signals are produced by comparing a decoded image signal to counts from a high speed counter.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display device including a nematic liquid crystal confined between two electrodes with polarizing plates, a voltage applied between two electrodes to drive the nematic liquid crystal is maintained at a predetermined value for a predetermined duration of time in predetermined intervals to increase the response speed and to realize color images by tricolor back-lighting or moving images equivalent to or better than those provided by CRT displays.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to improve moving-picture quality of an active matrix type liquid crystal display apparatus. The apparatus comprises liquid crystal pixels disposed in matrix configuration, a line drive circuit sequentially scanning each line of the pixels at every frame repeating with a predetermined frequency, and a column drive circuit writing image signal into the pixels in sync with the sequential scanning. The frame is divided into a preceding and following sub-frame. The line drive circuit scans sequentially for the preceding and following sub-frame. The column drive circuit writes image signal originally assigned to a frame into the pixels for the preceding sub-frame, and then writes an image signal for adjusting image quality into the pixels for the following sub-frame. The image signal for adjusting image quality is obtained by operating the image signal assigned to the frame and an image signal assigned to the next frame.

Abstract: In the driving of a liquid crystal display panel with pixels in a matrix comprising n rows and m columns, when a partial display instruction is issued, respective rows in a display area (202) of s rows and m columns within the matrix are sequentially selected for one frame. Then, predetermined partial display data is written into the selected rows. Predetermined background data such as white display data is written into the background area (204) other than the partial display area (202). In the background area 204, either k rows and m columns or pixels of (the leading row ((s+1)-th row) of the background area, next to the final row in the partial display area) are selected during one frame for writing of the background display data, k rows and m columns are sequentially shifted each frame.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a plurality of source lines which are each divided into two groups includes a first source driver for applying image signals to a first group of the divided source lines, a second source driver for applying image signals to a second group, a first gate driver operative to apply scanning signals to one segment of a plurality of gate lines that extends across the first group of the divided source lines, and a second gate driver for applying scanning signals to the other segment of a plurality of gate lines that extends across the second group of the divided source lines. The liquid crystal display further includes 3:1 demultiplexers to switch and allocate an image signal from each of the first and second source drivers to three source lines.

Abstract: A connection electrode and an island connection electrode which are coupled with each other via a drain thin line portion are serially provided at two different portions in an extension direction of a drain electrode of a TFT. The two connection and island connection electrodes are respectively connected to a pixel electrode via contact holes respectively formed in a layer insulating film. The distantly disposed connection electrode is stacked onto an auxiliary capacitance electrode via a gate insulating film in-between so as to form a storage capacitance. The island connection electrode is stacked onto an island auxiliary capacitance electrode via the gate insulating film in-between so as to form an island storage capacitance. The island auxiliary capacitance electrode is connected to the auxiliary capacitance electrode through an auxiliary capacitance electrode thin line portion.

Abstract: The invention provides an active matrix type display device which realizes an image display of multiple gray scale exhibiting high numerical aperture and high definition with a least number of wiring by having an image memory circuit equivalent to a static memory circuit without using two voltages, that is, high and low voltages. Pixels are arranged at portions where a plurality of scanning lines (selection signal lines) and a plurality of signal lines (data lines (video signal lines)) intersect each other, each pixel is comprised of a pixel electrode, a switching element which selects the pixel electrode and a memory circuit which stores data to be written in the pixel electrode, and a power supply line which applies an AC voltage to the memory circuit is provided.