Abstract: An apparatus for providing a synchronized timing signal is provided. The apparatus includes a touch-stimulus system that generates a tactile stimulus in response to a driver signal. The apparatus also includes a conversion system that receives a data signal that includes timing data, and which generates a timing signal that is synchronized with the timing data. A driver system is connected to the tactile stimulus system and the conversion system. The driver system receives the timing signal and generates the driver signal, such that the driver signal is synchronized with the timing data.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for maintaining the oscillations of a vibrating device and a vibrating device implementing this method. The vibrating device is intended to be fitted to a unit worn close to the body, such as a timepiece, including a case, a moving mass inside this case intended to transmit vibrations thereto, a coil (L) electromagnetically coupled to said moving mass in order to make it vibrate, and an excitation circuit for exciting said coil (L). According to the method disclosed, driving pulses (21, 22) of alternate polarity and determined duration (Tpulse) substantially coinciding with the extrema of the movement induced voltage (Uind, VB12) across the terminals (B1, B2) of said coil (L) are generated.

Abstract: The invention provides a safety light activated by deceleration independent of the application of a brake lever. In general, the invention described provides a self-contained circuit for sensing deceleration and activating a light emitter responsive to the deceleration. In a disclosed specific embodiment of the invention, a helmet for motorcycle riders and like applications includes a circuit including a light emitter on a rearward portion of the helmet. Deceleration-responsive switching means is coupled to the light emitter and a suitable power source.

Abstract: A device for detecting substantially sudden and significant loss of pressure in a tire, comprising:

Abstract: The arrangement for monitoring at least one parameter for a number of motor vehicle wheels uses at least one receive antenna that features a directional characteristic such that at least the signals which are transmitted by detector units located at two different vehicle wheels can be uniquely assigned to the relevant wheel positions as a result of the different receive level. The use of a number of receive antennas allows either the number of distinguishable detector units to be increased or a redundancy to be created to improve the reliability of the detection.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel mileage meter capable of displaying a value approximate to a fuel mileage obtained from actual driving only is provided. The fuel mileage meter includes a fuel mileage display and a control unit. The control unit controls display of a fuel mileage on the fuel mileage display based on a distance traveled and an amount of fuel consumed after a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling continuously variable headlamps on a controlled vehicle includes an imaging system capable of determining lateral and elevational locations of headlamps from oncoming vehicles and tail lamps from leading vehicles. The system also includes a control unit that can acquire an image from in front of the controlled vehicle. The image covers a glare area including points at which drivers of oncoming and leading vehicles would perceive the headlamps to cause excessive glare. The image is processed to determine if at least one oncoming or leading vehicle is within the glare area. If at least one vehicle is within the glare area, the headlamp illumination range is reduced. Otherwise, the illumination range is set to full illumination range.

Abstract: An alarm recovery method and device for regenerating a list of alarm state values of a device after loss of communication or other discontinuity in processing is disclosed. The method and device are implemented in a control system for the control of a process. In normal operation the device sends notification messages on a high priority basis to a computer to update the alarm state values of a list. When communication is lost and then resumed, or other discontinuity of processing occurs and is restored, the recovery procedure begins by notifying the notification manager of the start of the notification process, saving alarm condition disable states, disabling each enabled alarm condition, allowing the device to generate return-to-normal notifications, restoring the original alarm condition disable states, allowing the device to generate appropriate current active alarm notifications, and notifying the notification manager of the end of the notification process.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an environmental condition and determining the average environmental condition using an RFID tag and reader, the tag configured to have at least one module with known characteristics that are dependent on the environmental condition and to be responsive to interrogation by the reader to asses the state of the known characteristics for determining the average environmental condition.

Abstract: A device having a signal module configured to transmit a first type of signal and a second type of signal and to receive the first type of signal and the second type of signal. The device also includes a timer and a controller configured to operate the signal module and timer. The controller is operable to determine a location of the device with respect to another device based upon the time elapsed between transmission and receipt of the first type of signal and transmission and receipt of the second type of signal.

Abstract: An object locating, identifying, tracking, and surveillance system, denoted the Assets Locating, Tracking, and Surveillance System (ALTSS), is provided for managing physical objects and evidence in environments such as police departments, law offices, and the Courts. ALTSS employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, computer programming and database applications, networking technologies, and hardware elements. ALTSS may locate and track physical evidence, merchandise, information carriers like files, folders or individual pieces of paper, and people, under certain conditions, in near-real time. It may be configured as part of a local area network, a wide area network, or the Internet. ALTSS may employ exemplary components such as RFID transponders, scanners, strategically located antennas and computers to facilitate tracking of objects and people as needed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring exposure time of workers involves the use of a sensor, which is carried by the workers for monitoring continually in a real-time fashion in an environment such that the results are recorded by a recorder. The an add-on or built-in timer in the sensor or the recorder is used to monitor time, which is recorded in the recorder simultaneously, so as to obtain the real-time continuous exposure level of a hazardous material in the environment.

Abstract: An emergency alert system comprising a two-way radio system having a first radio apparatus and a second radio apparatus. The first radio apparatus has a call activation device incorporated into its circuitry. A jack with a toggle member attached thereto may be provided for insertion into a jack receptacle of the transmitting apparatus. Removal of the jack by a service dog pulling on the toggle member causes a distress signal to be sent to the second radio apparatus.

Abstract: The battery remaining amount warning circuit can issue a battery remaining amount warning after battery power is fully used, reduce current consumption, and issue a warning at appropriate timing for various types of battery. A system controller calculates DC resistance value of the battery from a difference between a current value in an operating mode before a change which is stored in the memory and a current value in an operating mode after the change which is stored in the memory and a voltage variation of the battery measured by an A/D converter, and when the calculated DC resistance value becomes greater than a predetermined value, the system controller sends a warning instruction signal to a data LCD.

Abstract: DC motor rotation speed alarm circuitry includes an input node, a connection node, a ground node, a comparison circuit and a signal generator. When the rotation speed of the DC motor changes during operation, floating voltage is generated between the driving circuit and the ground node. If the floating voltage is less than a preset voltage of the comparison circuit, the alarm signal outputted by the signal generator indicates that the DC motor is operating normally. If the floating voltage is greater than the preset voltage of the comparison circuit, the alarm signal outputted by the signal generator indicates that the DC motor is operating abnormally.

Abstract: An occupant weight detecting device includes plural load detecting device and a signal processing device. The plural load detecting device outputs a load signal in response to largeness of load applied to the seat, and the signal processing device sets an occupant load detection range. The signal processing device outputs a variable primary load detection signal based on the load signal in case of the load signal being within the occupant load detection range and a constant secondary load detection signal in case of the load signal being out of the occupant load detection range. The occupant weight detecting device further includes a control device to which the primary load detection signal or the secondary load detection signal is inputted. The control device determines that error is generated on the load detecting device when the signal processing device continues to output the secondary load detection signal during predetermined time.

Abstract: A system designed to detect and identify fixed utility objects, such as telephone pedestals, power transformers, man-holes, anchor cables, and the like, that are hidden by heavy overgrowth of vegetation. The system provides for automatic look-ahead detection of such objects during mowing and clearing operations with heavy machinery using passive radio frequency transponder technology to both detect the immediate presence of a tagged object as well as basic identification of the type of object replying to the interrogation. The operator can be signaled audibly and/or visually when a tagged object is detected. The transmitter and antennae are mounted in the cab of a mobile machine for protection from physical damage. An integrated microprocessor performs the requisite algorithms needed to process the reply form one or more RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags and generate the alert signals for the operator alerts.

Abstract: A position dependent information retrieval system is disclosed including a light source having a driver and an encoder. The driver and the encoder are coupled to the light source so that the light source produces a modulated light signal in accordance with a predetermined signature. The system also includes a receiver having a photosensitive detector capable of detecting the modulated light signal and a decoder capable of decoding the predetermined signature. A controller is communicatively coupled to the receiver, a memory and output device. The controller is arranged to receive the decoded predetermined signature, based upon the decoded predetermined signature, obtain at least one localized message in the memory, and output the localized message using the output device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with capacitive presence detection systems. The apparatus includes a sensor (10) in the form of a tape which may be adhesively affixed to an object such as a parking gate (4) arm. Additionally, spaces for use in mounting the sensors (40) are disclosed which increase the depth of field of the sensor. The tape is a sandwich having a plastic film top layer, a metallic foil middle layer, and a plastic bottom layer having an adhesive material.

Abstract: A system for monitoring medical devices, such as pharmaceuticals and prescriptions, is provided that utilizes Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) techniques is provided. The system includes an RFID tag associated with the medical device, the tag programmed with information about the device, such as data about the manufacture, distribution, and sale thereof. The system further includes a reader that interrogates the tag and updates a database regarding the condition of the tag. The information in the tag can be revised by the reader or by an associated detector as the condition of the medical device changes, such as its location, sale, use, shelf life, and disposal. The system can also be configured to enable financial transactions, such as between an insurer and a provider or between a financial institution and a medical facility.

Abstract: An imaging system includes one or more pairs of transmitter conductors and one or more pairs of receiver conductors. One or more input electrical signals are applied to the transmitter electrical signals and coupled to a body to be imaged. One or more output signals are received by the receiver conductor pairs. The one or more output signals are analyzed to generate an image of the body based on the effect of the body on the one or more applied input electrical signals as evidenced in the received one or more output signals.

Abstract: This application describes an information and resource management system for collecting data from diverse sources and organizing multiple types of data and information to facilitate dynamic multi-dimensional displays that will enhance cognition and situational awareness for diverse user communities. This system may facilitate collaborative cross-agency research and response to public health and safety issues. The system will generate more rapid awareness of potentially critical situations and promote greater awareness of the cost and benefits of alternative courses of action across diverse agencies and organizations serving common populations and communities. The invention includes customized geographically enabled data collection tools and techniques, dedicated databases and parsing schemes that feed into customized data visualization and simulation engines that drive the display of context sensitive interactive environments on a wide variety of computing platforms.

Abstract: An attachment for a traffic signal having a housing for fitting over one of the normal lights, herein the green light, of the signal and overriding the normal sequence in response to preemptive emergency signals, and a electro-optically responsive data display panel on the housing to provide clear and direct instructional messages to motorists as to the appropriate actions to be taken. A first embodiment overrides the normal green light with a reflective electro-optically responsive panel overlying the normal green light to become opaque in response to the emergency signals, with a red light source outside the panel that is activated to produce red reflected light. A second embodiment replaces the normal green (or alternatively yellow or red) signal with a panel of light-emitting elements (LEDs) that have one group capable of providing the normal green signals and a second group that are capable of providing graphic instructions in response to emergency signals.

Abstract: An emergency traffic signal device comprising a plurality of elongated display units that are affixed to the traffic signal around the three traffic lights thereon and comprise arrays of LEDs capable of displaying graphic directional instructions in the form of moving chevrons or arrows that indicate the need to move laterally to the side of the road in response to preemptive signals detected by a controller. The display units are mounted on channel-shaped bodies to be retrofitted to the signal, or are installed as original equipment on new signals, preferably in a continuous band around the traffic lights. Alternatively, message display panels, also responsive to the controller, are applied to one or both of the upper and lower sides of the traffic signal, and additional arrays of LEDs are provided in the positions of two of the traffic lights to emit standard color lights during normal operation and to display graphic directional symbols in response to emergency signals.

Abstract: In a method for providing road users with information about a route section which is traveled along by a motor vehicle before a dangerous situation, the position and the duration of travel of the motor vehicle are repeatedly sensed along the route section using a sensor system in the motor vehicle. The measured values of the sensor system are stored as route points if the angular difference, weighted with the distance traveled along since the route point last stored, between the current direction of travel and the direction of travel at the route point last stored exceeds a predefined threshold value. A route point is stored when a warning function in the motor vehicle is activated in the dangerous situation, and the position of at least one route point and the current position of the motor vehicle are passed on in a warning message to the road users in a limited surrounding area. These measures inform the road users quickly and comprehensively about dangerous situations in the road traffic.

Abstract: When an array of proximity sensors is used as a keyboard, it can provide an ambiguous output if a user's finger overlaps several keys or if liquid is spilled on the keyboard. This ambiguity is reduced by an iterative method that repeatedly measures a detected signal strength associated with each key, compares all the measured signal strengths to find a maximum, determines that the key having the maximum signal strength is the unique user-selected key and then suppresses or ignores signals from all other keys as long as the signal from the selected key remains above some nominal threshold value.

Abstract: A method of lossless data compression is provided which uses a grammar transform to sequentially construct a sequence of greedy context-dependent grammars from which an original data sequence can be recovered incrementally. The data sequence is encoded using any one of a sequential context-dependent method, an improved sequential context-dependent method, and a hierarchical context-dependent method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for compression of binary data. In one embodiment of the present invention, a modulated signal is compressed. In one embodiment, data is transmitted using an FM signal that is compressed without increasing the maximum frequency. In one embodiment, transition bits have a bit period no smaller than the smallest bit period possible without increasing the maximum frequency. However, non-transition bits have a bit period smaller than that of the transitioning bits. In one embodiment, a header sequence known to the receiving system is transmitted and used to synchronize the receiving system. In one embodiment, the header sequence contains a series of transition bits to assist in synchronization. In yet another embodiment, the header contains a non-transition bit to determine the non-transition bit period. In another embodiment, binary data is compressed before being stored in a storage device.

Abstract: Method and device for converting an analog input signal into a digital output signal by means of an analog-to-digital converter, comprising by the steps of:

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with high linearity includes a switched capacitor amplifier removably coupled to a capacitor array. The result of the conversion by the capacitor array is sampled by the switched capacitor amplifier directly from the capacitor in the most significant cell in the array. The switched capacitor amplifier includes a memory capacitor and a feedback capacitor. The memory capacitor provides the initial output voltage corresponding to the result of the conversion when coupled to the capacitor array and stores the output voltage while the feedback capacitor is reset.

Abstract: An A-to-D converter system having programmed reference signal levels using only supply signal provided by a power supply is disclosed. The converter system includes a comparator configured to provide comparison of an analog input signal with an adjustable reference level. The converter system also includes a logic circuit and an adjustable capacitor.

Abstract: An interleaving A/D conversion type waveform digitizer module comprising a means for eliminating spurious components resulting from phase errors according to N A/D converters, wherein the digitizer samples signals continually with a predetermined timing corresponding to a interleaving configuration of the A/D converters, receives signals outputted by a tested device to be tested, converts the signals into digital signals, performs Fourier-transform of the digital signals and performs interleaving.

Abstract: A circuit includes an input terminal coupled to receive an analog input signal, a multiple number of sample-and-hold circuits and a multiple number of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters. The input terminal of each of the sample-and-hold circuits is coupled to receive the analog input signal. Each of the A/D converters has an input terminal and an output terminal, where the input terminal is coupled to an output terminal of a corresponding one of the sample-and-hold circuits. In operation, the sample-and-hold circuits sample the analog input signal sequentially and store a multiple number of analog samples at each of the sample-and-hold circuits. The A/D converters convert the analog samples in parallel to generate digital values at the output terminals of each of the A/D converters representative of each of the analog samples. In one embodiment, the A/D converters are implemented based on a multi-channel bit-serial (MCBS) analog-to-digital conversion scheme.

Abstract: Correlating observations of objects in the sky to determine an orbit includes identifying an initially identified object, determining if the initially identified object will be identifiable again, and identifying a subsequently identified object. A determination is then made by comparing characteristics of the initially identified object with the subsequently identified object. If the object correlate to one another a path or orbit of the object can be determined using the characteristics of the initially identified object and the subsequently identified object.

Abstract: A hybrid position determination system is disclosed. A mobile device may determine a number of pseudo ranges based on a first position determination system, such as a Global Positioning System. In instances where the position of the mobile device is underdetermined because of an insufficient number of satellite pseudo ranges, the mobile device shares position information with other devices. The other devices may include other mobile devices. A first mobile device may determine its position based on an underdetermined number of satellite pseudo ranges by determining pseudo ranges to other mobile devices. In other embodiments, the number of satellite pseudo ranges may be insufficient to generate an absolute position determination of a single mobile device. In this underdetermined condition, mobile devices may determine a common location of the group or may determine a relative positioning of members of the group.

Abstract: System and method to determine the location of a receiver in a multipath environment are provided. The received signal is correlated with the reference signals associated with the transmitting sources. Each correlation function is processed to derive various types of signal constraints, such as probability densities and uncertainty regions or intervals. In some embodiments, these constraints are for the code-phases and the Doppler frequencies. These signal constraints are transformed into constraints on the receiver variables and then fused together into a unified receiver constraint. A-priori constraints, such as constraints on the location of the receiver or the timestamp, may be incorporated into the unified receiver constraint. Some embodiments estimate a location based also on the estimated Doppler frequency. The constraints used by the invention are based on models of multipath effects and are geared towards mitigating these effects.

Abstract: A beam steering, frequency agile antenna having low insertion loss, fast tuning speed, high power-handling capability, high IP3 and low cost in the microwave frequency range. The beam steering, frequency agile antenna comprising an array of antenna elements, said antenna array elements loaded with tunable dieletric capacitors in order to tune their frequency response; and an electronic phase shifter controlling said array of antenna elements in order to spatially scan the main radiation beam, said tunable dielectric capacitor comprising a substrate having a low dielectric constant with planar surfaces, a tunable dielectric film on said substrate of low loss tunable dielectric material, metallic electrodes with predetermined length, width, and gap distance; and low loss isolation material used to isolate an outer bias metallic contact and a metallic electrode on said tunable dielectric.

Abstract: In a surface-mount type antenna, a substantially-rectangular solid base body has a feeding terminal and a ground terminal formed on its one side surface. A radiating electrode has its one end connected to the ground terminal and is disposed helically across the surfaces of base body extending from one side surface to one principal surface. Another end of radiating electrode extends from one principal surface, through another side surface, toward another principal surface, to form a wide-area portion facing the feeding terminal. An antenna apparatus is constructed by mounting the surface-mount type antenna on a mounting substrate having formed thereon a feeding electrode, a ground electrode, and a ground conductor layer, and simultaneously connecting the feeding terminal and the ground terminal to the feeding electrode and the ground electrode, respectively.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for wireless communications includes substrate, at least one integrated antenna formed in or on the substrate, and a heat sink. At least one dielectric propagating layer is disposed between the integrated antenna and the heat sink which provides a thermal conductivity of at least 35 W/m·K and resistivity greater than 100 Ohm-cm at 25 C. The invention can be used to establish an on-chip or inter-chip wireless link over at least a 2.2 cm distance.

Abstract: A planar antenna has a radiating element and a ground plate. A body of a vehicle has an internal edge that is formed by making a hole in the body. The planar antenna is located in the hole so that an imaginary plane of the internal edge is located between the radiating element and the ground plate. In such a structure, electric lines of force perpendicularly pass through the body beside the planar antenna. As a result, electric fields are maintained in the vertical direction even if the planar antenna is mounted on the vehicle. This maintains a horizontal directivity of the planar antenna.

Abstract: A power feeding point and a grounded point are located in the vicinity of a peripheral portion of a glass sheet for a window; the primary antenna conductor extends in a counterclockwise direction, beginning at the power feeding point, so that the glass sheet has a substantial center located inside the primary antenna conductor; two portions of the primary antenna conductor are connected by a loop-forming conductor to form a loop conductor by the primary antenna conductor and the loop-forming conductor; and the grounding conductor is located near to and capacitively coupled with the primary antenna conductor and the loop-forming conductor.

Abstract: A spatial filtering surface includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of spaced, geometrically configured, resonant elements positioned on the dielectric substrate. The resonant elements form concentric rings that each attenuate any electromagnetic radiation passing therethrough a different amount wherein a spatial filter transform is imparted for tapering the magnitude and phase of a produced aperture field.

Abstract: A slot 2 is defined by notching a conductor plate 1, a first radiation conductor 3 and a second radiation conductor 4 are disposed by sandwiching the slot 2 as a boundary, a third radiation conductor 5 connected to either of the first radiation conductor 3 or the second radiation conductor 4 is provided in the slot 2, if necessary, on and after third radiation conductors, for example, a fourth and fifth radiation conductors connected to either of the first radiation conductor 3 or the second radiation conductor 4 are provided, a power is supplied in the slot by the use of conductor edges of at least two radiation conductors, if required, whereby two monopole antennas and slot antennas, which use respective electric currents on the first radiation conductor 3 and the second radiation conductor 4, are electrically formed, besides, antennas other than that described above are electrically formed by utilizing electric currents over on and after the third radiation conductors.

Abstract: An antenna system includes a ground plane and/or antenna elements forming an antenna array. A spatial filtering surface is positioned adjacent the antenna array through which electromagnetic radiation to or from the antenna array passes. The spatial filtering surface includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of spaced, geometric configured, resonant elements printed on the dielectric substrate and configured and spaced from each other to have a resonant frequency to filter an electromagnetic field at a selected frequency with respect to an angle of incidence to the dielectric substrate. A dielectric filler is positioned between, above and below each resonant element printed on the dielectric substrate. A spatial filter taper transform is imparted when electromagnetic radiation passes therethrough. A standing wave is created between the ground plane and spatial filtering surface.

Abstract: A method and system for shaped beam and multiple frequency use having a shaped main reflector, two feeds having separate and distinct frequency bands, a first shaped sub-reflector having a frequency selective surface and a second shaped sub-reflector. The first shaped sub-reflector has the electrical property of reflecting one frequency band and passing another. A second desired frequency band from the second feed passes through the tuned FSS surface of the first sub-reflector and reflects off the second sub-reflector towards the main reflector.

Abstract: A spatial filtering surface includes a dielectric substrate and a plurality of spaced, resonant dipole elements positioned on the dielectric substrate. Each dipole element has dipole ends and an associated diode for controlling amplitude taper and a reflection phase of an electromagnetic field at a selected frequency with respect to an angle of incidence to the dielectric substrate. Bias lines interconnect the dipole elements for conducting a bias current to a dipole element.

Abstract: An antenna is provided that includes a mast, a first dipole, and a second dipole. The first dipole crosses with the second dipole, and the first dipole and the second dipole form a first antenna assembly that is coupled to the mast. A hybrid power divider is coupled to the first antenna assembly, and an internal feed system, positioned within the mast, is coupled to the hybrid power divider. The antenna may include a rigid coaxial internal and external feed system.

Abstract: A variable type antenna matching circuit includes an antenna, shape change detecting section, transmission/reception radio section, and variable type antenna matching section. The shape change detecting section detects a change in the shape of the housing of a portable terminal. The transmission/reception radio section transmits and receives signals. The variable type antenna matching section changes the input impedance between the antenna and the transmission/reception radio section in accordance with an output signal from the shape change detecting section.

Abstract: An energy feed structure includes a first tube having an open end and a closed end, a second tube to pierce the closed end, and a solid dielectric material to cover the open end. An apparatus comprises a resonant element located in a first plane, a ground plane located in a second plane (typically spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the first plane), and an energy feed structure. A system comprises an apparatus, including a resonant element, a ground plane, and an energy feed structure, as well as a radio frequency connector having a center conductor electrically coupled to the feed structure. A method includes forming a ground plane, forming a planar resonant element, and forming an energy feed structure capable of passing through the ground plane and being capacitively coupled to the resonant element.

Abstract: Single and dual frequency band spatial null steering antenna arrays are disclosed, comprised of primary resonant quadrifilar helix antennas and auxiliary resonant patch antennas, which comprise stacked patches in the dual-band embodiments. Several feed networks are described for producing, preferably, circularly polarized radiation in satellite frequency bands (e.g., L1 and L2) with pattern nulls steerable to desired elevation angles. Various top and bottom-fed quadrifilar helix antennas configurations are also described.