Abstract: A user of a computer aided design (CAD) system graphically places fire alarm appliances, such as smoke detectors and sirens, in a drawing area. After elements are placed and physical paths are determined, a series of electrical circuit connections between alarm source elements and alarm appliance elements are determined. Labels for alarm system device are automatically generated and automatically resequenced. Riser details may be generated in multiple formats. The system also allows standard CAD drawings to be imported into the alarm CAD system. This feature includes a gravitate command which automatically connects unconnected wire paths to the nearest alarm appliance. Circuit requirements can be listed with either a base unit, an appliance, or both. When both the base unit and the corresponding appliance have circuit requirements listed, the circuits are combined into a single listing.

Abstract: An antitheft system with signals transmitted by mobile phone network comprising a CPU, a video signal converter, a plurality numbers of video cameras, an audio signal converter, an audio/video compression/decompression circuitry, a hard disk drive, a mobile phone interface and an I/O interface. The captured audio and video signals can be transmitted to the carrying mobile phone of the house owners on remote site with another mobile phone wirelessly.

Abstract: This invention includes a tamper-proof security system to assure the use of, control of and access to the controls of technological systems is, at all times and on a continuous basis, limited exclusively to authorized personnel. This security system includes applications to technological equipment available to, responding to, requiring or involving human participation for their operation and control such as weapons, power plants, machines, communication systems, computer systems, pipeline controls, control centers and transportation equipment including ships, trains, aircraft, trucks and cars. This tamper-proof security system can also be used to limit to authorized persons only, the physical entry into and continued access to restricted areas as well as continuing access to information, data processing, storage and communications systems. In addition, this security system can be used to provide tamper-proof security where the authorized personnel are known or selected from a known group.

Abstract: A system includes a network device, and a locator for determining location of the network device. The network device includes a network interface for communication with the locator, and a motion sensor and controller for detecting motion of the network device. The controller sends a location request to the locator when motion of the network device has been detected.

Abstract: A house intercom security system includes a main unit connected between the exchange line of a telecommunication office and a telephone set, an indoor intercom and an outdoor intercom respectively connected to the main unit, and an alarm connected to the main unit. The main unit is driven to dial a pre-set telephone number when a visitor presses on the outdoor intercom, as the host of the house in which the house intercom security system is installed is absent. The indoor intercom is driven to trigger the alarm and to dial a pre-set telephone number for help when the user presses on an alarm button of the indoor intercom.

Abstract: A mail collection point-of-use for and method of preventing detected hazardous materials within a mail collection point-of-use from contaminating components of subsequent mail delivery system processes. The mail collection point-of-use comprises a mail drop unit having an opening for receiving customer-deposited mail, a mail receptacle for accumulating received mail, an enclosure coupled to the mail drop unit and containing the mail receptacle and having a door that seals an opening large enough to permit removal of the mail receptacle, a detector inside the enclosure, which generates a detection signal upon detection of airborne hazardous material, and an indicator outside the enclosure for indicating the detection of hazardous material. By indicating the detection of hazardous materials within the mail collection point-of-use before removing the mail receptacle and its contaminated mail, the further spread of the hazardous materials in a mail delivery system may be prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for surveillance of a physical environment. May utilise already installed equipment, such as WLAN for surveillance purposes. This makes the system cost effective to implement. Transmits a first and a second signal. The signals are received by receivers, and the received signals are compared in order to detect a difference in the signals, the difference being caused by a physical change present in the signal path between transmitter(s) and receiver(s). Does not require high spectral purity of the transmitted signals or heavy computations in order to establish that a change has occurred. Suitable for intruder alarm purposes.

Abstract: A wake-up circuit and associated method for use in an alarm system hidden in a currency resembling security pack. The alarm system includes an alarm device and an electronic alarm activation circuit that actuates the alarm device upon receipt of an alarm actuation signal. The wake up circuit includes a flexure sensor used to detect flexure of the security pack and upon sensing such flexure to switch the electronic alarm activation circuit from a first, dormant state to a second, active state.

Abstract: The new method for producing a deactivatable tag comprises first short circuiting the two opposite conductive layers at a predetermined place by using a heated tool applied on one of said layers, thereby permanently deforming such layer to produce a short, checking the quality of the short, if the quality of the short is satisfactory than connecting the two conductive layers with a crimp to obtain the desired frequency and finally removing the short by electrically or mechanically removing the short circuit to thereby bring the tag in the desired form ready for use and deactivation.

Abstract: The invention refers to a solution of the problem that during a longer time prevail upon alcoholics or other drug abusers to refrain from alcohol or other drug. Methods and devices to prevent that a person utilises a drug comprises that a punishing unit is fixed to the person in such a way that the punishing unit not without difficulty can be removed, that a sensing or test unit which according to predetermined criteria detects the existence of drug use by the person is provided outside the body of a person, and that the sensing or test unit is arranged to communicate with the punishing unit and control it. The punishing unit can comprise means for brining out negative reactions in the person, for example in the form of an electric stimulator.

Abstract: An article identification system relies upon correlating or “bonding” a detecting object with an identifying object on an auto-identification basis. Identification data is provided on an automated, high-reliability basis, without human control over the precise identification data that is transferred. On this basis a nursery infant-parent identifier system is provided whereby, when a detecting baby bracelet is brought into the presence of an identifying parent's tag, a reliable indication is provided as to whether the bracelet and tag have been previously bonded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of radio controlled devices that are compromised of a “pager style” receiver unit and a transmitter bracelet. Bracelets are intended to accommodate parents in the safety of their children in crowded malls, sporting events and other public settings.

Abstract: A monitoring and alert system including a remote central monitoring station which is typically located in the user's home, and a wrist device worn by the person to be monitored. The wrist device and the remote central monitoring system interface over a communication link. Upon the occurrence of predefined conditions namely, the person wearing the wrist device straying from pre-determined geographical boundaries, the remote central monitoring station is operative to transmit a signal in the home so that the concerned person in the home can take necessary action. The wrist device includes a distance display means, a direction locator means, a paging button means, a digital watch display means, an indicator means, and a signal means. The remote central monitoring station includes a distance display means, a set distance means, a paging button means, a digital watch display means, an indicator means, and a signal means.

Abstract: An awakening level estimation apparatus for vehicle has: a signal processing part; a frequency component amount calculation part for calculating an average value of the frequency component powers and calculating a maximum value of the frequency component powers; a correction factor calculation part for calculating a high frequency percentile value and calculating a low frequency percentile value and calculating a correction factor; an evaluation value calculation part for calculating an evaluation value; and a decision part for deciding an awakening level of a driver.

Abstract: A method of detecting a dry/wet state of a thermistor bead comprises the steps of: conducting current through the thermistor bead selectively between first and second current levels; measuring a difference in voltage across the thermistor bead in response to the first and second current levels; and detecting the dry/wet state of the thermistor bead based on the measured difference in voltage. In one embodiment, the first and second current levels conducted through the thermistor bead are both less than thirty milliamps. Apparatus for embodying this detection method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for detecting and controlling the concentration of a flammable gas in an enclosed space. The method includes providing a source of flammable gas to an enclosed space, wherein the enclosed space includes a device which consumes or stores the flammable gas, and wherein the enclosed space further includes unclassified electrical equipment and an electrical power supply to the unclassified electrical equipment. The atmosphere in the enclosed space is analyzed to determine the concentration of the flammable gas therein and this concentration is compared to a first reference concentration and a second reference concentration that is less than the first reference concentration. When the concentration of the flammable gas in the enclosed space is between the first and second reference concentrations, the source of flammable gas to the enclosed space is terminated and the enclosed space is ventilated.

Abstract: A multiple sensor, vehicle seat occupant status determination system uses dynamic variations in occupant responsive sensor output due to accelerations of the vehicle seat to discriminate via a statistical method between sensors that are failed and those that are operating correctly and eliminates the contribution of signals detected as not valid from the status determination. If and only if the maximum and minimum sampled signal values of at least one of the received signals span upper and lower control reference values derived from the sampled signal values, a variance value for each of the signals is derived; and one or both of the greatest two or the smallest two variance values are checked against a relative size factor to detect an outlier signal value. If an outlier signal value is detected more than a predetermined number of consecutive times, the status classification is performed without signal values from the outlier sensor.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for reconfiguring an ID code associated with a receiver to enable a receiver to respond to data packets tagged with the ID code sent from a desired transmitter. A preferred embodiment includes a transmitter, selectively responsive to an enable command, for broadcasting a data packet at a first power level when the enable command is asserted, the data packet including an ID code, the transmitter broadcasting an ID configuration command having a configuration ID code at a second power level less than the first power level when the enable signal is deasserted. The preferred embodiment of a method for operating a transmitter includes the steps of broadcasting a data packet at a first power level when an enable signal is asserted, the data packet including an ID code; and broadcasting an ID configuration command at a second power level less than the first power level when the enable signal is deasserted, the ID configuration command including a new ID code.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for communicating over electrical wiring in a house or other building. Components are grouped and each group is assigned a group identifier code. Components communicates only with components of the same group, using the group identifier code. Each message includes the group identifier code, message data, and a message authentication code (MAC) that is calculated for each message. A receiving component disregards any message whose group identifier code is not the same as that of the receiving component. MACs are calculated using a shared key value and a one-way hash function. The shared key value, in turn, is taken from an ordered sequence of key values that is defined for each component group based on a counter value. To change to a new key value, one component of the group simply starts using the new key value. When a receiving component receives a message that does not authenticate using the current key value, it tries the next key value in the sequence.

Abstract: A handheld remote control unit transmits binary coded rf address and control signals to an addressable transceiver where those signals are detected, decoded and processed to derive binary coded control signals that are coded in accordance with the brands or manufacturers of the audiovisual components that are to be controlled along with the function that is to be thus controlled for the addressed components.

Abstract: A method for remote sensing includes receiving, at a first module of an array of modules, incident electromagnetic energy from an external source. The incident electromagnetic energy is converted to a source of power for the first module. A value is measured, at the first module, of at least one environmental parameter adjacent the first module. A signal is encoded with the value of the at least one environmental parameter. The signal is transmitted to a central processing subsystem independently of transmissions from other ones of the array of modules.

Abstract: A method of delivering location dependent severe weather information is disclosed. A mobile unit receives broadcast severe weather information and a location signal indicative of a current location of the mobile unit. In response, location specific severe weather information is determined and an indication of the location specific severe weather information is provided.

Abstract: A distance measuring and display system for use on a vehicle having a mirror assembly thereon comprises at least one front distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, at least one rear distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle to the rear of the vehicle, and a display coupled to the front distance measuring sensor and to the rear distance measuring sensor for displaying a distance and an indication of whether it is a front distance or a rear distance.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring system comprises at least one sensor station (2) and an interferometric interrogation system (9); wherein the at least one sensor station (2) comprises at least one optical fibre sensor (5) deployed in a highway (1); and wherein the interferometric interrogation system (9) is adapted to respond to optical phase shift produced in the respond to an optical phase shift produced in the at least one optical fibre sensor.

Abstract: A system for detection of foreign objects on airport travel surfaces including a plurality of foreign object detector modules mounted on a corresponding plurality of existing aircraft travel surface lighting supports, the plurality of foreign object detector modules providing a corresponding plurality of detection outputs and a high speed detection output analyzer operative to receive at least one of the plurality of detection outputs and to provide a high speed output indication of foreign object presence.

Abstract: A map image display device is configured and arranged to improve operability by enabling a map image of a location distant from a currently displayed map image to be appropriately displayed with a simple operation. The map image display device displays names that are subject to a user's input command superimposed on a map image, and, if one of the displayed names is specified, switches the map image to be displayed to a map image in the vicinity of the specified name. At this time, the map image display device selects as the name to be superimposed on the map image at least one distant map name that is not included in the map image to be displayed, and displays that selected distant map name superimposed in the map image peripheral part corresponding to the bearing from the center of the map image to be displayed.

Abstract: A data input system and a data input method are provided and applied to an electronic product. The data input system serves as an input device for an electronic product, whereby a user can use a plurality of keys to input data or commands including numerals, symbols, English letters and/or Chinese characters to the electronic product, so as to properly operate the electronic product and to execute desirable functions. With different parts of each key being designated with different functions in a manner as to achieve satisfactory performance and functionality through the use of a small number of keys, the electronic product with the data input system can thereby be desirably fabricated with reduced size and costs.

Abstract: The invention is related a keystroke structure (3) for an electronic device which includes a shell (2) defining an opening (22). The keystroke structure comprises a cap (32) made of hard plastics such as ABS resin, a flange (34) fixed to a bottom of a periphery of the cap, wherein the flange is made of a material, such as rubber which is more elastic than that for forming the cap. The cap has a portion extending upward through the opening. A rod (42) extends downwardly from a bottom of the cap. A switch assembly (4) consisting of four first switches (44) for cursor direction control and a second switch (46) for “enter” control. The first switches are activated by the rod when the cap is titled, and the second switch is activated by the rod when the cap is vertically depressed. When the cap is titled to activate one of the first switches, the flange engage with a bottom face of the shell.

Abstract: A keyboard control apparatus with a USB interface for use in a notebook computer having a number of keys. In one embodiment, a mapping unit is employed to store a number of key matrix codes corresponding to the keys. In accordance with a clock signal and a start signal, a shift register is capable of generating a reference signal and a number of scan output signals. A key matrix circuit then receives the scan output signals to provide a number of scan input signals. An address generator is used to generate an address signal based on the reference signal and a triggered scan input signal. Thus, a selector can select one key matrix code designated to the address signal from the mapping unit. Additionally, an interface converter further converts the selected key matrix code into a pair of differential signals compliant with the USB specification.

Abstract: A table-driven, integer-based method for approximating down sampling of wave data is disclosed. This method provides an efficient approximation of the desired down sampled wave data without a significant impact to overall system performance. Integer calculations are exploited by: (1) multiplying all values of ti by a large enough value to include all significant portions of the decimal value; (2) making all values of &Dgr;t integer values; and (3) using integer arithmetic for most calculations of &Dgr;t and ti. The following static integer tables assist in the final calculations: (1) T[ ], where each element contains the value of ti divided by &Dgr;t and multiplied by a large enough value, M, to place all significant decimal values to the left of the decimal; and (2) D[ ], where each element contains the number of samples of San to drop before arriving at a useable San and San+1 pair.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing audio transfer resolution including a digitally controlled analog gain control element receiving an incoming analog input, an analog to digital converter receiving an adjusted analog signal from the analog gain control element, a digital level measurement element receiving a digital signal from the analog to digital converter; and a processor receiving a level measurement control signal from the digital level measurement wherein the processor supplies a gain control signal to the analog gain control element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of automatic identification an external audio input/output device. The external device connected to an audio jack is identified as an audio output or input device, according to the impedance thereof. Furthermore, the present invention automatically selects the most suitable internal circuit to connect to the external device.

Abstract: A digital to analog converter with increased dynamic range and improved linearity and method therefore includes an input 109 coupled to a digital word; a circuit, such as a typical digital to analog converter 103, 603, operable to convert the digital word to an analog signal 411, 611, such as an analog current 413, 613, that is proportional to the digital word in a discrete continuous fashion; and an output 106, 606 to couple the analog signal to a load 115, wherein the load is coupled to a bias voltage 407, 607 that increases the dynamic range or decrease the distortion of the analog signal.

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: An analog to digital converter includes a first amplifier array connected to taps from a reference ladder, a second amplifier array, wherein each amplifier in the first amplifier array is connected to only two amplifiers of the second amplifier array, a third amplifier array, wherein each amplifier in the second amplifier array is connected to only two amplifiers of the third amplifier array, and an encoder connected to outputs of the third amplifier array that converts the outputs to an N-bit digital signal.

Abstract: An Advanced Digital Antenna Module (ADAM) for receiving and exciting electromagnetic signals. The ADAM ASIC integrates a complete receiver/exciter function on a monolithic SiGe device, enabling direct digital-to-RF (Radio Frequency) and RF-to-digital transformations. The invention includes an improved analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (10) with a novel active offset method for comparators. The novel ADC architecture (10) includes a first circuit (12, 14) for receiving an input signal; a second circuit (18) for setting a predetermined number of thresholds using a predetermined number of preamplifiers (60) with weighted unit current sources (66) in each of the preamplifier outputs; and a third circuit (20) for comparing the input to the thresholds. In the preferred embodiment, the ADC (10) includes trimmable current sources (66). The ADC (10) of the present invention also includes an improved comparator circuit (62).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a layout method of a comparator array of a flash type analog to digital converting circuit. The flash type analog to digital converting circuit includes a reference voltage for generating 2n voltages and being arranged to be folded; a comparator array including (2n−1) comparators for comparing voltage differences between the respective 2n number of voltages and an analog input signal to generate a digital signal having (2n−1) thermometer codes; and an encoder for encoding the digital signal having (2n−1) thermometer codes to generate an n-bit digital signal.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter including analog-to-digital converting units connected in serial. The current comparator includes a current input terminal to receive a sampling current, a reference current input terminal to receive a reference current and a bit output terminal for outputting a bit signal. The current operation circuit includes a current output terminal for outputting a compared current according to the sampling current and the reference current. The operation controlling terminal selects the compared current according to the bit signal. The controlling terminal receives a clock signal to latch the bit signal. The analog-to-digital converting units output the bit signals in sequence in a period of the clock signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a miniature omni-directional corner reflector (MOCR) and an array thereof. In one aspect, the invention comprises the application of MOCRs in an amorphous configuration to produce a reflective coating. The geometry, matter, and size dictate the principle behavior of the MOCR to reflect incident electromagnetic radiation back toward the source of illumination. The omni-directionality topology, miniature size, and powder form of individual MOCRs eliminates the need for a particular orientation of individual MOCRs when applied as a reflective coating or layer to a desired object or structure.

Abstract: A millimeter wave imaging system that includes at least one millimeter wave frequency scanning antenna for collecting frequency dependent beams of millimeter wave radiation from a narrow one-dimensional field of view. The collected radiation is amplified at the collected frequencies and the amplified signals are separated into frequency dependent bins with a tapped-delay beam-former. These bins are then sampled to produce a one-dimensional image of the antenna field of view. A two dimensional image of a target may be obtained by moving the target across the field of view of the scanning antenna. In a preferred embodiment the antenna is only 4.5 inches in length and constructed from WR-10 waveguide with inclined slots cut in one of the narrow walls at 79 mil spacings. This geometry creates a frequency-scanned antenna spanning a 20 degree vertical field of view over a 75.5-93.5 GHz operational band of the sensor, starting at approximately 1 degree below horizontal at 93.

Abstract: A radar device mounted to a vehicle includes a camera for obtaining images including the road surface in front of or behind the vehicle on which it is mounted, a sensor having for obtaining at least positional information on a target object of detection such as another vehicle in front or behind and a control unit for correcting the direction of the center axis of the sensor based on the image obtained by the camera. The control unit detects a line segment along a lane in which the vehicle is traveling, detects a vector indicative of the direction on a road-fixed coordinate system of the obtained line segment, and controls correction of horizontal and vertical directions of the center axis of the sensor so as to coincide with the direction of the detected vector.

Abstract: Stableness in detecting the distance to a preceding vehicle by calculating the distance to the preceding vehicle using reflected waves of a radar beam scanned at a scanning angle that is adjusted based on lane markers extracted from a road image obtained by a camera.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for determining a rotation angle or distance by evaluating a multitude of phase measurement values. By means of a linear transformation A, the phase values measured in an N-dimensional space are projected into N-1 new signals Si. These signals Si are transformed by a quantizing device into corresponding integer values Wi and converted into N real values Zi by means of a linear projection C. These values have weighted phase measurement values &agr;i added to them in modulo 2&pgr; fashion, which yields N estimates for the angle &phgr; to be measured. The N estimates are corrected if needed at their skip points and are added up in a weighted fashion, taking into account their phase angle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to utilizing monitoring devices (200) for determining the effectiveness of various locations, such as media display locations (150) for an intended purpose (media display exposure). The monitoring devices (200) are distributed to a number of study respondents. The monitoring devices (200) track the movements of the respondents. While various technologies may be used to track the movements of the respondents, at least some of the location tracking of the monitoring device (200) utilize a satellite (105) location system such as the global positioning system (“GPS”). These movements of the respondent and monitoring device (200) at some point coincide with exposure to a number of media displays (150). Geo data (movement data) collected by the monitoring devices, is downloaded to a download server (300), for determining which media displays (150) the respondent was exposed to. The exposure determinations are made by a post-processing server (400).

Abstract: A steerable antenna array (10) includes a plurality of antenna elements (12a-12f) which receive broad band signals and narrow band interfering signals which together form antenna signals. The antenna signals are combined with weighting signals by combining functions (16a-16f) to form a combined signal, which is filtered by a filter function (30) to filter the narrow band signals. The filtered signals are sent to a weight processor (50) which also receives the antenna signals as an input. The processor (50) generates the weighting signals so that interference from the narrow band signals is reduced.

Abstract: Methods, circuits and mobile terminals determine the position of the mobile terminal. The position of the mobile terminal is estimated based on range estimates derived from digital television signals received at the mobile terminal from at least one digital television transmitter and based on range estimates derived from signals received at the mobile terminal from at least one other type of transmitter. For example, the other type of transmitter may be a GPS satellite or a base station of a mobile telecommunications network. Accordingly, by combining ranging signals from multiple sources, flexibility in acquiring enough signals to estimate a position of the mobile terminal may be increased and the estimation of the position may not require the use of weak digital television signals.

Abstract: A microstrip antenna has a single dielectric layer with a conductive ground plane disposed on one side, and an array of spaced apart radiating patches disposed on the other side of the dielectric layer. The radiating patches are interconnected with a feed terminal via stripline elements. Responsive to electromagnetic energy, a high-order standing wave is induced in the antenna and a directed beam is transmitted from and/or received into the antenna. A dual-mode embodiment is configured such that standing wave nodes occur at the intersection of orthogonally situated striplines to minimize cross-polarization levels of the signals and the cross-talk between the two modes of operation.

Abstract: A MEMS planar antenna array is provided comprising a planar field of MEMSs. A lattice of parasitic elements can be formed by selectively connecting at least one MEMS in the field. An antenna active element is formed by selectively connecting MEMS in the field. Alternately, both the parasitic elements and the active elements are formed by connecting MEMS. The parasitic elements have a number, shape, length, distance from the active element, and position with respect to the active element that are formed in response to selectively connecting MEMS in the field. Further, a plurality of different parasitic element lattices can be formed in response to selectively connecting MEMS in the field. Likewise, the active element has a length, shape, and position that is formed in response to selectively connecting MEMS. Patch, monopole, and dipole antennas are among the antenna types that can be formed from the MEMS.

Abstract: A multiple frequency band antenna is disclosed involving a first resonant portion tuned to a low frequency band; a second resonant portion tuned to a first high frequency band at frequencies higher than the low frequency band; a third resonant portion tuned to a second high frequency band at frequencies higher than the low frequency band and substantially different from the first high frequency band; and a first conductor portion forming part of the first resonant portion and the second resonant portion, the first conductor portion having a grounding point, a feeding point for providing an input signal to at least one of the first resonant portion and the second resonant portion and for receiving an output signal from at least one of the first resonant portion and the second resonant portion, and a second conductor portion electrically connected to the feeding point wherein the third resonant portion is electrically connected to the second conductor portion.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus is constituted by first, second, third, and fourth wire antenna elements and a connection element. The sum of the lengths of the first, second, and fourth wire antenna elements is ¼ the wavelength corresponding to a series-resonance frequency of the first, second, and fourth wire antenna elements. The sum of the lengths of the second, third, and fourth wire antenna elements is ½ the wavelength corresponding to a parallel-resonance frequency of the second, third, and fourth wire antenna elements. The sum of the lengths of the first and third wire antenna elements is ¼ the wavelength corresponding to a series-resonance frequency of the first and third wire antenna elements. The parallel-resonance frequency is higher than the series-resonance frequency of the first, second, and fourth wire antenna elements and lower than the series-resonance frequency of the first and third wire antenna elements.