Abstract: This device was invented: to eliminate the unsafe condition created by a motorcycle or other vehicle's turn signal indicator operating when no turn is intended; to provide multiple means of operating and controlling a motorcycle or other vehicle's turn signal indicator, to add an emergency four-way flasher system to a motorcycle or other vehicle not previously equipped with such; to provide a means of verifying the functionality of the motorcycle or other vehicle's turn signal indicators before entering the highway or traffic.

Abstract: Normal hard-wired domestic burglar alarms have cables with six conductors extending between the alarm controller and each remote input/output device (such as an entry keypad). The present alarm system has an alarm controller, a remote input/output device, a cable extending from the alarm controller to the remote input/output device, the cable comprising two conductors only, providing power to the remote input/output device. A signal processor at the controller monitors and processes voltage and current in the conductors to affect functions of the alarm system. A mixer at the remote input/output device processes voltage and current in the conductors to affect functions of the alarm system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an audible alarm relay system comprising a microphone for converting environmental sounds to electrical sound signals; processing circuitry for receiving the electrical sound signals, sampling the sound signals, and analyzing the sampled sound signals to determine if the sampled sound signals contain a sound pattern that matches a stored sound pattern; and an output device for notifying a user that the sampled sound signal contains a sound pattern that matches a stored sound pattern.

Abstract: A wall control unit for a movable barrier operator sends baseband signals over a wire connection to a head unit of a movable barrier operator to command the movable barrier to perform barrier operator functions. The wall control unit has a wall control unit port for connection to the wire connection. A first switch sends a barrier command signal to the head unit commanding the head unit to open or close a movable barrier. A second switch commands the head unit to provide energization to a light source. An infrared detector causes a command signal to be sent to the head unit to control the illumination state of the light source.

Abstract: The invention provides a wireless automatic location identification (ALI) capable system (10), including a medical device (12) having a wireless data communicator (14), a wireless communication network (16), and a remote locating service (18) for remotely locating and monitoring one or more medical devices over the wireless communication network. When the medical device is linked to the remote locating service over the communication network, the ALI-capable system identifies the location of the medical device and relays the location information to the remote locating service. The system permits reliable determination of the location of the medical device wherever the medical device is situated. The medical device may further be configured to transmit signals indicative of its status, condition, or self-test results, to the remote locating service. This feature allows the remote locating service to centrally monitor the status or condition of a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for determining if a human being, object or animal has moved beyond a predetermined radius. The system includes a base station, and at least one slave associated with the base station. Each of the slaves is located on the human being, object or animal, and each slave is adapted to receive and emit a coded signal at predetermined intervals. The base station is adapted to transmit and receive the coded signal, decode the coded signal and, if the coded signal represents a slave associated with the base station, determine a signal strength of the coded signal, the signal strength of the coded signal indicating that the human being, object or animal has moved beyond a predetermined area if the signal strength is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Card-type anti-miss/anti-theft alarm device including a portable mainframe and an alarm sub-frame each having a central processing/controlling unit and a power supply unit. One of the portable mainframe and alarm sub-frame includes an intermittent oscillating transmission unit, while the other includes a signal receiving unit and a sonic/optical warning unit. The alarm sub-frame is designed as a thin card with a dimension smaller than or equal to that of an existent credit card, whereby the alarm sub-frame can be easily placed and hidden in an article carried by a user. In case the user misses the article or the article is stolen by a thief and spaced from the user by a certain distance, at least one of the portable mainframe and the alarm sub-frame can emit an alarm to indicate the user of the location of the missing article. Accordingly, the user can easily find the article and the thief is scared.

Abstract: A position movement alarm system using GPS satellites and a cellular phone system is used to transmit automatically and directly a fact of movement of a movable goods from its original position, when the goods is moved opposing to the intension of an owner of the goods due to any reasons, from a position information monitor•alarm terminal (child device) 4 installed in the movable goods to owners cellular phone terminal (parent device) 2 having a GPS position information processing function through no third person organization such as an alarm center and a service center and the like.

Abstract: A locating device, particularly for locating trapped victims under avalanches, under debris or under collapsed buildings, equipped with a receiving unit (6-13) for signals from transmitters and preferably a transmitter (13, 14), as well as optical (6) and/or acoustic (12) display units, whereby the receiving unit is connected to three preferably orthogonally arranged ferrite rod antennas (2, 3, 4). All antennas (2, 3, 4) are disposed in a compact housing (1) together with the receiving unit (6-13) and preferably also the transmitter (13, 14) to ensure accurate locating of the trapped victim across the largest range possible at compact design whereby one antenna (4) is of substantially shorter length than the two other antennas (2, 3). The receiving unit is provided with a DSP module (11) for incoming signals of the antennas (2, 3, 4).

Abstract: A wireless valuables monitoring device, with proximity sensing and automatic arming and disarming features two way communication between the base unit affixed to the valuable and the remote unit carried by the owner. The base unit continuously monitors the position of the remote unit relative to itself to determine when the owner has left the immediate vicinity of the valuable. The base unit alerts the owner upon disturbance of the protected valuable and allows the user to screen for false alarms and be notified of an occurring theft attempt. A soft power switch enables the base unit to be powered off by the unique remote unit to which it belongs.

Abstract: Data is stored on a tag unit. The tag unit provides for alert monitoring capabilities and monitoring of events, these capabilities allow for supply chain plans to be restructured and for events to be rescheduled. The tag unit is attached to an item for tracking purposes. The tag unit monitors and stores a status of the item. Then the item is sent to a destination. The tag unit is scanned when the item has been sent to a destination. The data on the tag unit is updated as a function of scanning. The data is updated when the tag unit is scanned at a destination. Then the data on the tag unit is validated. The data is validated for security purposes. The data on the tag unit is scanned to identify conditions to trigger actions. The system recovers from failure to read data on the tag unit by reconstructing the expected data from a history of the tag unit.

Abstract: An annunciating apparatus comprises a toilet tank containing water and an electrical circuit within an enclosure. Extending upwardly from the enclosure, an arm terminates with a hook engaging the toilet tank for suspending the enclosure in a position just below the toilet tank. The electrical circuit provides a source of electricity, an activating circuit, a sound producing circuit, a sound selecting circuit, an amplifying circuit and a speaker. This circuit is enabled for producing a selected sound from the speaker when the toilet tank is flushed. Two modes are possible; one where the sound is initiated by the water in the tank dropping during flush, and the second when a selected flush related sound is picked up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for facilitating compliance with a medication regimen by a user. The method includes the steps of providing the user with a medication dispensing unit for dispensing medication to the user and a wireless transceiver operatively coupled to a controller of the medication dispensing unit, downloading a set of instructions for controlling the medication unit from a server to the controller of the medication dispensing unit through the wireless transceiver and downloading a set of instructions that instruct the user on how to use the dispensed medication through the wireless transceiver to the user.

Abstract: An interactive personal security system utilizing a portable object having embedded therein all or a combination of a microphone, still and video cameras, distance sensor, a timer, speakers, a motion sensor, a tracking transponder, a receiver, and a transmitter operably connected to a power source and a conventional microprocessor including input devices, random access memory, read only memory and a database. Sounds and images are transmitted to remote monitoring stations by radio waves or microwaves for radio or television broadcasting or recording on a tape recorder or VCR. Alarms are transmitted to telephones and beepers. Face and voice recognition software identifies the people speaking, playing or attempting to kidnap the child. Sensors identify the presence of persons or animals or a child wandering out of a restricted area. Speakers allow guardians to communicate two-ways with the child, thereby responding to the immediate needs of the child.

Abstract: Acquiring and collecting data from a subject animal. A system includes a passive data acquisition device associable with a subject animal including: a sensor, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder, and a magnet separate form the transponder. The system also includes a transceiver operable to activate the data acquisition device and to receive and demodulate an RFID telegram from the data acquisition device sent in response to the activation. The transceiver includes an activation antenna configured to encompass areas of substantially equal and substantially opposite flux and a receive antenna configured symmetrically along an axis of symmetry of the activation antenna. The RFID telegram from the data acquisition device to the transceiver comprises an ISO 11784-compliant identification code containing sensor data in the reserved field of the code. In another embodiment, the RFID telegram comprises a modified ISO 11785 telegram.

Abstract: A confined space monitoring system includes a mammalian body detector sensing a confined space. A thermocouple measures the temperature within the space relative to a thermal threshold. When the temperature in the space is beyond the thermal threshold and an occupant is detected within the space, an alarm subsystem communicates to a remote location the situation. In the instance of a vehicle confined space, when the temperature remains above the threshold for a predetermined amount of time, with the occupant within the vehicle, or in the instance of a building structure, when an auditory alarm triggered by the temperature exceeding the thermal threshold not being reset within a preselected amount of time. A video camera is optionally included to communicate to a remote location that an occupant is indeed present within the confined space.

Abstract: A liquid flow mitigation system comprising a systems interface, a liquid arresting mechanism operable to impede flow of a liquid, a control device operable to produce an input to the systems interface representing a request to impede flow of the liquid, and a liquid utilizing device operable to produce an input to the systems interface representing a request for liquid flow. The systems interface directs the liquid arresting mechanism to impede liquid flow when the systems interface is in receipt of an input from the control device. The systems interface directs the liquid arresting mechanism to permit liquid flow when the systems interface is in receipt of an input from the water utilizing device.

Abstract: A pressure sensor has a diaphragm that is exposed to air in a tire of a vehicle. A transmitter wirelessly transmits data representing the air pressure of the tire. A casing accommodates the transmitter and the pressure sensor. A lid closes an opening of the casing. A metal body is provided on the lid. When the opening of the casing is closed with the lid, the diaphragm is covered with the metal body.

Abstract: A linear smoke detector having a light emitter (1) and a light receiver (2), and a reflector (4) which is arranged opposite the detector (D). The light emitter (1) emits a light beam to the reflector (4), which reflects it onto the light receiver (2). Wherein the installation of the smoke detector is effected by an installation tool with a light source aimed in the same direction as the light emitter (1) is placed over the detector (D) and emits bundled light. The installation position of the reflector is marked by a point of the bundled light on a surface opposite the installation tool. Further, the installation tool is an installation cover (8) which can be placed on the front of the detector (D), with a built-in laser (9), the light beam of which essentially coincides with that of the light emitter (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the status of a motor (301), the apparatus comprising:

Abstract: Described is a display device (10) with a printed circuit board (12), with at least one light source (14) and with a single-segment or multi-segment display (16) which is connected by optical waveguides (46) to the light sources (14) which are preferably SMD-LEDs. The display device (10) has a block (18) for holding the optical waveguides (46) firmly in position, with a front surface associated with the single-segment or multi-segment display (16) and a base surface associated with the light sources (14). The optical waveguides (46) are in the form of light fingers (38, 42) which extend through the block (18). The printed circuit board (12) can include any angle of between 0 and ≧90° with the multi-segment display (16).

Abstract: A display simultaneously providing two sets of data. The display includes a moveable needle rotated about a pivot point located at the base of the length of the needle. The position of the needle upon a background provides an indication of a first set of data. The needle may also be incrementally illuminated or highlighted to indicate a measured value of a second set of data. The illumination may be a plurality of lights affixed to the length of the needle. Additionally, the lights may optionally be color coded to indicate a specific range value.

Abstract: A data transmission system for transmitting data among a plurality of electronic apparatuses each having a communication function, in which power consumption of the electronic apparatuses can be reduced, and data transmission among the electronic apparatuses can be surely carried out. In a communication standby state, an information processing unit transmits a synchronous signal at given intervals of X seconds, a biological information processing unit has a reception period corresponding to a timing synchronous with the synchronous signal, and the information processing unit and the biological information processing unit are synchronized with each other. In this state, after the information processing unit transmits a data request signal, the biological information processing unit transmits data Log1 to Log3 which have respective predetermined lengths and which are obtained through a division process.

Abstract: Aspects for remotely controlling audio/visual (A/V) devices with a personal computer (PC) are described. The aspects include providing connection hardware for connecting a plurality of A/V devices to a PC. A remote control device with selectable buttons is provided for transmitting data signals wirelessly to the connection hardware. The plurality of A/V devices are controlled according to the data signals from button selections on the remote control device. Through the present invention, a multi-function wireless remote is disclosed which allows for full command of a plurality of A/V devices in a PC, such as a DVD player, TV receiver, Digital Video Recorder (DVR), and electronic programming guide. In this manner, PC users are ensured of a simplified and intuitive interactive PC/video experience.

Abstract: A remotely activated control device responsive to a specific transmitter operating in a frequency band assigned to radio telephone equipment, such as cellular telephone networks, cordless telephones, etc. The control device includes a radio receiver which provides a received pulse train to an assurance logic circuit. The assurance logic circuit determines if the received pulse train is limited to no more than a transmitter identification code and an action code, the combination of which is less than the code required to activate a relay network or initiate a radio telephone connection. Pulse trains accepted by the assurance logic circuit are compared to a stored code by a comparitor. The stored code includes the identification of a specific transmitter or group of transmitters and at least one action code. If the received pulse train matches the stored code, a switching circuit is activated to control a user supplied device.

Abstract: A method for programming a universal remote control comprises receiving a signal from a source remote control, determining characteristic information based on the signal, comparing the characteristic information to a database, determining a matching code set for the source remote control based on the comparing, and configuring the universal remote control to mimic control features of the source remote control based on the matching code set. Still other aspects and other features are also described herein.

Abstract: A method and a downhole telemetry system using discrete multitone modulation and adaptive filtering. The downhole telemetry system includes a downhole transmitter, a cable, and a surface receiver coupled to the downhole transmitter via the cable. The surface receiver adaptively filters noise from a signal received from the downhole transmitter. The method includes receiving a time-domain signal carrying desired information at specific frequencies and adaptively filtering at least a portion of the noise from the time-domain signal. The time-domain signal includes noise. The method may also include delaying the time-domain signal by a delay time to form a delayed time-domain signal, and adaptively filtering at least a portion of the periodic noise from the time-domain signal using the delayed time-domain signal.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle detector (EVD) operating as a safety device in association with any motor vehicle enables motorists to be warned of emergencies/hazards existing near the motor vehicle or within its path of travel. In more developed state an emergency/hazard detection system can include a signal generator that can be placed within an emergency vehicle or stationary object related with a potential hazard to transmit a warning in the form of at least one of optical, radio frequency, radar or infrared signatures to EVDs associated with civilian motor vehicles. The EVD includes an emergency signal detector adapted to detect emergency signal emitted by emergency transmitters; a direction module for determining the general location of the emergency signal's emission with respect to the motor vehicle; an alarm generator for generating a visual alarm; a display for indicating the direction of an emergency with respect to the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An antenna portion 46 retaining in a tip portion thereof antenna coils 49 configured to perform wireless communication with an IC card through an electromagnetic coupling is structured to be freely movable forward/backward between a protruding position above a lane and a retracted position in an unit. An antenna head portion 48 of the antenna unit 46 protrudes above the lane and the antenna coils 49 become close to a vehicle on the lane, so that a distance between the driver of a vehicle and the antenna coils 49 is shortened and the user can present an IC card 80 inside a communication distance of an antenna without any difficulty.

Abstract: An advertisement presenting and charging system includes an instrument C/U and a navigator provided in a motor vehicle, and a display device obtaining information from the instrument C/U and the navigator. The display device is connected to a timer detecting time and an operation switch for changeover between operation and non-operation of the display device. The display device is connected to an ETC unit and an ETC antenna, so that a plurality of advertisement data are sent to the display device when the display device communicates with an ETC fixed station. The ETC fixed station sends an entrance data including an advertisement data to the display device, and the display device sends an exit data including a traveling section, a traveling time, a traveling distance to the ETC fixed station.

Abstract: A method for displaying flight information includes displaying a first characteristic sign illustrating a speed vector of an aircraft. The method also includes determining a first longitudinal margin of maneuver of the aircraft as a load factor, and displaying a second characteristic sign such that a position of the second characteristic sign relative to the first characteristic sign illustrates the first longitudinal margin of maneuver.

Abstract: A display system for an aircraft includes a central unit configured to determine a speed vector of the aircraft and to determine a longitudinal margin of maneuver of the aircraft. The longitudinal margin of maneuver is expressed as a load factor and is related to one of a pitch-up maneuver and a pitch-down maneuver. The display system also includes a display unit connected to the central unit. The display unit includes a display screen configured to display a first characteristic sign illustrating the speed vector and a second characteristic sign illustrating the longitudinal margin of maneuver.

Abstract: The invention is based on a pressure-medium cylinder having a piston which has a piston rod, and having a measuring system for determining the absolute position of the piston rod relative to a reference point. Firstly, the measuring system has a code track of binary code elements which is applied to the piston rod and runs along the piston rod, which code elements are formed by grooves and plateaus which run in the circumferential direction in a magnetically conductive base material, which is coated with a protective layer, of the piston rod, and, secondly, the measuring system has a sensor which is in a fixed position relative to the reference point and has two or more sensor elements, which are arranged along the code track and each scan a limited number of code elements.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to providing a secondary communication channel overlaid on a primary communication channel, using an enhanced encoding method, to effectively expand the utilized information capacity of the primary communication channel. Aspects of the invention may include encoding a portion of at least a first word of one or more packets in a datastream. A running disparity of the encoded word may be reversed. Hence, if an encoded running disparity of an encoded word is RD positive RD(+), then the running disparity is reversed to RD negative RD(−). Similarly, if an encoded running disparity is RD negative RD(−), then the running disparity is reversed to RD positive RD(+). The word may be a data word, control word or an idle word corresponding to a data packet, a control packet and an idle packet, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of source decoding variable-length codeword sequences, said decoding being based on an associated state diagram comprising a plurality of states (S) and on a code (C). It is characterized in that it comprises a step of reducing the states (S) in the state diagram in such a way that, at a bit time (Bj), only a number N of states in a group (G) of states is saved on the basis of a criterion derived from a partial metric computation and otherwise independently of an alphabet of said code (C), a group (G) being associated with a bit time (Bj). A group (G) corresponds to all the states (S) calculated at each bit time (Bj).

Abstract: A method and associated structures for coding a sequence of data bytes (BY1,BY2), in which two bits (B1, B2) of a data byte form a double bit (D1-D4). Each double bit is represented by a time slot frame (ZR1-ZR4) that has at least four time slots (ZS1-ZS4). The time slots can assume an on or off value (Z1, Z0). The coding is carried out in a time slot frame such that at least one time slot is preloaded with an off value (Z0) at a position (AF). The time slots that have not been preloaded have, at most, one time slot with an on-value in order to form a logic value (00, 01, 10, 11) of a double bit. The method can be used for identification systems (IS), for mobile data memories (DT) and for reader/writers (SLG). Therein, a higher data rate and/or a greater transmission distance between the reader/writer and the mobile data memory is achieved.

Abstract: A data converter is implemented as an integrated circuit device (100). The converter comprises signal processing circuitry (120-170) which produces an output signal (OUT) in dependence upon a received input signal (D1-Dm). Production of the output signal (OUT) is initiated at a time determined by a timing signal (CLK) and is completed at a time which is delayed by a delay time with respect to the timing signal (CLK). A delay-contributing portion (130, 150, 160) makes a contribution to the delay time that is affected by variations in a power supply voltage (VDD) applied thereto. An internal supply voltage regulator (110) derives a regulated internal power supply voltage (VDD(REG)) from an external power source voltage (VDD), and applies this voltage to the delay-contributing portion (130, 150, 160) to fix its contribution to the delay time at some value independent of variations in the external power source voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a digital to analog converter that is implemented by two or more digital to analog converters and that is further implemented in such a way that the operation of its analog output voltages is combined and that its digital input voltages are processed in such a way that, in the case of a continuous incrementing or decrementing of said input values, the individual input values of the two or more digital to analog converters are incremented or decremented in turn. The invention furthermore relates to a phase control circuit in which the digital to analog converter can be used, and also a recognition circuit for recognizing the locking-in of a phase control circuit and a transmission unit in which such assemblies are used.

Abstract: An Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter includes signal paths that are responsive to an analog input signal, to generate a multi-bit digital signal. A respective signal path includes a comparator. A synchronizing circuit is responsive to a clock signal and outputs of the comparators, to generate a respective delayed clock signal that is applied to a respective comparator. A respective signal path also includes a respective decoder that is responsive to a respective comparator and to the clock signal.

Abstract: An N-bit analog to digital converter includes a reference ladder, a track-and-hold amplifier connected to an input voltage, a coarse ADC amplifier connected to a coarse capacitor at its input and having a coarse ADC reset switch controlled by a first clock phase of a two-phase clock, a fine ADC amplifier connected to a fine capacitor at its input and having a fine ADC reset switch controlled by a second clock phase of the two-phase clock, a switch matrix that selects a voltage subrange from the reference ladder for use by the fine ADC amplifier based on an output ofthe coarse ADC amplifier, and wherein the coarse capacitor is charged to a coarse reference ladder voltage during the first clock phase and connected to the T/H output during the second clock phase, wherein the fine capacitor is connected to a voltage subrange during the first clock phase and to the T/H output during the second clock phase, and an encoder that converts outputs of the coarse and fine ADC amplifiers to an N-bit output.

Abstract: Described is a multi-function portable device which includes a memory, a transmitter, a scanning arrangement for obtaining images to be stored in the memory, a processor coupled to the memory and the transmitter for generating encoded commands for transmission to a further device. The encoded commands are generated based on corresponding commands for the further device stored in the memory. The processor processed the images to extract digital data included in the image. The portable device also includes a housing situating the memory, the transmitter, the scanning arrangement and the processor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method and apparatus for communication of infrared pulse sequences, typically emitted by remote control units associated with audio/video equipment, across a wired or wireless home network. One embodiment of the invention allows one audio/video device to receive a data code sequence from a remote control unit programmed to communicate with another audio/video device and pass on to other audio/video device messages/commands to control the second audio/video device.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a buried object using ground penetrating radar (GPR) in a system containing at least one GPR sensor, comprises a data processor for detecting spatial correlations in data received from a GPR sensor in the apparatus and an image processor capable of building a data structure corresponding to an image of the buried object from data processed by the data processor. A method for identifying a buried object using GPR in a system containing a GPR sensor comprising detecting spatial correlations in data received from the GPR sensor in the system and building a data structure corresponding to an image of the buried object from the received data.

Abstract: The system comprises: detector devices (1) operable to provide electrical signals indicative of the relative distance and relative speed of the motor vehicle (V) with respect to a fixed or moving obstacle (O) ahead, and a processing and control unit (ECU) connected to such detector devices (1) as well as to brake actuators (2-4) and arranged to cause activation of the brake actuators (2-4) to effect automatic emergency braking of the motor vehicle (V) when the relative distance between the motor vehicle (V) and an obstacle (O) ahead lies between a first predetermined limit value (dF) equal to the minimum value at which it is still possible to avoid collision by braking and a preselected intermediate value (dE) comprised between said first limit value (dF) and a second limit value (dEcrit) which is less than the said first limit value (dF) and is equal to the minimum relative distance value at which it is still possible to follow a path which avoids the obstacle (O), or when the relative distance (dR) becomes

Abstract: A radar detection process includes computing a derivative of an FFT output signal to detect an object within a specified detection zone. In one embodiment, a zero crossing in the second derivative of the FFT output signal indicates the presence of an object. The range of the object is determined as a function of the frequency at which the zero crossing occurs. Also described is a detection table containing indicators of the presence or absence of an object within a respective radar beam and processing cycle. At least two such indicators are combined in order to detect the presence of an object within the detection zone and with changing range gates in each of the antenna beams the coverage of the detection zone can be varied.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method of measuring the speed at which a variational gravitational field propagates. The gravitational field relates to a planet, and the planet has object of sufficient mass to change the gravitational field.

Abstract: The present invention includes a communication device that transmits its location information to a second communication device. The second communication device then uses this information and its own location information to determine relative distance information between the two devices.

Abstract: A system, device and method for assisting navigation are disclosed. The system comprises at least one positioning support device and a personal portable wireless user device. The positioning support device is operable to be placed near a navigation feature and to communicate appropriate navigational information, including absolute position and relative position with respect to a navigational feature. The user device is operable to receive the navigational information and communicate it to a user. The method operates to permit users to independently navigate local, overland or underwater areas and is especially useful for persons who whose vision may be impaired.

Abstract: The disclosed system manages information that is received from one or more users over a communication network. A user provides information to the network using a network node, such as a data acquisition device that is a wireless, mobile communication device. The system monitors the user's location within a communication environment and sends an alarm to a user when the user is near a location that satisfies user-specified criteria. The system stores the user-provided information at a central database that is linked to the communication network. When an authorized user revises the information, any other authorized user can access the revised information by accessing the central database through a node of the communication network.

Abstract: A multi-polarisation dielectric resonator antenna (1) having three mutually orthogonal feeds (5a, 5b, 5c) displaying C3V point group symmetry is disclosed. The antenna (1)may be operated so as to determine the polarisation of any incoming signal, since the three feeds (5a, 5b, 5c) have polarisations at 120 degrees to each other. Furthermore, a plurality of multi-polarisation dielectric resonator antennas (1) may be formed into a composite dielectric resonator antenna with beamsteering, direction feeding and polarisation detection capability over a full 4&pgr; streradians.