Abstract: A Very Local Area Network (VLAN) comprises a power strip device having an electrical connector for connection to an AC power supply line and one or more surge protectors and line filters. Multiple electrical power outlet sockets receive plugs from electrical appliances. A communications pathway interconnects the multiple electrical power outlet sockets to enable communication between appliances connected to the sockets. Electronics configure appliances as they are connected to the sockets to enable them to communicate over the communications pathway.

Abstract: A doorbell unit capable of displaying several status indicators or messages next to its activation button. The activation button is located on a display panel. The user can set the display panel to show a variety of messages, including “Do Not Ring,” “Ring With Care,” “Welcome,” or a custom text message. The display panel is preferably controlled by logic circuitry located within a controller, which replaces the conventional chime unit. A remote control is provided, so that the user can alter the status of the device without having to access the controller.

Abstract: A system and method is described for alerting authorities during a vehicle carjacking or carnapping. The method includes a first step of providing a vehicular radiotelephone communication system with speech recognition and a controller operable to monitor at least one vehicular system. A next step includes defining at least one predetermined sequence of operation of the at least one vehicular system for triggering a silent alert. The sequence can include spoken words or vehicle control operation. A next step includes monitoring the at least one vehicular system for the defined at least one predetermined sequence, such as a hidden switch activation for example. A next step includes activating a silent alert upon detection of the at least one predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A land vehicle is equipped with a warning system for improving the safety of lateral merges. A directional signal selector switch actuates the directional signal lights on a selected side of the vehicle. Proximity sensors are mounted on the sides of the vehicle to sense external obstacles. A slave switch works in cooperation with a directional signal selector switch to actuate the proximity sensors on the same side as the actuated directional signal lights. A warning device communicates with the actuated proximity sensors to receive an indication when sensor has sensed an external obstacle and to issue a warning.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring device, which is disposed in a pneumatic tire and is mounted on a rim of a vehicle, includes a casing, a sensor circuit, a set of electrical contacts, and a cover. The casing defines a battery compartment that receives a battery, and is formed with an opening to permit access in the battery compartment. The sensor circuit is mounted in the casing, and is operable so as to detect a pressure of the pneumatic tire, and so as to generate a signal that corresponds to the detected pressure of the pneumatic tire. The electrical contacts are mounted in the battery compartment of the casing, and are coupled to the sensor circuit and the battery. The cover is connected detachably to the casing so as to cover and uncover selectively the opening of the casing.

Abstract: A tire pressure alert system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a vehicular tire pressure monitoring system and a telematic system of the vehicle. The telematic system of the vehicle is operable to wirelessly communicate between the vehicle and an external service provider external to the vehicle. The tire pressure monitoring system is operable to detect or determine or estimate a tire pressure in a tire mounted on a wheel of the vehicle and to communicate an output signal indicative of the tire pressure to the external service provider. The external service provider receives the output signal from the tire pressure monitoring system and processes the output signal and communicates an alert to the subject vehicle to alert the driver or occupant of the vehicle of a tire pressure condition in one or more of the vehicle's tires.

Abstract: An annular antenna and transponder are affixed to a tire using the transponder as a counterweight to offset tire imbalance. The annular antenna is attached to an inner tire surface and is coupled electrically to a transponder device and is fixed relative to a housing in which the transponder device is packaged. The mass of the transponder housing is used specifically to counterbalance tire imbalance by first ascertaining the position at which a counterbalance would prove to be beneficial and then affixing the annular assembly to the tire so as to position the mass of the transponder housing at the optimal location for counterbalancing benefit.

Abstract: A data communication device includes a receiving circuit configured to receive a data signal in an active state. An intermittent activation control circuit activates the receiving circuit into the active state in a predetermined time interval. A control unit operates in response to the data signal received by the receiving circuit. Also, the control unit controls the time interval of the intermittent activation control circuit.

Abstract: The use state of the seatbelt is warned in the start-warning mode during the specified start-warning period of time after the starting of the power source of the vehicle. The warning by the warning device is disabled when the specified start-warning period of time has lapsed after the power source starting (step S15). The warning device to warn the use state of the seatbelt are enabled for the specified period of time (step S17-S20) when the use state of the seatbelt detected by the seatbelt use-state detecting device changes during the operation of the vehicle power source (step S12). When the seatbelt is changed from its state of use to its state of non-use, the warning is conducted with the harder warning stimulation characteristic (steps S18, S19). Accordingly, there can be provided the seatbelt use-state warning device which can warn the driver properly.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that determines the location of an impermissible movement on a predetermined magnetically attractive object. A fiber optic cable runs through a housing and forms a first bend radius. A magnetic member disposed within said housing is magnetically attracted adjacent to the top of said housing by said predetermined magnetically attractive object. When said predetermined magnetically attractive object is impermissibly moved, the magnetic member falls downward thereby causing a microbend to said fiber optic cable. Using an optical time domain reflectometer, the location of the microbend along the cable is readily determined.

Abstract: A device is described for a safety system on an installation in connection with the operation of a habitat (10) in which that is carrying out work which results in heat generation such as flames, sparks and the like, is isolated from the surroundings, and where an overpressure of air is set up in the habitat (10) to prevent ingress of flammable gases, and comprising systems for supply of electricity and overpressure air to the equipment inside the habitat, and also an alarm system which can warn of irregularities and the like. The device is characterised in that the safety system comprises a shut-down central (30) to which is connected a number of detectors (32-38) placed in or adjacent to the habitat, and that can register parameters such as gases, temperatures, changes in temperature, and also pressure conditions adjacent to or inside the habitat, and that the shut-down central (30) is arranged to shut down operation of the heat generating equipment when irregularities arise in the operation of the habitat.

Abstract: A system and method to provide simulations of tests that execute in a communications network environment. The system and method include a test object and a simulator framework, coupled with an agent manager. The test object can initiate either live or simulated testing, or both. Live test characteristics, that result from the execution of the live test, can be used to create a test characteristics for the same test that is simulated by the simulator framework. The agent manager, coupled directly and/or through storage media to the simulator framework and the test object, can provide the results of live or simulated testing.

Abstract: A remote sensor assembly includes a silicon substrate, a plurality of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors supported on the silicon substrate, a wireless communication circuit supported on the silicon substrate, and a processing device supported on the silicon substrate. The processing device is operable to obtain measurement values from at least one of plurality of MEMS sensors, perform a first filtering operation on the measurement values, and determine whether to cause the communication circuit to transmit a signal to an external device based on the first filtering operation.

Abstract: An item monitoring system and method of using an item monitoring system. The present invention relates more particularly to an item monitoring system including a sensor, that senses a plurality of items in a first amount of space associated with the sensor and that senses both items containing metal and items containing no metal, a communications network, and a computer that receives information from the sensor through the communications network. The present invention also relates more particularly to a method of monitoring items to determine the number of items within a first amount of space associated with the sensor.

Abstract: A communication and intelligence gathering system and method for monitoring a crisis scene from a remote command post. The system includes an access node positioned within communication range of multiple observation platforms that each provide information relating to the crisis scene, such as a video feed. The access node communicates with a main transfer module that relays the audio/video/data from the crisis scene to a main transfer module remotely positioned. A second main transfer module communicates with a field command post such that personnel at the field command post can monitor, react to and manage the crisis situation from the remote location. The access node position near the crisis scene also communications video and relevant information to field agents such that the field agents can monitor the video and information from a hand held/portable device.

Abstract: A method of communicating utility usage data is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises transmitting real-time utility usage data from a plurality of utility meters, receiving the real-time utility usage data from the plurality of utility meters, storing the real-time utility usage data in a memory, storing address information of the plurality of utility meters in memory, receiving requests from a plurality of utility users for real-time utility usage information and wherein the requests traverse a communication path that includes the Internet, processing the utility usage data of the utility users to provide the real-time utility usage information for each utility user, and transmitting the real-time utility usage information to the utility users over a communication path that includes the Internet.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for deciding the direction to a flickering source in relation to a measurement point in an electrical network with alternating current with a network frequency with low-frequency amplitude variations from the flickering source. The method includes the steps: recording an amplitude-modulated current signal having signals that originate from the network frequency and the low-frequency amplitude variations in the current signal; recording an amplitude-modulated voltage signal having signals that originate from the network frequency and the low-frequency amplitude variations in the voltage signal; creating a flicker power with a sign value by multiplication of the low-frequency amplitude variations in the current signal and the low-frequency amplitude variations in the voltage signal, and analyzing the sign value, with the sign value indicating in which direction the flickering source is to be found in relation to the measurement point.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for providing dynamic tailored product information to mobile terminals as a result of reading short-range wireless communication tags, such as RFID tags. The invention is able to provide consumer related product information to consumer operated terminals and retailer related product information to retailer or employee operated terminals, without requiring separate transponders or unique reading devices. In addition, the invention is able to accomplish providing dynamic information in a highly efficient and user-friendly manner and without requiring additional memory at the tag level.

Abstract: A surveillance system and method with at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, including the steps of providing the base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them, and the system providing for input capture and data transmission prioritization, thereby providing a secure surveillance system having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment with prioritization capabilities.

Abstract: In a building environment, coordinate locations for building automation devices is determined. The location may be based on triangulation methods for determining coordinate locations from wireless distance information for the building automation devices. Erroneous determinations for coordinate location are identified and a corrected coordinate location determined according to distance determinations.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a wearable remote control for controlling one or more devices comprises a mounting base coupled with a garment. A retainer base is coupled with the mounting base on an outside of the garment. A multi-directional joint is coupled with the retainer base. A main support extends from the multi-directional joint on an opposite side of the multi-directional joint from the retainer base. An input device is coupled with an end of the main support opposite the multi-directional joint. A main support retainer extends from the retainer base and is adapted to engage and retain the main support in a non-use position in response to a user moving the garment.

Abstract: A system for generating information identifying a two-dimensional location of objects in within a space includes a plurality of wireless modules and first and second transceiver systems. Each of the plurality of wireless modules corresponds to one of the objects. The first and second radio transceiver systems are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are disposed proximate the space. The first and second radio transceiver systems are operable to selectively transmit a signal to select wireless module, receive a response signal from the select wireless module, and generate first information based on a detected relationship between the selective transmission and the receipt of the response signal. The system further includes a device operable to calculate a two-dimensional location of the select wireless module based on the first information generated by the first radio transceiver system and the first information generated by the second radio transceiver system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a wireless device to monitor a local vicinity of the wireless device is provided. The wireless device may monitor for an environmental parameter in the local vicinity of the wireless device. In response to an indication that the monitored for environmental parameter is detected, the wireless s device may provide notification of the detection.

Abstract: A cage telemetry system includes a plurality of cage groups, first and second radio transponders, and a hub element. The plurality of cage groups are located within a space. Each cage group includes a plurality of animal cages, each cage associated with at least one telemetry module. The first radio transponder is operable to effect wireless communications with each telemetry module of a first cage group. The second radio transponder is operable to effect wireless communications with each telemetry module of a second cage group. The hub element is operable to communicate with the first radio transponder and the second radio transponder, and is further operably connected to a computer network.

Abstract: A cargo security sensing system includes a smart container having a sensor, wherein the smart container is a standard shipping cargo container that includes the sensor. The sensor may be any suitable type of sensing device capable of sensing changes in environmental conditions. The sensing system includes a plurality of dumb containers in corresponding relation to the smart container, wherein, the dumb container may be any suitable shipment container, including the same type of cargo shipment container or other type, as the smart container, excluding the sensor. The system for cargo security provides for the smart container to detect an event occurring with respect to either the smart container itself and/or the nearby dumb containers. An event may be an occurrence detected by the sensor, such that the smart container may notify of any potential security breaches in any of the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a position monitoring device for establishing the position of a first part with respect to a second part, having a transceiver at the first part for emitting an interrogation signal and for receiving a response signal that can be emitted in reaction to the interrogation signal by a transponder, wherein a screen that attenuates signals between the transponder and the transceiver is provided, two members of the group consisting of the transceiver, the screen and the transponder being movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A wireless human interface device (HID) includes an input interface module for accepting inputs from a user; a microprocessor for processing the accepted inputs; a wireless transmitter for transmitting the accepted inputs to a host; and a temperature sensor for determining the temperature of the wireless HID, wherein the microprocessor transmits the sensed temperature via the wireless transmitter to the host for displaying.

Abstract: System and method for enhanced security and passenger convenience in a transportation terminal (10). Passengers carry an intelligent IEBP (53). The IEBP (53) is a portable electronic handset receiving optically transmitted positioning data and other information via artificial light sources (28) which optically transmit data (52), as well as provide conventional lighting. The IEBP devices (53) may guide passengers inside the terminal and inform them about delayed/missed flights or changes of schedule. To enhance security, the IEBP devices (53) track the location of passengers throughout the transportation terminal (10). The IEBP device (53) determines if the passenger is still carrying it and/or has entered an incorrect or unauthorized area The IEBP device (53) then generates a radio frequency signal (59) to a central monitoring station (56) warning appropriate authorities of the security violation, and may also indicate the violation to the passenger carrying the device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to locate a terminal within a workspace. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are provided in known locations, preferably in, on or adjacent the light fixtures or other workspace infrastructure. The terminal comprises an RFID tag interrogation transceiver, processor and memory. The transceiver interrogates the tags which respond with information correlatable with their unique locations. The terminal determines its locations relative to the known locations of responding tags by, for example, varying its transmit power and/or receiver sensitivity and/or by trilateration using, for example, phase or time difference of arrival measurements on the tag response signals. Once it has determined its own location it may transmit or otherwise announce its location as desired by the user.

Abstract: A security access system performing identification, verification and authorization is provided. In one embodiment, a security access system is disclosed. The security access system comprises, a radio frequency identification (RFID) activator loop integrated in an access road, a loop reactance sensing circuit, an RFID personal identification tag, an imaging device and a verification system. The loop reactance sensing circuit is adapted to measure the reactance of the RFID activator loop to determine the presence of a vehicle. The RFID personal identification tag is adapted to transmit identification data regarding the person it is associated with in response to the RFID activator loop. The imaging device is adapted to record an image of the person. The verification system is adapted to process the identification data of the RFID identification tag and produce an image of the person from a database associated with the identification data.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for manufacture of RFID tags. The RFID tag of the present invention includes a substrate, an antenna, and a die positioning structure disposed on the substrate that is cast and cured specifically for receiving a silicon die of the type typically used in RFID applications. The substrate is selected from a number of materials, the properties of which render it penetrable by electron beam radiation. The die positioning structure is a second material which is electron beam curable, and which is deposited and cured at high speed on the substrate in a novel fashion in accordance with the present invention in a highly efficient, reproducible and economical manner.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes a non-volatile memory (NVM) circuit with at least two distinct types of NVM sub-circuits that share common support circuitry. Different types of NVM sub-circuits include ordinary NVM circuits that provide a logic output upon being addressed, programmable fuses that provide an output upon transitioning to a power-on state, NVM circuits that provide an ON/OFF state output, and the like. Some of the outputs are used to calibrate circuits within a device following power-on. Other outputs are used to store information to be employed by various circuits.

Abstract: An array antenna is disclosed. In one embodiment, the array antenna facilitates transmission of data with amongst fixed radio units. The array antenna includes a number of antenna panels arranged in an hexagonal shape, one or more array control elements controlling the antenna panels, and one antenna routing element controlling the one or more array control elements.

Abstract: An optical disk comprises a disk substrate having a hub and an annular optical metallicized data region extending radially outward from the hub. The optical disk further comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder affixed to the disk substrate, e.g., within the non-data containing hub region. The optical disk further comprises at least one linear antenna element coupled to the transponder, e.g., via pole lead(s), and extending within the data region. The antenna element(s) can be applied to the disk substrate as a patterned antenna layer over a metallicized data region, and can be electrically isolated from the data region. A method and system of identifying an optical disk is provided. A radio frequency (RF) signal can be transmitted to the optical disk at a range of at least five feet, and preferably at a range of at least ten feet. An RF signal with an identification code (e.g., a unique number) can be received from the optical disk in response to the transmitted RF signal.

Abstract: An RFID label assembly and method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the manufacturing method comprises the steps of (a) providing an RFID label assembly, the RFID label assembly comprising a common web, the common web having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of RFID labels spaced apart from one another and releasably mounted on top of the common web, at least some of the RFID labels being defective and at least some of the RFID labels not being defective, and an eye mark printed on the bottom surface of the common web for each of the RFID labels, each eye mark having a length corresponding to the length of its corresponding RFID label; (b) testing each of the RFID labels for the purpose of detecting defective RFID labels; and (c) removing from the common web all RFID labels found in step (b) to be defective.

Abstract: A communications network for providing continuous patient monitoring to provide critical care services from a remote location. A plurality of patient monitoring stations with associated patient monitoring instrumentation is connected over a communications network to a command center to which data flows continuously for analysis. A standardized series of guideline algorithms for treating a variety of critical care conditions are prompted to provide critical care by caregivers who monitor the progress of individual patients at remote patient monitoring stations. A smart alert system that can be flexibly set from the command center provides for patient-specific rules to be established to alert the caregivers to potential patient problems so that intervention can occur in a timely fashion. A data storage/data warehouse function analyzes individual patient information from a plurality of command centers and provides updated algorithms and critical care support to the remote command centers.

Abstract: A monitoring system for purposes of enhancing independent living incorporates a wearable communication device, such as a cellular telephone, in combination with a recharging base which might be coupled to a wire line telephone system. Either or both of the base station and wearable device can be in communication with sensors scattered through an individual's residence for purposes of collecting data pertaining to activities of daily living. Either or both of the wearable unit and base station could incorporate sensors responsive to physiological parameters of the resident. Both units can independently communicate with third party monitors to communicate data about, or direct immediate attention to the state of an individual using the system.

Abstract: An identification badge worn by an individual is sensed when that individual enters a lavatory. The individual is also provided with an indication device which is worn on or about the hands. Inside the lavatory, there is also provided a hand cleaning station which includes a sensor that determines whether the indicating device is in close proximity and dispenses soap on the individual's hands, then provides an appropriate indication to a computer system. Should the badge sensor sense the individual's departure from the lavatory without an appropriate indication being generated by the indicator sensor, a warning signal is generated, which is sent to the computer system and to an appropriate officer, who can then address the individual.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring and controlling one or more valves. The method can include sensing a condition of a valve, transmitting the condition to a sensor server, and transmitting a data stream including the condition to an assessment application. The method can also include generating a predictive model and comparing the condition to the predictive model. The method can further include transmitting a control instruction to at least one of a valve positioner and the sensor server and varying the position of the valve based on the control instruction.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal comprising: a clock for maintaining an indication of the current time; a memory for storing a definition of an alert time; and an alerting unit configurable to issue an alert when the current time matches the alert time, the alerting unit being capable of issuing the alert by initiating a connection to another communication terminal over a network so as to cause that other terminal to locally signal the incidence of the connection incoming thereto.

Abstract: A fire alarm system is provided including a controller having a signaling delay, a plurality of smoke and/or heat detectors, a plurality of audible devices which may include sirens, public announcement devices and the like, and a plurality of visible devices which may include strobes, fluorescent lighting and the like. The system provides a directional path to areas of safety for occupants in harms way.

Abstract: A pathogen detector has a sample area for containing environmental air, a light source on one side of the sample area for directing a collimated beam of light through the sample air so that part of the light beam will be scattered by any particles present in the air while the remainder remains unscattered, and a beam blocking device on the opposite side of the sample area for blocking at least the unscattered portion of the beam of light and directing at least part of the scattered light onto a detector. The detector produces output pulses in which each pulse has a height proportional to particle size and a pulse height discriminator obtains the size distribution of airborne particles detected in the air sample at a given time from the detector output. An alarm signal is activated if the number of particles within a predetermined pathogen size range of around 1 to 7 ?m exceeds a predetermined normal level.

Abstract: An emergency information terminal includes two power supply circuits supplying power to the internal circuits including a controller. If one of the power supply circuits fails, the other power supply circuit supply power, and the operation of the terminal is maintained. Even in case of emergency such as traffic accident or sickness, an emergency call can be notified. Further, the controller detects a trouble in the power supply circuit, and informs the user of the trouble.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus that determines the location of an impermissible tamper on an object, such as an impermissible attempt to gain access to a manhole system or an attempt to steal a work of art, includes a housing disposed adjacently to the object. A fiber optic cable runs through the housing. The object includes a portion that cooperates with internal components of the housing to maintain the fiber optic cable in a non-attenuated state. Upon the impermissible tamper, that portion of the object no longer cooperates with the internal components of the housing. An elastic force internal to the housing cooperates with more internal housing components to create a microbend to the fiber optic cable. Using known optical time domain reflectometer technology, the location of the microbend along the fiber optic cable is readily discerned.

Abstract: An LED circuit arrangement in which an AC voltage source (1) provides a voltage supply and which has a diode rectifier (3, 7). The diode rectifier (3, 7) comprises at least one rectifier diode (4, 8, 9, 10, 11) which is a radiation-emitting LED chip. The at least one radiation-emitting LED chip (4, 8, 9, 10, 11) simultaneously functions as a luminous means and as a rectifier diode. The LED circuit arrangement is distinguished by a particularly low production cost.

Abstract: In a communication system using closed loop MIMO, beam forming information may be fed back from a receiver to a transmitter sequentially over a number of frames. The beam forming matrices that are fed back may be quantized.

Abstract: The vehicle-installed remote control unit includes a receiver receiving a command signal transmitted from a transmitter dedicated to a vehicle, and a controller controlling a part of the vehicle in accordance with the command signal received by the receiver. The controller has a noise-decision function of deciding whether or not a signal received by the receiver is a noise, a record function of recording noise information including at least information specifying a time at which the signal received by the receiver is decided to be the noise by the noise-decision function in a memory included in the controller, and an output function of outputting the noise information recorded in the memory to an external device in response to a command received from the external device.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems of enforcing a demand reset in a meter that communicates via a wireless network. When billing data is received by a server, it is accompanied by a demand reset counter. The counter is compared to a counter stored on the server. If they received counter is less than the server counter, it is determined that the meter missed a demand reset. The server then instructs the meter to perform a billing read and to perform a demand reset to ensure that accurate demand data is received by the server.