Patents Issued in January 4, 2007
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Publication number: 20070001801Abstract: A starter relay comprises a container composed of an electrical insulating hard resin, a resistor having a positive resistance temperature coefficient and housed in the container, and contact springs of feeding devices having conduction and resilience configured to press the resistor to establish connection with the resistor. The contact springs each include a body, two arms extending from the body, and spaced press-fit contacts extending from the arms to press the resistor. The press-fit contacts of one of the contact springs and the press-fit contacts of the other are arranged in crossed directions. Thus, a broken fragment of the resistor is not pinched between the contact springs even when the resistor pinched is broken.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Masahide Kobayasi
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Publication number: 20070001802Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroplating method in the manufacture of the surface mount precision metal resistor, the manufacturing steps are as below: a flat-shaped metal substrate strip being die stamped with predefined resistance value; separating said metal substrate strip into electroplating portion and non-electroplating portion by the separating insulator; removing the impurities on the surface of said electroplating portion by the electrolytic cleansing; insetting all flat-shaped metal substrate strips onto the vertical rotating bucket for electroplating to form two copper electrode terminals; removing off the separating insulator on said non-electroplating portion; grinding and surface roughness process on both of the upper and lower surfaces of said two copper electrode terminals; die stamping and cutting said electroplated metal substrate strip into metal resistor chip one by one; wrapping said non-electroplating portion on each said metal resistor chip with packaging layer; and roller-elType: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Ching Hsieh
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Publication number: 20070001803Abstract: A method for tracking the proximity of a plurality of slave objects to a master object associated with a person is provided. The method including: providing the master and slave objects with a wireless communication means operating within a predetermined distance from the master object; periodically signaling the slave objects; and determining if any of the slave objects is within the predetermined distance based upon whether a response to the signaling is received from the slave objects. The method can further include warning the person from the master object if any slave object is determined not to be within the predetermined distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2004Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Thomas Plamoottil
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Publication number: 20070001804Abstract: A keypad-based security system limits access to the ignition of an electric vehicle such as a golf cart, to authorized operators having authorized ID codes. The security system, which is easily retrofit to existing vehicles, is interposed between the vehicle's ignition switch and the switch circuit of the vehicle. ID codes input by the operator using an on-board keypad are compared with a set of authorized ID codes stored in a memory, and a relay is energized to connect the ignition switch to the switch circuit with the energy source when the input ID code is verified as matching one of the authorized ID codes stored in the memory. The keypad uses only five keys to input a four digit ID code comprising any of the digits from 0 to 9.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Donna Lanier, Rande Newberry, Tony Lebron
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Publication number: 20070001805Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for one or more electronic keys to be trained to activate multiple vehicles. The apparatus comprises wirelessly communicating electronic key and vehicle authentication modules, each of which comprises inter-coupled processor, non-volatile memory, transmitter and receiver. The module transmitters communicate with the key receiver and vice versa. The key and module exchange ID information during a learning process. These learned IDs are stored in their memories. The key memory stores ID information on a single key and multiple vehicles and the module memory stores ID information on a single vehicle and multiple keys. During authentication, the module and key transmit at least their own IDs to the other. Each compares the received ID to the learned IDs. If they match, authentication is granted and the key command is processed by the vehicle. The number of authenticating keys and vehicles is limited only by onboard memory capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Thomas Utter, David Proefke, Robert Baillargeon
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Publication number: 20070001806Abstract: A system for handling alerts of an event, the event comprising delivery of data to a user device, comprises a receiver for receiving an event notification, a processor for acquiring information relating to the users likely current activity, for acquiring filtering information, and for comparing the users likely current activity with the filtering information and an output device for outputting an alert to the user dependent upon the comparison of the users likely current activity with the filtering information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventor: Leonard Poll
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Publication number: 20070001807Abstract: A method of monitoring an electronics system comprises providing information regarding at least one parameter of at least one component of the electronics system, and communicating the information from the at least one component to a manager of the electronics system via a wireless communication pathway independent of the electronics system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Christopher Malone, Thane Larson
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Publication number: 20070001808Abstract: An identification system for identifying objects, according to one embodiment, includes a plurality of objects to be identified within an area, with a transponder being fitted to one respective object and operable to transmit a code radio frequency signal representing an identification code. The system includes an activation part that is remote from the respective object and is operable to transmit an activation radio frequency signal via a wireless connection to the transponder of the respective object so that the transmitting part transmits the code radio frequency signal. A receiving part that is remote from the respective object is operable to receive the code radio frequency signal via a wireless connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Michael Kastelic, Katja Kienzl, Matthias Weitlaner
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Publication number: 20070001809Abstract: An automatic data collection system reads data encoded in data carriers located inside enclosed environments, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to objects located in enclosures, such as buildings, shipping containers, transportation vehicles such as airplanes, and other enclosures. The enclosures have dimensions that normally exceed the read range of the RFID tags, and/or the enclosures are composed of a material (such as metal) that impede communication of signals with external RFID readers. Therefore, internal antenna systems are provided inside of the enclosures to relay interrogation signals from RFID readers to the RFID tags, and to relay response signals from the RFID tags back to the RFID readers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Intermec IP Corp.Inventors: Venkata Kodukula, Pavel Nikitin
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Tags, wireless communication systems, tag communication methods, and wireless communications methods
Publication number: 20070001810Abstract: Tags, wireless communication systems, tag communication methods, and wireless communications methods are described. In one aspect, a tag includes a plurality of antennas configured to receive a plurality of first wireless communication signals comprising data from a reader, a plurality of rectifying circuits coupled with respective individual ones of the antennas and configured to provide rectified signals corresponding to the first wireless communication signals, wherein the rectified signals are combined to produce a composite signal, an adaptive reference circuit configured to vary a reference signal responsive to the composite signal, a comparator coupled with the adaptive reference circuit and the rectifying circuits and configured to compare the composite signal with respect to the reference signal and to output the data responsive to the comparison, and processing circuitry configured to receive the data from the comparator and to process the data.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Jeff Scott, Richard Pratt -
Publication number: 20070001811Abstract: A radio-frequency identification tag communication device including a BFA weight-value setting portion operable to control a directivity of a transmitter antenna, and an adaptive processing portion operable to implement an adaptive control of a weight to be given to a received signal received by each of a plurality of antenna elements, on the basis of a reply signal transmitted from a radio-frequency identification tag, so that the directivity of the transmitter antenna is changed to a direction in which the frequency identification tag in question is expected to exist, and the weight to be given to each received signal is subjected to the adaptive control, whereby the sensitivity of communication of the communication device with the radio-frequency identification tag is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuji Kiyohara
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Publication number: 20070001812Abstract: System and methods for optimizing communications between an RFID reader and a population of tags are described. To increase a read rate, the reader and tags use a partial binary tree traversal. In partial binary tree traversal, a first portion of a tag identification sequence is read. A set marker command is then transmitted to a group of tags causing the tags to set a bit position for start of subsequent binary tree traversal. The subsequent binary tree traversal for the tag group starts at the marked position. Thus, the reader and group of tags negotiate a subset of the identification sequence instead of the entire identification sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Powell
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Publication number: 20070001813Abstract: A method of operating a plurality of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers includes operating the readers according to a spatial-division and time-division synchronization schedule. Each reader may be associated with a reader group, and the schedule may specify a duration of time that all of the readers in a group may be active. Readers in different reader groups may be scheduled independent of readers in other reader groups.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: ThingMagic, Inc.Inventors: Yael Maguire, Matthew Reynolds, Ravikanth Pappu
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Publication number: 20070001814Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for ranging or determining a distance between a reader and a wireless tag. In one embodiment, a query signal is transmitted from the reader to the wireless tag. The carrier signal from the reader may then be modulated and the modulated signal transmitted from the reader during at least a portion of a response period for the wireless tag. A modulated backscatter response from the wireless tag is received at the reader is used to calculate a distance between the reader and the wireless tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Kurt Steinke, James Wagner
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Publication number: 20070001815Abstract: A detector receiver circuit (2) for use as a wake-up detector for detecting an amplitude modulated carrier signal is described. The circuit (2) comprises: an antenna (4) for receiving the modulated carrier signal; a transistor (10), such as an FET, is connected to the antenna (4) and configured to operate as a detector of modulation of the carrier frequency. The circuit further comprises a resonator circuit (12-16) which is also connected to the transistor and configured such that the transistor (10) can simultaneously oscillate at substantially the modulation frequency; an oscillator quenching means (20) for periodically quenching oscillation of the transistor (10) and means (26, 28, 30) for sensing the characteristics of the build-up of oscillation to indicate the presence of a modulated carrier signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Ian Forster
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Publication number: 20070001816Abstract: Power consumption management for a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for a radio frequency (RF) transponder system. The RF system includes an RFID device and a host. The RFID reader includes an RFID controller, an excitation signal transmitter, a response signal receiver, an optional RFID device detector, a host interface input/output, and a user interface. The method includes establishing a first power consumption level for the RFID reader, establishing a second power consumption level that is different from the first, and changing between the first level and the second level. The difference between the first level and the second level is derived from at least one technique for power consumption management. A plurality of techniques are presented. Among the potential benefits to reduced power consumption are increased energy efficiency and reduced radiated emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Scott Lindley, Theodore Geiszler, Kirk Bierach
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Publication number: 20070001817Abstract: A phase modulation apparatus includes a pattern-generating part that generates a phase-modulated pattern of a carrier wave, the carrier wave being phase-modulated by send data, and a phase-transition controlling part that transitions the phase of the pattern generated in the pattern-generating part, the phase being transitioned in such a way that a piece of send data is allocated to a portion of wave consisting of two or more cycles of the carrier wave.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Hideaki YAMADA
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Publication number: 20070001818Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for providing a signal to a communication system comprising an interface between a communication link and the communication system, like an alarm system, wherein the interface receives a signal from the communication link and provides a signal indicative of the availability of the communication link for use by the communication system. Alarm systems operations may be facilitated so that Residential Gateway components (such as voice terminal adapters) may simulate traditional telephone network systems that run on 48 VDC powered telephone lines. The system also comprises an input port associated with the interface for receiving the signal from the communication link, a transformer or a voltage regulator and an output port associated with the interface for providing the conditioned signal to the communication system. A ring voltage received from the communication link may be passed through to the alarm system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: David Small, Steve Wollmershauser, Yolius Diroo
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Publication number: 20070001819Abstract: A power supply for providing excitation to notification appliance circuits (NACs) in fire alarm applications meets revised national and international requirements for both NAC drive and auxiliary load drive tasks with a single circuit configuration. The requirements stipulate ability to tolerate inrush when activating strobe lights and horns of ten times the nominal output, while limiting short-circuit drive in AUX mode to eight amperes after five seconds. The novel power supply improves on the requirements, first by continuously testing for overcurrent NAC status and signaling faults in real time, and second by shutting off AUX drive in event of a short and retrying periodically without a requirement for manual reset. Thus testing for wiring errors is rendered safer and nondestructive, and correction of a wiring error can be quicker.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Donald Becker, John Hewlin, Clifford Renfrew
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Publication number: 20070001820Abstract: An electronic device (100) including a method to provide a reminder alert is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of storing one or more MPEG Audio Layer 3 (MP3) or MP4 files in a memory (105) of the electronic device(100), setting a MP3/MP4 file as the reminder alert; and activating the reminder alert in response to a missed event.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Guo Luo
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Publication number: 20070001821Abstract: A device for bidirectional amplification of data signals over power lines is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a bandpass filter, a frequency converter and an amplifier. The bandpass filter filters out undesired frequencies and the frequency converter converts the frequency band of the data signals to a different frequency band. The output of the filter is provided to the amplifier for amplifying the frequency converted data signals for transmission over power line.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: William Berkman
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Publication number: 20070001822Abstract: A method, a device and a processing unit for improving visibility in a motor vehicle are described, a light source of the motor vehicle illuminating an illumination range. At least one monitoring sensor of the motor vehicle monitors the surroundings around the motor vehicle for the presence of objects. The light source is adjusted in such a way that the spatial and/or temporal irradiation of the objects which are present at least with light having wavelengths outside of the visible spectrum, e.g., near infrared light, is less than a specifiable limiting value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2004Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Karsten Haug
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Publication number: 20070001823Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining if a frequency control instruction would cause a first capacitor bank to reach a limit and adjusting the first capacitor bank in a first direction using a calibration value and adjusting a second capacitor bank in a second direction if the first capacitor bank would reach the limit. Furthermore, the calibration value may be calculated and stored in accordance with other embodiments. In such manner, small changes in capacitance and correspondingly small changes in frequency may be effected.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Lawrence Der, Dana Taipale, Scott Willingham
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Publication number: 20070001824Abstract: A vehicle alarm system that can sound in any variety of tones, sounds, sequences, songs, melodies, tunes and/or any other prerecorded or individually created and/or determined phrases, statements, songs, tunes, tones, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Donna Fell
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Publication number: 20070001825Abstract: A system and method for waking a person includes the provision of tactile stimulation in a repeating interrupted pattern upon the detection of an alarm signal indicative of an event for which the person should be awakened. In one embodiment, a device for waking a person comprises a circuit for generating a driver signal in response to an alarm signal, the driver signal having a repeating interrupted pattern; an electrically controlled switching device having a control input, a power input and a power output, the power input being connectable to a power source, the control input being connected to receive the driver signal from the circuit; and a tactile stimulation device connected to the power output of the electrically controlled switching device, the tactile stimulation device being configured to produce a tactile stimulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Richard Roby, Michael Klassen, Jacqueline Dubois, Glenn Gaines, Erin Ashley
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Publication number: 20070001826Abstract: A keypad-based security system limits access to the ignition of a gas powered vehicle such as a golf or utility cart, to authorized operators having authorized ID codes. The security system, which is easily retrofit to existing vehicles, is interposed between the vehicle's ignition switch and the switch circuit of the vehicle. ID codes input by the operator using an on-board keypad are compared with a set of authorized ID codes stored in a memory, and a relay is energized to connect the ignition switch to the switch circuit with the energy source when the input ID code is verified as matching one of the authorized ID codes stored in the memory. The keypad uses only five keys to input a four digit ID code comprising any of the digits from 0 to 9.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: KEY CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Donna Lanier, Rande Newberry, Tony Lebron
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Publication number: 20070001827Abstract: A security device that is configured to receive lock and unlock signals from a remote location via a communication channel. The security device may include a sensor to detect unauthorized disablement and may generate warning signals to report such unauthorized disablement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Steven W. S. Asbjornsen, Hong Wong
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Publication number: 20070001828Abstract: A system and method for communicating on a network having multiple radios by substantially simultaneously transmitting a beacon signal from the radios. When a first radio receives a beacon signal from another radio, the first radio determines if the received beacon signal contains a priority designator. If the received beacon signal has a higher priority than that of the first radio, the first radio synchronizes subsequent transmission of its beacon signals to the other radio's beacon signal. In a network environment, radios may continuously adapt their beacon signals to transmit substantially simultaneously. Additionally, radios in a congested environment may coordinate beacon signals to minimize overhead use of bandwidth.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Mark Martinez
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Publication number: 20070001829Abstract: A motorcar burglar proof system comprised of a mechanism to lock up the steering wheel, an image retrieve device, and a built in control circuit; an IC chip integrated by the control circuit recording physical features of the genuine driver to compare with the image retrieved so to release the steering wheel if fits; if not, the steering wheel remaining to be locked up, the image being saved, and the alarm being activated to alert the parties concerned to respond in time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Fu-Jen Liu
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Publication number: 20070001830Abstract: A method for monitoring vehicle speed is provided. The method includes receiving a current speed of a vehicle and a current speed limit associated with a current location of the vehicle. A current speed range is calculated by comparing the current speed of the vehicle to the current speed limit. Operator alert preferences including a caution range and a warning range are accessed. An alert responsive to the current speed range and to the operator alert preferences is communicated to the operator of the vehicle. The alert includes one or more caution attributes when the current speed range of the vehicle is within the caution range. The alert includes one or more warning attributes when the current speed range of the vehicle is within the warning range. The alert includes one or more at speed attributes when the current speed range of the vehicle is not within the caution range or the warning range.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Oguz Dagci, Donald Grimm, Varsha Sadekar, Daniel Bartz, Sarmad Hermiz, William Hamilton
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Publication number: 20070001831Abstract: The invention provides a system for analyzing and evaluating the performance and behavior of a driver of a vehicle, and for displaying the results of the analysis and evaluation. A vehicle sensor utility is used to monitor the state of the vehicle while being driven by the driver. A raw data stream from the vehicle sensor utility is input to a driving event handler that detects driving events in the raw data stream and outputs to a maneuver detector a driving event string. The maneuver detector is configured to recognize patterns of driving maneuvers. One or more ratings of the driver's driving performance are calculated based upon the driving maneuvers as executed by the driver. The ratings are displayed on a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Drive Diagnostics LTD.Inventors: Ofer Raz, Hod Fleishman, Itamar Mulchadsky
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Publication number: 20070001832Abstract: A seat-weight sensor includes a load cell having a load sensor arranged therein and a support for holding a support shaft of the load cell. The support includes a convex portion to hold the support shaft and a pair of flange portions arranged at both sides of the convex portion and fixed to a vehicle floor side. The support has a pair of slots arranged at a perimeter of the convex portion and for reducing a physical effect that the pair of flanges provides to the convex portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi Furukawa, Tatsuya Yamazaki, Harutomi Nishide, Yoshitaka Suzuki, Nobuhiro Koyota, Seiji Takaya, Naotaka Kumakiri, Mikihito Kojima, Masashi Yoshifuku
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Publication number: 20070001833Abstract: A method of compensating a photo sensor (and a corresponding photo sensor with compensation) insures the accuracy of the photo sensor, e.g., over environmental variations or photo cell variations. The method comprises: providing a first signal indicative of a light level; providing a second signal indicative of an environmental parameter, e.g., temperature; and calculating, responsive to the first signal and the second signal, a compensated signal that is indicative of an absolute light level. The calculating can be performed by a processor and utilize calibration and compensation information or parameters, which can be obtained experimentally.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Pratibha Sharma, Gerald Kurz, Yong Cho, James Anderson, J. Anderson, Gregory Jacklin
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Publication number: 20070001834Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing multi-tiered management of security systems is provided. The method includes listing activities for implementing a security management system and identifying information, systems, and processes needed to execute the activities. The method also includes defining a set of roles and associating selected activities with each role in the set. The roles include an administrator role, a dealer role, a service entity role, a local responder role, and a security subject role. The method further includes assigning access capabilities for each of the roles based upon the associated activities and corresponding information, systems, and process requirements. The method also includes storing results of the listing, identifying, defining, and assigning in a role assignment database.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Gerald Fisher, Theodore Nesse, Venkata Seshu Perali, Sunil Neckaraje, Ramesh Duraipandian
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Publication number: 20070001835Abstract: A system for monitoring the presence of persons within a zone, the system comprising: one or more remotely detectable markers, each capable of being carried by a person; a first sensor arrangement capable of identifying the presence of the body of at least one person within the zone; a second sensor arrangement capable of identifying the presence of at least one marker within the zone; and a processing arrangement responsive to the first sensor arrangement and the second sensor arrangement to generate an alarm signal if the first sensor arrangement identifies the presence of a body without the second sensor arrangement identifying a marker corresponding in a first predetermined manner to that body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: UBISENSE LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Ward, Paul Webster, Rupert Curwen, Peter Steggles
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Publication number: 20070001836Abstract: Systems and methods for surveillance in a mobile environment. In some cases, the systems and methods utilize a variety of image and/or audio sensors to record activity ongoing a mobile environment. In one particular embodiment, the activity is temporarily recorded in a first tier memory implemented as a volatile FIFO. Where a trigger input is detected, the activity is recorded in a second tier memory that can be configured as a non-volatile memory. Further, in some cases the recorded activity can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote location.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2004Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: OBS, IncInventors: Brian Singer, Kevin Jones
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Publication number: 20070001837Abstract: An electronics system comprises a frame including a first wireless communicator and at least one component associated with the electronics system. The at least one component includes a second wireless communicator. A manager of the electronics system is in wired communication with the first wireless communicator and configured for determining a compatibility of the at least one component with the electronics system via wireless communication between the first wireless communicator and the second wireless communicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Thane Larson, Christopher Malone
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Publication number: 20070001838Abstract: A cell site environmental control system includes multiple relays, each monitoring a specific device whose status may have an impact on the environmental condition at the cell site. The cell site environmental control system includes a microprocessor-based central control module that issues environmental control instructions upon receipt of monitoring signals from the monitoring relays. The monitoring signals are captured at a punch-down block that has connections to the monitoring relays and routed from the punch-down block to the central control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Edward Hague
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Publication number: 20070001839Abstract: A control system for an RFID-based system for assembling and verifying outbound surgical equipment corresponding to a particular surgery. A user enters a identification number of a surgery. The control system queries a database of surgery information and outputs a list of required surgical equipment, such as surgical instrument sets. An operator uses the list to pick instrument sets for loading into a shipping tote. Each set is tagged with an RFID inventory tag that stores identification information for that set such as a set name and ID number. The shipping tote is passed through an RFID reader and identification data read from the tags is compared against the identification data for sets required for that surgery. A status indicator is activated to alert a user as to whether the surgery is complete that is, all expected sets are present, or that exception handling is required.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Christopher Cambre, Chad Chun, Robert Varner, Amy Shettler, Steven Tethrake
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Publication number: 20070001840Abstract: There is described a method for waking up an optical sensing device from a sleep mode to a motion detection mode, the optical motion sensing device comprising a light source, a photodetector device, a motion sensing unit and a control unit, the motion detection mode being defined as a mode during which motion is detected between the optical motion sensing device and a portion of a surface illuminated by the light source at a defined flash rate being set between minimum and maximum flash rate values, the motion sensing unit sending motion reports to the control unit, the sleep mode being defined as a mode during which the flash rate is set to a low flash rate value being lower than the minimum flash rate value and no motion report being reported from the sensing unit to the control unit, wherein the method comprises during the sleep mode the steps of (i) illuminating said surface portion with radiation by means of the light source at the low flash rate value; (ii) detecting a radiation pattern reflected from tType: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Gil Afriat
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Publication number: 20070001841Abstract: A method for operating with multiple protocols for handling communications comprising the steps of obtaining information from sensors and related input devices utilizing specialized tamper resistant passive transceivers working with active pulse type transceivers to create historical maps of information on people or objects. This includes steps of: a) identifying recording information, b) sending and receiving prompts, c) associating the call with timers, d) monitoring passive transceivers with low level diagnostic information, e) monitoring the transceivers with voice recognition software, f) recording associated data, g) identifying the users, the key words or phrases within the recorded data, h) naming the recording and i) saving the data in a protected format.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Joseph Anders, Jeremy Birch, Bryan Wilson, Marty Logsdon
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Publication number: 20070001842Abstract: the present invention provides a method of detecting that a shipping container has been tampered with by unlawful opening of its doors, and a method of ensuring that patrolmen on duty are both safe and are patrolling their appointed route. Tags which are activated to transmit a signal as a result of an activating unit being brought into proximity thereto, or separated therefrom, are used. In protecting a shipping container the tag forms part of a detector structure which stores and transmits data which data changes when the container doors are opened and closed. In protecting premises, the patrolman activates each tag as he passes it to cause signals to be transmitted back to a control room. This indicates that the patrolman is moving from tag to tag in accordance with his schedule.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2004Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Leslie Smiedt
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Publication number: 20070001843Abstract: A wireless communication device that is attached or included in an electronic object, such as a portable computer, having its own separate communication system. The separate communication system has an antenna for receiving and transmitting wireless communications, and is powered by a power supply included in the object. Since the separate communication system can only communicate when powered, a separate passive wireless communication device is provided for wireless communication that does not require power from the power supply to communicate. The wireless communication device is interfaced with the existing antenna of the separate communication system so that the wireless communication device and separate communication system share a common antenna to reduce cost. The antenna may also be interconnected to a controller associated with the object so that the controller can directly communicate to the wireless communication device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Ian Forster, Peter Horrell
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Publication number: 20070001844Abstract: Security material such as cloth, either normal strength or armored, or fragile webbing into which electronic micro-devices are woven to detect and react to tampering of the monitored article at the scene or via a network. Also disclosed are fasteners that permit reuse of the cloth and webbing. Facilitates the monitoring of high value articles and facilities and automatically records or responds to tampering attempts to increase the level of security for personal and organizational uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Jerry Krill
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Publication number: 20070001845Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for protecting an article against theft. Once a protection element is in the on-position (100), a selection signal is transmitted from an emitter to a receiver provided in the protection element, in order to associate the protection element with the emitter and to shift said protection element into a connection mode (110). The receiver is then deactivated (111) in the connection mode (110). The deactivation (111) of the receiver reduces the energy consumption of the protection element, and prevents the protection element from unintentionally receiving other selection signals. Once the protection element has been shifted (112) into an alarm state (120), for example, due to an attempted theft, the receiver thereof is reactivated, in order to reauthorise the reception of a selection signal. The alarm state (120) can be terminated (123) by one such selection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2004Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventor: Reinhold Ott
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Publication number: 20070001846Abstract: An RFID tag in a receptacle is active and includes a microprocessor, a data storage device operable to store a selected code (e.g. an ID code to identify said object or said product), the object including a display for displaying the aforesaid selected code upon a signal from the microprocessor and an energy storage device (e.g. a lithium ion battery), operable to energize the microprocessor, the display, and the transmitter. The tag has an antenna having a dimension thereof that is substantially as large as to a maximum dimension of receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Jason August, Paul Waterhouse, John Stevens
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Publication number: 20070001847Abstract: An electronic baggage tag, attachable to the handle of a piece of baggage, for creating and reviewing a checklist of items to be packed in the bag. The tag includes a display screen, manually operable controls for selecting commands and items displayed on the display screen, a software program, a processor, a memory, and circuitry suitable for operating the software. Stored in the memory is a master list of potential contents, from which a packing checklist is created and stored in memory for later use, and a data access routine executable by the processor which is operable to display the items on the checklist.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: H. Holt, Lindsay Kamm
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Publication number: 20070001848Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing interference by warbling a reader transmitted signal are described. To reduce interference in a densely packed multiple reader environment, a reader modulates or warbles the frequency or phase of the transmitted signal during a reception portion of a symbol exchange period. The transmitted signal is modulated within the bandwidth of an operating channel. The bandwidth of the operating channel is much narrower than the system bandwidth. In frequency warbling, the carrier frequency is shifted one or more times during the reception portion of the symbol exchange period. If phase warbling, the transmitted signal is spread within bandwidth of the operating channel during the reception portion of the symbol exchange period.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Symbol Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Wayne Shanks
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Publication number: 20070001849Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RF ID) tag (202) and a method for communicating data from an RF ID card to an electronic device (102) are disclosed. The RF ID tag comprises one or more removable materials that conceal the data (106). The presence of the one or more removable materials disables the RF ID tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Greg Black, John Boos, Rafael Colorado
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Publication number: 20070001850Abstract: A method of monitoring an electronics system comprises obtaining temperature information via at least one component of the electronics system, and communicating the temperature information from the at least one component to a manager of the electronics system via a wireless communication pathway independent of the components of electronics system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2005Publication date: January 4, 2007Inventors: Christopher Malone, Thane Larson