Abstract: A simulated RFID tag may be combined with other such tags to form a population of simulated tags. A method of testing an RFID reader includes providing at least one population of simulated RFID tags; configuring tags in the at least one population of simulated RFID tags; and querying the at least one population of simulated RFID tags with the RFID reader. The simulated RFID tags may be configured by assigning arbitrary static IDs to at least some of the simulated RFID tags; assigning a sequence of tag IDs to at least some of the simulated RFID tags; assigning a sequence of time-varying IDs to at least some the population of simulated RFID tags; and assigning arbitrary timing/persistence to at least some of the simulated RFID tags.

Abstract: Pre-stored or bundled content such as programs can be enabled by using an RFID tag with suitable authorization information according to a process, in which the informs a host device of contents that can be activated with the RFID tag, the host device obtains respective authorization information from the RFID tag and subsequently refreshes the authorization in order to extend the activation over a desired period of time. Unless refreshed, the authorization is terminated after a given interval as of the authorization so that the substantial use of the content is subjected to the possession of the RFID tag and a license can be sold or transferred together with the RFID tag.

Abstract: A near field communication (NFC) device is capable of operating as an NFC initiator device or an NFC target device for exchanging request and response messages with another similar device in order to determine a secondary transport mechanism suitable for communications between the two devices with bandwidth greater than available for NFC and for determining appropriate roles for both devices without excessive communication. Such determination of roles can be determined by rule or by exchanging information indicating a choice of roles.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a container having an RFID device interior comprises periodically transmitting messages including unique identifying information and receiving messages transmitted by the RFID device interior the container by a receiving device exterior the container. Some messages transmitted when the container is closed are not received by the receiving device, and some messages transmitted when the container is not closed are received. The method comprises storing and/or relaying the received messages and determining from the number of messages received from the RFID device that are stored and/or relayed whether the container has or has not been opened. The method may also comprise transmitting the messages at two or more power levels and selecting messages that are at the lowest power level that produces at least two corresponding stored and/or relayed messages for determining the location of the RFID device.

Abstract: A system monitors the condition of a container. A container security device secures the container. The container security device is programmably armed to implement the securing. The container security device is adapted to sense at least one condition of the container, transmit information relative to the at least one sensed condition to a location outside the container, and interpret the at least the condition. A remote arming plug is adapted to be removably coupled to the container security device. The remote arming plug has a unique identifier to be communicated to the container security device to initiate an arming sequence of the container security device. The remote arming plug is adapted to be applied as an integrated deployable seal to at least one sealing location to physically secure the container.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an oscillator within a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag includes storing a plurality of calibration values within a memory structure. Each of the calibration values corresponds to a respective oscillation frequency of the oscillator. A selected calibration value is selected from the plurality of calibration values stored, according to a first selection criterion. The oscillator is then calibrated in accordance with the selected calibration value.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing piezoelectric wafers of surface acoustic wave (SAW) identification tags. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) using a master reticle to form, on each of the piezoelectric wafers, wafer-independent patterns that encode digits of a first significance for SAW identification tags; and (2) using different ones of a library of coding reticles to form, on each of the piezoelectric wafers, wafer-dependent patterns that encode digits of a second significance for SAW identification tags.

Abstract: A method and a mobile terminal where reproduction of a security barcode in a mobile terminal including a special function is prevented. When a security function is executed, a security barcode corresponding to security barcode generation information is generated and the special function is controlled. When the security function is released, the generated security barcode is removed and the control of the special function is released. When the special function is executed, execution information of the special function is stored. When the security function is executed again, the execution information of the special function is added to the security barcode generation information so as to generate new security barcode generation information. A security barcode corresponding to the new security barcode generation information is generated, and the generated security barcode is displayed.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a contactless chip card including an antenna support (40) on which the antenna is screenprinted and an electronic module or a chip (50) connected to the two antenna terminals and at least two card bodies on either side of antenna support, the antenna bodies being thermoplastic sheets (62, 64, 66, and 68) applied by hot pressure lamination, the sheet of thermoplastic (62) which is applied onto the face of the antenna support (40) receiving electronic module or chip (50) is perforated with a through-cavity (56) and its thickness is greater than the thickness of electronic module or chip (50), said cavity (56) being situated such that said electronic module or chip (50) is inside the cavity when said sheet (62) is placed on said support (40) before lamination step and such that electronic module or chip (50) is not subjected to any pressure during the lamination step.

Abstract: An alarm unit, for sounding an alarm on detection of a fire emergency condition, which comprises a smoke detector, an alarm indicator and a heat detector wherein the smoke detector is capable of receiving power from a first power source and the heat detector is capable of receiving power from a second power source.

Abstract: An optical system for detecting ice and water on the surface of an aircraft includes an elongated transparent optical element having first and second end portions. A light source and light detector are disposed in one end of the optical element and a reflective surface is disposed in the opposite end portion. The reflective surface defines a critical angle and reflects light from the light source to the light detector when the critical angle is in contact with air and refracts the light toward the external environment when the reflective surface is in contact with ice or water. The system may also incorporate an optical element wherein the reflective surface includes a continuous array of convex elements extending outwardly from and across one end of the optical element and wherein each of the convex elements defines a critical angle.

Abstract: This invention covers improved electronic time-temperature indicators with an RFID output, and other devices and methods by which the thermal history of a complex material, which may not obey a simple exponential Arrhenius law degradation equation, may be monitored, and the subsequent fitness for use of the tracked material may be quickly ascertained. In particular, the invention discloses a rapidly reprogrammable electronic time-temperature RFID tag that may be easily customized with the thermal time-temperature stability profile of an arbitrary material, using electronic data transfer methods. Using this device, a single, low-cost, generic time-temperature tag may be mass-produced, and then subsequently programmed to mimic the stability characteristics of nearly any material of interest.

Abstract: A multi-sensor baby care monitoring system includes a wetness sensor configured to generate a first signal relating to an occurrence of a wetness event relative to a wetness containment device, such as a diaper. The monitoring system further includes a human life sensor configured to generate a second signal relating to a presence or absence of a human relative to the wetness containment device. If desired, a system controller may be used for receiving the first and second signals and generating data associated with the wetness event and the presence or absence of said human.

Abstract: A water detector probe is disclosed which can be wetted with a small quantity of water and including a manually operated screw-type pump to force the water into an electrically conductive central passageway and thence into contact with the fuel side and, as well as, the grounded main body of the probe to complete an electrical circuit which, in turn, controls fuel flow to an aircraft, for example.

Abstract: A smoke/fire detection system for the detection of smoke or fire produced by a malfunctioning pipe heating tape or other electrical devices. The detector automatically shuts off the power to the affected tape or device and provides an alarm indicating the malfunction and its location to enable repairs to be made. In a preferred embodiment, the detection system includes a computer and a fire extinguisher. The computer determines if a fire is present at a selected location and turns on the fire extinguisher automatically when fire is present.

Abstract: A power failure alarm for use in sounding a warning in the occasion of a power failure, with built in electrical connectors, and a temporary source of light. The device is housed in a molded plastic enclosure in a rectangular shape and includes an emergency light, night-light, flashlight, and power failure alarm. All unit functions are completely automatic once the unit has been plugged into a standard 120 volt receptacle. The device has a three prong male plug on the back of the body and is designed to occupy one receptacle of a duplex receptacle thus leaving one receptacle still available for use. Alternate embodiments of the device are specifically intended to alert and notify the user of a power failure. The device utilized logic circuitry to determine if a power failure or improper setup has occurred. The battery charging and monitoring circuits ensure the batteries are always charged and ready for use.

Abstract: A method of determining the location of a mobile receiver is provided. The method works within a radio system in one or more dimensions, the radio system includes a network of transmitters the positions of which are known. The method comprises the steps of: compiling a list of the signals detected by the receiver, sending said list to a calculation device; constructing a position function which relates to the probability that the receiver is at a given location, which position function has components corresponding to each member of the list, each component including a predetermined probability function that depends on mobile receiver position; and evaluating said position function to determine a position that corresponds to the highest probability of location, and defining that position to be the location of the mobile receiver.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system, communication and control for automated meter reading, a meter data collector, and associated methods are provided. The system includes at least one utility meter, at least one meter sensor interfaced with the utility meter, a meter data collector positioned adjacent the utility meter and positioned to receive data from the at least one sensor, and a remote automatic meter reading control center positioned to receive data from the collector such as through RF or other types of communication to gather and process usage reading data. Meter usage data is obtained by the collector from the meter sensor, date and time stamped, and stored in the collector until directly transmitted to the control center or a substation if within range and not blocked or impeded by a physical structure or other obstacle. If the collector is not in range, then the data is forwarded to another collector associated with a location closer to the control center or substation.

Abstract: A collaborative nomination algorithm is provided for disseminating information amongst a plurality of collaborating vehicles in an inter-vehicle communication network. The method includes: receiving an incoming vehicle communication message at a recipient vehicle from one of the collaborating vehicles; nominating one of the collaborating vehicles identified in the incoming vehicle communication message to broadcast a subsequent vehicle communication message; and transmitting an outgoing vehicle communication message from the recipient vehicle, where the outgoing vehicle communication message identifies the vehicle nominated to broadcast the subsequent vehicle communication message.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminaire with at least one LED as luminous means and a method for operating the luminaire. The luminaire has a sensor for detecting at least a part of the light emitted by the LED and also a control unit for evaluating the sensor signals and for influencing the LED in a manner dependent on the sensor signals. After the luminaire has been switched on, a specific LED current flows and the light intensity of the LED is checked. In the case of a light intensity below a reference value, the LED current is raised by a defined value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for secure traffic light interruption. A purpose of this invention is to allow for the use of a secure system to allow the interruption of the traffic light signals by emergency (and other authorized) vehicles. An objective of this invention is to allow for the use of a more secure system than the currently installed strobe only traffic light interruption (changing) systems. This invention integrates additional wireless technologies to assure that only authorized users trigger the traffic light changes that typically make it safer for emergency vehicles when they approach a traffic light.

Abstract: An emergency response warning system comprising a safety device implemented into a novel traffic signal device (10) and roadway/street light (12) structures. The emergency signal lights, (30) and (31) on the traffic signal (10) and (33) on the roadway light (12) will flash pronouncedly when a signal is received from an approaching emergency vehicle. Once the signal is received, all the emergency warning lights began to flash, this will alert drivers to move to the right and stop on roadways, and bring traffic to a stop at the intersection. Both structures are solar power during the day and battery operated a night for the best efficiency possible.

Abstract: Travel time database generating systems, methods, and programs receive a vehicle's present location information and calculate a link travel time for each link included in the present location information. The systems, methods, and programs generate a travel time database including link travel times by estimating a travel route between the vehicle's present locations detected every predetermined time period and calculating a link travel time of links included in the estimated travel route.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying traffic targets in a conformal perspective view. The system comprises a display screen for graphical display of data, one or more sensors for obtaining traffic data regarding traffic targets, and one or more processors for receiving traffic data from the one or more sensors and providing input to the display screen. The display screen displays traffic targets as icons in a 3-dimensional graphical representation of real space. The display size of the icons is selected from a finite set of sizes which correspond to a finite set of distance ranges based on the distance to the traffic targets.

Abstract: This is a portable information system which uses Global Positioning System (GPS) data as a key to automatically retrieve audiovisual data from a database. On a journey the system can automatically identify and describe places of specific interest to the user, landmarks and the history of nearby buildings, or locate hotels, hospitals, shops and products within a radius of the present position. Audible menus and voice command give hands-free and eyes-free control while driving, flying, sailing or walking.

Abstract: A method for dynamically demonstrating vehicle features and vehicle promotions. The method involves a telematics unit receiving a broadcast over a wireless channel wherein the broadcast includes commercial information associated with at least one of the vehicle features and the vehicle promotions, filtering the broadcast to yield demonstration information which is at least a portion of the commercial information, and presenting the filtered demonstration information in an audio format and/or a video format.

Abstract: Moving image stream data recorded on a recording medium includes title key managing data formed of sets of pointer information items indicating respective encipher data sections, and title keys decoding the respective encipher data sections indicated by the pointer information items. A playback apparatus stores the title key managing data recorded on the recording medium in a storage section. The playback apparatus detects change of the pointer information item included in the moving image stream data read from the recording medium. If the pointer information item has been changed, the playback apparatus obtains a title key corresponding to the pointer information item after change from the storage section, and executes decoding of the input moving image stream data by using the obtained title key.

Abstract: A digital circuit unit includes at least one circuit block, a voltage source for supplying the circuit block, a detection unit, which monitors the change of current drain by the at least one circuit block, an additional power consumption unit, which upon activation consumes power in addition to the at least one circuit block, and a control unit, which controls the power consumption unit in such a way that upon a change in the power consumption of the circuit block the power consumption unit is activated and drains current.

Abstract: A system and method for tree matching are provided. The method for tree matching includes; acquiring tree-like structures representing a physical object or model; extracting a path from a first tree-like structure and a path from a second tree-like structure; comparing the paths of the first and second tree-like structures by computing a similarity measurement for the paths; and determining if the paths match based on the similarity measurement.

Abstract: An automatic gain control circuit has a gain determination circuit (B2) which determines a first gain factor (g), and a first gain controller (B3) which controls an amplitude of an input signal (S1) with the first gain factor (g) to supply a gain controlled signal (S3). A processing circuit (B1; B1, B11) with a predetermined limited dynamic range processes the gain controlled signal (S3) to obtain an output signal (S4; S2). The automatic gain control circuit further comprises a compensation circuit (B5) which determines a second gain factor (dg) based on the first gain factor (g) and input parameters (DL, TR, DV) which define a time variation of the second gain factor (dg), and a second gain controller (B1; B10) which receives the second gain factor (dg) to obtain a compensated output signal (S2) that is substantially compensated for an amplitude change of the gain controlled signal (S3) due to a change of the first gain factor (g).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a delta-sigma modulator formed of a loop filter coupled to receive an incoming signal, and a quantizer coupled to the loop filter to receive an output of the loop filter and to generate a quantized output. The loop filter may have multiple integration stages and a transfer function constrained to maintain stability of the delta-sigma modulator regardless of an amplitude of the incoming signal. Methods directed to design of such a delta-sigma modulator are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method and circuit for producing spread spectrum and over clock, which includes a primary circuit and a secondary circuit, wherein the primary circuit uses a frequency division technique based on phase swallow to achieve a high frequency resolution clock signal, and the secondary circuit multiplies the frequency of the output clock signal of the primary circuit, so as to expand its frequency range.

Abstract: A DAC has an N-bit R-string DAC section and an (M-N)-bit interpolation DAC section. The N-bit R-string DAC section has a plurality of resistors and a 2-of-N selector. The resistors are electrically connected in series to provide a plurality of voltage levels. The 2-of-N selector is coupled to the series-connected resistors, and is arranged to select two neighboring voltage levels according to an N-bit MSB subword. The (M-N)-bit interpolation DAC section is coupled to the N-bit R-string DAC section, and is arranged to interpolate an analog output signal from the two neighboring voltage levels according to an (M-N)-bit LSB subword.

Abstract: A technique that includes providing a buffer to receive data from a processor of a wireless device in response to an active mode of the processor and selectively coupling an input terminal of a filter to the buffer based on a status of the buffer.

Abstract: A DAC has an N-bit R-string DAC section and an (M-N)-bit interpolation DAC section. The N-bit R-string DAC section has a plurality of resistors and a 2-of-N selector. The resistors are electrically connected in series to provide a plurality of voltage levels. The 2-of-N selector is coupled to the series-connected resistors, and is arranged to select two neighboring voltage levels according to an N-bit MSB subword. The (M-N)-bit interpolation DAC section is coupled to the N-bit R-string DAC section, and is arranged to interpolate an analog output signal from the two neighboring voltage levels according to an (M-N)-bit LSB subword.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a driver macrocell in which a plurality of circuit blocks are integrated into a macrocell. The driver macrocell includes a data driver block DB for driving data lines, a memory block MB which stores image data, and a pad block PDB in which pads for electrically connecting output lines of the data driver block DB with the data lines are disposed. The data driver block DB and the memory block MB are disposed along a direction D1, and the pad block PDB is disposed on the D2 side of the data driver block DB and the memory block MB.

Abstract: Digital samples corresponding to a pulsed input signal are provided from an ADC to a memory for storage and to a pulse extraction circuit. The pulse extraction circuit detects the leading and trailing edges of pulses in the input signal. The digital samples are stored in both a Current memory buffer and a Next memory buffer. When a pulse trailing edge is detected, the Current buffer is stopped from storing further samples, the Next buffer becomes the Current buffer and a new buffer becomes the Next buffer. Digital data samples are then provided from the (previous) Current buffer after it has stopped storing samples.

Abstract: A multi-channel digital/analog converter arrangement comprises at least two data channels for receiving and forwarding a corresponding number of digital data input signals comprising respective time characteristics, a digital multiplexer generating a digital intermediate signal present at a common node by combining the at least two digital data input signals, and a digital/analog converter connected downstream of the multiplexer for converting the digital intermediate signal into an analog output signal. The multiplexer comprises a tuning device for tuning the time characteristics of the at least two digital data input signals in respect to each other.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) disposed in a data reception path to convert data from an analog format to a digital format is switched between two or more power modes to conserve power when data is not being received. ADC stays in a lower power-lower precision mode until an inbound data is detected, at which time the ADC switches to a higher power-higher precision mode to convert the data. Once data conversion is completed, the ADC switches back to the lower power-lower precision mode to conserve power.

Abstract: A SAR analog-to-digital Converter (ADC) is disclosed with variable gain having a SAR capacitor array with a plurality of switched capacitors therein with varying weights and a SAR controller for sampling an input voltage thereon in a sampling phase, and redistributing the charge stored thereon in a conversion phase in accordance with a SAR conversion algorithm. A gain adjust register is provided for defining an amount of charge to be added or subtracted from the capacitor array prior to the conversion phase relative to a predetermined amount of charge. A charge control device varies the amount of charge stored in the array prior to the conversion phase in accordance with the contents of the gain adjust register such that the amount of charge redistributed during the conversion phase is adjusted.

Abstract: The invention provides a receiver for use in a wireless communication system that substantially reduces mismatch between an in-phase (I) component and a quadrature (Q) component of a received signal. The receiver achieves this by sharing or “ping-ponging” an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) between the I and Q components. By sharing a single pipelined ADC between the I and Q components, both the I and Q components are processed by the same circuitry inside the pipelined ADC thereby eliminating many dominant sources of I-Q mismatch. The pipelined ADC operates at approximately twice the speed as other circuit components. Consequently, I-Q mismatch, which negatively affects performance, may be substantially reduced. At the same time, system complexity, cost, and power dissipation are reduced by eliminating an additional ADC typically used to process the I and Q components in parallel signal paths.

Abstract: A successive approximation analog/digital converter converting an analog input signal into a digital output value by means of a plurality of successive conversion cycles, comprises at least one first input for injecting an analog input signal, a controllable capacitive network which is connected downstream of the first input and which is divided into at least two capacitive subnetworks and, at least two parallel-connected and parallel-operating comparators for defining a number of comparator thresholds which corresponds to the number of parallel comparators. The comparators are respectively connected downstream of one of the capacitive subnetworks and the comparators output a corresponding number of digital intermediate signals on the basis of the comparisons in the comparators. The analog/digital converter further comprises a register set by the intermediate signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclic AD converter that reduces power consumption by reducing active circuits such as an X2 amplifier or the like and is particularly suitable to implement in an integrated circuit and also an integrator to be used therefor. The cyclic AD converter uses an integrator 11 comprising an operational amplifier 111, a first integration capacitor C1 connected between the input and output terminals of the operational amplifier 111, and a second integration capacitor C2 to be connected selectively between the reference potential source and the input/output terminals of the operational amplifier 111 by way of switches S3 and S4. The integrator 11 operates to sample/hold an analog input signal and also obtain a signal equal to the double of a reference signal from a comparator.

Abstract: A remote controller detects an ON state or an OFF state of operation of pushing a remote controller key 2. When the detection result is the ON state, the remote controller generates a predetermined ON code S3 previously allocated to the remote controller key 2. When the detection result is the OFF state after it shows the ON state, the remote controller generates an OFF code S4 representing the OFF state, generates a transmission command by adding the OFF code S4 to the ON code S3, and then transmits the transmission command to a target command receiver. Therefore, the receiver can correctly recognize the contents of the transmission command S5 generated at the remote controller by detecting the OFF code S4. That is to say, the receiver can recognize the contents of the pushing operation of the remote controller key 2.

Abstract: A broad-band millimeter wave imaging system with improved thermal resolution as compared to prior art devices. The system is useful for producing images of metal and non-metal objects such as guns, knives and explosives hidden under clothing. A cylindrical antenna focuses millimeter wave radiation from a substantially one dimensional section of a target region onto a linear array of radiation collectors. Radiation collected at each collector is amplified to produce a set of amplified millimeter wave signals and the amplified signals pass through focusing delay lines to a millimeter wave lens. Millimeter wave signals are collected at the output of the lens and the collected signals are monitored by an array of detectors. The combined effects of the delay lines and the lens produce a focus of the amplified millimeter wave radiation emitted and reflected from the one dimensional section of the target region.

Abstract: A filter scheme for broadcast interference cancellation that is computationally efficient and numerically robust Airborne Low Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) operating in the VHF and UHF bands has been shown. At least interference Doppler filtering or interference cancellation is utilised. The interference cancellation involves prediction of the interference for each particular reception interval of mixed interference and radar ground response. This prediction is then coherently subtracted from the incoming signal.

Abstract: Digital beamforming is provided for use with electronically scanned radar. In an aspect, the present invention provides enhanced sensitivity, wide angle or field of view (FOV) coverage with narrow beams, minimized number of receivers, reduced sidelobes, eliminated grating lobes and beam compensation for target motion. In an aspect, the present invention employs a uniform overlapped subarray feed network, a time multiplexed switch matrix, and a restructured digital signal processor. Antenna channels share a receiver, rather than maintain a dedicated receiver for each antenna element, as in conventional systems. In an aspect, Doppler/frequency filtering is performed on each antenna element or subarray output prior to digital beamforming. Further, Doppler compensation is employed following Doppler/frequency filtering, followed by digital beamforming.

Abstract: A system for operating a GPS receiver in a GPS-adverse environment includes a plurality of GPS receivers, a plurality of remote sensor interfaces (RSIs), and a computer management system. The GPS receivers are adapted to determine positional parameters based on the GPS satellite signals. A first set of GPS receivers is able to accurately determine its positional parameters and a second set of GPS receivers is unable to do so. Each RSI is associated with a respective GPS receiver. The RSIs are communication nodes in an ad hoc wireless network. The computer management system identifies a GPS receiver that is not accurately determining its positional parameters, and in response, causes GPS information to be provided from one of the first set of GPS receivers to the identified GPS receiver. The identified GPS receiver then determines its positional parameters accurately using the provided GPS information.

Abstract: A measurement system and an associated method for determining the positions of multiple antennas to centimeter level accuracy. A plurality of first filters, one filter for each antenna of a plurality of antennas, are each operable to obtain information from a respective one of the plurality of antennas at a primary frequency. A second filter connects with at least one of the plurality of antennas. A processor calibrates biases for the information at the primary frequency with a RF path bias calibration algorithm as a function of an output of the second filter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the determination of a relative position between moving platforms, using satellite-based navigation techniques and equipment installed on said platforms. It combines the concepts of observation-space and navigation-space differential systems, and operates a DGNSS base station in a time-varying mode, in order to rely on the built-in differential positioning and navigation capabilities of particular GNSS receivers while minimizing datalink loading and computational load in auxiliary processors. The invention achieves accurate relative positioning and navigation with respect to a moving base station, using DGNSS equipment that assumes it is stationary when operated in a reference station mode.