Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a bed which can surely detect the positional shift and heartbeat vibration of a bedded person while suppressing the increase of the cost and the degradation of the comfortability of a bed, and to provide a bed and an in-bed state detection method which can prevent the undesirable caught at the time of elevating the bed. In order to detect the shift of a bedded person, a ratio of intensities between output signals from first pressure sensitive sensor 21 and a second pressure sensitive sensor 22 each having a cable shape is obtained. These sensors are disposed along the lying direction at the both end sides of a bedding surface 15a on which a bedded person lies, respectively. When the ratio is in a range of a predetermined shift state set in advance, it is determined that the positional shift of a bedded person on the bedding surface 15a occurs. Further, a low-repulsion urethane layer is provided within a bed pad thereby to detect the heartbeat vibration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting and localizing sources of fire in one or more monitored areas (R1, . . . , Rn) utilizing a suction pipe system (3) connecting the plurality of monitored areas (R1, . . . , Rn) and which communicates with each individual monitored area (R1, . . . , Rn) by means of at least one suction opening (4), a suction device (5) for extracting air samples (6) representative of the room air of the individual monitored areas (R1, . . . , Rn) from the individual monitored areas (R1, . . . , Rn) by means of the suction pipe system (3) and the suction openings (4), and a sensor (7) for detecting at least one fire parameter in the air samples (6) extracted through the suction pipe system (3), whereby the inventive device comprises a blowing device (8) for blowing out the air samples (6) suctioned into the suction pipe system (3) when sensor (7) detects at least one fire parameter in the extracted air samples (6).

Abstract: A hazard alarm includes: a detector for detecting a hazard parameter, trigger logic; and reset logic. The trigger logic triggers an alarm state when the measured parameter reaches a predetermined trigger threshold. The alarm state is maintained until a reset is successfully performed. The reset logic, upon a reset command, resets the alarm state if the measured parameter is below a predetermined reset threshold, and inhibits resetting of the alarm state if the measured parameter is above the predetermined reset threshold.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating that a water heater has ceased to produce water at a temperature useful for sanitizing procedures. A temperature sensor is deployed at or near the water heater, such as adjacent a water line extending from the water heater. The temperature sensor provides a signal having at least one parameter that relates to the temperature of the water exiting the water heater. In the event that the temperature falls below a level useful for sanitizing procedures, an alarm is activated. The alarm may be located locally or remote.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization confirmation tester and a test pack which enables effective sterilization to be confirmed in a simple and sure manner by providing a simulation of the structure of an endoscope and so forth. The sterilization confirmation tester according to the present invention has a function of confirming effective sterilization treatment after sterilization performed by a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization confirmation tester includes a structure corresponding to at lest one of the components which form the endoscope.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for an industrial drive in which at least one machine or part of machine can be started from a location separate from the machine or part of machine. The arrangement includes an alarm device that can be activated before the part of machine is started. The arrangement includes two sources and two devices for controlling a sound source that can be activated before starting the machine so that the alarm sounds from both sound sources are intermittent and jointly include a substantially solid continuous sound.

Abstract: A power tool movement monitor system including a first accelerometer operatively configured to sense movement along a first axis of a power tool and a first high pass filter operatively connected to the output of the first accelerometer. The first high pass filter has an output and a cutoff frequency corresponding to a predetermined acceleration limit capable of being output by the first accelerometer. The power tool movement system further includes a logic circuit operatively configured to generate a warning signal when the first high pass filter outputs a signal having a frequency equaling or exceeding the cutoff frequency of the first high pass filter.

Abstract: A novel programmable timer includes a sensor for sensing opening of a refrigerator or cabinet door and an alarm outputting a visible and/or audible alarm when a timer has expired if and only if the senser indicates that the door is open, thereby preventing expenditure of the alarm at times when the alarming function is likely to be ineffective. The timer is also attachable to an article of food within the refrigerator or to a wall or other portion of the refrigerator via a spring clip, magnet, and/or releasable adhesive.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: A sliding mechanism includes at least one member adapted to slide along at least one body wall. The body wall and the sliding member are adapted to mate in at least one designated location when the sliding member is pushed into frictional sliding contact with the body wall from an initial location. A motion detector is operatively coupled to the sliding member. A controller is operatively coupled to the motion detector and adapted to determine whether the sliding member has moved from the initial location to the designated location based on input from the motion detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for acquiring and monitoring over time the development of at least one product-related variable. Said device comprises a support (34) that is associated with the product and supports a set of at least one sensor (26) for measuring said variable and means (30, 32, 34) for processing the data output by the sensor so as to monitor the development of said variable relative to threshold values. Said processing means are provided with a file system (30) in which the data output by the sensor is stored and a management algorithm (32) that organizes storing of the data in the file system and manages retrieval of said data. The file system and the management algorithm are mounted within the support.

Abstract: A lighting source and lighting control assembly, and fixture therefor, the combination of which allows its user to comply with pertinent laws while maximizing the ability to obtain a determined amount and type of lighting when so desired.

Abstract: A wireless remote controller includes a transmitter unit, which has a data storage device with an Express Card interface connectable to a main system directly for enabling the main system to store data into or fetch data from a flash memory of the data storage device, and a control device with operating buttons and a transmitting antenna, and a receiver unit, which is receivable in an open chamber of the housing of the transmitter unit when not in use and has a USB interface for connection to the main system for receiving control signals from the transmitter unit and transmitting received control signals to the connected main system.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device is provided for attachment to a target. In one example, the integrated circuit device is a tag attached to a product such as an electronic device or optical disc. In another example, the integrated circuit device may be integrated into the product's circuitry. The integrated circuit is controllable to effect an action at the target, such as activating or deactivating the usefulness of the product. The integrated circuit has a logic and memory section connected to an antenna for receiving communications from an associated reader or scanner. The integrated circuit also has a component constructed to transition from a first state to a permanent second state. For example, the component may be a fuse, a partial fuse, or an anti-fuse. The integrated circuit also stores a hidden secret kill code, and upon receiving a matching kill code from the reader, permanently transitions the component to its second state.

Abstract: An electronic instrument for which operating setting is possible according to operating signals transmitted from a plurality of kinds of remote operating devices of a differing operating signal structure, includes: an operating signal receiving section which receives the operating signals transmitted by the remote operating devices; an operating signal processing section which, when a specified operating signal based on a specified operating signal structure is input among the operating signals received by the operating signal receiving section, carries out a process control of the electronic instrument in accordance with the specified operating signal; and an operating signal conversion section which, being provided in a branch signal transmission system which diverges from a direct signal system, which directly transmits the operating signal from the operating signal receiving section to the operating signal processing section, converts an operating signal based on an operating signal structure which differ

Abstract: A wireless meter-reading system includes a utility meter having a housing and a face and a recording device located in the housing. The recording device is adapted to read and convert data located on a portion of the face to wirelessly transmittable data. A power source coupled to the recording device permits continuous and instantaneous capture of the wirelessly transmittable data from the face of the utility meter by the recording device. A communication device provided for wirelessly receiving and transmitting data between a consumer site and a utility provider site facilitates monitoring of the face of the utility meter by the consumer site and by the utility provider site. A method for allowing a consumer to join a secured wireless network of a utility provider comprises the consumer paying a fee to the utility provider. Both the consumer and the utility provider benefit from this arrangement.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for selecting at least one post-processing method for the post-processing of medical measurement data. In this method, different post-processing components are registered. In addition to the measurement data, context data with respect to the measurement data are acquired and/or derived. Following this, a structured document is evaluated so that at least one post-processing method, for example an optimally designed method, can be selected for the respective measurement data.

Abstract: A traffic-preemption system and method that communicates an identification code from vehicles to a traffic location. Traffic light control equipment, such as a receiver and traffic light circuit at each intersection of a controlled area, is used to manage headway in mass-transit systems as well as to provide traffic light pre-emption for emergency vehicles. Each traffic light circuit in the controlled area has a receiver located at a traffic location and adapted to receive an identification code from a mass-transit vehicle. A decoding circuit responds to the received identification code by attempting to identify the mass-transit vehicle and determine the timing on the identified route that improves an identified vehicle's headway and/or route timing. In response to determining the timing, a traffic-preemption command is generated for a traffic light on the identified route.

Abstract: A remotely-activated vehicle priority system includes a control center, a vehicle-priority communication device, at least one receiver, and a phase selector. The control center transmits an activation message. The vehicle-priority communication device is mounted to a vehicle and is communicatively coupled to the control center. In response to the activation message, the vehicle-priority communication device transmits a priority preemption request. Transmission of the priority preemption request in response to the activation message prevents improper activation, either intentional or unintentional, of the vehicle priority system by an operator of the vehicle. The receiver is situated at a traffic signal and receives the priority preemption request. The phase selector issues, responsive to the priority preemption request, a command to a controller of the traffic signal. The command selects a phase for the traffic signal.

Abstract: A new siren detection notification alarm for an automobile. The system includes an input transducer which converts ambient sounds into an electrical signal and transmits the signal to an electric circuit. The electric circuit includes a decibel level detector and a combination bandpass filter and time counter. If the electrical signal exceeds the design intensity level and is in the design frequency range for the design period of time, a notification alarm is triggered. The notification alarm can be a visual or audible alarm or a combination of both.

Abstract: A Traffic-Light Status Remote Sensor System is disclosed. The basic system consists of a set of lenses, detectors, and narrowband filters. The sensor system is capable of determining the status of a traffic light (red, amber, or green) from a distance, without any connection to the electronic boards controlling the traffic light. A portable red-light photo-enforcement system working independently from the traffic light controllers is a potential application of the remote traffic light sensor.

Abstract: A transfer switch configured particularly for use with traffic signal controllers, to enable a traffic signal controller to be powered by a portable electrical generator, when utility line power is unavailable. A housing, configured to be mounted either on the surface of a traffic signal controller cabinet, or recessed into an opening of the cabinet, so as to be flush to the surface thereof, is provided. The housing is configured to be substantially weatherproof without requiring the use of gaskets.

Abstract: A messaging board and a traffic light apparatus comprising a primary traffic panel including a first matrix of multicolored LEDs for directing motor traffic by displaying a plurality of images; a message panel including a second matrix of multicolored LEDs for displaying information unrelated to the directing of traffic; and a personal device interface providing two-way communication of information between the traffic light apparatus and at least one local user with a personal portable electronic device is disclosed. The messaging board is capable of being used as a communications station, as well as an information terminal and/or point-of-sales station.

Abstract: Identifying a vehicle in a toll system includes accessing a set of toll transaction entries. Each entry in the set designates a toll transaction between a vehicle and the toll system and includes a transaction descriptor and a transaction time stamp. A series of toll transaction pictures is accessed. The series includes a plurality of pictures, each of which is associated with a picture time stamp. A toll transaction entry is identified from the set as a violation transaction entry based on the transaction descriptor. A toll transaction picture is selected from the series. The transaction time stamp of the violation transaction is compared, using a processing device, with the picture time stamp of the selected toll transaction picture. The selected toll transaction picture is identified as a violation picture corresponding to the violation transaction entry based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A vehicle backing guide for marking a parking area into which a vehicle may be backed, comprising an elongate strap, a plurality of bright segments spaced apart longitudinally along the strap having a high visual contrast with the strap and an indicator member that indicates to the vehicle driver when the vehicle has obtained it preferred position in the parking area. The strap is of length representative of a length of a vehicle to be backed into a parking area therein substantially defining a side boundary of the parking area, the bright segments providing a measure of distance along the strap and hence the parking area, at least a portion of the bright segments being of a same length and mutually spaced apart a same distance longitudinally along the strap, the measure of distance providing the driver an indicator of backing progress into the parking area.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a service allowing a user looking for an available space to access a secure network and specify parameters defining the user's requirements for the available space, while allowing other users to broadcast space information regarding spaces they are about to depart from, where space is a three-dimensional volume or position that can be occupied or vacated. Users communicate with the secure network which is comprised of dedicated and/or external data sources and servers, using electronic devices to retrieve and broadcast real-time and future space information so that users may conduct space exchanges either by paying and receiving set amounts for an available parking space or by bidding on an available parking space. Users can also rate the space exchange according to whether or not they were satisfied or dissatisfied with the transaction.

Abstract: An image processing device for a vehicle includes a radar for transmitting a radio wave outside of the vehicle and detecting an object in a first area outside of the vehicle by using a reflected wave of the transmitted radio wave; a camera for acquiring an image in a second area including the first area; and an image processing unit for processing the acquired image to detect, in the acquired image, the object detected by the radar. Visibility outside of the vehicle is detected based on result of detection of the radar and result of detection of the camera.

Abstract: A method, system and device, to be controlled by appropriate government authority, to detect traffic offences by vehicles in real time and impose appropriate punishment according to the laws of the land. The intention of the invention is to reduce traffic offences and thereby reduce traffic accidents, human suffering, insurance premiums, manpower and financial loss caused by such accidents.

Abstract: An electronic toll collection system with dynamically adjusted timing for operation of one or more subsystems. The timing is dynamically adjusted based upon the prevailing traffic speed for the roadway. The roadway traffic speed is determined based upon direct measurements of traffic speed by external equipment or based upon a variable correlated with traffic speed. The variable may include the average number of handshakes per transponder over an estimation period. The subsystem may include a vehicle position determination system, an enforcement system, a loop detection system, or other such subsystems.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing an instrumentation interface. The method includes the steps of receiving instrument data to be depicted via an indicator of the instrumentation interface, processing the instrument data to determine a motion trail for the indicator, and generating the instrumentation interface with the indicator and the motion trail. In some embodiments, the processing step includes generating a low-pass filtered representation of the received instrument data. To that end, the received instrument data may be applied to a cascaded pair of low-pass filters.

Abstract: This invention allows for the precise determination of an aircraft's landing conditions and whether an aircraft has experienced a hard landing that exceeds the allowable design loads of the aircraft's landing gear. The system comprises a computer that measures signals from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) at high data rates (e.g. 100 Hz) and also records signals from the aircraft avionics data bus. The computer compares the output from the inertial measurement unit's accelerometers against at least one predetermined threshold parameter to determine whether the aircraft's three dimensional landing deceleration is safely within the design allowances or other regulatory limitations, or whether the landing event needs further investigation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes an aircraft instrumentation system for a cockpit instrument panel having a first device associated with a first pilot of an aircraft and positioned on the instrument panel substantially in front of the first pilot. The first device may include a first display and a first controller, which may have a set of controls for controlling the first display and aircraft systems. The instrumentation system may also include a second device associated with a second pilot of the aircraft and positioned on the instrument panel substantially in front of the second pilot. The second device may include a second display and a second controller, which may have a set of controls for controlling the second display and the aircraft systems. The instrumentation may be configured such that at least one of the first display and the second display presents attitude, altitude and airspeed at all times.

Abstract: An image display device and an image display method are provided that can be adopted easily by the user. The image display device has a processor and display for displaying a picture. The processor classifies items as first items that can be operated in the stopped state of the vehicle and second items that can be operated in both the stopped state and running state of the vehicle, and displays the items on the display based on the operating state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A light receiving device is disclosed that is able to reduce jitter and to improve detection resolution. The light receiving device has plural light receiving elements each having a rectangular light receiving area. The light receiving areas are connected to each other at vertices on diagonals thereof, and sides of the light receiving areas of neighboring light receiving elements are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A method for encoding an input file into an output file that is compressed so that the number of bits required to represent the output file is less than the number of bits of the input file. The encoding method includes the parsing of the input file into a series of data items, the data items having an order and collectively corresponding to the input file. The encoding method compares the series of data items against a static dictionary having at least mappings between terminal sequence pointers and representations of data items.

Abstract: An encoder has a scale having an optical, magnetic or electrostatic displacement detection pattern. An encoder head detects the displacement detection pattern and generates at least two periodic signals that differ in phase, thereby to determine a displacement with respect to the scale. A center-voltage detecting unit detects only the center voltage of each periodic signal. A reference-voltage adjusting unit adjusts the center voltage detected by the center-voltage detecting unit to a predetermined reference voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a block of audio data is partitioned into N sub-blocks, and a plurality of code parameters s(0), s(1), . . . s(N?1) are determined. The N sub-blocks are entropy encoded using a plurality of entropy codes defined by the plurality of code parameters, and the code parameters are transmitted. The code parameters may be transmitted by directly transmitting s(0) representing the code parameter of the first sub-block, and transmitting a difference s(i)?s(i?1) for i=1, . . . N?1, s(i) representing the code parameter of an ith sub-block following the first sub-block.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for converting an input code into an output code. The method includes: determining a plurality of input code subsets of the input code; converting the input code subsets into a plurality of output code subsets, respectively; and merging the output code subsets to generate the output code.

Abstract: A received signal is sampled at a sampling period of T+m*(T/n) during a sampling phase determination process. T is a symbol or chip period of the received signal, n is a number of phases of the sampled signal, T/n is a phase resolution period, and m is a fixed non-zero integer value where ?n<m<n (e.g. m=1 or ?1). By sampling the received signal at the sampling period of T+m*(T/n), a sample set for each one of n phases of the sampled signal is produced. For each sample set, a correlation process is performed between the sample set and a predetermined correlation signal to produce a correlation result. Once an optimal correlation result is identified from the correlation process, the received signal is sampled at a sampling period of T at a phase associated with the optimal correlation result. Advantageously, oversampling at a sampling rate of n/T is not required during the sampling phase determination process, which reduces cost and power consumption.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and system for sampling rate conversion. A clamped cubic spline interpolator (CCSI) may be utilized to interpolate or decimate a source signal to provide samples at times based on a sink rate. The source clock and sink clock may be driven by independent oscillators, and may therefore drift independently. A rate tracking algorithm may monitor the relative drift and adjust the conversion of the source signal to track the sink rate.

Abstract: A variable length decoding device comprises a CPU, a variable length decoding unit, an encoded data memory, a decoded data memory, and a mass memory. The variable length decoding unit comprises a decoding table memory operable to store decoding table, a standard information storage unit operable to store standard information of encoded data, and a frequency information storage unit operable to store information on frequency of usage of each table element of the decoding table. According to the structure, the decoding table is not necessary to transfer when decoding the encoded data based on the same standard of the previously-decoded encoded data. The decoding table to be stored in the decoding table memory can be composed by table elements of higher frequency of usage, thereby decreasing occurrence of cache error.

Abstract: Described herein is a method and system for sampling rate conversion. A clamped cubic spline interpolator (CCSI) may be utilized to interpolate or decimate a source signal to provide samples at times based on a sink rate. The source clock and sink clock may be driven by independent oscillators, and may therefore drift independently. A rate tracking algorithm may monitor the relative drift and adjust the conversion of the source signal to track the sink rate.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for a negative contributive offset compensation mechanism for a transmit buffer adapted to compensate for the positive offset generated by higher order sigma-delta modulators used to amplitude modulate the transmit buffer. The positive outputs from the sigma-delta modulator are processed differently than the negative outputs. The inverters associated with the negative outputs in the sigma-delta modulator are removed and the clock signal used to drive the transistors corresponding to the negative outputs is negated or shifted 180 degrees from the clock used to drive the transistors corresponding to the positive outputs. A non-inverted version of the clock is used with the positive outputs and an inverse clock is used with the negative outputs. Use of the inverse clock causes a negative contributive offset to be generated that is added on the second half cycle of each clock. The result is an offset compensated RF output signal having zero offset.

Abstract: A primary delta-sigma modulator converts a continuous-time input signal into a discrete-time output sequence. A calibration circuit comprising an auxiliary delta-sigma modulator estimates percentage error in an integrator time constant and adjusts the time constant of at least one integrator in the primary delta-sigma modulator accordingly. The auxiliary delta-sigma modulator and the primary delta-sigma modulator use integrators with substantially similar circuit designs. The percentage error in the time constant of the integrator in the auxiliary delta-sigma modulator, and correspondingly the percentage error in time constant of the integrator in the primary delta-sigma modulator, is estimated by injecting a calibrating sequence into the auxiliary delta-sigma modulator and examining a correlation between an error sequence and an output sequence of the auxiliary delta-sigma modulator.

Abstract: A bubble error rejecter includes a cascade of front and rear voting sections for correcting bubble errors spanning multiple bits from interpolation. The front voting section generates first correction codes from first thermometer codes determined from preamplified signals. The rear voting section generates second correction codes from the first correction codes and second thermometer codes determined from interpolation of the preamplified signals.

Abstract: A sigma-delta converter has a signal input for receiving a data word. A clock signal input is designed to supply a clock signal. The sigma-delta converter includes a first clocked-operation accumulator stage whose input side is connected to the signal input, and at least one second clocked-operation accumulator stage connected in series with the first accumulator stage, with its input side coupled to an accumulator output of the first accumulator stage. The sigma-delta converter is configured to process the data word upon each clock signal only in one accumulator stage in the first and the at least one second accumulator stage, and output the processed data word at the accumulator output of the one accumulator stage. As a result, a time-critical response during signal processing is limited just to the accumulator stage which is currently processing the data word.

Abstract: In the two-stage conversion type of digital-to-analog converter, the m most significant bits in a digital signal are provided to a first-stage selector, selecting a pair of adjacent lower and upper limit voltages among 2m+1 different stepwise voltages generated by a resistive voltage divider. The resistors divide the voltage between the lower and upper limits into different divided voltages. A second-stage selector selects corresponding one of the divided voltages according to two least significant bits in the digital signal. When the digital signal changes, a load signal is provided for a predetermined time period, allowing switches to short-circuit respective component resistors. The output of the second-stage selector is thus quickly charged to the upper limit voltage when the digital signal changes. When the load signal subsequently stops, the normal divided voltage is generated, providing the target output voltage. Thus, the conversion accuracy and response speed are improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bit-detection arrangement able to convert an analog signal (AS) having an amplitude into a digital signal (DS) representing a bit sequence from which the analog signal (AS) is derived. The bit-detection arrangement has a phase detector which detect the phase difference between a quantized analog signal and a clock signal C2. The phase difference is sampled by an AD converter. The AD converter can sample at a relatively slow rate as the phase difference is a low frequency signal. The sampled phase difference is fed to a digital PLL which outputs a phase signal PHI. The phase signal and the quantized analog signal are used to recreate the digital signal (DS).

Abstract: Pulses of optical radiation are counted by a pulse counter in a way representative of its effects on tissue. An analog to digital converter digitizes detected optical radiation pulses and an integrator integrates the digitally detected pluses. The integrator has a time constant characteristic sufficient to combine digitally detected pluses that are close enough together so that they are effectively one pulse with respect to tissue exposure limits. The integrator can be programmable to a particular time constant based on a thermal confinement duration of human tissue and wavelength of laser pulses. A counter circuit counts pulses, and a display displays the counted pulses. A capture circuit enables counting the number of pulses occurring within a capture duration by the counter circuit. The analog to digital converter can be configured to a sensitivity.