Abstract: A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components and navigation systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system remote control, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system remote control.

Abstract: A display unit displays supplied image information on or through a front glass of a vehicle. A system controller generates and supplies the image information to the display unit. The image information indicates lane guides of the traveling lane, which correspond to a configuration of a traveling lane that is viewed from a view point position of a driver through the front glass. The system controller sets a display color of the lane guides displayed by the display unit to a color, which is distinguishable from a color of a road surface.

Abstract: A collision detection device for a vehicle has a control unit which determines a collision with the vehicle, a left main sensor arranged at the vehicle left portion, a right main sensor arranged at the vehicle right portion, a middle sub sensor arranged at the substantial middle portion of the vehicle, a left sub bus for connecting the middle sub sensor with the left main sensor, a left main bus for connecting the left main sensor with the control unit, a right sub bus for connecting the middle sub sensor with the right main sensor, and a right main bus for connecting the right main sensor with the control unit. Thus, the single middle sub sensor is provided for the collision detection of the vehicle right portion and that of the vehicle left portion, respectively with the right main sensor and the left main senor.

Abstract: In an apparatus for providing information about a vehicle's surroundings, if failure in a sensor occurs, a warning fault calculating unit registers “fault” in the entry of a warning type influenced by the failure in the sensor and generates a message warning that an operation fault has occurred in the warning type due to the failure. A warning generating unit determines whether the vehicle is in a state in which a warning the warning type should be generated on the basis of sensor information received from a sensor information processing unit. If the warning should be generated, the warning generating unit transmits a warning of the warning type to a warning output control unit. The warning generating unit does not transmit a warning of the warning type if the fault status of the warning type is “fault”.

Abstract: A driver warning device which serves to warn the driver when a safety-critical condition of the vehicle is reached. A warning is issued only if such issuance is to take place in accordance with a user profile. This avoids unnecessary warnings from being issued to a driver, which could reduce the acceptance of the warning system on the part of the driver.

Abstract: In the system for monitoring tire pressure in a tire of a vehicle, temporally successive tire pressure measured values are sensed by a transmitting unit, and at least part of the tire pressure measured values is transmitted to a receiving unit with a variable frequency of occurrence, wherein the frequency of occurrence is derived from the sensed tire pressure measured values by means of a control unit.

Abstract: A tire sensor that communicates to a remote interrogator in one of two modes depending on the nature of the interrogation. The interrogator may be distributed throughout a vehicle if needed for design options. Further, the interrogator only interrogates the transponder when the interrogator has reason to believe that the transponder is in range of the interrogator. The interrogator and transponder may be configured to operate in different modes for communication during operation of the tire on a vehicle and during non-operation. The transponder may communicate tire condition information to the interrogator concerning environmental or other information sensed about the tire.

Abstract: A device for reproducing information on a vehicle is provided, wherein a portable transponder unit is part of a keyless access and/or travel authorization system, transmitting a code to a control device, which is arranged in the vehicle, via a transceiver. A display, gas sensor and analysis device are located in the transponder device, the analysis device controlling the display so as to output a warning signal if the measured concentration of gas exceeds a critical threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a tire pressure using a radio frequency identification system wherein a pressure and a temperature of a tire is constantly monitored for a driver to predict a dangerous situation that may occur in a future and to take a prompt action on the predicted dangerous situation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tag for measuring a pressure and a temperature of a tire installed on each of wheels, a reader for providing a power to the tag and for receiving and processing a pressure and temperature information provided by the reader, and a display device for receiving the processed pressure and temperature information and displaying the received pressure and temperature information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patch-type tire status monitoring apparatus, which comprises a flexible substrate having an adhering side and a signal processing circuit; a tire status monitoring unit that is affixed to the non-adhering side of the flexible substrate; an antenna; and a wireless transmitting unit that is configured to transmit the signals sent by the tire status monitoring unit. The patch-type tire status monitoring apparatus of the present invention can be easily installed by utilizing the flexibility of the substrate to be firmly affixed to a rim. Since the apparatus does not require any exterior cover, the overall weight can be significantly reduced, which ultimately avoids any potential imbalance and misalignment problems on the wheels.

Abstract: Assured Clear Distance is to be protected by installing this sensory device into your vehicle. The device is a sign that will light up and indicate when a driver is tailgating another vehicle. This sign will keep vehicles at a safe distance, and promote smooth traffic flow. Entering and exiting the freeways will also be safer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a functional and ornamental vehicle accessory are provided. The vehicle accessory includes a housing and a mounting mechanism for coupling the accessory to a vehicle. The vehicle accessory can also include a light source or light conducting member. Wiring for electrically connecting the light source can be included such that the vehicle accessory can illuminate during a variety of vehicle functions. The vehicle accessory can also operate as a communication hub for the vehicle.

Abstract: Ground contact portions are categorized in a tree structure manner such that all of the ground contact portions of a mobile body (mobile robot) equipped with three or more ground contact portions become leaf nodes and that an intermediate node exists between the leaf nodes and a root node having all the leaf nodes as its descendant nodes. On each node (a C-th node) having child nodes, the correction amounts of the desired relative heights of the ground contact portions of the C-th node are determined such that at least the difference between an actual posture inclination and a desired posture inclination of a predetermined portion, such as a base body, (posture inclination difference) is approximated to zero, and joints of the mobile body 1 are operated so that a desired relative height obtained by combining the correction amounts is satisfied.

Abstract: A vehicle battery electrical system tester with a hand-held remote control can include a vehicle battery electrical system tester with a radio frequency transceiver and a remote control unit with a radio frequency transceiver. Preferably, the vehicle battery electrical system tester and the remote control unit both include a radio frequency integrated circuit transceiver microchip. In addition, each can include a microcontroller coupled to the transceiver to control the transceiver. Furthermore, each can include an antenna, preferably an integrated circuit antenna. The remote control unit can include a visual display device, such as an LCD display, and an input device, such as a keypad.

Abstract: A trouble ticket service system is capable of notifying information indicating the actual operation state thereof. A monitoring apparatus includes information analyzing software for distinguishing, according to alarm information and received electric field information from a microwave communication system including microwave communication apparatuses, the three states namely: device failure state, fading state, and early warning state, plus a mail transmitter for sending the three states as trouble tickets (e-mail messages).

Abstract: A system for distinguishing between a first condition corresponding to a living subject being directly in contact with an object of interest, and a second condition corresponding to the absence of contact between the living subject and the object of interest. A transducer is disposed in predetermined relationship to the object of interest and produces a transducer signal responsive to a pressure wave resulting from the living subject being directly in contact the object of interest. A database stores data corresponding to the first condition and may contain additional data corresponding to the second condition. A processor calculates an algorithm of a non-linear short-term frequency-selective energy distribution of the transducer signal over time to produce transducer signal data. An arrangement, which may be a human listener or a processor system, determines a threshold between the first and second conditions in response to the transducer signal data and the first and second data.

Abstract: A position management system including two or more types of detection tags provided to objects whose positions are to be detected, detectors provided corresponding to the detection tags, and a position data processor, in which the detection tags complement detection abilities with each other, in which when a detector receives a signal from a detection tag provided to an object, the detector generates detection result data including a unique tag ID which is assigned to the detection tag and a device ID which is assigned to the detector, and in which the position data processor processes the detection result data acquired from the detector and arrangement data of the detector in order to specify a position of the object.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for communicating, processing and responding to information reporting the status of health care patients. In one aspect, the invention provides a procedure for allocating the attention of health care personnel to issues and events that are reported in association with health care patients located within a health care facility. In some embodiments, assignment of health care personnel to health care patients can be configured according to a set of directives. The directives can direct assignment of personnel based upon many criteria including, but not limited to, the identity and/or location of a health care patient, an issue or event associated with the status of the health care patient, the relative availability of other health care personnel to respond to the issue or event, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tracking systems and methods for monitoring the location of an asset or group of assets. In particular, the present invention provides systems for monitoring the location of a large group of assets. Furthermore, the present invention provides systems and methods for identifying an asset within a group of assets.

Abstract: A surveillance system utilizing existing street lighting equipment. In a preferred embodiment, surveillance units include a small camera and a wireless transceiver and a connector that allows the surveillance units to plug into an existing outdoor light in the place of the outdoor lights' photo cells. In this preferred embodiment communication between the lights and the cellular station is at frequencies of about 2.4 GHz and uses the 802.11b protocol that permits transmission of data at up to 11 million bits per second or the 802.11g protocol that permits transmission of data at up to 54 million bits per second. The cellular stations then communicates with the central monitoring station at a frequency range of 71-76 GHz and 81 to 86 GHz that permits transmission of data at about 1.0 billion bits per second.

Abstract: A method and device for activation of large quantities of security elements for the electronic article protection. The security elements are exposed to at lease one magnetic field produced by one or more coils carrying a line current subjected to sine oscillations. The coils are supplied with current pulses that are shorter than the sine oscillations. The amplitude of the current pulses diminishes as a function of time.

Abstract: Techniques to enable parental control for a media console are described. One such technique involves enabling user-specific security (or rights) settings. This technique includes first receiving a user identifier from a user interface of a media console. The technique includes next determining a first security profile for the media console based on the user identifier. In this technique, the first security profile defines a supervised operating configuration for the media console that is specific to the user identifier, and which is controlled by an authorized party, such as a parent. Finally, the technique includes enabling use of the first media console subject to the first security profile. In this technique, the first security profile thereby defines parental control choices regarding use of the first media console by the first user, e.g., a child.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for providing updated VoIP terminal location information to emergency call service providers, in which RFID tags are positioned at various locations within an enterprise and coded with unique tag data. A database is provided with a mapping of RFID tag data and tag locations in the enterprise, and the VoIP phone terminals are equipped or otherwise connected with RFID tag readers. The VoIP phones read the tag data upon initiation of a 911 or other an emergency call and report the tag data to a network server that determines the VoIP phone location according to the tag data and provides the phone location to the emergency call service provider.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus, comprising an RF ID tag capable of reporting receiver signal strength indication, wherein the receiver signal strength may be indicated by an a RSSI byte included with an electronic product code (EPC) data packet. The EPC data packet may be in the standard SGTIN-64 EPC data format. Further, the RF ID tag capable of reporting signal strength may enable power control or beam steering.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the provisioning and redundancy of RFID middleware servers. Middleware servers can be automatically provisioned and RFID device/middleware server associations can be automatically updated. Some implementations of the invention provide for automatic detection of middleware server malfunctions. Some such implementations provide for automated provisioning and automated updating of RFID device/middleware server associations, whether a middleware server is automatically brought online or is manually replaced. Changes and reassignments of the RFID device populations may be accommodated.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a container comprises an RFID device interior the container and a receiving device exterior the container. The RFID device transmits messages each including unique identifying information, and the receiving device exterior the container receives and stores and/or relays messages received from the RFID device interior the container. Ones of the messages transmitted by the RFID device when the container is closed are not received by the receiving device and ones of the messages transmitted by the RFID device when the container is not closed are received and stored by the receiving device, whereby the messages stored in the receiving device provide an indication of whether the container has or has not been opened. Messages may include power level codes and be transmitted at more than one power level, and may be processed for locating and/or tracking the container.

Abstract: A printhead with a built-in antenna. The built-in antennaa allows for close proximity between the media and the antenna, particularly as media passes under the printhead. The RFID antenna embedded in the print head eliminates the potential interference and crosstalk between the smart labels. The built-in antenna at the print station allows for RF writing and printing at the same time. The close proximity of the antenna to the RFID tag also allows for reduced power, which is an advantage in portable devices that often have limited battery life. Having a RFID antenna built in to the print head, also allows for a printer with smaller dimensions. Further, the printer assembly and repairs are quicker because there is no need for an additional patch antenna component.

Abstract: Deactivating a data tag attached to packaging for user privacy or tamper-evident reasons. Each of a plurality of data tags stores identification information. At least one of the data tags is removable and capable of wireless signal transmission at a first range such that removal of the data tag substantially prevents communication of the identification information via the removed data tag and permits communication of the identification information via another data tag at a second range relatively smaller than the first range.

Abstract: An RFID verifier is configured to vary a slope for a ramp-modulated interrogating signal to determine the slope at which an interrogated RFID tag no longer responds to the interrogating signal. In this fashion, the RFID verifier may obtain a measure of quality for the interrogated RFID tag with respect to the tag's ability to decode ramp-modulated signals.

Abstract: A quasi-passive wake-up function for an electronic device that employs a continuous low power standby mode compares a received signal to a predetermined signal and wakes up the device when the received signal is the same as the predetermined signal. An electronic device having a quasi-passive wakeup function includes a receiver for receiving at least one stimulus signal, a comparator for comparing the received signal to a predetermined signal, and at least one logic gate for waking up the electronic device when the received stimulus signal is the predetermined signal. In one application, identification tags are used to distinguish a unique tagged item from among a plurality of items with a similar appearance. When an interrogation signal is not present, the tags sleep at a very low power level.

Abstract: A transponder device comprises an integrated CMOS circuit with a semiconductor substrate. A first rectifying diode (DS) is formed by the substrate diode of the CMOS circuit. A first MOS transistor structure (DR1) and a second MOS transistor structure (DR2) have their channels connected in series such that they function as a second rectifying diode, the cathode of the first rectifying diode being connected to the anode of the second rectifying diode. The first MOS transistor structure (DR1) and the second MOS transistor structure (DR2) are spaced from each other such that a distance between the two MOS transistor structures is large enough that a parasitic npn-structure formed within the substrate by the first and the second MOS structures has a negligible current gain.

Abstract: A search apparatus and related method facilitate the final stage of a search for a buried person carrying a transmitter. When the searcher is in the close vicinity of the buried transmitter, the search enters a point-localization phase where the apparatus displays a representation of the current target distance from the apparatus to the buried transmitter as well as a representation of a previously-stored value for the target distance. By comparing the current distance to the previously-stored distance, the searcher can readily see whether the apparatus is getting closer to the buried transmitter or further away. Preferably, graphic symbols are displayed to represent the current distance and the previously-stored distance. The display can also provide a representation of whether the current distance is greater than or less than an immediately preceding distance that has been stored.

Abstract: A locator system for locating a person, animal or mobile object for use with a cellular network, the locator system including a fob containing a GSM transceiver for communication with the cellular network, a GPS unit for indicating the location of a person, animal or object being searched for, a baseband processor for controlling electronic modules in the fob and an RF beacon for transmitting strong ID signals in pulse form for indicating the direction and location of the fob. The system can operate with a call center to which communications are made by a guardian seeking assistance in finding the lost person, animal or object, which in turn communicates with the cellular network to send signals to activate the fob and which receive signals from the fob. Mobile or handheld tracking units pick up GPS and RF beacon signals to find the fob. The locator system can be used in combination with a residential locating system.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide management of a program of correctional supervision via a stored-value card. Through a stored-value card issued to a criminal offender in a program of correctional supervision, the offender's transactions are compared to a rule set for the program, and it is determined whether an alert condition has occurred as a result of the transaction. Monies owed by the criminal offender may be collected using the card and the stored-value card provides a criminal offender a card for purchases and other transactions usually unavailable to the unbanked.

Abstract: A system for verifying patient identity is detailed which allows hospital personnel to reduce error in patient care due to misidentification of a patient. Broadly, an inventive system for verifying patient identity includes a machine readable wireless identification tag containing identification information, the tag attached to an identification badge worn by a patient, a device having data input and output capacity, processing circuitry, memory circuitry and an executable program for analysis of data transmitted from the tag, and a machine wireless reader in data communication with the tag and the device. Also included is a signal display element for displaying a signal to a user, the signal display element disposed on the device or the reader. Further, an alert system is provided for alerting hospital personnel to presence of an object or person having a machine readable wireless tag not associated with a first patient in proximity to the first patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decreasing errors in patient care by ensuring correct correlation between a patient and items intended for use in care of the patient are provided. In particular, an inventive set of associated items is provided in which each of the items is labeled with related identification information contained in machine readable wireless tags attached to the items. In one configuration, an identification badge to be worn by a patient and a specimen container for holding a specimen obtained from the patient are provided, each labeled with a machine readable wireless tag. Also, a kit for use in patient care is provided which includes an associated set of items and may further include a syringe, a needle, gauze, a cleansing wipe, a bandage, a tourniquet, or a glove.

Abstract: Snap hook assemblies in which additional components have been incorporated are detailed. The assemblies maintain the general shapes of carabiners rather than those of conventional versions of the incorporated components. Included among the incorporated components may be light sources, knife blades, compasses, can or bottle openers, and watches, for example, although other components may be incorporated instead.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for alerting of an occupant endangered by being situated in a variable temperature setting. The system can be utilized within a motor vehicle, and occupants include an infant, a child, a person, and an animal or pet. In an aspect, when a security device receives a signal that an occupant sensor detects the presence of an occupant and a temperature sensor detects a predetermined temperature, both within a predetermined time period, then a security response is initiated. A security response can include triggering an audible alarm, flashing a light, lowering a window, unlocking a door, notifying an owner of the security device, and transmitting an emergency signal to an emergency system including telephone 911 and an emergency response company. The occupant sensor and the temperature sensor may be affixed to a key fob such that an antenna transmits to the security device.

Abstract: A combination thermostat and warning device that is housed within a common housing, such as a housing resembling that for a conventional thermostat. The combination device includes a controller that is operable to control the operation of a climate control device, such as an HVAC system. The combination thermostat and warning device includes a radio receiver that is disposed within the common housing and receives warning radio broadcasts from a remote source, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The controller of the combination thermostat and warning device controls the generation of a warning alarm by an alarm indicator based upon the warning radio broadcast to alert occupants of the warning broadcast. The warning alarm can be generated by an alarm indicator included within the common housing or can be generated by remote devices, such as hazardous condition detectors or other alarm system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit for detecting the wetting of a diaper. Signals from the condensation sensor are used to control an audible alarm and/or musical chime unit. The signals of the moisture sensor, on the contrary, are used to control the ground connection of a musical chip. A sensor unit, which comprises two contacts, mounted on a circular housing base is placed on the interior of the diaper. In a preferred variant, both contacts are coupled to a common switchable evaluation unit, which utilizes the conductivity of moisture to complete a ground to the musical alarm. In an improvement of the invention, both contacts are integrated into a plastic waterproof sensor module.

Abstract: A wireless sensor unit detects an out-of-range condition of an air filter in a HVAC system by sensing the air flow passing across the filter or by pressure differential across the air filter. A The sensor unit sends a signal to a receiver unit that can be positioned a distance from the sensor unit to process the signal sent by the sensor unit and provide audio and/or visual warning of the air filter condition.

Abstract: A liquid low level warning device is used on the nut of a screw bolt or the slide block of a linear guideway, and comprises: a circuit terminal, rail and buoyage. The terminal is disposed on a lubricating device in such a manner that an end of the terminal is electrically connected to external equipment (by wire or wireless means) and another end is connected to the rail and positioned in the receiving space of the lubricating device. A stop block is provided on the upper end of the rail and the buoyage is moveably mounted on the rail. With such arrangements, the liquid low level warning device will produce alarm signals when the lubricating oil is lowered to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A liquid level alarm is placed in a tank having a bottom and has a weight, a floating box, an alarm circuit and a cord. The weight is placed on the bottom of the tank. The floating box has a top recess, a passage, a slide and a top cover. The passage communicates with the top recess. The slide is mounted slidably in the passage. The alarm circuit is mounted in the top recess in the floating box and has two contacts, an alarm element, a switch and a spring. The switch is connected to the slide. The spring is connected to the top cover and holds the switch open. The cord is connected to the weight and the slide. When the floating box moves above a predetermined level, the switch with the slide moves down and makes contact with the contacts to activate the alarm element.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted jack system includes a plurality of jacks each disposed adjacent a respective tire of a vehicle and a plurality of mounting brackets for mounting each jack in a vertical position to underside of such vehicle. A control circuits includes a handheld portion having a plurality of switch means each associated with a respective one of the plurality of jacks and manually and selectively operable for generating a first signal to initiate movement of the respective jack into the extended position and a second signal to initiate movement of the respective jack into the retracted position. A drive system, which is responsive to the first and second signal, moves the plurality of jacks between the retracted and the extended position. The system is employable for changing tires, annunciating that a motor vehicle has likely been stolen and for at least monitoring tire pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting electronic and other sensitive devices in the event of security breaches such as physical intrusion or access, tampering, and attempts at reverse engineering. One aspect of the present invention provides security systems and methods that utilize an active security measure that can identify a security breach and respond with a protective action. Protective actions may include erasure or randomizing of data or software, activation of an alarm or signal (such as at a remote location), or destruction of any portion of a protected device or circuit or the like.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and medium for outputting multimedia data such as music is disclosed, which can recognize motion of a specified device using an inertial sensor, and mix sound that corresponds to the recognized motion with multimedia data in order to output the multimedia data mixed with the sound. The apparatus for controlling and playing a sound effect by motion detection includes a media playback unit for reading multimedia data and playing a sound signal; a motion sensor for detecting motion of the apparatus and generating a sensor signal that corresponds to the detected motion; a pattern recognition unit for receiving the generated sensor signal and recognizing motion of the apparatus based using a specified standard of judgment; a sound-effect-playback unit for playing the sound effect based on the result of recognition; and an output unit for outputting the played sound signal and the sound effect.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a position transducer, which is adapted to be fixed to the object. The position transducer includes a digital microcontroller, which includes a plurality of output pins, and which is operative to generate an alternating digital output at a selected frequency on at least one of the output pins. At least one transmit antenna is coupled directly to the at least one of the output pins, so that the at least one antenna transmits a magnetic field at the selected frequency responsively to the alternating digital output. A field sensor senses the magnetic field and generates a signal responsively thereto. A processor receives and processes the signal in order to determine coordinates of the position transducer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically locating and identifying labware using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are described herein. The methods and systems include a plurality of RFID tags (pre-programmed with unique data codes) that are associated with labware (or labware holders). For example, the RFID tags can be embedded within the locating pegs of the labware (or labware holders). The methods and systems also include a plurality of RFID tag readers that mount near known locations of an instrument deck which receives the labware. The RFID tag readers automatically scan for the presence of RFID tags such that when a piece of labware is added to the instrument deck, and then report to a processing device the specific known location on deck where each tag was found, as well as the unique data code of each tag. Using this information, the methods and systems determine one or more of the location, orientation, and identity of the received labware.

Abstract: Described are an installation and a method for monitoring the transfer of goods that comprise identification carriers, across a loading interface between a mobile transporter and a storage area, or between two mobile transporters. On the loading interface a reading device for contactless reading of the identification carriers and a location acquisition device are arranged and connected to an evaluation- and control device. During transfer of the goods across the loading interface, data of the identification carriers is read by means of a reading device, and location information of the goods is acquired by means of the location acquisition device, and the data is interlinked by means of the evaluation- and control device.

Abstract: A human machine interface with expanded function includes a panel and a printed circuit board. A first key apparatus electrically coupled to the printed circuit board is mounted on the panel. The printed circuit board provides an expansion interface for optionally connecting a second key unit, so that a user can design and install the second key unit according to distinct requirements.