Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for reducing road rage by providing signage, lighted or not which is displayable through a window, usually the rear window of a vehicle having messages or two or three types only. A message of appreciation such as THANK YOU or of a conciliatory type are available. The messages are preferably illuminated and controlled by a switch available to the driver while normally driving without any distraction.

Abstract: A mobile phone set includes a clock unit that counts time and a non-contact IC that receives time data indicative of current correct time from an RFID reader/writer. When the non-contact IC receives the time data, the time of the clock unit is corrected based on the received time data.

Abstract: A metal detector for control of protected access comprising two oblong shape vertical housings (10, 12), and emitting and receiving electrical coils (3, 5) provided in said housings, characterized in that at least an additional type of sensors (4) is provided in at least one of said housings (10, 12), said coils (3, 5) and additional type of sensors (4) being symmetrically provided in said at least one of said housings so as to present a physical and geometrical coincidence detections.

Abstract: A telesurveillance system of objects whose presence is monitored remotely by a computerised control station over a computer network. At least one master central station has a unique identifier connected to the network, at least one detector having statuses in relation to the presence or not of an object, the control station being informed of the changes in status via the network, and the user may have a personal identification elements readable by a reader of the master central station, the letter including elements to wait, in a surveillance state, for the changes in status and reading the identification element, to switch to a state of alert to a change in status and to switch to a neutralised state during a determined neutralisation time by reading the personal identification element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system comprised of at least one master data collection unit, any number of remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the objects being monitored. The master unit may be in a fixed location, or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave the area where it is located. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices, wherein the child devices can be remote sensors or monitors of various measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification and biometric identification. The master unit is able to discover new remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located.

Abstract: Using wireless features, a public service agency is enabled to provide alert information to first responders. An automatic call back from the first responder triggers a voice call launching a location fix on the current location of the first responder. Preferably delivery confirmation that the responder has received the message is received. Once the location fix has been completed, then driving directions with map images are sent to the first responder based on their current location and desired destination for response.

Abstract: A network of wirelessly connected sanitary appliances, their associated triggering devices and a remotely located network node is disclosed. The remotely located network node permits the monitoring and gathering of information concerning the appliances and their associated triggering devices. The network node can be connected to a LAN and/or the internet allowing the node to communicate with responsible parties. In addition, a control board having a central processing unit is wirelessly connected as an intermediary between the appliances and triggering devices and the network node. Communication between the appliances and their triggering devices uses low frequency RF signals. Communication to the remotely located network node uses high frequency RF signals.

Abstract: A sensor-based communications device activator, including a first signal transmitting device having a sensor and a second signal transmitting device, which may be preprogrammed to automatically alert emergency rescue personnel to the location of an individual who, due to an emergency, is unable to alert the emergency personnel on his/her own behalf. When one or more stimuli are sensed by the sensor, the activator directs a communications device, optionally including a GPS-based location tracking technologies component, to contact an emergency service. Alternatively, a manual alert device of the activator may be activated by the user to achieve this same result. Whether the communications device is contacted automatically or manually, the emergency service not only will learn that the individual is in danger, but can also learn, via the GPS-based component, the location of the endangered individual.

Abstract: Devices for locating misplaced keys are described. Such devices include a housing in which is disposed a cell phone receiver, a ringer, associated circuitry, a power supply, and an “on/off” switch”. Such devices may also include a battery life indicator disposed in the housing, which indicator is visible to a user.

Abstract: A small portable housing has a battery-powered LED and an adhesive layer that can be detachably stuck on a wall near a light switch. A PIR motion detector in the housing activates the LED when the room is dark and motion is sensed.

Abstract: A theft deterrence system is provided for a portable computer. The system includes a portable computer, a theft. deterrence label, a sensor, and circuitry. The theft deterrence label is provided on the portable computer at a visually perceptible location and has indicia that visually alert a reader to deter theft of the computer. The sensor is carried by the portable computer and is configured to enable detection of removal of the label from the portable computer. The circuitry communicates with the sensor and is configured to receive an alert signal from the sensor responsive to removal of the label from the portable computer. The circuitry also disables a functionality component of the computer responsive to the alert signal. A method is also provided.

Abstract: An antenna structure capable of determining the direction of a radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag includes a wide-angle antenna disposed within an attenuator that has regions of low attenuation. The attenuator may include a metal plate with holes. In this case, the antenna only detects RFID tags that are aligned with a hole, and hence the direction of the RFID tag is detected. Multiple holes of different sizes can be provided. In this case, if the RFID tag is moving, the direction and speed of movement can be determined from the duration of received RFID signals. For example, a long period of RFID tag signal reception indicates that the tag passed in front of a large hole in the attenuator. The present invention is particularly well suited for use with conveyor belts and in applications where RFID tags move along known paths.

Abstract: A package and method for products is provided. The package includes a non-planar package comprising a wall formed of polymeric material, and at least one tracking device partially embedded within a thickness of the wall during forming of the package such that the tracking device is exposed and visible on a surface of the package.

Abstract: A electronic signage system for directing persons to desired locations.

Abstract: A system for dispensing, reading and verifying RFID tags. The system includes a label dispenser that dispenses labels that contain RFID tags from a bulk label storage device, an RFID Reader/Writer device that is operatively connected to the label dispenser. The RFID Reader/Writer device reads and codes tags which are embedded within these labels. The RFID Reader/Writer is configured to function in close range and thus provide adequate fidelity of coding and transfer of individual program tags. The invention also includes an RFID reader/writer that is powered by its communications means.

Abstract: To secure a stable radio-communication performance in a sensor node, the sensor node with a radio-communication circuit and a sensor, for transmitting data measured by the sensor through radio-communication, includes a first board BO2 on which an antenna ANT1 connected to the radio-communication circuit is placed, a case CASE1 containing the first board BO2, and a band that is attached to the case CASE1 so as to fix the case CASE1 to the skin. The antenna ANT1 is placed in an upper portion of the case CASE1, which corresponds to a 12 o'clock direction of a wristwatch.

Abstract: A system for generating an audible message to a human includes an apparatus 100. The apparatus includes an input 120 for receiving an audio message. The audio message is stored in a memory 140. An output 150 can be used for rendering the audio message. The apparatus further includes a microphone 110 and a controller 130. If a sound is received via the microphone, the controller causes the stored audio message to be rendered via the output.

Abstract: A personal alarm system includes a monitoring base station and one or more remote sensing units in two-way radio communication. An electronic handshake between the base station and each remote unit is used to assure system reliability. The remote units transmit at selectable power levels. In the absence of an emergency, a remote unit transmits at a power-conserving low power level. Received field strength is measured to determine whether a remote unit has moved beyond a predetermined distance from the base station. If the distance is exceeded, the remote unit transmits at a higher power level. The remote unit includes sensors for common hazards including water emersion, smoke, excessive heat, excessive carbon monoxide concentration, and electrical shock. The base station periodically polls the remote units and displays the status of the environmental sensors. The system is useful in child monitoring, for use with invalids, and with employees involved in activities which expose them to environmental risk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a driver assistance system which can identify a danger situation with reference to a comparison of measured data with predetermined limit values and which can output a warning signal when it has identified a danger situation of this type. An additional control module is provided which determines an activity state of the driver in dependence on at least one input value which permits a conclusion on actions carried out by a driver and can suppress the outputting of the warning signal in dependence on this activity state.

Abstract: An audible power-loss alarm indicates when electrical power has been cut off to an appliance. The external components comprise a plastic housing, an alarm speaker, a battery compartment, a charging indicator light, plug-in outlets, plug-in blades, and an on-off switch. The internal components comprise a sound-producing unit, batteries, unit-activation equipment, and electrical components. The audible power-loss alarm is plugged into an electrical outlet such as a wall socket, and the appliance is plugged into the audible power-loss alarm. Wiring in the audible power-loss alarm relays AC electrical power from the electrical outlet. When a loss of power from the electrical outlet occurs, the unit-activation equipment in the audible power-loss alarm draws upon the DC power from the batteries to activate the audible alarm. To make the battery power source more reliable, rechargeable batteries may be used. To stop the alarm, the user turns off the on-off switch.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a computer readable recording medium storing a program for correctly detecting a free fall by referring to an acceleration and an integration of the acceleration. The method includes sensing an acceleration of the mobile device; integrating the sensed acceleration with respect to time; and determining the free fall by comparing the result of the integrating with a predetermined area threshold.

Abstract: An improved structure of meter, comprising a casing, a circuit board provided in the casing and having a connecting unit for connecting to an external machine, a central processor provided on the circuit board for transmitting the signals among individual unit and machine, a display unit for displaying the condition of the external machine, a correcting memory unit for detecting and memorizing the signals from various machines, a driving control unit for saving the variations in signals from various machines, a monitoring unit for presetting an alarm value and producing an alarm signal, a wireless transmitting unit for receiving the signals transmitted from the wireless controller, and an illuminating unit connected to the central processor for corresponding to both ends of the meter ring and the display unit. With the above arrangement, the meter of the present invention can be adapted to various kinds of machines and instruments.

Abstract: A communications system and method capable of generating wireless signals according to the status of an electric appliance incorporates an intelligent communications device. The communications system transmits radio signals to a first user when an electric appliance reaches a dangerous state until receiving an acknowledgement signal from the first user. If no acknowledgement signal is received within a predetermined time, the communications system transmits radio signals to a second user until receiving an acknowledgement signal from the second user to prevent possible accident caused by the electric appliance.

Abstract: To provide a wireless sensor system, in which the sensor signal is hardly affected by the disturbance and therefore has an increased reliability, which can be constructed light-weight and compact in structure inclusive of the electric power system and in which communication is possible at all times, and a wireless sensor incorporated bearing assembly of a light-weight and compact structure utilizing such wireless sensor system. This wireless sensor system includes a wireless sensor unit (4A, 4B) and a sensor signal receiving unit (5). The wireless sensor unit (4A, 4B) includes a sensor section (6A, 6B) for detecting a target of detection, a digitalizing section (7) for digitalizing a sensor signal thereof, and a sensor signal transmitting section (9A, 9B).

Abstract: A server signaler includes a lamp and a housing containing a battery and a switch. The server signaler may be attached to an advertising support or placed directly on a table top or other surface. Actuation of the switch illuminates the lamp to alert the server that service is required. Another server signaler according to applicant's invention includes an elongated base and telescoping portions to extend the lamp upwardly above the elongated base. Another server signaler provides a card-receiving channel containing switch contacts which are closed by insertion of a card into the channel.

Abstract: A multi-remote controller for easily locating “paging objects” such as a car key, a TV remoter controller, etc. using one pager and a plurality of receivers connected to the paging objects, for receiving signals from the pager, is provided. In the multi-remote controller, a pager receives a whole or part of a paging code formed of digits from a user, generates a signal corresponding to the paging code, and outputs the signal externally. At least one receiver receives the signal from the pager, converting the signal to the paging code, compares the paging code with a registered paging code, and outputs a paging response if the paging codes are identical. The present invention advantageously enables a user to easily locate a frequently lost paging object like a car key, a TV remote controller, etc. without the need for purchasing a new one or finding for it, taking much time.

Abstract: A portable unit locating system is incorporated in a vehicle equipment control system including a portable unit and an in-vehicle unit, which communicate each other for controlling vehicle equipment such as doors. The in-vehicle unit includes inside transmitters, a receiver, a comparison ECU and a display. The transmitters transmit respective request signals in a vehicle compartment. The comparison ECU determines whether any response signal has been received from the portable unit in response the request signals, while gradually varying output levels of the request signals. The comparison ECU then specifies a location of the portable unit based on a change in determination results. The display visually or audibly notifies the specified location of the portable unit to a vehicle user.

Abstract: A device selection module and a method for selecting one or more devices to be controlled based on operation of a foot pedal apparatus are provided. The foot pedal apparatus has a moveable member. The device selection module includes a first switch having a first operational state for selecting a first device. The device selection module includes a processor configured to detect an operational state of the first switch. The device selection module includes an RF receiver operably communicating with the processor. The RF receiver is configured to receive a first RF signal. The first RF signal indicates at least partial displacement of the moveable member of the foot pedal apparatus. The device selection module further includes an RF transmitter operably communicating with the processor.

Abstract: A system for bidirectional communication between the downhole equipment and a processor subsystem at the earth's surface, including: a section of wired drill pipes comprising at least the upper portion of a string of drill pipes, and forming at least a portion of a bidirectional communication link between downhole equipment and the top of the string of drill pipes; a drive string portion of the drill string, mechanically coupleable with the topmost wired drill pipe; a drive mechanism mechanically coupleable with said drive string portion, for rotating the drill string; a first wireless transceiver subsystem mounted on the drive string portion of the drill string, for rotation in conjunction with the drill string; a cable, electrically coupled between the top joint of the topmost wired drill pipe and the first transceiver subsystem; and a second wireless transceiver subsystem coupled with the uphole processor subsystem, the second wireless transceiver subsystem communicating bidirectionally with the first wire

Abstract: A sensor network communication system interworking with a BWA communication system and a communication method therefor are provided. In a method for measuring a predetermined target in the sensor network communication system interworking with the BWA communication system, a mobile station or a server sends a measurement request for the predetermined target to a local controller over the BWA communication system. The local controller sends the measurement request to a predetermined sensor and actuator over a wireless communication protocol. The sensor and actuator measures the predetermined target and sends the measurement value to the local controller. The local controller sends a measurement result message based on the measurement value to the mobile station or the server.

Abstract: A security, tracking and damage control system for use primarily within the commercial transportation industry. The system consists of a line containing a weight sensor within a security pad, and deploys LAN wireless communication between facility traffic control and tractors (trucks), yard tugs and receptor/detector transceivers located in line. A communications terminal, located in the truck, is preprogrammed at trucking company to include driver name, ID, truck number, and trucking company. Shipper will program trailer number and commodity, and any other relevant information pertaining to the shipment. This information will be relayed by shipper to consignee and will be verified automatically along with driver ID and truck number, when truck arrives at facility.

Abstract: Vehicular traffic data is obtained using a traffic sensor having an antenna/transceiver module, a DSP and a microcomputer. This involves (a) transmitting radiation at a vehicles on a roadway; (b) receiving the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (c) producing a stream of electrical signals based on the radiation reflected back from the vehicles; (d) processing the stream of electrical signals using the DSP to determine if a vehicle detection threshold is met, and, if the vehicle detection threshold is met, to determine an initial vehicle position; (e) when the vehicle detection threshold is met, generating a first signal representing the initial vehicle position using the DSP; (f) transmitting the first signal to the microcomputer; (g) deriving a first traffic information signal from the first signal using the microcomputer; (h) transmitting the first traffic information signal to an external traffic management system.

Abstract: Traffic induction loop simulator (LOOPSIM) software, and a system and method designed for traffic research and education. The system is able to generate output signals in response to previously recorded real traffic events or simulated traffic. If directly connected to a controller cabinet or a traffic event data collection system, LOOPSIM can be used to simulate output signals from loop detectors and to test algorithms executable in the controller, or to test the performance of a traffic data collection/monitoring system. LOOPSIM can simulate different predefined patterns of traffic distributions and replay loop event data recorded by a detector event data collection (DEDAC) system or an advanced loop event data analyzer (ALEDA) at a pace responsive to controller feedback. Using LOOPSIM, many traffic system tests can be conducted for multi-purpose traffic control applications, and traffic arrival patterns can be generated for researchers and educators to test theoretical models.

Abstract: An integrated communication system in an aircraft is provided. The system includes a plurality of solid state flight deck modules in an integrated flight deck panel, wherein the solid state flight deck modules include a microcontroller for interfacing with at least one data bus controller via a local bus; and a light emitting diode (LED) module for controlling backlit illumination of the integrated flight deck panel. The controller sends information to plural solid state flight deck modules via local buses and uses a system bus to communicate with aircraft subsystems. The controller also uses a central power supply module to supply regulated power to the plural solid state flight deck modules. Furthermore, at least one solid state flight deck module includes an integrated panel brightness control module, master brightness control module and/or a master dim and test control module.

Abstract: A system consisting of a collection of aircraft equipped with specific chemical, radiological or particulate sensors as well as a data link radio and navigation sub system flying their normal routes. The position, sensor output and air data is periodically communicated to the ground via a data link radio and collected. The data is used to make maps or models of the spatial distribution of the sensed quantity for a particular time period. Dynamic behavior can be discerned by considering time consecutive models. Predictions can be made using this data alone, or in conjunction with other data, and can be refined by comparisons between the prediction and subsequent spatial distribution maps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining a final heading of a turning vehicle, such as a rotorcraft. The system may include an algorithm that calculates an advance prediction of a final heading that will be achieved after control input is terminated. The system may also include a device, such as a display, for conveying predicted final heading information to an aircraft controller, such as a pilot.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. One representative method, among others, comprises the following steps: monitoring travel data associated with a mobile thing (MT); scheduling a notification communication; analyzing traffic flow predicament data associated with a travel path to be traveled by the mobile thing; and rescheduling the notification communication, based upon the traffic flow predicament data. A representative system, among others, comprises a computer or other automated system that is programmed to perform the foregoing steps.

Abstract: A method and firmware for digitally controlling an electro-optical device include steps of receiving as input a first analog signal representative of a measured parameter from an electro-optical device generated by the electro-optical device in response to a second analog signal representative of a set parameter received by the electro-optical device, digitizing the first analog signal to generate a digital feedback value, subtracting the digital feedback value from a digital set point value to calculate a digital error value, calculating a digital cumulative error sum from the digital error value, calculating a digital control value as a function of the cumulative error sum, converting the digital control value to the second analog signal, and driving the electro-optical device toward the digital set point value with the second analog signal.

Abstract: A method of data compression, for example for images or audio signals, comprises encoding the data using a transform such as a wavelet transform or a DCT, grouping the transform coefficients by most significant bit, and/or bit value, and transmitting them group by group. Where the transform uses a code book, such as matching pursuits, the coefficients may further be grouped by code book value. In one embodiment, the method allows the data to be described entirely by the positions of the coefficients, and the groupings, without any need to store or transmit any coefficient value information whatsoever.

Abstract: Techniques employable to compress and decompress images are presented herein.

Abstract: We present a method and apparatus for performing adaptive data compression. An alphabet and vocabulary in the encoder and decoder is built adaptively and stored in a dictionary as symbols are to be encoded and decoded. Each time an unknown symbol is to be encoded by the encoder, the encoder adds the symbol to the dictionary and transmits it in plain in the encoded string. The code words transmitted by the encoder include symbols and indexes. The state of a prefix bit preceding the code word indicates whether the code word is a plain symbol or an index of a symbol or string of symbols stored in the dictionary. The decoder examines the prefix bit of each code word as it is received to determine if the code word stores a symbol in plain or in index. If the code word stores a symbol in plain, the decoder learns the symbol by adding a sequence of symbols resulting from the concatenation of previously decoded symbols and the first symbol of the currently decoded symbol and by adding the symbol to its dictionary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arithmetic decoding system and apparatus based on the adaptive content. The system includes a control unit, a decoding unit and an interface unit. The control unit fills the code stream data into the decoding unit and configures and controls the decoding unit through the interface unit. The decoding unit performs a decoding for all the syntax elements from the code stream data in the macro block, assembles the syntax elements and transmits them to the control unit. The interface unit transfers the interaction information between the decoding unit and the control unit. The present invention obtains syntax elements by the CABAC decoding through hardware so that the decoding efficiency is highly improved and the requirements for the video processing speed and the data processing capacity of the real-time and high definition applications are satisfied.

Abstract: A system and a method of suppressing outstanding degradation of decoded audio quality due to a transmission error of audio coded data are provided without feedback information from a receiver, thereby reducing the increase of the number of necessary transmission bands and the arithmetic complexity on the receiving side. A code conversion and transmission apparatus 100 for inputting audio coded data includes first to N-th code conversion and transmission units 102 and 104 to 106 for converting audio data to N pieces of coded data, and transmitting the data at predetermined or adaptively variable time intervals to M transmission lines 130. The second to N-th audio code conversion and transmission units 104 to 106 codes a frame at a compression rate equal to or higher than the rate of input coded data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing device and adjusting method for adjusting the timing of a higher-rate stream of second data samples derived from a lowerrate stream of first data samples. A predetermined one of the first data samples is stored and first predetermined ones of the second data samples derived from the stored predetermined one of the first data samples are skipped to obtain an acceleration of the time base. Then, second predetermined ones of the second data samples following the skipped first predetermined ones of the second data samples are replaced by new second data samples derived from the stored predetermined one of the first data samples. This provides the advantage that the interpolation error caused by the skipped second data samples can be reduced while maintaining an efficient implementation of the data processing device which may be an interpolation filter.

Abstract: An image coding apparatus provides a run-length encoding unit RLE1 that subjects quantized coefficients which are obtained by quantizing frequency components of an image signal to a variable length coding process by using a run value Run that indicates the number of successive zero coefficients and a level value Lev that indicates a value of a non-zero coefficient following the zero coefficients.

Abstract: Serializer circuitry for high-speed serial data transmitter circuitry on a programmable logic device (“PLD”) or the like includes circuitry for converting parallel data having any of several data widths to serial data. The circuitry can also operate at any frequency in a wide range of frequencies, and can make use of reference clock signals having any of several relationships to the parallel data rate and/or the serial data rate. The circuitry is configurable/re-configurable in various respects, at least some of which configuration/re-configuration can be dynamically controlled (i.e., during user-mode operation of the PLD).

Abstract: Method and system on an aircraft for converting plural data inputs and plural data outputs from a parallel format to a serial format is provided. The system includes an integrated software module that accepts plural variable number of inputs and generates a plural variable number of outputs; an analog input processing module that receives plural analog inputs, converts the analog inputs to digital data and sends the digital data to the integrated software module; a digital input processing module that receives discrete digital inputs and transfers the digital inputs to the integrated software module; a digital output module that receives data from the integrated software module; and an analog output module that receives digital data from the integrated software module and converts the digital data into analog data by using a digital to analog converter.

Abstract: A method of storing data including the steps of providing a first index of first location identifiers, a second index of second location identifiers and a dictionary data base of data items, wherein the first location identifiers are adapted to identify the location of second location identifiers in the second index and the second location identifiers are adapted to identify the location of data items in the dictionary data base, receiving data and separating the data into a plurality of data items and storing the data items in a main data base, whereby at least one of the data items is stored in the main data base as at least one first location identifier, which identifies at least one second location identifier, which identifies the or each data item in the dictionary data base.

Abstract: In an analog-to-digital conversion method for converting a difference signal component representing a difference between a reference component and a signal component in an analog signal to be processed into digital data, in a first process, a signal corresponding to one of the reference component and the signal component is compared with a reference signal for conversion into the digital data. Concurrently with the comparison, counting is performed in one of a down-count mode and an up-count mode, and a count value at a time of completion of the comparison is held. In a second process, a signal corresponding to the other one of the reference component and the signal component is compared with the reference signal. Concurrently with the comparison, counting is performed in the other one of the down-count mode and the up-count mode, and a count value at a time of completion of the comparison is held.

Abstract: A Root Mean Square (RMS) detector circuit comprising a first differential pair circuit arranged to operate in a common mode. The detector circuit also comprises a compensation circuit unit comprising a second differential pair circuit to duplicate an unwanted base current drawn by the first differential pair circuit. The compensation circuit unit is arranged to generate an offset voltage using the duplicated base current. The compensation circuit unit also comprises an operational amplifier coupled to an NMOS transistor so as to generate a corrective current corresponding to the offset voltage, the corrective current being mirrored by a current mirror and provided as a compensatory current to an input of the first differential pair circuit.