Abstract: The present self-configuring emergency event alarm network uses a decentralized (ad hoc or mesh) architecture that does not have a centralized “master” node. In this ad hoc network, any node is capable of behaving as if it were the “master node” by autonomously reporting the alarm event directly to all other nodes in the ad hoc network independent of where the alarm event occurred. The network of alarm devices, therefore, can spread the alarm indication to the entirety of the area covered by the network of alarm devices and can also differentiate between a general alarm indication and the locus of the alarm event.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and system for surveillance of a suspect of automated banking machine (ABM) fraud. In an embodiment, there is a detector for detecting the presence of a foreign device targeting an ABM, the detector being configured to generate an alarm notification upon such detection. A plurality of surveillance cameras may be positioned to monitor an ABM and its surroundings. A video recording device is operatively connected to the detector and configured to archive the video signals recorded from the plurality of surveillance cameras upon receipt of the alarm notification. The detector may be configured to generate the alarm notification after a predetermined delay, and at least one of the archived recorded video signals should have a recorded length exceeding the predetermined delay for alarm notification in order to permit review of suspicious activity that generated the alarm notification.

Abstract: To provide a rod block monitor in which irrespective of the selection or non-selection of a control rod, such a process is repeatedly executed that gain adjustment is performed at fixed intervals at all times to match a local area average value of signals of neutron detectors surrounding the control rod with a nuclear reactor average power and a block level appropriate to the local area average value of the neutron detector signals after the gain adjustment is set.

Abstract: According to one example embodiment, an integrated security arrangement detects unwanted intruders in a facility. The arrangement includes an intrusion sensor to sense an intrusion at a target area of a facility, a second sensor to sense movement, an image-capture device, and a base unit. The image-capture device captures images in response to an intrusion indication from the intrusion sensor and in response to a movement indication from the second sensor. The base unit integrates a direction of view of the second sensor and of the image-capture device, thereby directing the second sensor to sense in the target area in which the images are captured by the image-capture device.

Abstract: An error condition, fault, defect, obstruction, or defective arrangement of viewing angle is determined in a target security device, such as a motion sensor. A plurality of times a fault is detected in a first security device arranged to sense activity in a first zone, the target security device being arranged to sense activity in a second zone overlapping with the first zone; and the error condition may be determined in the target security device when fault in the target security device is not detected for the plurality of times. The second zone may overlap substantially all of the first zone. The first security device may be a door security sensor, a gate security sensor, a keypad or a motion detector. When the first security device is a keypad or user interface, the fault may be an arm or disarm command or an arm/disarm command cycle.

Abstract: A method and system for providing awards to participants utilizing electronic data storage elements such as radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tags. RFID tags containing directions to an award processing center and other unique coded information are placed at locations where customer patronage is to be encouraged. Award program participants are provided with RFID readers capable of reading the information on the RFID tag. Award program participants read the information on the RFID tag with their reader and utilize that information to access the award processing center which then provides awards to the participants, such as redeemable customer loyalty points or product coupons.

Abstract: A RFID coupler capable of selectively communicating with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler includes a grounded terminal load, a coupling element, a connecting element, an impedance matching element, and an input terminal. The coupling element is connected with the grounded terminal load and is configured to couple with the transponder by emanating an electromagnetic field. The input terminal is connected to a transceiver for receiving communication signals. The impedance matching element is connected to the input terminal and is configured to substantially match an input impedance of the coupler to a source impedance of the transceiver. The connecting element connects the impedance matching element to the coupling element. The coupling element and the impedance matching element are substantially parallel and separated by at least one dielectric layer and at least one ground plane.

Abstract: A pallet content identification mechanism is a small electronic device that is attached to a pallet. The pallet content identification mechanism reads RFID tags on the pallet using an RFID portal scanner, converts the RFID information into corresponding barcode information, and displays the corresponding barcodes on a small display. These barcodes may then be scanned by a conventional barcode scanner, thereby allowing all of the items on the pallet to be scanned into the barcode system without unpacking the pallet. The pallet identification mechanism allows a user to benefit from RFID technology on the pallet while still using barcode technology in the inventory control system.

Abstract: An IC tag communication system according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a plurality of reader antennas which receive radio waves emitted from an IC tag attached to an article, the radio waves being at least partly overlapped with each other; a plurality of readers which are connected respectively to the reader antennas; and a phase adjustment section for adjusting the phases of the radio waves that the reader antennas receive to each other.

Abstract: An optical disc has a security feature in the form of an RFID tag that communicates with a voltage controlled optical modifier layer in the optical disc. In the presence of an interrogation signal, the RFID tag allows the optical disc to be used normally by outputting a voltage to the optical modifier layer. In the absence of an interrogation signal, the optical modifier layer prevents a laser from reading from or writing on the optical disc. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a monitoring system for a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) system comprising at least one transceiver and a plurality of RFID tags, the tags coupled to a plurality of vehicle components, a plurality of vehicle component retaining assemblies coupled to the plurality of components and operatively configured to substantially shield the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy received from the transceiver by each tag in a first position and unshield each tag in a second position, and an alert system for receiving information regarding the plurality of vehicle components and for generating an alert based on the information received.

Abstract: An improvement in metal and/or explosive detection device is disclosed, the improvement includes incorporating into the detection device a disablement unit designed to temporarily and reversibly incapacitate a human, so that immediately after he is disabled he presents no threat to the security personnel, however after a certain recovery period there are no residual effects from the disablement. Accordingly, various embodiments of detection devices are disclosed, comprising at least one detection unit for recognizing metals and/or explosives and at least one disablement unit for temporarily and reversibly incapacitate a human.

Abstract: A wearable telecommunication device such as a garment that allows sending the sensation of touch, for example in the form of a hug, over a distance. Embedded in the garment are sensors and actuators, and typically one garment is worn by the sender and another by the recipient. The sensors capture various parameters representative of the touch, including the strength of the touch, the skin warmth and the heartbeat rate of the wearer, and the actuators recreate the sensation of that touch, and warmth through heating, vibration, and inflation. A wired or wireless connection permits the data captured by the sensors in the sender garment to be transmitted to the actuators in the recipient garment.

Abstract: Embodiments of a telemonitoring system are particularly suited to monitor athletic activity and athletic training. The sensors monitor human physiology, activity and environmental conditions. In one embodiment, the data analysis devices use the data models to determine to determine specific performance points. Some embodiments provide useful displays to the user, where the displays are based on algorithms operating on and displaying raw data alone and combined with derivative data.

Abstract: A personal advance warning system in the form of a portable, wearable device, the system being adapted to detect and alert the wearer of a possible threat to his/her safety. The system employs an array of infrared sensors to detect body heat from humans or animals at a distance of approximately fifteen feet, which provides a buffer zone to give a wearer time to make a decision as to the authenticity of the threat and to avoid sudden surprise. Integrated circuitry converts signals from the sensors into an audible warning and a text message. The text message indicates the location and the type (human or animal) of the potential threat. Each sensor of the array is located in a different area on the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification chip for insertion in an object located in a liquid. The identification chip comprises an acoustic resonator (100), which exhibits a number of distinct resonant frequencies, where the combination of resonant frequencies is unique to the identification chip. This enables the identification chip to be identified by exposing it to an acoustic polling signal, measuring an acoustic response signal and analysing the frequency of the response signal. The resonator (100) comprises a cavity-forming part (110, 120) and a membrane (130). The acoustic resonant frequencies are determined by at least one cavity (140), which is enclosed by the cavity-forming part (110, 120) and the membrane (140). The identification chip can be implanted in a fish, with the object of identifying the fish when it is located in water.

Abstract: A remote tracking and communication device comprising a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

Abstract: A method for adaptive driver workload estimation. A subjective assessment of a driver workload is received from a vehicle driver. A stream of sensor input data is collected from one or more sensors in response to receiving the subjective assessment. A machine learning algorithm is applied to a driver workload estimate model based on the stream of sensor input data and the subjective assessment. The result of the applying is an updated driver workload estimate model.

Abstract: A method and a device for warning a driver, the magnitude of the generated warning signal being a function of the probability of the driver inattentiveness.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring drain pipe and/or plumbing fixture clogging in a plumbing system is disclosed. The monitoring system includes a monitoring unit that attaches to a drain pipe using a noninvasive attaching system, such as a hook and loop material. The monitoring system provides a warning and/or controls a shut-off valve when a blockage is detected in the drain pipe or the plumbing fixture. A handheld sensor device is also disclosed for inspecting a plumbing system. The handheld device has a handheld case, a detection circuit within the case, an acoustic or capacitive sensor, a display, and an audible alarm. The sensor communicates with the detection circuit and is connected to the case by a flexible connector so that the sensor can be easily positioned and held on the exterior surface of a drain pipe. The handheld device provides a visual and/or audible indication of the presence of liquid within the drain pipe.

Abstract: A tree smoke detection system and method which includes a conically shaped smoke collector housing having an interior wall extending between a wide entrance mouth opening and a narrow exit vent opening and a smoke detection device mounted to the interior wall to position the smoke detection device facing and adjacent to an imaginary center line passing through the wide entrance mouth opening and the narrow exit vent opening to facilitate detecting smoke flow along the imaginary center line.

Abstract: A multi-function wireless detecting device is described. The multi-function wireless detecting device includes a monitoring pen and a wireless detector module to be carried conveniently and controlled easily. The wireless detector module includes at least one environmental parameter detector, and the monitoring pen utilizes wireless technology to control the wireless detector module and displays the data measured by the wireless detector module. The environmental parameter detector preferably includes a temperature detector and a gas concentration detector disposed on both sides of a baseboard of the wireless detector module. The gas concentration detector further includes an alcohol concentration detector, a CO concentration detector, a CO2 concentration detector, a fuel gas concentration detector, or a combination thereof. The environmental parameter detector may further include a humidity detector.

Abstract: A generator monitoring system and method includes a plurality of sensors (12) disposed within a generator enclosure (18) to sense health conditions of a generator (10) housed within the enclosure. The sensors are interconnected to provide a single communication path (14) for allowing communication with the plurality of sensors. A monitoring device (16) outside the generator enclosure receives health condition information from each of the plurality of sensors via the single communication path. A sensor may be disposed within the generator enclosure to detect particulates emitted from a monitored portion (e.g., 52) of the generator housed within the enclosure. A sensor may be disposed proximate a bus bar connection (130) of the generator to sense a health condition of the bus bar connection and generate corresponding health condition information provided to the monitoring device.

Abstract: A customizable and an upgradable remote control is provided which may be customized or upgraded via a Web site or through other remote, and preferably interactive, processes. A database is provided which includes a plurality of functions of a consumer electronic device, such as a TV and/or a DVD player. A user selects among the plurality of functions at least one of the desired functions. In response to the user selection a virtual configuration is created to virtually configure the customizable remote control. The virtual configuration may be downloaded to the customizable remote control.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the personal security are provided. The method includes steps of (a) providing a portable personal security apparatus comprising a positioning system and an output displaying device for optionally executing a new message prompting function; (b) providing a specific message to the portable personal security apparatus; (c) identifying the specific message; (d) shutting off the new message prompting function of the portable personal security apparatus; (e) initiating the positioning system to obtain a positioning information of the portable personal security apparatus; and (f) transmitting the positioning information.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely controlling a device by using a remote control device and a soft remote control or device skin. The remote control device can be used to send commands to a soft remote control or device skin running as an application on a host device. The device skin incorporates soft control commands that can be used to remotely control an electronic device. The soft control commands are interpreted and forwarded by the host device to the electronic device.

Abstract: A remote controller is described. The remote controller can remote control a plurality of electrical equipments, e.g. digital video recorders, simultaneously or respectively. The remote controller includes a signal emitter, a memory, and a plurality of keys. The memory stores a plurality of controller identification codes, and the keys can select at least one of the controller identification codes and the same is sent to the electrical equipments through the signal emitter. The electrical equipment compares the controller identification code with an equipment identification code stored in the electrical equipment when the electrical equipment receives the controller identification code.

Abstract: An appliance has a metallic housing. A radio frequency transceiver is mounted on the surface of the housing. The radio frequency transceiver is operatively coupled to an appliance control for receiving and transmitting instructions and information to and from the control. A bezel made of non-electrically conductive material is mounted on a surface of the housing. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transceiver and is disposed within the bezel. In one embodiment, the radio frequency transceiver is disposed between the bezel and the housing. The bezel is formed of plastic.

Abstract: A telemetry kit for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool via a wired drill pipe telemetry system is provided. The kit has a first terminal operatively connectable to the wired drill pipe telemetry system for communication therewith, a second terminal operatively connectable to one of the surface control unit and the downhole tool for communication therewith and at least one transmission element operatively connecting the first terminal to the second terminal. The telemetry kit is positionable such that the telemetry kit traverses at least a portion of the downhole tool and/or the wired drill pipe telemetry system whereby the signals bypass the portion thereof.

Abstract: An automated server based system for monitoring, reading, controlling as well as switching gases, liquids and electric power is provided for use in remote Automated Meter Reading (AMR) industry for water, gas and electric power utilities, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA); Security, Safety and Fire Alarm Systems (SSFA) and Home and Industrial Automation (HIA), in connection with appliances and equipment of all kinds.

Abstract: A battery-powered two-way long range automatic meter reading system and method that increases battery longevity. The system includes a meter side unit (MSU) transceiver that acquires utility data, a centralized data collector (Collector) that gathers data from the MSU, and a repeater to facilitate long-range transmission by shuttling radio signals around physical or geographic transmission barriers. The MSU includes a circuit to monitor the passage of time and apply power to a transmitter in response to a predetermined elapsed period of time. The MSU transceiver monitors a predetermined radio channel for traffic. In response to the predetermined radio channel being essentially clear of signal traffic, the MSU sends utility data to the collector. The MSU scans for a reply from the collector. In response to the collector having control data to transmit to the MSU, the collector transmits this control data in response to receiving a transmission from the MSU. The MSU is configured to enter a sleep mode.

Abstract: An improved automated meter reading (AMR) device includes only a single electrical connection rather than multiple electrical connections, thereby reducing potential paths of exposure to natural elements. The AMR device monitors the single electrical connection to detect when a programming device is connected to the AMR device. When such a programming device is connected, the AMR device operates in a slave mode that enables the AMR device to be configured for interacting with a particular type of meter. The slave mode may also enable testing of various features of the AMR device such as, for example, its data transmitting capabilities. When the AMR device is not connected to a programming device, the AMR device operates in a master mode that enables the AMR device to interact with a connected meter in accordance with the AMR device's configuration.

Abstract: A telemetry unit (100) is provided for mounting to the inside of a pneumatic tyre, which includes sensors for measuring the pressure and temperature within the tyre and an RF transmitter for transmitting measured data to an on-board display remote location. The unit (100) includes a piezoelectric element (114) supported in a housing (112) with an actuator (136) arranged for contact with the element (114), to deflect the element (114) in response to external forces acting on the actuator (136) during rotation of the tyre. For every rotation of the tyre, cyclic pulses of electrical charge are generated by the deflection of the element (114). The unit (100) includes control means which controls the consumption of stored charge when measuring and transmitting data and is arranged to vary the rate of transmission of data from the unit (100) in dependance on the rotary speed of the tyre.

Abstract: A wheel support bearing assembly includes a sensor section (6) for detecting a target of detection, and a sensor signal transmitting section (9), and an electric power receiving section (8) for receiving by wireless an electric operating power. An antenna (8a, 9a) in one or both of the sensor signal transmitting section (9) and the electric power receiving section (8) is arranged in the knuckle (11). The sensor section (6), the sensor signal transmitting section (9) and the electric power receiving section (9) may be secured, as an unitary wireless sensor unit (4), to the knuckle (11). Alternatively, the sensor signal transmitting section (9) and the electric power receiving section (8) may be secured, as a unitary transmitting and receiving unit separate from the sensor section (6), to the knuckle (11).

Abstract: Individual probe management is accomplished in a measurement system by communicating configuration data to each probe based on that probe's received metadata. In one embodiment, the configuration data is sent from a server and the server does not keep track of the probe's configuration. The configuration data can be, for example, parameters used to directly configure the probe or software modules for running on the probe.

Abstract: A method and system for adaptively allocating bandwidth in an electronic toll collection system. The system includes a reader that adapts the scanning time allocated to specific antennas based upon the traffic conditions. Those antennas that process a higher volume of traffic receive a greater allocation of the scanning time. In some embodiments, the determination as to when to allocate additional time to an antenna may be based upon whether or not a transponder is currently in the coverage zone for the antenna.

Abstract: This invention relates to an advertising standard which is positionable between vehicle parking bays in a parking lot such that information carried on the standard is visible to occupants of vehicles as they are parked. The standard has at least one information displaying surface and may include an electronic or electromechanical means for changing the information displayed.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the position and/or the anticipated position of a vehicle during a parking operation in relation to the oncoming lane of a multi-lane roadway. The object is to provide a method and a device which recognize the protrusion of a vehicle into the oncoming lane of a multi-lane roadway during a parking operation in a timely manner and, if necessary, activate suitable means for preventing the protrusion into the oncoming lane. Due to the fact that the position of the oncoming lane in relation to the vehicle at the beginning of the parking operation, the anticipated parking trajectory of the vehicle, and potential intersections of the anticipated parking trajectory with the oncoming lane are determined, a signal may be provided in the presence of at least one intersection of the parking trajectory with the oncoming lane; the signal may be processed into an alert of the driver of the vehicle or into a timely deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile communications device comprising a location sensing system, producing a location output; a memory, storing a set of locations and associated events; a telecommunications device, communicating event and location information between a remote system and said memory; and a processor, processing said location output in conjunction with said stored locations and associated events in said memory, to determine a priority thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are touch sensors that include a plurality of separated conductive sensing elements, controller electronics configured to determine touch position based on signals received from the conductive sensing elements in response to a touch, and a plurality of input leads connecting the conductive sensing elements to the controller electronics, each sensing element having multiple connections to one of the plurality of input leads to form multiple resistance pathways from each sensing element to the controller electronics.

Abstract: A method for compressing audio input signals to form a master bit stream that can be scaled to form a scaled bit stream having an arbitrarily prescribed data rate. A hierarchical filterbank decomposes the input signal into a multi-resolution time/frequency representation from which the encoder can efficiently extract both tonal and residual components. The components are ranked and then quantized with reference to the same masking function or different psychoacoustic criteria. The selected tonal components are suitably encoded using differential coding extended to multichannel audio. The time-sample and scale factor components that make up the residual components are encoded using joint channel coding (JCC) extended to multichannel audio. A decoder uses an inverse hierarchical filterbank to reconstruct the audio signals from the tonal and residual components in the scaled bit stream.

Abstract: A voice signal is transmitted in an MOST network on a single channel. The width of the transmitted voice data words is preferably up to 14 bits, and each voice data word is transmitted into successive clock periods of the MOST network, in a byte that includes seven bits of the voice data word and one identifier bit.

Abstract: A method for generating a variable number includes generating a clock signal, demodulating a received signal of data transmission, supplying a binary signal having variable frequency pulses, and sampling the clock signal by the binary signal to generate bits of a variable number. The method can be applied to RFID tags.

Abstract: In a high-speed serial transmission system (10) comprising a transmitter (12), a transmission line (14) and a receiver (16), the transmitter (12) includes a bit-stream generator (18) for generating a predetermined pseudo random bit sequence (PRBS), and a controllable phase distortion circuit (20) having an input (24) connected to the bit-stream generator (18) and a signal output (26) connected to the transmission line (14).

Abstract: [Problem] How to record and play back data at a high line density. [Means for Solving the Problem] A DSV control bit determining/inserting unit 11 inserts DSV control bits for execution of DSV control into an input data string and outputs the data string including the DSV control bits to a modulation unit 12. The modulation unit 12 converts the data string with a basic data length of 2 bits into variable length code with a basic code length of 3 bits in accordance with a conversion table and outputs the code resulting from the conversion to a NRZI encoding unit 13. The conversion table used by the modulation unit 12 includes substitution codes for limiting the number of consecutive appearances of a minimum run to a predetermined value and substitution codes for keeping a run length limit.

Abstract: Circuitry for providing non-uniform analog-to-digital (“A/D”) signal conversion for wideband signals is provided. The circuitry of the invention is optimized for wideband signals because it does not sacrifice the small-scale resolution of high-probability signal amplitudes while preventing the clipping of low-probability signal amplitudes. The circuitry includes a nonlinear amplifier and an A/D converter that may be uniform or non-uniform. The digital output of the A/D converter may be further processed by circuitry that has an output function that is the inverse of that of the nonlinear amplifier, so as to maintain linear A/D conversion.

Abstract: A circuit is provided for receiving an analog signal and providing a digital signal. It includes pre-amplifiers (601, 603, 605, 607), where each pre-amplifier (601, 603, 605, 607) receives an analog signal (Vin) and a respective reference signal (REF1-REFn). Each of the pre-amplifiers (601, 603, 605, 607) produces an output signal responsive to the analog signal and the respective reference signal. For each of the pre-amplifiers (601, 603, 605, 607), there is provided two or more latches (615, 617, 619, 621, 623, 625) corresponding thereto. Each of the latches (615, 617, 619, 621, 623, 625) receives the output signal and a clock signal and produces a respective digital signal responsive thereto, the clock signal being interleaved. For each of the pre-amplifiers (601, 603, 605, 607), there is a multiplexer (627, 629, 631) corresponding thereto. The multiplexer (627, 629, 631) multiplexes between the respective digital signals to produce a bit in a digital signal.

Abstract: A provider side apparatus provides original digital data together with a digital signature generated by the provider side apparatus, the digital signature detecting whether the original digital data was falsified or detecting a change level given to the original digital data. Upon reception of the digital data, a receiver side apparatus can know the originality of the received digital data or a change level of the received digital data from the original digital data, in accordance with the digital signature corresponding to the digital data.

Abstract: A reconfigurable switched-capacitor input circuit with digital-stimulus acceptability for analog tests disclosed in the present invention provides the digital input interfaces, which are comprised of capacitors, analog switches and digital circuits, for the usage of testing the mixed-signal circuits. The present invention provides a low-priced testing platform to accomplish the testing of circuits and to solve the problems of high-cost mixed mode tester and of utmost restrictions against the surrounding condition. Therefore, the present invention improves the testability, reduces the test cost, shorten the processes of designation and efficiently seize on the time-to-market.

Abstract: A system and method for suppressing radio frequency (“RF”) transmissions includes a transmitter for transmitting electronic signals that suppresses (e.g., prevents, disrupts, jams, interferes with or otherwise disables) RF transmissions. Some embodiments of the invention include a transmitter that suppresses one or more signals transmitted from a target transmitter in an RF transmission system to a target receiver in a wireless device operating in the RF transmission system to prevent, disrupt, jam, interfere with or otherwise disable an RF transmission between the target transmitter and the target receiver in the wireless device (i.e., target wireless device). These systems and methods may be used to interrupt communication, command and control of non-friendly combatant. These systems and methods may also be used to suppress RF transmissions to prevent the detonation of improvised explosive devices, or IEDs.