Abstract: A wireless sensor network for monitoring of a container includes a sensor disposed for monitoring of a container, at least one remote sensor interface, and a gateway. The sensor is configured to acquire data related to the container and communicate sensor data as a function of the acquired data. The remote sensor interface is configured to receive the sensor data communicated from the sensor and wirelessly transmit data relating to the received sensor data. The gateway is configured to receive data related to the sensor data, and transmitted from the at least one remote sensor interface, and is configured to communicate data relating to the sensor data to a network external to the wireless sensor network. The gateway is in at least intermittent electronic communications with the external network.

Abstract: A directional warning system and a method of warning of friendly forces. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a conductive shield having an opening at an end thereof and a radio frequency absorptive material located on an inner surface thereof, (2) a Luneberg lens located within the conductive shield and (3) a plurality of feed horns located proximate a portion of the Luneberg lens that is distal from the opening and arranged relative thereto based on a zone-of-interest with which the directional warning system may be associated.

Abstract: A method for communicating data using at least one network linking at least one respondent device with at least one monitoring device, said method comprising the steps of: continuously measuring at least one physiologic parameter for purposes of detecting a predetermined event using said at least one monitoring device; operating said network in an off state in which said network is off except for the periodic transmission of patient status data while said network is in a first operative state wherein said predetermined event has not occurred and transmitting said measured data along said at least one said network in a second state when said predetermined event has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved presence system, which can automatically and unobtrusively factor in the location of a person being monitored when creating presence information for dissemination to subscribers. Presence tags can be distributed at different locations, which may bear on the relative availability of the monitored person for communications. A mobile terminal associated with the monitored person is configured to automatically obtain tag information from the presence tags and deliver location-based state information to the presence server without human interaction. The presence server will process the location-based state information and any other applicable state information to create presence information for the person being monitored, and then deliver the presence information to subscribers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using an energy emanating device to find a person (17a,b) or an object based on preselected attributes (33) stored in the energy emanating device (10) are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using an energy emanating device to find a person (17a,b) or an object based on preselected attributes (33) stored in the energy emanating device (10) are disclosed. A network radio (52) enables the user of the device to communicate with others over a wireless network (50) via voice calls, text messaging, instant messaging, e-mails and Internet access.

Abstract: A child locator device which is more user friendly and provides increased reliability and efficiency of operation than previously provided child locator devices. The child locator device is configured to be miniaturized to have an overall less obtrusive design. Miniaturization is provided by one or more of a coin cell battery, a transformer, and a microprocessor. The child locator device includes an anti-tamper device, which prevents the child or a potential abductor from removing the child locator device by actuating an alarm when the child locator device is tampered with or otherwise removed from the wearer. The child locator device system can be configured for a plurality of different receiver units which can be separately activated by the parent/transmitter unit to locate individual children wearing different receiver devices.

Abstract: A sensor package comprising a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) motion sensor, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the MEMS motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, wherein the sensor package can wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless receivers and, if present, with one or more other sensor packages. A process comprising attaching one or more sensor packages to one or more vehicles or devices (mobile or stationary), each sensor package comprising a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) motion sensor, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the MEMS motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the MEMS motion sensor; sensing the motion of the one or more vehicles or devices to which each sensor package is attached; and transmitting motion data from the sensor package to a wireless receiver or to another sensor package.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for sensing an attempted intrusion including measuring changes in the state of polarization (SOP) of light transmitting through an optical fiber. The sensing system including a optical fiber in proximity to a secured element, and a fiber optic polarizer coupled to the optical fiber. The system may also include a transmitter, a receiver, and an electronic component for measuring changes in the state of polarization of the light transmitted through the optical fiber, wherein the light supplies information adequate to determine one or more polarization traces, an averaged trace based on the one or more polarization traces, and an intrusion trace.

Abstract: A lock position detection device includes a door locking mechanism having an actuator operable so as to be in a first position causing the door locking mechanism to lock the door or a second position causing the door locking mechanism to unlock the door. The device also has a magnetic field detection unit with a magnetic field sensor adapted to output a first signal when the magnetic field sensor detects a magnetic field and a second signal when the magnetic field sensor does not detect a magnetic field, and a wireless transmitter coupled to the magnetic field sensor for transmitting a radio frequency signal based on signals received from the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: An RFID tag (400) adapted for use as a tamper-evident seal. The tag includes an RFID transponder having an integrated circuit chip (402) and an antenna (404) connected to the integrated circuit chip. When intact, the RFID transponder is able to communicate with an RFID interrogator device. The tag further includes a line of weakness (412, 414, 416, 418), such as a line of perforations, extending across at least a portion of the antenna or between the antenna and the integrated circuit chip. When the tag is broken along the line of weakness the RFID transponder is rendered unable to communicate with the RFID interrogator device.

Abstract: Service oriented architecture can be used for an RFID system.

Abstract: A method and systems for reminding a user about personal objects that should be carried or should not be carried, depending upon the user, the date and the time and other parameters. In the system, a radio frequency identifiers tag identifying each personal object is directly attached to the object. All the objects are listed in an object table storing the identifiers and their main characteristics. A rule table is provided having entries setting forth the relations between the objects according to four basis rules of the types “X requires Y”, “X excludes Y”, “X required” and “X excluded”. When activated, the reminder device checks the present objects and analyzes the rules to determine which objects are missing and which objects should be absent. The user is forewarn if objects are missing or should be absent.

Abstract: A glove has a layer of first material, and a layer of second material is attached to the layer of first material to form a pouch. A security tag is provided in the pouch between the layer of first material and the layer of second material. In this manner, the security tag may not be readily apparent to a customer. The layer of first material may include a cuff. The layer of second material may be attached to the layer of first material at the perimeter of the layer of second material. The layer of second material may optionally comprise a label. The method of making the article includes placing a security tag on the layer of first material and covering the security tag with a layer of second material. The layer of second material is sewn to the first material, which encloses the security tag.

Abstract: A flexible radio frequency identification label and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. A first flexible protection layer is attached to a second flexible protection layer to form a closed space for receiving a radio frequency identification circuit. By such arrangement, a good flexibility can be provided by the flexible protection layers, and the closed space also enables the radio frequency identification circuit to be protected and isolated from the moisture in the outside environment, such that the circuit can be prevented from being oxidized and the service life of the product can be extended.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring one or more humans while maintaining the privacy of those individuals. The system includes one or more activity pickups that create one or more respective information outputs. A computer system monitors one or more of the information outputs and processes the information outputs to determine when one or more types of inactivity of the human in an area exceeds one or more thresholds of inactivity. Alarms and/or indications activate when one or more of the thresholds of inactivity is exceeded. Various types of thresholds of inactivity are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for finding a match between or among persons (17a, 17b), characteristics and/or objects are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device (10a, 10b), such as a handheld radio, is used to find a person who meets criteria specified by a user. In another embodiment, this electronic device (10a, 10b) is programmed with information regarding the genetic attributes (33) of individuals. These individuals are matched by computing a correlation of the genetic attributes of two individuals (33a, 33b). The information regarding these genetic attributes are determined by testing a tissue or fluid sample. In yet another embodiment of the invention, once biological or genetic attributes (33) are determined, a perfume (544) may be manufactured which is based on a unique set of genetic attributes, and which may either fortify the sexual self-confidence and broadcast the attributes of the person who wears the perfume, or may be used to enhance the attractiveness of another person.

Abstract: A child safety alert system for a motor vehicle includes a combination of a first magnet which is attached to a driver door of such motor vehicle and a second magnet which is attached to a predetermined portion of such motor vehicle for detecting a condition wherein a door is opened and for providing a signal characterizing such door open condition. A device which is coupled to the second magnet is responsive to the door open signal for generating and broadcasting an alert to a driver of such motor vehicle to inspect for presence of a child or children in close proximity to such motor vehicle.

Abstract: An industrial field device provides information indicative of a process variable. The field device includes a controller, communication circuitry, a process variable sensor and measurement circuitry. The communication circuitry is coupled to the controller. The process variable sensor has an electrical characteristic that changes based on a variable of a process fluid. The measurement circuitry is coupled to the process variable sensor and coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to generate communication via the communication circuitry relative to the process variable, and to provide an indication of sand flow or other solids in the fluid.

Abstract: A life safety alarm, for example a smoke alarm, that is battery powered, has an extended life, and is less prone to user mistakes. The batteries are sealed inside the alarm portion so that the batteries cannot be accessed by the user. As a result, the batteries are not replaceable. Rather, the alarm portion is replaced at the end of the alarm life, for example after expiration of a predetermined time period, such as ten years. The alarm is designed to be automatically activated upon initial attachment of the alarm portion to the bracket. The alarm can be manually deactivated, but once deactivated, the alarm cannot be reactivated and the alarm portion cannot be reattached to the bracket.

Abstract: A method and a mobile terminal for gas detection warning are disclosed to solve the problem that people cannot detect gas by themselves due to the lack of a portable gas detecting apparatus. The mobile terminal is portable and typically includes a central control unit, a gas detection unit, a warning unit and a user interface unit. The apparatus performs a warning operation by using a warning policy corresponding to the detected air concentration by setting warning policies corresponding to a kind of gas in different concentration ranges respectively.

Abstract: A system for detecting electrolysis in an automobile system includes a probe, a microcontroller electrically coupled to the probe, a power supply configured to supply power to the microcontroller, a ground lead, and an optical indicator operationally coupled to the microcontroller. According to one embodiment, the microcontroller is configured to read a voltage across the probe and the ground lead when the probe is inserted into a coolant fluid and the ground is coupled to a ground source, analyze the voltage, and illuminate the optical indicator in response to the voltage analysis.

Abstract: System for assisting a driver of an industrial truck with the following features: transponders are arranged at predetermined points of the working area of the industrial truck, the transponders are designed so that they transmit a UHF signal upon receipt of a transmission signal, the industrial truck comprises at least one aerial for transmitting and/or receiving an LF signal, an evaluation unit is arranged on the industrial truck which, upon receipt of a signal, sends said signal to an electronic evaluation unit for the UHF signals, the evaluation unit is connected to an on-board computer in the industrial truck.

Abstract: A bi-directional communication system communicates between a control station, which receives and outputs control signals, and one or more display cabinets. LEDs illuminate objects disposed about the cabinets. Addressable nodes interactively communicate with the control station and selectively operate the LEDs, each node being coupled to the control station and to associated LEDs.

Abstract: A system for verifying that parts are properly assembled. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is connected to one of the parts that has an antenna loop. The antenna loop has two spaced contacts that may be bridged by a shorting bar on the other one of the parts. When the parts are properly assembled and the shorting bar bridges the contacts, the RFID tag is enabled to communicate a coded signal to a receiver thereby determining that the parts are assembled.

Abstract: A toy clock (22) and stuffed animal combination includes a body (24) supporting a clock (22) defining a timer for setting a time period of for disciplinary action. A first leg (26) extends from the body (24) to a first bottom (28) and a second leg (30) extends from the body (24) to a second bottom (32). A start message including TIME OUT is disposed on the first bottom (28) for indicating the beginning of the time period and an end message including TIME'S UP is disposed on the second bottom (32) for indicating the termination of the time period. Two flaps (38) are movable between a start position covering the TIME'S UP (36) at the beginning of the time period and an end position covering the TIME OUT (34) at the termination of the time period.

Abstract: An alarm module is provided that includes a first and second switch, a power source and a signal module for generating an alarm signal. When the first and second switch are both in the closed position, the signal module is activated by power from the power source. The first switch opens when an item associated with the alarm module is placed on or connected to the alarm module, and closes when the item is tampered with or removed. The second switch opens when a key is inserted into the alarm module, and closes when the key is removed from the alarm module. The alarm module may also include a third switch that closes when power flows from the power source to the device, and can only be opened upon insertion of the key into the alarm module.

Abstract: An alarm device, including a detector and an alarm responsive to the detector, is contained in a housing adapted to be mounted adjacent to a ceiling. The housing is provided by a hollow body having an upper circumferential edge for facing the ceiling and a lower circumferential edge that defines an aperture into the housing interior. A plurality of elastically bendable, elongate members is disposed in the housing around the aperture to engage the surface of an electrical cord to carry the alarm device.

Abstract: A ruggedized mobile computing system for a motor vehicle includes a ruggedized mobile computing device, which can be mounted in the trunk or other convenient location, and a suitable user interface system, such as a display screen, keyboard, etc., mounted in the vehicle cabin. The computing device can accommodate user-removable, plug-in electronic modules that perform specialized processing, communications, control or other specialized tasks relating in some way to the vehicle mission or purpose. The device has a ruggedized enclosure made of a durable material such as sheet metal or high-impact plastic. The enclosure can include a guard that protects cables extending from the front panel from being damaged or inadvertently removed. Cooling and warming systems can be included that maintain the enclosure environment within suitable operating temperatures in hot or cold weather.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle with a plurality of selectively variable characteristics includes a first button depressible to cause a first mode of operation and a second button depressible to cause a second mode of operation. In the first mode of operation, a rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the first characteristic. In the second mode of operation, the rotary dial is rotatable to cause variation of the second characteristic. The control system thus enables a single dial to control multiple characteristics or multiple vehicle systems, which enables a corresponding reduction in the quantity of switches and other control input devices in a vehicle passenger compartment.

Abstract: An electric device comprising a plurality of operating elements which can be operated by a user. Said device is associated with a status display device, and it also comprises a control logic unit which is coupled to the operating elements in order to detect user operations and which is adjusted. Furthermore, the electric device has an operational state which corresponds to the user operations which are to be adjusted. In a first state, the control logic unit displaces the status display of each operational element, from which it is able to process a user operation, according to an adjusted operational state, and in a second state, said unit displaces the status display of each operational element, whereby it is not possible to process a user operation, according to an adjusted operational state.

Abstract: A data processing method of a wireless communication system includes generating an identity code corresponding to a receiver, storing the identity code in a receiver, exclusive-oring output data with the identity code corresponding to the receiver, outputting the exclusive-ored data, receiving data at a receiver, and exclusive-oring the received data with an identity code stored in the receiver. The data processing method performs automatic identity code learning and identity code verification with exclusive-or operations in the wireless communication system.

Abstract: A television capable of performing a reminder function is disclosed. The television includes a reminder sound displaying unit and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the reminder sound displaying unit. The processor is responsible for determining whether a reminder time is reached or not. After the reminder time is reached, the processor controls the reminder sound displaying unit to generate a reminder sound.

Abstract: A remote control system and method having reduced vulnerability to noise. In an environment having noise at a frequency of infrared signals transmitted by a remote controller, errors and malfunctions in a remote control receiving device such as a set top box are controlled by selectively transmitting an entire code including header pulses and data pulses, or a repeat code including header pulses, data pulses and repeater pulses from the remote controller, and receiving and using the entire code or repeat code at the remote receiving device.

Abstract: In a remote control system and a method for setting up and simulcasting carrier frequencies, a carrier frequency is set up according to a carrier frequency setup signal inputted by a user, and digital data of a signal corresponding to a button pushed by a user for controlling a remote control receiver are modulated onto the setup carrier frequency, and the modulated digital data are sent out.

Abstract: The system and method for traffic surveillance, control, and traffic related information display uses display units each having display element sensors and cameras where the operation is controlled by a processor. Anticipatory sensor systems continuously measure speed and deceleration of approaching vehicles, sends signals to the processor which in turn analyzes the incoming signals. A rapid sequence camera continuously records audio-video images. When the rate of deceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold, which may be indicative of an imminent accident, the processor activates a store regime of the audio visual images on-site or transmitted to an off-site location for further actions. The information on the traffic flow condition which may affect the vehicle travel is displayed on the display unit. The system provides for the detection of pedestrians about to cross an intersection and controls the traffic light pattern accordingly.

Abstract: The invention provides for automatic monitoring and control of the ingress and egress of vehicles to and from various areas within a secure facility. A plurality of cameras, such as infrared-sensitive cameras, capture images of license plates and/or optically readable passive tags on vehicles traveling into and within the facility. A video image processing system detects and extracts a vehicle license plate number (LPN) or other such identifying characters within the captured image of the license plate. Based at least in part on the location of the camera that captured the LPN, the processor stores the LPN with a time-stamp in one or more vehicle databases, such as a site LPN database, an in-transit database, an employee database, an expected visitor database, a “blacklist” database, a loiterer database, a speeder database, a high-security database, a high-security parking lot database, a normal security parking lot database and a visitor parking lot database. Also.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for displaying flight track data.

Abstract: The system method described herein could guide people around urban environments indoor and outdoor, provide accurate update and real time information to the user navigation system and or to his cellular phone, We have focused on the task of generate and update in real time automatically the waypoint along the route, The information will be received directly from the waypoints in the user location and will display on the existing cellular phone as Bluetooth application and interface to existing GPS navigation system.

Abstract: Optical motion detectors of the type used in a computer mouse are mounted on the bottom of a vehicle for detecting motion of the vehicle along a surface. Position of the vehicle can thereafter be computed by “dead reckoning.” In a preferred arrangement, optical markings on the surface can be used, or other arrangements can be used, to calibrate the system.

Abstract: An encoder signal processing circuit includes: a plurality of detectors adapted to generate signals with different phases; a switching circuit adapted to alternatively select and output a signal from the detectors; and a waveform shaping circuit adapted to shape waveforms of output signals from the detectors that are switched by the switching circuit. The encoder signal processing circuit may include a direction determining/counting unit adapted to: (a) monitor output signals from the waveform shaping circuit in relation to an operation of the switching circuit, (b) determine a direction of movement and an amount of movement; and (c) calculate the amount of movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the performance of entropy coding in a multilayer-based codec system are provided. In a variable length coding method for lossless-coding first coefficients among coefficients of a discrete layer and one or more fine granular scalability (FGS) layers, the variable length coding method includes determining a proportion of zeros included in a predetermined unit region to which the first coefficients belong, selecting one of a plurality of grouping units depending on whether or not the proportion exceeds a predetermined threshold, grouping absolute values of the first coefficients using the selected grouping unit, and transforming the grouped absolute values into a code word mapped thereto by referring to a VLC table corresponding to the selected group unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic transmitter for serially transmitting bit sequences. The electronic transmitter includes a detection device 10 and a transmitting device 12. The detection device 10 is adapted to detect a predefined bit sequence for transmittal. The predefined bit sequence is susceptible to inter-symbol-interference. The transmitting device 12 is adapted to transmit serially the detected predefined bit sequence in such a way, that a duration for transmittal of a particular bit in said predefined bit sequence is longer than a duration of transmittal of remaining bits in said predefined bit sequence.

Abstract: A circuit including a subcircuit having differential signals, and a feedback circuit coupled to the subcircuit. The feedback circuit is configured to measure an offset between the differential signals, to generate a calibration signal in response to the measurement, and to reduce the offset in response to the calibration signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for a high speed sigma delta circuit operation including a sigma-delta analog to digital converter configured to receive an input signal and to output a single digital bit representative of that signal and any associated noise. Further included is a finite impulse response filter configured to accumulate a stream of digital bits from the ADC device within a shift register, to sum a coefficient of each bit, and weigh each bit in response to a corresponding bit in the shift register. Also included is a quantizing device for receiving the summation of the weighted bits of the FIR device and rendering a representative bit as output.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a sigma-delta modulated power supply that is operable to sum an input signal and a feedback signal, integrate the summed signal, asynchronously quantize the integrated signal, sample the quantized signal utilizing a pseudo-random osculating signal, and amplify the sampled signal. The power supply enables discrete implementation of a low-cost, spread spectrum controlled, sigma delta modulated power supply for spectrally pure, high efficiency, low EMI power amplification.

Abstract: A self-calibrating continuous-time delta-sigma modulator determines whether time constants of its internal integrators are too large or too small by injecting a calibrating sequence into the modulator and examining a correlation between the calibrating sequence and a modulator output sequence. Then the time constants of the internal integrators are adjusted accordingly. In one embodiment, the correlation is exploited based on matching a noise transfer function of the modulator using an adaptive filter based on a least mean square (LMS) algorithm.

Abstract: A tuner section is provided on one surface of a multilayered substrate, and a demodulating section on another surface of the multilayered substrate. The multilayered substrate further includes: an analog GND layer connected to the tuner section; a digital GND layer connected to the demodulating section; a shield GND layer which is provided between the analog GND layer and the digital GND layer; and insulation layers each provided (i) between the analog GND layer and shield GND layer, or (ii) between the digital GND layer and shield GND layer so as to electrically disconnect the shield GND layer from the analog GND layer and the digital GND layer. This allows the tuner section and the demodulating section to be respectively arranged on different surfaces of the substrate, for the purpose of downsizing of the receiving device, and yet allows the tuner section from being influenced by a harmonic signal generated in the demodulating section.

Abstract: A self-oscillating pulse-width modulator comprises an input, an output and a control loop. The control loop comprises a forward branch and a feedback loop. The forward branch is connected between the input and the output and comprises a comparator and a delay element. The feedback loop loops back to the input a feedback signal which depends on an output signal present at the output. The phase shift of the open control loop is 180° at the frequency of an oscillation to be generated by the modulator. At least a part of the phase shift is realized in the forward branch by means of the at least one delay element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a subscriber line interface circuit includes circuitry to generate metering pulses for insertion onto a subscriber line. The circuitry includes a cascaded digital-to-analog converter (DAC) structure including a first DAC to convert a digital sine wave into an analog representation, a second DAC to multiply the analog representation with a ramp value to obtain an unscaled output, and a third DAC to multiply the unscaled output with a gain value to generate a metering pulse.