Abstract: A door opener-closer includes a door handle. The door opener-closer includes a magnetic body core made of a soft magnetic body, is received in the door handle, and includes a plastic antenna serving as transmitter-receiver communicating with a portable device. The door opener-closer includes a handle body having a backface side formed with a cover receiver. The door opener-closer includes a cover handle united with the antenna and made of a plastic resin. The cover handle mates with the cover receiver in such a manner as to be held by the cover receiver. A sensor senses at least one of the followings which are implemented by an operator carrying the portable device: approaching a door, contacting the door, and operating the door. The transmitter-receiver and the portable device communicate with each other, thus locking or unlocking the door.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus for timely receiving and displaying an electronic file is provided. The portable electronic apparatus is connected to a sender which transmits an electronic file to the electronic apparatus. The portable electronic apparatus includes a power unit, a receiving unit, a main part and a power controlling unit. The power unit is configured for supplying power to the portable electronic apparatus. The receiving unit is configured for timely receiving the electronic file transferred from the sender. The main part is for timely displaying the electronic file received by the receiving unit. The main part may be in either one of a “power-on” state or a “power-off” state.

Abstract: A method for timely receiving and displaying electronic files is provided. The method includes: providing an electronic device being electrically coupled to an electronic sending device, the electronic device comprising a receiving unit and a main part, the main part being in one of a “power-on” state and a “power-off” state; receiving a want-to-send signal from the electronic sending device with the receiving unit; determining the main part is in the “power-on” state or in the “power-off” state via the power controlling unit; providing power supply to the main part under control of the receiving unit if the main part is in the “power-off” state; sending a ready-to-receive signal to inform the electronic sending device of sending an electronic file; receiving the electronic file from the electronic sending device with the receiving unit; displaying the electronic file with the main part.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reading passive tags affixed to objects to be identified and tracked by a radio frequency identification system are disclosed. An interrogating station sends radio-frequency inquiry signals toward the passive tags through an antenna array and receives the response signals from the tags through the same array. Electronic circuitry for processing such response signals has a phase conjugator submitting each received signal to phase conjugation, and the phase-conjugated signals are back transmitted to the passive tags. Retrodirectivity of the antenna array obtained through the phase conjugation allows a precise object identification and tracking also at relatively long distances.

Abstract: A user-programmable (UP) component for an RFID reader. The UP component facilitates reading an RFID tag and interfacing to I/O that functions as a validation mechanism that the read operation has occurred. The UP component facilitates application of the reader to new and/or different systems and products. The UP component can be a separate external device or module that interfaces to the RFID reader, or can be integrated into the reader for operation therein.

Abstract: In an RFID system having an edge controller and a tag reader that is operably connected to the edge controller, a manifest of items having RFID tags tracked by the RFID system is identified, and data from the manifest is downloaded to the edge controller in anticipation of reading the RFID tags, i.e., the manifest data is prefetched. An RFID edge controller that may be operably connected to a tag reader receives, in anticipation of the tag reader reading RFID tags associated with items, manifest data prefetched from a database that stores manifests of items, and compares the manifest data with data read from the RFID tags to determine whether the items comply with the manifest.

Abstract: An RFID system and method for communicating between a host computer, one or more interrogators connected to the host computer, and a large body of transponders distributed within an area covered by the interrogators. Each transponder originally has a common identification code, and upon initialization by the host computer internally generates a unique identification code based upon an internally generated random number. The host, through the interrogators, reads each of the identification codes associated with each transponder by iteratively transmitting a read identification code command along with a controlled variable. Each transponder compares the received controlled variable to an internally generated random number, and selectively transmits its identification code based upon the outcome of this comparison. After the completion of each read identification code iteration, the host adjusts the controlled variable based upon the responses received in the previous iteration.

Abstract: The invention concerns an encapsulated transponder (1) having an integrated circuit (2), an antenna (3) and one or more electrical connections (4) between the integrated circuit (2) and the antenna (3). At least a part of the transponder (1) comprising the electrical connections (4) is embedded within a capsule (6) that is removable without damaging the electrical connections (4). Also claimed is a method for the production of such a transponder (1).

Abstract: Techniques for detecting radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are disclosed. For example, an exit control system is described that detects unauthorized removal of articles from a protected facility. A series of antennas are setup to produce interrogation corridors located near the exit of the protected area. RFID tags are attached to the articles to be protected. Each tag includes information that uniquely identifies the article to which it is affixed and status information as to whether the articles removal from the facility is authorized. The RF reader outputs RF signals through the antennas to create electromagnetic fields within the interrogation corridors. The reader outputs RF power from a single port to the multiple antennas via a splitter/combiner. In this way, a single RF reader with only one transmitter/receiver port simultaneously interrogates multiple antennas. A variety of techniques are described by which the reader can detect the removal of an unauthorized article.

Abstract: An adjustable radio frequency data communications device has a monolithic semiconductor integrated circuit with integrated circuitry, interrogation receiving circuitry provided on the monolithic integrated circuit forming at least part of the integrated circuitry and configured to receive an interrogation signal from the interrogator unit, an antenna electrically coupled to the interrogation receiving circuitry and configured to communicate with the remote interrogator unit, a power source electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry and configured to generate operating power for the communications device, and at least one of the antenna and the interrogation receiving circuitry having reconfigurable electrical characteristics, the electrical characteristics being reconfigurable to selectively tune the at least one of the antenna and the interrogation receiving circuitry within a range of tuned and detuned states to realize a desired receiver sensitivity of the communications device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for obtaining data from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in an efficient manner are described. The method includes the following steps. During the course of an interrogation of an RFID tag population, an RFID tag in the population determines a time slot in which it is designated to respond to a reader. The tag receives signals that are transmitted during the interrogation. The tag determines efficiency-characteristics of the interrogation based on the received signals. The tag autonomously adjusts (e.g., without explicit instructions from the reader) the time slot in which it is designated to respond to the reader based on the efficiency-characteristics.

Abstract: An electronic toll collection system that includes a reader with internal monitoring circuitry. The reader includes a controller and transceiver, which is connected to an antenna, wherein the transceiver sends outgoing RF signals to the antenna and receives incoming RF signals from the antenna. The reader includes transceiver monitor circuitry for monitoring the characteristics of the RF signals to assess transceiver performance. The transceiver monitor circuitry provides a result signal to the controller. The controller may adjust the operation of the transceiver through adjustments to an adjustable element based upon the measurement signals. The controller may also send measurement information to a remote computer and receive instructions from the remote computer, thereby enabling remote monitoring and adjustment of the electronic toll collection system.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing data and for conveying the data to a network via an RFID tag. The sensed data may be provided as simply two-state single-bit data or as multi-bit data converted from analog values. The sensor used in the system alters an RFID tag address to include one or more bits of data derived from the sensor signal. A reader may then prompt or interrogate the RFID tag and obtain both the unique identification of the sensor as well as the sensed data as one or more bits in the address. The reader may then convert the data to a network message and place the message on a conventional network for interpretation used by remote devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for efficiently encoding source data in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The encoded source data may also provide additional functionality such as data error detection and correction. A source data encoding and decoding method for a RFID system having a RFID transponder comprises the steps of obtaining the source data, encoding to provide more efficient data encodation that may also include data error detection and error correction, writing the encoded source data to a RFID transponder, reading the encoded source data from the RFID transponder, and decoding the encoded source data to recover the original source data. The encoding may utilize bar code symbology algorithms or a non-Full ASCII enhanced functionality character set.

Abstract: A very first new pill-mate/event-reminder uses electronic alarms to remind people at the pre-set time to take medicines or attend events. It has 5 settings: 4 times/day (every 4 hours); 3 times/day (every 6 hours); 2 times/day (every 12 hours); 1 time/day (every 24 hours); and 1 time/week. This device uses switches for the different choices, and uses buzzer and LEDs to indicating the status of the timing and alarms. This device can have ribbons to connect all pill bottles for the same choice together so users can hook unlimited pill bottles together for the same choice. For traveling users can use cascade-able medicine compartments for more convenience.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus may include a housing constructed of a base and a lens. A control apparatus, a light and a siren may positioned within the housing. An external sensor may also be provided to monitor an environment and trigger the alarm. The control apparatus is operable to permit a user to select a particular arrangement of light flashes, siren tones and siren volumes. Accordingly, the same type of alarm apparatus may be used in connection with many different types of sensors since a different alert arrangement could be select for each alarm apparatus. Furthermore, alarm apparatus having different alert arrangements could be used with the same type of sensors to give an indication of the location of the alarm within a facility.

Abstract: A leisure vehicle including a plurality of communication devices built into a vehicle body of the leisure vehicle; and a multiplex communication line through which the plurality of communication devices are coupled to each other. The communication devices are configured to perform multiplexed data communication through the multiplex communication line. The multiplex communication line is positioned a distance apart from a noise source mounted in the vehicle body so as not to be subjected to a noise.

Abstract: A vehicle security system comprises a security module adapted to detect an event, a memory for storing a composition, and a processor coupled to the security module, wherein upon detecting the event the processor selects the composition from the memory and triggers a modulated signal representing the composition, wherein the modulated signal is received by a speaker.

Abstract: A monitoring system which can monitor a plurality of vehicles (1) includes vibration sensing units (15) each sensing a vibration of the associated vehicle (1), a sensed time specifying unit (20b) which specifies an instant at which the vibration of the vehicle (1) is sensed by the vibration sensing unit, and an abnormality determining unit (20a) which determines, when a vibration of one of the vehicles (1) is sensed by the associated vibration sensing unit (15), whether the vibration is caused by preparations for theft with respect to the vehicle (1) or the vibration is caused by environmental influences on the vehicle (1). The abnormality determining unit (20a) carries out the determination on ground of sensing results obtained by the vibration sensing units (15) of the respective vehicles (1) and a result of specification carried out by the sensed time specifying unit (20b).

Abstract: Cellular network technology is combined with a vehicle alarm to provide direct wireless notification of a vehicle alarm event over a cellular system to the owner or other interested party of a vehicle. A vehicle alarm notification is sent directly to the owner of a particular vehicle immediately upon alarm, or to the police, or to building security to dispatch an investigative team, or to a building surveillance company to activate or monitor a relevant security camera. In addition to the alarming status of the vehicle, the cellular alarm notification cellular call may provide a position of the alarming vehicle to the notified party, obtained through appropriate location services provided in a wireless system to satisfy requirements for responding in a personal emergency to a requesting public safety access point (PSAP). This real time alarm notification cellular call may be in lieu of, or additional to, sounding of an horn.

Abstract: A cellular alarm notification signal is received wirelessly from an alarming vehicle, and a position of a cellular transceiver of the alarming vehicle is requested and provided to police, security, emergency personnel, and/or surveillance cameras. A vehicle alarm notification is sent directly to the owner of a particular vehicle immediately upon alarm, or to the police, or to building security to dispatch an investigative team, or to a building surveillance company to activate or monitor a relevant security camera. In addition to the alarming status of the vehicle, the cellular alarm notification cellular call may provide a position of the alarming vehicle to the notified party, obtained through appropriate location services provided in a wireless system to satisfy requirements for responding in a personal emergency to a requesting public safety access point (PSAP).

Abstract: A method and a device for warning the driver of a motor vehicle. An object detector is provided, which detects preceding vehicles and ascertains their distance and relative velocity with respect to the host vehicle and supplies these to an evaluation device. The evaluation device assumes that the preceding vehicle would perform a deceleration and ascertains as a further function of the variables measured by the object detector and the driver's reaction time and the host vehicle's maximum possible deceleration whether a collision with the preceding vehicle would be avoidable. If an unavoidability of a collision is recognized, then a driver warning device is activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an allocation method for a combined tire pressure monitoring system in motor vehicles, at least partly comprising wheels with pneumatic tires being equipped with pressure measuring modules, and each pressure measuring module records a tire inflation pressure or a value responsive to the tire inflation pressure and sends the latter to a receiving unit connected to an evaluating device by using a transmitting unit connected to the respective pressure measuring module together with an individual identification code (IDx) allocated to the respective pressure measuring module, and wherein signals about the rotational speed of each one wheel being sensed by means of wheel rotational speed sensors are transmitted to the evaluating device, and the installation positions y (VL: front left, VR: front right, HL: rear left, HR: rear right) of the wheels at the vehicle are known to the evaluating device, the wheels at the vehicle are known to the evaluating device, and the allocation method is per

Abstract: A device for the wire-free determination of a position (4, 5, 6) of a mechanical force-transmitting device (2a), having at least one storage device (11) for storing electrical energy, at least one sensor element (10) which detects the position and is monitored by at least one sensor electronic unit (7), comprising at least one radio transmitter, and at least one photovoltaic energy supply device (8) supplying the storage device (11) with electrical energy.

Abstract: A cargo sensing apparatus for a cargo container such as a semi-trailer includes a laser line scanning unit. In a preferred embodiment, first and second laser line generators are mechanically scanned in synchronism with a solid-state imager to identify and map the contents of the cargo container. The map is analyzed to detect cargo items stored in the container, and the cargo status is reported to a remote location.

Abstract: A novel security system for use by a homeowner in protecting their premises, that is responsive to the presence of an intruder or others, the security system includes a housing for a motion detector, a recorder/playback system, a photo sensor, and a light display. In one embodiment, when the motion detector senses the presence of a person or an intruder it activates the photo sensor and the recorder/playback system, where the recorder/playback system will automatically play an outgoing message. If the event occurs during nighttime hours then the light display is simultaneously energized. The light display of the present invention includes a visual message, which may be symbolic or readable. The recorder/playback system may also allow an incoming message to be recorded by a person who is detected by the security system, the incoming message being kept for later playback by the homeowner.

Abstract: A remote surveillance device is provided herein, which mainly contains a camera, infra-red LEDs, an anti-theft circuit, a radio-frequency transmission circuit, a solar panel, and a battery, etc. The remote surveillance device is operable during power outage, saves captured images locally, transmits captured images to at least a remote control center via a wireless air interface, generates alarm and notifies a control center whenever an abnormal condition occurs. The infra-red LEDs provides lighting for continuous image capturing during night time.

Abstract: An anti-theft alarm system for a portable computer, the anti-theft alarm system includes a controller, a button for delivering an anti-theft enabling signal to the controller, and a motion sensor enabled when the controller receives the anti-theft enabling signal and providing a detection signal indicating unauthorized movement of the portable computer, the controller providing an alarm control signal to an audio portion when it receives the detection signal, the audio portion producing an audible sound for a theft deterrence effect when it receives the alarm control signal.

Abstract: A video surveillance system is used with a plurality of video sources and a monitor. The system includes a video surveillance control device in communication with the video sources and the monitor; and a video surveillance control program operated in the video surveillance control device for controlling the video surveillance control device to output a display signal to the monitor, thereby showing a user interface on the monitor. A user interface editor is provided in the video surveillance control device for allowing a user to edit the user interface according to his or her demand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling an alarm using motion recognition in a portable terminal. In the method, motion input of the portable terminal is sensed in an alarm mode. It is checked whether the motion is a predetermined motion in a motion database. If the motion is the predetermined motion, a re-alarm time corresponding to the motion is set.

Abstract: A security device that is adapted to be affixed along a window to provide anti-intruder protection while providing the ability to open the window a variable amount for venting an area. The security device comprises a magnetic member, located in a housing, and means for mounting the magnetic member at a desired location along the housing. The means for mounting the magnetic member may comprise a track extending substantially along the length of the housing and means for slidingly engaging the magnetic member along the track, whereby the magnetic member may be engaged at a desired location. The security device further comprises a contact switch adapted to provide a closed signal to a security system when the contact switch is in proximity to the magnetic member and an open signal when the contact switch is not in proximity to the magnetic member.

Abstract: Improved alarm system that is able to distinguish intrusions by persons from intrusions by others, such as nonhuman animals and inanimate objects. Multiple sensors are placed in a vertically aligned array, so that each sensor monitors at a different elevation. As animals and other objects generally have different sizes and shapes than humans, the vertically spaced sensors will detect different intrusion patterns than the intrusion patterns typically generated by a human. By analyzing these different intrusion profiles and only signaling an alarm when a profile resembling an intrusion by a person occurs, a number of false alarms can be avoided.

Abstract: An RFID tag configured to contain identification information in at least three forms. For instance, the RFID tag may include an RFID system, a human readable number and a bar code that may be visible on an outer surface of the body. The RFID system, the human readable number and the bar code may be adapted to generate the same asset identification number. The RFID tag may also be formed from two or more layers having a thickness sufficient to substantially eliminate interference caused by a shipping container to which the RFID tag is attached.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for locating devices having a given state by locating a device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds to queries from an RFID tag reader independently of the state of the device, and determining the state of the device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device. The invention also includes systems for locating devices having a given state. The systems comprise an RFID tag reader for locating a device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds independently of the state of the device, and an RFID tag reader for determining the state of the device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for managing a device connected to a network include querying the device using the network, querying the device using a simulated RFID tag, and querying the device using a suppressible RFID tag to determine status information about the device. A system for managing a device connected to a network comprises means for monitoring status of the device using the network, for receiving status information about the device reported by a simulated RFID tag, and for receiving status information about the device reported by a suppressible RFID tag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for labeling items, wherein the labels contain digital information and can be read when desired. The coding of the labels is done by choosing specifically engineered nano-particles, micro-particles, or liquid material in the form of “ink.” The particles are designed to contain materials with distinguishable NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) or NQR (Nuclear quadrupole resonance) frequencies and are combined in sets to encode digital information. The NMR/NQR label particle sets are printed on the item to be labeled, or on a label substrate which is then attached to the item to be labeled. In one embodiment, the printed NMR/NQR label consists of an array of spots, each of which may encode one or more digital characters. These spots can be detected and the digital information in the label can be read using a suitable magnetic resonance detector.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of being retrofitably installed on a conveyor having a radio frequency identification (RFID) system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a non-metallic frame and multiple mounting means for facilitating the mounting of the non-metallic frame onto a metallic slider bed of the conveyor. The apparatus can be inserted between a conveyor belt and the metallic slider bed of the conveyor. The non-metallic frame has a low-friction upper surface to allow the conveyor belt to easily slide over the low-friction upper surface. The non-metallic frame also includes at least one receptacle for encapsulating an RFID antenna for detecting RFID tags.

Abstract: An apparatus displaying a patient worklist includes at least one processor, a pointing device, a display screen having a viewing area, and memory, and is configured to store patient information, including cautionary information and scheduled medical procedures, in the memory. The apparatus is further configured to display the patient information on the display screen in a worklist of patient listings for individual patients. The displayed patient information includes scheduled medical procedures for each patient and a visual cautionary indication in a consistent position relative to each patient in the worklist for whom cautionary information is stored. The apparatus is also configured to open a preview pane on the display screen entirely within the viewing area of the display screen when the visual cautionary indication is selected by the pointing device. The preview pane contains cautionary details associated with the corresponding patient for the selected visual cautionary indication.

Abstract: An exemplary system for light control is disclosed. The system includes a computer (1), a chip (3) which is connected with the computer via a level converting circuit (2), and a plurality of light luminance control circuits. Each light luminance control circuit controls a corresponding light circuit. A related method is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of: initializing parameters for a communication serial port of a computer and a chip; receiving light luminance information, and outputting the light luminance information to the chip; processing the received light luminance information, and sending a light luminance control signal to each light luminance control circuit; converting the received light luminance control signal; and controlling light of each light circuit.

Abstract: A system serializes control signals within a safety control architecture wherein a safety serial interface at least one of receives and transmits signals from one or more processing components. A serialization component receives and serializes at least one data packet from the safety serial interface to control at least one of an input and an output associated with the safety control architecture. A safety related test circuit verifies input signals associated with the serialization component are not internally falsifying the state of the input signals. A heartbeat watchdog component verifies a true heartbeat bit in the at least one data packet is opposite a complement heartbeat bit in the at least one data packet within a predetermined time interval and shuts off power to at least one of an output and an input if such a condition is not met.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the temperature of dies during the processing of thermoplastics. A non-contact infrared remote sensor is configured to remotely monitor each die of a cuber extruder. The face of the cuber dies is divided into four quadrants. A sensor is aimed at the center of mass of each quadrant. The selected sensors are equipped with lenses that have an active sensing area that includes the entire surface of the quadrant, but none of the area of the adjacent quadrants. The signal from each sensor is sent to a temperature controller co-processor directly linked to an industrial control computer. The co-processor executes a modified proportional integral derivative algorithm with the response limits tuned to respond specifically to the thermal inertial factors represented by the cuber die ring and the material being cubed. In addition to the remote sensors, additional infrared or ultrasound sensors are used to insure that the air space between the sensors and the dies is unobstructed.

Abstract: A foldable electronic alarm device including a first housing, a second housing, a pivot, a display screen and an alarm module is provided, wherein the pivot is disposed in one side of the first housing and the second housing to enable the first housing to pivot relative to the second housing. The display screen is disposed inside the first housing. Moreover, the alarm module is disposed between the display screen and the first housing. When the alarm module is pressed by the first housing or the display screen, an alarm is sent out by the alarm module.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating status of a component of a computer system includes a first indicator (D1), a second indicator (D2), a power supply (V), a first transistor (Q1), and a second transistor (Q2). The first indicator includes a positive end and a negative end. The second indicator includes a positive end connected with the negative end of the first indicator, and a negative end connected with the positive end of the first indicator. The power supply is connected to the positive end of the first indicator via a first resistor, and connected to the positive end of the second indicator via a second resistor. The first transistor is connected between the negative end of the first indicator and a ground, and the second transistor is connected between the negative end of the second indicator and the ground.

Abstract: A location awareness system using RFID and a wireless communication apparatus for the location awareness are provided. The location awareness system includes a RFID tag, a wireless communication apparatus for location awareness, more than three anchors, a coordinator, and a server. The wireless communication apparatus identifies the target object with the RFID attached through communicating with the RFID tag. The anchors receive information about the identified target object and measuring a distance by communication with the wireless communication apparatus using a predetermined wireless communication scheme. The coordinator collects the measure distance and the information from each of the anchors. The server calculates a location of the target object by receiving information about the measured distances and the target objects from the coordinator and calculating the location of the wireless communication apparatus using the received information.

Abstract: A communications system employing discrete multi-tone (“DMT”) modulated signals on a communications channel formed by inductively-coupled pipe. In one embodiment, the communications system includes a string of wired pipe joints that couple a transmitter to a receiver. Each pipe joint in the string possesses threaded ends configured for mechanically connecting with other pipe joints, a electrical or inductive coupler at each threaded end, and an insulated conductor that electrically connects the couplers. The transmitter and receiver communicate via DMT modulated signals transported by the wired pipe string. The system may further include multiple repeaters in the string. Each repeater may be configured to receive a DMT-modulated signal, to recover information from the DMT-modulated signal, and to retransmit the information in the form of a DMT-modulated signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining the size and position of a parking space in relation to the position of a vehicle while the vehicle is driving past the parking space, the parking space extending longitudinally to the traffic lane and transversely to the traffic lane. It is the objective of the present invention to provide an ultrasound-based system for parking space measurement that operates more precisely than the known ultrasound-based systems for parking space measurement, even when passing the parking space at high speed and given high sensing depth of the parking space.

Abstract: A security method obscures the visibility through an aircraft's windshield upon determining the existence of a potential security problem, such as a terrorist attempting to take unauthorized control of the aircraft. The windshield can be obscured by various means such as actuating a liquid crystal system of a chromogenic glass pane; automatically drawing a shade or curtain in front of, behind, or within the windshield; and applying to or within a windshield an opaque or translucent fluid. Although an obscured windshield would likely impede the terrorist, it would not create a problem for a skilled pilot that is more familiar with the aircraft and its instruments. Determining whether a potential security problem exists can be accomplished in various ways such as scanning ID cards; reading passwords; communicating with the flight crew; actuating emergency buttons aboard the aircraft; and comparing cell phone numbers, voice imprints, or facial images to a database.

Abstract: Digital data are recovered from a clocked serial input signal. The input signal is sampled with a sampling clock signal supplied by a first phase interpolator to obtain a sampled digital signal. The first phase interpolator is controlled with a voting circuit to adjust the phase of the sampling clock relative to the eye in the eye-diagram of the input signal. The first phase interpolator has signal inputs connected to signal outputs of a voltage controlled oscillator in a phase-locked loop circuit that has a reference signal input to which the reference clock signal is applied. The sampled digital signal is written to a single-bit FIFO buffer with a write clock signal that has the same timing as the sampling clock. A filtered output signal is read from the FIFO buffer with a read clock signal supplied by a second phase interpolator that has signal inputs connected to the signal outputs of the voltage controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop.