Abstract: A rear obstacle detection and avoidance system for use on a vehicle comprises a rear obstacle detector that is coupled to the vehicle and measures the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle substantially to the vehicle's rear, a speed sensor that determines vehicle speed, an alert generator that notifies an occupant of the vehicle of a rear obstacle, and a processor that is coupled to the rear obstacle detector, the speed sensor, and the alert generator. The processor causes the generation of a first alert when the vehicle's speed is less than a threshold speed and the distance between the vehicle and an obstacle substantially to the vehicle's rear is less than a first distance determined in accordance with a first function of speed vs. distance.

Abstract: In a device for a motor vehicle for providing data relating to an accident, the data relating to an accident includes both position data of the motor vehicle and data relating to the vehicle, which in turn includes recovery-related specification data. Furthermore, a conversion device is for converting an emergency call which is received by such a device, the recovery-related specification data being converted automatically into a reproduction form which is understandable for persons involved in the recovery, and output.

Abstract: A collision load detection device for a vehicle is provided with first-type load detection members and second-type load detection members. The first-type load detection member and the second-type load detection member respectively have different sensitivity properties from each other. The signal detected in the high sensitivity field is selected from the signal outputted by the first-type load detection member and that outputted by the second-type load detection member, to be used for the calculation of the collision load applied to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle has a display device which widens the field of view (visible area) reflected by a side mirror or a back mirror mounted on the vehicle. To enable a driver driving the vehicle to confirm safety even when it is difficult for the driver to visually recognize some of objects surrounding the vehicle, a liquid crystal display device or an EL display device is provided in the side mirror (door mirror), the back mirror (room mirror) or in an interior portion of the vehicle. A camera is mounted on the vehicle and an image from the camera is displayed on the display device. Further, information read from a sensor (distance measuring sensor) having the function of measuring the distance to another vehicle, and a sensor (impact sensor) having the function of sensing an externally applied impact force larger than a predetermined value is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system comprises an interior electrochromic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a video screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that the presence of the video screen is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the video screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electrochromic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Control circuitry receives a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and actuates the video screen in order to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a program for alarming abnormality in tire air-pressure which enables to prevent issuing a eroneous alarm or no alarm when only one tire is replaced with a new tire can be provided. The method of alarming abnormality in tire air-pressure includes a step of detecting whether or not a new tire has been mounted by comparing the difference between determinate values to judge a decrease in air-pressure before and after enlargement of a diameter of the new tire with a set threshold value when solely one tire is replaced with the new tire with the use of a phenomenon that a diameter of a new tire on a vehicle enlarges after running.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and program for alarming abnormality in tire air-pressure which detects abnormality of a tire even under unusual conditions such as offset load on a vehicle or providing a snow chain on one wheel. The apparatus, method and program for alarming abnormality in tire air-pressure include means of comparing rotational wheel velocities of respective tires provided on a vehicle and detecting whether or not rotational wheel velocity of one wheel is slower than those of other wheels by comparing rotational wheel velocities of respective tires provided on a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and program for detecting abnormality in tire air-pressure which allow detecting abnormality in tire air-pressure even if pressure in a tire is completely zero. The apparatus for alarming abnormality in tire air-pressure includes means of (1) calculating the acceleration variations of respective tires from accelerations of the tires calculated by rotational wheel velocities; (2) comparing the calculated acceleration variations of the respective tires; and (3) detecting air-pressure in a tire is abnormal when the acceleration variation of the tire is larger than the acceleration variations of the remaining tires as a result of comparison.

Abstract: A warning system detects the presence of a child within a vehicle that doesn't rely on the detection of vehicle ignition state to generate an alarm. The warning system is capable of operation within any type of vehicle and could be easily transported from one vehicle to another. The warning system preferably includes a control unit, a first occupant sensor coupled to the control unit, and a second occupant sensor coupled to the control unit. The control unit generates an alarm when the first occupant sensor detects the presence of an occupant and the second occupant sensor does not detect the presence of an occupant. The alarm continues until the second occupant is seated.

Abstract: An instrument panel image display device displays an instrument panel image by which various information is provided to a driver. In this device, the instrument panel image includes a plurality of gauge-like images displayed at specific positions in the instrument panel image display device. Further, this device includes an image data changing section for changing image data, which generates each gauge-like image, into image data, which generates another gauge-like image. This makes it possible to display a new instrument panel image by combining various gauge-like images. That is, in this instrument panel image display device, it is possible to more freely select the instrument panel image.

Abstract: U-turn signaling device for vehicles is disclosed, which includes an LED array, and an integrated circuit control circuit which is produces LED activation control signals. These control signals activate the LED array to produce at least three modes of activity including a tail light mode, a turn mode and a U-turn mode in response to activation signals from the tail light, turn signal and U-turn signal respectively. The LED array can be a portable LED array, an embedded LED array or a double-sided LED array. The LED array is a preferably a combo LED array and further includes a monitor screen, which may be mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle, and may include a multi-position turn signal switch. Also disclosed is a flexible U-turn signal device, which may be activated by a wireless remote control switch.

Abstract: A pre-braking warning device for vehicles is designed to be installed on a brake pedal of a vehicle and has a bottom substrate, a pressure-sensing unit mounted in the bottom substrate and a cover attached over the pressure-sensing unit and the bottom substrate. When the pressure-sensing unit detects that a driver's foot is placed over the brake pedal, even if the brake pedal has not been intensely and purposely stepped on, the pressure-sensing unit sends a signal to activate a pre-braking warning light to forewarn drivers behind that the car in front is about to slow down or is preparing to stop. This pre-braking warning signal can be emitted before a regular brake signal, giving other drivers more time and more braking distance to stop their cars.

Abstract: An emergency notification and directional signaling apparatus includes an alarm remotely mountable from and responsive to an emergency event detector and alarm. The remote alarm activates one of a supplementary visual and audible alarm which may include one or more different colored lights, one of which is a pulsed strobe, and an audible sound which may include a recorded voice message. A temperature sensor in the remote alarm housing activates a second notification and signaling event when the ambient temperature surrounding the remote alarm reaches a preset threshold. The remote alarm may be mounted in a portable housing, on a faceplate of an existing wall electrical junction box, or in an electrical duplex body mounted in a junction box.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the invention, one or more individuals carry a wireless beaconing device that transmits a signal on a regular basis, such as every five seconds, that can be detected by a plurality of wireless receivers positioned at various locations in a household or other area. The receivers form nodes of a wireless network that further includes a control node. Each wireless receiver records the signal strength at which it receives the signal from the beaconing device and sends that information to the control node. The control node correlates this information and uses it to estimate the location of the individual. In this manner, the controller can track the location and movement of a person and provide that information to a caregiver or further process the data to analyze it for particular traits that might indicate that an individual is injured or otherwise in need of assistance.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a beaconing device transmits a radio signal that can be detected by a plurality of wireless receivers positioned at various known locations. The receivers form nodes of a wireless network that further includes a control node with which the receivers can communicate. Each receiver that receives the signal from the beaconing device records the signal strength at which it receives the signal from the beaconing device and sends that information to the control node. The control node processes the signal strength information received from all of the receivers and uses it to estimate the location of the beaconing device.

Abstract: A monitoring system (10) for monitoring people in swimming pools and other similar environments has a child unit (12) and a parent unit (14) that are in wireless communication with each other. The child unit is intended to be worn by a person near a swimming pool. The child unit includes a water sensor and a proximity sensor that detect when the child unit is immersed in water or when it is removed from the person—potentially hazardous environments. The child unit sends signals to the parent unit indicative of the state of the environment. If the state of the environment is detected as being hazardous, then the parent unit is operable to emit an alarm. The emission of the alarm is delayed by a predetermined time delay, which is variable depending upon the needs of the person being monitored.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electric device with a wireless communication module which receives weather information through a pager network, calculates well-being indexes from the weather information, and provides the well-being indexes to the user by itself and through the other electric devices in a real time.

Abstract: The present invention the present invention relates to methods and systems for performing security screening using trays which may be identifiable by a unique tray identification number.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ferrous object and/or magnetic field detection are provided. Embodiments can improve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety and increase the safety of MRI facilities. Embodiments can detect a given magnetic field strength around a MRI machine and alert users to the field's presence. In an embodiment, the magnetic field warning system can rely on a single badge that warns its user. In another embodiment, the badge can utilize an RFID system. The RFID system can turn the badge on when it enters the MRI room and off when it leaves the MRI room. In another embodiment, a badge with a rechargeable battery and charger can be utilized with or without an RFID tag. The subject badges or other detection devices can be worn by a person, located on or near a ferrous object, embedded in clothing, or located in other positions convenient to a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile object detection method, and a mobile object detection system, that allow detecting the movement of an object based on measurements of the electric field intensity generated by transmitters such as IC tags, while curbing implementation costs. Movement of the object is detected by measuring electric field intensity generated by a plurality of transmitters arranged in a detection space, obtaining a difference between the electric field intensity and an average value of the electric field intensity in a state where an object in the detection space is not moving, and detecting the movement of the object when the difference is equal to or larger than a threshold value based on a standard deviation of the electric field intensity in a state where the object in the detection space is not moving.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally placing radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas. The system varies the placement of RFID tag and interrogator antennas with respect to each other and a stationary object or objects. A signal generator sends a known reference signal to the one or more RFID interrogator antennas. The signal is received by the one or more RFID tag antennas and is displayed upon an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer or other multipurpose signal measuring device. By this method, the system finds the optimal placement of the antennas with respect to each other and the object or objects.

Abstract: A radio frequency identfication (RFID) system is described, including a low frequency read-write device (1B) comprising an antenna (2B) connected to a transceiver (4B), for receiving/transmitting low RF waves from/to an RFID tag (5B), and a decoder (3B) for decoding said low RF waves into digital data (dig-B); an host computer (20) is intended to be connected to the low frequency read-write device (1B) for processing digital data (dig-B). The RFID system further includes a high frequency read-write device (1A), comprising an antenna (2A) connected to a transceiver (4A), for receiving/transmitting high RF waves from/to an RFID tag (5A), and a decoder (3A) for decoding said high RF waves into digital data (dig-A); the high frequency read-write device is connected to a low frequency read-write device (1B) and to an host computer (20) respectively through a driver connection (22) and an host connection (21).

Abstract: A method and RFID system for providing a service is provided. A plurality of RFID tokens are prepared. Each tag is associated with one or more services. The RFID token is a RFID tag-based token. A user selects the RFID tag to an item. The RFID token is inserted into a package with the item to request the service to the item. A recipient scans the package to obtain the service information from the RFID tag, and handles the item based on the information.

Abstract: A system and method for visualizing the location and movement of people in facilities. The facility is provided with a plurality of sensors such as RF or IR sensors that communicate with a badge worn by each individual and selected physical assets in the facility. The sensors send data to a processor which displays the data on a monitor in a form that permits ready visualization of the individuals, and allows the observer to select information as needed. The display may directly indicate certain specifics about an individual based on data stored in the processor or entered by the observer.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag communicates additional information using a series of selective responses. For example, one or more sensors may be coupled to an RFID tag. The RFID tag responds to multiple RFID polls using a vector of selective responses to encode sensor state. A selective response may include a response with an identification code, a non-response, and a response with a different identification code.

Abstract: Provided is a data storing apparatus and method for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags with sensors. The apparatus includes: a first storing block which includes a kill password storage and an access password storage; a second storing block which includes an Electronic Product Code (EPC) storage, a protocol control storage, and an error check storage storing a Cyclic Redundancy Checking (CRC) code for detecting a transmission error; a third storing block which includes a tag identifier storage storing a tag identifier including a manufacture model and a serial number of the tag; and a fourth storing block which includes an initial sensor data storage storing initial information of the sensor, a real-time information storage, a maximum/minimum data storage storing maximum/minimum values, a sensor data storage storing sensing data actually measured through the sensor embedded in the RFID tag.

Abstract: A system and method for processing postal work using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) apparatus. With RFID applied to the postal work, the system includes a structure for managing postal devices used in postal registration center and postal delivery center such as embedded controllers for controlling monitors, audio alarms, alarm lamps and PDAs. The system also includes middleware for managing RFID readers and message repeater adopting Java Messaging Service (JMS) . This allows exchanging data received from the RFID reader by JMS transfer method, ensuring stable asynchronous exchange of information and effective monitoring of data transferred in an entire process of postal work. This also decreases the load of the middleware in a work environment where a large amount of data is received in a short period of time such as postal work process.

Abstract: When a predetermined voltage is applied between electrodes (302), metal ions deposit in a solid electrolyte (308), and thereby a conduction channel (310) is formed therein. The solid electrolyte switch (300) is thus turned on. Because this deposition mechanism is reversible, application of reverse voltage between the electrodes of the solid electrolyte switch (300) already turned on makes the deposited metal atoms to migrate in the solid electrolyte to thereby thin the conduction channel 300, thereby the channel finally disappears, and the solid electrolyte switch (300) is turned into a non-conductive state. Use of this switch successfully realizes an IC tag which can automatically be nullified without artificial nullification.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device including a substantially planar surface. Surface has a longitudinal axis and lateral axis. A plurality of discrete longitudinally spaced laterally elongate conductive dipole elements is mounted to surface. In the present embodiment these elements include a director element, a reflector element, and a driven element that is positioned intermediate of the director element and the reflector element. A radio frequency identification chip is conductively attached to driven element.

Abstract: An electromagnetic tag includes a communication component, which includes an optical transmitter/emitter that transmits/emits optically encoded information.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip and an antenna. The IC chip is enclosed inside a coating of endothermic material. The endothermic material includes silicon resin or ceramic resin or both.

Abstract: A technique able to fabricate an inlet for an electronic tag having a desired communication characteristic is provided in an easy and less expensive manner. A matching circuit pattern for which a high dimensional accuracy is required and antenna patterns not requiring a high dimensional accuracy are formed in separate processes using separate materials. A structure comprising the matching circuit pattern, a chip and an insulating film is bonded to the antenna patterns with use of, for example, a resinous adhesive in such a manner that the insulating film is opposed to the antenna patterns, whereby the structure and the antenna patterns are electrically connected in proximity to each other through capacitances.

Abstract: A transponder device is disclosed that includes an integrated circuit device, a coil configured for coupling to an electromagnetic field, and at least one discrete capacitor including contact areas. The capacitor is bonded to the integrated circuit device and to the coil through the contact areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to masking airborne sound transmissions and is particularly directed toward masking bodily function sounds emanating from a bathroom. To that end the present invention provides a sound system comprising a sound generator in wireless communication with a transmitter that detects motion. In automatic function, the transmitter is affixed to or in close proximity to a toilet so when the toilet is in use a signal is transmitted to the sound generator which then produces masking sounds at a predetermined volume.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for monitoring patient support exiting and initiating a response to prevent or mitigate harm. One ore more cameras provide a video data stream of a patient resting on a bed, chair, wheelchair, gurney, recliner or other support. A computer system analyses the video data stream and determines the location and/or movements of the patient relative to a fixed reference (e.g., the support). A profile containing personalized support exiting data for the patient is used to accurately predict support exiting. Intervention to prevent or mitigate harm in the event support exiting is detected may include an alarm, audio/visual communication and/or direct physical intervention. Patient profiles can be updated in response to observed behavior to better predict support exiting.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for affecting movement of a cockroach by attracting a cockroach to a specified location or repelling a cockroach from a specified location. One generates a cockroach wing-fanning sound adjacent the location and exposes the cockroach to the sound. Acoustic generators emitting wing-fanning sound are preferably incorporated into insect traps, insect bait stations and insect repelling stations.

Abstract: A precipitation gauge for measuring liquid and frozen precipitation is provided according to the present invention that includes a support structure having at least one light sensor, or pair of electrodes, and at least one light source disposed thereon so that the light sensor may receive light that is emitted from the light source. The light sensor or light sensors and the light source or light sources generally extend a substantial height of the support structure. The light sensor or light sensors generate an output signal in response to the amount of light received from the light source. A microprocessor receives the output signal or output signals from the light sensor or light sensors and determines whether precipitation is present between the light sensor or light sensors and the light source or light sources. Based on the output signal or output signals, the microprocessor determines and displays the level of precipitation. The microprocessor may also determine the density of frozen precipitation.

Abstract: An air-cooled electronic component cabinet has an air sampling conduit to enable smoke detection from air from different areas within the cabinet. An air sampling conduit has one or more orifices to sample air from the different areas within the cabinet, such as adjacent different electronic chassis assemblies or enclosures stacked in a rack within the cabinet. An axial fan or blower draws air samples into the conduit, or the air samples are drawn in by operation of convection or other airflow established within the cabinet. In the air sampling conduit, the air samples are mixed and conveyed for sampling by one or more smoke detection devices mounted, e.g., within the conduit, or within an attached expansion joint section to reduce the airflow velocity or accommodate multiple smoke detection devices. Orifices in the air sampling conduit varying in size or number at different conduit areas regulate associated sampled air proportions.

Abstract: A hazardous gases and wind direction sensor includes a housing having a hazardous gas sensor. The gas sensor sends an output signal to a transmitter at a predetermined frequency upon detecting a hazardous gas. Wind detection is provided by eight LEDs aligned with eight corresponding photocells disposed in the housing, where each photocell represents a topographical direction and is adapted to provide an output signal associated with a particular wind direction at a predetermined frequency. A disk is coupled to a rotatable shaft in the housing and positioned between the LEDs and photocells. The shaft is coupled to a wind direction indicator such as a windsock. The disk has a slot sized to allow light to pass from one of the LEDs to its corresponding photocell, which sends an output signal to enable a switching circuit in the transmitter. The switching circuit enables the output signal at a predetermined frequency to be transmitted to a receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus includes a plurality of semiconductor light sources that are connected with each other in series, a switching regulator for supplying an electric power from a power source to each of said plurality of semiconductor light sources, forward voltage detection circuitry for detecting a forward voltage of each group by dividing said plurality of semiconductor light sources into groups; and failure detection circuitry for detecting the failure of the semiconductor light sources belonging to said each group based on the detected output of said each forward voltage detection circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring a reciprocating member of a reciprocating piston compressor is presented. The apparatus and method provide a means for measuring parameters of the reciprocating member, such as road load or cross-head temperature and the like, and wirelessly transmitting the data to a receiver. A mobile assembly is attached to a reciprocating member of the compressor, the mobile assembly having a sensor assembly, a wireless transmitter and a power generation assembly. The sensor assembly measures a parameter of the reciprocating member and generates a representative sensor signal. The wireless transmitter wirelessly transmits a corresponding data signal to a stationary assembly mounted nearby. The power assembly powers the transmitter and sensor assembly. The measured data is used, in conjunction with other measurements, such as a crankshaft encoder, to calculate the work performed by the compressor, the power used by the compressor and other information.

Abstract: An pathway indicating luminaire for use in an auxiliary lighting system contains at least one source of primary light and at least one light emitting diode. A switching system provides energy from a storage cell to the light emitting diode upon certain conditions, generally by time or by lack of ambient light.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: Channel estimation and signal equalization is used in a mud-pulse telemetry system for uplink communication during drilling of wellbores.

Abstract: A wireless communication terminal includes a transmission power control unit that changes transmission power; a first storage unit that pre-stores an association of a transmission power value with a difference between a terminal temperature and an ambient temperature; a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the terminal to obtain a terminal temperature value; a transmission power detection unit that detects a current transmission power value; a calculation unit that calculates a current ambient temperature value near the terminal; and a temperature estimation unit that estimates a terminal temperature value corresponding to an intended transmission power value based on the current ambient temperature value calculated by the calculation unit, the transmission power value to which the transmission power is changed, and the association of the first storage unit.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle transmits a Vehicle Present Signal when in transit on public roads responding to an emergency. The signal can include information relating to the type of emergency vehicle, local highway and terrain data, and the location, speed and direction of travel of the emergency vehicle. When the Vehicle Present Signal is detected by a first vehicle, a functional circuit within the first vehicle calculates the distance between the emergency vehicle and the first vehicle. If the vehicles are within a predetermined distance, a warning signal activates one or more warning systems, thereby notifying the driver of the first vehicle that an emergency vehicle is in the vicinity. A dead-band defined by first and second predetermined distances can be incorporated to prevent rapid cycling of the warning signal.

Abstract: A system for alerting motorists about an approaching emergency vehicle is disclosed, which broadcasts an emergency warning message that motorists can readily hear and use to determine the approach direction of the emergency vehicle. For example, a system for alerting motorists about an approaching emergency vehicle is disclosed, which includes a transmitter unit for the emergency vehicle that broadcasts an emergency warning message over a short range radio frequency, a GPS receiver unit for the emergency vehicle that provides the emergency vehicle's position, and a processor unit that regularly retrieves the emergency vehicle's position data, determines the emergency vehicle's heading, and generates the emergency warning message including pertinent position and heading information. Thus, a motorist within broadcast range can receive and hear the emergency warning message on the radio of the motorist's vehicle, and ascertain from the message the nearness and approach direction of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for mounting and fixing a rearview camera (10) on a body shell structure element of a motor vehicle, said camera (10) being arranged at the back of the vehicle with the optical axis (C) thereof globally oriented longitudinally towards the rear. Said invention is characterised in that the camera is arranged inside a hermetically-sealed housing (12), comprising a view window which is located in the optical axis (C) of the camera (10).

Abstract: A vehicle detection device with a parking gate (1) and a parking stand (4) consists of a geomagnetic field sensor (10) in the parking stand (4) for detecting a vehicle at the parking stand (4) and/or a geomagnetic field sensor (11) in the parking gate (1) for detecting a vehicle beneath the opened parking gate (1).

Abstract: A magnetic encoder is provided for use in a wheel bearing that forms a pulse train by means of a magnetic force and generates a code. The magnetic encoder is obtained by radially magnetizing a magnetic rubber ring with alternate S poles and N poles, wherein the magnetic rubber ring is formed by vulcanizing and adhering a magnetic rubber base, in which unvulcanized rubber and rare earth magnetic powder are mixed, to a reinforcement ring.