Abstract: A signal transmission system is disclosed that includes at least one receiving unit, which is designed to receive electromagnetic signals, and at least one transmitting unit, which is designed to transmit an electromagnetic signal, position-dependent at the location of the receiving unit, with a signal vector, Whereby the transmitting unit and the receiving unit have a number of transmitting and receiving means that is smaller than a number required to determine the signal vector relative to all spatial components. The system also includes a memory unit functionally connected to the receiving unit, in which a value field with electromagnetic signal parameters is stored depending on the position of the transmitting unit relative to the receiving unit, and an evaluation unit, which is designed to determine the position of the transmitting unit from the signal vector components determined by the transmitting and receiving unit using the value field.

Abstract: A remote control device is provided which has a plurality of LEDs arranged on different surfaces of its body and a means for transmitting different signals from the different LEDs corresponding to direction buttons. The signal receiving unit of a target device to be operated, such as a television, receives a signal from only one LED as a valid signal according to the direction in which the remote control device is held. Different direction signals corresponding to “up”, “down”, “left” and “right” are received according to the direction in which the remote control device is held. Thus the remote control device can move the cursor on GUI up, down, left or right, without requiring the operator to consider the direction in which the remote control device is held.

Abstract: An automotive restraint monitoring assembly is provided comprised of a seatbelt assembly including a buckle element and clip element affixed to an automotive seat assembly. A wireless transponder element and transponder antenna are positioned within the buckle element and transmit a seat-based unique identification signal only when the clip element is positioned within the buckle element. A base station mounted within a vehicle includes at least one base station antenna in wireless communication with the wireless transponder. A vehicle belt alert system is in communication with the base station.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity sensing system which can be mounted into or near the mirror housing assembly of a vehicle such as a large public or commercial vehicle which detects obstacles near the front of the vehicle e.g. under the exterior rear mirror or otherwise not visible to the driver and sends a control signal into, the cab of the same vehicle to alert the driver by way of a warning device.

Abstract: A system and method for the magnetic detection of the presence of objects in a blind angle of an automobile vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a first means of detection of distortion of the earth's magnetic field caused by the entry of a ferromagnetic object into a blind angle, a second, a third and some a means of detection of magnetic distortion deriving from the vehicle's trajectory, inclination and/or vibration and magnetic fields generated inside the actual vehicle, respectively, all associated with an electronic circuit. The method comprises employing the proposed system to, through the generation of a table relating trajectory, inclination and/or vibrations or magnetic fields generated inside the vehicle with a corresponding distortion of the magnetic field due to the specific circumstances, neutralise the effects of said possible magnetic distortion on the detection of said object.

Abstract: Method and system for supporting path control are disclosed for supporting path control especially of a vehicle on a road or in an off-road environment, or of a ship or an airplane. The supporting of path control is especially provided by conducting at least one of the following steps (a) and (b): (a) estimating an actual future path of the vehicle on the basis of vehicle movement data and at least one of optically, acoustically, and tactilely indicating the estimated actual future path to the driver, (b) detecting the actual present path of the vehicle, estimating a present deviation of the detected actual present path from a desired present path and at least one of optically, acoustically, and tactilely indicating the estimated present deviation to the driver.

Abstract: An electrical indicator system and a method for operating the system includes a plug adapted to be electrically coupled to a power source remote from the vehicle and an indicator adapted to be mounted to the vehicle at a visible location. The indicator is operable to provide a first visual indication when electrical power is present at the plug. The indicator provides a second visual indication, different from the first visual indication, when current is flowing through the plug.

Abstract: A tire pressure sensor assembly is provided for use with a wheel rim including a valve hole. The sensor assembly including a metal valve stem element having a stem base, a stem body, a stem cap end, and an inner stem chamber. A lower sensor housing is rigidly over-molded onto the stem base and forms a sensor storage chamber. A tire pressure sensor element is mounted therein. An outer rubber seal is over-molded onto the stem body and includes an inner retention portion, an outer retention portion, and a retention groove configured to allow the metal valve stem element to be press-fit and retained into the valve hole. A plurality of vent holes are formed spaced around an outer perimeter of the stem base to allow universal orientation within the valve hole.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus, method and program for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure which enable to detect decrease in air-pressure of all of four-wheels tires at reduced costs. The apparatus for alarming decrease in tire air-pressure includes means of (1) detecting decrease in tire air-pressure by measuring change of parameter in relation to resonance condition in the tire, and (2) detecting decrease in tire air-pressure by making relative comparison of dynamic loaded radii of tires, wherein the means (1) is included in one to three-wheel tires on a four-wheel vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus, method and program for alarming abnormality in tire air-pressure which prevent the issuance of an erroneous alarm and thus determine abnormality in tire air-pressure even when a rotational velocity of the tire changes by causes other than a decrease in an air pressure. An apparatus for alarming abnormality in tire air-pressure decrease includes means for detecting a change in a relationship between wheel velocities of front wheel tires and those of rear wheel tires, and means for replacing a relationship between the wheel velocities of the front wheel tires and those of the rear wheel tires with a relationship between wheel velocities of front wheel tires and those of rear wheel tires obtained after the change of the relationship, thereby determining abnormality in air-pressure when the change is detected in the detecting means.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is provided for using low cost, passive RF sensor technology such as RFID tags, to determine whether containers or other objects are in a right-side-up orientation. A useful embodiment of the invention is directed to sensor apparatus for use in detecting an improper orientation of a conventional box or container with respect to a substantially horizontal surface. The apparatus includes a structure having two sides formed of plastic in spaced apart relationship, to define an enclosed space within the structure. Selected shielding material attached to the structure shields a specified region of the enclosed space against RF signals, the shielded region being located in the lowest portion of the enclosed space when the structure is in a reference orientation with respect to the horizontal surface. An RFID tag embedded in a disk is positioned in the enclosed space, the disk being sized to move freely within the space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for two-way, interactive communication regarding emergency notifications and responses for mobile environments are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a specific geographic area is designated for selective emergency communications. The emergency communications may comprise text, audio, video, and other types of data. The emergency notification is sent to users' mobile communications devices such as in-vehicle telematics units, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, etc. that are currently located in the designated area. The sender of the emergency message or the users' service provider(s) may remotely control cameras and microphones associated with the users' mobile communications devices. For example, a rear camera ordinarily used when driving in reverse may be used to capture images and video that may assist authorities in searching for a suspect.

Abstract: A sensor system that provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed quantity is described. The adjustable threshold allows the sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability for hazardous conditions. The adjustable threshold sensor can operate for extended periods without maintenance or recalibration. A portable monitoring unit working in communication with the sensor system provides immediate communication of conditions detected by the sensors. The portable monitoring unit allows building or complex management to be in communication with a sensor system at all times without requiring someone to be physically present at a monitoring site. The portable monitoring unit can be equipped with an auditory device for alerting management or a screen for displaying pertinent information regarding an occurring situation so that management can quickly identify and resolve the problem.

Abstract: A remote accessory unit can communicate via a data protocol with one or more displaced duct detector control units. The accessory unit can present status indicators visually, on a per sensor basis. Both audible and visible annunciators can be provided to indicate an alarm condition.

Abstract: An indication system (10) for a vehicle (11) includes a radio frequency circuit (12) with a transponder (84) and an in-vehicle RF tagged element (18). The transponder (84) transmits a status request signal. A first radio frequency identification tag (84) is coupled to the in-vehicle RF tagged element (18). The tag (84) inductively generates a current status signal associated with the in-vehicle element (18) and in response to the status request signal. A method of tracking, identifying, and determining the presence and status of an in-vehicle RF tagged element (18) includes transmitting a status request signal. The status request signal is inductively received via multiple radio frequency identification tags (84, 86) that are associated with the in-vehicle RF tagged element (18). A current status signal is transmitted from the radio frequency identification tags (84, 86). An in-vehicle task is performed in response to the current status signal.

Abstract: Data signals are transmitted from and/or to household appliances between a first transceiver device and a second transceiver device via an AC power supply line system within a transmission frequency range that exceeds the frequency of the AC power supply. The respective transceiver device is connected to the AC power supply line system by way of a filter array having a power supply low pass filter connected in the input circuit of a power supply unit of the associated transceiver device and is provided with an impedance curve such that its impedance in the transmission frequency range has a value that is at least twice as high as the impedance of the AC power supply line system in the transmission frequency range.

Abstract: A microchip monitoring system that monitors the status and/or location of a person, animal or asset carrying a small, discrete microchip. The microchip monitoring system generally includes a microchip and a portable communications device both attached to the object being monitored, a communications device coupled to the portable communications device via a local area link, a wide area network and a system back-end. The portable communications device acquires electronic information from the microchip and then conveys that information to the system back-end via the local area link and the wide area network. This allows the system back-end to monitor the status and/or location of one or more microchips without the monitored objects having to carry cumbersome communications hardware.

Abstract: A bridge apparatus is provided that interfaces the home network to the wireless network. The bridge apparatus is separate from the security panel module, and includes a processor that translates commands received from the home network control unit into wireless network commands and transmits the wireless network commands over a wireless network to a security monitoring service center or to a health monitoring service center, depending on whether the commands relate to detected security conditions or detected health conditions.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for receiving a data signal from a transmitting device. The data signal is processed to determine if the data signal is a device data signal or a personal data signal. If the data signal is a device data signal, the device data signal is routed to a device monitoring system. If the data signal is a personal data signal, the personal data signal is routed to a personal monitoring system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method that provide emergency instructions to an individual. The emergency notification system includes a plurality of badges where each badge is adapted to be joined with an individual. The emergency notification system further includes a device that locates each badge and sends information to each badge during an emergency. The information includes emergency response instructions that are based on the location of each badge and the type of emergency. The present invention also relates to a method that includes providing individuals which are within a facility with a badge. The method further includes determining emergency response instructions when an emergency arises within the facility based on the location of each badge and the type of emergency, and then communicating the emergency response instructions to the badges to direct individuals wearing badges to an appropriate location.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for tracking location of objects (personnel) at a site. The system comprises: a central server, plurality of remote locator tags disposed on the objects, plurality of remote repeater devices capable of transmitting data signals to locate the locator tags, receiving location data signals from the locator tags, and transmitting the location data signals to the central server. A plurality of databases having location information are connected to the central server and a processing unit with a tracking software operably connected to the central server, compiles and assembles the location data signals and location information for tracking the objects at the site, thereby establishes a real time location tracking and communication with the objects. The system also enables setting up ad-hoc networks fully functioning on power and signals independent of the primary systems of the site and enhances decision making in real time environment.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes a network video camera and a sensor operable to detect a condition of an environment. A power connector connects the sensor unit to a power line, and a signal connector connects the sensor to a signal line. The sensor is operable to output a signal on the signal line via the signal connector indicating whether the condition of the environment was detected. A network interface is operable to transmit video captured by the network video camera to a remote location via a network. A controller is operable to receive a signal from the sensor indicating whether the condition of the environment was detected. The controller is further operable to control transmission of video captured by the network video camera to a remote location via the network interface based on one or more of access rights of a user and whether the condition of the environment was detected.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring the operation of a turbine includes a remote device having a power module connected to a sensor and a transmitter. The remote device is powered by the power module and connected to a system such that the remote device is self-powered. The remote device wirelessly transmits information acquired by the sensor out of the turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely monitoring a status of a spa installation includes transmitting status commands from a spa monitor to a spa installation over a communication link, and generating an alarm if status data is not returned via the link.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a sensor arrangement for monitoring first and second adjacent members that are displaceable with respect to one another, The sensor includes a magnet securable to the first adjacent member and an analog magnetic transducer securable to the second adjacent member in sufficient proximity of the permanent magnet to sense a magnetic field therefrom. An analog subsystem supplies electrical power to the magnetic transducer and receives an electrical signal generated by the transducer in response to a change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic transducer. The analog subsystem including a comparator for comparing the detected change in the magnetic field to a predefined threshold change in magnetic field and an electronic memory for storing the predefined threshold change in magnetic field.

Abstract: A seal device (20) with a seal body (21) and an attachment device (22) for the captive attachment of the seal body to an object to be sealed, wherein one end of the attachment device is connected in a single piece with the seal body while its other end comprises a joining device (26) for non-positive joining to a connection device (27) that is provided on the seal body, wherein the seal body comprises a data carrier that comprises a data transmission device (32), which data carrier is designed as a switching circuit (23), wherein the switching circuit comprises an external circuit bridge (25) which for the purpose of connecting two connection points (29) of the switching circuit leads through the attachment device.

Abstract: A system and method of asset sealing and tracking includes a first RFID device with a first identity that is permanently affixed to a container door, and removable second RFID device with a second identity is coupled to the first RFID device—and inserted through a locking hasp of the container door. The first RFID device inherits the second identity of the second RFID device thereby automatically associating the two devices. Thereafter the first RFID device broadcasts both identities. When the second RFID device is opened, so that the container door is allowed to open, the first RFID device can sense this and change its broadcast message to include that the second RFID device was opened.

Abstract: Provided are an RFID tag capable of limiting an over-voltage and a method for controlling an over-voltage thereof. The RFID tag includes: an antenna unit receiving external electromagnetic waves to induce an input voltage; a voltage generator rectifying the input voltage to generate a driving voltage; a voltage limiter adaptively turned on and/or off depending on whether the input voltage is high or low to limit an intensity of the input voltage input into the voltage generator; and a logic controller controlling the antenna unit to generate authentication information based on the driving voltage and transmit the authentication information.

Abstract: In on aspect, a dual mode radio frequency identification (RFID) tag adapted to facilitate location determination in a network is provided. The RFID tag comprises a transceiver adapted to wirelessly exchange information with the network, and a controller coupled to the transceiver, the controller configurable to operate the RFID tag in one of a plurality of modes, wherein, in a first mode of the plurality of modes, the controller is configured to transmit a chirp to the network via the transceiver to be used by at least one network component to determine a location of the RFID tag, and wherein, in a second mode of the plurality of modes, the controller is adapted to process information received from the network via the transceiver to compute a location of the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and system for a Radio Frequency (RF)-based identification, tracking and locating of objects. The method and system use a narrow bandwidth signal in VHF of lower frequency range, which minimizes propagation loss and loss of accuracy of the RF locating signals. The signal is sent from a Master Unit(s) to a Tag. The signal traveling time is recorded and the distance between the Master(s) and the Tag is calculated. The method and system allow achieving a longer distance of the RF signal penetration and an increased accuracy by using VHF bands. The techniques of Digital Signal Processing and Software-Defined Radio are used. The actual waveforms transmitted and received by the radios are defined by the software. The roles of the Master Unit(s) and the Tag can be reversed.

Abstract: A textile material with antenna components for an HF transponder is disclosed, which may be operated by connection of a circuit module to the antenna components, adjusted, or which may be adjusted to a working frequency. The antenna components comprise electrically-conducting components of the textile material itself, which may be formed as an E-field antenna, using the geometry thereof to match a working frequency in the UHF or microwave range, or by means of interruptions to, or extension of a conducting length.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an object having an encapsulated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided. An RFID tag is mechanically or chemically affixed to a first portion of the object being manufactured. The first portion of the object, with the RFID tag affixed is placed in a cavity of a mold. The first portion is then over-molded with a first material such as high temperature thermoplastic or low temperature thermoset to generate a seamless object. A method for manufacturing an object having a partially encapsulated RFID tag is also provided. An RFID tag is laminated with a lamination material, such as high temperature thermoplastic. The laminated RFID tag is affixed to a mold. The laminated RFID tag is then over-molded with a first material to generate a seamless object. Methods for tracking medical instruments having encapsulated or partially encapsulated RFID tags are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RFID tag performing exchange of information with an external device without contact, and is to improve the resistance to bending while avoiding an increase in the thickness of the RFID tag. A circuit chip is bonded to a base portion of a base with a thermosetting adhesive. The base is folded, and an ultraviolet curing adhesive is applied on the circuit chip. The fold-back portions of the base are folded back onto the circuit chip, to which portions ultraviolet light is irradiated, as a result, both of the surfaces of the circuit chip are bonded to the base with the adhesives.

Abstract: An ear thermometer having the RFID reading function comprises an ear thermometer body, a display unit, an RFID reading key and a temperature detection unit. The ear thermometer can read an RFID tag of a subject and detect his ear temperature. The RFID tag and the measured ear temperature of the subject can be simultaneously displayed on the display unit of the ear thermometer. Moreover, the ear thermometer can store and call out several groups of RFID tags and temperature measurement results of different subjects.

Abstract: The seal having an IC tag is to be attached to cover a bordering part between the cover and main body of a container. The seal has a base member serving as a support, an antenna provided on one surface of the base member and having a slit, an IC chip connected to the antenna and provided on the antenna, and an adhesive layer provided on that surface of the base-member on which the antenna and the IC chip are provided. The method of attaching a seal having an IC tag is to attach the antenna by using the adhesive layer, so that the seal may overlap both the cover and the main body of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an RFID tag excellent in the diffusion of heat. The RFID tag includes a base, an antenna pattern that is provided on the base and forms a communication antenna, a circuit chip that is electrically connected to the antenna pattern and performs radio communication via the antenna, a cover that is provided in close contact with the base in such a manner as to cover the antenna pattern except a prescribed region including the circuit chip, and an insulating thermal diffusion material that covers the prescribed region and is in thermal contact with the circuit chip. The insulating thermal diffusion material has thermal conductivity higher than the thermal conductivity of the cover.

Abstract: A method and system relating to a restraining or protective order violation scenario where the movements of the restrainee and the movements of the protected person are monitored in order to detect if a predatory pattern is at hand. The movement, velocity, and positioning of the restrainee can be described as a set of patterns with respect to the protected person. The patterns can be determined based upon the distance between the two, and the direction and speed of both the restrainee and the protected person. Depending on the detected pattern, a notification system incorporating the present invention alerts the local law enforcement authorities with a warning or alarm, and/or sends a warning/alarm signal to the protected person if a predatory pattern is detected.

Abstract: A moisture sensor system is described. In one embodiment, the provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed moisture level. The adjustable threshold allows the moisture sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability. In one embodiment, the adjustable threshold moisture sensor is used in an intelligent sensor system that includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with the moisture sensor units. When one or more of the moisture sensor units detects a excess moisture the moisture sensor unit communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the moisture condition. The base unit can contact a supervisor or other responsible person by a plurality of techniques, such as, telephone, pager, cellular telephone, Internet (and/or local area network), etc.

Abstract: A control unit can be in communication with an plurality of displaced duct sensors. Sensors can be placed in supply and return ducts of an HVAC-type fluid delivery systems. The unit can communicate status information as well as sensor sensitivity or other parameter values, on a per sensor basis, to a remote accessory unit via a communication protocol. The units can communicate via a wired or wireless medium.

Abstract: A control system includes an enclosure, a control panel, and a plurality of controls, indicators, or both mounted on the control panel or in the enclosure. At least some of the plurality of controls, indicators, or both are configured to wirelessly communicate with each other inside the enclosure, and at least some controls including wirelessly controlled relays are configured to control devices outside the enclosure. Also, the wirelessly configured controls, indicators, or both are further configured to communicate with a plurality of other controls, indicators, or both in the control system.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump is provided that includes a pump housing having a pump chamber; a plunger mounted in the pump housing for reciprocating motion in the pump chamber; a suction valve positioned to allow a fluid to enter the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a first direction; a discharge valve positioned to discharge the fluid from the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a second direction; and at least one sensor enclosed by the pump housing for measuring at least one pump condition parameter.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a method and apparatus for generating alerts which prompt a customer representative to initiate communications with a customer relative to the alert. Further provided is a tracking template which is provided to the customer representative, whereby the customer representative can easily provide an input through the tracking template which quickly identifies an action status relative to a given alert. A plurality of different types of alerts can be generated, and these different alerts can be given different priority levels corresponding to different levels of escalation within a management structure for an organization.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a vehicle identification electronic chip, a transmitter/receiver, and an ignition system is disclosed. The vehicle identification electronic chip supplies a vehicle identification number to a remote device in response to an activation signal. The apparatus may further include an on/off switch. The transmitter/receiver may receive a stop signal from the remote device and cause the on/off switch to turn the ignition system off in response to the stop signal.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided that includes a master controller for storing a plurality of remote control codes for a plurality of remotely controlled equipment, receiving a remote control code request message, retrieving a requested remote control code and transmitting the requested remote control code, and a remote control unit for transmitting the remote control code request message, receiving the requested remote control code from the master controller, storing the requested remote control code, converting the remote control code into a plurality of remote control commands and transmitting at least one of the plurality of remote control commands to at least one of the plurality of remotely controlled equipment, wherein each remote control code contains the plurality of remote control commands for controlling at least one of the plurality of remotely controlled equipment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a remote control device of the present invention has an input section constituted of a plurality of button groups, a direction key, a determine button and the like, and has a function of a backlight to allow a main body to emit light for a first predetermined time from an operation time. Moreover, from a time when a cell is turned on until a first operation is performed by the input section, a microcomputer stops lighting of the backlight.

Abstract: Control system for controlling adjustable components in a vehicle using wireless switch assemblies or other input devices which provide input to the control system to enable the control system to control the components based on the input. The control system includes an interrogator arranged to transmit RF signals having identification data associated with the input devices such that upon transmission of each RF signal, the input devices with matching identification data can provide responsive signals. Various types of input devices are envisioned and one type is a manually activated RFID switch assembly which provides output based on pressure applied by the occupant of the vehicle to an exposed surface and includes an RF transmission component arranged to wirelessly transmit an indication of the application of pressure to the exposed surface.

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: A satellite communications device for processing meter data includes an interface adapted to receive data from a plurality of remotely located utility meters of a selected meter type. The interface is configurable to receive data from at least a first meter type and a second meter type. A satellite modem is coupled to the interface and is operable to send the data received from the utility meters using a satellite link. The device includes a plurality of software modules for execution in the satellite modem. A first software module is adapted to process data from utility meters of the first meter type and a second software module is adapted to process data from utility meters of the second meter type.

Abstract: A method for processing meter data into a common format includes receiving, in a first transmission, meter data using a satellite communications network in a common protocol, the meter data representing information read at time intervals from associated utility meters in at least two data formats, each data format associated with a type of utility meter. The meter data in the plurality of formats is processed into a common data format. The meter data is stored in the common format as interval data for transmission to a customer.

Abstract: A module for an electrical distribution system is provided. The module includes a socket board electrically coupled to the electrical distribution system. A plurality of sockets is mounted on the socket board. Each socket defines a port. A sensor is positioned within each port and is electrically coupled to the socket board. The sensors are configured to carry at least one of a primary current and a secondary current. A metering component is electrically coupled to the socket board and configured to measure current carried by the sensors. A communication module is electrically coupled to the metering component and in communication with a monitoring device. The communication module is configured to transmit metering data to the monitoring device.