Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a microprocessor (10) or other programmable platform will automatically work in a safe and appropriate manner both with and without safe-operation sensors (13). Once a safe-operation sensor is detected, the operator will thereafter function in a fashion that requires the continued presence of such sensor. In one embodiment, the operator state can be purposely reset to the initial operating state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synchronously lighting apparatus of a vehicle meter. The digital signal transformed from the measured value triggers the light-emitting device of the light-outputting group so as to change the lighting status and triggers the display machine synchronously. Accordingly, an obvious warning is obtained.

Abstract: A color-changeable warning apparatus of a vehicle meter transforms a measured value of the target position into a first digital signal and adopts a setting value as a second digital signal. The first digital signal and the second digital signal are compared by a comparison program, wherein the parameter comparison result is read by a processing unit so as to trigger a light-emitting device of a light-outputting group to change the outputted light color thereby achieving the warning purpose.

Abstract: A transmission system in a downhole component comprises a data transmission element in both ends of the downhole component. Each data transmission element houses an electrically conducting coil in a MCEI circular trough. The electrically conducting coil comprises at least two generally fractional loops. In the preferred embodiment, the transmission elements are connected by an electrical conductor. Preferably, the electrical conductor is a coaxial cable. Preferably, the MCEI trough comprises ferrite. In the preferred embodiment, the fractional loops are connected by a connecting cable. In one aspect of the present invention, the connecting cable is a pair of twisted wires. In one embodiment the connecting cable is a shielded pair of twisted wires. In another aspect of the present invention, the connecting cable is a coaxial cable. The connecting cable may be disposed outside of the MCEI circular trough.

Abstract: Data or control signals are communicated over a three phase power cable supplying power from a surface location to a motor/pump assembly located within a wellbore utilizing modulated radio frequency signals. The radio frequency signals may be impressed on the power cable through physical taps to the power cable conductors or by reactive coupling to the power cable. The transmission frequency is selected from a range of frequencies which propagate through the motor windings and up the power cable with sufficient amplitude to be received and processed. The modulated RF signal may be transmitted concurrently with the three phase power on the power cable, and simultaneous bidirectional communications between the surface and downhole locations may be supported utilizing, for example, discrete frequencies for transmission in different directions.

Abstract: A utility metering system includes a plurality of distributed utility meter readers. Each reader is associated with a respective electronic utility meter at a respective utility user station. Each meter reader comprises a transceiver for transmitting metered data received from the respective meter to a remote station via a GSM cellular infrastructure in the form of an SMS message. The data received is stored in a database in relation to a unique identification code number. In the case of meters for pre-paid utilities, the system enables users to obtain credit readings from the station from positions remote from the meters and also to replenish credits on the meters from such positions, by causing the station to transmit credit data prepaid for via the infrastructure to the meters.

Abstract: A reduced power-consumption meter reading system has a clock for counting elapsed time and days and outputting a first output signal for a predetermined time during a month, a first power supply activated by the first signal of the clock, and an image-processing unit driven by the first power supply for acquiring an image of a display portion of the meter. The image processing unit is driven only during the duration of the first output signal. In one embodiment, the clock outputs a second output signal for a second predetermined time during a month, and a second power supply is activated by the second output signal of the clock and drives a radio communication unit to transmit the image acquired by the image-processing unit to another radio communication unit.

Abstract: The present invention achieves technical advantages as an AMR device and system adapted to couple to utility meters and operate under Part 15 of the FCC Rules. The device and system also includes a data profile module.

Abstract: A measurement system having an analyzer unit (2; 102) and at least one replaceable sensor (1; 101). Each sensor has a transponder (13) in which sensor-specific data is stored. The analyzer unit has an antenna (21) for wireless readout of the data stored in the transponder and for wireless transmission of the power required to operate the transponder. The transponder (13) and the antenna of the analyzer unit (2) are further configured to additionally transmit and receive the measurement signal of the sensor (1) wirelessly. The sensor may be accommodated in a connecting unit (32, 52, 62, 72, 112) configured to be secured to a corresponding mating component (41, 56, 66, 76, 116).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for secure traffic light interruption. A purpose of this invention is to allow for the use of a secure system to allow the interruption of the traffic light signals by emergency (and other authorized) vehicles. An objective of this invention is to allow for the use of a more secure system than the currently installed strobe only traffic light interruption (changing) systems. This invention integrates additional wireless technologies to assure that only authorized users trigger the traffic light changes that typically make it safer for emergency vehicles when they approach a traffic light.

Abstract: A method for processing digital map data for route determination is provided that includes dividing a region into a plurality of zones, and for the zones, automatically determining at least one cost value for at least one direction of travel of the zone based on the digital map data of the zone and a predetermined cost criterion. A method for determining a route between two points is provided that includes dividing a region into a plurality of zones, for the zones, automatically determining at least one cost value for at least one direction of travel of the zone based on the digital map data of the zone and a predetermined cost criterion, and automatically determining at least one sequence of zones connecting the two points, where each zone of the sequence may be adjacent to another zone of the sequence, such that the sum of the cost values of the zones of the sequence may be optimized.

Abstract: A sensor including at least one rotary magnetic coder with first and second rotary tracks, at least two detection cells, and logical resources for processing of digital signals delivered by the cells. At least the detection cell located in relation to a magnetic track with a singular pole is a single-element detection cell, and the generator elements of the magnetic tracks and the detection cells are arranged in dependence on the logical processing resources such that the digital output signal has the same constant period, both on its regular coding part and on its irregular coding part, and the regular coding part and the irregular coding part have cyclic ratios that are unbalanced and different from each other.

Abstract: A method of reducing noise in a system utilizing a serial port includes generating a data word having a selected number of bits and ensuring that a last bit of the data word corresponds to a first bit of a next data word. The data word is output through the serial port and the next data word switched for output through the serial port in response to an event.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for synchronizing various time-stamped data streams. The data streams can be synchronized to another data stream or to a point of reference such as a reference clock. In one embodiment, synchronization processing takes place in association with a filter graph comprising multiple filters. The filter graph is configured to process multiple timestamped data streams for rendering the data streams in accordance with data stream timestamps. A synchronization module is provided and is associated with the filter graph queries individual filters of the filter graph to ascertain input timestamp-to-output timestamp mappings. The module computes adjustments that are to be made to output timestamps in order to synchronize the data streams, and then instructs queried filters to adjust their output timestamps in accordance with its adjustment computations.

Abstract: An encoded-bit-string generating unit generates a bit string encoded by scrambling an input bit string. A direct-current-component evaluating unit selects a bit string having a predetermined width in the bit string generated by the encoded-bit-string generating unit, while shifting bits one by one, and evaluates the direct-current component in the selected bit string. A bit-string extracting unit extracts a bit string with suppressed direct-current component, based on a result of an evaluation by the direct-current-component evaluating unit.

Abstract: A programmable hardware architecture and design methodology for the implementation of a sample rate conversion engine is presented. The conversion engine supports scalable filter taps and can be tuned to a range of interpolation and decimation requirements. The conversion engine can be used effectively in wideband systems to efficiently extract and process digital sequences with protocol specific sampling rate requirements. The conversion engine can also be used as a hardware accelerator for software defined radios and communication systems that require adaptive sampling rates.

Abstract: The present invention correctly decodes data encoded with a variable-length encoding method that improves the compression ratio. The variable-length encoding method encodes a unit data composed of a plurality of sub-data while referencing a parameter table, and includes: an initialization step in which the parameter table is set to initial values; a parameter table information encoding step in which information related to the initialized parameter table is encoded; a parameter obtaining step in which encoding parameters to be used in the encoding of sub-data are obtained from the parameter table; a sub-data encoding step in which variable-length encoding of the sub-data is performed with reference to the obtained encoding parameters; and an encoded information placement step in which the encoded information is placed in a position in which the information can be obtained before the encoded unit data.

Abstract: A VLC mode judgment section performs judgment on whether or not a received group (Last, Run, Level) exists in a VLC table and then performs judgment on which one of a first escape mode, a second escape more and a third escape mode is suitable. According to a judgment result of the VLC mode judgment section, an FLC processing section or a coding mode selection section performs variable-length coding using selected one of the received group (Last, Run, Level), a group generated in the first escape mode, and a group generated by the second escape group or fixed-length coding using a third escape mode.

Abstract: A digital to analog converter comprising: a digital to analog conversion core adapted to receive at least one reference voltage and a digital word to be converted, and to output an analog voltage as a function of the digital word and the at least one reference voltage; a sensing circuit for sensing a difference between a first ground voltage associated with an output of the digital to analog converter and a ground reference voltage occurring at the digital to analog converter; and a compensation circuit for applying a compensation voltage to the at least one reference voltage used by the conversion core of the digital to analog converter.

Abstract: A loop delay control circuit is provided between a comparator and a power switch stage. When the amplitude of an input signal is especially high, the loop delay control circuit secures an oscillation threshold value by setting a delay amount at a low value. On the other hand, when the amplitude of the input signal is not so high, the loop delay control circuit reduces an average switching rate by increasing the delay amount, but does not reduce the oscillation threshold value. This makes it possible to provide a delta-sigma modulator allowing realization of both (i) a high oscillation threshold value, i.e., high output power, and (ii) high power efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bit-detection arrangement able to convert an analog signal (AS) having an amplitude into a digital signal (DS) representing a bit sequence from which the analog signal (AS) is derived. The bit-detection arrangement has a phase detector which detect the phase difference between a quantized analog signal and a clock signal C2. The phase difference is sampled by an AD converter. The AD converter can sample at a relatively slow rate as the phase difference is a low frequency signal. The sampled phase difference is fed to a digital PLL which outputs a phase signal PHI. The phase signal and the quantized analog signal are used to recreate the digital signal (DS).

Abstract: A multiplexing circuit uses parallel-configured switch/resistor pairs in a voltage divider network in such a way that a single analog-to-digital input can be used to specify the state of more than one switch or other component. One circuit includes a reference voltage node, a ground node, and an output node, wherein a switched voltage divider network is configured such that the voltage at the output node is unique for every given combination of switch states.

Abstract: 2N?1 four-terminal phase-reversing switches are arranged in one or more columns of cascaded switches, wherein a frequency having a given relative phase ? is applied as an input of the top switch in a cascade. A particular configuration of 2N?1 different reference-values, determined by a preselected N-Bit binary code, is applied to the respective 2N?1 switches so that (1) whenever the amplitude value of an applied analog signal reaches a value equal to the reference value applied to any switch, that switch will switch to reverse the phase at its output from the phase at its input, and (2) cause the switching of the phase at the output at each switch ordinally situated in a column below that switch. The respective output phases from a certain subset of N switches of the 2N?1 switches define the binary values of the preselected N-Bit binary code output from the A/D converter.

Abstract: A TAD (time analog/digital) type of A/D converter has plural series-connected delay units each producing a delay in accordance with the level of a converter input voltage, with a first-stage delay unit receiving a pulse signal at commencement of each A/D conversion sampling interval, and a latch/encoder circuit detecting the total number of delay units traversed by the pulse signal by the end of the sampling interval, to obtain a numeric value expressing the input voltage level. To ensure uniformity of the delays of the delay units, these are formed using transistors of larger size than transistors of other circuits such as the latch/encoder circuit.

Abstract: A reference voltage driving circuit and a pipelined analog to digital converter including the reference voltage driving circuit capable of providing a stable reference voltage even during a high speed/high resolution of analog-to-digital conversion using source follower circuits. Furthermore, a MDAC (Multiplying Digital to Analog Converter) requiring a high precision and a flash ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) requiring a relatively low precision are driven by respectively separate reference voltage driving circuits to thereby enable to curb an introduction of noise from the flash ADC into the MDAC requiring a high precision. Accordingly, there is no need of using a large capacity of capacitor for stabilizing the reference voltage, thereby enabling an embodiment with a smaller area and reducing the power consumption.

Abstract: In an analog-to-digital (A-D) converter, an A-D conversion circuit samples an analog signal and converts it to a digital value of a predetermined bit number less than a targeted bit number. An amplifier circuit is provided in parallel to the A-D conversion circuit, and holds the signal sampled by the A-D conversion circuit or amplifies it by a predetermined gain. A first source follower circuit for the amplifier circuit and a second source follower circuit for the A-D conversion circuit are provided separately at the output side of a sample-and-hold circuit.

Abstract: An analog signal is sampled; a reference signal synchronized to the sampling is generated; the sampling result is compared to said reference signal; the time interval from the sampling point to the time the comparison result satisfies the prescribed condition is acquired; and the amplitude of the digital representation is determined from the acquired time interval and knowledge of the reference signal.

Abstract: A key fob for use in a remote keyless entry system of a vehicle includes a transmitter housing having at least one user operable button thereon indicative of remote keyless entry functions associated with the vehicle for transmitting function requests when the user operable buttons are depressed. A cover is retained on the transmitter housing and is slidably movable between an open position exposing the buttons and a closed position wherein the buttons are covered by the cover. Compression springs are coupled between the transmitter housing and the cover such that the springs urge the cover toward the open position, while a catch mechanism selectively and releasably secures the cover in the closed position against the bias of the springs.

Abstract: The present invention offers a finger feeling numerical buttons for commercial electronic remote control. The altitude of the five even number buttons 0,2,4,6 and 8 is higher than the altitude of the other buttons 1,3,7,9, * and #. On the upper, lower, right and left side of the central button 5, provides a feeling mark, so that as the user touch the central button and the higher buttons with his thumb, the position of every button can be identified. Remote control can be carried out without watching at the button. This is suitable for various remote controls such as a TV set, cellular phone and remote control of a car.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detecting emitter signals and for determining a scan strategy for a receiver system that receives such emitter signals. In one embodiment, the scan strategy may be computed to operate in a manner cognizant of on-board active jammers, optimizing the jammer band and intercept band performance. The additional inputs for this task are a jammer band assignment table, and a blanking assignment table. The capability to generate “dry” (no jam) and “wet” (jamming) scan strategies for an emitter set is provided, with separate intercept rules for each.

Abstract: A concealed weapons and contraband detection system combining metal detection equipment with millimeter wave imaging equipment. The preferred millimeter wave imaging equipment includes at least one millimeter wave frequency scanning antenna for collecting frequency dependent beams of millimeter wave radiation from a narrow one-dimensional field of view. The collected radiation is amplified at the collected frequencies and the amplified signals are separated into frequency dependent bins with a tapped-delay beam-former. These bins are then sampled to produce a one-dimensional image of the antenna field of view. A two dimensional image of a target may be obtained by moving the target across the field of view of the scanning antenna or by moving the antenna in order to scan its line of focus over the target. In preferred embodiments the millimeter wave imager is combined with an active eddy current type metal detector to provide a hybrid system providing important advantages over prior art security systems.

Abstract: A transmitter emits into an intended search space a radar wave having a predetermined frequency pulse-modulated by a trigger pulse of a predetermined width. A receiver receives a reflected wave of the radar wave and outputs a receive signal. A local pulse generator outputs a local pulse signal having the predetermined frequency pulse-modulated by the trigger pulse delayed by the delay unit. A correlation value detector detects a strength correlation value between the receive signal and the local pulse signal. A delay time changing unit changes the delay time sequentially within a range of a predetermined period representing a generation period of the trigger pulse. A correlation value storage unit stores the strength correlation value detected for each delay time changed. A frequency distribution generator generates a frequency distribution of a stored correlation value against the delay time.

Abstract: Unknown alignment biases of sensors of a tracking system are estimated by an iterative Kalman filter method. Current measurements are corrected for known alignment errors and previously estimated alignment biases. The filter time reference is updated to produce estimated target state derivative vectors. A Jacobian of the state dynamics equation is determined, which provides for observability into the sensor alignment bias through gravitational and coriolis forces. The target state transition matrix and the target error covariance matrix are propagated. When a new measurement becomes available, the Kalman gain matrix is determined, the state vector and covariance measurements are updated, and sensor alignment biases are estimated. The state vector, covariance measurements, and estimated sensor alignment biases are transformed to an estimated stable space frame for use in tracking the target and updating the next iteration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting targets using pulse-compressed radar signals are disclosed. In one application, relatively small targets that are masked by the time-sidelobes of a larger target's return signal can be detected. The methods include a signal expansion type algorithm that is used to process the pulse-compressed return signal. Specifically, a generalized Fourier expansion expression having a summation of PSF terms is used to expand the pulse-compressed signal. Each term represents a respective target and includes a point spread function and a complex coefficient. The signal expansion procedure can be used to determine a set of optimum complex coefficients, with one coefficient for each range bin. Doppler frequency can be used together with range to optimize the complex coefficients. Next, targets are detected by analyzing each range bin to determine whether the corresponding complex coefficient has an absolute magnitude greater than a pre-determined threshold.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a position of a hovering vehicle that incorporates a radar altimeter is described. The method includes receiving signals at the radar altimeter based on a change of horizontal direction, operating the radar altimeter to generate a Doppler frequency spectrum based on the received signals, and determining a change in vehicle direction and velocity which will reduce a width of the Doppler frequency spectrum of the received signals. A radar altimeter which generates the Doppler frequency spectrum is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radar apparatus that uses a plurality of transmitting/receiving antennas A1-A4 and receives a reflected wave, of a transmitted wave, reflected from a target. By utilizing the property that the path of the transmitted wave from an antenna A1 and its reflected wave and the path of the transmitted wave from the next selected antenna A2 and its reflected wave share the same spatial system, and therefore that both received signals have the same characteristics in terms of frequency and phase, a judgment is made as to whether there exists any difference between the receiving characteristics of the antennas, and the received signal is corrected in accordance with the result of the judgment. It is also possible to judge the presence or absence of a change in the characteristic of each antenna, and apply a correction accordingly, even during the normal operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a man-portable counter-mortar radar (MCMR) radar system that detects and tracks enemy mortar projectiles in flight and calculates their point of origin (launch point) to enable and direct countermeasures against the mortar and its personnel. In addition, MCMR may also perform air defense surveillance by detecting and tracking aircraft, helicopters, and ground vehicles. MCMR is a man-portable radar system that can be disassembled for transport, then quickly assembled in the field, and provides 360-degree coverage against an enemy mortar attack.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to determine a relative position vector between primary receiver associated with a reference station and secondary receiver associated with a user. The method and system determine a position of the reference station at the reference station according to signals received thereat from a plurality of satellites, determine a position of the user receiver at the user based on measurements obtained thereat and on error corrections computed at the reference station, and compute the relative position vector by differencing the position of the reference station and the position of the user.

Abstract: A satellite-positioning receiving device includes: an antenna which receives a signal from a satellite; an RF amplifier unit which amplifies the signal received by the antenna; a reference quartz oscillator; a digital processor unit which performs signal processing; an operation accepting unit; and two reception processing systems, that is, a first reception processing system including a first mixer unit, a first local oscillator, a first IF amplifier unit, and a first IF filter unit and a second reception processing system including a second mixer unit, a second local oscillator, a second IF amplifier unit, and a second IF filter unit. The digital processor unit is connected to the local oscillators and the IF filter units, and is so constituted that it is capable of individually changing and setting their characteristics.

Abstract: An automotive radar system includes a beamformer circuit and a beamcombiner circuit. The beamformer circuit forms a plurality of antenna beams at a plurality of beam ports. The beam combiner circuit receives the beams provided thereto from the beamformer circuit and combines the beams to provide a desired number of beams, with each of the beams having a desired beam shape. In one embodiment, the beamcombiner provides first and second end beams having a beamwidth which is less than a beamwidth of middle beams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibration apparatus for an array antenna having a plurality of antenna elements. The calibration apparatus comprises a conversion unit detecting a calibration signal from an output of a transmission unit to convert the detected calibration signal into a predetermined reception radio frequency and outputting the converted calibration signal together with a reception main signal to a reception unit, a detecting unit detecting the calibration signal from an output of the reception unit for each of the antenna elements to obtain a relative phase difference between the calibration signals, and a phase correcting unit correcting a phase difference with respect to one of or both a transmission main signal and a reception main signal based on the obtained relative phase difference. This configuration can eliminate the need for a radio transmitter-receiver dedicated to a calibration signal, thus facilitating the calibrations.

Abstract: A method of controlling multiple antenna signal transmission is disclosed. The method includes adjusting signal parameters so that transmission signals from a plurality of antennas combine to form a directional beam. A time duration in which the transmission signals are directed is controlled so that an average EIRP does not exceed a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In order to improve the reliability and the accuracy of a position-finding method such as the GPS method, the quality of a radio link which is used for the position-finding method is determined by estimating a parameter, in particular the Rice factor of the amplitude distribution density, which is characteristic of the ratio of the strength of a signal transmitted via a line-of-sight path, with respect to the strength of the signals transmitted via non-line-of-sight paths.

Abstract: A method of triangulating aircraft transponder signals using a number of receivers connected to a central station over communication links includes applying at least one logic rule at each receiver to incoming transponder signals to filter redundant transponder signals, time-stamping filtered transponder signals, and transmitting time-stamped transponder signals to the central station. Logic rules include at least one of altitude filtering, Mode S, Mode A/C code filtering, and change filtering. Replies are accepted when a change in state is indicated, such that the only those replies indicating a change in state are time-stamped and sent to the central server.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a base member (3), a ground conductor (5), a first antenna element (7) and a second antenna element (9). The base member (3) is formed in a thin plate shape and made of dielectric material. The ground conductor (5) is formed of a thin-film shaped and rectangular conductor and disposed on the base member (3). The first antenna element (7) is formed of a thin-film shaped and L-shaped conductor, is disposed on the base member (3) and has one end connected to one end (5A) of the ground conductor (5). The second antenna element (9) is formed of a thin-film shaped and rectangular conductor and is disposed on the base member (3) to be isolated from the ground conductor (5) and the first antenna element (7).

Abstract: An antenna comprises a dielectric member, an antenna pattern formed on one surface of the dielectric member, and a ground pattern formed on the other surface of the dielectric member. A part or the whole of the antenna is implanted in a dielectric layer on the side from which a laser beam does not come in of an optical recording medium symmetrically having a metal layer reflecting the laser beam and the dielectric layer, thereby to provide a radio tag antenna structure for an optical recording medium which is simple, is small-sized, and can secure necessary reading performance.

Abstract: A high-frequency module includes a stiffener (a support substrate), a resin base member of which one surface is fixed to the stiffener, a first conductive pattern formed on said one surface of the resin base member, a second conductive pattern formed on the other surface of the resin base member for constituting a waveguide in combination with the first conductive pattern to pass a high-frequency signal through the resin base member and including a window for allowing the high-frequency signal to pass therethrough, a cap for covering a semiconductor element and for absorbing or reflecting the high-frequency signal, an adopter (a waveguide tube) fixed onto the second conductive pattern such that one open end thereof surrounds the window, and an antenna fixed to the other open end of the adaptor.

Abstract: A monopole fractal antenna and a method of manufacturing thereof are described. The antenna includes a ground plane having a cavity recessed therein, a radiating arm backed by the cavity and coupled to a feeding line arranged at the cavity, and at least one pair of electrical shunts configured for connecting at least two points selected within the fractal portion of the radiating arm to the ground plane. At least a portion of the radiating arm has a fractal geometric shape. The radiating arm is extended from the cavity along an axis disposed in relation to the ground plane.

Abstract: An antenna device includes a plate-shaped conductor and a radiating conductor that extends outward from an end portion of the conductor and has a length corresponding to a quarter wavelength of a first frequency. A strip-shaped slot portion formed by removing a part of the plate-shaped conductor extending inward from the end portion has a length corresponding to a quarter wavelength of a second frequency. A feed portion is perpendicular to the slot portion and crosses over the slot portion. The feed portion feeds the same signals to the slot portion and the radiating conductor.

Abstract: An antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes an externally-located vehicular mirror housing and an antenna assembly. The externally-located vehicular mirror housing includes a cable exit passage. The antenna assembly includes at least one antenna element mounted on a circuit board. The antenna assembly is located within the externally-located vehicular mirror housing. The cable exit passage passes an antenna cable extending from the circuit board and into the vehicle cabin.