Abstract: A system for reporting the presence of an adverse condition is described. Adverse conditions include smoke, breaking glass and carbon monoxide. The system includes one or more detectors that sense the adverse condition. The system further includes a central controller that stores a plurality of messages that in turn include a plurality of vocal instructions. A subset of messages is selected based on the detector that sends an indication of the adverse condition to the central controller. The subset of messages is then transmitted to a plurality of audio detectors and audio devices that plays the received vocal instructions.

Abstract: A communications system for locating, tracking, and messaging between people, which preferably includes a satellite, global positioning satellites, ground monitoring units, and a portable-transmitter-receiver unit to locate and track objects and people. A communications satellite system can transmit and receive messages concerning the location and situation of an object or person. A location system may operate by way of global positioning satellites. The portable transmitter-receiver can activate a signal to the satellite system, which can inform the ground monitoring units that a person is in need of help. Each transmitter-receiver can contain memory that allows for identification of the wearer and can provide information such as address, medical problems, emergency contacts, etc.

Abstract: An improved system and method for defining an event based upon an object location and a user-defined zone and managing the conveyance of object location event information among computing devices where object location events are defined in terms of a condition based upon a relationship between user-defined zone information and object location information. One or more location information sources are associated with an object to provide the object location information. One or more user-defined zones are defined on a map and one or more object location events are defined. The occurrence of an object location event produces object location event information that is conveyed to users based on user identification codes. Accessibility to object location information, zone information, and object location event information is based upon an object location information access code, a zone information access code, and an object location event information access code, respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining location and status information for a person, animal or object. The system, in its various embodiments can include a distributed computer system having more than one databases, and more than one programmed application sets. The databases and programmed application sets can be distributed across more than one physical data centers through an edge server. The system also can include a status device, having one or more component parts in substantially continuous communication with the distributed computer system. The status device can be worn by the person, animal or object, and can communicate the location and status information to the distributed computer system through a virtual private network. The system can also include a locator device, in communication with the distributed computer system through the virtual private network.

Abstract: A tracking device including a housing including a transceiver, a battery connected to the housing and an antenna connected to the housing, where the antenna is wrapped by at least one photovoltaic sheet and where the photovoltaic sheet is operable to recharge the battery. The tracking device includes a global positioning device, a radio frequency triangulation device and a microchip included in the housing. The tracking device also includes a microcontroller included in the housing, where the microcontroller is in communication with the battery, global positioning device, radio frequency triangulation device and microchip. The microcontroller is operable to cause the microchip to generate a position signal using the global positioning device and the radio frequency triangulation device to transmit the position signal via the transceiver and the antenna to enable user to detect a position of the tracking device.

Abstract: An imaging system for a location generally includes a data storage device and a control module. The data storage device stores navigable actual images corresponding to positions within the location and an overhead layout of the location. The control module has an input for a navigation input device and an output for a display device. The control module determines a current navigation position based on the input, accesses the navigable actual images and the overhead layout, and controls the output to display on the display device at least one of a view of a selected navigable actual image and a view of the overhead layout. The view of the selected navigable actual image and the view of the overhead layout correspond to the current navigation position.

Abstract: A method for managing data in a preferably non real-time sensor network, wherein the network comprises a multitude of sensor nodes to sense data, wherein the network is divided into clusters with each consisting of several sensor nodes, wherein within each cluster a sensor node acts as aggregator node to aggregate the sensed data of the rest of the sensor nodes of the cluster, and wherein always a pre-configurable number of neighbored clusters are combined to groups and the data aggregated within a cluster are stored by the aggregator node of the cluster itself and in addition by another aggregator node of a cluster of the respective group is characterized in that the data is encrypted with homomorphic methods before being stored persistently.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system according to the invention has a wireless sensor device for detecting something and a wireless base station for exchanging data with the wireless sensor device by wireless. The wireless sensor device 2 has a sampling signal transmitting portion for transmitting a sampling signal, and the wireless base station has a sensitivity detecting portion for detecting a receive sensitivity of the sampling signal, and a sensitivity transmitting portion for transmitting a result detected thereby to the wireless sensor device. And, the wireless sensor device has at least one of a LED and a buzzer for informing of the receive sensitivity on the basis of data from the sensitivity transmitting portion. A worker who tries to locate the wireless sensor device can easily know the best place for location with the LED or the like.

Abstract: A processing method of data transmitted from sensor nodes, including: providing a model list that stores preset model names; providing a semantic interpretation list that stores semantic information corresponding to a value of the data; providing an event table that stores monitoring conditions of values of data corresponding to the model names; receiving data corresponding to the model names from the sensor nodes; notifying an occurrence of an event when receiving data satisfying the monitoring conditions from the sensor nodes; and executing processing previously specified when an occurrence of an event is notified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evacuation route monitoring system for monitoring an evacuation route having an escape door. To provide protection against unauthorized passage and/or actuation of an escape door, an evacuation route monitoring system having an escape door is specified, which comprises a monitoring unit, which monitors a predefined escape door security area, which is situated directly in front of the escape door, and which outputs at least a local signal if an object is present in the escape door security area. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring an evacuation route having at least one escape door, in which an escape door security area of the evacuation route is predefined in front of the escape door, this area is monitored in such a way that a presence of an object in the area is recognized, and a local signal is output as soon as a presence is recognized.

Abstract: A door system includes a support connected to a structure, and a door mounted on the support and movable relative to the support between an opened position and a closed position. The door includes a detection device and a remote module coupled to the detection device. The remote module includes a battery and an RF module for supporting two-way communication and sending signals indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The door system also includes a motor to drive the door, and a controller to control the motor. The controller includes a user interface and a memory. The door system also includes a base module coupled to the controller for receiving signals from the remote module. The received signals are indicative of the status of the detection device and the battery. The base module also sends signals related to successful transmission acknowledgements to the remote module.

Abstract: A circuit and method is disclosed for measuring the resistance of a resistive sensor, such as a PTC or NTC temperature sensor used for monitoring the temperature of the windings of an electric motor. The measurement circuit is based on an electronic circuit in which conductors from a sensor located in the object to be monitored are connected to an amplifier circuit in a feedback configuration that reduces the DC level supplied to the voltage divider when the sensor resistance increases. The measured signal is amplified and, using a comparator to compare it with the output voltage of a sawtooth generator, a continuous PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal is generated and transmitted in digital format to a SELV electronic circuit, for example through an opto-isolator. The essentially logarithmic signal amplification makes it possible to reliably distinguish between a short circuit in the sensor circuit and low values of sensor resistance.

Abstract: A position switch is disclosed for non-contacting state identification with at least two switching states, at least one identification device and at least one device for shielding. The at least one device for shielding is provided in order to interrupt and reproduce a data transmission from a coupling element to a reader. The aim of this is to ensure that the state of the position switch can be identified safely, reliably and securely, and in a cost-efficient manner. The position switch may at least partially be in the form of a circuit arrangement, safety or security system, hinge switch or an alarm installation.

Abstract: While there are contact joining and capacitance type switches for detecting an operation of a door handle, a problem that is to be solved by the invention is to solve problems of contact failure due to aging and a malfunction triggered by rain drops. According to the invention, a piezoelectric sensor (4) has such flexibility as to be annexed to a door handle (3), whereby a minute displacement of the door handle (3) can be detected with high sensitivity. Consequently, a sufficient signal output can be obtained only through a simple touch to the door handle (3), whereby a touch or contact to the door handle (3) can be detected. In addition, since electrodes are not exposed to the outside, the piezoelectric sensor (4) is made difficult to be affected by disturbance, and dust, rain, snow and the like which come to adhere thereto.

Abstract: A flooring system comprising a plurality of electrode pairs in contact with a metaplastic composite material. The metaplastic material is such that it locally conducts electrical current in an area where any load is applied to the metaplastic. An electric potential is applied to one or more interdigitated electrodes located at a face of the metaplastic material in line with applied loads. Larger area coverage can be obtained either by pre-installing a subsurface layer comprising of an array of interdigitated electrodes and their trace line outputs and then covering this layer with a tiling of metaplastic material sheets that is in direct contact with the array of interdigitated electrodes, or, by directly attaching one or more interdigitated electrodes and their output trace lines to an individual sections of metaplastic material and electrically interconnecting their outputs.

Abstract: Securing and monitoring of a computer or asset against theft and vandalism can be achieved using an electronic assembly. Using sensors to monitor motion, vibration and light intrusion into the computer cavity, a decision is made to alert a remote surveillance station and trigger an audible alarm and/or disable the asset either permanently or temporarily through electronic means. The electronic assembly is a self-contained unit with battery backup capable of communicating to a central surveillance station over a LAN/WAN/Internet. A remote monitoring station linked to the Internet communicates to the asset(s) being monitored and provides an updated status to security personnel over any communications link deemed appropriate.

Abstract: A process and security container that enable local protection and remote transportation of items found with the environment of a contemporary office, while generating a log of users who have gained access to the container. The container may be constructed with one or more sidewalls bearing a removable lid. The container may have a closed interior while the lid is in complete engagement with the sidewalls, and have an open interior able to removably receive items within the interior while the lid is dislodged from its complete engagement. A port is exposed through one of said sidewalls to receive data signals and a control stage with a non-volatile a memory, is mounted within the container and operationally coupled to a host computer to provide communication with the interior of the container via the port. A microprocessor based host computer sited externally to the container, has a keyboard initiating formation of the data signals and a monitor driven by the host computer to visually display video images.

Abstract: A theft deterrent device allows a customer to handle an item of merchandise to which the device is connected. The device is configured to protect items of merchandise having first and second pieces each of which are sufficiently valuable to warrant such protection. The device includes a base mountable on a support structure, an audible alarm, first and second connectors which attach respectively to the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise, lanyards for connecting the base to the first and second connectors and a removal sensor for sensing removal of one or both of connectors from the first and second pieces of the item of merchandise so that the alarm is activated when the connector or connectors are removed from the item of merchandise. The lanyards provide electrical communication between the alarm and the connectors, which may include plunger switches which serve as removal sensors.

Abstract: A tree stand locating system comprises a remote control unit, a base unit and a lanyard. The remote control unit includes a lanyard interconnect. The base unit includes an audible output device and a lanyard interconnect. The lanyard includes an end portion configured for being detachably attached to one of the lanyard interconnect of the base unit and the lanyard interconnect of the remote control unit. The base unit is configured for emitting an audible alert signal from the audible output device when the lanyard is detached from said one of the lanyard interconnect of the base unit and the lanyard interconnect of the remote control unit.

Abstract: In particular situations it may be desirable to follow, trace or otherwise localize specific (groups of) objects or animals, in particular people. The invention relates to a localization system. The invention also relates to a method for localizing objects or animals using such a localization system.

Abstract: Security systems such as those suitable for use with luxury items, such as wristwatches, are described. The systems primarily include: (1) a transmitter physically associated with the item, wherein the transmitter is operable to generate an electronic signal, wherein the electronic signal contains information regarding the status of the item; (2) a receiver operable to receive the electronic signal from the transmitter; and (3) a database containing information regarding the status of the item, wherein the information regarding the status of the object contained by the electronic signal is operable to be compared to the information regarding the status of the object contained by the database. The information can include ownership information, product identification information, manufacture information, purchase information, maintenance information, repair information, warranty information, and the like.

Abstract: An RFID tag capable of enhancing the reliability of products and an RFID system having the same are provided. The RFID tag includes a tag antenna receiving waves from an RFID reader, and a tag driver. The tag driver includes an accumulation mode capacitor adjusting a capacitance value corresponding to an input voltage. That is, the tag driver adjusts the amplitude of a modulated carrier wave using the accumulation mode capacitor. Accordingly, the RFID tag adjusts the impedance of the tag driver without adjusting the current transmitted from the tag driver. Therefore, impedance adjustment of the tag driver can prevent the voltage transmitted from the tag driver from being lower than the reference voltage, and modulation and demodulation can be stably performed. As a result, the reliability of products can be enhanced.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, devices and/or systems for security-enabled digital media and authentication methods thereof are described.

Abstract: This invention discloses a control system and method thereof that is applied to a navigation apparatus. The system includes an apparatus body, a tag, a reader, a recognition module, and a processor. The apparatus body is mounted in the navigation apparatus to provide a navigation function. The tag is mounted on an object to provide a recognition data. The reader is used to detect and read the recognition data. The recognition module is used to compare the recognition data with a predetermined recognition data in order to generate a trigger signal. The processor is used to receive the trigger signal and then drives the apparatus body to perform a wakeup mode. If the processor does not receive the trigger signal in a determined period, the processor will drive the apparatus body to perform a sleep mode.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal (i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Abstract: A method and service that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track and monitor vehicles that are being service is presented. Each vehicle has an attached RFID tag that contains detailed information about that vehicle. A customer can log onto a website hosted by a service department. The website is populated with real-time data showing the current service area in which the vehicle is located.

Abstract: A system for automatically locating positions on an object and uniquely identifying the object employing an electronic tag positioned in or on the object. The system utilizes a plurality of sensors to locate the electronic tag and identify the object, and triangulation techniques to locate positions on the object where the object may be manipulated according to instructions coded with respect to the positions. Advantageously, the present invention may be used for automatically locating specimens on a microscope slide without regards to their positions on the slide, and for uniquely labeling a microscope slide.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-band near-field antenna for an RFID encoder includes a substrate; an internal coil antenna defined within the substrate; an annular ground plane defined on a first surface of the substrate; a second ground plane defined on an opposing second surface of the substrate, wherein the annular ground plane and the second ground plane form a Faraday cage for the internal coil antenna; and a second antenna disposed on the opposing second surface within the annulus defined by the annular ground plane.

Abstract: An antenna device for detecting a radio frequency identification device, includes an antenna or aerial embedded in a flexible material, so that when the antenna device is placed in the path of any animal or object carrying a radio frequency identification device, the antenna device flexibly contacts the animal, or object, as it passes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a repeater relays an RF signal between an RFID (radio frequency identification) transponder having a transponder antenna, and an RFID reader having a reader antenna. The repeater includes a first antenna configured to be coupled with the reader antenna; a second antenna configured to be coupled with the transponder antenna; and a first coaxial cable which is coupled to the first and second antennas.

Abstract: An antenna is provided for a backscatter-based RFID transponder with an integrated receiving circuit, having a capacitive input impedance, for receiving a radio signal lying spectrally within an operating frequency range, whereby the antenna has two antenna arms, which extend outwardly in a spiral from a central area, in which the antenna arms can be connected to the integrated receiving circuit. According to the invention, each antenna arm has an arm length along the arm, which is selected so that one of the series resonance frequencies of the antenna is below the operating frequency range and the next higher parallel resonance frequency of the antenna is above the operating frequency range. The invention relates furthermore to a backscatter-based RFID transponder with an antenna of this type.

Abstract: Provided is an RED eyelet performing non-contact identification function. The RFID eyelet includes an eyelet washer and eyelet base composed of nonconductive material, and an RED module is interposed between the eyelet washer and eyelet base. The RFID eyelet contains the RFID module in nonconductive material, thereby performing smooth electromagnetic wave communication without disturbance, and the eyelet base is simply coupled. with the eyelet washer by using a slanted projection formed in the eyelet base and a locker formed in the eyelet washer. Also, the RED module can be easily installed by using an internal flange or external flange formed in the inside of the eyelet base or eyelet washer, thereby having a merit of mass production.

Abstract: A sturdy radio tag has an antenna and semiconductor chip tuned to low frequency, encapsulated using a low-temperature, low-pressure, low-viscosity injection molding process.

Abstract: A license plate for a vehicle. The license plate includes a generally planar base having a front surface and a rear surface. A cavity is disposed in at least one of the front surface and the rear surface. An RFID tag is situated in the cavity. A closure is coupled to the license plate to close off the cavity.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising an RFID component which can act in an active mode and a passive mode. Preferably the electronic device is a PCB and the RFID component is at least partially located in the PCB. More preferably, the RFID component is located within the PCB. An electronic device comprising an embedded active component is disclosed. A method of exchanging information within an electronic device is disclosed comprising the steps in providing an electronic device which contains an RFID component which connect in a active and a passive mode, and a remote RFID device, and exchanging information between the RFID component and the remote RFID device.

Abstract: A device with a coil antenna is disclosed. The coil antenna defines an aperture. The device further comprises a magnetic flux guide adapted to guide magnetic fluxes so that the guided magnetic fluxes pass through the aperture of the coil antenna. For example, the magnetic flux guide is made of a sheet-shaped magnetic material such as a complex magnetic sheet, which comprises soft magnetic powder particles and a binder agent binding them.

Abstract: The invention involves a material handling apparatus tracking system that uses cellular communications to send and receive information between the apparatus and a network. The cellular communication devices operate in radio frequency rich environments and contain additional communications capabilities. The apparatus compartments capable of enclosing electronic devices populated with a plurality of components to provide track and trace functionality and various levels of granularity. Sensors and actuators are used in connection with the material handling apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for the use of ultra high frequency RFID tags in conjunction with metal substrates, as well as substrates used to contain liquid. Briefly, an RFID isolator comprised of a material with complex magnetic permeability, used either by itself, or in combination with dielectric isolator material, is interposed between the RFID tag and the substrate. Alternatively, a material possessing at least two distinct dielectric constants is interposed between the RFID tag and the substrate, such that there is a high dielectric constant at the interface with the substrate, and a low dielectric constant at the interface with the RFID tag. This material can be a single material having a dielectric constant gradient, or alternatively, two or more separate layers, each with a uniform but different dielectric constant, sandwiched together.

Abstract: A self-powered flashlight includes a pair of end lights and a ring of circumferential lights which are selectively energized by a pushbutton switch. The module includes a housing and an inner electronic module. The inner module includes a display for displaying time and temperature as well as a transceiver such as a cell phone and GPS unit which are activated by a switch. The switch permits selection of one of a warning mode, an alert mode or an SOS mode.

Abstract: A method of monitoring moisture inside a container includes placing a moisture sensitive product and an electronic moisture sensor inside the container, using the electronic moisture sensor to sense moisture conditions inside the container and, in response to a triggering event initiated from outside the container, transmitting data through the container. The transmitted data is relevant to an assessment of the moisture sensitive product's condition, based on the recorded data. Electronic moisture sensors and systems are also provided employing similar methods.

Abstract: A personal safety device (21) comprises a casing (22) having a torch (23) and a smoke detector at opposite ends. When not in use, the smoke detector is protoected by an end cap (33) making a water tight seal with the casing (22). The end cap (33) is biased to slide away from the casing (22) when unlatched, exposing a louvered chamber (9) containing the smoke detector. The smoke detector is automatically activated when the chamber (9) is exposed, and should it detect a fire operates both an audible alarm (30) and the torch (23). Buttons (35, 36) are provided to allow activation of the audible alarm (30) as an attack alarm or controllably as a signaling device. The torch (23) compriss one or a plurality of white LEDs (26) for conventional illumination and optionally a red LED (27) for signaling and for illumanition without loss of night vision.

Abstract: A statistical value update unit calculates the fluctuation of measurement data. A filtering processing unit extracts a normal white noise component from the fluctuation of the measurement data using an adaptive lattice filter. A statistical test unit determines whether or not the variance of the normal white noise component is out of a predetermined scope in reference distribution. A change decision unit detects a stationary change of the status of a target system based on a detection ratio of an outlier.

Abstract: A floor tile body containing a plurality of openings (such as those commonly used in computer data centers) is built to include at least one air parameter sensor. The one or more sensors are electrically coupled with control electronics where their raw data is converted into air parameters such as temperature, humidity, pressure, and air flow velocity or volume. Optionally, the control electronics may communicate with a computer for data logging or a display.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a display device for working vehicle, which is adapted so that additional information can be displayed. In the invention, display indication marks of the two types can be interchangeably displayed on a common display screen of a limited area without reducing the sizes of the individual marks, so that neither a larger size of a display device nor a drop in the visibility of the indication marks is necessary. This enables the driver to control a working machine such as a construction machine and have additional information about the construction machine without any trouble in the driving.

Abstract: A data communications apparatus for communicating with another apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for guiding people in an emergency. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and system using a laser for guiding people away from an area of danger, and for guiding emergency personal to an area of danger. The system includes a pair of dissimilar visible laser beams generated by at least one laser emitting device. The system also includes an invisible laser for rescue personnel. The visible dissimilar laser beams are generated substantially parallel to each other to direct evacuees away from an area of danger via the shortest and safest route in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A wearable imager device comprises an imager body 9, a strap 27 attached to the imager body 9 and adapted to be fitted to and worn by a hand or finger of a user and an indicator light 29 to indicate an operation function of the device 21, wherein the indicator light 29 is incorporated in the strap 27. The strap 27 is conveniently made of a flexible material. The indicator light 29 may comprise a flexible light emitting band formed in the strap 27 in part or substantially all of the length of the strap 27.

Abstract: System for allowing a user, by use of a remote controller, to control the operation of appliances located in different sub-environments of an environment, that comprises a plurality of sub-environments' recognition means, each one is allocated to a respective sub-environment and equipped with a code unique to the respective sub-environment; and a remote controller, configured to obtain from the recognition means location signal that contains the unique code to recognize the sub-environment the controller is currently in. The controller introduces to the user, in response to the recognition of a sub-environment, control options relevant only to appliances that are located in the recognized sub-environment. The controller includes user interaction means to allow the user to activate the control options, as desired by him.

Abstract: An automated meter reading system having an image obtaining device, mounted to the outside of a conventional meter, and a central station for receiving and processing images from the image obtaining device. The image obtaining device lies dormant until its internal circuitry recognizes that it is time to obtain an image of the meter's readout. Once the image is obtained, the image is transmitted to the central station, which processes the image to obtain billing and other information.

Abstract: In condition-dependent icon generation for a vehicular information terminal, a strength of a signal indicative of vehicle location information is measured, a road speed limit is determined based upon the vehicle location information, and vehicle speed information is received. Indicators are selected based upon the strength of the signal, the road speed limit, and the vehicle speed information, an icon is generated based upon the selected indicators, and the icon is displayed.