Abstract: A method for tracking objects, including identifying and locating an object using a first method, identifying and locating a person using a second method, and associating the object and the person.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring, detecting, tracking and identifying explosive materials. The system and method involves tracking and monitoring the explosive material during every part of the chain of custody.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recognizing identification media in the communication area of a write/read device functioning according to the principle of inductive coupling in the MHz range, wherein an antenna is used for transmitting and receiving HF signals, in addition to a circuit for transmitting HF signals with a standard transmitter power output and a logic circuit for evaluating communication between a write/read device and an identification medium. A short inquiry signal consisting of several fundamental components of the HF field and having a standard transmission power output is periodically transmitted via a transmission path and the antenna and a response signal is detected on the antenna. The response signal is compared to a reference signal and a communication signal is transmitted in order to recognize an identification medium in the event that the response signal is different from the reference signal.

Abstract: A tunable radio frequency identification device and a method for customizing a radio frequency identification device are disclosed. The method for customizing the radio frequency identification device includes: providing a radio frequency identification device having a tunable antenna; and modifying the tunable antenna. As a result of modifying the antenna the inlay is tuned to operate within one of several frequencies bands.

Abstract: A technique of preventing occurrence of interference even when a plurality of RFID antennas are used simultaneously. Each RFID antenna is attached with a calibration RFID tag. A combination of RFID antennas that causes a problem is acquired based on whether information held by the calibration RFID tag can be read from each of the RFID antennas that have performed reading simultaneously. Then, an RFID antenna use procedure is generated such that the RFID antennas in the acquired combination are not used simultaneously. Each RFID antenna is operated according to the generated use procedure.

Abstract: A fluid-dispenser member (1) comprising: a body (10) defining an inlet duct (11); an actuator rod (13) that is displaceable in the body; an actuator member (15) coupled to the actuator rod; fastener means (17) for fastening the body (10) in an opening (20) of a receptacle (2) containing a fluid; and an ID unit (3) capable of supplying information relating to the dispenser member, the dispenser member being characterized in that said ID unit (3) is housed in a gap defined between the body (10) and the fastener means (17).

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring, detecting, tracking and identifying explosive materials. The system and method involves placing nano-marks within or on explosive materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to personalize and enhance the value of consumer items for use in outdoor activities. It utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, computers, PDAs, and cell phones to link, record, and retrieve positional, personal, and historical data. The personalization and association of an object to a unique event by the consumer will lead to enhanced value of the product. Information that is stored on cell phones, PDAs, computers, and external databases are transferred as multimedia messages. The information is cataloged and organized using the unique RFID number. The subject line of the multimedia message is the RFID tag number. Commercial items such as skis, coats, hats, shoes, shirts, pants, gloves, sun glasses, surfboards, bicycles, wetsuits, cell phones, computers, golf clubs, golf balls, fishing poles, and lures will be produced that contain RFID tags.

Abstract: A method of making an electronic label, such as an RFID label, includes attaching a circuit, such as an antenna, to a substrate material, applying an adhesive layer to the substrate material over the circuit, adding a release layer over the adhesive layer, forming at least one opening in the release layer to expose at least one portion of the circuit, and connecting a microchip to the at least one portion of the circuit through the at least one opening. The circuit can be an RFID inlay, including an antenna and a microchip, and can be formed of a conductive ink. A portion of the release layer at the at least one microchip has an opening to expose the at least one microchip so that the at least one microchip is free from coverage by the release layer.

Abstract: A system and method for releasing a security tag from an article automatically at a point of sale without the need for store employee involvement, assuming a valid sale is occurring. A system and method for releasing a security tag from an article automatically at a point of sale that tracks the detacher operation and the time and date of such operation.

Abstract: A device to repel and disperse waterfowl entering a proscribed area consists of a laser beam generator generating a laser beam, and a photoelectric switch is provided so that the inventive device is only activated from dusk to dawn. A motion sensor senses the presence of waterfowl and activates the light beam source that is aimed into the area. In the preferred embodiment, a timer is provided that may be set for a desired duration. When the desired duration has elapsed, the controller deactivates the light beam source. The light beam source may consist of a single laser beam or a multiplicity of laser beams shining into the protected area. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a single laser beam is split into a plurality or multiplicity of beams using a suitable beam splitter.

Abstract: An electrical distribution apparatus, such as a load center, includes an enclosure, a plurality of circuit breakers within the enclosure, and a smoke or gas sensor structured to detect smoke or gas emitted from overheated plastic within the enclosure. A detection circuit cooperates with the smoke or gas sensor and is structured to trip one of the circuit breakers in response to the detected smoke or gas emitted from overheated plastic or to annunciate the detected smoke or gas emitted from overheated plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting smoke in a monitored area includes: (a) a means for capturing a series of successive video images of the monitored area as a series of two-dimensional bitmaps having a specified number of pixels, (b) a means for examining this series of bitmaps to identify areas in successive bitmaps of adjacent pixels that have the potential for being used as indicators for the existence of smoke in the monitored area, (c) a means for storing these identified areas from the bitmaps, (d) a means for associating, on the basis of the likelihood of the existence of smoke in the monitored area, the identified areas from successive bitmaps so as to form a cluster of overlapping regions within those bitmaps, and (d) a means for analyzing the identified areas so as to identify the temporal changes in these areas which are indicative of the presence of smoke.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a smoke detector includes adjusting the sensitivity of the smoke detector to get a consistent predetermined response over the expected operating range. The sensitivity is generally consistent for all detectors and an independent offset value is determined for each detector. This offset value basically corresponds to the signal from the detector in a clean atmosphere. The sensitivity of the smoke detector is determined by measuring the response at different levels of obscuration and then appropriately adjusting the output of the light source of the detector. This process is repeated until the desired sensitivity is achieved. Thereafter, the offset value is measured or calibrated and stored in the smoke detector for use in setting alarm values.

Abstract: A tilt sensor apparatus (36) includes one or more tilt sensors (42). Each tilt sensor (42) includes a conductive element (64) entrapped within an opening (46) formed through a middle planar substrate (38). The opening is surrounded by an opening wall (52) which is entirely covered by a conductor (54). A conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a top planar substrate (40), and a conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a bottom planar substrate (44). The star patterns (100) are positioned at opposing ends of the opening (46). The conductive element moves within the opening (46) as the apparatus (36) is tilted. An interrupt-driven control circuit (124) is configured to indicate a change in orientation only when a short is first detected across a contact pair (54/56, 54/60) that corresponds to an orientation opposite to a currently-indicated orientation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a communication method of a communication system having a base station for performing a call and a terminal for returning a response to the call from the base station, the communication method including the steps of: transmitting the call by the base station, the call including response probability; and responding to the base station by the terminal based on the response probability when the call from the base station is received.

Abstract: There is disclosed a communication method of a communication system having a base station for transmitting a beacon and a terminal for receiving the beacon transmitted from the base station and performing communication with the base station, the communication method including the steps of: transmitting the beacon by the base station, the beacon being made of a plurality of sub-beacons including an ID for identifying the terminal; and stopping processing for communication with the base station by the terminal when at least one of the plural sub-beacons has a portion that does not match an ID of the terminal.

Abstract: A residential signal beacon includes a prominent illuminated or reflective display for a resident's address along with a selectively activatable beacon for drawing attention to the resident's address. The beacon is operable by a remote control apparatus coupled to a telephone or a home security system, so as to be selectively activatable and de-activatable. The residential signal beacon may be readily movable and may be secured, for example, by a weighted base or stakes driven into the ground.

Abstract: A locating system for an archive having multiple objects stored therein includes an RFID reader device having an RFID reader to detect and read RFID tags on the objects. A central processing unit includes a database to store information on each object in the archive, a location engine operating system in communication with the RFID reader device, and a data structure to store a relative position of each object in the archive relative to each other object in the archive. A method of locating an object within an archive containing multiple objects includes carrying an RFID reader device through the archive. The RFID reader device queries each RFID tag for the identifier associated with the RFID tag and determines whether each identifier is an old identifier stored in a memory or a new identifier not stored in the memory.

Abstract: A module for wireless communication between electric or electronic equipment or systems, in high frequency bands at least in the range of 300 MHz to 2.60 GHz, particularly for home and office automation systems, comprising a block (RF) for wireless communication, connected to an antenna interface (ANT) and a power supply interface (Uin) and also to a control block (RFCON). The module further contains a control unit (MCU) comprising a central processor unit (CPU), a memory (MOS) with the operational system control code to ensure the function of wireless communication and a memory (MAP) for storing or starting up a user-defined applicational control code, where the control unit (MCU) is connected to the control block (RFCON), to the communication interface (COM) of the module and to the power supply interface (Uin).

Abstract: A hybrid telemetry system for passing signals between a surface control unit and a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is deployed via a drill string into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The hybrid telemetry system includes an uphole connector, a downhole connector, and a cable operatively connecting the uphole and downhole connectors. The uphole connector is operatively connectable to a drill string telemetry system for communication therewith. The downhole connector is operatively connectable to the downhole tool for communication therewith.

Abstract: We herein provide a multiple access broadband wired access system with discontinuous mobility, and the method thereof, applicable to the wired access communication technology field. The wired access system includes an end user access device, an access line, and an end office access device. Features of the invention include supporting discontinuous mobility, multiplexing, and multiple access broadband access. It thus overcomes various disadvantages of the wired access technology, such as fixing, stillness, separation, dedication, and so on, and increases the economic benefit of wired access communication.

Abstract: A suspended well logging apparatus is provided having downhole well data acquired by a sensor, transmitted to the surface via complementary modems, and conveyed to the surface modem via a data transmission cable linking the modems, the cable having at least one twisted pair of signal conductors positioned within an outer protective sheath, each of the conductors being separately insulated, the at least one twisted pair of signal conductors having a twist rate of at least ? twist per inch, an insulation sheath surrounding the twisted pair of conductors and a tensile load carrier surrounding the insulation sheath, the load carrier comprising a sheath of tensile load carrying filaments enabling self support of the well logging cable.

Abstract: A vehicle lane change aid system includes a detector that is operative to detect the presence of an other vehicle adjacent the vehicle, an indicator for providing an indication that a lane change maneuver of the vehicle may affect the other vehicle and a control receiving movement information of the vehicle. The control develops a position history of the vehicle at least as a function of the movement information. The control compares the detected presence of the other vehicle with the position history and provides an indication when a lane change maneuver may affect the other vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an advisory system that transmits information regarding the status of the host vehicle to drivers of other vehicles, in particular when the status of the host vehicle presents a hazardous condition to other vehicles. An advisory system may also receive information from other vehicles, and provide an alert to the driver of the host vehicle if a hazard to the host vehicle exists. Methods of providing such information are also described.

Abstract: An electronic timer system includes a first unit. The first unit includes a memory device configured to store predetermined parking rule data, a timer device configured to determine at least one of a day, a date and a time of day, and an alert device configured to emit an alert in accordance with the predetermined parking rule data and based on at least one of the day, the date and the time of day determined by the timer device. A method includes storing predetermined parking rule data in a memory device, determining at least one of a day, a date and a time of day, and emitting an alert in accordance with the predetermined parking rule data stored in the storing step and at least one of the day, the date and the time of day determined in the determining step.

Abstract: A method of dynamically displaying lateral deviation in formats on a display is provided. The method comprises assigning one or more positional boundaries for displaying the lateral deviation information, wherein the one or more positional boundaries define areas on a display. The method also comprises calculating display positions of a lateral deviation symbology and determining if each calculated display position is allowed based on where the lateral deviation display would be located, if displayed at each calculated position, in relation to the one or more positional boundaries. The method further comprises, displaying the lateral deviation symbology at the calculated positions when the calculated positions are allowed, and displaying a lateral deviation indicator when the calculated positions are not allowed.

Abstract: A hardware enablement apparatus includes a processor, and a communications interface configured for writing license data to one or more data registers and for using the license data to selectively enable, under control of the processor, hardware features associated with the data registers, at least one of the data registers being implemented in non-volatile memory.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improved lookup table mechanism for Huffman decoding are provided and may include selecting, based on a plurality of entropy encoded bits from a received bitstream, one of a plurality of codewords that is indexed according to a specific length and that points to all entries which include the specific length. The plurality of entropy encoded bits from the received bitstream may be matched with at least one of the entries that include the specific length. The entries that include the specific length may be stored in a table in memory. A value of the plurality of entropy encoded bits may be compared with the selected one of the plurality of codewords that is indexed according to specific length. The plurality of entropy encoded bits from the received bitstream may be decoded based on the matched at least one of the entries comprising the specific length.

Abstract: A bias circuit includes a digital to analog converter (D2A) generating an output representing a voltage level for tuning an analog signal. The D2A is coupled to a primary register frame that is one of a plurality of register frames forming a data chain. The plurality of register frames are serially linked and data within the data chain is shifted among the plurality of register frames. Through a time domain multiplexing scheme, the D2A can be shared by control knobs of the equalization circuit. The bias circuit includes a decoder also coupled to the primary register frame. An output enable logic module is also included. The output enable logic module determines when the primary register has a complete data set as the data within the data chain is shifting according to the clock period. A method for adjusting a signal through a bias circuit is also provided.

Abstract: Methods for applications such as signal processing, analysis, and coding/decoding replace digital signal processing elements with analog components are implemented by combining soft logic gates and filters, permitting the functionality of complex finite state machines to be implemented.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention disclose a cryptographic logic circuit, which may include a first logic unit configured to execute at least one logic operation for a plurality of data pairs, the data pairs including random data and random masking data, and a second logic unit configured to execute a logic operation for the results of the first logic unit. Also, the example embodiments of the present invention, which may a method of performing a logic operation in a cryptographic logic circuit including converting a plurality of input data and random data into a plurality of random masking data, executing a first logic operation on the random data and random masking data, executing a second logic operation on the output of the first logic operation, and outputting the result of the second logic operation random masking data.

Abstract: A coding apparatus includes a predicting unit, an intermediate-code generating unit, a first coding unit and a second coding unit. The predicting unit generates a piece of prediction data based on each piece of pixel data constituting a color image. The intermediate-code generating unit compares each piece of prediction data with the corresponding piece of pixel data, to generate an intermediate code in accordance with whether or not a difference between each piece of prediction data and the corresponding piece of pixel data is in a predetermined range. The first coding unit performs entropy coding on the generated intermediate code. The second coding unit performs entropy coding on the generated intermediate code. The intermediate-code generating unit assigns each generated intermediate code to either of the first and second coding units according to whether or not the difference is in the predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bi-quad filter circuit configured with sigma-delta devices that operate as binary rate multipliers (BRMs). Unlike conventional bi-quad filter circuits, the invention provides a bi-quad filter configured with a single-bit BRM. In another embodiment, the invention further provides a bi-quad filter configured with multiple-bit BRMs.

Abstract: A system includes a digital circuit that may be clocked by a digital clock signal having an associated clock period. The system also includes a sample clock generation circuit coupled to a sampling circuit. The sample clock generation circuit may be configured to receive an input clock having a fixed phase relationship with respect to the digital clock signal. The sample clock generation circuit may also generate a sample clock having a first sampling edge corresponding to a first relative offset within the clock period and a subsequent sampling edge corresponding to a different relative offset within the clock period. The sampling circuit may be configured to sample a designated signal upon a first sampling instance corresponding to the first sampling edge and to sample the designated signal upon a subsequent sampling instance corresponding to the subsequent sampling edge.

Abstract: A coding and/or decoding system includes: a code-word table for storing therein a plurality of code words, which are capable of being decoded both in forward and backward directions and which are formed so that delimiters of the code words are capable of being identified by a predetermined weight of the code words, so that the code words correspond to different source symbols; an encoder for selecting code words corresponding to inputted source symbols from the code-word table; and a synchronization interval setting part for preparing coded data every predetermined interval using the code words selected by the encoder and for inserting stuffing codes capable of being decoded in the backward direction. Thus, it is possible to decrease useless bit patterns to enhance the coding efficiency by smaller amounts of calculation and storage, and to decode variable length codes both in the forward and backward directions even if the synchronization interval is set every interval using the stuffing bits.

Abstract: A coding and/or decoding system includes: a code-word table for storing therein a plurality of code words, which are capable of being decoded both in forward and backward directions and which are formed so that delimiters of the code words are capable of being identified by a predetermined weight of the code words, so that the code words correspond to different source symbols; an encoder for selecting code words corresponding to inputted source symbols from the code-word table; and a synchronization interval setting part for preparing coded data every predetermined interval using the code words selected by the encoder and for inserting stuffing codes capable of being decoded in the backward direction. Thus, it is possible to decrease useless bit patterns to enhance the coding efficiency by smaller amounts of calculation and storage, and to decode variable length codes both in the forward and backward directions even if the synchronization interval is set every interval using the stuffing bits.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide a method and system for a mixed analog-digital automatic gain control. The received analog signal is amplified by the analog amplifier and then converted to a digital value by an ADC. A clamp reference level of the converted signal is removed prior to applying a digital gain to a digital multiplied. Once the digital gain is applied, the clamp reference level is restored to the digital signal. A loop filter determines the system time response from the error between an amplitude parameter of the received signal and an AGC reference level. A gain separation circuit generates the system gain and separates it into a digital gain and an analog gain in a way to maximize the use of the analog amplifier. The analog gain is applied to the analog amplifier and the digital gain is applied to the digital multiplier.

Abstract: A multi-bit sigma/delta converter for converting an analog input signal into a digital output signal comprises a filter device for filtering the analog input signal which is added to a feedback signal to form an intermediate signal. An integrator device for integrating the filtered intermediate signal added to an inner feedback signal forms a quantizer input signal. A quantizer device quantizes the quantizer input signal to form the digital output signal. An inner feedback digital/analog converter is provided for converting the digital output signal directly into the inner feedback signal. A DEM device for performing dynamic element matching on the digital output signal and providing a matched digital signal is provided and a feedback digital/analog converter for converting the matched digital signal into the feedback signal is implemented.

Abstract: An asynchronous sampling arrangement utilizes sampling of both a high speed data signal and a trigger (clock) signal. The data signal may be either an optical signal or an electrical signal. The data and trigger signals are sampled in parallel by two separate gates, the gates based on the same strobe frequency. The samples corresponding to the trigger signal are then processed through an algorithm that determines the time-base related to the sampled signal. This established time-base is then used to reconstruct the sampled version of the high data rate input signal waveform.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) architecture as described herein utilizes a digital signal processor having suitably configured waveform prediction logic that can predict expected types of input signals. The ADC architecture subtracts the predictable signal components from the analog input signal prior to the analog-to-digital conversion, which extends the dynamic range of the ADC employed by the ADC architecture. In practice, the ADC architecture can subtract predictable strong signal components from an analog input signal such that the ADC can apply its available dynamic range to the remaining weak signal components.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter circuit arrangement comprising an analog-to-digital converter that receives an analog input signal and provides a digital output signal. A correction device that corrects the digital output signal using multidimensional correction coefficients indicative of a characteristic of the analog-to-digital converter to be compensated for, and provides a corrected digital output signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an analog-to-digital conversion circuit configured to convert an input analog signal into a digital signal, said analog-to-digital conversion circuit includes: a first amplifying unit; a second amplifying unit; a comparing unit; a first averaging unit; a second averaging unit; and a third averaging unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-input A/D converter circuit capable of shorting a conversion time without increasing its layout area and current consumption. When a most significant bit of a binary counter is “L”, individual input signals are sampled by a sample and hold unit, and digital signals held in respective data holders are sequentially selected by a selector. When the most significant bit is brought to “H”, the respective input signals are held as analog signals and compared with each of reference voltages produced corresponding to a digital signal by a DAC. When decision signals outputted from comparators are changed from “L” to “H”, the digital signal at that time is held in the individual data holders as digital signals.

Abstract: An A-D converter includes a first amplifier circuit, an A-D converter circuit, a D-A converter circuit, a subtraction circuit, a second amplifier circuit, a timing control circuit, a type control unit, an output unit. The type control unit sets the type of the A-D converter circuit at the time of conversion to the higher 4 bits, to a type in which either one of an analog signal or a reference voltage is inputted selectively to a comparator via a capacitor. The type control unit performs a control so that the type of the A-D converter circuit at the time of conversion to values of the higher 5th to 7th bits and the higher 8th to 10th bits from the most significant bit, to a type in which an analog signal and a reference voltage are inputted fixedly to a comparator without involving a capacitor.

Abstract: A disclosed semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a digital circuit and an analog circuit formed on one semiconductor substrate; a guard band configured to prevent noise generated in the digital circuit from being transmitted to the analog circuit; a first power supply terminal configured to supply a power-supply voltage to the analog circuit; a first ground terminal configured to supply a ground potential to the analog circuit; a second power supply terminal configured to supply the power-supply voltage to the digital circuit; a second ground terminal configured to supply the ground potential to the digital circuit; and a filter circuit positioned between the second power supply terminal, the second ground terminal, and the digital circuit and configured to remove the noise transmitted from the digital circuit.

Abstract: A millimetre wave imaging apparatus and method capable of identifying the presence of relatively thin dielectric materials is disclosed. The method involves taking a plurality of millimetre wave images of a scene at different frequencies and analysing the images at different frequencies to look for frequency dependent effects in the scene. Relatively thin dielectric materials can lead to interference effects which can be detected. In one embodiment the imaging apparatus comprises a millimetre wave imager (2) connected to a processor (16) and at least one variable frequency illumination source (22a . . . d, 24a . . . d). The or each illumination source sweeps the illumination frequency across a reasonably wide bandwidth and the imager captures radiation returned from the scene at a number of different illuminating frequencies.

Abstract: Embodiments of spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems and methods generating a SAR map in real time with minimum latency using a modified Polar Format Algorithm are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, FPGA implemented down-range and cross-range resampling filters generate fully interpolated data which may be FFT processed as it is generated. In some embodiments, the down-range resample filter and the cross-range resample filter are output-based resampling filters that align a sinc function with an output grid and input coordinates define filter coefficients to modulate the input samples. In some embodiments, the down-range and cross-range resample filtering, coordinate generation, timing, address, and control, fully-interpolated data storage and the down-range FFT may be implemented in a single FPGA.

Abstract: A method of temperature and/or composition measurement of an at least partially aqueous target (6) using a system (1) including; a transmitter and receiver mechanism (2) including one or more transmitting (3) and receiving antenna(e) (4); signal processing means (5), capable of calculating the attenuation of the transmitted signal; said method including; irradiating a target (6) irradiating said target with a plurality of electromagnetic radiation signals including at least a first and a second electromagnetic radiation signal of differing frequencies wherein said first signal has a frequency in the microwave/UHF spectrum, and said second signal has a frequency in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum; receiving an attenuated signal transmitted though the target (6); calculating the attenuation of the transmitted signal with said signal processing means (5).

Abstract: The search/detection apparatus modulates a carrier signal by a modulation signal, generates a probe signal for detecting the location of a target, and receives the probe signal reflected by the target as an echo signal. Then, the search/detection apparatus detects the existence of an interference signal other than the echo signal from the received signal and modifies the parameter of the modulation signal and/or carrier signal.