Abstract: Disclosed is a proximity aware personal alert system including a first mobile transceiver unit and a second mobile transceiver unit in communication with the first mobile transceiver unit via an RF link where the second mobile transceiver provides an alarm indication when the first mobile transceiver has moved a predetermined distance from the second mobile transceiver unit. When the RF link is configured as a Bluetooth link, the first and second mobile transceiver units form a monitoring piconet where the second mobile transceiver unit provides the alarm indication when the first mobile transceiver unit moves beyond a distance of approximately ten meters from the second mobile transceiver unit. The first transceiver unit is worn by a monitored person such as a child and the second transceiver unit is worn by a monitoring person such as a parent of the child.

Abstract: A contactless identification tag includes a capacitor and an electrostatic capacity variable device that varies an electrostatic capacity of the capacitor according to an externally applied compression force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of security and especially to radio frequency identification. According to an embodiment method for securing a personal item for preventing unauthorized passage out of secured premises comprises steps of checking tag for identifying a personal item exiting the premises, checking a permission bits of the identified tag, and determining according to the permission bits of the tag is the item allowed to leave premises secured by the security system.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: A process equipment tracking system utilizing an attached RF ID tag attached to the process equipment during manufacture or thereafter. The RF ID tag is coded with an identification specific to the particular process equipment. An RF ID tag reader is provided, which is usable by a user to obtain the identification from the RF ID tag on the process equipment, preferably after the equipment is installed at the user facility. The RF ID tag reader includes a user input for at least one trackable event and can write data based on the at least one trackable event back onto the RF ID tag. The RF ID tag reader is at least one of connectable to a PC or the internet, or is compatible for uploading the identification and any user input to an internet accessible device. A process equipment database is provided, having process equipment-related information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mode diversity radio frequency identification (RFAID). The apparatus comprises a first transducer configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal, a second transducer configured to receive an acoustic signal, and an impedance modulator coupled to the first transducer and the second transducer and configured to emit a signal identifying an RFAID tag when the first transducer receives the first RF signal and/or the second transducer receives the acoustic signal. The method comprises transmitting an RF signal and an acoustic frequency signal, and detecting a first modulated signal indicating an RFAID transponder. The first modulated signal is based on one of the RF signal and the acoustic signal.

Abstract: A radio data communication apparatus includes a circuit unit and at least one antenna unit. The circuit unit performs data read and write operations relative to an IC tag. Each antenna unit has an antenna and conducts a predetermined signal modulation to a first signal to be transmitted through the antenna by radio transmission to a specific IC tag in the data write operation. Also, each antenna unit conducts a predetermined signal demodulation to a second signal received through the antenna from the specific IC tag in accordance with the data read operation. The antenna unit is arranged at a position separated from the circuit unit.

Abstract: A durable radio frequency identification tag. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a durable radio frequency identification tag comprising: a flexible substrate including a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface; a radio frequency identification antenna attached to the first major surface of the substrate; an integrated circuit attached to the antenna; and a thermoplastic guard attached to the flexible substrate adjacent the integrated circuit. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing a durable radio frequency identification tag.

Abstract: The electronic unit having identification information thereon includes a casing, an electronic circuit contained in the casing, a connector fitted to the casing, the connector including signal terminals connected to the electronic circuit, and an RFID tag having an antenna device and attached to the connector. The RFID tag stores the identification information and is configured to transmit a reply signal containing the identification information through the antenna device in response to a transmission request signal transmitted from outside and received by the antenna device.

Abstract: A property security system and method therefor assigns a property code uniquely associated with each property owning member. The property marker code includes an abbreviation for the state of residence of the property owner, a first numerical code identifying the county in which the member, or property owner, resides or is located, and a second numerical code identifying the township of the owner's residence or location. The township is divided into one mile square portions, with each one mile square portion further divided into quadrants to identify the owner's residence/location to within a 160 acre area. This coded indicia further includes an individual member number for each owner in the property security system. Another embodiment envisions using the security system for marking and identifying individual animals such as used in business with appropriate owner and animal identification and location indicia for identifying/locating the owner of lost, missing or sick animals.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a medical diagnosis in real time that can diagnose a health condition of a mobile terminal user in real time is disclosed. Various sensors provided in the mobile terminal sense a body condition, and a server diagnoses the health condition of the user from the sensed condition information, and informs the user of the corresponding health keeping plan and medical treatment as well. Thus, the user can conveniently check his/her health condition any time and anywhere.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and a method of monitoring live beings, which combines zone and water alarms, including an alarm unit to be arranged on a being's body and a portable alarm centre handled by a person that monitors the being, wherein the alarm unit includes a sender for continuous wireless transfer of intermittent signals on a first channel and transfer of an arbitrary type of signal on a second channel, and wherein the alarm centre receives signals sent from both channels for status monitoring of the alarm unit. Activation of an alarm is achieved in the alarm centre when the intermittent signal differs from a predetermined intermittent signal state. The arbitrary type of signal is sent on the second channel or channel 2 when a water sensor, included in the alarm unit, detects contact with a predetermined quantity of water. Signaling on the first channel is turned off by a switch in the alarm unit when the arbitrary type of signal is sent to the alarm center.

Abstract: A rack has a plurality of LEDs arranged on the front surface thereof correspondingly to respective units. The rack is provided with an LED lighting circuit which lights these LEDs, on the back of a display section and an input section. The LED lighting circuit has an LED lighting control section and a memory. The LED lighting control section acquires correspondence relation information indicating correspondence between servers and apparatuses from the input section, and stores the information in the memory. When a server is selected, the LED lighting circuit lights some of the plurality of LEDs based on the correspondence relation information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A device and method for extending the lifetime of a battery of a tire pressure sensor disposed in a tire are described, in which the battery can be recharged through the valve stem of the tire. The device includes an electrical power source and an electrode adapted to be coupled to the valve stem and supply power from the electrical power source to the valve stem.

Abstract: A helicopter of the type having an electrical system, a landing light, a master switch and a power supply of between about 18-32 V for operating the electrical system when the master switch is in an on position also includes a landing light fault detector. The landing light fault detector includes a light switch for turning the landing lights on and off and circuit means for detecting a fault in the landing light and for providing a signal indicative of a fault whether or not the light switch is in an on or off position.

Abstract: A thermoelectric connector module (C) is disclosed which comprises input (2) and output (1E) connectors and contains signal conditioning circuitry (1C). The input connectors (2) are interfaced with a hand-held detector (7), and the output connectors (1E) are connected to signal-utilising apparatus (11). The module does not contain a battery but receives its power supply for the conditioning circuitry from the signal-utilising apparatus supplied via the output connectors (1E). In this way, the module may be miniaturised, making it particularly suitable for mounting directly on a hand-held temperature detector or probe. Since the connector does not have to be opened for a battery replacement, it can be permanently hermetically sealed, providing resistance to dirt, dust, moisture, water and the like.

Abstract: A multi-module DC-DC converter provides synchronization between modules based on identification of a module within a chain. A resistor network can be used for the chain so that each module obtains a particular voltage based on its position within the chain. A master module provides a source current to drive the chain so that each module can determine its relative position in the chain based on voltage readings. With this configuration, a master module can determine how many modules are in the chain, and each slave module can determine its relative position in the chain. The module information contributes to synchronization between the modules for use in current ripple cancellation, for example, in the multi-module DC-DC converter.

Abstract: A reservoir production control system includes a plurality of wells for producing a reservoir linked to a central computer over a downhole communication network and a surface communication network. Both the downhole and the surface communication networks are wireless communications paths for transmitting downhole data and surface data to the central computer. Both networks include a series of interconnected tubing or pipe that allows transmission of data over electrically isolated portions of the pipe and tubing. After integrating and analyzing all relevant data and comparing the data with a reservoir model, the central computer initiates changes in a plurality of downhole control devices associated with the wells, thereby optimizing the production of the reservoir.

Abstract: A wireline logging assembly includes a cable having primary conductors, secondary conductors, and a central conductor. A first power source excites the primary conductors using a first propagation mode. A first telemetry transceiver excites the primary conductors using a second propagation mode orthogonal to the first mode. A second power source excites the secondary conductors and a second telemetry transceiver excites the central conductor. In one embodiment, the diameter of the primary conductors is greater than a diameter of the secondary conductors. The primary conductor includes four primary conductors symmetrically positioned around the center conductor and the secondary conductors include a secondary conductor positioned in the interstice between each pair of adjacent primary conductors.

Abstract: A reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety different communication protocols, by either inductive coupling or by radio frequency transmission. The reader (1) is a hand-held device which comprises an inductive read nozzle (2), a RF module, a display (4), a keypad (5), a trigger switch (6), a handle (7), a communication port (8), a battery charging interface (9), a memory and a microprocessor. The reader (1) is capable of storing utility usage data in memory and/or downloading utility usage data to a computer through the communication port (8).

Abstract: Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel safety alert sign which provides a uniquely attention-getting and highly visible warning to oncoming drivers during both daylight, and, particularly twilight and dusk through the nighttime hours.

Abstract: A system and method for hybrid power management. The system includes photovoltaic cells, ultracapacitors, and pulse generators. In one embodiment, the hybrid power management system is used to provide power for a highway safety flasher.

Abstract: A vessel tracking system may be used to detect and report an alert condition of a vessel (e.g., an aircraft). A vessel tracking system may monitor one or more travel (e.g., flight) characteristics of a vessel. At least one of the travel characteristics may be compared to one or more normal flight characteristics to assess an alert condition of the vessel. In some embodiments, the alert condition of the vessel may be reported (e.g., visually reported on a display). The alert condition of the vessel may be changed if at least one of the travel characteristics deviates from at least one normal travel characteristic. In certain embodiments, a boundary condition of an alert for the vessel may be modified if at least one of the travel characteristics deviates from at least one normal travel characteristic.

Abstract: A system and method for communication of information that has particular significance to a specific location only to those individuals that are at or near that geo-spatial location. In particular, providing safety factor data and alerts is a preferred use of the invention. The invention allows information to be tailored to the individual at that location by selectively filtering what is communicated and what is not. The system includes a transmitting proximity event server, a GPS client wireless component that can be a personal wireless communication device (such as Palm Pilot, cellular digital phones, etc.) or personal computer configured for use within a global position satellite network.

Abstract: Various alternative embodiments of a multi-turn capacitive encoder device are disclosed. The device includes two members that are fixed relative to each other and that include respective capacitive electrodes that are capacitively coupled between the two members. The respective capacitive electrodes on one member act as transmitter electrodes and the respective capacitive electrodes on the other member act as receiver electrodes. One or more modulation members are relatively movable between the two fixed members to alter or modulate the capacitive coupling to correspond to the rotational or angular position of the modulation member(s). At least one of the modulation members is driven using a gear reduction system such that its angular or rotational position corresponds to a plurality of turns of the input shaft of the multi-turn encoder.

Abstract: An interactive, web-based codeset selection and development tool transmits hypertext documents from a web server to a web browser of a developer of microcontroller code for a new remote control device. The hypertext documents include selection criteria for groups of codesets stored in a central database of codesets. The developer selects the most appropriate codesets for the new remote control device using the selection criteria. The selection and development tool converts each of the selected codesets into a plurality of strings of timing information. The strings are encrypted and transmitted to the developer along with a signal engine. The developer loads the encrypted strings and the signal engine into a new microcontroller that has a factory-programmed decryption key. The microcontroller decrypts the encrypted strings of timing information and uses them and the signal engine to generate operational signals that control various functions of electronic consumer devices.

Abstract: A method and system for performing streaming of character-based data is disclosed. The method and system include fetching a block of data and converting at least a portion of the block of the data into at least a part of a character. The character-based data includes the block of the data. The method and system also include retaining a remaining part of the block, if any. The remaining part corresponds to at least a portion of a character. The method and system also include converting the remaining part into at least the portion of the character in a next conversion if the next conversion includes the character.

Abstract: In a data encoding apparatus, when a prefix length calculation and determination units determine that the code length of a variable length code constituted of continuous bits “0” is equal to or greater than the predetermined maximum prefix length max_prefix during Golomb-Rice encoding of encoding subject data having a fixed length of D bits, second encoding is performed in place of the Golomb-Rice encoding. The second encoding is performed by having a prefix generation unit generate a prefix constituted of continuous bits “0” corresponding to the max_prefix, and having a code generation unit attach the prefix to the upper order bits of the encoding subject data. Furthermore, when a control code such as a restart marker is to be attached, a marker generation unit generates, as the control code, a code constituted of continuous bits “0” by the number which is equal to or greater than the length of (max_prefix+2×D).

Abstract: An integrated circuit like a programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes a communication channel employing 8B/10B coding. Disparity information determined by 8B/10B decoder circuitry in the communication channel is supplied to other circuitry of the PLD so that any requirement for disparity to have a particular value in conjunction with certain received codes can be checked. On the transmitter side, circuitry is provided for selectively forcing the 8B/10B encoder to use a commanded disparity (which can be either positive or negative) under particular circumstances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of converting sampling conversion with a predetermined ratio between an input frequency (Fsin) and an output frequency (Fsout). It comprises an initialization phase (40-44) of selective configuration, according to the conversion ratio, of an under-sampling filter and a band-pass filter, and a real time phase comprising the stages of selective over-sampling (45), over-sampling by a factor of two and selective band-pass filtering (46), over-sampling by a factor of sixty four (47) and polynomial interpolation of the quadratic “B-Spline” type (48). The invention also relates to a device (4) for implementation of the method.

Abstract: A method (and structure) of data processing in which data is represented in a lossy data format as a plurality of extensible motifs. Each extensible motif has at least one don't-care character enclosed by at least one non-don't-care character on a left side and at least one non-don't-care character on a right side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a memory device including a serial-parallel conversion section that converts serial data into parallel data, a parallel-serial conversion section that converts parallel data into serial data, and a parallel-parallel conversion section that changes a bit width of the parallel data. This memory device connects one external terminal to the serial-parallel conversion section and another external terminal to the parallel-serial conversion section when access using a serial interface is performed. On the other hand, the memory device connects a plurality of external terminals to the parallel-parallel conversion section when access using a parallel interface is performed, thereby enabling the memory device to occasionally realize parallel transfer of data while using a conventional package.

Abstract: The device for detecting and tracking a status of a device under laser trim includes: a series connected string of trim tracking links; and a plurality of detecting devices wherein each detecting device is coupled in parallel with a corresponding trim tracking link. This device allows detection of laser beam to work surface misalignment and the termination of lasing before critical active circuit components can be damaged.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for compensating for output error in a sigma delta circuit. The system includes an input for receiving an input signal and an output configured to output a output signal. The system further includes a summation component configured to add a first error voltage value, which is derived from an output signal, to an incoming input signal, and a subtraction component configured to subtract a second error voltage value, where the second error voltage value is derived from the adding of a first error voltage value to an incoming input signal.

Abstract: A circuit for implementing tracking supply alternating current (“AC”) regeneration is described. In one embodiment, the circuit comprises a line synchronization device for converting an incoming AC signal to a square wave, wherein the square wave is precisely in phase with the incoming AC signal; a processor for processing the square wave to synthesize a sine wave therefrom; a digital to audio converter (“DAC”) to convert the synthesized sine wave into an analog signal, wherein the analog signal is precisely in phase with the incoming AC signal; and an amplifier for amplifying the audio signal to a desired voltage level for driving a load.

Abstract: A digital to analog converter system is disclosed for receiving an input signal and a sign bit signal that is indicative of the sign of the input signal. The digital to analog converter system includes first and second pairs of resistor strings, and first and second switching networks. A first one of the first pair of resistor strings is adapted for coupling between a first voltage potential and an intermediate node. The first switching network is adapted to couple a voltage produced across a selected one of resistors in the first string across the second one of the resistor strings. The resistors in the second resistor string producing voltages in response to current passing from the first resistor string to the second resistor string through the first switching network. A third one of the second pair of resistor strings is adapted for coupling between a second voltage potential and the intermediate node.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a reference voltage generating section configured to generate a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage based on a voltage supplied from an external power supply, and an AD (analog/digital) conversion circuit operating based on the first reference voltage to generate an AD conversion signal corresponding to an output signal supplied from an external device. The second reference voltage is supplied to the external device, and a ratio of the first reference voltage and the second reference voltage is kept to a constant value regardless of a temperature of the semiconductor device.

Abstract: A cyclic pipeline analog to digital converter includes a sample/hold module, a sub-analog/digital converting module, and an alternate digital/analog converting module. The sample/hold module generates a sample signal according to an analog-input signal and a residue signal. The sub-analog/digital converting module generates a first control signal and a second control signal alternately in different time according to the converting result of the sample signal. The alternate digital/analog converting module decides to receive a first reference signal and a second reference signal separately according to the first control signal and the second control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipeline A/D converter having resolution, allowable conversion processing rate and power consumption satisfying the requests of a system incorporating the pipeline A/D converter. The pipeline A/D converter in accordance with the present invention comprises a control section for outputting a control signal according to the operation state of an apparatus incorporating the pipeline A/D converter, and a pipeline A/D conversion section, the resolution and/or allowable conversion processing rate of which are switched by switching the capacitance in a built-in operational amplifier according to the control signal.

Abstract: A user input device (300) configured with a communication protocol for communicating transmission data with predetermined apparatus (700, 601) is disclosed. The device (300) comprises a receiving means for receiving protocol data and an associated format function. The protocol data and the format function in combination describe a further communication protocol for communicating with the predetermined apparatus (700, 601). The device (300) also comprises a central processing unit (805) for selecting the received protocol data and the format function and for configuring the device (300) to communicate with the predetermined apparatus (700, 601). The protocol data defines properties of the further communication protocol and the format function is adapted to configure at least a portion of the transmission data for communication with the apparatus (700, 601) according to the further communications protocol.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes an obstruction detection unit for measuring a headway distance until an obstruction existing ahead of the vehicle by means of a radar device, a unit for performing vehicle control or alarm control on the basis of the headway distance, a unit for detecting detection performance of the obstruction detection means in a vehicle in which the obstruction detection unit is used to perform two or more controls containing the vehicle control or alarm control, and a unit for controlling to stop operation of the vehicle control or alarm control in accordance with the detection performance individually.

Abstract: An antenna assembly suitable for use with a microwave-based level measurement system mounted on a vessel. The antenna assembly comprises a rod antenna having a mounting member with an integral sealing ring. The antenna is molded from a conductive polymer such as PTFE. The sealing ring is also formed from the same polymer as the antenna. The sealing ring may be formed as an integral component of the mounting member molded from a polymer material or as a separate ring element which is welded or otherwise affixed to the mounting member. The antenna assembly is coupled to the level measurement apparatus using a clamping mechanism. As the clamping mechanism is secured to the mounting member, the sealing ring is compressed and deflected and in the compressed state provides a seal between the level measurement apparatus and the section of antenna extending into the vessel. According to another embodiment, the antenna assembly is adapted for and mounted in a horn antenna.

Abstract: A continuous wave ranging system, comprising a modulator 2 for modulating an r.f. carrier wave in accordance with a pseudo random code, a transmitting antenna 5 for radiating the modulated signal towards a target, a receiving antenna 6 and receiver 7 for detecting the signal reflected back from the target, a correlator 8 for correlating the reflected signal with the transmitted code with a selected phase shift corresponding to the current range gate to be tested, whereby the range of the target from the system may be determined, a store 12 containing a plurality of different pseudo random codes, and selector means 13 arranged to supply to the modulator 2 and to the correlator 8 a code from the store 12 which code does not produce a breakthrough sidelobe in at least the next range gate or gates to be tested.

Abstract: A method of detecting radar returns and measuring their parameters with or without clutter present and no clutter cancellation employed which includes transmitting at least one pulse; processing the returns surpassing a threshold detected in one range azimuth bin and by processing and separating out the returns based on their different range and azimuth. Another method includes transmission of many pulses and has minimum of one channel return surpassing detected threshold, which is detected in one range Doppler bin. The method also includes processing and thereby separating out the returns based on their different radial velocity and or azimuth and comparing the returns to a database of expected returns and adaptively processing returns that do not correspond to the expected returns. The method identifies the non-corresponding returns as indicative of at least one of clutter, land sea interface, clutter discretes and antenna sidelobe returns each without utilizing clutter cancellation.

Abstract: Described herein is an implementation of the IRAMS processing based upon a multi-delay-resolution framework applied to SAR image data measured at different aspect angles. The power of this new embodiment of IRAMS is that it produces a good separation of immediate response scatterer and delayed response scatterer data for the case of anisotropic scattering events, i.e., those in which the scattering intensity depends upon the aspect angle. Two sources of delayed response scattering include multiple reflection scattering events and delayed responses arising from the physical material composition of the scatterer. That is, this multi-delay-resolution IRAMS processing separates immediate response and delayed response scattering for cases in which there exist delayed response scattering data in the original SAR image data at some aspect angles, but the intensity of these delayed response scattering data is weak or non-existent at different aspect angles.

Abstract: A Quadrature Error Corrected Digital Waveform Synthesizer (QECDWS) employs frequency dependent phase error corrections to, in effect, pre-distort the phase characteristic of the chirp to compensate for the frequency dependent phase nonlinearity of the RF and microwave subsystem. In addition, the QECDWS can employ frequency dependent correction vectors to the quadrature amplitude and phase of the synthesized output. The quadrature corrections cancel the radars' quadrature upconverter (mixer) errors to null the unwanted spectral image. A result is the direct generation of an RF waveform, which has a theoretical chirp bandwidth equal to the QECDWS clock frequency (1 to 1.2 GHz) with the high Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) necessary for high dynamic range radar systems such as SAR. To correct for the problematic upconverter local oscillator (LO) leakage, precision DC offsets can be applied over the chirped pulse using a pseudo-random noise dither.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the relative position of a mobile in relation to the known position of a reference station. The relative position calculation comprises the steps of: -a) choosing a linear combination of satellite transmission frequencies L1 and L2 from a predetermined list comprising at least two linear combinations of frequencies, -b) calculating a precise relative position Pp of the mobile in relation to the reference station on the basis of the linear combinations of pseudo-ranges corresponding to the linear combination and an estimated position Pe of the mobile in relation to the reference station, -c) choosing from the list the following linear combination, if it exists, and, in this case, reiterating step b), considering the estimated position to be said precise position Pp, -d) reiterating step c) for all the linear combinations in the list.

Abstract: An electronic pet fence is provided having several stationary transceivers and a mobile collar transceiver attached to the pet. Boundary and keep out locations are determined during a learning mode and stored in memory. Determination logic responds to signals exchanged between the stationary transceivers and the collar transceiver during an operation mode to determine if the pet is located within the defined boundary.

Abstract: A ground electrode is provided on a first surface of a dielectric body. A radiation electrode has a first end which is left open and a second end which is connected to the ground electrode. A feeding terminal is provided on the first surface. A feeding electrode has a first end which is connected to the feeding terminal and a second end which is connected to the ground electrode. At least a part of the feeding electrode is extended in parallel with an elongated direction of the radiation electrode, so as to excite the radiation electrode with an induction coupling in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal antenna for a mobile handset comprising: a feeding pin for power supply; an upper radiating patch connected to the feeding pin, having a first upper patch portion and a second upper patch portion, which receive power supply from the feeding pin and resonate at different frequency bands respectively; a side radiating patch receiving power supply from the feeding pin, extended along the side of the upper radiating patch and vertically apart from the upper radiating patch by certain distance; and a short pin, one end of which is in contact with the upper radiating patch and the side radiating patch and the other end of which is grounded. According to the present invention, a bandwidth to be used can be broadened without increasing space for a general small size dual band Planar Inverted F Antenna PIFA.