Abstract: A method is provided of transmitting an electromagnetic identification request signal generated using an antenna connected to a central processing unit mounted on a vehicle, intended for an electronic module mounted on a wheel of the vehicle. By this transmission method, a plurality of identical identification request signals are sent in succession, after the vehicle is started up, and the successive signals are triggered with time intervals having variable durations established by a random determination method.

Abstract: There is provided an interrogator, transponder, and transponder identification method, which shorten processing time for identification. An interrogator that makes wireless communication with a transponder, comprising: a temporary number specify section that transmits a request for transmission of a unit bit string as a bit string having a predetermined length in a bit string expressing a temporary number owned by the transponder, receives a unit bit sting transmitted from the transponder in response to the request, and specifies the temporary number of the transponder, based on the unit bit string; and an identification information obtaining section that transmits, if a temporary number of a transponder is specified by the temporary number specify section, a request for transmission of identification information of the transponder to the transponder, and receives the identification information transmitted from the transponder, in response to the request.

Abstract: A disclosed system includes electronic tags and a communication apparatus that communicates with the electronic tags and includes management information to manage the electronic tags. In the disclosed system, each of the electronic tags contains an ID a part of which represents one of group IDs identifying groups among the electronic tags and is configured to send a response when a request sent from the communication apparatus contains a corresponding one of the group IDs; and the communication apparatus is configured to send requests one by one each of which requests contains one of the group IDs, thereby to request the electronic tags group by group to send responses to the communication apparatus, and to recreate the management information based on the responses.

Abstract: Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.

Abstract: Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.

Abstract: Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.

Abstract: Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.

Abstract: An automated ordering system for consumables, equipment maintenance supplies, and the like. The present invention uniquely combines the features of instrument maintenance and sample tracking systems with unique e-commerce and order generation systems. In doing so it provides unique advantages to both vendors and users. An aspect of the present invention is “permission purchasing” in which, through the use of the system, a user is supplied with all the parts and services needed to maintain a piece of equipment. In some embodiments, orders are generated using a data set with information specific to a particular instrument and responsive to the usage of the instrument. The system optionally makes use of computer networks such as the Internet.

Abstract: Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.

Abstract: A radio-frequency communication system including a plurality of apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag, and at least one radio-frequency relay tag, wherein each of the apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag includes a transmitter portion configured to transmit to the relay tag a message writing command for writing on the relay tag a desired message to be transmitted to another apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag via the relay tag, and each relay tag includes a plurality of message storage portions provided to store the messages transmitted from the respective apparatus for communication with a radio-frequency tag.

Abstract: A system and method for improving a function of reading information from a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The system includes RFID tags installed on a variety of objects, each RFID tag storing information of its associated object and upon detection of a signal based on an effective frequency range, transmitting the information; writers spaced apart at regular intervals and installed near the RFID tags, the writers writing an instruction of informing whether an area is one where it is possible to read the information from an RFID tag; and a terminal having a read-write tag in which the instruction by the writers is written at a time of entering the area where the RFID tags are installed, a terminal controller for determining a start or stop of the read function based on the instruction of the read-write tag, and an RFID reader for starting to read the information from the electronic tag based on the effective frequency range upon receipt of a start command from the terminal controller.

Abstract: A freight management arrangement includes a monitor system that communicates over wireless with a large number of freight assets by land and with smaller number of users each associated with a fleet of the freight assets. The monitor system polls sensed ambient data in the freight assets on the basis of requests from the users. The requests may be stored as data in the monitor system or occur on a real-time basis.

Abstract: A vehicle security system for use in a predefined area such as a car park includes an array of sensors (9) for receiving a vehicle alarm signal transmitted by radio frequency from a system-subscribing vehicle fitted with a transceiver (22) in the event of attempted vehicle tampering or removal. A control centre (12) receives alarm signals and communicates them to a user as an alarm message. Detection of radio frequency signal jamming or attempted jamming is achieved in one embodiment with noise detectors (39, 139) actively detecting jamming noise or alternatively an arrangement of transmitters and receivers using test transmissions therebetween, whereby transmission failure indicates jamming.

Abstract: A lane departure warning mirror for a vehicle is disclosed that includes a reflecting member and a supporting member that supports the reflecting member on an area of a vehicle within a driver peripheral vision area, wherein the reflecting member is disposed so that an edge mark in a detection area is mirrored to the driver's peripheral vision area.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for detecting a tailgate event between two vehicles moving in a forward motion is provided. The two vehicles include a first and second vehicle, one of the two vehicles being an offending vehicle and the other of the two vehicles being an affected vehicle. The method includes determining a distance between the two vehicles. The first vehicle is ahead of the second vehicle. The method also includes calculating a safe distance range between the two vehicles based upon one or more of speed, weight, and safe braking range values of at least one of the two vehicles. The method further includes comparing the distance and the safe distance range and activating a recording device on the affected vehicle if the distance is less than the safe distance range indicating an unacceptable range value, the offending vehicle being responsible for causing the unacceptable range value.

Abstract: A vehicle collision recorder includes a CUP module, an image capturer for real-time capturing an image of a route of a vehicle, a power unit for activating the CUP module and the image capturer when the vehicle is started, and an impact switch operatively linked to the power unit, wherein the impact switch is activated via a force of inertia to automatically turn off the power unit so as to deactivate the image capturer for stop capturing the image, such that the image is saved with a time range before the power unit is turned off for illustrating the fact in process of collision.

Abstract: A sensor module mounted on a vehicle body includes a base plate, a sensor and a signal processing unit. The sensor includes a plurality of piezoelectric films for detecting an external force applied to the vehicle body. The signal processing unit is connected to the sensor for processing sensor signals output from the sensor. The sensor and the signal processing unit are attached to the base plate.

Abstract: Method of locating the position of wheels (2-5) of a vehicle (1) equipped with an electronic module (6-9) and with transmitting antennas (12-14) positioned in such a way as to present a coverage area in which at least one wheel (2-5) is located. Furthermore, n successive transmissions are ordered, by each transmitting antenna, of an identification request signal, and the number of identification request signals received by each electronic module (6-9) is counted. Furthermore, a ratio representative of the number of counted identification request signals received by each electronic module (6-9) is calculated, relative to the number of identification request signals actually transmitted by the transmitting antenna (12-14), and an indication of presence of the electronic module in the coverage area of the transmitting antenna is provided when the calculated ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: There is described a control system for controlling at least one information display device of a vehicle, the display device being adjustable as regards at least one lighting colour, and the control system having a user interface by which a user interacts with the display device; receiving means for receiving information from off-vehicle sources; and electronic control means connected to the display device, to the user interface, and to the receiving means; characterized in that the electronic control means are configured to control the lighting colour of the display device on the basis of the information from the off-vehicle sources.

Abstract: A child's wireless telephone periodically transmits its GPS position to a Web server that a parent can access. The child's position can be plotted on a map so the parent can view where the child is. The map can show approved areas and/or excluded areas, and an automatic alert can be sent to the parent using, e.g., SMS in the event that the child strays out of the approved areas.

Abstract: A communication system is capable of two-way wireless data communications between a parent unit and a child unit. The child unit includes a power switch for turning power to the child unit on/off; a power control signal issuing unit operable to issue a power control signal for turning power to the parent unit on/off in response to turning the power switch on/off; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the parent unit. The parent unit includes a power control signal receiving unit operable to receive the power control signal from the issuing unit of the child unit; a power control unit operable to turn power to the parent unit on/off in response to reception of the power control signal from the receiving unit; and a data communication unit operable to perform two-way wireless data communications with the child unit.

Abstract: Provided is a radio communication apparatus using a battery as a power supply, in which standby electricity is reduced to achieve a reduction in power consumption. The radio communication apparatus includes a time measuring unit (210) and a plurality of time signal outputting units (220 to 22n) such that a plurality of circuit blocks are intermittently operated for a minimum period of time, only a necessary circuit block is intermittently operated, or an intermittent operation is performed with a minimum power supplied, at desired independent time intervals or after desired independent elapsed time.

Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a processing unit for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system. In response to detection of an abnormal operational condition, the processing unit causes a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) associated to the bathing system to trip. In a first example, the controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by respective bathing unit components under normal operating conditions. The processing unit is adapted for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part based on measurements stored on the memory unit. In a second example, the controller includes a plurality of actuators associated to respective bathing unit components operative for causing bathing unit components to acquire either one of the actuated state or the non-actuated state.

Abstract: A light barrier arrangement for detecting objects in an area to be monitored includes a transmitting unit comprising a predetermined number of transmitters which emit light rays, a first storage unit, and a first integrated interface unit. The light barrier arrangement further includes a receiving unit comprising a predetermined number of receivers, each receiver being aligned with an associated transmitter to receive the light rays from the associated transmitter, a second storage unit, and an second integrated interface unit. Operational parameters of the transmitters and receivers are stored in each of the first and second storage units. The first interface unit is operative to transmit the operational parameters to and receive the operational parameters from the receiving unit. The second interface unit is operative to receive the operational parameters from and transmit the operational parameters to the transmitting unit.

Abstract: An inductive proximity switch is described with a housing (1) which consists of a nonmagnetic, high-grade steel, preferably a housing (2) consisting of VA steel, with a transmitting coil (2), with two receiving coils (3, 4) which are connected in series in opposite directions and which are located symmetrically to the transmitting coil (2), and with an evaluation circuit (5) which is connected to the receiving coils (3, 4). It applies to the illustrated inductive proximity switch as claimed in the invention that at a given size it has a relatively large operating distance and that the operating distance is largely stable, especially is largely independent of temperature, essentially in that on the back (7) of the receiving coils (3, 4) which is opposite the influence side (6) there is a predamping element (8) and the predamping properties of the predamping element (8) at least approximately correspond to the predamping properties of the housing (1) on the influence side (6).

Abstract: A method of monitoring an entrance to a cargo container, comprising the following steps: (a) creating a entry record for each item of cargo loaded into a cargo container; (b) creating an ID record for each RFID tag that enters the cargo container during loading of the items of cargo; and (c) correlating the video and ID records to raise an alarm if an item of cargo is loaded without an authorized RFID tag attached thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus with integrated RFID reading/internet communication functions and a method thereof are disclosed. An apparatus with integrated RFIF reading/internet communication functions includes a RFID read part comprising a RF module controller that controls a RFID module for receiving/transmit data from a RFID tag, a first processor core that controls an operation of the RFID read part and that sends data, and a first dynamic memory controller that controls a first dynamic memory in communication with the first processor core; and an internet communication part comprising an Ethernet controller that performs internet communication based on an Ethernet interface, a second processor core that controls an operation of the internet communication part and that sends data together with the RFID read part, and a second dynamic memory controller that controls a second dynamic memory in communication with the second processor core.

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: An identification system includes a fractal antenna fashioned as a 2-dimensional data matrix which defines a Unique Item Identifier which operates as a conventional active antenna element for a RFID identification system while the unique face of the antenna is utilized as a physical reference to distinguish the component. By utilizing the face of an antenna as a Unique Item Identifier, an RFID system component antenna integrates two identification systems.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag includes an antenna including a conductor pattern in a form of dipole, and connected to an integrated circuit chip of the radio frequency identification tag; an adjusting portion including at least one adjusting pattern connected to the conductor pattern to make the antenna compatible with an environment in which the antenna is used; and a marking portion at which directions for an adjusting operation using the adjusting portion is indicated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and ceramic patch antenna for radio frequency identification systems. The radio frequency identification tag in accordance with this invention comprises; lower antenna member of which one end is formed with coupling projection for conjoining; upper antenna member of which one end is formed with coupling groove for conjoining; an RFID chip of which one end is conjoined with the coupling projection of the said lower antenna member and the other end is conjoined with the coupling groove of the said upper antenna member, containing the information of the objective management item which communicates with the terminal device; and a spacer which electrically isolates the said antenna members. The said antenna members are conjoined on the top and bottom sides of the said spacer in parallel direction. The RFID chip which is conjoined with the said antenna members is placed on the top or bottom side of the said spacer.

Abstract: A system and method for optimally placing radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas. The system varies the placement of RFID tag and interrogator antennas with respect to each other and a stationary object or objects. A signal generator sends a known reference signal to the one or more RFID interrogator antennas. The signal is received by the one or more RFID tag antennas and is displayed upon an oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer or other multipurpose signal measuring device. By this method, the system finds the optimal placement of the antennas with respect to each other and the object or objects.

Abstract: A loop antenna 1 for an RFID tag 100 includes an annular line member 10 that includes meandering parts 13 and 14 disposed on a dielectric substrate 2, and power feeding parts 11 that are provided on the line member 10. The annular line member 10 includes the meandering parts 13 and 14 at portions except for the vicinity of positions corresponding to loops of a standing wave occurring in the loop antenna 1.

Abstract: A shoe that includes an RFID tag that employs two antennas forming space diversity, and the signal developed at the two antennas develops time diversity.

Abstract: A shielded antenna system is provided for reading from and/or writing to an RFID transponder wherein the energy radiated from the antenna system has a narrow beam width so that only one RFID transponder in a record member along a web of record members, each having an RFID transponder, is read from and/or written to without affecting or being affected by any other RFID transponder along the web.

Abstract: An RFID antenna that can be disposed in a space-saving manner. The RFID antenna comprises an outermost peripheral conductive line that is bent in a manner extending along sides of a generally rectangular shape having a predetermined size, and a power-feeding conductive line that is disposed close to an inner periphery of the outermost peripheral conductive line in a manner extending parallel therewith, and is electrically connected to the outermost peripheral conductive line at ends thereof, the power-feeding conductive line including a portion thereof formed with a feeder part. Therefore, the antenna fits into a rectangle having a predetermined size, such as a card size.

Abstract: Devices and systems to interrogate radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described. Compact and inexpensive interrogation devices are realized by implementing integrated circuit chip-based RFID reader and antenna on a common substrate. The small form-factor devices may be used for quick and easy installation of RFID reader network. In an aspect, the device may be incorporated into hand-held mobile devices in order to serve as a mobile reader. In another aspect, the device may be installed as a shelf-reader or a rack-reader, displaying product-specific information on a display screen. In a further aspect, the device may comprise an appliance, whose operation can be tailored according to instructions received specific to a RFID-tagged item.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for communicating with multiple users via a map over the Internet are disclosed. The device includes a processor for executing computer programs, a memory for storing data, an input module for entering user commands, a communication module for transmitting and receiving data, and a display for showing information on a screen. The device further includes logic for selecting a group of users, logic for creating a map to share among the group of users, logic for displaying locations of the group of users on the map, and logic for broadcasting changes of a user's location to the group over the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to be releasably secured to a crib that functions to provide a plurality of stimuli in order to provide comfort to a distressed child disposed within the crib. The apparatus further includes a sound activated switch that is configured to monitor the area proximate the apparatus for a noise that exceeds a predetermined decibel level and subsequently activate the apparatus to provide audio stimulus to comfort the distressed child. A graphical display area further provides the infant with visual stimuli. The apparatus further includes a controller that regulates operation of the apparatus and a speaker to broadcast the audio stimulus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device enabling an alarm to be triggered in the event of a fall into a swimming pool, and preventing false alarms caused by disturbing elements such as the wind. Said device consists of a probe (1) which is submerged in the liquid used to retransmit the aquatic waves varying in pressure in the compression chamber (8), a piezoelectric-type sensor (2) which is located inside said chamber and used to convert the pressure variations into electrical voltage, another identical sensor (3) located in the housing (7) and enabling the electronic card (4) to subtract the two sets of information enabling the vibrations, in addition to the noise caused by the wind on the housing, to be eliminated, and an electronic card (4) which is used to control a siren for alerting the parents. The inventive device can optionally pilot a radio emitter (5) for controlling a deported siren.

Abstract: A personal safety alarm device is provided that is of specific applicability to children. The personal safety alarm is integrated into a watch to be worn by a child.

Abstract: A meteorological display system comprising at least one sensor mounted exteriorly of a building to sense at least one meteorological condition, a transmitter associated with the sensor, the transmitter having a circuit to transmit a signal representing the value measured by the sensor, a first display unit mounted interiorly of the building, the display unit having a circuit for receiving the signal and displaying an indicia reflecting the at least one meteorological condition, a repeater transmitter associated with the first display for sending a repeater signal to a second display unit. In one embodiment, the display unit is designed to sense and display and interior temperature, the interior temperature being modified to account for thermal loss due to location of the display unit.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield, sunroof or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a plurality of sensing capacitors are supported by a window such as a vehicle windshield, the capacitors each having a different field and/or pattern. A sensing circuit outputs an analog signal that is based on and/or related to the capacitances of one or more of the sensing capacitors. In certain example embodiments, a switching circuit is provided in order to selectively switch between different sensing capacitors or combinations thereof (or even possibly antennas and/or bands), in order to change the sensing field being analyzed and/or change the feature being searched for.

Abstract: A gas detector and method of operating the gas detector that includes a carbon monoxide sensor and a processor. The carbon monoxide sensor senses an environmental concentration of carbon monoxide and provides the sensed value to the processor. Upon receiving the value of the carbon monoxide level (COppm), the processor determines an alarm threshold level based upon the COppm level. Once the alarm threshold level is determined, the processor calculates the COHb percentage for the current COppm reading based upon a derived, fixed point equation. The processor activates an audible/visual indicator when the sensed COHb percentage exceeds the alarm threshold.

Abstract: A battery current sensing device for the battery of a vehicle includes a current sensor, a substrate having a measuring circuit, and a connecting element having first and second ends. The current sensor is connected to the battery to receive current flow of the battery. One end of the connecting element is electrically and mechanically connected to the substrate and the other end of the connecting element is electrically and mechanically connected to the current sensor such that the connecting element electrically and mechanically connects the substrate in a fixed position to the current sensor with the measuring circuit being electrically connected to the current sensor. The first end of the connecting element includes a press-fit contact for establishing the connection to one of the current sensor and the substrate.

Abstract: The disclosed capacitance sensing apparatus may be used in an occupant classification system. The sensing apparatus may comprise a sensor pad, a sensing element disposed on the sensor pad for sensing capacitive current, at least one additional electronic element disposed on the sensor pad for providing information related to another parameter, and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism may electrically connect the at least one additional electronic element to the sensing element during the capacitance measurements and electrically disconnect the at least one additional electronic element from the sensing element after the capacitance measurement.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing the operational health of machinery. A portable data processor is provided to acquire a machinery data signal from a diagnostic sensor configured to monitor machinery. The machinery data signal preferably includes vibration data, and may also include RFID tag information, temperature data, flux data, and other data related to machine health. The connection between the diagnostic sensor and the portable data processor is preferably a wired connection. The portable data processor analyzes the machinery data signal and produces a condition indicator that is used to activate an indicator in an arrangement that corresponds to the condition indicator. The portable data processor also transmits machine diagnostic information, preferably including the condition indicator, as a condition signal to a separately-housed portable data processor for further processing or storage.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a porthole in a tank or conduit that includes threads on an end thereof. A piece of processing equipment is mounted within the porthole by a threaded coupling collar. The threads of the coupling collar engage the threads of the porthole. A sensor collar is mounted in fixed relationship to the porthole at a predetermined distance from an end of the porthole and includes a status sensor mounted thereto. The status sensor detects a position of the threaded coupling collar to ensure that the piece of processing equipment is properly mounted in the porthole.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing power to a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader on a mobile structure are described. Energy is generated at the mobile structure. A battery or other energy storage device disposed on the mobile structure is charged with the generated energy. The RFID reader is powered with the energy storage device. The energy may be generated in a variety of ways, including using a vibratory energy harvesting device, a magnetic energy harvesting device, an optical energy harvesting device, a heat energy harvesting device, or a mechanical energy harvesting device.

Abstract: An embodiment of an LED warning light includes a plurality of LED banks, each including a series of light emitting diodes. LED failure in one or more banks can result in a warning light that appears to be functional, but may not meet relevant standards for light production. The LED warning light monitors current flow through each LED bank to detect failure of an LED and produce a failure signal. The LED warning light includes a microcontroller programmed to evaluate the failure signals and take one or more pre-determined failure mode actions. Failure detection and failure mode actions are defined by program steps taken by firmware running in the microcontroller.