Abstract: An RFID bridge antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The bridge includes at least two RF antenna elements spaced apart from one another and coupled together by an electrical conductor. The first RF antenna element is located proximate to the tag antenna and the second RF antenna element is located proximate to the reader antenna. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package.

Abstract: A reader for an RFID system includes an antenna assembly, a signal driver and a controller. The antenna assembly has an antenna coupled to an antenna tuning circuit which includes a variable capacitance circuit. The signal driver is coupled to the antenna assembly to apply a drive signal to the antenna assembly. The controller is coupled to the antenna assembly to determine a difference between an antenna impedance and a signal driver impedance and to set the variable capacitance at a set capacitance value which reduces the impedance difference.

Abstract: An RFID bridge antenna is positioned between a tag antenna associated with a tag and a reader antenna associated with a reader. The bridge includes at least two RF antenna elements spaced apart from one another and coupled together by an electrical conductor. The first RF antenna element is located proximate to the tag antenna and the second RF antenna element is located proximate to the reader antenna. An electromagnetic carrier signal transmitted by the reader antenna is received by one of the RF antenna element and retransmitted to the tag antenna by the other RF antenna element, increasing the distance over which the tag can communicate with the reader. Where the tag is attached to a packaged object, the RFID bridge antenna may be included in the package to allow wireless data communication between the tag and a reader. The reader may also be located external to the package.

Abstract: A transponder formed on a circuit substrate having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. An antenna is disposed on one side of a transverse axis, extending in a longitudinal direction, and the remaining circuit components are disposed on the other side of the transverse axis. The remaining circuit components may include a controller, an RF transceiver, and a battery. A ground plane defines an antenna space within which the antenna is disposed.

Abstract: In an RFID reader/writer, a transmitted signal generation unit generates a carrier wave formed by circular polarization. A first antenna transmits and receives a polarized wave of a first polarization component. A second antenna transmits and receives a polarized wave of a second polarization component orthogonal to the first polarization component. When a signal analysis unit receives a reflected wave from a plurality of tags for the carrier waves by the first and second antennas, the unit analyzes the first and second polarization components contained in the reflected wave. Based on the analysis result of the signal analysis unit, electric power to be transmitted from the first and second antennas is set to control the polarized wave of a transmission wave to be transmitted with a command to a plurality of tags.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for a reader transceiver circuit are described. The reader transceiver circuit incorporates a frequency generator, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) oscillator. A reader incorporating the reader transceiver circuit is configured to read a tag at very close range, including while being in contact with the tag. The transceiver can be coupled to various host devices in a variety of ways, including being located in a RFID reader (e.g., mobile or fixed position), a computing device, a barcode reader, etc. The transceiver can be located in an RFID module that is attachable to a host device, can be configured in the host device, or can be configured to communicate with the host device over a distance. The RFID module may include one or more antennas, such as a first antenna configured to receive a magnetic field component of an electromagnetic wave and a second antenna configured to receive an electric field component of an electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes an external power input unit, first antenna unit, first power supply unit, memory unit, and control unit. The external power input unit inputs external power. The first antenna unit receives power from a communication device. The first power supply unit extracts power from the radio wave received by the first antenna unit. The control unit operates upon receiving power from the first power supply unit and controls permission and inhibition of access from the communication device to the memory unit in accordance with presence/absence of input of power from the external power input unit.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication device and methods of testing and tuning an antenna attached thereto are described. A radio frequency communication device comprises internal circuitry and an antenna having a plurality of antenna segments associated therewith. Each antenna segment is associated with the antenna in either series or parallel relation through at least one of a fuse and an antifuse. In testing and tuning, a comparison is made to indicate whether the antenna is too short or too long.

Abstract: A belt module with an intermediate section, a first plurality of link ends extending from the intermediate section in a direction of belt travel, and a second plurality of link ends extending from the intermediate section in a direction opposite to the first link ends. The first and second plurality of link ends have transverse pivot rod openings defined therein. The second plurality of link ends is offset from the first plurality of link ends such that adjacent belt modules can be intercalated and connected by a pivot rod disposed through the transverse openings. The belt module includes at least one RFID transponder disposed in at least one of the plurality of link ends, the intermediate section, the pivot rod, or an attachment for use with the belt module.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic tag to be affixed onto a product includes providing, in an electrically conductive film of a foil for packaging, packing or transporting the product, areas devoid of any electrically conductive material for delimiting in the electrically conductive film at least one antenna pattern for forming an antenna for an RFID tag. A semiconductor chip is connected to the antenna for forming an electronic tag.

Abstract: A system and method to monitor wear of an object that uses a radio frequency identification tag embedded in the object at a depth that is indicative of wear conditions of the object, a radio frequency transceiver in communication with the radio frequency identification tag, and a data processing subsystem that receives status information from the radio frequency transceiver and processes the status information to a user interface. When the object reaches a certain wear point, the radio frequency identification tag becomes exposed and damaged from the ongoing wear conditions, causing the radio frequency signal between the tag and the transceiver to cease, thus providing an indication that a wear point on the object has been attained.

Abstract: A RFID label has a multilayer structure including a sheet-like antenna base material, a RFID circuit element embedded in the antenna base material, a cover film having a printing region in which prescribed printing is performed, an adhesive layer for that bonds the antenna base material to the cover film, an adhesive layer for fixing the antenna base materials to a desired object, and a release layer for covering the adhesive layer. The length of the antenna base material in the longitudinal direction of the RFID label is no less than the length of the printing region.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a housing includes: an opening/closing section provided to the housing; a detection section provided to the housing, having a wireless IC chip in which alarm information is pre-stored, and an antenna driving the wireless IC chip with a driving electric power induced by receiving a predetermined radio wave and wirelessly transmitting the alarm information outputted from the wireless IC chip; a reader provided independently outside the housing, and outputting the predetermined radio wave and receiving the alarm information transmitted from the detection section; and a restriction section restricting a transmission of the alarm information when the opening/closing section is in a closed state.

Abstract: An alert system is activated in response to an event by positioning a portable electronic device, a cellular telephone or PDA for example, such that a camera of the electronic device is orientated to capture images relating to a visual criterion by which the event is to be detected. Images relating to the visual criterion are processed to detect the event and an alert system is activated if an event is detected. In one application, the portable device is held in a holder in a vehicle and used to detect vehicle lane departure or driver drowsiness.

Abstract: A toilet training apparatus according to the present invention includes a processor that is in data communication with a timer, a first alarm, and a presence sensor. At a predetermined time, the processor actuates the first alarm to awaken a sleeping toddler to urge him to go to the bathroom and, thus, proactively, avoid wetting the bed. The first alarm may include an audio or vibratory alarm, or both. The apparatus includes a presence sensor, such as a RFID tag/reader combination, for sensing if the toddler has in fact moved from his bed to the bathroom. Upon sensing the expected movement, the first alarm is reset for a next predetermined waking event. If this movement is not sensed in a predetermined time, the processor actuates a second alarm to awaken a parent to assist in awakening the toddler.

Abstract: A hydration system comprising a dispenser portion adapted to allow a drinking fluid to flow therethrough, a sensor unit positioned to take a measurement of a flow of the drinking fluid through said dispenser portion and to output said measurement, a logic unit in communication with the sensor portion to receive said measurement output, to set a target consumption over time based on a multidimensional profile of a user's physical body information, and to determine if the user's consumption meets the target consumption based upon the measurement.

Abstract: An inspection system including a first subsystem including a first identity verification system and a passenger screening system each configured to receive information from a passenger and store the verified information in a database, and a second subsystem including at least a second identity verification system configured to receive information from the passenger, the second subsystem configured to compare the verified identity information to the information received from the passenger at the second subsystem to verify the identity of the passenger.

Abstract: A pet door having a locking mechanism for normally limiting ingress and egress, the pet door being adapted communicate with a conventional environmental detector to unlock the locking mechanism when a hazard environmental condition is detected. The pet door is adapted to work in cooperation with either a conventional smoke detector or an improved smoke detector. In one embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is used in cooperation with a conventional smoke detector to communicate with a pet door of the present invention. In either embodiment, when the smoke detector detects an event such as the presence of smoke and/or fire such that an audible alarm is sounded, the pet door locking mechanism is unlocked. The pet door is also useful in cooperation with other detectors such as a carbon monoxide detector or a security alarm.

Abstract: A system for alerting someone that a child is in a safety seat in a vehicle includes a proximity sensor/transmitter and a receiver. The receiver is removably mounted on a child's car seat and the proximity sensor/transmitter remains on the car seat. After a child is placed in the seat, the receiver is removed from the seat and placed on the driver or other adult responsible for the child. The receiver can be placed in the person's purse or on their person. If the person moves away from the vehicle without disabling the transmitter on the car seat will activate that receiver as soon as the receiver has moved a prescribed distance away from the vehicle. The receiver will generate a signal, such as an audible and/or visible signal, which will attract the attention of the person carrying the receiver. The signal will be generated in a continuous manner until the transmitter is disabled, which can only be done after the child is removed from the seat.

Abstract: A system for reproducing animal sounds comprising a transmitting unit having a user interface with at least one input selector corresponding to at least one animal sound, wherein the transmitting unit is adapted to generate and transmit a message indicative of the at least one animal sound selected at the user interface over a communications medium. The system for reproducing animal sounds also includes a receiving unit having a memory with the at least one animal sound stored therein. The first receiving unit is coupled to the communications medium for receiving the message from the transmitting unit, for extracting the at least one animal sound from said memory based on the message, and to play back the at least one animal sound.

Abstract: A pet collar for alerting others as to the location of a pet is provided. The pet collar is provided for announcing the presence, audibly and visibly, of a pet such as in a burning structure or otherwise when the pet cannot be found. The pet collar is adapted to work in cooperation with either a conventional or an improved smoke detector. In one embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is used in cooperation with a conventional smoke detector to communicate with a pet collar of the present invention. In either embodiment, when the smoke detector sounds an audible alarm either automatically or manually, the pet collar is activated to sound an alarm and to illuminate at least one light. The pet collar is also useful in cooperation with other detectors such as a carbon monoxide detector or a security alarm.

Abstract: This invention relates to electro-optical displays intended to alert emergency response personnel to the location of the emergency. A conventional electrical switch, as would normally be utilized for the on/off switching of electrical lighting or electrical outlets, is modified such that it activates a strong, luminescent signal when engaged in a signaling mode. By this signal, emergency personnel responding to a fire or medical emergency or criminal activity can readily and quickly identify the proper residence or place of business that is in need of assistance.

Abstract: A fire exit alert system, preferably integrated into an exit device or automatic fire exit door closer, uses sound and light to signal the location of a fire exit in darkness and smoke-obscured rooms. The alert system includes a voice signal, such as “EXIT LOCATED HERE,” to signal that the location of the voice is also the location of the exit. A white noise signal generator is used to supplement the voice signal and produces a sound that is particularly localizable by the human ear. A strobe light and a laser are used to produce a visual guide to the location of the exit. The strobe light is flashed when the word “HERE” is used in the voice signal. The laser is used to produce a cone of light that points towards the fire exit alert system.

Abstract: A lamp apparatus with an alarm function is disclosed, which includes a power supply circuit and a base, and a light and a gas warning apparatus mounted on the base. The gas warning apparatus comprises an alarm device and a gas sensor. The gas sensor transmits an actuating signal to the alarm device for triggering the alarm device to actuate an alarm correspondingly when the gas sensor detects a hazardous gas. Therefore, the gas warning apparatus mounted within the lamp not only uses the power of the lamp for supplying the necessary power continuously but also eliminates unsightly other wiring.

Abstract: A remote monitoring method includes monitoring a plurality of components on a main board. When one of the plurality of components fails to function properly, a warning message is produced to indicate that the component is out of order. Afterward, the warning message is transmitted to a remote control device through a network medium. The remote control device then produces a plot to imitate the relative positions of the main board and the components and displays the malfunctioning component on the plot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a load impedance defect detection system for use in a CDMA base station transmitter including a base band signal generation unit (101) and a reflected signal monitor (106) for detecting a reflected signal. A CPICH power detector (111) detects a CPICH power from the reflected signal obtained from the reflected signal monitor. A return-loss determination unit (112) determines a return-loss based on a difference between a CPICH power value detected by the CPICH power detector and a CPICH transmission power set value (113) provided by the base band signal generation unit, and determines that there is a load impedance defect when the return-loss exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: In a power supply monitoring device, a power supply voltage monitoring portion always monitors a power supply voltage supplied to a monitored circuit and outputs a voltage reduction signal when detecting that the power supply voltage is reduced below a predetermined threshold (e.g. a second voltage higher than a voltage guaranteeing a normal operation of the monitored circuit and lower than a rated voltage). A monitoring controller having received the voltage reduction signal determines whether or not an operational malfunction has occurred in the monitored circuit by comparing operation data of the monitored circuit with reference data of the monitoring controller itself. Also, the monitoring controller executes recovery processing (reset processing or reference data overwrite processing) suitable for the monitored circuit referring to a prestored recovery processing type specific to the monitored circuit when detecting an operational malfunction of the monitored circuit.

Abstract: A combination light and sound producing fixture is disclosed for installation in a wall or ceiling or on a wall or ceiling. The sound producing elements is an arrangement of speakers having a low frequency transducer and one or more high frequency transducers oriented directed to emit sound in a particular direction. The fixture may further include digital signal processing to modify the sound to account for obstructions in near or around the fixture. The fixture may include a feedback system that allow the fixture to self modify its frequency response. The signal to the fixture is provided by wired or wireless interface. The surface of the sound transducer can be reflective in nature to provide focusing or diffusion of the light from the lighting elements. The lighting elements are incandescent, fluorescent or low voltage LED type that may include adjustment for lighting intensity or color.

Abstract: A monitoring device is provided, comprising a monitoring element configured to provide a monitoring indicia, and a plurality of flexible elongate securing members operably engaged with the monitoring element and adapted to secure the monitoring element to a monitored object. Each securing member has a proximal end secured to and extending from the monitoring element to an opposed unsupported distal end. The securing members are configured such that at least a medial portion of one of the securing members, between the proximal and distal ends thereof, is capable of forming a securing engagement with the monitored object to secure the monitoring element thereto such that the monitoring indicia identifies the monitored object. An associated system and method are also provided.

Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus 10 including a generally flat base 12 and a broad face 14 which forms an acute angle 16 with the generally flat base 12. Further, the broad face 14 includes several display portions 20, 22, and 18 which, in one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, are programmable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the apparatus may include a selectively depressible alarm switch 100.

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote control receiver device (100) that is arranged to be in a network with one or more consumer electronic devices (CED1; CED2; CEDN). The remote control receiver device (100) can receive remote control signals (1) from a remote control (20) and can transmit derived control signals (2, 3, 4) for one or more consumer electronic devices (CED1; CED2; CEDN) in the network. Thus, it is not necessary that the individual consumer electronic devices comprises a remote control receiver. The remote control receiver device (100) preferably performs filtering and translation of the received remote control signals, so that the derived control signals transmitted to a consumer electronic device only contains the signals relevant for that consumer electronic device and so that the remote control signals have been interpreted to become useful to the consumer electronic device.

Abstract: One embodiment can be characterized as a utility meter system comprising a utility meter connected to a local network through a local network communication interface, the utility meter enabled to monitor consumption of a utility received from a utility provider; and a second communication interface coupled to the utility meter through the local network, the second communication interface enabling data related to the consumption of the utility from the utility meter to be sent to the utility provider over a second communications network.

Abstract: A power line based communication system includes a powerline termination module, a plurality of powerline gateways, and a plurality of powerline nodes. AC coupling modules couple powerline nodes to medium voltage power lines. One AC coupling module includes a housing having an upper portion that contains a transformer and a lower portion that contains a power node. Another AC coupling module intercouples a powerline node to a test point of a dead front transformer. Still another AC coupling module employs a surge arrestor to couple signals between a powerline node and a medium voltage transmission line. Yet another AC coupling module clamps on a medium voltage power line to couple signals between a powerline node and a medium voltage power line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the location based vehicle traffic signal alert system, according to the present method and apparatus, may alert drivers as to when vehicles are approaching the traffic signal lights while the signal is yellow or red. In addition, it may also warn drivers when the signal ahead is about to change colors, for example, from green to yellow or from yellow to red. In an alternative embodiment the signal alert system may also send a signal to the engine/brake system of the automobile to perform automatic throttle control or braking when the driver fails to attempt a required stop at the traffic light.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring signalized traffic flow. A processor in a sensor system or traffic controller interface estimates the time-of-arrival and other traffic flow estimates of one or more vehicles to an intersection stop bar, while the vehicles are within a continuous range of one or more transducers view of the sensor system. A level of efficiency and safety within the signalized traffic flow is estimated by the sensor system based upon one or more of the estimated time-of-arrival and other flow variables estimates and then communicated to the control unit of the traffic signal system. Other flow estimates for each vehicle include but are not limited to: position relative to the stop bar, lane position, velocity, acceleration, time headway and classification.

Abstract: A portable communications unit is disclosed. The portable communications unit includes a portable hazard marker that forms a housing. The portable communications unit also includes a wireless receiver/transmitter within the housing, and control circuitry interfaced with the wireless receiver/transmitter. The portable communications unit also includes an electrical energy storage unit electrically connected to the wireless receiver/transmitter and the control circuitry. A plurality of portable communications units can be placed at an emergency site to facilitate communication between emergency responders.

Abstract: An event sensing component includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first tube that is provided along an entire length of the housing, and a second tube that is provided along the entire length of the housing. The housing also includes a first connector provided at one end of the first tube and configured to couple with a first bypass tube that is attached at another end to another traffic sensing component. The housing further includes a second connector provided at one end of the second tube and configured to couple with a second bypass tube that is attached at another end to the another traffic sensing component.

Abstract: A flat panel display system for an aircraft display includes a graphics rendering computer for rendering of anti-aliased graphical imaging data derived from aircraft sensors for full-field imaging on a cockpit display screen. A comparator processor independently generates, from the same sensor data, a selected subset or “points of light” of the display screen image and compares the points of light data to the data generated by the rendering computer for the same display screen pixel locations. The minimized processing requirements and simplified design of the comparator processor enable ready FAA certification of the comparator processor, whereas the extreme complexity and processing operations required of the rendering computer make FAA certification thereof unusually time consuming and expensive.

Abstract: The device (1) comprises display means (2) which present in a display window (3) of a screen (4) an information presentation illustrating a vertical plane along a flight path which represents a flight plan and which are formed so as to position the display window (3) altitude-wise and a symbol illustrating the aircraft vertically in this display window (3), according to the current flight phase, the current altitude and an altitude relative to the flight path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a keypad of a portable terminal including an array of a plurality of alpha-numeric key buttons for the input of alphabetic letters of a language, for example, English. The vowel input portion includes a plurality of key buttons, which are allotted with vowels of English alphabet showing a high frequency of use, and some consonants of English alphabet. The key buttons of the vowel input portion are grouped and arranged at a selected position to achieve a high accessibility of the user's. The consonant input portion includes the remaining key buttons, allotted with the remaining consonants of English alphabet.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electronic keys. The method comprises providing a plurality of devices and generating an electronic key for each device of the plurality of devices, wherein the electronic keys are generated substantially simultaneously. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the electronic keys for all of the devices are generated in the same amount of time that is required to generate one electronic key for one device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an input method for electronic device with a compact keypad, which comprises plurality of number keys, to which multiple letter groups are assigned respectively. The method for inputting letters comprises the following steps: pressing the number key that corresponds to the letter wished to be inputted; and then pressing the number key that corresponds to the numerical order of that inputted letter within the sequence of that letter group. Using this easy input method in any electronic device equipped with a compact keypad allows the user to quickly yet accurately input any alphanumerical data without the use of any on-screen display menus.

Abstract: An input unit inputs sequentially bit data, where the bit data is convolutionally coded by a generator matrix defined according to a constraint length and a coding rate and has the number of streams defined by the coding rate. A temporary decoded data shift register unit delays temporary decoded data over at least a period of time corresponding to the constraint length. A generation unit generates, per stream, bit data serving as candidates for a decoding, by performing exclusive OR based on the generator matrix on the delayed temporary decoded data and the inputted bit data. A comparator and a selector select any of the bit data per stream generated by the generation unit, as a decoding result, and outputs the selected decoding result.

Abstract: The field of the invention is that of serial digital data transmissions. Such digital data is, in particular, of video type. In certain types of transmission, the links used cannot pass direct current. Such is the case in particular with the so-called “AC-coupled” links used in aeronautics for transferring video signals between computers. In this case, it becomes essential to transmit binary words comprising, if possible, similar quantities of zeroes and ones. The subject of the invention is an encoder or a decoder of 9-bit binary words into 10-bit binary words, said 10-bit binary words being designed to be transmitted over links that cannot pass direct current, said binary words comprising between four ones and six ones regardless of the initial 9-bit binary word.

Abstract: A demodulating apparatus includes a deinterleave processing unit applying deinterleave processing to supplied data for each of parameters necessary in executing deinterleave processing in a time direction, an acquiring unit acquiring parameters with which the data should be processed, and a selecting unit selecting, from the deinterleave processing unit, the data subjected to the deinterleave processing with the parameters acquired by the acquiring unit.

Abstract: Embodiments include a serial interface circuit, serial interface method and an apparatus including a serial interface circuit. Embodiments of a serial interface circuit can include a frequency divider implemented by using a counter instead of a PLL. One embodiment of a serial interface circuit can include a data receiver to receive first serial data, a serial-parallel converter to convert the first serial data from the data receiver to first parallel data, a clock receiver to receive a first clock signal having a frequency corresponding to the first serial data, and a frequency divider coupled to the clock receiver to generate a second clock signal having a frequency corresponding to the first parallel data with the first clock signal where the frequency divider is configured with a counter.

Abstract: An amplitude-compensated digital-to-analog converter circuit and method of compensation. A unipolar digital-to-analog converter is provided, having a reference connection and a pair of differential, unipolar signal outputs. A sensing circuit senses the common mode component of the differential outputs and produces a common mode signal. A reference source produces a first reference signal, and a differential control amplifier compares the common mode signal to the first reference signal and applies a second reference signal applied to the reference connection of the digital-to-analog converter, thereby stabilizing the reference current for the digital-to-analog converter. The circuit includes a single signal output reference to ground and a multiple-pole low-pass filter.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program product for replacing a portion of a digital signal by applying a first difference correction that, after range limiting, converts the samples in the replacement portion to extremum values; then applying a second difference correction based on the difference between the extremum values and the desired replacement values. The first and second sets of correction values are thus independent of the original values in the first digital signal.

Abstract: In a method to improve error reduction in a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), comprising a mapping matrix block and a plurality of selectable source units which supply signals that in combination provide for analog output signals, mapping input signals, obtained from digital input signals to be converted into the analog output signals, are supplied to the mapping matrix block. In the mapping matrix block mapping output signals are generated in response to said mapping input signals and to mapping control signals derived from errors occurring in the plurality of selectable source units. At least one of the mapping input signals is applied for the substantially simultaneous generation of the mapping output signals for a number of source units.