Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting a narrow signal beam that allows the precise location of RFID tags to be determined and reduces tag collisions. The present invention further relates to a method and apparatus for combing an RFID reader with an optical source to visualize the interrogation zone of the reader. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of RFID systems.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and system for processing the debiting of a toll events for vehicles. A toll control server (100) stores a voucher assertion (1032) in relationship with a toll identifier (T-ID) obtainable from a vehicle (V1). When a toll event (405) reported from a reading station (11) comprising a toll identifier obtained from a vehicle is going to be processed, it is checked whether a voucher assertion exists in relationship with the obtained toll identifier. After checking the existence of a voucher assertion for the obtained identifier, and the conditions eventually stated on it, the payment of the toll event is ascribed to the default payment account (ACCT) for said identifier or to a second payment account. The toll control server may receive from an application server (300) payment authorization or payment revocation requests for a toll identifier, which makes it to store or remove a voucher assertion for it.

Abstract: A vibrator assembly includes an electric motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and a cylindrical weight coaxially positioned on the shaft free end, wherein the cylindrical weight has a center of gravity that is radially offset from the shaft axis. The cylindrical weight includes a first portion that is lighter in weight than a second portion. When the vibrator assembly is installed within an electronic device, the cylindrical shape of the weight limits the amount of shaft deflection that can occur when the electronic device is dropped or subjected to other impact forces.

Abstract: Method for the output of text information via a display in a driver information system in a motor vehicle is provided, the display having a predetermined display capacity, the extent of the information to be output being adapted to the capacity of the display, and the text information or the information elements to be output being divided into at least two components each. The information or information elements are output to the full extent if allowed by the display capacity, and an abbreviation is output for at least one component of an item of information or an information element to be output if the capacity of the display is not sufficient for output of the complete information or a complete unit of information.

Abstract: A keyless ignition system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates through a wireless link with a start/stop button. The start/stop button includes a plurality of lighting sources to selectively illuminate the start/stop button for communicating current state of a vehicle operating parameter. The lighting sources are powered by a wireless power generating device within the start/stop button.

Abstract: A remote controller for automobile trunk is disclosed, wherein a frequency receiving host device is coupled to a device or component of an anti-burglary host device that is originally installed in an automobile by an automobile maker. The frequency receiving host device is connected by a cable to a driving motor for a trunk of the automobile and is set to receive the frequency of a user-operated remote-control transmitter originally provided by the automobile maker. The frequency receiving host device, after detecting a releasing operation initiated by a signal transmitted from the remote-control transmitter to the anti-burglary host device to release an anti-burglary system of the automobile, receives a continuously transmitted signal from the remote-control transmitter, which signal extends for a predetermined period of time, and consequently the frequency receiving host device issues a control signal through the cable to the trunk driving motor to open the trunk lid.

Abstract: An audio alarm for a transporter having an electric motor. The alarm has a signal generator for generating a signal within the audible frequency range and a modulator for modulating a current that is applied to the electric motor in accordance with the signal generated by the signal generator.

Abstract: An indicator for a vehicle instrument cluster includes a number of pointers concentrically mounted with respect to the instrument cluster. The pointers are illuminated via a common light source. The pointers may be configured to indicate a reference value and an actual measured value (e.g., vehicle speed).

Abstract: A tire management system includes a sensor module secured to inside of a tire that is mounted on a vehicle, for measuring a tire state value and transmitting the measured data to the vehicle side, and a receiver module secured to the vehicle side for transmitting a signal demanding the measured data to the sensor module at a predetermined cycle and receiving the measured data transmitted from the sensor module. The sensor module measures a tire status value at a predetermined cycle, judges whether the measured data is out of a predetermined normal range, and immediately transmits the measured data and an abnormal state data through a predetermined channel exclusively used for transmitting the abnormal state data to the receiver module, if the data is judged to be out of the normal range. With this structure, if an abnormal state occurs, the receiver module can receive the abnormality without any delay, while preventing shortening of the cell life.

Abstract: An electrically operated vehicle deceleration device for providing a warning to other motorists of the deceleration of a vehicle. The device is typically coupled into the existing electrical lighting system to operate at least the rear hazard/indicator lights. The device includes a terminal block which provides for the vehicle's battery to power the device via a regulated power supply. The terminal block connects the device to all the hazard/indicator lights of a vehicle via a deceleration sensor which in turn is coupled to triggering elements such as a programmable interrogation/activation microprocessor, which is programmed to provide triggering at two different thresholds of deceleration as detected by the sensor. A first threshold is provided when deceleration approaches 0.8 g-force and a second threshold when deceleration approaches 0.9 g-force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting a narrow signal beam that allows the precise location of RFID tags to be determined and reduces tag collisions. The present invention further relates to a method and apparatus for combing an RFID reader with an optical source to visualize the interrogation zone of the reader. The present invention also relates to a method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of RFID systems.

Abstract: A disaster alert system and disaster alert devices for use in the system. Each disaster alert device includes a radio receiver, and a processor programmed to monitor radio transmissions from one or more central stations for disaster alerts directed to the location of the disaster alert device. Each alert device also includes an audio unit to alert personnel located at the site of the device to the precise nature of the disaster. The disaster alert devices are pre-programmed with information identifying the precise use location of the warning device. This use location information includes latitude and longitude of the use location and may also include other location information such as street address and zip code.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for remotely entering, storing and sharing location addresses for a positional information device, e.g., a global positioning system (GPS) device, are provided. The present disclosure allows a user to easily and safely enter an address into a GPS device by giving that address to a remote communications link and to have that link automatically program the user's GPS device for usage. The device, system and method of the present disclosure further allows the user to use this stored address(es) on multiple GPS devices without having to manually enter the address(es).

Abstract: This invention relates generally to movable object tracking systems. More specifically, this invention relates to a child tracker apparatus that can be attached to a child and tracked on demand. A unique feature of this invention is that the tracker apparatus is built into an orthodontic appliance that provides a high stealth factor and makes it difficult to remove. When activated it transmits its location through a cellular network to a communication, monitoring and control center and finally to one of a family of display devices.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor circuit and a plurality (e.g., N-number) of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The sensor circuit senses a physical parameter and supplies N-bits of digital sensor data. Each of the RFID tags at least selectively receives a digital sensor signal representative of one of the N-bits of digital sensor data and selectively transmits the digital sensor signal it received.

Abstract: A wireless environment sensor data system and method for a wireless local area network (WLAN) is disclosed. Wireless environment sensor raw data is collected from a wireless sensor by a wireless data collector device in the WLAN. The environment sensor raw data is then sent to a wireless switch via an Ethernet switch in the WLAN. The wireless switch sends the raw data to a destination in WLAN infrastructure where the raw data is processed.

Abstract: A method for surveilling a scene using a single camera, the scene including a first zone and a second zone, the first zone being associated with a first predetermined alarm action to be performed upon movement being detected within the first zone, the second zone being associated with a second predetermined alarm action to be performed upon movement being detected within the second zone.

Abstract: A tray (201) comprises electrically conductive material and has at least one hand-graspable fixture (203). This hand-graspable fixture comprises an electrical conductor (301) disposed in a location that is likely to be operably interacted with by a human who grasps the hand-graspable fixture. A capacitively-coupled RFID tag is then disposed on the hand-graspable fixture with a first antenna plate (303) being electrically coupled to the tray and a second antenna plate (304) that electrically couples to the electrical conductor. A corresponding tray receiving compartment (400) has a front lip (401) over which the tray must pass and upon which the tray will rest when properly disposed within the tray receiving compartment. One or more capacitively-coupled RFID tag reader antennas (402) are disposed proximal to the front lip. These antennas may be positioned to facilitate reading the capacitively-coupled RFID tag when the tray is properly disposed within the tray receiving compartment.

Abstract: A VoIP communicator utilizes an ultrawhite band frequency, sufficient to determine a location of the communicator to within i meter, 0.1 meters, or less. The communicator preferably includes a display screen that displays a rich colored asset map. Several novel software functionalities are contemplated, including: (a) reporting the location of the responder as being within one of a plurality of business locations; (b) using scalar vector graphics to display the locations with varying degrees of detail; (c) displaying replay of movements of the assets; (d) displaying utilization profiles of the assets; and (e) coordinating the locations of the at least some of the assets data from a global satellite positioning system (GPS). It is still further contemplated that the inventive system can consolidates output from the different types of nominally incompatible equipment.

Abstract: A method of tracking assets, such as assets associated with a vehicle lot includes associating each of a first plurality of location tags with one of a plurality of vehicles, wherein each of the plurality of vehicles having an associated key, associating each of a second plurality of location tags with the associated key of one of the plurality of vehicles, associating each of a third plurality of location tags with one of a plurality of personnel, maintaining location information for the first plurality of location tags, the second plurality of location tags, and the third plurality of location tags by periodically using a finder to determine tag location and updating a database with the location tag location, and providing reporting based on the location information to assist in management of the vehicle lot. A system is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying a lost or stolen device is disclosed herein. The system includes: a transmitter, coupled to said device, for transmitting identification information; a receiver for receiving the identification information transmitted by the transmitter, when the transmitter is within a defined distance from the receiver; and a computer, coupled to the receiver for receiving the information from the receiver, and having a database for storing data associated with lost or stolen devices; wherein the computer compares the information with the data, and generates an alarm if the information indicates that the device is lost or stolen.

Abstract: An RFID reader system comprises one or more transceiver modules (10) for communicating with a plurality of RFID tags, a control unit (8) having a reference frequency generator for providing a reference frequency to said one or more transceiver modules (10), a control bus (16) connecting the control unit (8) to said one or more transceiver modules (10) for communicating with said one or more transceiver modules (10) and the control unit (8) having a communications port allowing the control unit to communicate with an application host system. The control unit (8) provides a common reference frequency to said transceiver modules. The invention also relates to a method of reading tags, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of transceiver modules (10) with a common reference frequency, and controlling at least one of the transceiver modules (10) from a control unit (8) to read one or more of the plurality of tags.

Abstract: A portable computing device antenna identification system comprises an antenna configured to be disposed in the portable computing device, the antenna having a sensor connector uniquely configured to transmit a signal indicative of an identity of the antenna.

Abstract: A display label, having a display section on a surface thereof and an adhesive surface on a back surface thereof, and an IC tag, provided with an antenna coil and an IC chip so as to transmit information through non-contact communication, are prepared. After writing information on the IC chip, reading test is applied, so as to separate non-defective ID tags and defective ID tags. After printing addition display on the surface of the display label, a non-defective ID tag is adhered on an adhesive surface thereof, so as to form an RFID label. Then the RFID label is affixed to an object-to-affix such as a container. An affixing method of an RFID label and its affixing method are provided, wherein an ID tag is less likely to be damaged, since the ID tag is not adhered on a display label while printing additional display.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) portal easily installs and integrates any RFID hardware/software systems. The RFID portal may match the size of a traditional dock or be custom sized. The portal takes advantage of a variety of unique features including an antenna bracket that provides for three-dimensional vertical and horizontal movements and a hardware independent reader bracket. The antenna movement capabilities allow for excellent RFID signal coverage. A General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) bridge enables rapid integration and functionality to other RFID inputs such as Motion Detectors/Photo Eyes, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), Wireless Networking, floor loops, mass detectors, and output signals, such as to light stacks and RFID readers.

Abstract: A rugged, mobile, wireless data capture device with an integrated radio frequency identification (“RFID”) reader is described. The wireless data capture device includes a durable, sealed enclosure. A wireless microprocessor is mounted within the enclosure. An RFID reader is coupled to the wireless microprocessor and mounted within the enclosure. The enclosure also supports a mounted communications antenna that is communicatively coupled to the wireless microprocessor, as well as RFID reader antenna communicatively coupled to the RFID reader. A power supply system supplies power to the data capture device. Finally, the durable, sealed enclosure includes mounting means for securing the enclosure to industrial equipment in a manner that mitigates effects of physical shock and vibration.

Abstract: An electromagnetic-coupling module including a radio IC chip and a feeder circuit board on which the radio IC chip is mounted and a feeder circuit including a resonant circuit having a predetermined resonant frequency is attached to an article. The article has a radiation element that radiates a transmission signal supplied from the feeder circuit of the electromagnetic-coupling module via electromagnetic coupling and that supplies a received reception signal to the feeder circuit via the electromagnetic coupling.

Abstract: An RFID label includes a separation material layer provided at an end portion on one side in the direction of label thickness and separated from a portion other than the end portion at affixing, a substantially sheet-state antenna base arranged on the other side in the direction of label thickness from the separation material layer and in which an RFID circuit element having an IC circuit part that stores information and a tag antenna that transmits and receives information is disposed, and a trace forming adhesive layer at least a portion of which is provided adjacent to the other side in the direction of label thickness of the separation material layer and which forms a predetermined separation trace by being separated after affixed to an adhesion target.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device support (2) featuring an antenna (12) screen-printed on a support (20) and a chip (10) connected to the connection terminals (17 and 19) of the antenna. According to a main characteristic of the invention, a thermoplastic layer (22) and a top layer of synthetic paper (24) are laminated on the antenna support (20) so that the antenna and the chip are trapped in the thermoplastic and the three layers (20, 22, and 24) cannot be separated and so that the device is resistant to water and humid environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an IC tag housing case configured to house an IC tag therein, and the objective thereof is to accurately exchange information between an IC tag and a reader/writer without increasing costs for an IC tag. To this end, an IC tag housing case is configured to include a lid body formed of a material that allows electromagnetic waves to pass therethrough, and a case body having a space portion where an IC tag is housed and formed of a high magnetic permeability material.

Abstract: A dual use anti-theft tag is provided which has a structure that can be used as a reusable anti-theft tag, or as a single use recyclable anti-theft tag. The anti-theft tag uses a conventional ball bearing lock which can be opened by a mechanical probe, or opened magnetically. In a first configuration, the anti-theft tag uses a reusable locking mechanism. In this configuration, the lock can be repeatedly moved from a locked to an unlocked position. In a recyclable configuration, an optional spring lock keeps the anti-theft tag in the unlocked position once opened. An advantage of the invention is that the same anti-theft tag structure can be used for both embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human body monitoring system capable of monitoring a human body by checking various parameters and also reporting health impairment such as sudden illness and emergency such as a crime to a prespecified contact address. A monitoring device carried by an object person for monitoring and having a transmitting section and a mobile terminal carried by the object person for monitoring and having a receiving section are connected in a wireless system using weak electric wave. An abnormal signal and positional information are set to the prespecified contact address or a management center based on the abnormal data signal received by the mobile terminal from the monitoring device. The monitoring device includes a non-contact type biomagnetic field measuring sensor for measuring a trend of action potential in the object person and transmits the abnormal data signal to the mobile terminal. The coverage distance of the weak electric wave is within 10 meters.

Abstract: An identifier of choice is correlated (102) with a predetermined task that potentially comprises a plurality of discrete human-enabled events. At least some of these discrete human-enabled events are then associated (104) with a corresponding capacitively-coupled radio frequency identification tag and the identifier then used (105) to monitor effectuation of the predetermined task. By one approach this monitoring comprises, at least in part, monitoring human-based task effectuation events via the capacitively-coupled radio frequency identification tags.

Abstract: A monitor, for use with an absorbent article having a wetness sensor, includes a microprocessor and a current source, the microprocessor forms part of a wetness monitoring circuit and part of a continuity monitoring circuit. A method of providing a system for monitoring an absorbent article with a wetness sensor includes programming a microprocessor to (1) provide notification when the monitor is not electrically connected with the wetness sensor, (2) provide notification when the monitor is electrically connected with the wetness sensor, and (3) provide notification when the absorbent article is wet.

Abstract: A monitor, for use with an absorbent article having a wetness sensor, includes a power management system. The monitor may include a hinge, a housing, and a power management system. The power management system may include an integrally activated and deactivated power circuit. The power circuit includes a first contact associated with the hinge and a second contact associated with the housing. The first contact is electrically connected with the second contact when the monitor is in a closed condition. The first contact is electrically disconnected with the second contact when the monitor is in an open condition. A monitor having a power management system may further include an attachment circuit and/or a continuity circuit.

Abstract: A wetness sensing system includes a first wetness sensing article; a first signaling device producing a first signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the first signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article; and a second signaling device producing a second signal upon sensing wetness in the first wetness sensing article, wherein the second signaling device is compatible with the first wetness sensing article. Also, a method for enhancing a wetness sensing system includes producing a wetness sensing absorbent article compatible with at least one component of the wetness sensing system, wherein the wetness sensing system includes as components a wetness sensing article and a first signaling device compatible with the wetness sensing article.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an absorbent pad worn by a patient that measures one or more urinary voiding parameters. One or more sensors that measure voiding parameters are integrally formed with the pad, e.g., interwoven with the absorbent pad material or positioned to form one or more sensor layers between layers of absorbent material. The sensors store measured parameters as information in a memory, e.g., as a log, locally or in a separate device. In some embodiments, the pad includes an electrical stimulator that provides stimulation therapy for urinary incontinence based on measured parameters.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.

Abstract: Sensor components deployed in a container and acting as resistors or capacitors are used to determine liquid level independent of liquid quality. Displacement current can also be considered as the conduction current to accurately measure liquid quality and level. As the level of liquid increases, the displacement current and conduction current increases, which in turn causes a large change in output for a small change in liquid level. The change in displacement and conduction current values due to contamination of the liquid can be taken in to account with the help of auxiliary electrodes. The contaminated liquid level can be measured very accurately by current flowing through primary electrodes along with the use of auxiliary electrodes for auxiliary measurement, resulting in enhanced sensor system sensitivity and accuracy. System liquid level accuracy is independent of liquid quality and measures liquid quality accurately with resistance, displacement current, conduction current and capacitive measurement.

Abstract: In one aspect, a solar inverter which can be connected to at least one photovoltaic generator at the input end and to a power system at the output end is provided. The solar inverter includes an inverter module, an electronic control unit at least for diagnosing an inverter module, and a bus interface for technically connecting the electronic control unit to a communication bus. The electronic control unit cyclically outputs a piece of status information of the solar inverter on the communication bus, and outputs an error message on the communication bus, cyclically reads status information of other solar inverters that are connected to the communication bus, and outputs an error message on the communication bus in case at least one expected additional piece of status information fails to be output. Whereby, the need for a separate monitoring unit is eliminated.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time monitoring and failure prediction of electrical submersible pumps.

Abstract: A device for monitoring wear in a component, including a radio frequency identification chip attached with the component and a sensor configured to monitor wear of the component, the sensor being in communication with the radio frequency identification chip. The sensor may be embedded within the component and may include a plurality of circuits of varying lengths to measure different stages of wear. The monitoring device may be employed in a roller, such as the fuser roller in a printing apparatus. The roller may be constructed from a multiplicity of non-conductive layers in which portions of the layers are doped with a conductive material to form the plurality of circuits for sensing wear. The monitoring device may also be employed in a belt for use in a printing apparatus. A printing apparatus may also employ a roller or belt equipped with the monitoring device along with a control system for periodically reading the chip and collecting the wear data.

Abstract: A device for monitoring wear in a component, including a radio frequency identification chip adapted to be attached with the component and a sensor configured to monitor wear of the component, the sensor being in communication with the radio frequency identification chip. The sensor may be embedded within the component and may include a plurality of circuits of varying lengths to measure different stages of wear.

Abstract: A security system and method for warning a potential intruder. One example system includes detector configured to detect the presence of a potential intruder within close proximity to the security system. At least one warning device is also configured to communicate warning signals to the potential intruder. The example system further includes a control circuit configured to cause the warning devices to automatically communicate a series of warning signals in a progressive manner to the potential intruder. Each subsequent warning signal becomes more severe than the last warning signal, and each subsequent warning signal is typically only provided if the potential intruder is detected by the detector within a predetermined time window since the communication of a previous warning signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control device and a computer program product for control of a plurality of consumer-electronic devices. The remote control device comprises a user interface and means for determining an orientation of the remote control device relative to at least one of the consumer-electronic devices. The remote control device further comprises means for adapting the user interface based on said orientation of the remote control device.

Abstract: A one-way direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications wide-area network is the data collection channel (uplink) of an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, and a paging network, or other suitable communication channel is the optional forward (downlink) channel. The communications network may include one-way meter modules (transmitters) each communicatively coupled to a corresponding electric, gas or water utility meter, and may include two-way meter modules (transceivers) each coupled to such a corresponding utility meter. The meter modules monitor, store, encode and periodically transmit metering data via radio signals (air messages) in an appropriate RF channel. Metering data air messages are collected by a network of receiver Base Stations (BS) and forwarded to a Data Operations Center (DOC), which acts as a metering data gateway.

Abstract: A dynamic ‘vehicle grid’ system provides the ability for drivers to be automatically warned to the conditions of other vehicles in the vicinity. In this grid system, a motor vehicle would be equipped with a transmitter, receiver, computer and a selection of sensors. Other adjacent vehicles are also contain the same of equipment for transmitting and receiving signals. When the sensors in a vehicle detect a change such as hard braking (rapid deceleration) or very slow speed (blockages), it automatically sends this information via the transmitter over a wireless communication channel to any other receivers in the vicinity.

Abstract: An alert device for a vehicle including a communications receiver for receiving file fragments for the device, a positioning data receiver for providing vehicle location data, a microcontroller system including a microcontroller and a programmable non-volatile memory system, for building and storing application and data files from the fragments, and executing an alert application of the device by processing at least one application file and associated data identified by configuration instructions included in at least one of the fragments to provide alert data for the vehicle corresponding to the location of the vehicle determined by the application on the basis of the vehicle location data.

Abstract: A detecting unit that is provided at a detection position on a road detects a road condition near the detection position. A light emitting unit that is provided at the detection position emits a light. A control unit controls a light emission of the light emitting unit based on detected road condition.

Abstract: A wireless type prepaid IC card system enhances the convenience of users and assures the safe payment of tolls by vehicles including bikes when introduced for toll roads. This toll collecting system is composed of: a card processor that is arranged in a booth for the toll collection process and has an antenna unit for executing the card process through the wireless communication with IC cards, antenna units arranged at the left and right roadsides of the booth for executing the card process through the wireless communication with IC cards, a vehicle class discriminator for discriminating classes of vehicles entering into a traffic lane, and a traffic lane controller that selects an antenna unit to perform the card process according to a discriminated vehicle class and controls the card process.