Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated RFID reader (205) that combines active and passive RFID technology to enable automatic identification for any asset equipped with an active or passive RFID tag. The integrated RFID reader uses either a single antenna or dual antennas (225, 230) and two transceivers (210, 215) with a firmware module (220) to read and receive data from both active and passive tags. Similarly, a method for exchanging data between active tags and passive tags is also disclosed (315).

Abstract: A seal for sealing goods in goods containers, such as freight containers, freight cars, trucks, and the like. The seal interacts with a door or other hatch that can be opened in order to seal it against unauthorized opening. The seal is activated when the goods container is loaded and is broken when the goods in the goods container are unloaded. The seal includes a transponder that includes a memory and that communicates with a communicator for the reading of information stored in the transponder memory. The seal is placed into an active mode during the sealing operation, and information as to the time when the seal is opened is stored in the transponder memory. The opening time information is subsequently read by the communicator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for identifying devices, such as RF tags, are described. In one exemplary method of an embodiment of the invention, a reader identifies tags without requiring or determining whether a response to an interrogation was a single response from a single tag or multiple responses from multiple tags. In another exemplary method of an embodiment, a method is performed by a tag in an identification system, and the method includes receiving a first data from a reader, and correlating the first data with a first corresponding portion of the tag's identification code, and specifying a match if the first data matches the first corresponding portion, and receiving second data which, combined with the first data, is correlated with a second corresponding portion of the tag's identification code.

Abstract: The present invention is an authentication method for disclosing identification data of an object and authenticating when referring to data of the object corresponding to the identification data based on the identification data and can associate a tag device and data of a referring entity and authenticate that data of the tag device is referred by a proper referring entity by generating a third value by conducting a predetermined calculation with a temporary first value indicating a most recent referral to the identification data of the object and a temporary reference second value issued to a referring entity of the identification data for each referral, and authenticating a relationship between the object and the referring entity by verifying the third value.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a sensor module that is configured to monitor a vehicle for at least one alarm condition, a control module that is configured to receive an alarm signal from the sensor module, a local alarm module that is configured to provide at least one of an audible notification or a visual notification in response to an output signal from the control module, and a notification module that is configured to provide a remote notification of the alarm condition to a user.

Abstract: A tactical vehicle has a driver position and a command position, and possibly other positions such as a gunner position. The dashboard provides a plurality of displays and warning lights viewable from the driver position to provide information for the driver of a vehicle and arranged to be monitored from the command position. There are also a plurality of displays and communications devices viewable from the command position to provide information for the commander sitting in the passenger seat of such vehicle. There is a vehicle management display, climate control panel and vehicle intercom devices accessible for use from the driver position and also from the command position.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle, a fuel consumption measurement system comprising: measuring device for the vehicle's fuel consumption as first data; measuring device for second data for variables which may affect the fuel consumption, the second data including at least locations traveled by the vehicle, and wherein vehicle's location is measured in real time using a global positioning system or using info provided by a cellular wireless supplier; c. storage for storing samples of the first data with the second data; d. computing device for analyzing in real time the stored first and second data for reaching conclusions relating to ways for reducing the fuel consumption, wherein the conclusions include at least the cost of fuel used; e. display for presenting the conclusions in real time to a vehicle's driver.

Abstract: In a tire inflation pressure detecting apparatus according the invention, a second transceiver provided on the body of a vehicle changes operation thereof alternatively between a second transmitter and a second receiver mode, thereby intermittently transmitting a radio wave. A first transceiver provided on a wheel of the vehicle operates in a first receiver mode to receive the radio wave, thereby charging a charging unit. When the charging unit has been sufficiently charged, the first transceiver changes operation thereof from the first receiver mode to a first transmitter mode, in which the first transceiver first repeatedly transmits an informing signal at predetermined time intervals for a predetermined time period and then transmits a pressure signal. When the informing signal is received by the second transceiver in the second receiver mode, the second transceiver keeps the operation thereof in the second receiver mode until the pressure signal is completely received thereby.

Abstract: An automated self-monitored alarm verification solution including at least a premises portion, a server portion, and an end user device portion. Alarm verification includes capturing by an image capture device at least one image in response to a detection event, and transmitting a first data signal including the image to a local signal processing device. The signal processing device transmits a second signal including at least a portion of the image to a remote hosted server according to at least a first set of predetermined parameters. After receiving the second signal, the server transmits a third signal including at least a portion of the image from the hosted server to a user device. Using the user device, a user views the image and indicates a validity status of the alarm based at least in part on the content of the image.

Abstract: The present invention automatically detects the sabotage of an audio transducer such as a microphone in a security system device. An audio transducer generates an electrical signal, which is analyzed to determine if the electrical signal exhibits a predetermined sabotage characteristic. If the electrical signal does exhibit a predetermined sabotage characteristic, then an alarm device trouble signal is transmitted to an alarm control panel for further processing. If, however, the electrical signal does not exhibit a predetermined sabotage characteristic, then the electrical signal is analyzed to determine if the electrical signal exhibits a predetermined alarm characteristic. If the electrical signal does exhibit a predetermined alarm characteristic, then an alarm signal is transmitted to the alarm control panel for further processing.

Abstract: The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a motion or weight sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the motion sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect motion of one or more piglets after birth and, on detection of motion of the one or more piglets, causing the motion sensor to wirelessly communicate a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress.

Abstract: The field of invention is computer-implemented methods and systems for distributing targeted messages and the serving, collecting, managing, and analyzing and reporting of information relating to mobile and other electronic devices. Targeting of messages can be improved by employing additional variables to target messages. In the push message process (1000) a message is sent to users of mobile devices based on one or more variables that may include current location as well as temporal variables such as time of day and other spatial or kinetic variables—measured and/or derived—including but not limited horizontal velocity, vertical velocity, heading, orientation, travel distance, travel time, range and/or past points of reference in additional variables such as demographics, user preferences, and/or purchasing behavior. The user may be prompted to take an action in response to the message. In the user request process (2000) a user may make a request for information with or without first receiving a message.

Abstract: A mobile asset tracking system receives telemetry information from any number of mobile assets (e.g., railcars, truck trailers, intermodal cargo containers, etc.) transporting hazardous or non-hazardous materials. Location data is obtained through GPS satellite locks and is transmitted via a cellular module to a central database for processing. Business rules in the software of the system trigger proactive alert communications to subscribers through common communication protocols such as email, SMS text, and pagers. Personal Computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's), cell phones or other common communication devices widely available to consumers may be utilized for receipt of alerts. Subscribers may be defined as manufacturers of materials, consignees who receive materials, transporters of materials (e.g. railroads, trucking companies, etc.) and communities such as county, state and/or federal emergency management personnel.

Abstract: The disclosed system and method may monitor and track people, objects or assets. A monitoring unit can monitor and track a number of monitored units. When a monitored unit exceed a certain distance from the monitoring unit an alarm is triggered to notify both the monitoring unit and the monitored unit. A parent or teacher may utilize a monitoring unit for a group of kids whom all have a monitored unit. The parent or teacher can easily monitor and track the kids with a monitoring system. Alternatively, the monitoring system can be used in a nursing home situation, for tracking pets, or other assets.

Abstract: A sensor network system with its ability to specify the position of a terminal is disclosed. This system includes a locator node operative to catch a communication of a sensor node. Using this locator node, a present position of the sensor node is specified, thereby permitting services to be done based on the sensor node's position and ID information. A node position specifying method for use in the network system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The RFID circuit element cartridge stores multiple RFID circuit elements for producing RFID labels. Each of the elements includes an IC circuit part configured to store information and an antenna connected to the IC circuit part. The RFID circuit element cartridge is detachably mounted to an apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag. The apparatus includes an antenna configured to carry out wireless communication with each RFID circuit element for producing a RFID label. The RFID circuit element cartridge includes a RFID circuit element Tc for cartridge identifying configured to store identification information for identifying the cartridge. The identification information serves as a communication factor that determines a performance of communication between the antenna and each RFID circuit element for producing a RFID label.

Abstract: A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field circular microstrip antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.

Abstract: A broadband antenna constructed according to the present invention for use with an RFID tag device is formed with a three dimensional (3D) structure. The 3D structure of the antenna enables the antenna to be constructed with a size smaller than that of conventional two-dimensional antennas, consequently reducing the size of the overall tag device, but without any loss of efficiency. The 3D antennas are formed with Archimedean spiral sections and can be tuned to a specific frequency in a particular frequency band, enabling many more unique RFID devices to be defined and operate within that band in conjunction with a reader utilizing a frequency-hopping method without interfering with one another. Additionally, the antenna can receive signals from a higher frequency band than the band in which the antenna resonates to enable those higher power signals to supply power to the device without interfering with the resonant frequency signals received by and transmitted from the RFID device.

Abstract: An RFID tagged implement assembly includes a metallic implement, and a wireless RFID transponder. The RFID transponder includes a housing; an inductive coupler within the housing, and an RFID chip coupled with the inductive coupler. The inductive coupler is inductively coupled with the metallic implement.

Abstract: A storage container assembly includes a container having a metal side wall, and a passive wireless repeater mounted on the side wall. The repeater includes a first antenna on one side of the side wall, a second antenna on an opposite side of the side wall, and an electrical connection between the first antenna and the second antenna. The electrical connection may be in the form of a first connector mounted to the first antenna and a second connector mounted to the second antenna.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a hand-held radio frequency identification reader includes a first casing suitable for being grasped by a user, a second casing, and a transceiver housed within one of the first and second casings. The reader also includes an antenna housed within the second casing and communicatively coupled to the transceiver for communicatively coupling the reader to a radio frequency identification tag. The second casing is movably coupled to the first casing so that the second casing can be aligned with the radio frequency identification tag to substantially maximize a read distance of the reader while the first casing is held in a substantially fixed position in relation to the radio frequency identification tag.

Abstract: The invention provides a tag communication system, an interference preventing method and a tag communication controller suitable for prevention of a radio wave interference able to be caused by radio waves mutually emitted when plural tag communication devices are arranged. Plural reader-writers are oppositely arranged through a belt conveyer for conveying an article. A null of the reader-writer is opposed to a null of the reader-writer. A null of the reader-writer is opposed to a null of the reader-writer. Main lobes are directed to a direction causing no mutual interference.

Abstract: A tag device that performs high-quality radio communication without radio wave radiation or receiving characteristics being deteriorated near a person's body and without hindering communication by another IC tag. A main loop section sends and receives radio waves. The main loop section is a metal foil and has the shape of a long thin loop. The area of the main loop section is smaller than the area of a dielectric substrate. The main loop section covers part of surfaces of the dielectric substrate and part of sides of the dielectric substrate so as to put the dielectric substrate inside the loop. The main loop section is mounted in a horizontal direction of the dielectric substrate. Each of capacitive load sections is a metal foil and has a load corresponding to a capacitance component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for configuring antennae of radio frequency identification reader systems. In one aspect of an embodiment, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader system, includes: a receiver: a radio frequency (RF) source for signal transmission; and a switch matrix coupled with the receiver and the radio frequency sources to selectively couple the receiver and the radio frequency source to a plurality of non-collocated antennae. When in a first mode, the switch matrix connects the radio frequency source to a first one of the antennae for signal transmission and the receiver to a second one of the antennae for signal reception; and when in a second mode, the switch matrix connects the first one of the antennae for signal reception and, in one example, the second one or another one of the antennae to the RF source for signal transmission.

Abstract: A stripline antenna-coupler for a RFID system is provided. The coupler is configured to communicate with a targeted transponder from among a group of multiple adjacent transponders. The coupler may include at least two conductive strips, at least one terminating load, a dielectric material, a first ground plane, and a second ground plane. Each of the conductive strips extends between the first and second ground planes and the dielectric material from an input end connected to a transceiver to a loaded end connected to the terminating load. The conductive strips may be configured to propagate electromagnetic fields concentrated in a near field region of the conductive strips in a direction generally perpendicular to the conductive strips to couple with a targeted transponder. The coupler may include an enclosure for directing the electromagnetic fields. The conductive strip may have a tapered or non-linear profile such as a modified bow-tie profile.

Abstract: A system for tagging and locating a target that may include a projectile frangible on impact, a RF tagging system located in the projectile, and a bonding agent located in the projectile for bonding the RF tagging system to the target. The RF tagging system may include a RF circuitry, an antenna, and a power source to transmit the location of the RF tagging system.

Abstract: An RFID tagging device is disclosed for metallic mechanical components. The device includes a support made of a non-metallic material. The support supports an RFID tag, such as a passive tag that may be applied to support as a decal or otherwise. The device may be secured to a mechanical component by any suitable fastener that may extend through a hole provided in the support. The support then holds the tag a sufficient distance from the component so that the metallic component itself does not interfere with the receipt or transmission of signals from the tag via the tag antenna.

Abstract: A security device for holding cylindrical items of merchandise includes a cylindrical housing having a pivotably mounted lid moveable between open and closed positions. The lid includes an outer shell pivotally attached to the housing and an inner slide member mounted within the outer shell and rotatable between locked and unlocked positions to prevent unauthorized removal of the cylindrical item. An EAS tag is contained in the lid together with a spring biased locking finger activated by a magnetic field for movement of the slide member to an unlocked position.

Abstract: In configuration management for a system constituted by a plurality of components, each of which has a radio frequency identification tag attached, the operating condition of each component is checked and component information of each component recorded in the radio frequency identification tag is read out by a tag reader at a predetermined opportune time. Then, the check result of the operating condition and the readout component information are recorded for each component.

Abstract: System and methods for identifying waste items in a waste management environment includes reading data from a plurality of identifiers that are attached to waste items. The read data is compared with reference data stored in one or more data repositories. If a match exists between any of the read data and the reference data, an indication of non-compliance of the waste item with predetermined safety criteria is provided.

Abstract: An input/output bus for analog sensors in an integrated circuit is described. In one example, a plurality of analog sensors generate an analog output in response to a respective event on the integrated circuit. A plurality of digitizers each coupled to an analog sensor generate a digital representation of the analog output of the respective sensor, and a communications bus coupled to the plurality of digitizers communicates the digital representations to an external device.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method, a system, a computer program code, and a computer implemented method for sending events between vehicles. A vehicle detects an event, wherein the event is for a user action that indicates an intent to change movement of the vehicle. The vehicle determines whether the event should be sent to another vehicle. If the event should be sent to another vehicle, then the vehicle sends the event to the another vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method wherein precise geographical location information such as Global Positioning System coordinate data is utilized as a principal criterion for implementing other wireless transmitted instructions and communications advising vehicles, and others, of an approaching emergency vehicle, the proximity of a hazardous condition, or virtually any other situation which is relevant to the intended recipient because of their location. The system and method further can involve intervention and control of a vehicle, such as an aircraft or automobile, which comes into a predetermined location or area, or under other circumstances. The system and method use transmitting units and receiving units, both of which can receive geographical positioning information and which may sound or otherwise output an appropriate advisory, warning or other communication selected based on their positions, heading, and/or speed.

Abstract: A vehicle light control apparatus includes an illumination control unit for executing illumination control on the mode of illumination of a subject vehicle based on signal transmission of a vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle and signal reception of the vehicle ID signal unique to the subject vehicle. The control unit identifies a vehicle having brightness exceeding a predetermined threshold from an image of other vehicles acquired through an image recognition MPU as a vehicle having an illumination adjustment failure, and returns the same vehicle identification signal transmitted from the other vehicle thus identified to vehicles other than the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle recommendation speed display system includes a vehicle speed sensor, a recommendation speed processing unit that calculates a recommended speed based on a vehicle speed and a display unit that is usually mounted in a speedometer. The recommendation speed processing unit is configured to send information on the vehicle recommended speed to the display unit to display the recommended speed regardless of whether an actual vehicle speed is higher than the recommended speed or not in order to prevent a driver from being irritated by a difference between the actual vehicle speed and a vehicle speed intended by the driver.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that use a visual sensor and dead reckoning sensors to process Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). These techniques can be used in robot navigation. Advantageously, such visual techniques can be used to autonomously generate and update a map. Unlike with laser rangefinders, the visual techniques are economically practical in a wide range of applications and can be used in relatively dynamic environments, such as environments in which people move. One embodiment further advantageously uses multiple particles to maintain multiple hypotheses with respect to localization and mapping. Further advantageously, one embodiment maintains the particles in a relatively computationally-efficient manner, thereby permitting the SLAM processes to be performed in software using relatively inexpensive microprocessor-based computer systems.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an input keypad having a plurality of keys. The input keypad outputs an output signal that is indicative of either a single depressed key or a plurality of depressed keys. The apparatus includes a processor for receiving the output signal by the input keypad and associating an alphabetic character with the output signal.

Abstract: An effective H.264/AVC CAVLC decoding method is disclosed. In accordance with the method a VLC code is classified into groups according to a correlation thereof, an arithmetic equation is defined for each of the groups, and a decoding is carried out according to the arithmetic equation in order to minimize a memory access by a table look-up and reduce a decoding time and a power consumption.

Abstract: An encode circuit includes a digital average unit that receives cyclic thermometer codes or standard thermometer codes, and that reduces a bubble error in the received thermometer codes by a majority vote rule, a logical boundary detection unit that detects a logical boundary in the thermometer codes output from the digital average unit, and an encoder unit that generates output codes based on output signals from the logical boundary detection unit.

Abstract: A data word is error correction encoded to provide a worst case codeword without bit transitions between worst case codeword bits. A modulation bit is calculated as a function of the worst case codeword. The modulation bit has a bit polarity opposite a bit polarity of the worst case codeword bits. The worst case codeword bits are added with the modulation bit to form a modulated code word.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of a variable length coding for data compression. The first coding algorithm is applied to encode the data with the value less than half of the calculated divider and another coding algorithm encoding the subtracted value of the data. Another algorithm applies at least two predetermined “marker bits” to indicate the range of data with concatenated binary code encoding the shifted value of the data. Another algorithm deciding the boundary separating the first range and other ranges of the data and encode the data by applying at least two different algorithms accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method, including computer software, for storing digital information uses multiple NAND flash memory cells. Each memory cell is adapted to receive charge during a write operation to an analog voltage that corresponds to a data value having a binary representation of more than 4 bits. An analog-to-digital converter converts the analog voltage from each memory cell into a digital representation of the analog voltage during a read operation of each cell.

Abstract: A PCI Express device is provided. The PCI Express device includes a symbol lock module that includes a state machine for detecting a special character in a serial bit stream received from a serial/de-serializer, wherein the state machine receives a first special character and verifies alignment of the special character by comparing with a previously stored alignment value and the state machine declares a symbol lock if at least more than one special character alignment matches with a same stored alignment value. The special character is a comma sequence. After a symbol lock is declared, the state machine continues to monitor incoming bit stream data and compares each new special character alignment with the previously stored alignment value. During the monitoring if a misaligned special character is detected, then the state machine waits to receive another special character before declaring a loss of synchronization.

Abstract: A method for generating at least one modulator input signal from at least one regulator signal is provided. The method comprising: generating at least one dither signal based on the periodic output of elements of a discrete dither sequence of the basic form DF=0, 1, 2 . . . 2(m?n)?1; and adding the at least one dither signal to the regulator signal. The regulator signal comprises a digital regulator signal with a length of m bits, and the modulator input signal comprises a digital modulator input signal with a length of n bits, where m>n.

Abstract: Various techniques for biasing a radio frequency digital-to-analog converter are described. In one embodiment, a baseband processor may comprise a plurality of output drivers to generate a plurality of base currents for biasing a radio frequency digital-to-analog converter. The baseband processor may comprise a serial control interface to generate a programming signal for controlling a relationship among the plurality of base currents. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: There is described a circuit for reconstructing an analog signal from a digital signal and wide-band transmission system, particularly for employment in cellular telephony systems, or more in general in mobile communication systems, that adopt the WCDMA standard. The circuit comprises: a digital to analog converter (DAC) suitable for receiving said digital signal and converting it into signal in analog.format;—a low pass-filter (LOW-PASS) connected at the output of said converter for receiving said signal in analog format and providing as output said reconstructed analog signal. Advantageously, the low pass filter (LOW-PASS) is an active filter continuous in time and current coupled to the output of the digital-analog converter (DAC) and the digital-analog converter (DAC) is a converter of the current-steering type functioning at sampling frequency greater than the Nyquist frequency of said analog signal to be reconstructed.

Abstract: Time variant interleaving equalization of an interleaved analog to digital converter is disclosed. A high-frequency analog input signal is converted into a plurality of individual digital signals using a plurality of interleaved analog-to-digital converters. the plurality of individual digital signals are interleaved into a composite digital signal. The composite digital signal is processed in a time variant interleaving equalizer using a plurality of sets of equalizer coefficients.

Abstract: A method comprises generating a laser signal; scanning the laser signal into a field of view; and processing the return signal.

Abstract: The radar sensor system includes a radar module, a plurality of antenna units, and a signal carrier. The plurality of antenna units are in communication with the radar module and distributed across a sensing region. The antennas may be connected in a series configuration and, further, may form a loop configuration with the radar module. As such, the radar module may include a centralized signal processor unit configured to receive analog signals from each antenna unit.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus that measures a current position by using measurement basis codes carried on satellite waves from a plurality of positioning satellites includes: a first phase error information generating unit that generates first phase error information indicating an error of a first phase on the basis of a frequency difference between a first frequency which is an estimated value of a receiving frequency of the satellite wave and a second frequency which is a frequency corresponding to a maximum value of a correlation value under a condition of the estimated phase; a second phase information generating unit that generates second phase information indicating a second phase by correcting a first phase information on the basis of the first phase error information; and a positioning unit that measures the current position on the basis of the second phase information on at least three of the positioning satellites.