Abstract: A multilayer zinc oxide varistor without bismuth oxide system ingredients, and having variable breakdown voltages by controlling the thickness of the ceramic material; the varistor is bismuth-free and composed of zinc oxide as the primary constituent with alkaline earth element (Ba) as first additive, at least one of transition elements of Mn, Co, Cr, or Ni as second additives, at least one of rare earth elements of Pr, La, Ce, Nd or Tb as third additives and at least one of B, Si, Se, Al, Ti, W, Sn, Sb, Na, or K as rest additives, and the bismuth-free and zinc oxide based varistor exhibits an excellent ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) withstanding characteristic.

Abstract: A device (1) for safe data transmission to railway beacons has a first and a second circuit section (1a, 1b) independent of and galvanically separate from each other, and each having: a microprocessor (6a, 6b) selection stage (2a, 2b) receiving information signals relative to the status of a portion of a railway line, and generating at least one telegram for transmission to a beacon; and a control stage (3a, 3b) comparing the telegrams generated by the first and second circuit section (1a, 1b) for enabling/disabling data transmission to the beacon. The first circuit section (1a) also has a transmission enabling stage (4, 5, 17), which allows transmission to the beacon of the telegram generated by the first circuit section (1a), in the event the comparison performed by the control stage (3a, 3b) is successful.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authorizing a vehicle to proceed beyond an access point are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a system can include an identification reader configured to obtain various identification information from one or more identification mechanisms, a biometric reader configured to obtain biometric information from one or more persons, and a computer configured to receive the identification information and the biometric information. The computer determines whether the vehicle is authorized to proceed beyond the access point using the identification information and biometric information, and transmits a signal to a control mechanism to allow the vehicle to proceed beyond the access point.

Abstract: At a transmitter being used in a moveable barrier operator system, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is provided. The LCD is configured with a first visual display and the first visual display providing first information to a user. The LCD is selectively reconfigured with a second visual display and the second visual display providing second information to the user.

Abstract: A method of controlling access to a movable container, the method comprising controllably locking the container using an electronically actuated locking mechanism; storing in a memory a desired geographical location; determining the geographical location of the container; and enabling the locking mechanism to unlock the container if the determined geographical location matches the desired geographical location.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products provide time-restricted passcode access to a restricted access area by: (a) electronically generating a time-limited visitor access passcode that is operational for a security system for a limited time duration; then (b) electronically accepting the visitor access passcode in a security entry control access device in communication with the security system to allow a user with the visitor access passcode a time-limited entry to a restricted area; then (c) automatically electronically preventing user access to the restricted area using the visitor access passcode with the security entry control access device after a certain time or expiration of a certain time period. Embodiments of the invention may be particularly useful for allowing visiting meeting participants physical access to a restricted area in a building to attend a scheduled meeting.

Abstract: A household appliance, such as a refrigerator or freezer, having a door and a locking device on the door. The locking device is controlled by a biometric person-identifying device. The biometric identification can be based on recognition of at least one of the person's fingerprint, voice characteristics or iris pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin semiconductor device in which its security such as prevention of counterfeit or information leakage is to be enhanced. One feature of the present invention is a thin semiconductor device in which a plurality of thin film integrated circuits are mounted and in which at least one integrated circuit is different from the other integrated circuits in any one of a specification, layout, frequency for transmission or reception, a memory, a communication means, a communication rule and the like. According to the present invention, a thin semiconductor device tag having the plurality of thin film integrated circuits communicates with a reader/writer and at least one of the thin film integrated circuits receives a signal to write information in a memory, and the information written in the memory determines which of the thin film integrated circuits communicates.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely unlocking, locking, and opening the trunk of multiple vehicles. Each function of each vehicle is controlled via a single remote control device. The remote control device has the capability of being trained to control new vehicles as they are obtained by the user.

Abstract: A keyless entry method, system and program product is disclosed herein. In general, user command information can be transmitted to a receiving and transmitting unit which communicates with a latch. A processor can then process the user command information utilizing a processor, which communicates the latch and the receiving and transmitting unit. The latch can thereafter be instructed to perform a particular latch function (e.g., opening or closing a vehicle door), in response to processing the user command information utilizing the processor.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to obtaining an identifiable aspect of a supposed owner of a personalized device; and determining whether the supposed owner of the personalized device is a true owner of the personalized device based at least in part on the obtaining an identifiable aspect of the supposed owner of the personalized device. Another aspect of the disclosure relates to obtaining a feature of a supposed owner; and identifying an aspect of a personalized device owner identifier based at least in part on the obtaining the feature of the supposed owner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a network adapted to acquire, analyze, and distribute information regarding time sensitive and area specific events. The system acquires information from a plurality of available sources and filters the data to detect reportable events as defined by a selected criteria. The detected reportable events are then analyzed and processed to generate messages describing the reportable events. These messages, along with corresponding data as to the time, place, urgency, and nature of the event, are then transmitted to users via a variety of transmission options. The messages may be received by conventional communications equipment, such as telephones, cellular phones, pagers, fax machines, etc. and/or by specialized equipment designed to operate with the preferred system.

Abstract: A system and method in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag for responding to RFID reader communication signals is described. A strength of a signal from a reader is measured. A RFID read signal is received from the reader. A response to the read signal is enabled based on the measured strength.

Abstract: In a receiving method for the contactless reception of identification information (11,12), which is stored in a data carrier (3,3?) and which can be received from the data carrier (3, 3) in a contactless manner in the form of information units (IU, IU?) with a communication device (2), it is envisaged that firstly an information unit (R.IU) is received and that secondly it is detected that the received information unit (R.IU) represents a collision of two different information units (IU, IU?) occurring essentially simultaneously, of which two different information units (IU, IU?) the one information unit (IU) originates from a first data carrier (3) and the other information unit (IU) originates from a second data carrier (3), and that thirdly a received information unit (R.IU) that represents a collision is replaced with a first replacement information unit (R.IU1) established by the communication device (2), which is used instead of the information unit (R.

Abstract: The invention relates to a code carrier that has a code carrier coil, whereby the code carrier coil is configured as a ring shaped like a triangle or the projection of the code carrier coil in the direction of the coil axis is shaped like a triangle. The code carrier coil or the code carrier, including the code carrier coil, is part of a cap that can be placed onto a corner of a cuboidal object and that functions as a physical corner protector, whereby the coil axis intersects the planes encompassed by the side surfaces of the object, all at an angle between 5° and 85°, and a body diagonal of the object pierces the triangle.

Abstract: A method for synchronizing wakeup signals transmitted by a plurality of readers to at least one radio tag includes monitoring, by a first reader, for a first wakeup signal transmitted by a second reader. If the first wakeup signal is detected by the first reader, the first reader transmits a second wakeup signal having a duration ending at substantially the same time as the first wakeup signal. If the first wakeup signal is not detected by the first reader, the first reader transmits a third wakeup signal having a default duration. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Various systems and methods for low power identification are described herein. For example, a radio frequency device including a radio frequency energy receiver. The radio frequency energy receiver is operable to receive a radio frequency energy and to convert the radio frequency energy to a DC current. In addition, the device further includes a first clock generator that generates a first clock at a first frequency and second clock generator that generates another clock based on the first clock. The first clock generator includes a duty cycle correction circuit. The second clock has a positive going clock edge for each edge of the first clock.

Abstract: An information access system includes: a passive contactless information storage device (500) capable of transmitting and receiving signals; a fixed-station information processing device (100) having an information processing unit, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting, in a contactless manner, a command signal for requesting transmission of information stored in the information storage device and supplying power in a contactless manner to the information storage device; and a mobile-station information processing device (200) having an information processing unit, an information presenting unit, a battery, and a wireless receiver for receiving a response signal for response to the command signal, from the information storage device in a contactless manner.

Abstract: A system and method determines the location of a resident during an emergency within a monitored area having a plurality of residences such as when a wireless emergency call transmitter is activated. In accordance with one aspect, a wireless emergency call transmitter is positioned within the area and includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter that is resident activated during an emergency for transmitting an RF signal containing a transmitter code indicating the identity of the emergency call transmitter. The emergency call transmitter includes a receiver section that receives an infrared or acoustic signal containing a location code identifying a room or other location. This signal is received from a location monitor that had received the RF signal from the emergency call transmitter. In response to receiving the infrared or acoustic signal, the emergency call transmitter transmits an RF signal containing the location code.

Abstract: An outcome prediction system viewed on a monitor. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises a processor, coupled to the monitor and further comprising a scoring system for a plurality of contests, the scoring system and the plurality of contests displayed on the monitor, the scoring system providing a first moniker indicating that a selected outcome was correct and a second moniker indicating that the selected outcome was incorrect, wherein the scoring system counts a number of first monikers and a number of second monikers and provides a total number of first monikers; a navigation bar; displayed on the monitor, to allow for viewing of a broadcast program on the monitor, wherein the broadcast program is related to at least one of the plurality of contests, and an input device, coupled to the processor, for inputting at least one selected outcome into the processor.

Abstract: A vehicle moves to and remains in an out-of-cellular coverage area for a long time period. As long as the vehicle is located within a specified range from a reference point, a time measuring unit does not start time count for forcibly operating an immobiliser provided in the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for detecting a momentary distance between a motor vehicle and an obstacle is provided. The device includes distance sensors and a control unit that is designed to calculate a driving path to be traveled through in future by the motor vehicle. The driving path is calculated using dynamic vehicle data and the control unit is designed to differentiate between relevant obstacles which are located within the driving path, and irrelevant obstacles which are located outside the driving path. A method for detecting a momentary distance between a motor vehicle and an obstacle is also provided.

Abstract: A method for digital data transmission from a sensor to a control unit is described, the sensor values of the sensor being divided for data transmission at different resolutions. The sensor values form a first range of values including successive sensor values. The first range of values for data transmission is divided as a function of a variable relevant for the control unit.

Abstract: A vehicular control device includes (i) situation detection units that detect situation of the vehicle, occupants, or a surrounding area; (ii) a storage unit for storing a model representing association between variables indicating the situation and variables indicating presence or absence of operation needs for each in-vehicle unit, (iii) an inference execution unit that determines presence or absence of the operation needs for each in-vehicle unit using the stored model; (iv) a control unit that controls each in-vehicle unit based on a result of determination by the inference execution unit; (v) an operation detection unit that detects the operation of each in-vehicle unit; and (vi) a model learning unit that learns the stored model using the detected situation when the operation of each in-vehicle unit is detected by the operation detection unit, and an event involving the presence of operation needs for the in-vehicle unit.

Abstract: A load warning system for use with a vehicle having a load-support portion, a frame, and a vehicle-support portion movably coupled to the frame. The system has an engagement portion mountable to the vehicle-support portion or the frame and is movable therewith as a unit. A load indicator is mountable to the other one of the vehicle-support portion or the frame, and is spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position. The load indicator moves to a second position and engages the engagement portion when the frame moves a selected distance in response to the load applied to the load-support portion. The load indicator provides a signal upon being moved to the second position. A warning indicator is coupled to the load indicator and provides an improper load warning to a user in response to the signal from the load indicator. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract.

Abstract: The invention relates to a display device for motor vehicles and a method for control of a display device for motor vehicles, particularly motor vehicles which require an additive in addition to the fuel for operation thereof, which is used up as a function of the fuel used and further driving parameters. By means of the inventive display device, the range of the additive reservoir is displayed with relation to the range of a full fuel tank.

Abstract: A vehicular light control system for controlling the illumination of a vehicle's external directional/turn signaling and/or hazard warning lights, by controlling continuous illumination of pairs of the brightest signal filaments of either dual or single filament bulb designed vehicles, where such bulbs were previously flash only and underutilized. The system operates to control the brightest filaments when the operator wishes to draw attention to the vehicle for safety, or for visibility and utility purposes, without the same system negatively affecting normal operation of existing turn signal/hazard warning systems.

Abstract: A process device for coupling to an industrial process for use in monitoring or controlling the process includes a device housing configured to physically couple to the industrial process. A coil of wire is mounted to the housing and a magnet is configured to move through the coil of wire. The relative movement of the magnet is responsive to vibrations in the industrial process. Such relative movement induces an electrical current in the coil of wire. Electrical circuitry in the housing includes an input to receive the electrical current from the coil of wire.

Abstract: States of security and risk are accurately recognized and an appropriate measure can be taken. Therefore, in a security monitoring device connected to a security device for securing security of an asset and monitoring the security, information from the security device is monitored and collected in real time on the basis of a set monitoring condition. On the basis of the monitored and collected information, a security risk change is analyzed and estimated, and the analyzed and estimated results are displayed, etc., and outputted.

Abstract: The system includes an intercepting booth (1) and at least two detecting units (2) and (3), of which the first one analyzes the variation over time of the weight of people or things penetrated into the booth, the second one analyzes the variation over time of the capacity of the electrical capacitor consisting of two metal armours (4) and (5) between which the controlled passage into the booth (1) is comprised. It further includes an electronic programmed processing unit (8) the inputs (9) of which are connected to at least the two detecting units (2) and (3) and the outputs (10) of which are connected to at least one alarm unit (11) and the elements for locking at least the door (13), of the booth (1) that separates the controlled passage (6) from the protected area (14).

Abstract: A real-time system and method that monitors and maintains greatly enhanced safety and security for travelers and corporations by creating a multi layered and integrated system of multi faceted intelligence collection and dissemination, global electronic monitoring, locating and tracking technology, telecommunications, multi channel electronic distribution of relevance-parameterized advice and information to travelers with full acknowledgements and audit trail of critical alert messages both pushed to the traveler or traveler-requested, individual and corporate global security services, emergency response, search and rescue operations initiated either/both by monitor processes or by the traveler and a wide range of travel safety and security related ancillary services, all coordinated under the management of a central international command and control center with regional sub control centers throughout the world.

Abstract: A streetlamp according to the present invention will be turned on under two conditions: (1) when there is insufficient lighting determined by a light sensing system; and (2) when a motion detection system has sensed some disturbance within its coverage range or when a radio reception system has received a radio-frequency signal from a neighboring streetlamp. An illuminating streetlamp will automatically turn itself off after a period of time and if any one of the two conditions is not satisfied.

Abstract: A mobile communications network is provisioned to provide surveillance services. A subscriber database is adapted to include surveillance service information. For example, the subscriber database is adapted to include an IP address of a surveillance sensor such as a camera or microphone associated with a subscriber and located at a place to be monitored. A mobile switching center is adapted to determine a surveillance session start time, receive the surveillance sensor IP address from the subscriber database and connect to the surveillance sensor associated with the IP address. The MSC is also adapted to receive surveillance information from the surveillance sensor and transmit the surveillance information to a mobile communications device of the subscriber. The mobile communications device presents the surveillance information to the user. For example, images are displayed and/or audio signals are produced. The subscriber database can be provisioned by the subscriber through a web portal.

Abstract: A GPS device comprising: a first circuit arranged to receive at least one first signal and arranged to output first timing information dependent on the first signal; a second circuit arranged to receive at least one second signal and arranged to output second timing information dependent of the second signal; and a third circuit arranged to determine timing information of the device. The third circuit is arranged to receive at least one of the first and second timing information, and further arranged to produce third timing information dependent on at least one of the first and second signals. The third circuit further is arranged to produce a location estimate dependent on the first and third timing information. The third timing information is initially synchronized to the first timing information and maintained substantially synchronized to the at least one first signal using the second timing information.

Abstract: A shipping container that facilitates communications between wireless communication devices within the shipping container and an external network includes a keyhole communication device that is adapted for wireless communications with the external network and that includes first and second housing components. The first and second housing components together form an integrated housing structure that extends through a small opening in a wall of the shipping container, with the first housing component being disposed exterior to the shipping container and the second housing component being disposed interior to the shipping container. A first antenna is disposed within the first housing component for communications via a first communications protocol, such as a Bluetooth protocol. A second antenna also may be disposed within the first housing component for communications via a second communications protocol, such as a cellular communications protocol.

Abstract: A health care monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes forming a wireless mesh network; a wearable appliance having a sound transducer coupled to the wireless transceiver; and a bioelectric impedance (BI) sensor coupled to the wireless mesh network to communicate BI data over the wireless mesh network to detect a heart attack or a stroke attack.

Abstract: A multi-mode asset tracking and monitoring system and method is provided that enables comprehensive reporting of asset position, status, and alerts. In one embodiment, the multi-mode system and method is based on the addition of a local network monitoring system to a wide area satellite network monitoring system. In this example, the local network monitoring system would add container presence and status monitoring in crowded environments (e.g., within a port facility, on-board a ship, etc.), while the wide area satellite network monitoring system would provide tracking and monitoring coverage when the container is in dispersed environments. Both the local and wide area monitoring systems work together to provide end-to-end container tracking and monitoring to thereby ensure continuous container tracking and monitoring from container loading to container unloading.

Abstract: A personal alarm system characterized by a central control or base unit wirelessly connected to one or more remote personal alarm units. The central control unit stores one or more alarms and is configured to transmit alarm notifications to one or more of the remote personal alarm units. Each remote personal alarm unit is in a convenient form for individual use.

Abstract: Visual and audio communication interface for a perishable integrity indicator system which includes a RFID transponder and perishable integrity sensor. A perishable integrity indicator system includes a RFID transponder and a perishable integrity sensor. The RFID transponder includes a RF integrated circuit coupled with an antenna. The sensor monitors the time and temperature of the perishable. A freshness determining module receives time- and temperature-dependent measurement data from the perishable integrity sensor and determines a current freshness status. A communications interface to the RFID transponder permits a RFID reader to retrieve current freshness status data corresponding to the freshness status determined by the freshness determining module. The system further includes a power management module.

Abstract: A process measuring device including: A first processor, which performs a measured value processing with a first algorithm in first processing cycles; and a second processor, which is responsible for coordination and/or communication tasks. The second processor reads, in time intervals which are greater than the first processing cycle, a control data set from the first processor, and executes the first algorithm on the basis of the control data set, in order to verify the correct functioning of the first processor.

Abstract: System for controlling the operation of a lamp in multiple operational modes.

Abstract: A sensing device for detecting an approaching object is composed of a sensor section that includes a detection electrode supplied with a detection source signal having a prescribed frequency and another detection electrode disposed in close vicinity to the detection electrode, a communication signal amplifier that amplifies the communication signal and outputs the amplified communication signal as an amplifier output signal, an integrator that integrates the amplifier output signal and outputs a judging signal for judging whether or not an object approaches the sensor section, and a detection sub-signal switch that is disposed between an output side of the communication signal amplifier and an input side of the integrator. A communication signal is obtained from the detection source signal that is transmitted to the other detection electrode from the detection electrode and attenuated thereat when an object approaches the sensor section.

Abstract: A wireless synchronization system. The system includes a plurality of nodes. Each node includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, one or more strobe lights and a controller in signal communication with the RF transceiver and the one or more strobe lights. The controller controls operation of the one or more strobe lights based on a synchronization message wirelessly received by the RF transceiver and generates and transmits via the RF transceiver a follow-on synchronization message based on the received synchronization message.

Abstract: A goods genuineness/counterfeit discrimination method using a plurality of IC tags each having functions of storing genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information and transmitting the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information and a genuineness/counterfeit discrimination equipment for receiving the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information from the IC tags to use it for genuineness/counterfeit discrimination, the method including: reading, by means of the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination equipment, information stored in one or more IC tags mounted on goods on which a first predetermined number of IC tags are mounted; and discriminating genuineness/counterfeit of the goods by determining, by means of the genuineness/counterfeit discrimination equipment, whether or not partial information is identical to each other among genuineness/counterfeit discrimination information read from IC tags equal to or more than a second predetermined number of IC tags mounted on the goods, the second p

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the status of various types of fixtures and products sold in commercial, e.g., retail environments. The system is arranged to automatically detect and notify store personnel of undesirable conditions, specifically: out of stock, low-stock, and rapid product dispensing or removal. The system consists of an FMS Intelligent Controller (FMS-IC) which is a microprocessor based input/output device mounted on the monitored display device or fixture, and sensors that are connected to inputs used to trigger the FMS-IC when a sensor senses the presence of an item of merchandise to be monitored. The FMS is battery powered and is used with various embodiments of fixtures that may be mounted to shelves within the retail environment.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding system for assisting the passage of an entity (10) through successive zones (Zn to z1) to a destination (40) are provided. The method includes the steps of: associating an identifier with the entity; creating a plurality of required incidents for the entity, each required incident having a place reference and a time reference associated with it, the required incidents including a final incident for which the place reference is the destination and the time reference is a predetermined time; at intervals, detecting the presence of the entity in one of said zones and the time of said presence, thereby generating a match; registering correspondences between the matches thus-generated and said required incidents; and generating an alert for the entity when the time reference for a required incident is reached and that incident does not have a corresponding match. The method operates on a pull system whereby earlier events are driven by the requirements of future events.

Abstract: A MOS RF surveillance and/or identification tag, and methods for its manufacture and use. The tag generally includes an interposer, an antenna and/or inductor on the interposer, and integrated circuitry on the interposer in a location other than the antenna and/or inductor. The integrated circuitry generally has a lowest layer in physical contact with the interposer surface. The method of manufacture generally includes forming a lowest layer of integrated circuitry on an interposer, forming successive layers of the integrated circuitry on the lowest layer of integrated circuitry, and attaching an electrically conductive functional layer to the interposer. Alternatively, an electrically conductive structure may be formed from a functional layer attached to the interposer.

Abstract: An integrity checking system includes a tag programming device that generates a plurality of identifiers. Each identifier is associated with either a storage item or an item to be stored by the storage item. The programming device stores each of the identifiers in a plurality of readable tags, each readable tag being adapted to be attached to a corresponding item. A tag reading device reads the identifiers stored in the readable tags and, using only information from the read tags, provides information indicating whether any item supposed to be stored on the storage item is missing from the storage item. Also, methods for storing and reading the identifiers are disclosed along with storing additional information about the items in the tags, such as physical information like weight and/or volume of the items, and then using this information to determine whether any items have been altered.

Abstract: The apparatus and methods disclosed herein implement a convenient and efficient standards based healthcare management system. The various preferred embodiments of the present invention enable the healthcare industry to deliver efficient, low cost and higher quality services through value added RFID technology and information processing solutions. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention enable the tracking of medical assets, processing of portable electronic patient health information, and provides a robust web-enabled interface for monitoring and managing interoperable healthcare information. The three main components of the present invention are the Asset Management component, the Personal Health Manager component, and the Clinical Information Management component. These components, taken together, offer a standards-based modular, platform for delivering efficient and effective healthcare management solutions.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and system for storing, retrieving, and managing data for tags that are associated in some manner to any type of object. More particularly, the present invention writes data to these tags, reads data from these tags, and manages data that is written to and/or read from these tags. In addition, the invention accesses and/or stores data associated with tags from or into repositories, constructs and maintains data structures from these repositories and responds to queries using the data structures.