Abstract: An apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag comprises an antenna for communicating with a RFID circuit element by wireless communication, a signal processing circuit and a radio frequency circuit for accessing an IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element through the antenna based on an access instruction to information in a RFID tag, a storage device for storing at least correlation information of identification information of an object which is to bear a RFID tag containing the RFID circuit element to identification of the RFID circuit element corresponding thereto in a database, a control circuit for accessing the database based on an access instruction to a storage device, a tape feeding roller drive shaft for feeding out a cover film associated with the RFID circuit element, and a print head for printing a print based on a printing instruction.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of a marking clip for marking garments which may be stacked flat on a surface. The marking clip is generally U-shaped with leg portions joined by a bight portion and is preferably molded of flexible, resilient, plastics material and bears repetitive indicia along the outer surface of the leg and bight portions. Two or more marking clips may be coupled to provide selected combinations. A label strip with respective indicia and with an RFID transponder and/or a machine-readable code can be adhesively adhered either directly to a garment across a fold or to the marking clip.

Abstract: An active radio tag including a card holder. The card holder has built therein a memory having stored therein a tag ID and a transmission unit that transmits the tag ID by radio. In addition, the card holder includes a card placement section in which a card is to be placed and a card detection switch that detects the card. Only when the placement of the card in the card placement section is detected by the card detection switch, the radio tag is activated and the tag ID is transmitted.

Abstract: A position detection system is formed by network connection of a plurality of interrogators and a server. An RFID and the interrogators communicate wirelessly, whereby a distance from each interrogator to the RFID is searched to search a position of the RFID from the distance. In order to calculate the distance from the interrogator to the RFID, a signal is oscillated with a frequency corresponding to amplitude of a signal received in the RFID from the interrogator. A frequency of a signal oscillated in the RFID is detected in the RFID or by the interrogator, whereby a distance from the interrogator to the RFID is detected.

Abstract: A security tag assembly and security system associated therewith prevent the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a given area, such as a retail establishment. The security tag assembly comprises a base and at least one attachment member removably connected in an operative position on the merchandise being protected. A locking assembly including a locking member is structured to restrict detachment of the attachment member and is forcibly disposed out of movement restricting relation to said connector member when the base and the attachment member are separated. A detachment assembly and a data registering processor may include a two-way communication link which facilitates processing of the merchandise data disposed on the security tag assembly, such that the purchasing of the merchandise and the removal of the security tag assembly can be effectively accomplished without jeopardizing the security of the merchandise being sold.

Abstract: A wireless system that detects the presence of a child in a safety seat located in the passenger cabin of a vehicle includes a controller responsive to signals generated by sensors monitoring predefined functions of the vehicle, RFID tag device attached to the safety seat and RFID tag reader mounted in the cabin. The system generates control signals which activate an alarm, open the doors of the vehicle and roll down windows if the child is left in the safety seat of an unattended vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of RFID systems for use with items of interest having RFID tags, such as in a library. The invention has particular applicability to determining the location, order, and other information regarding such items.

Abstract: A radio tag communication system, when a plurality of RW apparatuses are arranged in such a manner that communication areas of adjacent RW apparatuses overlap one another, makes the polarized waves of the adjacent RW apparatuses orthogonal to each other, and causes the tag to switch the polarization direction with the movement of the tag. This makes it possible to prevent signal interference even when the communication areas are expanded.

Abstract: An antenna for a radio frequency identification tag, includes a dielectric board; and a pair of conductive plates; wherein the pair of the conductive plates has a point symmetrical configuration with respect to a mounting position of a radio frequency identification tag integrated circuit. The pair of the conductive plates and the mounting position of the radio frequency identification tag integrated circuit may be arranged along a standard line on the surface of the dielectric board.

Abstract: This invention provides low profile distributed antenna which comprises a first and second elongated continuous conductors being kept parallel to each other and forming a transmission line, a plurality of perturbation radiators on the first elongated continuous conductor, wherein a substantial amount of radio frequency energy transmitted by the transmission line radiates from the plurality of perturbation radiators, therefore, the transmission line serves as a low profile distributed antenna.

Abstract: This invention provides an array antenna for a radio frequency identification (RFID) system, the array antenna comprises a transmission line with a longitudinal span proximately equaling to a height of a space desired to be covered by the array antenna, the transmission line having a terminal coupled to a RFID reader, and a plurality of radiating elements disposed on the first transmission line along the longitudinal span, additionally, reflective materials used behind the array antenna to maximize the illumination in the desired space and absorptive materials installed surrounding the desired space, in order to minimize the illumination of the undesired space surrounding the desired space.

Abstract: The invention provides a tag communication device, a tag moving direction detecting system and a tag moving direction detecting method able to detect the moving direction of a moving body attaching a RFID tag thereto by simple processing, and able to easily detect the moving direction even when its moving speed is increased. A scan antenna scans a beam of a transmitted radio wave toward a belt conveyer for conveying baggage with a RFID tag. ID is read from the RFID tag, and reading NO. and a scan angle are related and recorded to a measuring data table, and plot data are generated. These plot data are plotted in an XY coordinate system, and a plot graph is generated. Further, a linear approximate straight line is calculated from this plot graph, and a moving direction of the baggage is detected from an inclination value of the linear approximate straight line.

Abstract: An antenna array part constituting a communication antenna is composed of a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna elements are arranged on an arc. This allows radio waves to be irradiated also in the exact transverse direction of the antenna array part, thereby making available the communications with an RFID tag positioned in the exact transverse direction. By shifting the phase of a radio frequency signal supplied to each antenna element or adjusting the amplitude of the radio frequency signal, it is possible to change the direction of radio beams irradiated from the antenna array part or expand the width of the radio beams thus making available with RFID tags present in a wider area.

Abstract: An RFID tag is disclosed for application to a conductive surface. The RFID tag includes an insulating substrate and a first conductive plate provided on the insulating substrate such that the first plate and the conductive surface form a first capacitor, an antenna provided on the substrate and connected to the first capacitor to form a resonant circuit, at least when the tag is applied to the conductive surface, and an integrated circuit connected to the resonant circuit. Preferably, the RFID tag includes a second conductive plate on the substrate, the second plate and conductive surface forming a second capacitor. The two capacitors may be connected in series. A method of applying an RFID tag to a conductive surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method discloses for inserting a radio frequency identification tag into an optical disc firstly providing a set of base plates and a radio frequency identification tag. A recess is provided on the peripheries of the base plates, and adhesive is spread there between the set of base plates in order to combine the bases plates and fix the radio frequency identification tag therein the recess of the peripheries of the base plates.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining security and data gathering for a number of vehicles. The systems include a vehicle activity module for each of the vehicles. The vehicle activity module has a wireless transmitter, a storage device, at least one sensor for receiving event information from identification devices, such as RFID cards, keypads, magnetic ID cards, and the like, a releasable key container, and a processor for accessing and analyzing information. The VAMs are wirelessly connected to a computer system. The VAMs control access to the keys, monitor information relating to access, and store and transmit information relating to sales events, non-sales events, and intrusion events. The VAMs are capable of autonomous operation, without the need to access the computer system to verify event information. The VAMs further include signal attenuating mechanisms to facilitate use of “smart keys.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an electronic tag housing used to support electronic tags to an article with a shrink wrap tube. The present invention provides an electronic tag assembly, including a housing, having a base and a cover attachable to the base. The housing includes a cavity for supporting an electronic tag. A heat shrinkable tube is supported by the housing between the cover and attachable base.

Abstract: A security device for securing around a generally cylindrical article such as the neck of a bottle includes a housing which forms a lock compartment and which contains an EAS security device and a magnetically actuated lock mechanism. A ratchet strap have a series of locking teeth and is formed integrally with the housing and extends outwardly therefrom and has sufficient rigidity to assume a generally circular configuration with a curved article contact surface of the housing to facilitate attaching the device around the article. The lock mechanism includes a locking pawl which engages the strap teeth and an actuation strip which biases the pawl toward locking engagement with the strap.

Abstract: A combined testing and tracking system that includes a breath alcohol ignition interlock, a personal portable breath test monitor, and an EMHA (Electronic Monitoring Home Arrest) system. These may preferably work in concert to provide a unitary system whose efficiency and effectiveness vastly exceed the sum of its individual parts.

Abstract: A passive radiation sensor suitable for homeland security applications or other monitoring of locations deemed at high risk to radiation exposure. The sensor further incorporates a method to provide a statistically derived detection threshold algorithm that guarantees a predetermined and configurable false-alarm rate and rapid detection of low-level radiation.

Abstract: System for controlling a lamp as a function of at least one of occupancy and ambient lighting level.

Abstract: A gas sensor system includes a gas sensor capable of producing an output signal responsive to the concentration of a specific gas component in measurement gas, a gas concentration determination device that makes electrical connections to the gas sensor and determines the concentration of the specific gas component according to the output signal of the gas sensor, a failure detection device that detects a potential failure in any one of the electrical connections, a sensor temperature determination device that judges whether the gas sensor has been cooled to a predetermined temperature or lower with reference to a sensor temperature parameter and a failure identification device that, when the gas sensor has been cooled to the predetermined temperature or lower, outputs a diagnosis signal to the gas sensor, measures potentials of the electrical connections under the diagnosis signal and identifies in which of the electrical connections the potential failure is occurring based on the measured potentials.

Abstract: A signal processing system applicable to an electronic system having a storage unit, an indicator light, and a driving circuit includes a first signal processing unit, a second signal processing unit, and a signal computing unit. The indicator light will light up, if the electronic system does not access the storage unit for data. The first signal processing unit is electrically connected to the driving circuit and configured to receive a first pulse signal while the electronic system is accessing the storage unit for data, charge/discharge and transform the first pulse signal, to output a second pulse signal. The second signal processing unit receives the second pulse signal, charges/discharges and transforms the second pulse signal, to output a third pulse signal. The signal computing unit receives and computes the second and third pulse signals to generate a fourth pulse signal for driving the indicator light to perceivably glitter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply device for energizing a modular measuring system. The measuring system comprises a modular display and adjustment unit and a modular low power sensor unit. Further, the power supply device is adapted to be disposed and connected electrically between the display and adjustment unit and the low power sensor unit, enabling for the modular display and adjustment unit and the low power sensor unit to be energized simultaneously, and enabling data communication between the display and adjustment unit and the low power sensor unit. Further, the invention is related to a modular system comprising a power supply device, a display and adjustment unit and a low power sensor unit. Finally, the invention relates to a sensor unit with internal energy store for energizing a display and adjustment unit connected thereto.

Abstract: The Tech Edge Alert will protect homes from mold. In warm and humid climates, if the Air-Conditioner electrical switch is accidentally turned off or it happens to fail in an apartment or a home and the humidity reaches 60 degrees, the humidity controls and equipment that are installed, take control immediately. The Dehumidifying equipment will be put into action removing the humidity in a home or apartment and will continue to operate until the Air-Conditioner is repaired. Furthermore, The owner of the apartment will be notified by telephone. A telephone that is adjusted to dial four telephone numbers, and is connected to the this system regarding the problem that has occurred. Also, if the electrical power fails and the humidity reaches 60 degrees, the owner of the apartment will be notified by telephone and the neighbors will be notified by the Alarm that is installed above the front door of the apartment.

Abstract: A method is provided for assisting the piloting of a rotorcraft in which vertical speed variation (DVZ) of the rotorcraft is determined as a function of a horizontal speed variation (DVH) of the aircraft and as a function of data representative of the power (W) absorbed for providing the rotorcraft with lift and forward advance, the ratio between variation speed vertical (DVZ) and the horizontal speed (VH) of the rotorcraft is calculated, and a piloting assistance symbol is presented on a display in a position (?) that is a function of the ratio.

Abstract: An entrapment prevention sensor detecting an entrapment of an obstacle between an opening and closing door of a vehicle constituting a first member and including a corner portion and a periphery of a body opening portion constituting a second member, includes a protector including an assembly portion and a hollow portion, the assembly portion assembled onto a fitting flange provided at one of the first and second members, the assembly portion prevented from being provided at the corner portion, a sensor main body accommodated within the hollow portion, and a corner member provided at the corner portion and including a receiving portion and a fixed plate portion, the receiving portion having a hollow and curved shape corresponding to a shape of the corner portion and accommodating the sensor main body, the fixed plate portion including a clip bore and fixed to the fitting flange by means of a clip.

Abstract: A protection device for circuit-breakers that comprises a wireless communication system for transmitting locally, to a dedicated computerized device, information corresponding to measurements of electrical quantities, to the setting of the parameters typical of the protection functions, or to diagnostics information corresponding to the electrical system, to the circuit-breaker or to the protection device itself.

Abstract: Signalling element, which can be adapted to a light emitter, such as a lamp, the element (1) for signalling consisting of an external double laminar body (2-3) of plastic material, with a tronco-conical general shape extended by its larger base into a straight section and open via said larger base, housing two plastic layers of PVC (4) and (5) in its interior, the said external double laminar body (2-3) defining a space for housing the pair of layers (4) and (5).

Abstract: Remote monitor for remote, and easy monitoring and control of a state of a home appliance. To achieve this, the present invention provides a remote monitor for a home appliance, the remote monitor being connected to at least one home appliance with a predetermined communication system for displaying, and controlling of a state of the home appliance at a place far from the home appliance, including a case forming an outside appearance of the remote monitor, including a lower case, an upper case detachably mounted on an upper side of the lower case, the upper case having a window, and an outer case detachably mounted on an upper side of the upper case, the outer case having a display window in correspondence to the window, and a control board in the case, the control board having various electronic components mounted thereon.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for implementing an AMR-enabled solid-state utility meter based on a highly optimized processing allocation-specific integrated circuit (ASIC.) When the present invention is applied, the resulting solid-sate utility meter achieves improved cost, size, and complexity compared to prior art meters.

Abstract: A Smart Ceiling Tile and Method of Using is disclosed in various versions of the invention. One version is a system for a ceiling sign, comprising a means for suspending from or connecting to a ceiling at least one horizontal or nearly horizontal frame of suitable width, length and height, and at least one ceiling tile of suitable width, length and height, disposed on or in the frame, and the ceiling tile having means for conveying information to one of the senses. Another version is a process of using a ceiling tile, said process comprising the steps of: (a) suspending at least one horizontal or nearly horizontal frame from a ceiling; (b) disposing on or in the frame at least one ceiling tile further comprising a pre-determined configuration of means for conveying information to one of the senses; (c) allowing the means for conveying information to one of the senses to communicate with one of the senses of a user.

Abstract: An advanced warning system that will alert motorists of an approaching emergency vehicle to provide motorists with ample time to yield the right of way and clear a path for the emergency vehicle, thereby drastically reducing the emergency vehicle's response time.

Abstract: Traffic is controlled by sensing a current state of traffic and comparing it to a common state of traffic to determine deviations. A control scheme is determined based on the deviations, and control signals representative of the control scheme are generated to optimize the flow of traffic. The current state of traffic for an intersection or other advantageous monitoring location may be considered relative to a common state at the intersection or other location as well as relative to a current state of traffic at nearby locations, adjacent intersections, and locations where sensor equipped vehicles are traveling. Sensing occurs over time so the control scheme may be optimized based on consideration of historical data.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for finding a parked vehicle again. According to the invention, a portable unit is provided with a pressure sensor whose signals can be evaluated by an evaluation and control unit in order to determine the current air pressure, with the evaluation and control unit evaluating the determined air pressure in order to determine altitude, and storing a first air pressure value as a reference value at a predeterminable first time, which reference value represents an instantaneous altitude of a geographic position of the parked vehicle, with the evaluation and control unit estimating a height difference between a current geographic position of the portable unit and the geographic position of the parked vehicle at a second time, and/or continuously from a pressure difference between the determined current air pressure value and the reference value.

Abstract: A parking assist apparatus outputs display of a synthesized image of the periphery of a vehicle as a bird's-eye view image, and superimposes, on the synthesized image, turning guide lines based on the current steering angle of the vehicle and straight driving guide lines, along which the vehicle drives in a straight line after turning in accordance with the turning guide lines.

Abstract: A processor 180 of a navigation device 100 acquires current position information about a current position of a vehicle. The processor 180 then generates current traffic-jam information about a current traffic-jam condition based on VICS data from a VICS receiver 120 or the like. The processor 180 recognizes a direction indicating a point at which a traffic jam is currently occurring relative to the current position based on current position information and current traffic-jam information. The processor 180 displays the recognized direction with a traffic-jam direction icon on a terminal display section 140.

Abstract: A system and method for a vehicle adjusts the volume of an audible indication. An operational state of the vehicle is determined. The audible volume at which the audible indication is provided to the operator is varied based at least in part on said determined operational state of the vehicle.

Abstract: An augmented reality system identifies and controls a vehicle located within an environment. A tracking system obtains viewpoint information corresponding to a real-time view of the environment. A processing system receives information from one or more sensors. Information includes sensor location information and status information about the vehicle. Processing system generates graphics using said sensor location information and said viewpoint information. Graphics include visual representations of said status information and controls. A display displays the generated graphics such that the graphics are superimposed on the real-time view. The graphics appear attached to the vehicle. An interaction device activates a displayed control.

Abstract: Provided is a single repository for capturing, connecting, sharing, and visualizing information based on a geographic location, for example. Detailed information can be dynamically rendered as a function of a user parameter, which can include a user demographic, a user profile, and a user preference information. Map information and advertisements displayed in conjunction with the map information can be dynamically rendered as a function of a user advertising preference. If a user prefers one product over another product, a first advertisement for the less preferred product can be replaced with a second advertisement for the preferred product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that can display traffic flow data in a vehicle. Current traffic flow data for a transportation link is obtained. The current traffic flow includes at least a current speed of the traffic traveling on the transportation link. Historical traffic flow data for the transportation link is also obtained. An indicium representative of traffic flow is selected based on the current traffic flow data and the historical traffic flow data. The indicium is then displayed to the vehicle's driver, along with an image representative of the traffic link.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting a keyboard key based on a position of a presence of a conductive object on a sensing device and a pre-defined area of the keyboard key. The apparatus may include a sensing device and a processing device. The sensing device may include a plurality of sensor elements to detect a presence of a conductive object on the sensing device. Multiple keyboard keys are assigned to pre-defined areas of the sensing device. The processing device is coupled to the sensing device using capacitance sensing pins, and may be operable to determine a position of the presence of the conductive object, and to select a keyboard key based on the position of the conductive object and the pre-defined areas of the sensing device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for selecting which of a plurality of simultaneously activated keys in a keyboard based on capacitive sensors is a key intended for selection by a user. In embodiments of the invention keys are preferentially selected as the user intended key based on their positions within the keyboard. Thus a key which is frequently wrongly activated when a user selects another key, e.g. because the key is adjacent the intended key and the user normally passes his finger over it while approaching the desired key, can be suppressed relative to the desired key based on their relative positions. For example, keys may be associated with predefined rankings according to their position within the keyboard and in use keys are preferentially select according to their rankings. Alternatively, signals from the keys may be scaled by weighting factors associated with their positions and a key selected according to the weighted signals.

Abstract: A key arrangement (24) for a portable electronic device (20) comprising a substantially planar body and an input key (25) wherein the input key is attachable to the body and is operable for relative movement along the confronting surfaces of the body and the input key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for performing sampling rate conversion of an audio signal from a first sampling rate to any of a plurality of higher sampling rates using a single set of low-pass filter coefficients. Sampling rate conversion is accomplished by effectively up-sampling, low-pass filtering, and down-sampling the audio signal to generate interpolated output samples of a second digital audio signal at any of a plurality of sampling rates. The sampling rate conversion process includes storing a fixed set of filter coefficients as a plurality of phased subsets of filter coefficients, applying samples of the audio signal to the phased subsets in a rotational manner to generate filtered samples of the audio signal, and selecting and linear interpolating between certain filtered samples to generate samples of the second digital audio signal.

Abstract: A method and device for XML compression with easy querying are provided. An XML file is parsed with a SAX-parser, useless characters such as tabulators and white spaces are removed, indicating data marks are inserted, LZ-77 compression is applied, and finally the data are Huffman-encoded and packed in data blocks. The indicating marks are used to search in the compresed file for tags or literals in the document, based e.g. on alphabetical order. The indicating marks consist of a special character such as a tab and an XML comment; hence they are XML-compatible. The organization of the compressed file in independent data blocks facilitates rapid querying and partial decompression of the compressed file.

Abstract: A method and a device for generating codes in the transmission of data via a communications system having at least two subscribers, in which a first subscriber receives at least one data word and forwards the data word or an at least partially changed data word to at least one second subscriber, the data being represented as bits which are able to assume two different values, and at least two bits of a data word are coded in at least three bits in such a way that in the three coded bits always at least two bits of the same value follow each other and that, after the reception of one or two of the three coded bits, one may already be able to decide which first code bit is to be emitted.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a high precision D/A converter circuit capable of being driven with low voltage and restricting an area taken thereby when it is formed as an IC.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring an analog signal. The method of the invention comprising the steps of acquiring a first portion of the analog signal by a first channel, the first portion of the analog signal spanning a first bandwidth range, and acquiring a second portion of the analog signal by a second channel, the second portion of the analog signal spanning a second bandwidth range adjacent the first bandwidth range. At least one spur in the signal acquired by the first channel corresponding to a portion of the analog signal that should have properly been acquired by the second channel is offset with an opposite spur in the second channel.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a light-transmittable upper substrate, a light-transmittable upper resistor layer on a lower surface of the upper substrate, a light-transmittable lower substrate, a light-transmittable lower resistor layer on an upper surface of the lower substrate, an adhesive layer on an upper surface of the upper substrate, and a light-transmittable plate on the adhesive layer. The upper substrate is made of material having oxygen and nitrogen removed therefrom. The lower resistor layer faces the upper resistor layer by a distance. The light-transmittable plate disables oxygen and nitrogen to pass through the plate substantively. Even being used in high temperatures, this touch panel does not produce an air bubble in the adhesive layer, hence allowing a user to clearly view a display device through the touch panel.