Abstract: A method for determining the position or orientation of a transponder by inductive coupling in a radio system, wherein the radio system includes a transceiver having antenna means, comprising a step of generating a magnetic alternating field by means of the transceiver and the antenna means and a step of determining an association signal representing a measure of inductive coupling between the antenna means of the transceiver and the transponder, wherein a distance or orientation of the transponder to the antenna means may be associated to the inductive coupling.

Abstract: A vehicle tag includes a housing and a tag connector supported by the housing for connecting to a diagnostic jack of a vehicle on-board diagnostic (OBD) system. A tag transmitter is carried by the housing and operative with the tag connector for receiving telemetry data from the OBD system and transmitting the telemetry data in an RF pulse.

Abstract: A system for locating an individual in a facility, the system comprising a portable wireless transponder device borne by the individual; an interrogator; and a plurality of antennas distributed in the facility, the antennas being selectively separately connected to the interrogator, the interrogator when connected to any of the antennas having a communications range covering less than the area of the entire facility, the interrogator being configured to repeatedly transmit a wireless command to the portable wireless transponder device using alternating antennas, the portable wireless transponder device being configured to transmit data identifying the portable wireless transponder device in response to a command if the portable wireless transponder device is within communications range of the antenna sending the command, the individual being locatable by determining with which antenna the interrogator was able to establish communications with the portable wireless transponder device.

Abstract: A system for locating an individual in a facility, the system comprising a portable wireless transponder device borne by the individual; an interrogator; and a plurality of antennas distributed in the facility, the antennas being selectively separately connected to the interrogator, the interrogator when connected to any of the antennas having a communications range covering less than the area of the entire facility, the interrogator being configured to repeatedly transmit a wireless command to the portable wireless transponder device using alternating antennas, the portable wireless transponder device being configured to transmit data identifying the portable wireless transponder device in response to a command if the portable wireless transponder device is within communications range of the antenna sending the command, the individual being locatable by determining with which antenna the interrogator was able to establish communications with the portable wireless transponder device.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the 2-way communication range of an RFID system to assist a human operator to individually handle and interrogate a plurality of tagged objects, such as suitcases, that each include an RFID tag transceiver. An RFID interrogator transceiver is mounted on the human operator. The 2-way communication range between the interrogator transceiver and the tag transceivers is adjusted to only slightly exceed the closest distance between the interrogator and the tag while the operator is handling the tagged object. Preferably, the 2-way communication range is short enough that other tagged objects will remain outside the communication range and will not respond to messages from the interrogator. Another aspect of the invention is a method of verifying whether an object to be transported has reached its intended destination.

Abstract: A position detecting system includes an RFID terminal configured to transmit an identification information signal by radio; a plurality of receiving devices configured to receive the identification information signal; and a position detecting server configured to receive a reception notification of the identification information signal from each of the receiving device and configured to estimate a position of the RFID terminal. The RFID terminal includes a part configured to perform radio transmission of a plurality of identification information signals having different radio strengths. The position detecting server includes a part configured to integrate the reception notifications of the identification information signals having different radio strengths and configured to estimate the position of the RFID terminal.

Abstract: An RFID tag is disclosed comprising at least one antenna and a detuning loop including an open circuit electromagnetically coupled to the antenna. The RFID tag also comprises means for closing the open circuit. The tag is arranged such that when the circuit is closed the loop detunes the tag sufficiently to prevent it from being read. A method of detuning an RFID tag is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustic-magneto (AM) anti-theft marker is formed with the bias piece made from a soft magnetic material, instead of a “semi-hard” magnetic material that has been used in conventional anti-theft AM security markers. The method of manufacturing such soft magnetic bias pieces includes cold deforming a soft magnetic material with at least an eighty percent reduction rate, while keeping its DC coercivity below 12.5 Oe. The strip or wire of soft magnetic material is then cut to size as required for the bias piece. The anti-theft AM security marker has the soft magnetic bias piece placed inside or outside of the resonating cavity of the housing for the security tag with the resonator pieces inside the resonating cavity with a cover film placed over the housing. The soft magnetic bias piece or pieces effectively operate close to resonator piece or pieces with or without a non-magnetic separating film.

Abstract: A data storing apparatus that wirelessly transmits data, wherein the apparatus is deformable so as to block wireless transmission of data when the apparatus is in the deformed state.

Abstract: A support (1) has at a least one accommodation position (3) for removably accommodating an article (2) marked with a transponder (12) comprising a transponder chip (13) and an antenna (14) electrically connected to the chip. Each accommodation position comprises an inductive coupling unit (5) with a primary antenna (6) and a secondary antenna (7) connected in series and wherein the secondary antenna (7) is configured such that, when the accommodation position is accommodated with an article, the secondary antenna (7) is inductively coupled with the antenna (14) of the transponder.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to a novel wireless tracking apparatus, and systems methods for using the apparatus for tracking moving objects tagged with wireless tags. In particular, the wireless tags are preferably RFID tags and the apparatus comprises at least two RFID readers, each reader comprising an antenna and a transceiver, wherein the antenna are oriented at an angle to each other so that the signal transmissions of adjoining readers do not overlap.

Abstract: A radio frequency communication device and method are disclosed. Each antenna segment is associated with the antenna in either series or parallel relation through at least one of a fuse and an antifuse. In testing and tuning, a comparison is made to indicate whether the antenna is too short or too long. If the antenna is too short, an antenna segment may be attached to the antenna by initiating an antifuse. If the antenna is too long, an antenna segment may be detached from the antenna by blowing a fuse. If it is indeterminate whether the antenna is too short or too long, an antenna segment may be either attached or detached, the test repeated, and the results of the repeated test compared with the prior test to determine whether the correct action was taken.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic communication devices, methods of forming electrical communication devices, and communications methods. An electronic communication device adapted to receive electronic signals includes: a housing comprising a substrate and an encapsulant; an integrated circuit provided within the housing and comprising transponder circuitry operable to communicate an identification signal responsive to receiving a polling signal; an antenna provided within the housing and being coupled with the transponder circuitry; and a ground plane provided within the housing and being spaced from the antenna and configured to shield some of the electronic signals from the antenna and reflect others of the electronic signals towards the antenna.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Abstract: A radio data communication apparatus includes a circuit unit and at least one antenna unit. The circuit unit performs data read and write operations relative to an IC tag. Each antenna unit has an antenna and conducts a predetermined signal modulation to a first signal to be transmitted through the antenna by radio to a specific IC tag in the data write operation. Also, each antenna unit conducts a predetermined signal demodulation to a second signal received through the antenna from the specific IC tag in accordance with the data read operation. The antenna unit is arranged at a position separated from the circuit unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assuring clean hands are disclosed. The method includes marking a hand of a user with a portable marking mechanism which contains an easily identifiable substance that can be washed off a person's hands only with effective hand washing.

Abstract: A real-time tracing, transmitting and analyzing system for flight animals is disclosed. The real-time tracing, transmitting and analyzing system has a tracing and transmitting device with a weight between 1 and 10 grams. The tracing and transmitting device is fastened on any part of a flight animal's body (the flight animal's concave ring portion between its body and tail is most suitable), for capturing real-time flight information (such as location, height, flight velocity, and the physical and mental states of the flight animal) of the flight animal by using GPS. Moreover, the real-time flight information is transmitted via a base station to a flight information-analyzing device for immediately displaying the real-time flight information regarding each flight animal for reference via the flight information-analyzing device. Thereby, in a pigeon race, for example, breeders can obtain any real-time flight information that they desire regarding each flight animal.

Abstract: The driving skill evaluating apparatus is an apparatus that evaluates the driving skill of a driver who drives a vehicle. The evaluating apparatus includes: driver load measurement means for measuring the degree of physical load on the driver in a driving operation activity of the vehicle; driving operation quantity measurement means for measuring the quantity of driving operation performed by the driver for the vehicle in the driving operation activity; and evaluation means for evaluating the driving skill of the driver by using the degree of the physical load on the driver and the quantity of driving operation.

Abstract: An infrared detector comprising a plurality of bolometer detectors, bias circuitry for applying a bias to the bolometer detectors, and connectors for connecting the bolometer detectors together to form a network, wherein the bolometer detectors are arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure. A method for increasing the sensitivity of an infrared detector, having a plurality of bolometer detectors arranged in an environment at substantially atmospheric pressure so as to at least partly compensate for a reduction in the sensitivity of the infrared detector due to conduction of thermal energy from the bolometer detectors through the environment, the method comprising at least one of the steps of connecting the bolometer detectors together in at least one of series and parallel, and operating the bolometer detectors at a DC bias current.

Abstract: An electronic assembly may be contained in a label that performs time-temperature integration (TTI) and indicates that time and/or temperature levels have been reached that may compromise the quality, shelf life, or safety of the item to which the label is affixed. The label may be used on a wide variety of objects that require careful handling in terms of temperature and/or time elapsed before use. The labeling system includes circuitry that measures and calculates, and indictor(s) that signal that the time has come for discounted sale, and, later, that the time has come for disposal rather than sale. Optionally, the circuitry may act as an “over-temperature alarm” system, to measure, calculate, and indicate when a one-time temperature violation has occurred that is of such a magnitude that the item is immediately considered compromised or spoiled. The label may take the form of a flexible, disposable label that is typically powered by a small battery.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide detector and method for installing a carbon monoxide detector. The carbon monoxide detector is capable of being hardwired into an installed wall electrical outlet box without reduction of the number of available electrical receptacles.

Abstract: An externally powered temperature calibration device includes a system that provides a warning of high temperatures within the device after the device has been disconnected from the external power. The warning system includes a capacitor that provides power to a light-emitting diode (“LED”) after the calibration device has been disconnected from the external power. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of an internal component. An output signal from the sensor is used to control a switch that connects the capacitor to one of several resistors having different resistances. The switch therefore controls the discharge rate of the capacitor based on the sensed temperature at the time the calibration device was disconnected from the external power. As a result, the period during which the capacitor powers the LED can be commensurate with the time required for the internal component to cool from its initial temperature.

Abstract: A relay apparatus for relaying communication between a water heater main body and a radio remote control unit, comprising: a switch section for setting an address of the radio remote control unit; a control section for establishing communication with the water heater main body and commanding and controlling to read out maintenance information stored in the water heater main body assuming that input information at the switch section is a request from the radio remote control unit having an address which was set by operation of the switch section; and a display section for displaying the maintenance information received from the water heater main body.

Abstract: A rotary machine includes at least one rotating member and at least one stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the at least one rotating member and a portion of the at least one stationary member. The clearance gap has a measurable radial dimension and a measurable magnetic flux is generated in the clearance gap at least partially by relative movement between the stationary member and the rotating member. A method of monitoring a clearance gap measurement system for the rotary machine includes providing at least one clearance gap measurement assembly. The measurement assembly has at least one dimension measurement apparatus and at least one magnetic flux measurement apparatus. The method also includes positioning the at least one measurement assembly on the stationary member to facilitate measurements of the clearance gap during operation of the rotary machine.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source provides improved sensory feedback to a user of the load control device. The load control device comprises a touch screen actuator having a touch sensitive front surface responsive to a plurality of point actuations, each characterized by a position and a force. The touch screen actuator has an output operatively coupled to a controller for providing a control signal representative of the position of the point actuation. The load control device further comprises a visual display and an audible sound generator, both responsive to the controller. The controller is operable to cause the visual display to illuminate and the audible sound generator to generate an audible sound in response to the control signal of the touch screen actuator.

Abstract: The invention discloses a portable device that allows users to deal with objects that require intervention to operate. The portable device can detect and identify the object and execute an action desired by the user on the object. A compatible system in the object allows the object to interactively communicate with the portable device. The invention can be easily integrated with public areas, schools, traffic lights, public transportation, elevators, security doors and the like.

Abstract: A communication medium with fewer limitations on the directivity or available communication range, such as an IP network, is used to perform a remote control operation. Since two-way communication can be carried out between a remote controller and a device to be operated, it is possible to provide more reliable communication by means of a delivery confirmation, to handle a GUI-based complex command scheme, and to provide large-volume data transmission, such as moving-image streaming, using relatively broad bands. A television receiver to be operated by the remote controller distributes moving-image data, such as a child view, to an IP remote controller through an IP network so that the data can be viewed on the IP remote controller.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between a signal generator and a signal receiver, for providing controlled access to information and/or communication channels, whereby the signal generator and the signal receiver are set to wirelessly transmit and receive a plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals, respectively, and the signal receiver is set to selectively provide access to information and/or communication channels on receiving the plurality of simultaneously transmitted signals from the signal generator, the signal generator comprising means for limiting a transmission of a predetermined signal to at least one of a prescribed duration and a prescribed number of activations for access to the information and/or communication channels.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interacting with automobile race and advertising content include providing race viewers with data related to races occurring in real-time. The data provided can include audio communications between drivers and their teams, statistics related to the race, and historical data related to drivers participating in the race. Race viewers can use a remote control with the form factor and functionality of a standard remote control to receive such data and otherwise interact with the automobile race and advertising content. Race viewers also can utilize the remote control to interact with automobile race content and advertising content broadcast during the race by answering questions related to the content. Race viewers can earn rewards by paying close attention to the broadcasts and advertisements and answering questions correctly. Thus, both the viewing experience of automobile race viewers and the value of advertising shown during such broadcasts can be enhanced.

Abstract: A system for locating an individual in a facility, the system comprising a portable wireless transponder device borne by the individual; an interrogator; and a plurality of antennas distributed in the facility, the antennas being selectively separately connected to the interrogator, the interrogator when connected to any of the antennas having a communications range covering less than the area of the entire facility, the interrogator being configured to repeatedly transmit a wireless command to the portable wireless transponder device using alternating antennas, the portable wireless transponder device being configured to transmit data identifying the portable wireless transponder device in response to a command if the portable wireless transponder device is within communications range of the antenna sending the command, the individual being locatable by determining with which antenna the interrogator was able to establish communications with the portable wireless transponder device.

Abstract: A universal decoding device and associated method is provided. The universal decoding device includes a counter unit for counting signal cycles and a logic unit for identifying coded data or commands according to counted signal cycles. The logic unit includes a register, an boundary logic unit, a key identification unit, a code bank, a multiplexer, and a FIFO memory. The universal decoding device is capable of operating in a full decoding mode, a raw data decoding mode, and a software decoding mode. In the full decoding mode, the FIFO stores remote control commands corresponding to the counted signal cycles through the multiplexer. In the raw data decoding mode, the FIFO stores raw data corresponding to the counted signal cycles through the multiplexer. In the software decoding mode, the FIFO stores the counted signal cycles provided by the counter unit through the multiplexer.

Abstract: Wireless remote control may omit batteries. A carrier wave from an external carrier wave source may be modulated and backscattered with information identifying a user selection. The backscattered modulated carrier wave response may be received and interpreted for controlling one or more electronic devices.

Abstract: A domotic system (1B) for the centralized drive, control and management of domestic appliances, devices, apparatuses, installations (4.1 . . . 4.n) existing in a dwelling-house, consisting of a logic unit (2) of remote drive, control and management and a plurality of the apparatuses, devices and installations (4.1 . . . 4.n), characterized in that the apparatuses, devices and installations (4.1 . . . 4.n) are provided each with wireless communication elements (20) by which they are remote driven, controlled and managed by the remote logic unit (2) which is also provided with its own central wireless communication elements (23).

Abstract: A remote controller includes a microphone, a data transmitter which transmits data corresponding to a button, and a voice transmitter which transmits voice input acquired from the microphone. The voice transmitter transmits voice based on the press of a predetermined button, and the data transmitter transmits data. An electronic device includes a voice receiver, data receiver, and processor. The processor acquires data from the data receiver. The processor determines based on data whether the voice receiver has received voice, and acquires the voice.

Abstract: Source of input of an instruction to a remote controller is switched between manipulation on hand and external manipulation. A remote controller includes an instruction input portion accepting input of an instruction for controlling equipment, a supply accepting portion accepting supply of power from a cradle, a charging portion, a power storage portion, a control portion controlling an operation of the remote controller, a storage portion, an infrared light emission portion, and a display portion. The control portion includes a placement detection portion detecting whether or not the remote controller is mounted on the cradle, a selection portion switching between sources of input of the instruction from the instruction input portion based on a result of detection by the placement detection portion, and a control signal generation portion generating a control signal for controlling the equipment.

Abstract: A remote controller that can infer the intention of a user and that can control a plurality of devices based on the inferred intention is provided. A remote controller includes memory, a control circuit, and a transmission portion. The memory stores in advance, in association with a situation sensed by a sensor, information of a first control signal. The control circuit generates, in association with the situation sensed by the sensor and the information stored in the memory, the first control signal. The transmission portion transmits the first control signal generated by the control circuit.

Abstract: A traffic system for alerting a driver of a vehicle to a traffic sign includes a sensor and a control unit. The sensor may be an image sensor and the control unit may comprise a graphic processing unit (GPU) to detect the optical flow of objects in the captured images so as to distinguish moving vehicles from non-moving objects. The speed of vehicles may be detected such that the system may (1) activate lights to warn a driver if he is traveling too fast or (2) display the speed to either the driver or a police officer. The system may also be implemented and used as a geographic border monitoring system.

Abstract: A portable traffic signal for controlling traffic through an intersection includes a base for surrounding and capturing a pylon. The pylon has a lower portion that is mechanically coupled to the base and an upper portion that is mechanically coupled to a signal head. A primary power source is positioned within the pylon, and provides power to operate the signal head. The portable traffic signal is large, lightweight and can be assembled at an intersection by a single person.

Abstract: This invention comprises a method and system for facilitating the usage of parking spots and providing offers to parkers. A request to identify at least one parking spot is received. At least one offer for a parker is selected. An indication of the at least one offer is provided.

Abstract: A first current is driven through a first current path from a first common node, through a key matrix, and to a second common node when a key is pressed. A first measurement of the first current path resistance is made. A second current is then driven through a second current path from the second common node, through the key matrix, and to the first common node. A second measurement of the second current path resistance is made. The first and second measurements are used to identify the key that was pressed. Each key corresponds to a unique pair of first and second measurement values. In one example, non-linear resistance circuits are disposed at the ends of the row and column conductors of the key matrix such that a row resistor in the first current path is measured independently of a column resistor in the second current path.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard is provided. The foldable keyboard includes a first module, a second module and a first pivot. The first module has a first side and a second side. The second module has a third side and a fourth side. The first pivot connects the first and second modules, whereby the first module is rotatable relative to the second module. The first side is parallel to the third side. The first side is longer than the second side. The third side is longer than the fourth side.

Abstract: Key switches SW1-SW6 short-circuit one ends of resistors R corresponding thereto and a termination of a resistor string unit STR1, in accordance with inputs made by keys KEY1-KEY6 assigned thereto, respectively. The keys KEY1-KEY6 are made active in a period when the selection command SEL is at “P1”, so that control unit 2 can identify which key is used to make an input, out of the keys KEY1-KEY6. The keys KEY7-KEY12 are made active in a period when the selection command SEL is at “P2”, so that control unit 2 can identify which key is used to make an input, out of the keys KEY7-KEY12.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.

Abstract: A spread spectrum system having a self-oscillating delay-line digital pulse width modulator and a method for mitigating electromagnetic interference. The spread spectrum system has a pseudo-random pattern generator connected to a digital-to-analog converter, which in turn is connected to a linear regulator. The linear regulator receives a reference voltage from the digital-to-analog converter and creates a frequency varying voltage that serves as an input voltage for delay elements of a delay-line based digital pulse width modulator. In response to frequency varying input signal, the delay-line based digital pulse width modulator generates a frequency varying voltage that is input to a switching network to vary its switching frequency.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for using operation codes to control a decoder to generate data from an input data stream into an output data stream. An encoder generates an input data stream for a decoder comprising at least one operation code and compressed data for an output device. The at least one operation code instructs the decoder on how to process the compressed data. The decoder receives the input data stream and processes the data in the input data stream according to the at least one operation code. The decoder decodes the compressed data into decompressed data to send to an output data stream to the output device.