Abstract: Two floating gate devices are arranged in a redundant configuration in a non-volatile memory (NVM) of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag such that stress induced leakage current (SILC) or other failures do not result in a complete loss of memory storage. The redundant NVM may be arranged as a series configuration, a parallel configuration, a single-ended device, a differential device, a simple logic circuit function, and/or a complex logic circuit function.

Abstract: A battery-powered RFID tag capable of reducing power consumption and a method of waking up the RFID tag are provided. The battery-powered RFID tag has an activated mode where a general command is detected by decoding a signal received from an RFID tag reader and the general command is executed and a standby mode where the general command is not detected. If a voltage of a continuous wave detected from the signal is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage or if a wake-up command is detected from the signal, the state of the RFID tag is changed from the standby mode to the activated mode. In addition, the RFID tag is driven by a higher one between the voltage of the continuous wave and a voltage of a built-in battery.

Abstract: Communication performance of the wireless tag is improved by providing an SRAM provided with an RF battery in the wireless tag provided with a CPU to speed up the CPU system. Moreover, rewriting of data in a memory of a wireless tag provided with a CPU is enabled. An RF battery includes an antenna circuit, a power supply portion, and a power storage device. A function as a non-volatile memory is provided to an SRAM by combining the SRAM and an RF battery.

Abstract: In a wireless tag identification and processing architecture and infrastructure, a method and system that eliminates redundant reporting and processing of the same event observed by different reader/sensors. Reader/sensors and their respective connected controllers are configured as peers when they observe or cover the same spatial region. When an event is observed within the spatial region, the first controller to receive the event data reports the electronic tag data and event data to the next higher processing domain and to its peer controllers. Then when the same electronic tag data or other event data indicating that a subsequent event is actually the same event as observed earlier is received by another peer controller, the another peer controller does not report nor process the electronic tag data and other event data to the next higher processing domain or to its peer controllers.

Abstract: Provided are a separable device for controlling a node and a sensor network node. The separable node-control device includes: a second interface connecting a power line and a data signal line with the outside; and a power supply for supplying power to the second interface and a sensor unit, wherein the power supply and the second interface are controlled by an external control device combined with the second interface and the controller are driven by power supplied from the external device. According to the separable node-control device and the sensor network node, the node-control device is separated from the sensor network node so that the function of the sensor network node can be readily changed according to need.

Abstract: The present invention is related to user managed power systems with security. The invention encompasses a method and system of managing a power system wherein a data center user determines whether there is a desire to control remote power supply socket assigned to the user's data module. The data center user is able to sign into the remote power supply through a security protocol. Then the data center user can gain control over the remote power supply socket assigned to the user's data module. Finally, this allows the data center user to remotely control the power supply socket assigned to the user's data module.

Abstract: A file comprising control information for the production of sensory effects is stored in a mobile device. When audio information is processed to produce sound, the control information is processed to produce sensory effects that are synchronized to the sound. The sensory effects may include visual effects and/or mechanical effects.

Abstract: A visual ability improvement device installed in a vehicle includes a noise generator, a surrounding situation detector, a driver status detector, a vehicle status detector, an operation switch, and a noise output device. A controller of the noise generator determines an optimum strength based on the surrounding situation from the surrounding situation detector, the driver's status from the driver status detector, the vehicle's status from the vehicle status detector, and the correspondence of the optimum representative noise to the above situation and statuses from the correspondence memory. Then the controller generates a noise with the determined the optimum representative noise strength, and outputs to the noise output device such as passenger compartment light a control signal which depends on the generated noise.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted display device comprises a display mounted to a shaft, and operable to revolve with the rotation of the shaft; a transmission mechanism for coupling an output shaft of a motor with the shaft; a control module for controlling the motor; a baffle plate located at any position that enables it to rotate in synchronism with the rotation of the display, and a detection module for detecting the baffle plate. During the rotation of the display, when the detecting module does not detect the baffle plate in a predetermined period of time, the control module causes the motor to stop running or to turn in a reverse direction. This vehicle-mounted display device not only is reliably operable and electronically controllable, but also has anti-clamping and self-protection functions and has a simple structure and low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to assist in providing security for vehicles with keyless ignition systems. The present invention involves receiving, via wireless communications, a signal to start an ignition of the vehicle. Upon receipt of the signal, a built-in cellular phone in the vehicle transmits a message to a server to provide a security key to the vehicle and the security key and a message to all mobile phones registered to a driver of the vehicle. The message indicates that an attempt has been made to start the vehicle. Upon receipt of the security key, the driver of the vehicle may input the security key into a key pad of the vehicle. If the security key received by the vehicle from the server matches the security key inputted by the driver of the vehicle, then the keyless ignition system may start the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an obstacle detection apparatus to detect more accurately a moving obstacle present around a motor vehicle. With this system, desired feature quantities of an obstacle present in a coverage of a first sensor are calculated and then stored into a storage device, and when the obstacle moves from the coverage of the first sensor to a coverage of a second sensor, a relative distance to the obstacle is calculated from the above-stored feature quantities of the obstacle and from the desired feature quantities of the obstacle, obtained by analyzing the recognition results of the second sensor that have been processed by a processor which processes the recognition results.

Abstract: A pedestrian collision detection apparatus includes a bumper sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a controller. The controller calculates an effective mass based on outputs from the bumper sensor and the speed sensor. The controller calculates a velocity change based on an output from the acceleration sensor. Further, the controller includes a two-dimensional map, which contains an effective mass and a velocity change and defines a pedestrian area for collision with a pedestrian. The controller determines a collision with a pedestrian when the pedestrian area contains a point determined by the calculated maximum effective mass and maximum velocity change. It is therefore possible to accurately distinguish a collision between the vehicle and the pedestrian from collision with the other object to reliably detect the collision.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an automobile's window regulating status uses a window control switch and a central controller, which receives window regulating requests from the window control switch, sends instructions to windows concerned and makes queries to window motors concerned regarding each window's regulating status. If a concerned window fails to execute a relevant instruction correctly, the central controller actuates an alarm to send out an alarming signal.

Abstract: A device for state-dependent output of tone sequences in a motor vehicle, which is capable of outputting tone sequences assigned to specific vehicle states and determinable from tone data stored in a memory unit assigned to the motor vehicle, is also capable of directly or indirectly coupling to a computing unit not permanently assigned to the motor vehicle. The set of tone sequences which may be output is changeable as a function of data which may be received from such a computing unit.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel indicator system for automobiles which displays three different colored lamps corresponding to different positions of a driver's throttle foot: On the throttle, on the brake, or off both the throttle and the brake. Further, the indicator system is capable of indicating whether both the brake and accelerator pedals are being depressed at the same time.

Abstract: A system for storing and playing tones operated by a turn signal comprising a memory for storing at least one predetermined audio output and a player for playing an audio signal from the memory which is activated by the turn signal.

Abstract: A control method of a brake lamp and a center high mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) of a vehicle. If the vehicle is not braking, both lamps are turned off. If the vehicle is braking, the method includes: receiving data on an operating state of the vehicle; determining a degree of danger based on the data; and operating the lamps based on the degree of danger. Operating the lamps includes: if the degree of danger is high, flashing the brake lamp quickly with high brightness, and flashing the CHMSL; if the degree of danger is medium, flashing the brake lamp slowly with high brightness, and turning on the CHMSL; and if the degree of danger is low, turning on both lamps. The data include an anti-lock brake operating state, deceleration of the vehicle, lateral acceleration of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, and/or distance to a front obstacle.

Abstract: A RFID sensor comprises a sensor configured to sense a parameter and generate an analog sense signal indicative of the sense parameter, a conversion circuit coupled with the sensor, the conversion circuit configured to convert the analog sense signal to digital sense data, and an RFID transponder coupled with the conversion circuit. The RFID circuit can comprise a memory circuit configured to store the digital sense data and transponder circuitry configured to receive commands through a barrier from a reader and to transmit the stored digital sense data to the reader through the barrier in response to the received commands.

Abstract: Provided is a method for transmitting sensing information in a wireless sensor network including a pair node. The method for transmitting sensing information in a wireless sensor network including a sink node, parent nodes, and sensor nodes set as pair nodes among sensor nodes connected to the parent nodes, includes the steps of: a) setting up predetermined sensor nodes in the same target area as pair nodes for transmitting and receiving sensing information to/from corresponding sensor nodes; b) at the pair nodes, transmitting first sensing information sensed by oneself to corresponding sensor nodes; c) at the sensor nodes, transmitting first sensing information sensed by oneself and second sensing information transmitted from corresponding pair nodes to the parent node; and d) at the parent node, transmitting the received first and second sensing information to the sink node at the same time.

Abstract: An access port has an RF tag associated therewith (e.g., physically incorporated into the access port), wherein the RF tag includes configuration information. A mobile unit having an RF tag reader associated therewith sends a probe request and reads the configuration information from the RF tag. The RF tag may include, for example, information traditionally incorporated into an IEEE 802.11 probe response or beacon. The tag may include, for example, non-real-time configuration information, such as capabilities of the access port, data rates, and the like.

Abstract: A wireless network-based portable wireless flashing light system is based on a wireless network-based portable wireless flashing light. The wireless network-based portable wireless flashing light includes a wireless communication module, a display unit, an emergency alarm unit, and a control unit. The wireless communication module transmits and receives a wireless signal to and from an outside. The display unit displays predetermined information. The emergency alarm unit provides notification of an emergency. The control unit extracts status information about manufacturing machines from the signal received from the wireless communication module, displays information about a manufacturing machine in which an abnormality occurs on the display unit based on the status information, and operates the emergency alarm unit.

Abstract: A mobile computing device having a reader element collecting information from target items, an audio system triggering a read event when a trigger sound is discerned and a processor activating the reader element when the read event is triggered by the audio system. The mobile computing device may be used to monitor with an audio system to detect a trigger sound, trigger a read event upon detection of the trigger sound and activate a reader element to acquire data pertaining to a tracked item.

Abstract: A shipping container that facilitates communications between wireless communication devices within the shipping container and an external network container 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 system and method for automatic exterior and interior inspection of vehicles. The system comprises imaging means for capturing an image of the undercarriage of the vehicle as it is being driven into a secure area; imaging means for capturing an image of a luggage compartment of the vehicle as it is being driven into the secure area; database means for storing the captured images; and monitoring means operable to facilitate activation of an alarm based on the captured images.

Abstract: A sensor suite for a vehicle, the sensor suite comprising a 3D imaging system, a video camera, and one or more environmental sensors. Data from the sensor suite is combined to detect and identify threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. Additionally, a method for detecting and identifying threats during a structure clearing or inspection operation. The method comprises: gathering 3D image data including object range, volume, and geometry; gathering video data in the same physical geometry of the 3D image; gathering non-visual environmental characteristic data; and combining and analyzing the gathered data to detect and identify threats.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor circuit and a nonlinear signal processing circuit. The sensor circuit detects a physical quantity and outputs a detection signal indicative of the detected physical quantity. The signal processing circuit includes a logarithmic converter, an analog-to-digital converter, and an antilogarithmic converter. The logarithmic converter produces a logarithm signal corresponding to a logarithm of the detection signal. The analog-to-digital converter digitalizes the logarithm signal. The antilogarithmic converter produces an antilogarithmic signal corresponding to an antilogarithm of the digitalized logarithm signal.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus using video data taken and outputted by a plurality of security imaging apparatuses for monitoring is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a display part configured to display the video data; an alarm generating part configured to analyze the video data and to generate an alarm in the case in which irregularities are detected in an imaging area on the security imaging apparatus; and a control part configured to conduct control in which the control part switches a display of a screen on the display part from a display of a screen in general monitoring to a display of a screen to display a taken image of the imaging area in which the irregularities are detected when the alarm generated in the alarm generating part is detected and returns the display to the display of the screen in general monitoring at a predetermined timing from the detection of the alarm.

Abstract: The present method of communicating prescription medicine instructions or over-the-counter medicine instructions to patient, includes: (a.) providing at least one medicine container with a microprocessor, and, (b.) providing a central processor separate from the at least one medicine container. Each medicine container has the microprocessor attached to the medicine container. Each microprocessor includes: (a)(i) a wave file receiving chip; (a)(ii) a wave file storage means; (a)(iii) a wave file audio playback means; (a)(iv) an audio playback start means; and (a)(v) a power supply within the microprocessor. The central processor includes: (b)(i) user input means; (b)(ii) text-to-speech means; (b)(iii) wave file means to create a wave file from the text-to-speech means; and (b)(iv) wireless transmission means to transmit the wave file to the microprocessor wave file receiving chips of at least one container simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrofitting automatic irrigation systems for animal and human deterrent control comprises at least one motion detector for placement within a bordered zone monitored for trespassers. The motion detector is adapted to detect a body entering said bordered zone and generate a trespasser signal having a unique ID. A programmable control receiver module receives the signal and activates a solenoid control valve to spray the trespasser with water.

Abstract: This application describes a system for contraband and weapons detection. The system comprises a coplanar sensor array, electronic drive circuitry, a data acquisition circuit, a video frame grabber, a video camera, and a computer control unit with a control module installed. Properly constructed and aligned, the system allows for the detection of very small magnetic moments, which surround ferromagnetic materials. This ferromagnetic detection allows users to screen personnel for contraband electronic devices and concealed weapons.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically detecting intrusion in an off-limits zone. The system includes a transmitter transmitting a signal along a path likely to encounter an intruder to the off-limits zone and a modulating reflector for receiving the transmitted signal. The modulating reflector includes a modulator receiving the received signal and generating a modulated signal having a characteristic. The modulating reflector transmits the modulated signal to be received by a receiver located to receive the modulated signal. The system further includes a processor coupled to the transmitter and to the receiver, the processor being configured to process the received modulated signal and to initiate an action as a function of the characteristic in the received modulated signal.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus including a sensor pad for detecting a predetermined amount of pressure, a first transmitting means operably connected to such sensor pad for transmitting a first signal indicative of such sensor pad detecting an amount of pressure. A first power source supplies power to such sensor pad and first transmitting means. A receiving means receives such first signal when such receiving means is within a predetermined distance from such first transmitting means. A second transmitting means transmits a second signal indicative that the first signal is not being received by such receiving means. When such receiving means receives the second signal an alarm means will produce at least one of a predetermined sound, motion and visual display. A second power source is operably connected to the receiving means, the second transmitting means, and the alarm means for supplying power thereto.

Abstract: An RFID based monitoring system and method is provided. A tag module is allocated to an item to be traced, which is operable by an RFID reader.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for enabling a radio frequency identification (RFID) passive tag to be visible as an RFID active tag over an extended period of time are disclosed. An RFID reader transmits a substantially continuous radio frequency (RF) charging signal. In response to receiving the RF charging signal, one or more RFID passive tags each transmit a substantially continuous identifier signal. The RFID reader is configured to receive the identifier signal(s) and to determine a location and/or asset associated with each RFID passive tag.

Abstract: A system and method for establishing and maintaining wireless communications links between a secure vehicle, a self-service terminal, and an item being transferred therebetween. The item to be transferred, the secure vehicle and the self-service terminal are equipped with short-range communications devices to enable the detection of proximity there between. The security personnel are also equipped with a short-range wireless communications device to enable the detection of proximity between the security personnel and the item. A security system of the item to be transferred is activated dependent upon the proximity between the security personnel and the item. The security system may be primed and turned off by detection of proximity between the short-range wireless communications devices of the item to be transferred and the secure vehicle or self-service terminal respectively.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a transmission is preconfigured to transmit on a radio channel. The transmitting is delayed until receipt of a trigger from an external source indicating that the radio channel is available.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention employ perturbation techniques for configuring RFID-tag-reader networks in order to achieve increased overall efficiency of a network of RFID-tag readers. According to described embodiments of the present invention, individual RFID-tag readers within a multi-RFID-tag-reader network may be removed or shut down, or RFID-tag readers may be displaced relative to one another, in order to remove interferences between RFID-tag readers and to increase the interrogation efficiency of the multi-RFID-tag-reader network. A method embodiment of the present invention schedules a multi-RFID-tag-reader network as a cycle of power-on/power-off intervals.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention are directed to clustering RFID-tag readers of a multi-RFID-tag-reader network in order to obtain a set of RFID-tag readers with high probability of detecting an event, but with low probability of collisions and with an acceptable cost. The cost may be determined by any of numerous cost functions of the RFID-tag readers in the set of RFID-tag readers, and may represent a cost in power, long-term reliability, and other such metrics that may be applied to an RFID-tag network.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling distant equipment. A passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag within a Programmable Secure Remote Controller (PSRC) receives a radio frequency (RF) signal from a transmitter integrated in the distant equipment. The distant equipment is external to and remote from the PSRC. The PRSC does not include an internal source of energy and requires energy from an external source to operate. The PSRC is configured to distribute sufficient energy from the RF signal to components of the PSRC to enable the components to operate. The RFID tag is activated to generate information and the information is decoded to identify the distant equipment. A request to perform an operation that controls the distant equipment is received. After the request is received, a first predefined scenario is activated for performing the operation that controls the distant equipment.

Abstract: A security tag for electronic designs implemented on integrated circuits uses a thermal transmitter to transmit tag data to an external sensor. The security tag is activated by an activation code sent to the security tag from an external transmitter. The security tag transmits data which indicates the presence of the electronic design to the external detector, for purposes of detecting and preventing unauthorized use of the electronic design. The security tag may use changes in temperature to receive the activation code from the external transmitter, and to send the security tag data to the external sensor. The security tag may use the electronic design associated with the security tag to generate the signals used to transmit the tag data. Alternatively, the security tag may use a dedicated heat generator, such as a collection of ring oscillators, to send these signals.

Abstract: A personal security system monitors the location of objects, such as a billfold, purse, pen, camera, jewelry, and other personal items, relative to a transceiver, or base station, which may be housed in a cell phone, PDA or other item having a power supply. The base station generates an rf signal throughout a predetermined radius of operation. The items to be monitored all carry unique rf identification tags, which can be passive, active, or semi-passive, which are transponders that receive and acknowledge receipt of a signal to the base unit. The base station is passive while the monitored items are in the protected zone, but when an item is removed from, or moves out of, the protected zone, the acknowledgement signal is no longer received by the base unit. It will then provide an audible alarm, or other sensory signal to alert the user the object is no longer within the protected zone.

Abstract: According to the present invention, the apparatus receives a radio frequency (RF) signal transmitted from the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader, measures the strength of the received RF signal, and controls the power supplied from the power supply unit included in the tag or the power excited by the RF signal to be supplied to the tag according to whether the power excited by the received RF signal exceeds a level necessary to operate the tag based on the measured strength of the RF signal. Thus, efficiency of power consumption of the tag and the RFID transmission/reception system can be maximized and the amount of data is reduced to the extent that the set of commands is not needed, thereby simplifying a data process.

Abstract: An identification tag is provided in which radio frequency (RF) circuitry and ultrawide bandwidth (UWB) circuitry are both provided on the same tag, along with some UWB-RF interface circuitry. The RF circuitry is used to detect when the identification tag must be accessed, and is used to connect the UWB circuitry with a power supply. The UWB circuitry then performs the necessary communication functions with a distant device and the power supply is again disconnected. In this way the power supply is only accessed when the UWB circuitry is needed and it's usable lifetime can be maximized.

Abstract: An echo cancellation circuit for an RFID reader and the method thereof are provided. The echo cancellation circuit includes a gain calculator, a gain adjustment circuit, and a subtraction circuit. The gain calculator provides a complex gain value according to a carrier signal and a received signal through an adaptive algorithm. The gain adjustment circuit is coupled to the gain calculator. The gain adjustment circuit multiplies the carrier signal by the complex gain value, and outputs the result of the multiplication. The subtraction circuit is coupled to the gain adjustment circuit. The subtraction circuit subtracts the output of the gain adjustment circuit from the received signal, and then provides the result of the subtraction as the output signal of the echo cancellation circuit.

Abstract: A backscatter transponder for an HF communication system with modulated reradiation, is provided that includes an antenna for receiving high-frequency carrier signals, wherein the antenna has reflective characteristics, a control unit for providing transponder-specific parameters, and a modulator that can be driven by the control unit. The modulator altering the reflective characteristics of the antenna in accordance with at least one transponder-specific parameter.

Abstract: A portable RFID detector that can be configured to scan an object and determine whether an RFID chip is included within or on the object is provided. Thee portable RFID detector can be utilized as a personal device allowing an individual to scan any number of objects for RFID chips. An indication of the presence or absence of an RFID chip can be presented to the user in any combination or sub-combination of a visual signal, an audible signal, vibratory signal, or other signal perceivable by a user. The portable RFID detector can be selectively activated and/or deactivated depending on the device configuration. The portable RFID detector can have a small footprint allowing the detector to be easily carried, such as in a pocket, on a key chain, or through various other means.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to using wireless identification tags (e.g., RFID tags) with backup media. In aspects, a wireless identification tag may be attached to, incorporated into, or otherwise associated with backup media, a container holding the backup media, or a location (e.g., a shelf) associated with the backup media. In response to a signal, this wireless identification tag may provide an identifier that uniquely identifies the wireless identification tag. This identifier may be associated with a data set that is stored or to be stored on the backup media. The wireless identification tag may be used to locate the backup media and to identify what is on particular backup media. In some embodiments, the wireless identification tag may store backup information thereon that may be subsequently retrieved and used identify what is on its associated backup media.

Abstract: A system for controlling access and recording who has been allowed or denied access to controlled access areas. A sanitization station which controls access to protected areas and records who has been allowed to enter and who has been denied entry to the area. Improved sanitization stations providing greater safety and efficacy as well as efficient and clean operation. Access control systems and stations that record attempts to access protected areas through the station, permit or deny access to the protected based on preset rules or permissions, and also record compliance with requirements for access to the protected area by authorized persons. The systems and stations may trigger local or remote alarms when an unauthorized person enters or attempts to enter a protected area, or fails to comply with conditions required to gain admission to the protected area.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking a user's posture. The system and method include an environmental module for determining the user's physical environment, a biomechanical module for determining at least a user's posture in the user's physical environment, and an output module for outputting to the user an indication of at least the user's posture relative to at least a target correct posture. The physical environment can include a computer workstation environment, a manufacturing environment, a gaming environment, and/or a keypadding environment.

Abstract: A system and a method of data fusion fire alarm, wherein at least one line type temperature sensing element is used to detect and produce values of at least two nonequivalent electric parameters, namely, a first electric parameter a and a second electric parameter b at a certain time; the values of the two nonequivalent electric parameters are transmitted to an electric signal measuring device, and are used to obtain a function value at the time by a data fusion device according to a predetermined function having at least the first electric parameter and the second electric parameter, then the obtained function value is compared with a predetermined value; whether to send out a fire alarm signal is judged according to the comparative result, and starting a fire alarm device if necessary. Another technical solution may use two line type temperature sensing element, which detect and produce two nonequivalent electric parameters, namely a first electric parameter and a second electric parameter respectively.