Abstract: Battery powered systems with long standby times, such as automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), may be required to indicate their operational status to a user by blinking lights or sounding speakers or buzzers. These active status indication activities consume power thereby reducing the battery life of the system. To conserve power and to be more effective in seeking attention from a human operator, the status alerts for the AED produced by an active status indicator (ASI) system can be more meaningful to humans or more unique relative to status alerts provided by conventional devices. Additionally, the ASI system may automatically adjust power consumed by the indicators in response to sensing environmental conditions of the AED.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a consumer electronic device has a rechargeable battery, battery safety circuitry, and consumer electronic device circuitry with a controller. The rechargeable battery has a present temperature and a presently available effective capacity, and provides power to the electronic device via the battery safety circuitry. The controller determines whether the rechargeable battery might have, at a battery temperature greater than the present battery temperature, a potential effective capacity greater than the presently available effective capacity and, upon such determination, provides an indication to the user that additional effective capacity might become available if the battery temperature were raised.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices configured to execute multiple functions and methods for calculating a remaining power source life value. A method can include providing information related to the remaining power source life value correlated to operation of at least one of the multiple functions. Downloaded current drain information related to current drain during operation of at least one of multiple functions may be received by the device and/or may be internally detected. A current drain profile stored in memory may be updated based on current drain information. A remaining power source life value and/or a time-to-charge value can then be calculated, based on the updated current drain profile.

Abstract: An over-current alerting circuit used in a hand held device includes a current sensor module, a photo sensor module and an alerting module. The current sensor module is used for sensing a loading current of the hand held device and outputting a photo signal according to the intensity of the loading current. The photo sensor module is used for generating a driving signal when the intensity of the photo signal is higher than a predetermined intensity. The alerting module is used for performing an alerting action after the driving signal is received. In addition, an over-current alerting method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Described herein are a method and a device for determining the relative position of two elements that are mobile with respect to one another, in which connected to a first element is a source of a field of forces and connected to a second element is a meter, designed to measure the field of forces and to supply, instant by instant and as a function of the measurement made, a response identifying the relative position of the first element with respect to the second element at that instant, the meter being provided with at least three field sensors arranged in respective distinct points of the second element, and the response being obtained by comparing with one another the outputs corresponding to that instant.

Abstract: Automated Teller Machine comprises a fascia having a cash dispensing aperture, a sensor arranged to detect the presence of an object outside of the aperture and the distance to the object; and a processor. The processor is arranged to determine, from the output of the detector, whether the distance to the object is within a predetermined maximum and whether the object is moving or stationary and to output a signal dependent thereon.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an assembly and method for use of an electronic display, and more particularly, to an electronic display device including a proximity sensor and a switch for a handicap or a small person both connected to a tilting mechanism. The display in a first attract orientation shows an attract graphic to incite users toward the display. Once a user has been detected by the proximity sensor, the assembly tilts the display device toward the face of a user and the attract graphic is replaced by an access graphic operated via the touch screen. In the event a handicapped person or a short person wishes to access the display assembly, a switch is activated to rotate the display device downwards to a user sitting in a chair.

Abstract: A method and a circuit is disclosed that facilitates identifying a remote end and optionally an intermediate location of an installed cable, such as a cable for carrying data, without the need to disconnect the cable. One or more circuits may be connected across two wires along the length of a cable. Each circuit includes a power connector, a switching circuit and an indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), connected across the two wires included in a cable. The circuit is configured such that the indicator in each circuit connected to the two wires is illuminated in responsive to a nominal DC voltage applied to the power connector in any circuits connected across the two wires without disrupting any data being carried thereby. In one embodiment of the invention, the circuit is directly into a cable connector. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the circuit is configured to be retrofit in the field for use with existing cables.

Abstract: A wirelessly controlled system for animating lighting on a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting system includes neon lights adapted for animation. A wireless controller for wirelessly controlling the lighting system is also disclosed. The wireless controller can initiate, terminate and control different modes of the lighting system and includes a display providing a status of the lighting system.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) warning signal light and communication device comprising a controller for generating a first observable light signal and a second non-observable light signal within said first light signal. The second light signal is formed of packets of individual pulsed light which may be processed for comparison to data stored in memory integral to a controller for communication of information to an individual through the use of pulsed light signals.

Abstract: A mobile device (e.g., a wearable device) may include a function module and a triggering arrangement. The triggering arrangement generates a signal in response to detecting a triggering condition. The signal activates the function module. The triggering condition includes at least one of (i) a change in proximity of the device relative to an object on which the mobile device performs an operation, (ii) an amount of force applied to the object by a user and (iii) an amount of force applied to at least a portion of the device.

Abstract: The method of the present invention allows a first wireless control device that is operable to communicate on a predetermined one of a plurality of channels to establish communication with a second wireless control device that may be communicating on any of the plurality of channels. A beacon message is first transmitted repeatedly by the wireless control device on the predetermined channel. The second wireless control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels. When the second control device receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel, the second control device begins communicating on the predetermined channel. The second wireless device may begin listening for the beacon message in response to powering up.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a limited access remote control system. Embodiments of the invention can include a remote device (202) including logic configured to transmit a control signal to a device (200) to be controlled and logic configured to transmit an access signal to the device (200) to determine an access level available to the remote control (202) that transmits the control and access signals. Embodiments can further include logic configured to receive the control signal (204), logic configured to receive the access signal and/or process the access signal (210) and logic configured to limit the operation (208) of the control signal in accordance with the access level indicated by the access signal.

Abstract: A drilling system utilizing a plurality of independent telemetry systems. The drilling system uses a drill collar as a pressure housing for downhole components of the system. One or more sensors are disposed within the pressure housing. These sensors can be MWD sensors, LWD sensors, or both MWD and LWD sensors. A plurality of independent borehole telemetry systems is used to telemeter sensor response data to the surface of the earth. Each sensor cooperates with a downhole component of at least one of the independent telemetry systems. The plurality of telemetry systems can be of the same type, such as a mud pulse systems. Alternately, the telemetry systems can be of different types including a mud pulse system and an electromagnetic system.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading out a time-continuous sensor output signal of a sensor, modulated with a fundamental frequency, has a loop filter, a sample-quantizer and a feedback circuit. The loop filter, filters the sensor output signal to provide a filtered sensor output signal in which frequency proportions present in a frequency range ?f with respect to the fundamental frequency f0 are amplified. The sample-quantizer samples and quantizes the filtered sensor output signal to provide a time-discrete, quantized sensor output signal. The feedback circuit feeds a feedback signal based on the time-discrete, quantizes sensor output signal back to the loop filter and provides a readout signal, wherein the readout signal corresponds to the time-discrete, quantized sensor output signal or the time-discrete, quantized sensor output signal demodulated with respect to the fundamental frequency f0.

Abstract: A networked automatic meter reading system includes a plurality of meters that measure commodity usage and monitor quality parameters for transmission to a utility over a two-way local area network (LAN) to a remotely located gateway node. The gateway node transmits this data to the utility over a commercially available fixed wide area network (WAN). The meter can also provide direct communication to the utility over a commercially available network interface that plugs into the meter, bypassing the local area network communication link and gateway node. The meter also provides an interface to an in-premises network that communicates with consumer devices in a household or other facility. The gateway performs routing analysis of packets to determine preferred routing paths, and disseminates this information to the meters.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing an automatic docking of a robot is disclosed. The apparatus induces connecting terminals of the robot having a receiving unit to connect with docking terminals disposed on one surface of a docking object, and includes a plurality of transmitting units disposed on the same surface as that of the docking object on which the docking terminals are disposed. The plurality of transmitting units is arranged in different angles to one another to transmit signals in different directions to one another, respectively.

Abstract: A sensing and communication system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave, a transponder supported on an associated structural member at a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave, and a sensor adjacent the transponder and in communication therewith. The sensor being operable to sense an input acting on the associated structural member and communicate a signal corresponding to the input to the transponder. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to at least one of the sensor signal and the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle information communication system is provided in which probe data or other private data relating to a host vehicle can be collected with anonymity. Basically, the host vehicle collects the probe data and sends the probe data to a carrier vehicle that disassociates the host vehicle's identifying information (e.g., MAC address) from the data before the carrier vehicle sends the probe data to a roadside unit or other external communications station.

Abstract: A traffic indicator has a base, a circuit board mounted in the base, an LED panel mounted in the base and a protect lid mounted on the base to cover the circuit board and the LED panel. The LED panel is controlled by the circuit board to display traffic lights such as red, green or yellow and traffic symbols such as right and left turn indications. Furthermore, the traffic indicator also displays countdown information about the remaining seconds after which the present displayed traffic light will be changed. Therefore, a single traffic indicator described above is able to replace the conventional traffic lights. Since the traffic indicator has only one display screen, the traffic symbols can be displayed in a larger size to improve the recognition on traffic signs at crossroads.

Abstract: A pedestrian light has a base, a circuit board mounted in the base, an LED panel mounted in the base and a protect lid mounted on the base to cover the circuit board and the LED panel. The LED panel has an outer loop region and an inner rectangular region. The circuit board control the inner rectangular region to display a traffic sign such as a walk or a stop sign, and also controls the outer loop region to show countdown information about the remaining seconds after which the present displayed traffic sign will be changed. Since the pedestrian light uses only a single screen to display the traffic sign and countdown information, more space can be saved, and the traffic light can be displayed in a larger size to improve the recognition on traffic signs at pedestrian crossing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for recognizing a parking slot by using a bird's-eye view and a parking assist system using the same.

Abstract: Provided are an intelligent parking guidance apparatus and method. The intelligent parking guidance apparatus includes: an image sensor node recognizing a vehicle number of a vehicle, sensor nodes determining whether the vehicle exists in their own positions, a parking management server generating information for guiding the vehicle to an available parking space, and a mobile communication terminal receiving the information. The intelligent parking guidance apparatus and method provide information regarding parking lots which are within a predetermined distance from a destination and available parking spaces of each parking lot, to a driver, as well as provide a road guidance service to the driver to guide his/her vehicle to the destination, so that the driver can select an optimal parking lot.

Abstract: An apparatus allocates a channel used for inter-vehicle communications according to a traveling direction. The apparatus includes a traveling direction determiner for determining whether or not a traveling direction of a vehicle is changed; and a channel allocator for allocating the vehicle a previously allocated channel or a new channel based on a determined result of the traveling direction determiner. Further, a method allocates a channel used for inter-vehicle communications according to a traveling direction. The method includes the steps of determining whether or not a traveling direction of a vehicle is changed; and allocating the vehicle a previously allocated channel or a new channel based on a determined result in the above step.

Abstract: A technique for recording the front image of vehicles which violate the regulation in the axle weight is desired. In general, the weight of the leading axle cannot be excessively heavy, so that the over weight axle is a second or more rear side axle. And the distance between an axle weight detector and a vehicle detector for taking a vehicle image is normally below 8 meters. Under these conditions, when the over weight axle is detected, the over axle weight vehicle is guessed to be a vehicle being presently detected, a vehicle to be detected next, or next to the next. From the images of those vehicles, vehicles having no possibility to violate the axle weight regulation are eliminated based on a license plate read from the vehicle image or the measured vehicle height. The images being not eliminated are stored as over axle weight vehicle images.

Abstract: A method and a system for indicating a target idle running speed, a predicted core speed, a predicted time to running, current engine state or automation modes of an operating aircraft engine, and indicating that the current core speed of the aircraft engine is less than a target idle running speed or is abnormally decreasing towards a target idle running speed. The indicators may be visual or aural. The visual indicators may include graphical or numeric symbols indicating the target idle running speed, the direction of core speed change, the predicted core speed at some future time, or current engine state or automation mode.

Abstract: Data is entered into an electronic device using a unique pattern of knock sequences applied to the surface of the device. One or more accelerometers within the device provide an electronic output which is sampled and digitized. Matching software compares the sequences to previously recorded sequences for user identification. The user may also use a prespecified code for entering knock data.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for entering text. The system starts by receiving a sequence of finger-triggered events. The system then attempts to match the sequence of finger-triggered events to one or more predetermined sequences of finger-triggered events. If the sequence matches a predetermined sequence, the system outputs at least one character corresponding to the predetermined sequence.

Abstract: A load control system is operable to control the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads from an AC power source. The load control system includes a plurality of keypads, which each may include a different button assembly having a different button configuration. Each keypad is operable to determine the button configuration of the button assembly installed on the keypad in response to simultaneous actuations of the top button and the bottom button of the button assembly for a predetermined amount of time. Each keypad is further operable to store in a memory of the keypad data representing the button configuration. Therefore, after the keypad is installed in the field and the button assembly is replaced, the keypad can be easily configured to operate with the new button assembly.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for inputting characters by making head motion. In the method for inputting a character by making head motion, a predetermined numeral group is selected among a plurality of numeral groups by shifting a center-point key set on a keyboard displayed on a screen in a predetermined direction along a sensed head motion. Then, one of numeral keys in the selected numeral group is selected by sensing the head motion, and the selected numeral key is inputted.

Abstract: Letters (more generally, language symbols) are entered electronically by selecting, in sequential fashion, two keys on a standard phone layout. The first key in the two-key sequence is that key on which the desired letter is displayed. The keys and the letters displayed on the keys are marked in such a way that the markings suggest the second key in the two-key sequence. The letters displayed on the keys have respective markings, such as a color, with each letter on a given key having a unique marking. The keys themselves also have markings that match the markings of the letters. In preferred embodiments, the two keys in the two-key sequence are located in the same row. Letters may be selected to spell out words on a screen and then sent electronically to a remote device or recipient.

Abstract: A load control system is operable to control the amount of power delivered to a plurality of electrical loads from an AC power source. The load control system includes a plurality of keypads, which each may include a different button assembly having a different button configuration or multiple button configurations. Each keypad is operable to determine the button configuration of the button assembly installed on the keypad in response to simultaneous actuations of the top button and the bottom button of the button assembly for a predetermined amount of time. Each keypad is further operable to store in a memory of the keypad data representing the button configuration. Therefore, after the keypad is installed in the field and the button assembly is replaced, the keypad can be easily configured to operate with the new button assembly.

Abstract: A remote control unit, an electronic device and a method for controlling an electronic device using the same are provided. The remote control unit includes: a key input part including a menu key for allowing an electronic device to enter a setup mode, a numeric key rotatably provided to display different numerals depending on degree of rotation, and a confirm key for transmitting a control signal corresponding to the numeral of the numeric key; a memory for storing a control code for controlling the electronic device; a microcomputer for reading out and transmitting the control code stored in the memory depending on a signal inputted from the key input part; and an infrared transmitter for transmitting the control code in a form of an infrared signal depending on a control of the microcomputer.

Abstract: A data conversion unit includes a first input/output unit, a second input/output unit, an encoder, a decoder, a random number generator for generating random number data, and a control unit which selects a first, second and third setting function. The first setting function sets the data conversion unit to input data from the first input/output unit, encode data by the encoder, and output the encoded data from the second input/output unit. The second setting function sets the data conversion unit to input data from the first input/output unit, replace the data with the random number data generated by the random number generator, and output the random number data from the second input/output unit. The third setting function sets the data conversion unit to input encoded data from the second input/output unit, decode the encoded data by the decoder, and output the decoded data from the first input/output unit.

Abstract: Method for scalable coding of stereo signals includes left and right channel signals from a time into a frequency range; and then separately quantizing the transformed left and right channel signals; matrixing the quantized signals so as to form mid and side signals; and using the formed mid and side signals in a lossless coding stage so as to provide a coded signal for transmission.

Abstract: A data compression apparatus has a characterizing point extracting part 1 which extracts data expressing characterizing points included in a plurality of data showing a result of carrying out simulation, quantized data generating part 2 which generates quantized data obtained by quantizing data except for data expressing characterizing points, and file number converting part 3 which converts the same types of quantized data including in the quantized data, into a relating file number. In the case of compressing data, data except for the characterizing points is compressed. If the same quantized data is included at the same address location in the previously-compressed file, the quantized data is replaced with the file number of previously-compression file, thereby compressing data at high efficiency.

Abstract: ADC accuracy is increased by 1 bit by interpolation of comparator outputs in a comparator array, thereby increase accuracy without significant increasing power consumption and size.

Abstract: A Serializer/Deserializer apparatus comprises a serializer adapted to take N parallel bits of data and shifts them out serially at N times a clock speed to a transmitter, a transmitter enable block adapted to start the serializer means, and a count block. The serializer comprises flip-flops and muxes, and is adapted to N parallel bits of data and shifts them out serially at N times a clock speed to a transmitter. The transmitter enable block comprises an inverter and flip-flops, and is adapted to start the serializer. The transmitter enable block comprises an inverter, flip-flops, and a NOR gate, and is adapted to create a waveform which programs data loading in the serializer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to convert parallel data to serial data is provided. More specifically, there is provided a parallel-to-serial converter comprising a data pipeline configured to receive parallel data, and binary sort logic comprising a plurality of switches arranged to receive the parallel data from the data pipeline, and configured to output the parallel data serially.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described to increase the control resolution of an electronic device. In one embodiment, the invention includes a spread pulse modulation module to generate a first set of bits based on a second set of bits that is larger than the first set of bits. The spread pulse modulation module modulates the least significant bit (LSB) of the first set of bits based on information including the LSB modulation period and the LSB modulation duty cycle. The spread pulse modulation module also modulates the least significant bit of the first set of bits so that the least significant bit transitions at least twice from a high value to a low value during the modulation period. This embodiment of the invention also includes a digital-to-analog conversion module to generate an analog input signal to the electronic device based on the first set of bits.

Abstract: A method of reading data is provided. The method includes receiving an analog signal, converting the analog signal to a one bit wide digital signal at a first sampling frequency, and downsampling the digital signal to provide the one bit wide digital signal at a second sampling frequency. The method further includes conditioning the digital signal prior to providing the digital signal to the detector. The conditioning can be performed after downsampling the digital signal. A data communication channel is also provided. The data communication channel includes an analog to digital converter configured to provide a first one bit wide digital data stream at a first sampling frequency and a signal conditioning member configured to accept the first one bit wide digital data stream at a first sampling frequency and provide a second one bit wide digital data stream at a second sampling frequency.

Abstract: Provided is a delta-sigma modulator including: a first integrator for integrating an input signal; an analog-to-digital converter for converting the integrated signal into a digital signal; and delay circuit for delaying an output signal of the analog-to-digital converter; and a differential delay circuit for differentially delaying the output signal of the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A D/A converter has a reference comparison current generator configured to generate a reference comparison current, a first reference current generator configured to generate a first reference current capable of correcting a current level, a first D/A converting part capable of outputting a first full-scale current having a predetermined proportional relationship with the first reference current and capable of generating a first D/A converting voltage in accordance with first input digital data, and a current comparator configured to generate a difference current between the first full-scale current and the reference comparison current to determine a magnitude of the difference current. The first reference current generator corrects the first reference current based on a result determined by the current comparator.

Abstract: Common mode management between a DAC, such as a current-steering DAC, and a transconductance filter in a high-frequency transmission system. In one aspect of the invention, a transmission circuit includes a DAC that provides an analog signal from an input digital signal, and a filter such as a transconductance filter connected to the DAC, the filter receiving the analog signal and filtering the analog signal for transmission. A common mode management circuit connected to the DAC and the transconductance filter provides common mode compatibility in the interface connecting the DAC and the transconductance filter.

Abstract: A digital/analogue converter (10) for converting an input n-bit digital code, where n is an integer greater than one, has an n-bit digital input and an output for connection to a load, and comprises: an array of (n?1) switched capacitors; and a switching arrangement. The switching arrangement is adapted, in a zeroing phase of operation, to connect a first reference voltage (V1) to the first plate of at least one capacitor (Ci) of the array and to connect a second plate of the at least one capacitor to a voltage (V2, V3) that, for at least one value of the input digital code, is different from the first reference voltage (V1) and is further adapted, in a decoding phase of operation, to enable, dependent on the value of the input digital code, injection of charge into the at least one capacitor (Ci). The converter may be a bufferless converter having an output for direct connection to a capacitive load.

Abstract: In a random number generator, a first converter converts a first analog noise signal into a random digital clock signal and a second converter samples a second analog noise signal asynchronous to the first analog noise signal in response to the random digital clock signal and generates a random digital number stream. In one aspect, a random number generator output block samples the second converter random digital number stream in response to the random digital clock signal and generates a random number generator block output. In another aspect a pseudo noise source state machine generates the random digital clock signal in response to a first seed generated from the first analog noise signal, a second seed from process variation digital amplifier, and a past machine state.

Abstract: A time-to-digital converter includes a first delay line, a second delay line, comparators, and an encoder. The first delay line includes first resistors coupled in series and receives a first signal through a start node. The second delay line includes second resistors coupled in series and receives a second signal through a node corresponding to an end node of the first delay line. The comparators compare first voltages of nodes on the first delay line with second voltages of corresponding nodes on the second delay line. The encoder generates a digital code based on outputs of the comparators. Therefore, the time-to-digital converter may decrease a chip size thereof and lower power consumption, and the time-to-digital converter may increase a range of a maximum delay time between two signals.

Abstract: Provided is an algorithm analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The algorithm ADC obtains two digital outputs through different capacitor connections for one analog input signal and adds the digital output signals to obtain a final output value, so that a mismatch factor of the capacitor is removed to minimize a linearity limitation resulting from the capacitor mismatch. In addition, the algorithm ADC minimizes power consumption by making the operating frequency slow at a cycle requiring a high resolution and making the operating frequency fast at a cycle requiring a low resolution, i.e., outputting different operating clock frequencies according to a required resolution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to intuitive based control elements and interfaces and devices using said intuitive based control elements. In certain embodiments, machine interfaces such as remote control devices for operation of various devices are provided. More specifically, machine interfaces according to embodiments of the invention herein include one or more control elements in the form of shapes and/or positioned indicia to facilitate operation by users. Control elements provided herein having intuitive shapes and/or positions described above as associated with the man-machine interfaces may also be provided integral with various devices. For example, personal electronic devices, personal care devices, personal healthcare devices, communications devices and personal comfort devices may benefit from control elements having intuitive shapes and/or positions associated with the function as described herein.

Abstract: An electronic counter measures solution. Jamming signals are emitted towards a threat to improve chances of survival for at least two vehicles, which are physically separated from one another, however associated with one another in a group. Each of the at least two vehicles receives a wireless time reference signal from an external resource. The vehicles exchange messages over a wireless data link. The messages pertain to usage of at least one electronic warfare resource in each vehicle. Based on the messages and the time reference signal the usage of at least one first electronic warfare resource in a first vehicle is coordinated with the usage of at least one second electronic warfare resource in a second vehicle, such that a particular type of jamming signal is emitted alternately either from the at least one first resource or from the at least one second resource, essentially without any overlaps or gaps in time.