Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for tracking an object. An identification signal is received that identifies an identification tag associated with the object to be tracked. The identification signal is stored in memory of a cellular phone. When an incoming call is received at the cellular phone, then the information associated with the identification signal is uploaded to a network database. When an outgoing call is placed from the cellular phone, then the information associated with the identification signal may also be uploaded to the network database.

Abstract: A safety system for mining equipment is provided having a proximity-based system with a marker field generator in an explosion-proof housing. The generator has a resonant circuit with an inductive reactance that is provided by a ferrite rod wound with an electrical conductor. Also provided is an RF receiver to receive information about the strength of the generated marker field from a sensing device used by a worker. The system provides for a personal alert device, carried by personnel to be kept at a safe distance from the mining machine, the personal alert device being capable of detecting the marker field. Also disclosed is a geosteering system that stops the cutting of a continuous miner when the cutter reaches an interface between a mineral being mined and an adjacent formation that is not to be mined.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes one or more cameras to determine a three dimensional (3D) model of a person; means to detect a dangerous condition based on the 3D model; and means to generate a warning when the dangerous condition is detected.

Abstract: A pet collar for alerting others as to the location of a pet is provided. The pet collar is provided for announcing the presence, audibly and visibly, of a pet such as in a burning structure or otherwise when the pet cannot be found. The pet collar is adapted to work in cooperation with either a conventional or an improved smoke detector. In one embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is used in cooperation with a conventional smoke detector to communicate with a pet collar of the present invention. In either embodiment, when the smoke detector sounds an audible alarm either automatically or manually, the pet collar is activated to sound an alarm and to illuminate at least one light. The pet collar is also useful in cooperation with other detectors such as a carbon monoxide detector or a security alarm.

Abstract: A method of producing idiosyncratic electronic emissions fingerprints from an electronic device is disclosed wherein emissions produced by the electronic device are collected and converted into one or more digital electronic fingerprints. The method contemplates a variety of emissions, such as electromagnetic emissions (including radio frequency emissions) and vibrational emissions (including audio emissions). The emissions fingerprints of various types extracted from an electronic device can be combined into more complex emissions signatures, and/or they can be combined with conventional electronic fingerprints or other idiosyncratic identifying data. A drift-test method for compensation and correction of emissions fingerprint drift is also disclosed.

Abstract: A well site communication system for providing communication from downhole devices to surface systems and from surface system to downhole systems, and methods of using are presented. The communication system is particularly applicable for use with spooled conveyances disposed on a reel. The communication system comprises a communication assembly that may be provided in the reel. The communication assembly may be used to process data or information received from devices disposed in a wellbore and the communication assembly may communicate wirelessly with surface or downhole devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a programmable computing and display device for upgrading a cockpit instrument panel of an aircraft. The programmable computing and display device includes a plurality of processing units; a network backbone that establishes a network among the processing units for the exchange of network data traffic; at least one display to display video graphics to a cockpit crew member; and a modular assembly that retains the processing units, the network backbone and the display.

Abstract: An absolute position of a rotating axis is sensed at a desired resolution by employing two or more absolute encoders of a resolution that is lower than the desired resolution. A first absolute encoder that rotates in concert with the axis being sensed and a second absolute encoder that rotates a number of times for each rotation of the first encoder are employed. While the second absolute encoder data is utilized directly, the first absolute encoder data, through an interpretation of the context of the second absolute encoder data, is translated to a quantity equivalent to the rotational count of the second absolute encoder. Additionally, the data from the first and second absolute encoders can be manipulated so as to make a mechanical misalignment between the encoders or a temporal misalignment between their readings to be essentially inconsequential to the operation and accuracy of the enhanced absolute position sensor system.

Abstract: A reduced keyboard handheld electronic device and associated method that utilizes a plurality of passwords for controlling access thereto. The handheld electronic device has a non-predictive keystroke interpretation system, such as a multi-tap system. At least one of the passwords is valid and accepted when input using a keyboard of a separate electronic device, such as a PC or another handheld electronic device, and at least one of passwords is valid and accepted when input using the reduced keyboard of the handheld electronic device. In some embodiments, the keyboard of the separate electronic device is a reduced keyboard, such as a reduced QWERTY or AZERTY keyboard, and in others it is a non-reduced keyboard, such as a standard QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: A keyboard system which includes a keyboard assembly and an embedded controller. The keyboard assembly includes a keyboard matrix and a keyscan controller coupled to the keyscan matrix. The keyscan controller receives position information from a pressed key of the keyboard matrix and generates basic keyscan information. The embedded controller receives the basic keyscan information and generates keycodes based upon the basic keyscan information.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for receiving input from a multi-function momentary switch by providing feedback from a user interface for each function associated with the switch. According to one method, alphanumeric input values are associated with a momentary switch. Each of the alphanumeric input values is associated with a different active time duration for the switch and at least two of the alphanumeric input values are associated with a same alphanumeric text entry mode. A duration of time the switch is in the active state is monitored. At least one of tactile and audible feedback is provided each time the duration of time matches a duration associated with an alphanumeric input value. The alphanumeric input value associated with the alphanumeric text entry mode and duration for the last feedback provided is selected as input from the switch.

Abstract: A communications system, having a combination Reed-Solomon encoder and a Turbo-Code encoder Data frame configuration which may be changed to accommodate embedded submarkers of known value are embedded in with the data order to aid synchronization in the receiver system, by providing strings of known symbols. The string of known symbols may be the same as the symbols within a training header that appears at the beginning of a data frame. Frame parameters may be tailored to individual users and may be controlled by information pertaining to receivers, such as bit error rate, of the receiver. Additional headers may be interspersed within the data in order to assist in receiver synchronization. Frames of data may be acquired quickly by a receiver by having a string of symbols representing the phase offset between successive header symbols in the header training sequence in order to determine the carrier offset.

Abstract: The invention can be used to play back an audiovisual or audio document received in a first encoding format within a local area network. A first device plays back the document in the received format, then a user decides to play back the document on a device having a second encoding format. Playback is first stopped on the first device and the document is stored. The user starts playing back the document on the second device at the moment at which playback of it was stopped on the first device. Depending on the decoding means of the second device, the document is transcoded from the first encoding format to the second encoding format. The invention also relates to a management device for issuing storage and transcoding requests so that a document played back from a first device can be transferred to a second device regardless of the capabilities for playing back encoded documents on the first and second devices.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes: an intermediate data generating unit that generates intermediate data expressing input data, which is a subject to be coded, in another expression manner; a coding unit that converts the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generating unit into code data; and a code quantity evaluating unit that evaluates a code quantity of the code data generated by the coding unit on the basis of a statistical amount of the intermediate data generated by the intermediate data generating unit.

Abstract: A system and method for realizing a Wyner-Ziv encoder may involve the following steps: (a) apply nested quantization to input data from an information source in order to generate intermediate data; and (b) encode the intermediate data using an asymmetric Slepian-Wolf encoder in order to generate compressed output data representing the input data. Similarly, a Wyner-Ziv decoder may be realized by: (1) applying an asymmetric Slepian-Wolf decoder to compressed input data using side information to generate intermediate values, and (b) jointly decoding the intermediate values using the side information to generate decompressed output data.

Abstract: A sigma-delta modulator is supplied with a data word and includes a first and at least one further modulation stage, each having at least two adders. The adders in the first modulation stage process a low-significance component and a delayed more significant component of the data word and provide a result word and a carry at their respective outputs. The adders in the at least one further modulation stage process a low-significance component and a more significant component of the result word and provide a further result word and a carry at their respective outputs. The low-significance component and the more significant component of the result word are provided to the further modulation stages with an unvarying delay. A bit stream is derived from a carry from final instances of the at least two adders in the first modulation stage and in the further modulation stage respectively.

Abstract: A system and method for converting analog signals to digital signals minimize the latency of the analog to digital conversion for real-time systems. The conversion system and method implements the hardware of an analog to digital converter input/output (I/O) board and a software-based I/O-driver in an expansion bus. The hardware of the ADC I/O board executes free-running conversion of an analog signal into digital form and stores the converted values in a first level of a buffer having two levels. Previously stored converted values are pushed to the second level of the buffer when a new value is written to the first level. The I/O driver then retrieves stored values from the second level of the buffer when needed by the real-time system and gates the buffer to prevent pushing during retrieval of values from the second level.

Abstract: A denoising process statistically processes a series of frames of a motion picture to construct respective data structures for the frames. Each data structure indicates for each of multiple contexts, occurrences of symbols that have the same context and are in the corresponding one of the frames. The data structures for multiple frames are combined to construct an enhanced data structure for one of the frames, and symbols in that frame are replaced with values determined using the enhanced data structure.

Abstract: Echo preventing circuit includes first and second FIR filters. The outputs of the first and second FIR filters are converted into first and second analog signals. An input/output terminal outputs the first analog signal or receives a third analog signal. An AD converter converts an analog signal obtained by subtracting the second analog signal from a signal formed by combining the first analog signal and the third analog signal. A response signal acquiring unit acquires a first response signal from an output of the first FIR filter to an output of the AD converter. A filter coefficient setting unit sets the filter coefficients of the second FIR filter based on the first response signal and sets the filter coefficients of the first FIR filter based on second response signal of a section from and output of the second FIR filter to an output of the AD converter.

Abstract: A verifying method and apparatus verifies operation of a semiconductor circuit device by inputting, to a logical simulator, logical models representing a logic circuit and an analog circuit, adding, to the logical model representing the analog circuit, a function that generates a function value in accordance with the state of connections between terminals of the analog circuit and terminals of the logic circuit, outputting the result of comparing the function value generated by the function and an expected value, and, based on a result of the comparison, determining whether or not there is a connection error between the terminals of the analog circuit and the terminals of the logic circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems useful for quickly and accurately sampling a switched capacitive load. Systems are disclosed in which the methods are implemented using an operational amplifier operably coupled to a pre-charge capacitor for storing an input charge. A sampling capacitor is also coupled to the operational amplifier and to the pre-charge capacitor for receiving and holding the input charge. The system is so configured for a coarse sampling phase and a fine sampling phase the to ensure that the sampling capacitor settles quickly to provides an output.

Abstract: A novel sampling system having a sampling device responsive to an analog input signal and a reference signal for providing corresponding charges. A switching circuit is provided to supply the input signal and the reference signal to the sampling device. The switching circuit is controlled to supply the input signal and the reference signal to the sampling device so as provide a substantially zero total charge taken by the sampling device from a source of the input signal. One application of the foregoing is in analog-to-digital conversion.

Abstract: A current range control circuit for a data driver in an organic light emitting display. The data driver includes a shift register for outputting a latch control signal, a data latch for sequentially receiving video data and to output the video data in parallel, a digital to analog converter for converting the outputs of the data latch into analog currents, and the current range control circuit for outputting data currents corresponding to the analog currents and controlling the data current range using current range control signals. Because it is possible to control the range of the data currents output from the data driver, it is possible to use the data driver in various pixel circuits or electroluminescent devices by changing the current range control signals, and to make the drain voltages of the transistors that form a current mirror equal to each other to obtain the desired current values.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing delta-sigma modulation in conjunction with analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog signal conversion are disclosed. The delta-sigma modulator and delta-sigma converter include dynamically-scalable coefficients, which, at relatively low signal amplitudes, allow the delta-sigma modulator and delta-sigma converter to modulate the signals using a first noise transfer function and, at relatively greater signal amplitudes, allow the delta-sigma modulator and delta-sigma converter to modulate the signals using a second noise transfer function.

Abstract: A mismatch shaping ?? analog to digital converter system includes a plurality of internal ?? analog to digital submodulators to provide an output; a feedback circuit including a feedback digital to analog converter responsive to the output; a summing circuit for providing the difference of an analog input and the output of the feedback circuit; and a loop filter responsive to the summing circuit and having a plurality of stages, the last stage of which is distributed to and functions as a loop filter stage in each of the plurality of analog to digital submodulators for attenuating the mismatch noise of the feedback digital to analog converter in the pass band of the ?? analog to digital converter system.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to form a highly accurate current source for D/A converters. Letters from a1 to an where n is at least 4 represent current source cells that output constant currents, each of which is composed of MOS transistors etc. These current source cells are arranged in two dimensional matrix and a plurality of these current source cells are connected to form a current source that has a predetermined current value. Current source cells in any one row of the two dimensional matrix are labeled with letters from a1 to an. A first kind of row is in the same order as this row. A second kind of row is obtained from the first kind of row by exchanging a series of elements being letters from ai to ai+j where both i and j are integers at least 1 and i+j is an integer not more than n/2 with a series of elements being letters from ak to ak+j where k is an integer larger than n/2 and k+j is an integer not more than n. The two dimensional matrix comprises a same number of these two kinds of row.

Abstract: A high resolution digital/analog converting apparatus for a spatial optical modulator includes a resistor string including a plurality of resistors connected to each other in series between operating voltage terminals to divide operating voltages into a plurality of voltages using the plural resistors, a decoder to provide switching signals corresponding to digital signals, and a switch unit to select two voltages from the plural voltages divided by the resistor string according to the switching signal of the decoder. The two voltages are adjacent to each other. Moreover, the digital/analog converting apparatus may include a digital/analog converter to perform a digital/analog conversion of the two voltages.

Abstract: A quantizer is described for use in a flash analog to digital converter (ADC), which may be implemented as part of an integrated wireless transceiver or other highly integrated electrical circuit. The quantizer may be configured to operate within such a flash ADC in an accurate manner within a desired voltage range, while minimizing factors that may otherwise lead to errors in the analog-to-digital conversion process. For example, a comparator of the quantizer may be used that has properties that are particularly well-suited for such an environment, where such properties may include, for example, a relatively low input referred offset voltage that is associated with a preamplifier of the comparator.

Abstract: A system with signal converter devices, in particular, ADCs (analog-to-digital converters), a device for use in a signal converter system, and a method for operating a signal converter system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system with a plurality of signal converter devices is provided, each signal converter device being adapted to variably be assigned one of several predefined roles in the system.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter includes a track-and-hold circuit, a constant-voltage source, a threshold voltage selection circuit, a first comparator to a seventh comparator, an encoder, and a reference voltage output circuit. In a correction mode where the offsets of the first to seventh comparators are to be corrected, a track-and-hold circuit shuts off the input of an analog voltage to the first to seventh comparators by turning off the track-hold switch.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation absorber for absorbing radiation in the wavelength range ?min to ?max. The absorber has a conductor layer in contact with a dielectric layer. The conductor layer carries a plurality of apertures of sub-wavelength dimension and the thickness of the absorber is less than ?min/4n, where n is the refractive index of the dielectric. The dielectric layer may be sandwiched between two conductor layers, one of which has the structure described above. The invention is also directed to various articles comprising such an absorber.

Abstract: A method and system for using a single transceiver to correlate radar position data with target identification data. Two transceivers, operating in round trip delay mode, can be used to provide two possible positions for a given target when radar coverage is lost or unavailable. Three transceivers can be used to provide actual position of a given target using round trip delay data only.

Abstract: An assembly for receiving and transmitting millimeter (mm) waves, including at least one mm wave reflector (84, 86, 88) and at least one mm transmission wave feed (72) configured in a transmission feed location (34) within the at least one mm wave reflector. The assembly also includes a plurality of receiving mm wave feeds (72) configured in respective receiving feed locations (36) within the at least one mm wave reflector; and a radio frequency (RF) module (38). The RF module is coupled to the at least one mm transmission wave feed and to the plurality of the receiving mm wave feeds, so as to drive the at least one mm transmission wave feed to transmit outgoing mm waves and to simultaneously receive incoming mm waves from all of the plurality of the receiving mm wave feeds.

Abstract: In a configuration according to a short-range radar of the present invention and a method of controlling the same, the timing at which a variable-period pulse output from a variable-period pulse generator including a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) has shifted in level first since reception of a search instruction is used as a reference timing, so that a signal that shifts in level at the reference timing or a fixed lapse of time later than the reference timing is generated and output as a transmission trigger signal, and a signal that shifts in level at a timing delayed by half a period of the variable-period pulse or its integral multiple from the timing at which the transmission trigger signal is output is generated and output as a reception trigger signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a multibeam radar carried on a platform flying a mission over a prescribed flight path to obtain images of a plurality of target areas, the beams of said radar being the result of respective transmit pulses and beam returns being received by respective receive windows. A range of pulse repetition frequencies and pulse repetition frequency change rates are used in an iterative process to determine non-collision alignments of any combination of transmit pulses and receive windows. When a non-collision alignment is determined the particular arrangement producing that non-collision alignment is used in a simulated flight of the platform to determine dwell time before a collision occurs. An arrangement that produces sufficient dwell time to accomplish a mission is then used in an actual flight of the platform.

Abstract: A method of organizing a radar system or a sensor system with multiple levels of hierarchical constructs for all level of the system. These architectural levels incorporate self-similar organizational structure and represent design strategies that implement data transfer and communication interfaces with both intranet and internet communication network connections.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a cumulant-based discriminator for global navigation satellite system code alignment are provided. In one embodiment, a method for determining a misalignment between a GNSS coarse acquisition code signal and a replica code is provided. The method comprises producing code samples of a spread spectrum signal received from a satellite; multiplying the code samples by a current value of a replica code; and calculating a set of multiple-order cumulants based on the code samples multiplied by the current value of the replica code.

Abstract: A phased array antenna system with controllable electrical tilt generates two signals V2a and V2b with variable relative delay therebetween. The signals are converted into antenna element drive signals by a power distribution network. The network splits each of the two signals V2a and V2b into three signal components. Pairs of components of different signals are input respective hybrid coupling devices (hybrids), which provide vector sums and differences of their inputs and act as phase-to-power converters. Their outputs are distributed between further hybrids, which act as power-to-phase converters and provide antenna element drive signals with phase varying both with element array position and also with the variable relative delay between the two signals V2a and V2b. Antenna electrical tilt is therefore controllable by altering a single relative delay.

Abstract: A method for reducing intermodulation beams includes applying a beam-smearing phase distribution in addition to a beam-steering distribution for scanning to an array of antenna elements such that multiple higher-order intermodulation products are simultaneously reduced.

Abstract: An adaptive algebraic interference cancellation technique for canceling interference from a signal of interest received by an array of antenna elements involves: generating a set of antenna element signals that reflect reception of the signal of interest and interference at the respective antenna elements; adaptively determining the direction of one or more interference sources received with the signal of interest; for each interference source, constructing a directional interference vector corresponding to the direction of the interference source; computing a projection operator that transforms each directional interference vector to a zero vector; applying the projection operator to the antenna element signals to remove interference from the antenna element signals; and restoring the signal of interest by individually compensating the antenna element signals for distortion to the signal of interest cause by applying the projection operator.

Abstract: A system for tracking persons and other assets in a structure, having a multi-function tracking tag and a network of fixed RF receivers forming a gateway array. The location of the person being tracked is calculated by a computer using an algorithm that weights each separate signal according to the probability of its accuracy, thus using data with the least error. A preferred algorithm is shown in FIG. 2.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna for multiple bands employing a single antenna element 10, capable of operating in multiple frequency bands, and ideal for size reduction purposes. One end A of an antenna element 10 is electrically connected to a feeding point 12 and intermediate points B and C and the other end thereof is electrically connected via switches SWb, SWc, and SWd to a ground conductor 14. The electrical lengths of the antenna element 10 from the terminal to the intermediate points B and C plus connection lines from these points via the switches SWb and SWc to the ground conductor 14 and the electrical length from the one end A to the other end D plus a connection line from the other end via the switch SWd to the ground conductor 14 are set to be capable of resonating different desired frequency bands. By closing one of the switches SWb, SWc, and SWd, one of the desired frequencies can be selected and the antenna can resonate with that frequency.

Abstract: An antenna system for a radio frequency identification system comprising: (a) a base; (b) a first patch antenna disposed on the base and having a circular polarization and adapted to convert between electrical signals and electromagnetic fields; and (c) a second patch antenna disposed on the base and having a circular polarization and adapted to convert between electrical signals and electromagnetic fields, the second antenna being disposed at a distance from the first antenna to define a region between the first and the antenna, the second patch antenna being positioned relative to the first patch antenna such that the electromagnetic fields of the two antennas are substantially opposing in the region.

Abstract: First and second monopole conductive elements are disposed so as to be approximately mutually perpendicular and so that respective open ends are adjacent, and with respect to a straight line that passes between open ends of the first and second monopole conductive elements and through a center of a conductive ground plane, a first conductive ground plane portion formed on a first monopole conductive element-side of the straight line among the conductive ground plane and the first monopole conductive element are formed so as to be approximately symmetrical to a second conductive ground plane portion formed on a second monopole conductive element-side of the straight line among the conductive ground plane and the second monopole conductive element.

Abstract: An antenna assembly includes a antenna carrier having an antenna module receiving region. The antenna module includes an antenna and a radio frequency transceiver coupled to the antenna. The antenna carrier includes a passive tuning element situated adjacent to the module receiving region, the element exhibiting a length selected to cause the antenna to resonate at a predetermined frequency when the antenna module is placed in the module receiving region.

Abstract: This invention provides a foldable and portable communication apparatus including a lower case, an upper case, and a connector. The connector is used to connect the lower case and the upper case in a foldable way. The lower case has a lower inner face. The upper case has an upper inner face and an upper outer face. The upper inner face is installed with a speaker to output an audio signal. The upper outer face is installed with an antenna. The antenna and the upper outer face form a predetermined tilt angle, and the predetermined tilt angle is less than 180 degree to reduce electromagnetic absorption by the user.

Abstract: The invention concerns an antenna assembly (102) and a method (600) of operation thereof. In one arrangement, the antenna assembly can include a first antenna element (202) and a second antenna element (204), electrically disconnected from the first antenna element and a switching element (210) to selectively connect the first antenna element and the second antenna element. In another arrangement, the method can include the steps of sliding (604) the switching element to a first position to operate the antenna assembly in a first mode of operation and sliding (606) the switching element to a second position to operate the antenna assembly in a second mode of operation. As an example, in the first mode of operation, the antenna assembly can operate as a one-half wavelength antenna. In the second mode of operation, the antenna assembly can operate as a quarter wavelength antenna.

Abstract: A plurality of heating wires 2 have a plurality of detours 1 formed therein, the heating wires 2 have inlets 10 formed therein for connection with the detours 1, and both ends of each of the inlets 10 and both ends of each of the detours 1 are connected by a pair of connection lines 9. When a shorter one of the shortest spacing between the paired connection lines 9 and the shortest spacing between both ends of the inlets 10 is called We, when the maximum width of the detours 1 in a horizontal direction is called Wr, when a received frequency has a wavelength of ?0 in the air, and when the formula of {(Wr?We)/2}=L1 is established, the formula of L1?0.0053·?0 is satisfied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planar antenna carried by a substrate comprising a slot in the form of a closed curve dimensioned to operate at a given frequency, supplied by a feeder line intersecting the slot at a point known as an excitation point, characterized in that at least two short circuits in parallel on the slot are positioned with respect to the excitation point so as to match the impedance to the excitation point and/or the polarization of the antenna.

Abstract: The slot-mode antenna includes an array of slot antenna units carried by a substrate, and each slot antenna unit having a pair of patch antenna elements arranged in laterally spaced apart relation about at least one central feed position. Adjacent patch antenna elements of adjacent slot-mode antenna units have respective spaced apart edge portions with predetermined shapes and relative positioning to provide increased capacitive coupling therebetween. The spaced apart edge portions may be continuously or periodically interdigitated to provide the increased capacitive coupling therebetween.