Abstract: A product event timer for use with a consumer product is provided that includes a housing; timer circuitry incorporated with the housing, which includes a countdown timer; and a sensory signal coupled to the timer circuitry and activated upon receiving an activation signal from the timer circuitry; where a user is signaled to interact with the consumer product upon activation of the sensory signal.

Abstract: A monitoring system and method comprises a container adapted to house contents therein and a sensor device attached to the container, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one sensor that collects past and present data of the container, wherein the data comprises container content identification data, container geographic location data, container motion data, evidence of container tampering data, and biometric data of individuals handling the container; and a processor operatively connected to the at least one sensor and adapted to communicate the data to any of a user and a remote storage device. The processor is adapted to communicate the data into a language of choice of the user. The sensor device comprises an identification code, wherein the processor is adapted to regulate types of services the container is eligible to receive based on the identification code.

Abstract: A system and method of encouraging compliance of hand hygiene in an environment where users move from zone to zone and are required to perform hand hygiene between the zones. Users carry a wearable zone sensor which detects zones, detects hand hygiene actions, logs time of changing zones, and hand hygiene actions. The wearable sensor can be integral with a wearable hand hygiene product dispenser and/or can operate in cooperation with a fixed dispenser configured to transmit hand hygiene actions to the wearable zone sensor. The wearable zone sensors are configured to be useable anonymously or to be associated with a user identifier, and to interface with a central computer via a docking station or communication interface to transfer data for later analysis.

Abstract: The invention proposes a hazard alarm system for buildings, said system having evaluation units, which are in the form of freely programmable control units, and a building management system. As a result of being connected in series, the evaluation units are connected to the building management system by means of a fast data link.

Abstract: The invention relates to a network for combat control of ground-based units, such as combat vehicles, in real time, in which information is obtained concerning the units comprised in the network for the evaluation of threats and the calculation of a response. According to the invention, the units are divided into clusters (20; 26) with a central unit (21; 27) in each cluster and at least one client unit (22-25; 28-32) in each cluster, which client units are arranged to communicate with the associated central unit. Each unit comprises a control computer, radio, amplifier and antenna for communication with other units.

Abstract: Methods of managing features in a portable electronic device are provided. Use of a portable electronic device by a user is monitored over a period of time. Adaptive settings are established for features and/or profiles in the portable electronic device based on the monitored use of the portable electronic device. Related system and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: The object of the invention is providing a direction searching system for displaying a direction of an objective car location only by easy operations. The solution is as follows. During a switch is being pressed in the first scan, a radio signal from a in-vehicle equipment 1 loaded in an objective car is received by rotating a terminal equipment 2 having a metal portion of Smart Key, etc. used as a directional antenna 10, and the maximum receiving level thereof is held by a peak-value detecting-and-holding unit 27. During a second scan, the switch 31 is released, and the radio signal from the in-vehicle equipment 1 loaded in the objective car is received by rotating the terminal equipment 2 again. During the above operation, the receiving level being detected by a level detector 25 is given to a comparing unit 28 to be compared with the maximum receiving level held as the first scan result.

Abstract: A system and method that allows remote monitoring by satellite of cargo carried on a mobile conveyance. The system and method provide for a wireless information module (WIM) on the conveyance for transmitting and receiving data from a plurality of wireless devices on the conveyance over a short range wireless network. The WIM relays data to a remote monitoring facility via satellite. Other applications of the system and method include, but are not limited to, remotely controlling wireless devices on a conveyance such as door lock sensors and electronic seals, remotely upgrading the software loaded on the devices within the mobile conveyance, and creating an ad-hoc network of multiple WIMs to maintain satellite communication with all WIMs in the network when certain of the WIMs are unable to communicate directly with a satellite.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting real time parental screening of a variety of different types of communications which may be directed to or sent from children are described. The methods and apparatus may be used with voice, text messaging and/or E-mail communications individually or as part of a unified parental control system. Parents can set restrictions preventing text messages, E-mails and/or voice calls being sent to or received from particular individuals, sources or destinations. In addition, parents can configure the system to support real time parental screening of individual communications, e.g., messages or calls, with the parent being provided a real time notification of an incoming or outgoing communication and the parent being provided an opportunity to control in real time the disposition of the individual communication.

Abstract: A consumer electronic device (CED) having a display and including at least one light sensor for recalibrating said display at intervals, wherein said display and said at least one light sensor are mounted within different parts of a unitary housing such that when said CED is not in use said light sensor is able to monitor light from said display. Preferably the different parts of the unitary housing comprise two hinged parts, one mounting the display, the other at least a light sensing portion of the sensor.

Abstract: A method of detecting an attempted lock bumping and providing a notification that an attempted lock bumping has occurred. A lock bumping detection device is placed on or in a door or door jamb near the lock. The device includes a sensor which senses energy and generates a signal that is processed to determine if the energy is a result of a lock bumping procedure. The sensed energy is analyzed to generate a received energy signature, which is compared to a stored energy signature with respected to qualifying and disqualifying rules. If the result of the comparison is positive, this indicates that the energy sensed is a result of an attempted lock bumping procedure. In the event that it is determined that the energy is a result of an attempted lock bumping procedure, then an alarm signal may be transmitted to an associated alarm system.

Abstract: A multi-functional burglar-proof lockset assembly structure includes at least a lockset, a burglar-proof alarm circuit, and a personal alert device. The lockset body can be locked on a steering wheel to restrict rotation. When the lockset is locked, the burglar-proof alarm circuit in the lockset is activated to operate, and a detection end and a vibration sensor are activated, to detect a possible condition when a car is stolen, such as a change of atmospheric pressure, a movement of object, masking or interruption to an ultrasonic signal, fracturing to a glass, or abnormal vibration. In addition, an output signal is transmitted to a central processing unit for discrimination, and when a burglar-proof alert message is created, the burglar-proof alarm circuit can transmit the message to a user's personal alert device, thereby achieving functions of a long-range burglar-proof alert and a two-way remote control.

Abstract: The identification and security system is for an item (10) particularly a data storage disk, CD, DVD, etc. being borrowed by system user (11) from a library. The item comprises a data storage disk (16) mounted in a storage case (20). RF transponder means (25, 30) are mounted by the item (10) to provide identification data and security data with the data being readable from RF signals transmitted by the transponder means in response to external interrogation signals. The transponder means comprises a first RF transponder (25) which is a relatively smaller sized transponder, particularly an RFID transponder tag mounted in the annular space (18) between the central hole (17) and the inside diameter of the data storage area (19) of the disk (16). A relatively larger size transponder (30) provides improved detectivity due to the larger size.

Abstract: Activities of individuals and the movements/usage of products are monitored in an operating room during a surgical procedure by disposing in the operating room a first transceiver operating in a long wavelength mode in which 99.99% or more of radiated energy is in the form of a magnetic field, for example 131 KHz. A distinguishable radio frequency-enabled identification tag is associated with each of a plurality of persons assigned to the surgical procedure, including for example, doctors, nurses, and/or the patient, and optionally with products to be monitored. A signal is transmitted from the first transceiver and responses from the identification tags are monitored. A log is created from the monitored responses indicative activities of each of the persons in the operating room or of movements of tagged products.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and interacting with radio frequency identification devices, including a transceiver, a scanner operationally connected to the transceiver and tuned to scan a pre-selected set of frequencies typically associated with RFID tags, a microprocessor operationally connected to the transceiver, a user interface operationally connected to the microprocessor, and a power supply operationally connected to the microprocessor and to the transceiver. The apparatus may be selectively actuated to detect and interrogate RFID tags, to reprogram RFID tags, and/or to destroy RFID tags.

Abstract: A hand-held tester includes a testing kit and a measuring machine, wherein the testing kit has, mounted thereon, a wave absorbing material, an emitting antenna, and a RFID tag. The wave absorbing material is mounted around the inner side of the testing kit, and the emitting antenna and the RFID tag are disposed at the opposite sides of the testing kit, and further, the measuring machine and the testing kit are electrically connected, thereby a benefit way to find the best position for adhering the RFID tag can be achieved.

Abstract: A merchandise security system in accordance with one embodiment comprising a security tag configured to be attached to an item; a receiver system configured to receive signals from the security tag and capable of generating location information for the security tag; and a security tag tracking system for receiving location information from the receiver system and determining potential security related problems. A merchandise security system in accordance with another embodiment comprising a security tag configured to be attached to an item; a receiver system configured to receive an alert signal from the security tag upon removal of the security tag from the item; and a security tag tracking system coupled to the receiver system for receiving alert information from the receiver system and determining a potential security related problem.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag comprising first and second antenna elements, wherein the first and second antenna elements are configurable to be, in use, positioned to lie in substantially different planes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for radio frequency identification (RFID) reader antennas are described. In as aspect, a reader antenna includes a reflecting element and a radiating element. The reflecting element has a body that defines a cavity. The radiating element is positioned in the cavity. The radiating element transmits a RF signal for the reader antenna. The reflecting element reflects the RF signal to alter a characteristic of the RF signal transmitted by the reader antenna.

Abstract: A media case and a circuit pattern sheet with a simple configuration is provided that allows highly dense collection and reliable recognition of housed disk media. The media case 1 can house disk media 50 provided with an RFID tag (not illustrated in the drawing). This media case 1 includes an antenna element 51a being formed on its back plane to exchange an electromagnetic wave signal with the outside of the media case 1; a waveguide line 52a formed in the vicinity of its center therethrough along the disk media 50 from the antenna element 51a to guide high-frequency signals representing the electromagnetic wave signals to the antenna element 51a; and a resonance element 53a being formed adjacent to this waveguide line 52a and electromagnetically induced by the high-frequency signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method which use a portable sensor to monitor the physical and mental reactions of a person in motion. The physical and mental reactions in motion will be transformed into the related physical and mental characteristic vectors, which are used to build up a personalized physical and mental database. The database executes a self-learning algorithm to output a set of physical and mental weighting factors. After executing the set of physical and mental weighting factors and physical and mental characteristic vectors, an embedded calculator incorporated in the portable sensor gives a warning signal if an abnormal situation is detected.

Abstract: A fire detector including a base and a fire detector insert connectable to the base. The fire detector insert is connectable to the base by an axial movement and detachable from the base by a subsequent axial movement.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosure, an explosive device detection system includes a thermal imaging camera and at least one radio frequency receiver that is coupled to a signal processing circuit. The thermal imaging camera is operable to produce a first electrical signal indicative of thermal energy radiated by an explosive device. The at least one radio frequency receiver is operable to produce at least one second electrical signal indicative of electro-magnetic energy emitted by the explosive device. The signal processing circuit is configured to combine the first electrical signal and the at least one second electrical signal on a display such that the explosive device is aligned on the display.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of bodily fluid, the device including a detector (1) means having two spaced apart electrodes (2, 3), each electrode is connected to a signal generating means via a lead (6, 7). The electrodes are encased in a flexible non-conductive material with each including at least one protruding conductive element (4). The protruding elements are separated by the same distance as the spacing between the two electrodes. The device also includes a signal processing means that detects a change of state across the electrodes produced by the introduction of a fluid and an alarm actuated by the change of state.

Abstract: A leak detection system includes a first water container, a water detection probe disposed in close proximity to the first water container, the probe having a sensing circuit for generating electrical signals when moisture is sensed by the probe, a water input conduit coupled with the first water container for supplying the first water container with water from an external water source, and a water shut-off controller electronically coupled with the detection probe for regulating the supply of water from the eternal source to the first water container in response to the signals generated by the sensing circuit of the probe. The system further includes an electronic shut-off valve, and the electronic controller includes a trigger circuit for converting signals from said probe to signals for operating the shut-off valve.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing smoke or other emissions are provided. An image is analyzed and processed to identify characteristics associated with the emission, such as color, densities, dispersion rates, fuel mixture characteristics, and other suitable analysis factors. If the analysis indicates that abnormal conditions exist or that any user-defined alerts are warranted, a message is sent to an operator terminal. The system and method may continue to capture subsequent images and thus provide real-time data. The data may be stored in memory and collected over time. The data may be associated with a digital signature and used to create reports for company quality control boards, regulatory control agencies, and the public. The system and method thus provide a cost effective, reliable, and repeatable mechanism for real-time analysis of smoke stacks and other environmental changes.

Abstract: A light scattering type smoke sensor includes a sensor body, light-emitter for emitting light toward an open smoke-sensing space and outputting a light-received signal according to the amount of scattering light received, and a fire judging unit for judging whether fire occurs or not on the basis of the amount of received light determined on the basis of the outputted light-received signal.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating system configured to dissipate heat from an electrical device, includes a heat sink having a plate on which dust is likely to accumulate if dust is present, a light-emitting element arranged on the plate of the heat sink, and an alarm. The alarm device is arranged on the plate of the heat sink and configured to receive light from the light-emitting element. If dust accumulates on the plate thick enough to block light so that the alarm device cannot receive light from the light-emitting element, the alarm device will activate.

Abstract: This invention provides a non-contact temperature-measuring device including a distance sensor unit, an alarm unit, a temperature sensor unit, a microprocessor unit and a display unit. The distance sensor unit measures the distance between the device and a target. The alarm unit gives an alarm when the distance sensor unit measures a predetermined distance value. The temperature sensor unit measures a temperature of the target after the alarm unit gives the alarm. The microprocessor unit stores data of the predetermined distance value and the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor unit; the microprocessor unit also processes a distance signal emitted by the distance sensor unit and a temperature signal emitted by the temperature sensor unit. When the target's distance value equals the predetermined distance value, the microprocessor unit will further send a command for the alarm unit to give an alarm.

Abstract: Techniques for improving the quality or fidelity of a digital signal transmitted via a two-wire bus interconnect utilizing an open-terminal configuration at one or both end devices of the bus interconnect are disclosed. An intermediate two-wire bus is used to connect two open-terminal-based two-wire busses. A bus adapter device is utilized at each end of the intermediate two-wire bus, whereby the bus adapter device communicates signaling on the corresponding open-terminal-based two-wire bus using open-terminal ports and communicates signaling on the intermediate two-wire bus using push-pull ports. The bus adapter device can utilize control logic to implement a state machine or other function to control the interactions between the different two-wire buses. The bus adapter devices may be implemented as interchangeable integrated circuit devices that can change configuration based on connection, thereby permitting their implementation at either end of a bus transmission system.

Abstract: A marine telemetry system can comprise a central processing unit (CPU) with data processing and storage capacity. The system can further comprise sensors and/or other electronic accessories such as radars, fish finders, weather stations, etc. The system can be operated by a touch-screen display. The system can perform the measuring, indication, recording and/or integration of values from the many quantities that are possible to measure by such sensors and other electronic accessories comprising part of the system. The system can have the capacity of transmitting, receiving and communicating at a distance through broadband internet accessed via various access points. In this way the user can also gain access to the World Wide Web and use its many references and information to enhance the onboard boating experience.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating between serially connected electrical devices of a network is provided. The network includes a series of electrical devices, and fiber optic connectors between electrical devices of the series of electrical devices forming a closed communication ring in which output of each electrical device is communicatively connected to input of a subsequent electrical device of the series of electrical devices.

Abstract: A mobile device with local and remote services and applications for collecting, storing, analyzing and delivering health data to medical professionals and others. The mobile device communicatively connects to sensors attached to a body to collect health data and remote servers to send raw and massaged data for medical analysis. The mobile device also provides alerts and alarm messages based on the health sensor data.

Abstract: A system for indicating along a length of a roadway that a reduced speed limit is in force, as e.g. in a school safety zone on days when school is in session. The system provides patterns of illumination along one or more portions of the length of the roadway, patterns of varying intensity and/or color unusual enough to draw the attention of a motorist.

Abstract: A vehicular sensor node, circuit apparatus and their operations. Power from power source is controlled for delivery to radio transceiver and magnetic sensor, based upon a task trigger and task identifier. The radio transceiver and the magnetic sensor are operated based upon the task identifier, when the task trigger is active. The power source, radio transceiver, magnetic sensor, and circuit apparatus are enclosed in vehicular sensor node, placed upon pavement and operating for at least five years without replacing the power source components. Magnetic sensor preferably uses the magnetic resistive effect to create magnetic sensor state. Radio transceiver preferably implements version of a wireless communications protocol. The circuit apparatus may further include light emitting structure to visibly communicate during installation and/or testing, and second light emitting structure used to visibly communicate with vehicle operators. Making filled shell and vehicular sensor node from circuit apparatus.

Abstract: A group multiplexed output (208) operably couples to each unique intermediate frequency received signal output as corresponds to a plurality of aviation radio frequency receiver front ends (502). By one approach, this can comprise, in particular, multiplexing, in frequency, each of the discrete received signal outputs for each of the plurality of aviation radio frequency receiver front ends with one another. By one approach, each such aviation radio frequency receiver front end is configured and arranged to receive radio frequency signals for a corresponding different radio frequency platform (as may each correspond, for example, to a different aviation operational purpose).

Abstract: The invention concerns a display system for an aircraft. The display system (1) comprises means for automatic reconfiguration (4), upon detecting failure of a screen (E1 to En) of said system for displaying the image which is associated with the failed screen on an associated valid screen having lesser priority based on priority rules.

Abstract: A method for key press registration in an electronic device uses a first key press debounce limit (233) if a first housing of the electronic device has not moved relative to a second housing of the electronic device and a second key press debounce limit (236) if the first housing has moved relative to the second housing. In one implementation, the second debounce limit is at least twice the first debounce limit. By using different debounce limits based on whether housing movement has recently been detected, the electronic device reduces the effect of an inadvertent key press made while opening or closing the electronic device.

Abstract: An improved handheld electronic device and keypad include tactile features that help a user to identify certain keys of the keypad In the present exemplary embodiment, the keypad includes keys in a predetermined region that can be employed during a telephone operation. The keypad additionally includes other keys outside the predetermined region. The keys in the predetermined region include tactile features that enable the user to identify and actuate the keys in the predetermined region during a telephone operation with the user directing minimal visual attention to the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for decompression optimization employing a data input and a dedicated back buffer and data parser. The system and method also relate to accelerating the parsing process during decompression of a block of data by taking advantage of those naturally occurring redundancies within the block of data identified at compression time. The system of the invention includes a parser and an annotated back buffer which operate collectively to optimize the parsing process during decompression.

Abstract: A decoding method of CABAC is proposed. A CABAC decoder comprises an arithmetic engine performing two arithmetic decodings for a coefficient or reading contexts at the same time in a clock cycle. The arithmetic decoding for a coefficient comprises the steps of: (1) providing a residual block comprising Significant_flags, Last_significant_flags, coefficients and the corresponding contexts; (2) sequentially resolving the Significant_flag and the Last_significant_flag of a non-zero coefficient; and (3) decoding the non-zero coefficient to obtain regular bins and bypass bins, wherein the arithmetic decoding is conducted twice in a clock cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to encode binary data into trinary data. Applicants' method provides binary data, and encodes that binary data into trinary data. By “binary data,” Applicants mean a plurality of bits, wherein each of those bits comprises a value selected from the group consisting of a first value and a second value. By “trinary data,” Applicants mean a plurality of bits, wherein each of those bits comprises a value selected from the group consisting of a first value, a second value, and a third value. The trinary data may be stored in ROM optical disks, nano-sized indentations in a thin-film, or multi-level magnetic storage. The trinary data may be also transmitted via three light levels in an optical communications network.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus includes a row processing unit 5 and a column processing unit 6 for performing a calculation and an update of probability information with row processing and column processing according to a Min-Sum algorithm on a received signal which is low-density parity-check coded in batches of 1 bit or a predetermined number of bits, a decoded result judgment unit 8 for determining a decoded result from a hard decision of a posterior value, for performing a parity check on the decoded result, and for judging whether or not the decoded result is correct, and a control unit for controlling iteration of decoding processing by the row processing unit 5 and column processing unit 6 on the basis of the judgment result of the decoded result judgment unit 8.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for signal reconstruction enabling the sharing of analog-to-digital converter resources among signals. Embodiments include a signal reconstruction method that allows reconstruction of multiple non-uniformly sampled signals while avoiding unwanted side effects such as aliasing.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide a waveform generator that generates signals with a frequency lower than the minimum sampling frequency of the DAC. In the waveform generator 10, the clock generator 106 generates a clock signal 140. The frequency divider 112 divides the frequency of the clock signal 140 and generates the frequency-divided clock signal 144. The reader 118 provides an address signal at the period of frequency-divided clock signal 144 for the waveform memory 120 and reads the pattern data from the waveform memory 120 into the DAC 130. The DAC 130 converts the data provided from the waveform generator 120 at the period of clock signal 140 into an analog value and outputs a waveform of arbitrary shape.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog signal converter includes a digital-to-analog signal converting unit adapted for converting a digital video signal into a pair of analog differential current signals by current steering, and a driving unit coupled to the digital-to-analog signal converting unit for converting the analog differential current signals into a driving voltage signal that is adapted for driving a display device. A digital-to-analog signal converting method for driving a display device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Efficient re-sampling within a memory occurs by first generating an address request that contains a first portion that identifies a selected data string of interest, and a second portion that identifies a particular group of data values within the selected string. The first portion of the address request is applied to the memory to obtain the selected string of values during a single read operation. The second portion of the read address serves to mask the selected string of values to obtain the particular group of values of interest within the string.

Abstract: A system having a signal converter device, and a method for operating a system having a signal converter device is disclosed. One embodiment provides loading a capacitive device to a preparation voltage in a first operating phase, and loading the capacitive device to a measuring voltage in a second operating phase after the first operating phase.

Abstract: A switchable folding circuit for an analog-to-digital converter is provided. The switchable folding circuit comprises a plurality of circuit stages wherein each of the circuit stages comprises a differential pair, a current source and a switching unit. The differential pair is connected to the current source via the switching unit and the circuit stages are inversely connected to one another.

Abstract: An ADC implementation of a bucket brigade type charge transfer pipeline using Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) Bucket Brigade Devices (BBDs) that can be used in Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converters and other applications. In one embodiment a control circuit provides independent control of charge storage and charge transfer timing. Other arrangements provide high-speed and high-accuracy (A/D) conversion by employing a “boosted” charge-transfer circuit. The implementation can also achieve lower power consumption and improved resolution compared to other charge-domain methods by the use of a tapered pipeline, in which the amount of charge being processed is reduced in later pipeline stages compared to earlier ones. Still other embodiments enable implementing more than one decision threshold per stage, to support multi-bit resolution per stage and RSD-type A/D conversion algorithms.