Abstract: The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a system, process or method for controlling, operating or otherwise directing a personal safety mobile notification system having a mobile device adapted to initiate and transmit an alarm notification signal to a network (such as an PLMN network) in the event of an impending emergency or emergency in progress for further emergency processing by the network. In another embodiment, the mobile device of the present invention is adapted to record, collect, store and transmit evidentiary data concerning the emergency event to the network.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a mobile device includes a receiving unit receiving a trigger profile including predetermined zone information and a triggering rule about the generation of an alarm signal at the moment of entering and exiting of the predetermined zone, a location identifying unit locating a present location, a zone in/out detection unit generating the alarm signal according to the triggering rule based on the trigger profile and the present location located by the location identifying unit when entering the predetermined zone or exiting the predetermined zone, and a transmission unit transmitting the present location information identified by the location identifying unit when the alarm signal is generated.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for emergency services personnel that includes a plurality of portable devices and a base station. The portable devices are configured to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each have a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and a second transceiver configured to communicate over a second network, where the first and second networks operate independent of one another. For example, they may have at least one of different first and second carrier frequencies, protocol, channels and the like. The base station has at least one transceiver for communicating with the portable devices over at least one of the first and second networks. Optionally, the first and second networks may have different transmission characteristics, such as different transmit ranges, power levels and the like.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: A system for monitoring an unsupervised worker is provided that includes a plurality of sensors and a base station provided at the monitored location, a service provider server located remotely from the monitored location and operated by a third party service provider, and a computing device associated with a subscriber to the system. At least a portion of the sensed data is sent to and stored by the service provider server so that a report based thereon may, at the request of the system subscriber, be selectively generated and provided to the system subscriber. The computing device is also adapted to generate configuration data for one or more of the sensors and transmit the configuration data to the service provider server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of modifying and utilizing a standard home security system augmenting it into a viable state-of-the-art home health monitoring system. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus and method of adding a program and some motion sensors thus using the methods (with slight modification) of an existing home security system in such a way that there is a minimum of intrusion and cost compared to other methods.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for managing power use in security systems, which include establishing a detection region, triggering a person detection event, the person detection event based on the detection of a person in the detection region, starting a timer upon triggering the person detection event, and transmitting a tag interrogation signal until the expiration of the timer. The method, system and apparatus can further include determining a relative direction of movement of the person.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor arrangement (1), with a plurality of optical transmitters (21, 22) positioned side by side in an optical transmitter strip (12), such that each optical transmitter (21, 22) transmits the light of a transmitted cone (?1, ?2) into a surveillance area (50), and with a plurality of optical receivers (31, 32) positioned side by side in an optical receiver strip (14), which optical receivers (31, 32) receive the light of a received cone (?1, ?2) from the surveillance area (50), where each receiver (31, 32) exhibits a laterally-resolving element (41, 42), such that each optical transmitter (21, 22) and optical receiver (31, 32) form an optical receiver/transmitter pair, and a control unit contains means for determining the optical incident point (L1, L1?, L2, L3) on one of the optical receivers (31, 32) of the transmitted cone (?1, ?2) of each optical transmitter (21, 22) and/or of a foreign light source (G1).

Abstract: An olive-shaped window or door fitting includes a handle housed in a handle fitting, an autonomous monitoring and alarm module arranged in a module housing with several sensors, and an evaluation unit, which receives alarm signals and detection signals. The monitoring and alarm module has at least one handling noise sensors integrated into the module housing, which is directed towards a pane of glass and selectively records acoustic frequencies which occur when glass is broken and which in the event of glass being broken transmits an alarm signal to the evaluation device.

Abstract: A screen unit has opposed first and second sides and includes a robust mesh having a perimeter, and a frame engaging the perimeter of the robust mesh supporting and preventing relative movement between the frame and the mesh. A security device, formed in the frame, includes sensor apparatus to detect unauthorized tampering of the screen unit that is operatively coupled to a camera apparatus, visual alarm apparatus, and audible alarm apparatus. In response to the sensor apparatus detecting unauthorized tampering of the screen unit, the camera apparatus to collect visual imagery from each of the first and second sides of the screen unit, the visual alarm to issue visual alarm stimulus on each of the first and second sides of the screen unit, and the audible alarm apparatus to issue audible alarm stimulus on each of the first and second sides of the screen unit.

Abstract: An RFID event tracking and management system provides a standardized approach that can be utilized by various industry verticals. Loss of captured event data, such as RFID generated through an RFID event, can be prevented through a series of guarantee semantics. Approaches also provide for role-based data visibility. Queries received from a user or entity can be dynamically modified based on the role of the user/entity using a virtual private database (VPD). The modified query can result in a virtual private database automatically hiding or restricting access to event data at row, column, and/or cell levels, so that an authorized user/entity is only able to access data to which that user/entity should have access.

Abstract: An RFID event tracking and management system provides a standardized approach that can be utilized by various industry verticals. Loss of captured event data, such as RFID generated through an RFID event, can be prevented through a series of guarantee semantics. Approaches also allow an entity to control the integrity level of their data, such as where dimension data is not available to be correlated with coded event data. An entity can decide whether to allow querying on event data that has not been correlated with dimension data useful in interpreting the location data.

Abstract: Compositions, systems and methods that allow for the detection of the actual physical delivery of a pharmaceutical agent to a body are provided. Embodiments of the compositions include an identifier and an active agent. The invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including but not limited to, monitoring of therapeutic regimen compliance, tracking the history of pharmaceutical agents, etc.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system for managing and identifying locations for an RFID reader is disclosed. An expected location of a fixed radio frequency identification (RFID) reader is determined. A first signal is transmitted from the reader to a first RFID tag to determine whether the reader is at the expected location. The first tag is a fiducial RFID tag fixed at a first location. In one aspect, the reader receives a first response to the first signal from the first tag. The first response identifies the first location of the first tag. The first location is compared to the expected location. If the first location and the expected location are different, an alarm is triggered.

Abstract: An article surveillance tag that has a shock absorbing mechanism that prevents unauthorized removal of the tag by the application of a strike force to the tag by a blunt object. In one embodiment, the article surveillance tag is adapted to engage articles that cannot be penetrated by pins.

Abstract: Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and storage medium that, in an embodiment, receive service data at a computer system from an RFID tag, where the service data was sent to the RFID tag from an RF transmitter while the computer system was powered off. The RFID tag includes tag memory and an antenna, and the RFID tag is attached to the computer system. In another embodiment, the computer system sends the service data to the RFID tag, and the service data is received by an RF scanner from the RFID tag via the antenna while the computer system is powered off. In various embodiments, the service data identifies the computer system or a product within the computer system. In another embodiment, the service data includes log information associated with the computer system.

Abstract: An apparatus (500) for detecting removal of items from a compartment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a reader (540) for reading Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags attached to items in the compartment and a processor (510), coupled to the reader (540), for identifying items removed from the compartment. Removal of an item from the compartment is detected based on absence of a RFID tag that was previously detected by the reader (540). The RFID tags may be read exclusively when a door of the compartment is closed and the apparatus may further comprise a detector coupled to the processor (510) for detecting open/close status of the door. Removal of an item is preferably confirmed only when a RFID tag attached to an item has been absent from the compartment for longer than a defined time period.

Abstract: A method and an analogous system for tuning an RFID label prior to application to an article are disclosed. The method includes providing an RFID label having at least one antenna disposed therein, identifying an article, relaying information related to the identification of the article to a controller, with the controller including a memory of predetermined tuning parameters for the article, retrieving from memory one or more of the tuning parameters for the article; and adjusting the tuning parameters of the RFID label to correspond to the article by altering a geometric parameter of the antenna of the RFID label. The system includes a cutting device to alter a geometric parameter to correspond to the article by removing material from at least one antenna forming part of the RFID label.

Abstract: The invention provides a physical-characteristic-based RFID tag apparatus which is easy to implement, controllable by a user and capable of enabling privacy protection function as appropriate. According to the invention, there is provided an RFID tag apparatus, comprising: an RFID tag which comprises an antenna and a chip; and a shielding part which is capable of switching between a first state in which it blocks RF signals to or from the RFID tag and a second state in which it does not block RF signals to or from the RFID tag.

Abstract: Provided is a communication apparatus having a human body contact sensing function and a method thereof. The communication apparatus includes: an electrode that comes in contact with the human body; a contact sensor that is connected to the electrode, and instructs the central processing unit to perform an initial operation if contact with the human body is sensed; and a data processing unit that receives a control signal from the central processing unit so as to select whether to transmit or receive data, and performs a transmitting or receiving operation according to the control signal. Accordingly, in order to reduce power consumption when in a stand-by state before human body contact is made in a communication apparatus using a human body as a communication medium, a human body contact sensor is included so as to minimize power consumption of a micro processing unit and a transmitter/receiver circuit until contact occurs.

Abstract: Absorbent articles incorporating a wetness sensor for indicating the presence of a body fluid are disclosed. In particular, the absorbent articles include at least two conductive elements that form an open circuit within the article. Each conductive element is connected to a conductive pad member that has sufficient surface area in order to facilitate connection to a signaling device. In accordance with the present disclosure, various attachment mechanisms are disclosed for attaching the pad members to a signaling device. In particular, although the absorbent articles are disposable, the signaling device is intended to be used with multiple absorbent articles. Therefore, a simple and efficient method of connecting the signaling device to the pad members provides various advantages. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the pad members comprise a conductive loop-type material that is attached to a corresponding conductive hook-type material on the signaling device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a on-chip thermal sensing circuit that generates a temperature signal based on a temperature of the integrated circuit. An RF transceiver generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data and to generate inbound data from an inbound RF signal, based on the temperature signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tamper respondent covering (10) wherein the covering (10) is adapted for mounting on a surface having at least one item (14, 16) disposed thereon, said tamper respondent covering (10) comprising a covering member defining a recess (28), and at least one non-metallic detecting element having an electrical characteristic disposed on said covering member, wherein said covering member is adapted for mounting on the surface and covering and protecting said at least one item (14, 16) on the surface such that damage to said at least non-metallic detecting element results in a detectable variation to said electrical characteristic.

Abstract: The Vertical System Integration (VSI) invention herein is a method for integration of disparate electronic, optical and MEMS technologies into a single integrated circuit die or component and wherein the individual device layers used in the VSI fabrication processes are preferably previously fabricated components intended for generic multiple application use and not necessarily limited in its use to a specific application. The VSI method of integration lowers the cost difference between lower volume custom electronic products and high volume generic use electronic products by eliminating or reducing circuit design, layout, tooling and fabrication costs.

Abstract: A warning device of the flashing beacon type (2) is provided with a dual light source (14, 16), typically in the form of two LEDs arranged in back to back relationship, in which the light from one light source (14) is transmitted directly from the beacon whereas the light from the other light source (16) is reflected by a compound reflector (18, 20) from a direction which is essentially opposite the direction of the light from the first source to a direction which is the same as or substantially parallel to the direction of the first source so as to produce a compound beam of illumination having a relatively darker first peripheral part, a relatively more intense central part followed by a relatively less intense third peripheral part. The two light sources and the compound reflector rotates in unison with each other to produce flashes of illumination to a person observing the beacon from a remote location to the beacon.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for controlling a RC device via a secure radio link. In one embodiment of the invention, spread spectrum modulation may be employed which may provide a digital radio frequency (RF) link between a controller and a RC device. A controller may be coupled with a transmitter module and a radio controlled device may be coupled with a receiver module in accordance with the present invention to provide an add-on upgrade capability. The method and system for controlling a RC device may also include error detection and correction, interpolation of lost packets, failsafe technology and force-feedback telemetric technology to further enhance the user experience with radio controlled devices.

Abstract: A power monitoring system for monitoring characteristics of power transmitted through one or more power lines comprises a meter base and multiple option modules. The meter base includes a processor and associated circuitry for processing signals derived from sensors coupled to said power lines and producing output signals representing selected characteristics of the power transmitted through the power lines, and a housing containing the processor and the associated circuitry and having a first surface adapted to be mounted on a DIN rail, and a second surface containing multiple connectors for receiving multiple modules and electrically connecting the modules to the processor and the associated circuitry.

Abstract: An information provision apparatus of the present invention includes a stop detector to detect a stop of a vehicle; a display unit to display various information; and a control unit to control the display unit to display a plurality of display contents in a manner that two successive contents of information differ with each other while the vehicle is standing at the temporal stop. When the vehicle is caught in a traffic congestion to stop temporarily, the driver of the vehicle is entertained by plural contents of the information appearing on the display unit for his/her diversion.

Abstract: A method for controlling traffic at an intersection which helps to avoid traffic jams at intersections by taking advantage of the free space ahead of the intersection and implementing an exclusive right return lane for the drivers wanting to make a left turn at the intersection in a very inexpensive way, thus minimizing traffic interruptions and raising the average velocity of the vehicles.

Abstract: A back warning system and method for a vehicle are provided. The system includes an electronic system and a plurality of sensor units. When the vehicle is backed, the electronic system transmits a sensor drive message and then generates a warning based on a received warning level. The sensor units are driven when receiving the sensor drive message, sense a distance from a rear obstacle, and transmit a warning level corresponding to the sensed distance to the electronic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for updating a content of a given warning message emitted in an aircraft by a monitoring system (100, 200) in case of detection of a particular state of at least one monitored system (400) of the said aircraft, characterized in that the said method comprises a step of delivery (1) of a plurality of modification information items to a selection tool, each modification information item defining a modification of a content of a warning message capable of being emitted by the said monitoring system, the selection tool being capable of selecting at least one information item among the said plurality of modification information items in such a way as to permit modification of the said content of the said given warning message.

Abstract: An alarm system for an aircraft door comprising; a sensor (37) for sensing when the door operating handle is about to be gripped by an operator, an aural alarm (35) associated with the sensor (37) and operas a to sound when the sensor (37) detects that the handle is about to be gripped, means (32, 38) for arming the sensor and/or aural alarm when the aircraft door is armed.

Abstract: Disclosed is are a system and a method for accepting user input in the form of movement of an object against a surface of a electronic device. The movement may take the form of natural writing-style stokes that generate corresponding vibrations. The vibrations may be sensed and analyzed to ascertain meaningful user input. In one approach, a method of processing user input with an electronic device includes sensing vibrations generated by movement of an object against a surface of the electronic device and analyzing signals representative of the sensed vibrations to determine a meaningful user input.

Abstract: Aspects of a system for keyboard, sound and mouse (KSM) over LAN A/V bridging and A/V bridging extensions for graphics thin client applications may include an I/O controller within an LAN subsystem, which enables generation of response data based on input signals from a keyboard device and/or mouse device that is coupled to a computing device. The generated response data may be encapsulated within an encapsulating PDU. The encapsulating PDU may comprise an Ethernet frame and/or and IP packet. The encapsulating PDU may be transmitted via a network based on a traffic class designation. The traffic class designation may enable the transmission of the generated response data via the network based on specified latency target values. A time stamp value may be generated for the encapsulating PDU. The encapsulating PDU may include at least one data type identifier, which indicates that the encapsulating PDU contains the generated response data.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic device has a keyboard with a plurality of keys, each key having a substantially flat contact surface extending to the sides of each key. One of the sides of the key is beveled.

Abstract: Provided are a lossless audio coding/decoding apparatus and method. The lossless audio coding apparatus includes a first coder to directly code first symbols; a second coder module comprising a plurality of second coders to convert the first symbols into second symbols and to code the second symbols; a first selector to compare the performance of the first coder to the performance of the second coders and to output a coding mode in accordance with a comparison result; and a second selector to output a final bitstream by coding the first symbols in correspondence with the coding mode. According to the present invention, the performance of audio coding may be improved.

Abstract: An unencoded m-bit data input sequence is divided into a block of n bits and a block of m?n bits. The block of n bits is divided into a first set of n+1 encoded bits, wherein at least one of P1 subblocks of the first set satisfies a G, M and I constraints. The first set of n+1 encoded bits is mapped into a second set of n+1 encoded bits wherein at least one of P2 subblocks of the second set gives rise to at least Q1 transitions after 1/(1+D2) preceding. A second set of n+1 encoded bits is divided into P3 encoded subblocks and the P3 encoded subblocks are interleaved among (m?n)/s unencoded symbols so as to form a (m+1)-bit output sequence codeword which is then stored on a data storage medium.

Abstract: A stage of a pipelined ADC used as a sub-ADC in a time-interleaved ADC is operated using a first set of clock signals, with a next stage being operated using a second set of clock signals. The first set and second set of clock signals are designed to cause the start of hold phases of the stage to occur earlier than the sample phases of the next stage. In an embodiment, the start of the hold phases is coincident with the end of an immediately preceding sample phase of the stage. As a result, more time is provided for the output of an amplifier used in the stage to settle to a final value, thus permitting use of a low speed amplifier and reduction in power consumption in the interleaved ADC. In an embodiment, the stage corresponds to an earliest stage in the pipelined sub-ADC.

Abstract: An analog-digital converter is provided. The analog-digital converter includes: a comparing section for comparing an input signal voltage and an analog ramp voltage in which a voltage level gradually increases; and a latch section for storing a digital value of a digital ramp signal, in which a digital value of a voltage level gradually increases in synchronization with the analog ramp voltage when the analog ramp voltage or a voltage corresponding to the analog ramp voltage and the input signal voltage are equal. A voltage in which part or all of a plurality of analog ramp signals are added is used as the analog ramp voltage so that a gain is selectable.

Abstract: Circuitry for providing non-uniform analog-to-digital (“A/D”) signal conversion for wideband signals is provided. The circuitry of the invention is optimized for wideband signals because it does not sacrifice the small-scale resolution of high-probability signal amplitudes while preventing the clipping of low-probability signal amplitudes. The circuitry includes a nonlinear amplifier and an A/D converter that may be uniform or non-uniform. The digital output of the A/D converter may be further processed by circuitry that has an output function that is the inverse of that of the nonlinear amplifier, so as to maintain linear A/D conversion.

Abstract: A delta sigma modulator includes an oscillatory system having a natural frequency and an electronics and a control loop which acts upon the electronics from the oscillatory system and again upon the oscillatory system from the electronics. The control loop provides that a gain in the control loop demonstrates a peaking in a frequency range around the natural frequency of the oscillatory system.

Abstract: A digital to analog conversion (DAC) module includes a digital to analog converter, a sample and hold circuit, and a switch module. The digital to analog converter is coupled to convert a digital signal into an analog signal. The sample and hold circuit is coupled to sample the analog signal to produce a sampled analog signal. The switch module is coupled to provide the analog signal as an output of the DAC module when the DAC module in a first mode and to output the analog signal to the sample and hold circuit when the DAC module in a second mode, wherein the sampled analog signal provides the output of the DAC module in the second mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a read channel and a drive capable of suppressing deterioration in performance of a PLL and a Viterbi decoder by using a DC component eliminating means capable of higher-speed operation than hitherto. The location of an edge is determined by using differential of a read signal, and a DC component is detected from the midpoint level of the edge. Detection of a pseudo-edge due to a long mark or space signal is prevented by limiting the absolute value of a maximum or minimum of a differential coefficient when the location of the edge is determined from the differential coefficient of the read signal. Internal operation of a DC component detector is controlled according to the state of the PLL and the magnitude of the DC component.

Abstract: A digitizer for a digital receiver system includes an input terminal to receive a modulated analog input voltage signal, and an output terminal to provide an output voltage signal being a digital conversion of the input voltage signal. A comparator circuit has an output coupled to the output terminal and includes an operational amplifier having a first input terminal coupled to the input terminal. A threshold generator circuit is between the input terminal and a second input terminal of the at least one operational amplifier, to provide a tunable voltage reference signal thereto. The threshold generator circuit includes a thresholding circuit to determine a threshold voltage value of the modulated analog input voltage signal, and a tunable voltage reference circuit coupled to the thresholding circuit to generate the tunable voltage reference signal as a function of the threshold voltage value of the modulated analog input voltage signal.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter that first converts an analog input voltage into first and second periodic signals having a phase difference there between that is a function of the analog input voltage and then introduces the first periodic signal into a forward direction data path through a series of consecutive delay cells so that the first periodic signal propagates through the cells via the first series of delay elements in a first direction, and introduces the second periodic signal into a reverse direction data path through the same series of delay cells so that the second periodic signal propagates through the cells via the second series of delay elements in an opposite direction, and using the second periodic signal to latch the first periodic signal in each cell so as to generate an output signal for each cell, said output signals of said cells collectively indicating the unique cell in which the leading edges of corresponding pulses in the first and second directions met, and decoding the outputs of

Abstract: An A/D converter circuit uses first and second ring delay lines. The first and second ring delay lines are supplied with input signals, which increase/decrease oppositely from each other with respect to change directions. In each ring delay line, a first counter counts the number of times of circulation of a pulse signal circulating therein to find a digital data, and a last digital data is subtracted from a present digital data. By adding the resulting first and second digital data of the first and second ring delay lines, a digital data of the input voltage of linear characteristics is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a differential amplifying circuit including an amplifying circuit, wherein 1) a drain of a sixth transistor is connected to a drain of an eighth transistor, and a drain of a tenth transistor is connected to a drain of a fourth transistor, and 2) a ratio between a total of gate widths of the fourth (or eighth) and tenth (or sixth) transistors (converted per unit gate length, and gate widths that follow are the same) and a gate width of a fifth (or ninth) transistor is nearly proportional to a current ratio between a first (or third) and second (or fourth) current source circuits, the gate width of the fourth (or eighth) transistor being equal to or more than that of the tenth (or sixth) transistor.

Abstract: A transducer device for converting an analog DC voltage signal into a digital signal is provided, with an oscillator device for outputting a first oscillator signal and a second oscillator signal, whereby the oscillator device is formed to generate the first oscillator signal and the second oscillator signal phase-locked to one another and with the substantially same frequency from a reference signal, with an analog frequency converter connected to the oscillator device for transforming the analog DC voltage signal by the first oscillator signal in a first spectral range with a first center frequency to obtain a transformed signal, with an analog-to-digital converter for converting the transformed signal into a transformed digital signal; and with a digital frequency converter connected to the oscillator device for transforming the transformed digital signal by means of the second oscillator signal in a second spectral range with a second center frequency to obtain the digital signal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting objects. In one embodiment, a person entering a secured zone is illuminated with low-power polarized radio waves. Differently polarized waves which are reflected back from the person are collected. Concealed weapons are detected by measuring various parameters of the reflected signals and then calculating various selected differences between them. These differences create patterns when plotted as a function of time. Preferably a trained neural network pattern recognition program is then used to evaluate these patterns without creating an image of the object and autonomously render a decision on the presence of a weapon or other object. An interrupted continuous wave system may be employed. Multiple units may be used to detect various azimuthal angles and to improve accuracy. The units may be used in a bistatic configuration which enables comparison of off-axis signals.