Abstract: In a switch system L groups of the line switch elements are connectable to cables that include L links such that each of the L links within a cable connect to a switch element of a respective one of the L groups. Fabric switch elements are connected such that a fabric switch element is connected to the line switch elements of one of the group of line switch elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of controlling a plurality of signal processing devices from a first signal processing device, wherein the first signal processing device generates a signal representing an on-screen display, including enabling an on-screen display associated with a user interface for one of the plurality of signal processing devices at the first signal processing device, selecting a control feature of one of the plurality of signal processing devices and providing feedback at the user interface of one of the plurality of signal processing devices associated with the selected control feature.

Abstract: System and method for controlling at least one device (2, 3) such as for example an operator for a door, a gate, a window, blinds, shutters, a curtain, an awning or a light source. The system includes at least one controllable unit (10, 14) associated with the at least one device and a plurality of nodes (12, 16, 19, 20, 22) for transmitting control signals to the at least one controllable unit (10, 14). At least one of the plurality of nodes (12, 16, 19, 20, 22) for transmitting control signals are configured for transmitting a command originator, the command originator including an identification of a predetermined type of the node (12, 16, 19, 20, 22), from which the signal originates.

Abstract: A radio method for doors in the 2.4 GHz frequency band with operating channels, wherein a stationary unit is bidirectionally networked by means of a wireless radio connection with at least one battery-powered mobile unit and uses a frequency-hopping method, wherein channel hops are executed in a time raster between 0.625 ms and 10 ms, the channels used for the frequency-hopping method are adaptively selected, at least one complete communication cycle takes place on one channel within the time raster, the number of transmitted data is adapted to the useful data that must be transmitted, the synchronization for establishment of a connection between the stationary unit and the mobile unit takes place on a synchronization channel.

Abstract: A magnetic card reader including a magnetic head, located in a non-secured region, at least one signal path extending from the magnetic head in the non-secured region to a secured region, signal processing circuitry located within the secured region, an obscuring signal injector located within the secured region and an obscuring signal remover located within the secured region, for receiving a combination of at least one signal output and an obscuring signal and for providing an unobscured signal output, corresponding to the at least one signal output, to the signal processing circuitry.

Abstract: A presence information notification system is provided which generates presence information indicating where or whether or not a user is present and notifies a terminal of the generated information substantially without requiring the user to perform any intentional operation therefor. The system includes: a portable device carried by the user; an installed device installed at a predetermined position and having a memory device A storing an identifier A for identifying the individual installed device, detection means, for detecting the portable device, and means for performing data communication via a data communication network; a first memory device storing association relationship between positional information indicating the position where the installed device is installed and the identifier A of the installed device installed at the position indicated by the positional information; and a server having means for performing data communication via a data communication network.

Abstract: Methods and systems of attaching a radio transceiver to an antenna. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising an antenna and an integrated circuit configured to operate as a radio transceiver. The antenna comprises a ground plane having a first edge surface, and an active element having a second edge surface. The ground plane and the active element are retained together such that the first and second edge surfaces are substantially coplanar and form an antenna edge. The integrated circuit is configured to operate as a radio transceiver, and the integrated circuit is mechanically coupled to the edge of the antenna and electrically coupled to the active element.

Abstract: An RFID device interposer has folded ends that bring conductive lead end portions of conductive leads of the interposer to an underside of the interposer. The central conductive lead portions of the conductive leads remain on an upper surface of a dielectric substrate of the interposer. The folded ends of the interposer may be held together with an adhesive, or with thermal compression bonding. The interposer may also have an additional conductive material layer on an underside of the dielectric substrate. The conductive material layer may be capacitively coupled to the conductive leads of the interposer. The interposer may be tuned by varying the pressure used to secure the folded ends. This may be used to provide a better impedance match between a chip of the interposer, and the conductive leads and an antenna to which the interposer is coupled.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a dual mode power amplifier is capable of operating in either linear mode such as class A operation, or a non-linear mode such as class F operation. The power amplifier may be utilized in an RFID interrogator. The power amplifier may be biased to operate in a linear mode if the power amplifier is operating in a higher linearity mode, or may be biased to operate in a non-linear mode if the power amplifier is operating in a higher efficiency, lower power mode. The power amplifier may comprise two or more amplifiers coupled in parallel. A current mirror circuit may turn on more amplifiers if the power amplifier is operating in a higher power mode, and may turn on fewer amplifiers if the power amplifier is operating a lower power mode.

Abstract: A carrier structure has a plurality of cells. A corresponding plurality of objects having data carriers, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, is placed in each cell. Each cell has an indicator associated therewith and is defined by walls that substantially prevent waves (such as RF waves) from propagating between cells. A control module is coupled to the carrier structure and is operative to selectively activate individual ones of the indicators. An automatic data collection device (such as an RFID reader) interrogates the data carriers of the objects placed in the cells, and the data carriers can provide response signals to the data collection device. The control module also monitors the response signals using an antenna present in each cell. If the data collection device selects a particular one of the responsive data carriers, the data collection device provides a notification signal to the control module to notify the control module of the selection.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit has a rectifying circuit, a switched capacitor, a switched-capacitor drive circuit, a demodulator, and an internal circuit. The switched capacitor executes series charging and parallel discharging to/from a plurality of capacitors using an output rectified voltage. When the current driving performance at the time of supplying a power source voltage is set to a high state, so that a receiving operation in a card is executed reliably even at a long communication distance. Transmission signal data from a card is supplied to a switched-capacitor current driving performance increase disable circuit, and the current driving performance at the time of supplying the power source voltage in the switched capacitor is changed to be low. The change is detected as a magnetic field change in an antenna by an apparatus.

Abstract: An RFID reader comprises a receiver section for receiving an RF signal and a transmitter section for transmitting an RF signal. The reader is a multicarrier RFID reader and both the transmitted RF signal and the received RF signal comprise at least two frequencies.

Abstract: A tag tape comprises a plurality of substantially sheet-shaped antenna base wherein an RFID circuit element is disposed, and a first tape and a second tape provided opposite each other so that the plurality of antenna base is disposed therebetween, wherein the first tape includes an print-receiving layer, the second tape or the first tape includes an affixing adhesive layer, the second tape includes a separation material layer on the affixing side of the adhesive layer, and the antenna base is provided so that at least the IC circuit part juts toward the separation material layer side.

Abstract: Described is a device including a first functional component, a second functional component and a control unit coupled to and capable of activating the first and second components. The device further includes a trigger arrangement coupled to the control unit, and at least one sensor coupled to the control unit and capable of detecting when the trigger arrangement is in one of a first triggering position and a second triggering position. When the at least one sensor detects that the trigger arrangement is activated and in the first triggering position, the control unit activates the first component and when the at least one sensor detects that the trigger arrangement is activated and in the second triggering position, the control unit activates the second component.

Abstract: A wireless bidirectional communication system and method for tracking smart tags affixed to assets located within a defined area. Asset tracking is provided by a central processor operated by a user. The central processor combined with communication modules communicates with the system tags for deriving corresponding assets' locations. Communication is synchronized by way of broadcasting a clock generator signal over the communication link. The broadcasted clock signal is further used by the system for generating distinct time slots assigned to a tag by demand. Synchronizing the communication between the tags and the central processor is beneficial for maintaining reliable and short messages across the data link and maintaining low power draw from the tag battery.

Abstract: In a circuit (3) for a data carrier (1), which data carrier (1) comprise a sensor (2) that is designed for providing a sensor signal (SS) that represents an environment parameter and a communication element (CM) that is designed for the contact-less communication with an interrogator station, first connection elements for connecting the circuit (3) to the communication element (CM) and second connection elements for establishing an electronic connection of the circuit (3) to the sensor (2) are provided, wherein the second connection elements are realized by the first connection elements and wherein the circuit (3) comprises a sensor signal processing stage (11A) designed for receiving said sensor signal (SS) via the first connection element and for processing said received sensor signal (SS).

Abstract: For detecting a blocker RFID tag, the following steps are conducted. First, a random identifier of a given bit length is created. Alternatively, an identifier is selected out of a probing set, which is stored on a data storage device. The probing set comprises of identifiers, which are not being used as identifiers for a given set of RFID tags. In a second step, a response from all RFID tags is requested having an identifier matching the random identifier or, respectively, the selected identifier. In a third step, it is determined, depending on receiving or not receiving a response, whether the blocker RFID tag is present.

Abstract: Provided is a pre-configuration system and method for defining user configuration preferences for consumer devices and computer software and hardware at time of purchase and, then, automatically configuring the target devices when the device is packaged or first used. Information gathered in conjunction with the purchase of a target device is employed to determine the user configuration and then the user configuration is applied to the target device. A target device and associated hardware are imbedded with RFID tags thus enabling elimination of the configuration of a device by the end user. As a result, both user documentation and support calls are reduced. This is accomplished using RFID technology that enables labor free, automated transmittal of configuration data to the user device.

Abstract: A lighting control circuit is provided with a plurality of wireless controls. Each of the wireless controls receives wireless signals from at least one switch, and processes those signals to control components in at least a plurality of rooms. In addition, the controls are operable to dim at least one component supplied with power by the control.

Abstract: A system, associated components, and methods for improving powerline communications between electrical devices in, for example, a home or office setting. In one embodiment, a control module provides electrical command signals to a plurality of devices coupled to a powerline. A transformer operatively coupled to the control module and is configured to capacitively couple through its center tap to a non-signal line to provide a communication path to the plurality of devices. The transformer configuration provides a low noise communication path for the electrical command signals. Methods for installing and operating the aforementioned system and components are also described.

Abstract: In an intelligent centralized control panel, in particular for motors in which case it is known under the name of iMCC, communications with the outside are performed by powerline carrier current or PLC. The wiring of the control panels can thereby be greatly reduced. To enable this type of communication to be used in dense systems containing a large number of line starters and therefore a large number of parallel-connected carrier current interfaces, the invention proposes inserting a preferably electronically adjustable impedance in series with the PLC conversion device. Advantageously, an adjustment algorithm enables the values of the added impedances to be optimized according to the geometry and position of the different interfaces.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating vehicle diagnostic data to a vehicle service provider employs sensors for generating sensor signals indicative of the status or condition of vehicle components. A diagnostics module in the vehicle generates diagnostic data based on the sensor signals and transfers the diagnostic data to a communications module of a hands-free phone system in the vehicle. The communications module wirelessly communicates the diagnostic data to a Bluetooth enabled cell phone in the vehicle using Bluetooth communications. The cell phone communicates the diagnostic data to an Internet server via the Internet. The provider accesses the diagnostic data from the Internet server using a computer connected to the Internet to determine if any of the vehicle components are in need of repair or maintenance. The provider notifies a user of the vehicle of any vehicle component that is in need of repair or maintenance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide evidence that a person who is intended to make a required inspection was actually physically present at a predefined location associated with the inspection, so that the inspection could have been done, and if not, to provide an indication of the failure to perform the inspection. This invention is particularly well suited to determine if required pre/post-trip inspections of vehicles have been performed. Detecting a triggering condition, such as powering on (or off) equipment, indicates the beginning of a period of time during which the inspection is to be performed. The monitoring system waits for a predetermined event to occur, which indicates the period of time has expired and determines if data corresponding to the inspection have been received. If not, it is concluded that the inspection has not been performed.

Abstract: A collision-detecting device according to the present invention is installed in a bumper of an automotive vehicle. The collision-detecting device includes a deformable member disposed behind a bumper cover, a pressure sensor disposed in an inside space of the deformable member and an electronic control unit for determining a collision with a pedestrian based on signals from the pressure sensor. A width of the deformable member is made 300 mm or wider so that the width sufficiently covers a portion that is usually deformed by a collision with a pedestrian. A height of the deformable member is so set that a reaction force of the deformable member generated by a collision with a pedestrian does not exceed a predetermined level such as 1 kN. According to the present invention, a collision with a pedestrian is surely detected and the colliding pedestrian is protected from a severe damage.

Abstract: When a warning lamp 20a on the meter panel lights up in an in-vehicle system 1, the description of the content of warning and coping strategies about the lighted warning lamp are displayed on a display device 13. Thus, a user can be swiftly informed of the description of the content of warning and coping strategies. This can make it unnecessary for the user to spend time and effort looking for a service manual and opening the service manual and searching for appropriate pages, and can enhance user-friendliness.

Abstract: A recording system for capturing images of driving conditions of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a plurality of sensors and an instrument panel for displaying situations of the sensors. The recording system includes at least a first camera module disposed in front of the instrument panel for capturing an image of the instrument panel to generate a first image data. Since the driving conditions are captured in the form of an image, the driving conditions can be easily understood by reading the first image data. A recording method for capturing images of the driving conditions of the vehicle is also disclosed. Furthermore, a driving image identification method for identifying the driving conditions is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a driver assistance device for a vehicle and a method for visualising the environment of the vehicle. Said driver assistance device is associated with two sensors for detecting the environment of the vehicle. The sensors have a different resolution and/or the driver assistance device is associated with a display device. Said display device is arranged in the region of the front disk in order to restrict analogic contact on the display which represents attentiveness information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a utility vehicle, in particular a truck with or without a trailer, having an on-board electric power system (1) for supplying power to electrical loads of the vehicle, having a plurality of lighting units (2) which are connected to the on-board electric power system (1) and which emit light when they are activated, and having a plurality of switches (3) for activating the lighting units (2). The switches (3) advantageously activate at least some of the lighting units (2) by means of PLC via the on-board electric power system (1).

Abstract: A hierarchical fault handling system and method based on filtering data regarding entities in the system and coordinating said filtered data in order to determine if an entity is considered faulty or not. The result for all entities is co-ordinated in a sys-tem fault co-ordinating means (17) which makes the overall decision if the system considered to be faulty or not.

Abstract: A system for locating an individual includes a chip with a unique code, a monitor with the unique code, a monitoring station in communication with the monitor, a satellite communication station in communication with the monitoring station, and satellites in communication with the satellite communication station. The chip is implantable in the individual. The satellites transmit a search signal over a search area of predetermined size. The search area is increased until the chip is located. The search signals from the satellites form triangulation data. Location data is formed from the triangulation data and transmitted to the monitor.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an alarm system and a method for suppressing redundant alarms in a monitored system. The alarm system comprises a process control unit, an FDI unit, a filter, and an alarm display unit. The process control unit detects anomalies in the monitored system and generates alarms corresponding to them. The FDI unit diagnoses failures in the monitored system and generates a failure-cause-effect graph comprising a list of generated alarms, along with the alarms corresponding to the causes and effects of each listed alarm. The FDI unit dynamically updates the failure-cause-effect graph concurrently with the generation of alarms by the process control unit and the diagnosis of failures by the FDI unit. The filter receives the generated alarms and identifies redundant and not-yet-classified alarms from the received alarms, by using the failure-cause-effect graph.

Abstract: A console box for heavy equipment having a safety bar with a function sound device is provided, which generates a function sound when an operator rotates a safety bar to be in a horizontal/vertical direction, so that the operator can accurately recognize the rotation state of the safety bar.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a threat detection and monitoring apparatus with an integrated display system. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for use as a public safety and emergency messaging system adapted to detect and identify threats in the surrounding environment and display useful information regarding the threat or other public information to the public.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for constructing location management system using RFID series. In particular, the present invention provides RFID series to complete work with a little time and workforce without confusion by concurrently installing a number of RFID tags, even where a number of RFID tags are required in order to constitute an RFID system, and a method for constructing a system to effectively manage the location of an objective space using RFID series, wherein additional drawings (or computerized drawings) for an objective space are nor required even where RFID tags are attached over a considerably wide space, but rather drawings for location management system of an objective space can be produce by attaching RFID tags.

Abstract: An RFID reader control system and method is provided. A protocol for controlling an RFID reader and an RFID reader control unit of a mobile phone is defined. Messages, information, commands, responses, and notification are constructed and transmitted between the RFID reader and the RFID reader control unit.

Abstract: RFID antennas for ingestible devices, such as ingestible event markers, are provided. Aspects of the ingestible devices of the invention include RFID signal transmission antennas with a battery that is activated upon being exposed to fluid in the body. Embodiments of the RFID antennas are configured to emit a detectable signal upon contact with a target physiological site. Also provided are methods of making and using the devices of the invention.

Abstract: An information system, method, and computer program product is provided for the distributed warning of existing or developing significant events and/or threats to users carrying a user warning and positioning device, while reporting the location of all user's carrying the user warning and positioning devices of the system to existing command and control systems. The present invention's future event warning capabilities permit those same users to be warned of impending events in enough time for the users to take positive actions in response to these events and/or address those events.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide tracking devices and systems, and methods for using such. As one example, a method for locating a individual monitoring device is disclosed that includes determining a discard status of an individual monitoring device, identifying a location of the individual monitoring device, uploading the location of the individual monitoring device to a monitoring system via a wireless communication link, entering a low power state of the individual monitoring device, receiving a wake-up signal from a mobile transmitter, and transmitting a human identifiable location signal.

Abstract: A personal warning system is provided having a receiver associated with a target and capable of receiving a signal, a protective area defined by the target's signal reception, an alarm associated with the target's receiver and capable of alerting the target, and a transmitter associated with an offender and capable of transmitting a signal, wherein the target's alarm is activated when the offender's transmitter remains within the protective area for a predetermined elapsed time.

Abstract: A security system control module with a portable housing including a wireless receiver, control circuitry, nonvolatile memory, and a data connector. The receiver receives data transmissions from at least one wireless security device that monitors a condition of a premises in which the wireless security device is installed. The data connector exchanges data between the control circuitry and an external host device, and it also accepts from the external host device primary operating power for operating the wireless receiver, the control circuitry, and the nonvolatile memory. The control circuitry is adapted to process signals in accordance with a preprogrammed configuration file stored in the nonvolatile memory, the signals received via the wireless receiver from a wireless security device, and to communicate with an external computer located remotely from the external host device via the data connector using a first communications protocol.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, an apparatus having a first sensor having a first adjustable lens and a second sensor having a second adjustable lens is disclosed. A controller is coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor. The controller is to cause the first sensor and the second sensor to operate independently in a first mode and is to cause the first motion sensor and the second motion sensor to operate interdependently in a second mode.

Abstract: A multifunction detector for detecting energy reflected from the surface, the detector comprising: a focal plane array in communication with the optical receiving path; and an optical receiving path; a read-only integrated circuit in communication with the optical receiving path, integrated with a focal plane array; and a processor programmed to operate the focal plane array and read-out integrated circuit in a first mode to process signals in a first frequency band, and in a second mode to process signals in a second, wider frequency band.

Abstract: A security alarm blanket can be placed over an object that is to be guarded. If someone approaches the blanket an audio, visual, and/or electronic alarm is sent. The blanket is made of a fabric with metal woven therein or a membrane material with a conductive surface and thus functions as the antenna for a proximity detector. The proximity detector may be activated from a remote controller allowing the operator the ability to prepare the object to be guarded and to deactivate the proximity detector without setting off the alarm.

Abstract: A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm speaker. The alarm system includes a conductor located within the housing which forms a loop that extends at least partially about the alarm speaker or about the periphery of the housing. The conductor which can be an electrical conductor, fiber optic conductor, light pipe, etc., when severed by a thief will actuate the audible alarm. In another embodiment, the conductor forms a loop about a simulated speaker grille formed in the housing to prevent tampering, wherein the audible alarm is located in the housing remote from the simulated speaker grille.

Abstract: A vehicle tracking system includes a wheel containing sensor circuitry capable of sensing various types of conditions, such as wheel rotation, wheel vibration caused by skidding, and specific electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals indicative of particular wheel locations. The sensor circuitry is coupled to an RF transceiver, which may but need not be included within the wheel. The wheel may also include a brake mechanism. In one embodiment, the wheels are placed on shopping carts and are used to collect and monitor shopping cart status and location data via a wireless network. The collected data may be used for various purposes, such as locking the wheel of an exiting cart if the customer has not paid, estimating numbers of queued carts, stopping wheel skid events that occur during mechanized cart retrieval, store planning, and providing location-based messaging to customers.

Abstract: A mobile communication device is provided herein. The mobile communication device includes a touch unit for generating a trigger signal when detecting a touch, a controller for generating an audible alarm in response to the trigger signal, and a transceiver for communicating wirelessly with an anti-theft device. The audible alarm, transmitted to the anti-theft device via the transceiver, is for enabling the anti-theft device to output a first alarm. An anti-theft system and method are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of accessing multimedia content. One embodiment includes a system for accessing multimedia data. The system includes a tangible object comprising at least one proximity device embedded within the tangible object. The tangible object is configured to provide identification information of the tangible object. The system further includes a reader configured to wirelessly detect the tangible object based upon the proximity device and receive the identification information. The system further includes a device configured to receive a signal from the reader in response to detecting the tangible object and configured to access multimedia data based upon the provided identification information.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique for timing participants in sporting events with RFID tags. RFID tags have read and writable memory that is loaded with race numbers or an encoding of it. RFID tags are distributed to participants by attaching them to race bibs that display the race numbers. RFID tags may be left on the race bibs, or removed from the bibs and attached to shoes, clothing, or other apparatus used in the race. A plurality of RFID tags may be used by each participant for pre-race, during-race and post-race tracking and locating applications. This invention also includes methods for constructing RFID enabled race bibs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of protecting an RFID password, and an RFID tag access method are provided. The apparatus for protecting an RFID password comprises a recording medium on which the password for the RFID tag is printed, and a disposable shielding member that can be removed physically or chemically, formed on the surface of the recording medium to visually shield the password. Accordingly, the RFID password can be provided securely to a user, and the user can access the RFID tag using the RFID password.

Abstract: An RFID device is capable of stopping and restarting a response via a response stop command. The device is capable of initializing a part of or the whole of internal data including a response restart set data storage portion. The device is capable of using command data from an external communication equipment to look up response restart data at the restart of a response, deciding a data storage area and content that may be initialized when the restart is possible, and rewriting a data storage portion.