Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes an identification mechanism, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or barcode, associated with a waste container. The identification mechanism contains an identifier that can be used to identify the waste container, and that can be read by a vehicle with an identification reader. In addition, the location of the waste container can be determined using a GPS receiver. The waste container identifier and its corresponding location can then be stored in a computer for later transmission to a second computer, for example, by using a wireless communication link. The second can be used to associate the waste container identifier and the waste container's position with a customer.

Abstract: A security and surveillance system for aircraft on the ground incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced sensors including video imaging generators, audio sensors, motion detectors, and fire and smoke detectors for monitoring critical components and critical areas of both the interior and the exterior of the a commercial transport such as an aircraft. The captured data and images are transmitted to a ground based security station for display on a monitor and may be recorded on a “black box” recorder as well as on a ground based recording system. The multiple audio and image signals are multiplexed and sequenced utilizing split screen technology in order to minimize the recording and monitoring hardware required to process the images.

Abstract: In illuminated local areas occupants are actively detected to facilitate control of the illumination and possibly other local parameters such as temperature. The emitted light in each local area is uniquely modulated to identify the respective area. The modulated light is detected by any wearable occupancy detectors in the local areas, which transmit detector-locator signals to lighting control units, thereby identifying which local areas are occupied. These signals may also uniquely identify the respective detectors, thereby enabling a lighting system controller to determine the number and identities of the detectors in each local area.

Abstract: A security network for use in a building with an opening to be monitored for possible intrusion. The network includes an intrusion sensor monitoring the opening; an RFID transponder associated with the sensor; an RFID reader in wireless communication with the transponder; and a portable telephone handset having first keys activating conventional telephone capability and second keys activating interaction with the other security network components. The handset wirelessly communicates with the reader. The reader may take the form of a security cradle for the handset. Alternatively, the reader may take the form of a telephone console. The console has keys enabling a user to dial remote telephone numbers; circuitry adapted to receive wireless communications from the transponder; circuitry in wireless communication with the handset; circuitry in communication with an external network; and a processor executing program code enabling the handset to communicate with the external network via the telephone console.

Abstract: An anti-intruder system which sets up an alarm when being breached, the system comprises of plurality of posts deployed apart forming a peripheral fence, each post carries at least a master optical array and a slave optical array, each optical array has a multiplicity of infra-red transceivers, each transceiver includes a light source and a light detector, the master array is mounted oppositely to and facing the slave array of an adjacent post, wherein the light detector of each transceiver of each optical array is illuminated by more than a single light source of the transceivers of the opposite optical array and the intensity of illumination of the light sources of the transceivers of the master optical array are automatically adjusted according to the light intensity arriving to the light detectors of the transceivers of the slave optical array.

Abstract: A curable adhesive composition is provided. A battery and a substrate to which the battery is to be conductively connected are also provided. The adhesive composition is interposed between the battery and the substrate. In another aspect, a curable epoxy composition is interposed between first and second electrically conductive components. In another aspect, a battery powerable apparatus, such as an RF communication device or RFID device, is coupled to a battery via a conductive epoxy. In another aspect, first and second electric components are electrically connected with one another through a conductive epoxy.

Abstract: A novel shipping label is described that includes an electronically updateable visual display that can be updated throughout the shipping process to provide routing instructions to package handlers. Instructions shown on the updateable display can provide such information as an indication of a particular conveyor belt or vehicle or a particular location in a vehicle for the package to be placed. A label interface device for updating the new shipping label is also described herein along with systems for updating the shipping label over the course of the package delivery. In addition, novel methods of providing shipping services that are made possible by these devices and systems are included in the disclosure.

Abstract: A system for tracking transported grain. A writer records data into an RFID tag. The data includes at least a time when the RFID tag was handled with surrounding grain and information sufficient to determine a location of handling at the time when the RFID tag was handled with surrounding grain. A reader retrieves the recorded data from the RFID tag.

Abstract: A method and service that uses radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to track and monitor vehicles that are being service is presented. Each vehicle has an attached RFID tag that contains detailed information about that vehicle. A customer can log onto a website hosted by a service department. The website is populated with real-time data showing the current service area in which the vehicle is located.

Abstract: An RFID system includes a central RF network controller and a failover antenna within a read point zone that spans multiple antennas and RFID readers. The system includes a first RFID antenna configured to read RF tag data within a first read point, a second RFID antenna configured to read the RF tag data within a second read point, and a failover RFID antenna. A controller communicatively coupled to the failover RFID antenna, the first RFID antenna, and the second RFID antenna is configured to group the first, second, and failover RFID antennas in a read point zone and to receive RF tag data from the first, second, and failover RFID antennas and assign the tag data to the read point zone. The controller is further configured to receive a failure notification associated with failure of one of the first and second RFID antennas and activate the failover RFID antenna upon receipt of the failure notification.

Abstract: An RFID tag's mobility can be increased and cost can be decreased by using high-performance mobile power antennas instead of battery powered tags. Disclosed are some power antennas that include a half wave rectifier, a full wave rectifier, and a voltage multiplier. These antennas can be cascaded to boost the power or voltage gain. Additionally, planar elements can be added to increase efficiency without decreasing mobility.

Abstract: An RFID label assembly and method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the manufacturing method comprises the steps of (a) providing an RFID label assembly, the RFID label assembly comprising a common web, the common web having a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of RFID labels spaced apart from one another and releasably mounted on top of the common web, at least some of the RFID labels being defective and at least some of the RFID labels not being defective, and an eye mark printed on the bottom surface of the common web for each of the RFID labels, each eye mark having a length corresponding to the length of its corresponding RFID label; (b) testing each of the RFID labels for the purpose of detecting defective RFID labels; and (c) removing from the common web all RFID labels found in step (b) to be defective.

Abstract: A system for monitoring health related parameters of an individual can determine the existence of one or more health related conditions that may need attention. Verbal messages, responsive to the determined condition, can be automatically transmitted via one or more communications networks to displaced recipients.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods using a temporal-frequency sensitive receiver to detect laser light that is scattered by an oscillating object, thereby allowing remote monitoring of the object's position and movement.

Abstract: A system and/or method for increasing safety in areas in which people work and/or through which people travel that potentially may become blocked (e.g. mines, mineshafts, tunnels, etc.) is provided. In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method is provided wherein a sensor locates individuals who may be trapped and conveys their location(s) after an area becomes blocked. Sensors may be disposed throughout the area, located on individuals, etc. Sensors may be located behind protected coverings (e.g. glass), and they may locate individuals through, for example, low power, ultrasound, infrared techniques, etc. In certain example embodiments of this invention, one or more conduits may provide a supply of breathable air to individuals who may be trapped after the area becomes blocked.

Abstract: The present invention combines a residential elevator and automatic pet door with an intelligence component comprised of a Programmable Logic Controller with programmed intelligence that enables interoperability between the residential elevator and automatic pet door. In practice a pet will wear a collar with an attached or embedded transmitter. As the pet approaches the elevator door, the swing door will open and the accordion gate will open. If the elevator is at another level when the pet approaches, a call will be submitted to bring the elevator to the pet's level. The swing door and gate will open automatically when the elevator arrives. The gate and door will remain open long enough for the pet to enter the elevator and close automatically. The call to another floor will automatically be submitted to the elevator based on the current floor location.

Abstract: A child locator that enables a parent to locate a child includes a master unit for wear by a parent and a monitored unit for wear by a child. The master unit may actuate an on-board alarm when its processor determines that the monitored unit is beyond a first predetermined distance and may actuate an alarm on the monitored unit when the separation distance is beyond another distance. The first and second predetermined distances may be the same of different. The child locator may also actuate the monitored unit manually and the alarms may be audible or visual. Once an alarm on the monitored unit is activated, a signal from the master unit is required to deactivate it. The master unit may include a directional antenna for determining a position on the monitored unit. The monitored unit may deliver voice data to a speaker at the monitored unit.

Abstract: A load control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source comprises a semiconductor switch having a control input, a triggering circuit, a timing circuit, and a status indicator circuit. Preferably, the status indicator circuit includes a light-emitting diode in a rectifier bridge. In a first embodiment, the status indicator circuit is coupled in series with a capacitor in the timing circuit such that the status indicator is illuminated to a dim level when the load is not powered and the status indicator is illuminated to a bright level when the load is powered. In a second embodiment, the status indicator circuit is coupled in series with a control input of the semiconductor switch such that the status indicator is not illuminated when the load is not powered and the status indicator is illuminated when the load is powered.

Abstract: Communication systems and apparatus to allow a user to perceive the relative spatial location or present position of other elements of interest in a control space, such as the location of a speaker participating in a telephone conference or that of an aircraft carrier to a remotely piloted vehicle on final approach. The system inserts synthetic sound cues into the communication to the user that represent the relative position(s). In one embodiment, the user will perceive the communication as though it were communicated through free space to the user from the relative position of the represented source, so that, for example, the squad leader will perceive his wingman to be at his immediate left. Methods of conveying relative position sound cues are also provided.

Abstract: A floor display system, including a floor covering, an electronic display device associated with the floor covering, wherein the electronic display device is configurable to display electronically modifiable arbitrary content, a controller, and a sensing device coupled to the controller, wherein the brightness of an image displayed by the electronic display device is capable of being varied based on information received by the controller from the sensing device. The sensing device may include a proximity detector. The electronic display device may include a plurality of separate panels.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a method for modifying a color of a device. Method may include receiving a signal, identifying a color scheme of an immediate area, changing a color of a device to substantially conform to the immediate color scheme; and changing a color of the device to a substantial color other than the immediate color scheme.

Abstract: A remote control device and method using a structured data format. The remote control device includes a data transmitting/receiving unit for receiving structured data from a remote transmitting/receiving device and extracting display information from the structured data; and a display unit for displaying the extracted display information. The data transmitting/receiving unit transmits metadata information corresponding to a piece of display information which a user selects from the display information to the remote transmitting/receiving device.

Abstract: A method for providing estimated power costs incurred by an electrical appliance, which is plugged into a receptacle of an extension cord, includes enabling operation of the extension cord so as to measure electric current flowing through a receptacle, so as to compute an amount of electricity consumed by the electrical appliance within a predetermined period of time based on the electric current measured by the extension cord, so as to compute the estimated power costs incurred by the electrical appliance based on the amount of electricity computed by the extension cord, and so as to inform the costs computed by the extension cord to a user. An extension cord that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system, a method and computer-readable media for presenting dynamic traffic information. A user profile is stored, and advisory data based on the user profile is gathered. The advisory data may include traffic information associated with road segments identified by the user profile. Upon receiving a user input, the advisory data is presented to a user.

Abstract: The information relates to a method of transmitting information between a communications management unit on board an aircraft and a ground air control system, characterized in that it comprises the following steps consisting, in respect of the communications management unit, in: a) detecting the reception of alerts originating from an onboard surveillance system, via a communication bus, b) when an alert is detected, shaping the information contained in the alert as a report according to a predetermined format, and dispatching this report to the ground system.

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

Abstract: Methods and systems relating to Weil-based spreading codes are described herein. In an embodiment, a method includes generating a set of Weil sequences, adapting a plurality of sequences of the set of Weil sequences to form a first plurality of codes, and selecting a second plurality of codes from the first plurality of codes. A code of the first plurality of codes is selected based at least on a correlation associated with the code. Each code of the first plurality of codes has a predetermined length.

Abstract: Briefly, within a computer or digital data processing system, embodiments describe a method, article and apparatus for compressing data is described, which may be used for communicating between two or more components connected to an interconnection medium (e.g., a bus) within a single computer or digital data processing system, and/or for communicating between two or more computers or digital data processing systems via an interconnection medium such as a network.

Abstract: Briefly, within a computer or digital data processing system, embodiments describe a method, article and apparatus for compressing data is described, which may be used for communicating between two or more components connected to an interconnection medium (e.g., a bus) within a single computer or digital data processing system, and/or for communicating between two or more computers or digital data processing systems via an interconnection medium such as a network.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are configured to assign a code of less than N number of bits in length to a pattern of bits of a first polarity value distributed within a block of N binary bits. The method basically comprises (1) determining a number of bits of the first value in the block of N binary bits; (2) selecting a base value based on the determined number of bits of the first value; (3) determining a displacement value representative of a particular distribution of the determined number of bits of the first value in the block of N binary bits; and (4) adding the base value and the displacement value to obtain a sum and using the sum to form an assigned code. The base value is preferably selected by evaluating an Expression Io=NC1+NC2+NC3 . . . +NCK?1, wherein K is the determined number of bits of the first value in the block of N binary bits.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of generating a compressed configuration bitstream for a programmable logic device comprises encoding the most-prevalent data word within the configuration data of the bitstream into a first type of code word; encoding a set of more-prevalent data words within the configuration data into a second type of codeword; and identifying in the compressed bitstream at least some of the data words that are members of the set of more-prevalent data words.

Abstract: A block interleaving apparatus for block interleaving M-bit input streams to be transferred with a modulus k using a mixed radix system in a multi-band orthogonal frequency division multiplexing communication system, including an array processor having an array including M cells in which the number of columns is k and the number of rows is M/k. The array processor inputs the input streams from the bottom-right cell up to the top-left last cell in the horizontal direction, and, after the first bit of the input streams reaches the last cell, generates interleaved output streams by changing the output of the array processor from horizontal direction to vertical direction.

Abstract: A method for approximating a plurality of digital signals or images using compressed sensing. In a scheme where a common component xc of said plurality of digital signals or images an innovative component xi of each of said plurality of digital signals each are represented as a vector with m entries, the method comprises the steps of making a measurement yc, where yc comprises a vector with only ni entries, where ni is less than m, making a measurement yi for each of said correlated digital signals, where yi comprises a vector with only ni entries, where ni is less than m, and from each said innovation components yi, producing an approximate reconstruction of each m-vector xi using said common component yc and said innovative component yi.

Abstract: A system comprising a control logic that generates a code having n digits, a translation logic coupled to the control logic that translates the code to a new code having greater than n digits, and a variable resistance logic coupled to the translation logic and comprising greater than n semiconductor devices. A resistance associated with the variable resistance logic depends on activation statuses of the semiconductor devices. The translation logic adjusts at least some of the semiconductor devices in accordance with the new code.

Abstract: A comparator compares an input voltage and a reference voltage and generates an output based on the comparison. The comparator may receive the input voltage in a normal mode of operation. Voltage band circuitry provides first and second test voltages to the comparator. The test voltages define a band around the reference voltage. An integrator adjusts an offset correction signal provided to the comparator based on outputs of the comparator that are generated using the test voltages. The output of the comparator that is generated using the first test voltage could be generated during a first auto-zeroing cycle. The output of the comparator that is generated using the second test voltage could be generated during a second auto-zeroing cycle. This technique helps to maintain the offset of the comparator with the band around the reference voltage.

Abstract: A system and method, including computer software, for storing digital information uses multiple NAND flash memory cells. Each memory cell is adapted to receive charge during a write operation to an analog voltage that corresponds to a data value having a binary representation of more than 4 bits. An analog-to-digital converter converts the analog voltage from each memory cell into a digital representation of the analog voltage during a read operation of each cell.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved dynamic element matching (DEM) device. The DEM device performs dynamic element matching processing at a second timing rate different from the first timing rate for the digital input. As an embodiment, the DEM device is composed of encoder 10 and feedback circuit 12. Said encoder 10 has two inputs and one output. Of the two inputs, one receives the digital input as the object for the DEM processing, and the other input receives the output of feedback circuit 12. Then, the digital output of the encoded result is generated. Said feedback circuit 12 has sampling rate converter 120 and loop filter 122 in order to perform DEM processing at a timing rate different from the timing rate for the digital input as the DEM processing object.

Abstract: A reconfigurable circuit (10) includes an integrator (30) having switches (SW1-6) for selectively coupling input capacitors (C0,1,2,3,6,7) and integrating capacitors (C4,5) to terminals of the integrator (30) for operation of a hybrid delta-sigma/SAR ADC (400) so as to create a reference voltage value (Vref) equal to the sum of a first voltage (?Vbe) and a second voltage (Vbe). A first integration is performed to reduce the integrator output voltage swing. A residue (Vresidue) of the integrator is multiplied by 2. Then the second voltage (Vbe) is integrated in a first direction if a comparator (22) coupled to the integrator changes state or in an opposite direction if the comparator does not change state. The first voltage (?Vbe) is integrated in a direction that causes the integrator output voltage (Vout) to equal either 2×Vresidue?Vref or 2×Vresidue+Vref.

Abstract: In a circuit to convert a first logic signal having a first range to a second logic signal having a second range, a first metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor selectively couples an output node to a first reference voltage when the output node is to be in a first state. A second MOS transistor has a source coupled to the output node and a gate coupled to a bias voltage. A current source circuit selectively biases the second MOS transistor to act as part of a source-follower circuit when the output node is to be in a second state. Additionally, a memory circuit has an input coupled to the output node, and an output. The memory circuit is configured to temporarily store a Boolean value of the output node when the output node transitions from the first state to the second state. Further, a discharging circuit is coupled to the output node and a second reference voltage.

Abstract: A digital-to-analog converter is provided. The DAC includes a R-string section, a first DAC section, a second DAC section, a multiplexer, and an operational amplifier. The R-string section provides a first group of voltage levels and a second group of voltage levels. The first DAC section provides the output voltage according to the input word when the input word corresponds to a voltage level within a range of the first group of voltages levels. The second DAC section provides a second and a third voltage levels according to the remaining bits. The multiplexer is coupled to the second DAC section to provide an intermediate voltage from the first and the second voltage levels according to the LSB bit. The operational amplifier averages the intermediate voltage and one of the first and the second voltage levels to generate the output voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a switching interface for a first receiver, a second receiver, and a resistor ladder. A first terminal is coupled to a first resistor of the resistor ladder. A second terminal is coupled to the first resistor. A third terminal is coupled to a reference voltage. A switch has a first state coupling the first terminal to the third terminal and a second state coupling the second terminal to the third terminal. A first analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is coupled to the resistor ladder and the first receiver. The first A/D is configured to compare a first voltage with a second voltage to determine if the switch is positioned in the first state or the second state. A second analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is coupled to the resistor ladder and the second receiver and also configured to perform a voltage comparison.

Abstract: The comparison device includes a first through second comparators, a chop switching unit, a delta-sigma modulation unit, and a first through second compensation units. The chop switching unit transmits a first and a second signals to two input terminals of the first comparator during a first period, and inverses the first and second signals during a second period. The delta-sigma modulation unit compares the comparison results of two parallel comparators and generates the digital control codes for the comparators with the awareness of the chop switching unit. The first and the second compensation units adjust the threshold voltages of the comparators according to the digital control codes and a step size for calibrating the offset voltages of two comparators. The calibration scheme requiring no assumption on the input signal statistics is background thus the comparison device will not interrupt normal operation and is immune to PVT variations.

Abstract: A radar wave camouflage structure is disclosed. The radar wave camouflage structure comprises a substrate; a first layer on the substrate, comprising a first polymer matrix; magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in the first polymer matrix, wherein the magnetic nanoparticles comprise a mixture of Fe3O4, Fe3O4-4C carbide, Fe3O4—Ni composite and Fe2O3; a second layer on the first layer, comprising a second polymer matrix; and carbon black dispersed in the second polymer matrix.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting land mines and unexploded ordnance are disclosed. A first embodiment may be construed as a method that includes: inserting an antenna into the ground; transmitting an electromagnetic signal into the ground via the antenna; receiving a response via the antenna; and processing the response to generate an image which can be examined to determine whether a mine exists within proximity of the antenna.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining three dimensional sub-voxel positions using synthetic aperture radar. The apparatus includes at least four non-coplanar, phase-coherent synthetic aperture radar (SAR) platforms comprising a plurality of phase-synchronized local oscillators cohered to a common reference clock, a first SAR platform of the SAR platforms operable to transmit a radar waveform, and the SAR platforms operable to receive scattered energy waveforms resulting from the radar waveform and operable to generate two-dimensional (2-D) SAR images based on the received scattered energy waveforms. The apparatus also includes a synchronizing processor operable to communicate with the SAR platforms and operable to synchronize a plurality of SAR transmission and receiving intervals for the SAR platforms.

Abstract: Embodiments of spotlight synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems and methods generating a SAR map in real time with minimum latency using a modified Polar Format Algorithm are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, FPGA implemented down-range and cross-range resampling filters generate fully interpolated data which may be FFT processed as it is generated. In some embodiments, the down-range resample filter and the cross-range resample filter are output-based resampling filters that align a sinc function with an output grid and input coordinates define filter coefficients to modulate the input samples. In some embodiments, the down-range and cross-range resample filtering, coordinate generation, timing, address, and control, fully-interpolated data storage and the down-range FFT may be implemented in a single FPGA.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to the field of computer software particularly to an improved method of providing aircrew decision aids for use in determining the optimum placement of an Electronic Attack (EA) aircraft. The core of the invention is a software program that will dynamically provide the EA flight crew situational awareness regarding a threat emitter's coverage relative to the position of the EA aircraft and to the position of any number of protected entities (PE). The software program generates information to provide visual cues representing a Jam Acceptability Region (JAR) contour, a Jam Assessment Strobe (JAS) and text for display on a number of flexibly configurable display formats posted on display units. The JAR and JAS graphics and text will aid the EA aircrew in rapidly assessing the effectiveness of a given jamming approach.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a radar system. In one embodiment, an automotive radar system comprises a power amplifier configured to provide first and second anti-phase transmission signals to respective first and second differential couplers which are individually connected to respective first and second transceiving antennas. A first portion of the first anti-phase transmission signal is coupled to the first antenna and a second portion of the first anti-phase transmission signal is coupled to a third transceiving antenna by way of a third differential coupler. A first portion of the second anti-phase transmission signal is coupled to the second antenna and a second portion of the second anti-phase transmission signal is coupled to the third antenna by way of the third differential coupler. Configured in this manner, the radar system is operable to transmit and receive from the multiple antennas with high efficiency, while maintaining low-cost and reduced overall size.

Abstract: To provide a radar device which employs fast Fourier transform in a beam combining process to reduce the operation amount, the radar device including: a Fourier transform section that extracts a received signal that is obtained from waves radiated from a same transmitting element and received by a receiving element, and subjects a signal series of the extracted received signal to Fourier transform to generate a signal of a spatial frequency domain; a phase compensation section that compensates the signal of the spatial frequency domain with a phase difference that is caused by a difference between a predetermined reference position and a position of the used transmitting element; and a coherent integration section that adds the signals of the spatial frequency domain after the signals have been subjected to the phase compensation processing, which are obtained with the plurality of transmitting elements, in each of the spatial frequencies.

Abstract: A device dedicated to generating integrity messages relating to at least one satellite navigation system including a set of satellite surveillance stations and to be sent to navigation receivers. The device includes a processor responsible for determining at chosen times the stations that are active (i.e. nominal or degraded) for each system concerned and, after each such determination, for generating an integrity message including at least primary data representative of the active (i.e. nominal or degraded) stations. The processor is also responsible, each time it detects that at least one station has become degraded or inactive between two successive chosen times, for generating an integrity alert message including at least primary data representative of each station that has become degraded or inactive.