Abstract: A computer implemented method for facilitating the root cause analysis of an event through spatial and pattern recognition. Alarms can be graphically represented in an alarm summary screen by individual colored rectangles with different luminance and patterns and are organized into categories, which are used to form logical alarm clusters that provide spatial advantage, wherein the size and color of the rectangle defines its priority and precedence. The summary screen also provides operators with strong visual cues, a play forward feature to project how alarms might evolve if particular actions are taken and a play backward feature that can replay the sequence of alarms.

Abstract: A system and method for asset tracking and monitoring using antenna diversity. Antenna diversity ensures that the mobile terminal maintains good visibility of a satellite throughout the transport route. In one example, a first antenna is mounted on a first side of an asset transporter (e.g., flatbed trailer) and a second antenna is mounted on a second side of the asset transporter. A selector/combiner in the mobile terminal enables multiple antennas to be leveraged in the satellite communication process.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for receiving navigational data via a wireless messaging service on a navigation system. The system and method provides a way to send requests for destination information via the wireless messaging service and capture navigational data from the responsive message received, such as addresses, telephone numbers, or email addresses, and then utilize that data for navigational routing, generation of telephone calls, emailing and the like, from the vehicle's navigation system. A wireless device can be paired with the navigation system over a Bluetooth communication link, wherein the navigation system periodically polls the wireless device for newly received messages. In one embodiment, the NAVI displays icons on a map that correspond to the extracted addresses from the messages received in relation to the vehicle's current location. The icons can be shown in a plurality of visual formats to distinguish previously viewed locations from newly received ones.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed providing the automatic, self configuration of a communication device to adjust to the user's environmental circumstances. Method includes creating a set of mode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances and may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. A change to a plurality of communication device operational settings may then be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.

Abstract: A method for receiving information on measurable conditions using at least one enterprise server and at least one remote terminal unit. The enterprise server is adapted to simultaneously handle multiple types of telemetry and multiple different protocols associated with at least one remote terminal unit on at least one vessel over a network. Selective encryption is used to communicate between the server and the remote terminal unit. The remote terminal unit collects data on measurable conditions, which is stored, streamed to enterprise server, or combinations thereof. When the collected data exceeds a preset limit, an alarm is automatically initiated. During communication, the enterprise server simultaneously on-line configures and reconfigures the remote terminal unit.

Abstract: Security material such as cloth, either normal strength or armored, or fragile webbing into which electronic micro-devices are woven to detect and react to tampering of the monitored article at the scene or via a network. Also disclosed are the use of fuses connected in the cloth or webbing to further monitoring tampering and multi-layered cloth for use as circuit boards and sensors. Facilitates the monitoring of high value articles and facilities and automatically records or responds to tampering attempts to increase the level of security for personal and organizational uses.

Abstract: A method for creating a hierarchy of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and the resultant system include associating each of a plurality of first RFID tags with an individual object of a plurality of objects, each first RFID tag storing identification information about the object with which it is associated. Identification information about each of the first RFID tags is stored in a second RFID tag that can physically accompany the first RFID tags during transportation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for authenticating and for preventing alteration of histories of events occurring within at least one repository (e.g. a cargo container, fixed warehouse or a movable vehicle) for objects (e.g. auto parts, pharmaceutical materials, computer parts, laptops, etc.) held for a period of time, where the repository is exposed to an unauthorized intrusion therewithin (and potential theft of said objects therefrom and potential insertion of dangerous items therewithin). The events include changes in environmental conditions (e.g. light levels, infrared levels, temperature, air pressure, etc) which indicate an unauthorized intrusion.

Abstract: A scooping device with an integrated electromagnetic (EM) surveillance device for a container. The container defines an interior for storing a product. The scooping device is configured for scooping or capturing the product. The electromagnetic surveillance device is integrated with, embedded into or attach to the body of the scooping device. The electromagnetic surveillance device may be an EAS, Bistatix, RFID, or other electromagnetic surveillance tag or label that is configured to respond to an electromagnetic signal such that the presence of the electromagnetic surveillance device is detectable. The detectability of the electromagnetic surveillance device provides an anti-theft feature to the container without interfering with the construction of the container.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the presence of a memory tag, the detector comprising a radio frequency source operable to generate a radio frequency signal and a detector resonant circuit part connected to the radio frequency source, the detector resonant circuit part comprising an antenna, the detector further comprising a power monitor responsive to the power of a reflected signal returned from the detector resonant circuit part, the power monitor being operable to generate an output in response to the power of the reflected signal, wherein a decrease in the power of the reflected signal indicates the presence of a tag in the vicinity of the antenna.

Abstract: A method for efficiently producing a plurality of EAS or RFID tags or inlays that form a label ready for use. The process utilizes a first web of RFID chip straps or capacitor straps that are releasably secured to a liner using only a low tack adhesive and utilizes a second web of coils or antennas which are secured to a second liner. After indexing these two webs, selective heat and pressure are applied to the chips straps or to the capacitor straps to transfer them and electrically couple them to a corresponding coil or antenna. Where both chip straps and capacitor straps are applied to a common antenna, a third web of the additional strap is used in the process.

Abstract: A capacitor strap that is applied to a security tag coil or antenna to form and properly tune an EAS or an RFID security tag. The capacitor strap is a thin film capacitor formed of two metal foils in between which is a dielectric material having ends that are electrically coupled to different points of a security tag coil or antenna. The capacitor strap may include an RFID integrated circuit, either in series or in parallel with the capacitor, which is then applied to security tag coil at a particular location to tune the tag to a predetermined frequency.

Abstract: ARRANGEMENT INTRODUCED IN A HIDDEN RECEIVER-SENDER DELIMITER FOR PNEUMATICS AND SIMILARS, especially a constructive arrangement allowing the use of a transponder (device to send and receive radio frequency signals) in aggressive means, be them chemical, mechanical or others, with no losses which may cause damage to said transponder; the conventional transponder (T) for emission and reception of radio frequency signals (RF) composed by a chip (1) and a coil reel (2); the transponder (T), with its new features, may be used, with no prejudice to its features, in aggressive chemical or mechanical means; the transponder (T) receives two protections: the first one by covering the transponder set (T) with a plastic film (F); the second protection is the introduction of said transponder (T), already with the first protection, inside a capsule (3) with special features, made of transparent material to electromagnetic waves and appropriate to resist against different mechanical efforts, be them twisting, flexion, tract

Abstract: A system and method for visualizing the location and movement of people in facilities. The facility is provided with a plurality of sensors such as RF or IR sensors that communicate with a badge worn by each individual and selected physical assets in the facility. The sensors send data to a processor which displays the data on a monitor in a form that permits ready visualization of the individuals, and allows the observer to select information as needed. The display may directly indicate certain specifics about an individual based on data stored in the processor or entered by the observer.

Abstract: A system monitors electrical equipment and provides predictive diagnostics therefor. The system includes sensors located at or about the electrical equipment. The sensors sense information pertaining to operation of the electrical equipment. A first processor is located at or about the electrical equipment and receives the sensed information from the sensors as first information. A first transceiver cooperates with the first processor to transmit the first information as transmitted information. A second processor is located remote from the electrical equipment. A second transceiver cooperates with the first transceiver to receive the transmitted information as second information and communicate the same to the second processor. The second processor provides a notification pertaining to an immediate inspection and/or maintenance of the electrical equipment, and set points operatively associated with the sensed information.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the load which is exerted on a roof includes the following steps: providing a roof with an external surface on which a load can be exerted by, for example, a layer of water or snow, providing a sensor for detecting a phenomenon related to the load which is exerted on the roof, monitoring the phenomenon with the sensor, storing at least one predetermined value for the phenomenon, emitting a signal when the value for the phenomenon detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location has a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, an actuator cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of a drill bit in the wellbore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relation to traffic control systems. In one embodiment, a traffic condition is identified by capturing a traffic image, masking the traffic image to obtain an image portion including a traffic image object, and generating the traffic condition based on the traffic image object and the traffic image portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated detection of mobile telephone usage by drivers of vehicles is provided. The apparatus may include a detection system comprising at least one mobile phone signal receiving device, at least one image capturing device, and at least one computer. The mobile phone signal receiving device is operative to detect a mobile phone signal transmitted from a vehicle. The at least one image capturing device is operative to capture at least one image of the vehicle. The at least one computer is operative to store in a storage device, information associated with at least one of the mobile phone signal transmitted from the vehicle; and the at least one image of the vehicle. The information stored in the storage device may be used to determine if a person associated with the vehicle should be prosecuted for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the piloting of an aircraft includes a detecting device for detecting all the aircraft in the vicinity and a display device for presenting, on a display screen illustrating a vertical plane, characteristic symbols indicating the positions of these aircraft in the vicinity.

Abstract: The invention relates to displacement encoder for a movable shaft, comprising a sleeve (2) which is intended to be fixed in rotation to the shaft (3) and an encoding element (4) which is made from magnetizable polymer and which is solidly connected to the sleeve, said encoding element being equipped with an encoding zone (6) having at least one polarized mark. The aforementioned encoding zone of the encoding element is covered with a protective layer (10) which is made from a polymer having a surface abrasion resistance greater than that of the magnetizable polymer. The invention also relates to a device comprising one such encoder and to a production method thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are for manipulating a keypad of an electronic device (100, 200). The electronic device has a plurality of tactile keys (110, 115, 1230, 125, 130). The method includes sensing a proximity of a object to one of the plurality of tactile keys and presenting, on an output (105, 205, 225) of the electronic device, a preview (410, 420, 515, 520, 615, 620, 710, 715, 810, 815) of an action that will take place upon pressing the one of the plurality of tactile keys.

Abstract: A compound portable computing device comprising two or more separate portable devices coupled over a wireless link is described. A first portable computing device contains a keypad with keys dedicated to use with a function of the devices. A circuit of the first portable computing device reconfigures the first keypad to operate as a first portion of a standard QWERTY keyboard or other type of keyboard for text entry. A second keyboard portion comprising keys permanently configured to provide complementary keys to the first keyboard portion is separably linked to the first portable computing device, so that the first and second keyboard portions function as a full QWERTY keyboard.

Abstract: In a decoding method and apparatus, the decoding method is used for mapping a plurality of encoding sequences to a plurality of decoding sequences, which is used by non-logographic languages. The decoding method receives an entered encoding symbol and combines the entered encoding symbol to the end of an input sequence, wherein the input sequence is temporally ambiguous such that the input sequence has possibility to be interpreted as at least two different encoding sequence combinations, each of which includes at least one of the encoding sequences.

Abstract: Provided is an H.264 Context Adaptive Variable Length Coding (CAVLC) decoding method based on an Application-Specific Instruction-set Processor (ASIP). The H.264 CAVLC decoding method includes determining a plurality of comparison bit strings on the basis of a table of a decoding coefficient, storing lengths of the comparison bit strings in a first register, storing code values of the comparison bit strings in a second register, comparing an input bit stream with the comparison bit strings based on the lengths and code values of the comparison bit strings, and determining value of the decoding coefficient according to a result of comparison between the input bit stream and the comparison bit strings. The method extracts a decoding coefficient using a register in an ASIP without accessing a memory and prevents a reduction in speed caused by memory access, thereby increasing the decoding speed of an H.264 decoder.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a signal and method thereof are disclosed. Data coding and entropy coding are performed with interconnection, and grouping is used to enhance coding efficiency. The present invention includes the steps of obtaining data corresponding to a plurality of data coding schemes and deciding an entropy table for at least one of a pilot reference value and a pilot difference value included in the data using an entropy table identifier unique to the data coding scheme and entropy-decoding at least one of the pilot reference value and the pilot difference value using the entropy table.

Abstract: A first data path is coupled between a data input and a data output of a circuit. A second data path is coupled between the data input and the data output. The first data path includes a parallelization circuit coupled to the data input to receive a serial data signal and configured to generate a parallelized data signal from the serial data signal, a first sampling circuit coupled to the parallelization circuit and configured to sample the parallelized data signal, and a serialization circuit coupled to the first sampling circuit and configured to serialize the sampled parallelized data signal. The second data path includes a second sampling circuit coupled to the data input and configured to sample the serial data signal. A selection circuit is configured to select between the first data path and the second data path.

Abstract: Provided is a digital/analog converter including a voltage dividing unit that includes a plurality of voltage dividing elements and divides a reference voltage by voltage division; a first decoder that selects a plurality of voltages among the voltages divided by the voltage dividing unit; a first voltage output unit that is connected to nodes among adjacent voltage dividing elements of the voltage dividing unit and the first decoder, and outputs a plurality of voltages selected by the first decoder; a second decoder that selects any one of the plurality of voltages output from the first voltage output unit; and a second voltage output unit that is connected to the first voltage output unit and the second decoder and outputs the voltage selected by the second decoder.

Abstract: A folded R-2R ladder current-steering digital-to-analog converter is disclosed. In the folded R-2R ladder current-steering digital-to-analog converter, each node in the R-2R ladder is electrically coupled with a plurality of current sources with different weights. Therefore, the numbers of the resisters and current sources can be reduced, and efficient power saving and the high-speed operation can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlling the timing of a clock signal in high speed circuits, such as an analogue-digital converter (ADC). In some high speed data transfer techniques, the incoming data is latched using a clock signal. Often, the delay between the incoming data being clocked into the circuit and being ready to use (referred to as the “clock-to-Q period”) is large enough to cause problems. In particular, the clock-to-Q period may be sufficient to result in the original clock signal being inappropriate to clock the latched signal.

Abstract: A pipeline type analog-digital converter includes a first to an N-th (N is an integer of not less than 2) stages (101 to 10N) brought into cascade connection and converting an analog signal input from a preceding stage to a digital signal of a predetermined bit and outputting the digital signal. Each of the first to the (N?1)-th stages (101 to 10N?1) includes an analog-digital converter circuit including comparators comparing an analog signal with reference potential being determined in advance and mutually different in parallel. The first to the (N?1)-th stages are in redundant configuration with the comparators of the stage including an auxiliary comparator.

Abstract: An ADC, such as a CT SD-ADC, includes a clock generation circuit that produces charging and discharging clock signals such that a settling time for an integrator in the ADC is increased. The clock signals may control a feedback SD-DAC in the CT SD-ADC. The clock signals also may be asymmetric and/or may result in the settling time of the integrator being greater than half the system clock.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simultaneous synthetic aperture radar and moving target detection. A plurality of independent radio frequency signals are generated and applied to separate radiating/receiving antenna elements. Signals are generated as basis functions, such that moving target detection and synthetic aperture radar signals are constructed from individual waveform components in space, time, frequency, and coding. Waveform components are sorted and combined at reception. Received data is simultaneously processed to extract synthetic aperture radar images and moving target indication detections.

Abstract: A target object motion estimation method using at least one subset of a complex SAR image. Coarse range cell alignment is performed on at least one subset of a complex SAR image. At least one subset is autofocused, thereby providing an estimated phase error function. The estimated phase error function yielded by autofocusing (or a manipulated version of the phase error function) may be analyzed to detect, characterize, and estimate target object motion.

Abstract: A method and a system to process radar volume scan data along an azimuth angle of a radar, to interpolate the radar volume scan data taken from adjacent elevation angles along the azimuth angle of the radar to obtain radar data corresponding to a predetermined altitude along the azimuth angle, and to display the radar volume scan data obtained corresponding to the predetermined altitude on a PPI display.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target in a scene comprises the steps of generating a comparison of the value of data elements in first and second data sets, the data elements corresponding to returns from the same part of the scene and setting a detection threshold value for the comparison so as to detect targets entering said that part of scene The method provides improved target detection in the presence of clutter.

Abstract: Communication between a remote locator and a transponder is used to determine the relative position of the transponder. The transponder and locator each include a transmitter and a receiver. The locator transmits an inquiry in the form of a relatively powerful cyclically encoded signal with repetitive elements, uniquely associated with a target transponder. Periodically, each transponder correlates its coded ID against a possible inquiry signal, determining frequency, phase and framing in the process. Upon a match, the transponder transmits a synthesized response coherent with the received signal. The locator integrates multiple cyclical response elements, allowing low-power transmissions from the transponder. The locator correlates the integrated response, determines round-trip Doppler shift, time-of-flight, and then computes the distance and angle to the transponder. The transponder can be wearable, bionically implanted, or attached to, or embedded in, some object.

Abstract: An interface system of the present invention interconnects with a collision avoidance system and a radar detector. The interface system monitors and determines when sensors, from the collision avoidance system, are not required and selectively turns them off, thereby eliminating interference from the sensor and allowing the radar detector to work properly. The interface system also acts as a filter which enables and disables the audible and visual alerts of the radar detector and selects when to turn these filters on and off.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for real-time determination of radar cross sections is disclosed using interleaved gridding. Radar cross section calculations are amenable to an implementation on parallel processors wherein the shooting window is subdivided into smaller areal units that are assigned to the parallel processors in an alternating fashion, such that the calculations performed by a single processor are not localized to a single area of the shooting window. As further disclosed, the shooting and bouncing ray technique for calculating radar cross sections is implemented using the apparatus and method disclosed herein.

Abstract: An electronic circuit comprises a randomizing bit generator configured to generate a randomizing bit sequence based on a sequence selection input signal. The randomizing bit generator includes a counter operable to provide an individual starting count for the randomizing bit sequence and a parity generator responsive to an output of the counter. The circuit further comprises a pseudo-random number generator responsive to the randomizing bit generator. The pseudo-random number generator is operable to provide at least one pulsed signal based at least in part on the random bit sequence. The electronic circuit is operable to substantially eliminate interference in a series of pulsed signal transmissions comprising the at least one pulsed signal from each of two or more navigation devices, where each of the pulsed signals from each of the navigation devices is separated by an automatically adjustable time interval.

Abstract: A radar signal processing system utilizing a specialized neural network generative topographic mapping method which employs an alternative method for characterizing multiple radar signatures wherein specialized phased-codes and wavelet waveform modulations are used. The invention comprises three layers each including a plurality of nodes: input layer, mapping layer, and output presentation layer. The input layer takes the collected signals and congregates them into groups of linear data points. The mapping layer provides a method for projecting the data into points of lower dimensions. The data is assumed to arise by first probabilistically picking a point in a low-dimensional space, mapping the point to be observed in high-dimensional input space, then adding noise. The result is a system in which radar data with multiple reflections in close proximity is manipulated into multiple signatures in systematic ways for use in downhole structure signatures.

Abstract: A radar device (100) comprising transmit and receive parts, and a control unit (CU). The transmit part includes means (WG) for generating a signal within a certain band, and the receive part comprises a filter (AAF), an AD-converter (ADC) and a Fourier transform unit (FFT1). The transmit part generates a group of signals, each having a first bandwidth between a first and a second frequency, in such a way that a larger bandwidth (B1-B4) is covered by the group. The receive part is open over said larger bandwidth (B1-B4) during reception of each signal in said group, and the transmit part comprises means (PAD, FFT2) for creating FFT-copies of the received signals and means (CONJ) for creating conjugates of said copies. The receive and transmit parts comprise means (EXTR) for extracting data from the FFT from the first bandwidth covered by a received signal, and the radar device comprises means (DIFF) for correlating said extracted FFT-data.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for tracking and maintaining a highly accurate inventory of shipping containers that are stored within container storage facilities. The invention includes using multiple complementary real-time and post-processing positioning techniques associated with various positioning sensors that are associated with inventory pieces or equipment. Examples of such positioning techniques are DGPS, GPS with RTK, DGPS loosely-coupled with INS, DGPS tightly-coupled with INS, and DGPS deeply-coupled with INS. Data correction and fusion techniques are applied to these positioning stages to re-compute a calibrated position with an improved accuracy. An additional trajectory can be iteratively determined using the fusing technique until the position data becomes statistically trustworthy. Further, combinations of multiple real-time positioning techniques combined with past position error correction algorithms provide a high accuracy needed for inventory tracking.

Abstract: A method of providing information regarding the location of a mobile user equipment (1) in a system wherein the location is determined based on information signalled from entities (10) of a positioning system and assistance data signalled from a station (5) of a communication system. In the method the likely location of the mobile user equipment relative to the station is first determined. Based on the determined likely location, an estimate of the delay in transmitting a signal from the station to the mobile user equipment is estimated. Assistance data is then signalled from the station to the mobile user equipment, said assistance data comprising information about the timing of the positioning system. A more accurate location determination is accomplished at the user equipment based on signals from the entities of the positioning system, the assistance data and said estimated delay.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of optimization of processing of signals from satellite positioning systems in the case where at least two satellite systems cohabit and are utilized to obtain the position of a receiver. One of the systems is given preference on the basis of a criterion of performance and the satellites of the other systems are eliminated that are situated at an azimuth/elevation angle difference less than a threshold relative to the satellites of the preferred system.

Abstract: A geodesic positioning system determines the position of a target point. The system includes a range pole that can be oriented toward the target point. A tilt sensor is arranged on the range pole, detachably where applicable, for generating a tilt angle signal related to the tilt angle of the range pole. A positioning element, more particularly a reflector or a satellite signal antenna, is arranged on the range pole. Positioning means is able to capture the position of the positioning element as a function of the tilt angle signal. Triggering means is in signal communication with the tilt sensor and with the positioning means, and adapted so that a trigger signal issued to capture the current position of the positioning element is transmitted to the positioning means as soon as the tilt angle signal corresponds to a tilt angle situated within a given tilt angle range.

Abstract: A method for processing an array antenna signal is disclosed, comprising steps of: a. determining the number of antenna units participating the processing of the array antenna signals and selecting antenna units to participate the array antenna signal processing from all the antenna units in the array antenna; b. performing signal estimation processing on received signals by all the antenna units selected in step a and obtaining a user feature parameter estimation; c. performing estimation of weight coefficients for all the antenna units of the array antenna based on the user feature parameter estimation obtained in step b; and d. receiving and/or transmitting the array antenna signals based on the weight coefficients estimated in step c. The method of the present invention can effectively reduce a computation amount of the array antenna signal processing and improve a reliability of a received signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna, which comprises: a rectangular aperture portion, formed from a ground plane of a printed circuit board and having an aperture; and a co-plane feeding structure, having a horizontal portion and a vertical portion, wherein the vertical portion is perpendicular to the horizontal portion, and the vertical portion is disposed in the aperture and connected with an external terminal. The ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna of the present invention can receive the wireless signal with 3.1˜10.6 GHz band, and have a very compact area (13 mm×23 mm) and is easy to be mass produced. Furthermore, a parasitism element can be added into the co-plane feeding structure, so as to reject the in-band interferences from the existing systems like 5˜6 GHz signals of wireless LAN.

Abstract: An antenna comprises a first transmission element, a second transmission element, a conductive element, a ground element, a ground line and a signal line. The conductive element is connected to the ground element. The first transmission element is connected to the conductive element. The first transmission element comprises a first spiral structure and a first axis. The second transmission element is connected to the conductive element. The ground line is electrically connected to the ground element. The signal line is electrically connected to the conductive element at a feed point.

Abstract: High gain, multi-pattern multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems are disclosed. These systems provide for multiple-polarization and omnidirectional coverage using multiple radios, which may be turned to the same frequency. The MIMO antenna systems may include multiple high-gain beams arranged (or capable of being arranged) to provide for omnidirectional coverage. These systems provide for increased data throughput and reduced interference without sacrificing the benefits related to size and manageability of an associated access point.