Abstract: A collision detection device is provided with a load detection member 2 for detecting a collision load in a collision, and a mold member 3 which is molded to be integral with the load detection member 2. The mold member 3 covers at least the surface of a collision side of the load detection member 2, to absorb at least a part of impact energy in the collision by a resilient deformation of the mold member 3. Thus, the collision detection device is substantially resistant to an impact in the collision, while being simply manufactured.

Abstract: A collision detection apparatus is provided, which includes a main body, at least an air bag disposed at the periphery of the main body and at least a baro sensor. The air bags communicate with each other. The air bag is connected to the baro sensor to detect the pressure at different time points and the pressure variations. The apparatus judges whether a collision has occurred and the collision force is detected by the baro sensors. The time point of collision occurrence and the collision position according to the pressures of the air bags at different time points are determined.

Abstract: There is provided a generator control apparatus that includes a generating condition detector, an alarm issuing unit, and an alarm controller. The generating condition detector detects an operating condition of the generator for use in a vehicle. The alarm issuing unit is configured to issue alarm to a driver of the vehicle about an abnormal operating condition of the generator when the generating condition detector detects the evidence that the generator is running under an abnormal condition, and to stop to issue alarm to the driver when the generating condition detector detects the evidence that the generator is running in a normal condition.

Abstract: A vehicular combined control system has functions of a smart entry system and a TPMS. A smart ECU turns on the output of a voltage signal terminal intermittently or in response to a given trigger. When the output of the voltage signal terminal turns on, a RF receiver section receives information from a portable device regardless of the ON/OFF state of an ignition switch to transmit the information to the smart ECU. When the ignition switch is ON and the output of the voltage signal terminal turns off, the RF receiver section receives information from tire sensors to transmit the information to a TPMS microcomputer.

Abstract: A liquid level detecting apparatus includes a liquid level sensor of a variable resistance type which includes a sliding contact and a resistor, and which detects a resistance change corresponding to a change of a liquid level of a liquid in a tank and outputs a detection signal based on the change of the liquid level when the liquid level sensor is energized and a controlling unit which controls to supply energization pulses periodically to the liquid level sensor, and controls a displaying portion to display a remaining amount of the liquid in the tank, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor. The controlling unit changes a number of the energization pulses supplied to the liquid level sensor in a predetermined time, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor.

Abstract: An alarm filter (22) for use in a security system (14) to reduce the occurrence of nuisance alarms receives sensor signals (S1-Sn, Sv) from a plurality of sensors (18, 20) included in the security system (14). The alarm filter (22) produces an opinion output as a function of the sensor signals and selectively modifies the sensor signals as a function of the opinion output to produce verified sensor signals (S1?-Sn?).

Abstract: A communication system for monitoring the health status of a patient includes a communication device and a sensor device, the communication device comprising a first communication interface for communication with the sensor device and comprising a second communication interface for communication with a health care center, the communication device being able to generate a warning message upon failure of either the first communication interface or the second communication interface, wherein the generation of a warning message is prevented if the failure of the first communication interface begins and ends during a first time interval and/or the generation of a warning message is prevented if the failure of the second communication interface begins and ends during a third time interval and/or the communication device comprises a detection device for detecting a critical or non-critical health status, and the generation of a warning message is prevented if both the duration of failure of the second communication

Abstract: A mobile security system is described herein. A detector communicates with a mobile device if an event has occurred. The event may be various types of events, such as fire or motion. Once the mobile device receives the communication of the event occurrence, the mobile device may, among others, sound an alarm or communicate with a central monitoring system to notify emergency services of the occurrence. The mobile device may also communicate with another communication device, such as another cell phone or a computer, using various forms of communication. The detector may be an integral part of the mobile device, i.e. fixed part of the mobile device, or may be detachable. The detector may also be wholly separate.

Abstract: A door lock assembly having a housing; a lock sub-assembly which includes, among other members, a bolt and a bolt safety; a user interface member; a secondary electrochemical cell and/or capacitor; and an inertia charger and/or solar cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method detect microchip tampering by including a capacitance circuit that comprises a protective cover. Dielectric material may be sandwiched between the cover and a backside metal layer, which may be proximate a protected surface of the microchip. Changes in the capacitance of the above circuit caused by alteration of the cover or other component of the capacitance circuit may be sensed and prompt defensive action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, especially for moisture-sensitive goods, with a container body formed by a wall and a bottom of the container, and a container cover which can be opened and closed. The container has a layer, preferably containing a desiccant, which extends over at least a part of the body and a transponder which is arranged between body and layer.

Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system that tracks tags in real-time based on EPC codes and on other priority codes written into transponder memory fields of the tags. As an example, a priority code may be written into a memory of an RFID transponder identifying a high-value item or a small high-value item that is likely to be stolen. Based on the use of this priority code, those items can be preferentially tracked as opposed to items of low value or size such that they are unlikely to be stolen. Such use of priority codes and local filtering alleviates the need to go back to large centralized databases associating unique numbers with other parameters and potentially the history of the item.

Abstract: An RFID system includes an RFID tag, an RFID reader, and a server. The RFID tag communicates to the server via encrypted information. The information may be encrypted with synchronized encryption keys. In this manner, the reader need not decrypt the information from the RFID tag. The effectiveness of malicious readers is thereby reduced, resulting in improved RFID tag security.

Abstract: Methods and systems for coding SAW OFC devices to mitigate code collisions in a wireless multi-tag system. Each device producing plural stepped frequencies as an OFC signal with a chip offset delay to increase code diversity. A method for assigning a different OCF to each device includes using a matrix based on the number of OFCs needed and the number chips per code, populating each matrix cell with OFC chip, and assigning the codes from the matrix to the devices. The asynchronous passive multi-tag system includes plural surface acoustic wave devices each producing a different OFC signal having the same number of chips and including a chip offset time delay, an algorithm for assigning OFCs to each device, and a transceiver to transmit an interrogation signal and receive OFC signals in response with minimal code collisions during transmission.

Abstract: A system for use in playing a video game, the system acting to measure the position of transponders for testing and to train the user to manipulate the position of the transponders while being guided by interactive and sensory feedback. A bidirectional communication link to a processing system supporting the video game provides functional movement assessment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which involve an improved way to coerce use of a soap dispenser (or other hygiene device). A soap dispenser according to at least one embodiment, includes a teaching or entertaining device that is fun and informative that is triggered when the soap dispenser is utilized. The soap dispenser may also be utilized as an advertising tool.

Abstract: A temperature monitoring service in which remote monitoring units are distributed to customers who then set up monitoring as desired at their facilities. The devices may be registered through a web site using the Internet. Monitoring information may be communicated using a publicly available, wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network. The service may be provided with a system, including a server, architected to allow each remote monitoring unit to be simple and low cost. Similarly, the system may be architected to allow monitoring and control information to be communicated reliably, but at low cost. The server, however, can deliver high levels of monitoring functionality. The server may support using a variety of analytical methods to process the monitoring information, including analyzing the rate of temperature change at a monitored facility.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device with a substrate and a gas detector. The substrate has a pixel array area and an electrical connection area. The pixel array area has a plurality of pixels. The electrical connection area has a plurality of bond pads positioned on the surface of the substrate to address the plurality of pixels in the pixel array area. The gas detector is positioned within the electrical connection area. The gas detector is arranged to detect the presence of a specified gas.

Abstract: A system may include a battery powered device and a cable used to charge the battery powered device. The cable may include a first connector to connect to the battery powered device and a second connector to connect to a power source. The cable may also includes a flexible portion located between the first connector and the second connector. The flexible portion may include an inner portion that includes an electrical conductor and an outer portion that includes a transparent or translucent material. The cable may further include at least one light source and circuitry to activate the light source based on a charge status of the battery powered device. The activated light source may illuminate at least a portion of the cable.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring latent faults in power supplies may include a variable voltage source and a logic module that may be coupled to an OR FET circuit. The monitoring system may also include comparators for measuring a voltage drop across a FET and, based upon a value of the voltage drop, may determine a latent fault, such as a short circuit or open circuit across the FET.

Abstract: Described is a vehicle communication system. The system includes a display installed in, or on, a first vehicle such that the display is viewable by persons in other vehicles or pedestrians proximate the first vehicle. The display is communicatively linked to one or more vehicle systems or a vehicle controller area network whereby based on activation, engagement or utilization of a vehicle system, the display automatically displays a message associated with the activation, engagement or activation of the vehicle system. For example, if a driver of the vehicle applies the brakes, a “STOPPING” message is displayed. Messages may be pre-programmed into the system or custom created and entered by a user. The display may also be used to advertise, alert passersby to an emergency or otherwise communicate with persons in other vehicles or pedestrians.

Abstract: An image processing method for detecting the activation of brake lights of vehicles driving in front, which do not emit an additional or a changed modulated signal during the braking procedure, has been presented. For this purpose, an image sensor or an image sensor system is aligned to a point in front of the vehicle, the camera images are fed into a memory and a motor vehicle driving in front is identified by means of a pattern recognition method on the image; in addition, following the detection of the vehicle, image areas are determined which contain brake lights to a high degree of probability.

Abstract: Various approaches for a traffic control preemption system that includes a receiver, a light emitter, and control circuitry. The receiver includes a photodetector and circuitry that produces a number of electrical pulses in response to each detected light pulse. For each detected light pulse the number of electrical pulses represents a level of radiant power of the light pulse, and a threshold number of electrical pulses and an activation frequency at which the threshold number of electrical pulses is repeated activates preemption. The control circuitry is coupled to the light emitter and controls the light emitter to emit bursts of light pulses. Each burst includes at least two light pulses and a frequency of light pulses in each burst and a frequency of the bursts cause the receiver to produce at least the threshold number of electrical pulses at the activation frequency and activate the preemption.

Abstract: A landing assistance device and method for an aircraft according to the invention, based on the landing procedure rules attached to the runway, a lower threshold and an upper threshold of total energy acceptable for the aircraft are determined and the current total energy of the latter is compared with the thresholds.

Abstract: A flight deck display element for an aircraft includes a primary flight display rendered thereon. The primary flight display includes a primary display region having a perimeter, a perspective view of terrain corresponding to a flight deck viewpoint, and an attitude frame surrounding the perimeter of the primary display region. The perspective view of terrain is rendered in the primary display region, and the attitude frame includes a first region and a second region rendered with different visually distinguishable characteristics. The boundaries of the first region and the second region are defined by a current attitude condition of the aircraft.

Abstract: A map in a navigation apparatus is displayed on a screen with its orientation aligned with an orientation of a facility map that is distributed in a facility when a vehicle having the navigation apparatus is traveling in a facility area that has pre-memorized guide information. When the vehicle is traveling in a meandering section of a road, a rough direction is oriented upward in the map that is displayed on the screen. Furthermore, the map is displayed with an entrance direction, which is determined as a direction at a time of entering an area outside of the road such as a parking or the like, oriented upward under a circumstance that the vehicle is constantly turning its direction.

Abstract: A method and device for entering data is provided wherein the pressing of up to two combinations of proximate keys on a keypad concurrently sends a signal or signals from the keypad to a processor. The processor receives the signal or signals and identifies a character, symbol, or function associated with the signal or signals and reports the same. In one embodiment, the keypad used for entering the data has a configuration of three columns and four rows. A method of identifying a character, symbol, or function comprises comparing the signal or signals to a data set of associated characters, symbols, or functions wherein the data set is mapped to said signal or signals with a modified Braille cell.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. During text entry, a user is able to delimit a language entry session, such the entering of a word, by actuating a multiple-axis input device or another input device.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound text input. The device is able to assemble language objects in the memory to generate compound language solutions. The device is able to prioritize compound language solutions according to various criteria.

Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may include a system comprising a touch screen display panel, and a tactile panel with one or more raised surfaces wherein the touch screen display panel is positioned on top of the tactile panel and the tactile panel creates one or more raised surfaces on the touch screen display panel providing tactile information to a user of the touch screen display panel.

Abstract: Random access to run-length encoded data values is provided. A target value is identified by a logical index into a structure of run-length-encoded values. To access the value, a bookmark is selected based on the logical index, on a maximum logical index of the bookmark, and on a specified bookmark distance. An initial run in the structure is located, based on the selected bookmark. A final run is chosen, at most one bookmark distance from the initial run. The target value is the value of the final run. Efficiency heuristics are used when generating bookmarks or creating the structure of run-length-encoded values.

Abstract: A method of encoding data structures using compressed object encodings during serialization. A compressed representation of the data is generated directly while encoding. Serialization means converting a data structure to a string of bytes for external storage or communication.

Abstract: A demodulator capable of compensating for an offset voltage of a radio frequency (RF) signal, and a method of compensating for the offset voltage of the RF signal are provided. The demodulator includes an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) unit for converting a first analog signal corresponding to a difference between the RF signal comprising the offset voltage and an analog reference signal into a first digital signal, and a compensation voltage generation unit for converting the first digital signal into an offset compensation voltage. The ADC unit converts a second analog signal corresponding to a difference between the RF signal comprising the offset voltage and the offset compensation voltage into a second digital signal. Accordingly, the offset voltage included in the RF signal is compensated for, and thus distortion and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the RF signal are reduced. This leads to an improvement of the reception sensitivity of an RF receiver.

Abstract: Imbalance and distortion cancellation for composite analog to digital converter (ADC). Such an ‘ADC’ is implemented using two or more ADCs may be employed for sampling (e.g., quantizing, digitizing, etc.) of an analog (e.g., continuous time) signal in accordance with generating a digital (e.g., discrete time) signal. Using at least two ADCs allows for the accommodation and sampling of various signals having a much broader dynamic range without suffering degradation in signal to noise ratio (SNR). Generally, the signal provided via at least one of the paths corresponding to at least one of the respective ADCs is scaled (e.g., attenuated), so that the various ADCs effectively sample signals of different magnitudes. The ADCs may respectively correspond to different magnitude and/or power levels (e.g., high power, lower power, any intermediary power level, etc.). Various implementations of compensation may be performed along the various paths corresponding to the respective ADCs.

Abstract: A voltage following device is described, for the driving of a sampling network coupleable to an analog/digital converter, comprising at least one first transistor provided with a first terminal to receive an input signal, and a second terminal to provide an output signal to the sampling network which is representative of the input signal translation of an amount equal to a gate and source voltage of said at least one first transistor. The voltage following device having a driving network of said at least one first transistor to keep said gate and source voltage equal to a shift reference voltage.

Abstract: A gain control method is provided. In one embodiment, an amplifier amplifies a first signal according to a gain to obtain a second signal, and a converter converts the second signal to a digital signal. First, the gain is sequentially set to a plurality of gain values. A plurality of entropy values of the digital signal corresponding to the gain values is then calculated. A picked entropy value of the entropy values is then determined. The gain value corresponding to the picked entropy value is then determined as a picked gain value. Finally, the gain is set to the picked gain value for amplifying the first signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: input terminals identified by channel numbers and configured to receive analog signals; analog input pads identified by pad numbers and connected with whole or part of the input terminals; a data holding section configured to hold a data of the input terminals; a channel designating section configured to generate a channel designation signal to designate one of the channel numbers; and a channel translating section configured to translate the channel number indicated by the channel designation signal into a specific one of the pad numbers based on the held data. An A/D converting section is configured to convert the analog signal inputted from the analog input pad corresponding to the specific pad number into a digital signal.

Abstract: There is provided a technique for reducing the adverse effect of idle tones in the channels in a ??-type A/D converter including a plurality of channels for converting analog input signals into digital signals. The ??-type A/D converter includes an L channel for converting a left analog input signal into a digital signal and an R channel for converting a right analog input signal into a digital signal. Each of the L channel and the R channel includes a DC dither circuit for generating a DC addition voltage for shifting the frequency of an idle tone. In the L channel and the R channel, DC addition voltages generated by DC dither circuits are different from each other.

Abstract: Provided herein are segmented digital to analog converters (DACs), methods for use therewith, and systems that include one or more such DACs. According to an embodiment, a DAC includes a plurality of sub-DACs, a DAC input adapted to receive a multi-bit digital input and a DAC output adapted to output an analog output current in response to and indicative of the digital input. Each sub-DAC is adapted to receive a separate reference current that specifies a transfer function of the sub-DAC. A magnitude of the reference current provided to each sub-DAC is separately programmable to thereby separately control a gain of each sub-DAC.

Abstract: Class-D amplifiers have evolved from using binary pulse-width modulation (PWM) modulators to three-level PWM modulators. Three-level PWM drivers for audio applications offer the benefits of eliminating costly elements at the output of an audio system. However, they also introduce increased common-mode interference. Three-level PWM generates three states, but one state has two interchangeable representations which can be scrambled in order to shape the common-mode output spectrum.

Abstract: A successive approximation A/D conversion circuit for simultaneously sampling N channels of analog signals and for A/D converting the sampled analog signals, includes: N capacitive main DACs; a resistive sub DAC; N comparators; and a successive approximation control circuit, wherein the successive approximation control circuit determines high-order bit values of A/D conversion results of the N channels of analog signals by controlling the N capacitive main DACs and the N comparators, and determines low-order bit values of the A/D conversion results of the N channels of analog signals by controlling the resistive sub DAC and the N comparators.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a solid-state imaging device for enhancing accuracy of AD conversion and active switching of up-counting and down-counting in the asynchronous counter without limiting the AD conversion frequency. The solid-state imaging device according to the present invention includes an asynchronous counter having an up-counting mode in which up-counting is performed, a down-counting mode in which down-counting is performed, and a holding mode for switching operation settings between the up-counting and the down-counting while maintaining a count value held in the asynchronous counter.

Abstract: A method for detecting an object, comprising the steps of defining expected characteristics of scattered electromagnetic radiation to be received at a receiver; attenuating at least a portion of electromagnetic radiation received at the receiver by a presence of an object within a path of electromagnetic information; and detecting the attenuation to indicate a presence of the object. The object may be a low radar profile object, such as a stealth aircraft. The electromagnetic radiation is preferably microwave, but may also be radio frequency or infrared. By using triangulation and other geometric techniques, distance and position of the object may be computed.

Abstract: A method is provided for mobile device enabled radar tags. A signal is transmitted to a radar tag. The radar tag detects the signal. The radar tag provides information. The information is received from the radar tag. A location of the radar tag is determined based on the information. The radar tag is identified based on the information. The identification of the radar tag, the location of the radar tag, and a time associated with determining the location of the radar tag are recorded as data in a database. The radar tag is evaluated based on accessing a plurality of recordings of the data in the database.

Abstract: A system for classifying targets utilizes radar receptions and acoustic signatures of armament projectiles (e.g., bullets from celebratory rifle fire, mortars, cannon fire, artillery shells, or rockets, etc.) to associate ordinances with radar returns to better utilize a radar's resources to acquire and track targets of interest. In one embodiment of the invention the system for classifying targets comprises: a radar system for detecting targets based upon radar receptions; an acoustic system for detecting targets based upon acoustic receptions; and a means for classifying the acoustic receptions into target types; a means for computing range, bearing and time of incidence for the radar receptions and the acoustic receptions; a means for associating the radar receptions and the acoustic receptions according to the classification.

Abstract: A radar level gauge system comprising power management circuitry for regulating operating power to be used by a microwave unit and a processing circuitry of the radar level gauge system. The power management circuitry comprises a DC-DC converter having an input terminal connected to the interface, an output terminal connected to the microwave unit and the processing circuitry, and a reference terminal connected to an electrical reference point, wherein a first voltage level at the input terminal and a second voltage level at the output terminal relates to a reference voltage level at the electrical reference point. The power management circuitry further comprises an energy storage capacitor connected between the input and output terminals of the DC-DC converter. According to this design, the capacitance of the power management circuitry gets reduced due to that the capacitance is originating from a series capacitance.

Abstract: Narrow virtual transmit pulses are synthesized by differencing long-duration, staggered pulse repetition interval (PRI) transmit pulses. PRI is staggered at an intermediate frequency IF. Echoes from virtual pulses form IF-modulated interference patterns with a reference wave. Samples of interference patterns are IF-filtered to produce high spatial resolution holographic data. PRI stagger can be very small, e.g., 1-ns, to produce a 1-ns virtual pulse from very long, staggered transmit pulses. Occupied Bandwidth (OBW) can be less than 10 MHz due to long RF pulses needed for holography, while spatial resolution can be very high, corresponding to ultra-wideband (UWB) operation, due to short virtual pulses. X-Y antenna scanning can produce range-gated surface holograms from quadrature data. Multiple range gates can produce stacked-in-range holograms. Motion and vibration can be detected by changes in interference patterns within a range-gated zone.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an integrated circuit device that includes a primary signal synthesizer configured to generate a free-running first digital frequency signal and at least one secondary signal synthesizer disposed in parallel with the primary signal synthesizer and configured to generate a free-running at least one second digital frequency signal. A switch element includes a first switch input coupled to the primary signal synthesizer and at least one second switch input coupled to the at least one secondary signal synthesizer. The switch element is configured to select a switch output that provides either the free-running first digital frequency signal or the free-running at least one second digital frequency signal based on a switch control input.

Abstract: A device for transmitting a satellite positioning signal received by an external antenna to an unexposed receiver having an internal receiving antenna.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to various embodiments provide for navigation in attenuated environments by integrating satellite signals with Internet hotspot signals. In one embodiment, a receiver unit adapted to perform geolocation comprises an antenna adapted to receive a precision time signal from a satellite and receive additional aiding information from a wireless network station, wherein the precision time signal comprises a periodic repeating code.