Abstract: A method of monitoring hand washing by individuals comprises monitoring the movements of individuals in an area using one or more sensors, identifying the performance of an act by an individual that requires the hands of the individual to be washed and determining whether the hands of the individual are washed after the performance of the act, wherein the determining includes tracking the motion of that individual using the one or more sensors. Sensors comprising arrays of thermal detectors are preferred, but other types of sensor could be included.

Abstract: Alarm apparatuses and methods for awakening a person are provided, the apparatus including a data analysis unit; an input unit; and an alarm control unit; wherein the data analysis unit is configured to analyze data related to a state of sleep of a person; wherein the input unit is configured to input data related to a desired awaken period within which the person desires to be awakened; and wherein the alarm control unit is configured to control an alarm for awakening the person using information from the data analysis unit.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for detecting a fire, which apparatus includes at least one alarm signalling device and at least one detecting unit, and wherein the apparatus interacts with a switchboard. The invention is designed to achieve early warning when abnormal condition occurs in a switchboard, and where an alarm unit can be detached without access to the switchboard power supply. This can be achieved if the apparatus is located in a recess in the cover where the apparatus is connected to the switchboard with at least one connector, and where the connector at least provides power to the apparatus. Hereby it is achieved that the Fire alarm apparatus can be directly removed from the switchboard front without in any way interfering with the electrical installation. Especially when the apparatus is supplied with low voltage through the connector, it will be easy to remove and possibly replace the fire alarm.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alarm for detecting and alerting of a water spill, having an audible transducer angled for optimally transmitting an alarm sound into a space adjacent to the alarm.

Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for reliably detecting fluid leaks while minimizing false alarms. A leak sensor in proximity of a flat leakage surface, such as a floor area, is used to sense a permittivity of a media, such as water, coming in contact with the leak sensor. Leak is indicated if the sensed permittivity exceeds a permittivity threshold within a predefined time period. The predefined time period indicates a rate threshold that if exceeded indicates relatively fast accumulation of fluid in an air gap between the leak sensor and the leakage surface, precluding or reducing the possibility of false alarm due to gradual increase in environmental humidity or moisture. The air gap defines a fluid volume that is substantially filled before leak is detected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently control the operating state of an electromagnetic lock under power on and power off conditions are presented. A lock component includes a solenoid component (e.g., bi-stable latching solenoid) that holds a lock pin in a locked or unlocked position without using power to hold the lock pin in the desired position, and using power to transition from one position to another position. A sensor component senses when power to the lock component will be lost, and if the lock pin is not in the desired position for the power off condition, the lock pin can be transitioned to the desired position, and if the lock pin is in the desired position for power off condition, the lock component can maintain the lock pin in the desired position, while the lock component is in the power off condition.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely monitoring the status of a standby generator. The system includes a PLC transmitter in communication with the control unit for the generator. The PLC transmitter receives error codes from the control unit of the generator and transmits encoded error codes over the power distribution network in a home using a PLC frequency. A remote status display device can be connected to the power distribution network in the home at any convenient location. The remote status display device includes a PLC receiver that decodes the error codes. The decoded error codes are displayed on a display of the remote status display device for viewing by the home occupant at a location remote from the standby generator.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently stop and latch a door are presented. A first bracket component is attached to a door frame and has an overhang portion, comprising a holder component, that extends into the doorway to act as a door stop. A second bracket component, comprising an extended portion, is desirably adjusted in position in relation to the holder component and attached to the door such that the extended portion has a desired amount of overlap on the holder component, wherein the amount of overlap corresponds to an amount of latching force in accordance with the force profile associated with the extended portion based at least in part on shape of the extended portion. An operation device is attached to the first bracket component and/or second bracket component and the door latching holds the door in the desired position to facilitate operations of the operation component.

Abstract: A self-illuminating handle assembly for a release mechanism of an emergency egress system for a vehicle. The handle assembly includes a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition and providing a sensor signal in response thereto, and a sensor-activated switch assembly for causing the handle assembly to self-illuminate in response to the sensor signal. The sensor could be a so-called tilt sensor for sensing when the vehicle orientation is tilted beyond a threshold tilt orientation, or an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) for sensing when the vehicle has undergone an acceleration or deceleration beyond a threshold, indicative of a crash or the vehicle having been exposed to an explosion.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring vibrations, in a machine having a rotating element, where composite vibration signals are measured and filtered into discreet vector components associated with machine operating frequency. The filtered vectors are then evaluated to obtain a mean and standard deviation, whereupon a further value is obtained and compared to the prior values. Trip conditions may be set to initiate certain actions based on the meeting of the conditions. Additional data related to operating conditions of the machine may be analyzed in conjunction with the vibration data to be considered as providing a cause for vibration anomalies that may be observed. The operating, conditions of the machine may be displayed on a computer display in association with the discreet vector components, for example in a second level folder to the first level folder of the discreet vector components.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for receiving alert messages relating to events that occur within a pre-defined area is described. The user interface for a reporting application is provided. A map associated with a location of a user is displayed. A neighborhood is created according to input received from the user via the user interface. An alert message regarding an occurrence of an event within the neighborhood is received. Information is displayed on the map that relates to the location of the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: A cover for use with a rack system defining a bay for mounting electronic components may comprise six mounting brackets, a door frame, two hinges, and a door. The six mounting brackets may each have a respective first end and a second end. The first end of each mounting bracket may be configured to attach to a respective junction plate associated with the bay. The door frame may be configured to attach to the second ends of the six mounting brackets. The two hinges may be disposed on the door frame. The door may be configured to mount on the two hinges and block access to the bay when closed.

Abstract: The method for initiating of shutting down a wind energy turbine comprises approaching the wind energy turbine by a vehicle like an aircraft, in particular a helicopter, a car or a boat, and initiating of shutting down the wind energy turbine by means of wireless remote command signal transmitted from the vehicle when the vehicle is spaced from the wind energy turbine by a predetermined distance. The wind energy turbine comprises a rotor having at least one rotor blade, a shut down control unit for shutting down the rotor, and a receiving unit operatively connected to the shut down control unit for receiving a wireless remote shut down command signal from a helicopter being spaced from the rotor a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data from a subsea control module of an underwater well facility is provided. The method comprises: providing a tag which stores data relating to the module, the tag being operable to wirelessly transmit the data to a reader device; locating the tag at the module; providing a reader device; and interrogating the tag using the reader device, such that the tag is caused to wirelessly transmit the data to the reader device, wherein the tag is communicatively connected to a subsea electronics module for receiving information therefrom.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a downhole logging tool that includes two or more tilted antennas having equal tilt angles mounted in or on the tool body. The downhole logging tool may be, for example, a wireline or while-drilling tool, and it may be an induction or propagation tool. Various symmetrized and anti-symmetrized responses may be computed and used to infer formation properties and drilling parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for computing the carrier frequency of a transmitter using frequency modulated digital data to compensate for frequency shifting of the transmitter and the receiver local oscillators and for bandwidth adjustment of the receiver's filter. In particular, methods and apparatus are disclosed for binary systems transmitting “1” and “0” data using decoded or undecoded received signals.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments include methods, computer readable media, and devices for calibrating a non-linear power detector of a radio frequency device based upon measurements of the non-linear power detector output and the associated power amplifier output level, and a set of data points that characterize a nominal non-linear power detector. The set of data points that characterize the nominal non-linear power detector is stored in a calibration system memory as nominal power detector output data. The measured non-linear power detector outputs, power amplifier output levels, and the nominal power detector output data is used to determine a power detector error function that characterizes the difference between the response of the non-linear power detector and the nominal non-linear power detector. The power detector error function and the nominal power detector output data are used to develop a calibrated power detector output data set that is stored in the non-linear power detector.

Abstract: A device for activating a horn of a motor vehicle by a remote transmitter independent of a vehicle user includes a receiver and a control unit. The receiver is implemented to receive an activation signal from the remote transmitter. The control unit is implemented to activate the horn of the motor vehicle in response to the activation signal.

Abstract: A driver assist system includes, but is not limited to a device for detecting traffic signs and/or for receiving and for processing information of a traffic sign on a road shoulder and/or geographical data, particularly with respect to downhill routes, and/or further road users installed in a motor vehicle. The device generates and emits at least one signal perceptible to the driver which informs the driver that a further actuation of an accelerator pedal is not required.

Abstract: An in-vehicle display apparatus includes a communication device and an in-vehicle device. The communication device acquires posted information and geographical location data indicating the destination of the posted information. Then, the communication device generates map data in which the posted information is displayed at a position specified by the geographical location data which is acquired together with the posted information. In addition, the communication device changes a method of displaying the posted information on the generated map data on the basis of the time elapsed from the posting of the information to the acquisition of the posted information and the category of the posted information. Then, the communication device transmits the map data in which the display method of the posted information is changed to the in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device displays the received map data on, for example, a liquid crystal monitor.

Abstract: A device for assisting in understanding the traffic surrounding an aircraft during communications between aircraft with one or more ground control organizations performed via a digital data link set up on a frequency, each of the control organizations communicating and exchanging digital messages with a plurality of aircraft on said frequency, includes: reception means for the aircraft to receive the messages exchanged between the aircraft and the ground control organization on said frequency, means for storing the messages received by the aircraft and means for displaying all or some of the received messages.

Abstract: Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) collect and transmit information about ice floes with respect to their areal extent, vertical underwater profile, thickness, density, location, speed, direction and other properties to determine the possible trajectory of the ice floe. This information is used to alert drilling platforms in icy ocean conditions of pending ice floe dangers.

Abstract: An in-vehicle display apparatus includes a communication device and an in-vehicle device. The communication device acquires information posted by the user and geographical location data indicating the destination of the posted information and classifies the acquired posted information into categories. The communication device generates map data in which the posted information is displayed in a display format corresponding to the classified category at a position on the map specified by the geographical location data that is acquired together with the posted information and transmits the map data to the in-vehicle device. The in-vehicle device displays the received map data on, for example, a liquid crystal monitor.

Abstract: An input inducing device is provided. The input inducing device includes a winding, a current sensor, and a processing unit. Two ends of the winding are connected to the current sensor and form a closed-loop with the current sensor. When a magnetic object moves towards the winding, the winding cuts magnetic induction lines of the magnetic object to generate an induced current, the current sensor senses the induced current and generates a sensing signal according to the sensed induced current. The sensing signal is transmitted to the processing unit, which then implements a predetermined function according to the sensing signal.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus is disclosed for interpolation of an output of an analog to digital converter (ADC) to enable operation of the ADC at a sampling rate that is independent of the sampling rate for a DSP core so as to efficiently enable operation at higher date rates. According to one of the embodiments, an interpolation circuit is coupled between the ADC and DSP core and receives a first plurality of samples of data at the first data rate from the ADC and supplies a plurality of samples of second data at a second data rate to the DSP core; the second data rate being less than the first data rate. According to one of the embodiments, the interpolation circuit includes a memory and a FIR filter circuit having filter tap coefficient values selected to provide attenuation at high frequencies to reduce aliasing noise.

Abstract: A variable-length decoding device includes a data determination unit which determines whether or not each of component values decoded by a variable-length decoding unit is a specific value; a data buffer that holds only a component value which is not the specific value; a last valid data determination unit which determines component values other than the last one of the component values not the specific value in a block; a flag buffer which holds flags each having a corresponding component value among the component values from the component value at the beginning of the block to the last component value and indicating whether or not the corresponding component value is the specific value; a flag buffer control unit which sets the flags; a data buffer control unit which controls writing in the data buffer; and a selecting unit which selects either zero or a coefficient read from the data buffer.

Abstract: A method for encoding an input sequence of symbols as a plurality of codewords including primary codewords and secondary codewords, and a method of decoding the plurality of codewords. The codewords are output as a bitstream including an associated codeword type indicator, which specifies whether its associated plurality of consecutive codewords includes at least one secondary codeword and, if so, the location of the first of the at least one secondary codewords. The decoder selects between a primary codeword decoding tree and a secondary codeword decoding tree, and decodes one of the plurality of codewords using the selected decoding tree.

Abstract: A method for detecting errors of an A/D converter which is designed for converting an analog input signal into a digital output signal. The digital output signal represents a number z which results from an input value of the analog input signal when an A/D conversion is carried out. In the method, a value range for all possible numbers z is subdivided into subranges, and a value range for all possible input values is subdivided into subranges and an input value and a number z corresponding thereto are associated in each case with subranges which correspond to one another. In the method, a check is made to determine with which subrange an input value which is to be converted is associated, and with which subrange a number which is ascertained by the A/D converter is associated. An error is detected when the number and the input value are associated with subranges which do not correspond to one another.

Abstract: A detecting device has: a detecting element to which a first constant voltage is applied; a resistance element connected to the detecting element; a switching element having a first terminal to the resistance element, a second terminal controlled to a second constant voltage lower than the first constant voltage, and a control terminal sets the first terminal and the second terminal in a conducting state; a control unit, according to a conducting/non-conducting state, controls voltage to the control terminal to maintain a potential difference between the detecting element and the resistance element; and an AD converter converting, into a digital value, a potential of a potential difference between the first constant voltage and the first terminal being voltage-divided at the detecting element and the resistance element to the detecting element, a first reference potential is the first constant voltage, and a second reference potential is voltage to the first terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analog-to-digital converting circuit, which comprises an integrating circuit, a reference signal generating circuit, a comparator, and a first counting circuit. The integrating circuit integrates an input signal for producing an integration signal. The reference signal generating circuit produces a plurality of reference signals. The comparator receives the integration signal and the plurality of reference signals, and compares the integration signal to the plurality of reference signals sequentially for producing a plurality of comparison signals. The first counting circuit receives the plurality of comparison signals produced by the comparator, and starts to count the plurality of comparison signals for producing a reset signal and resetting the integrating circuit.

Abstract: A current mode dual-slope temperature-to-digital conversion device is disclosed. The conversion device comprises a temperature dependent current source and a reference current source. Firstly, a capacitor is charged by the temperature dependent current source. Next, the capacitor is discharged by the reference current source. The capacitor is coupled to at least one trigger, and the trigger sends out a first digital signal to a logic controller by the voltage of the capacitor. Then, the logic controller sends out a second digital signal to a time-to-digital converter according to the first digital signal. When the capacitor is discharged by the reference current source and before the first digital signal is varied, the converter receives the second digital signal and a clock signal to generate a corresponding digital output value.

Abstract: An analog to digital converter for operating at high speeds can be implemented with a micro-comparator/sampler, an encoder, and a selector. The micro-comparator includes an input from an antenna of a receiver/transceiver system; a transistor pair; reset transistor; cascaded inverters; an inverter circuit; a buffer; and a D flip flop circuit. Depending on the number of micro-comparator/samplers placed in parallel, a number of bits can be generated. For example, 15 bits from 15 different micro-comparator/samplers can be inserted into a 15 to 4 bit encoder to generate 4 bits.

Abstract: In a differential amplifier, input terminals to which a differential input is given are connected to gates of input transistors, respectively. One ends of capacitive devices are connected to sources of the input transistors, respectively. A switching section switches connection between the other ends of the capacitive devices and the input terminals according to a control clock at each phase.

Abstract: A vehicle radar system and method for detecting objects are provided. The vehicle radar system includes a side radar sensor providing a detection area at a side of the vehicle and a rear radar sensor providing a detection area at a rear of the vehicle. Each of the side and rear radar sensors includes a monopulse radar device. The radar sensor system further includes a controller configured to control operation of the side and rear radar sensors.

Abstract: An automotive radar system is disclosed that comprises an interference classifier 203 for determining a type of interference in a signal received from a multiuser environment. A sweep pattern comprising frequency sweep signals for a transmitted radar waveform is then advantageously determined in dependence upon the level of interference experienced by frequency sweep signals for the determined type of interference.

Abstract: This invention is related to a Doppler-Vision-Radar Traffic Surveillance System comprising of multiple Doppler radars, circuitry for processing radar signals, and data recording and displaying devices. Although the system is mainly designed for roadside traffic surveillance, it can be used in different applications, such as mounted on a host vehicle or on a UAV. The system will provide continuous surveillance of all incoming and leaving traffic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide computing, using a processor, sea clutter threshold bias values as a function of range and azimuth, receiving a first shape corresponding to a first region of sea clutter about a radar, combining the sea clutter threshold bias values with the first shape to provide non-isotropic sensitivity time control (STC) for the radar, and outputting radar return for display with sea clutter suppressed in the first shape.

Abstract: A rotational antenna includes a stationary feed which is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation. A parabolic dish is rotationally mounted about the stationary feed in a state of being tipped with respect to the stationary, substantially vertically oriented feed. The rotational parabolic antenna may alternatively be provided with a rotating radio frequency (RF) and acoustic feed. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for detecting and determining remote atmospheric anomalies is furnished with a movable-beam anemometry probe for measuring the orthogonal projection onto the sighting axis, named the radial component, of a relative velocity remotely, with respect to a remote air mass by Doppler frequency shift. The system comprises means for determining wind heterogeneities remotely, on the basis of at least two successive measurements, at one and the same remote point, of the radial component of the relative velocity of the system with respect to the remote air mass, by said anemometry probe, the line of sight of said anemometry probe comprising said remote point during said successive measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting navigation data are disclosed, where the apparatus includes a correlator, a first buffer, a first calculating unit and a management unit. The correlator can generate a plurality of power bits based on navigation data of a satellite. The first buffer can store a sequence of power bits from the correlator before bit synchronization is completed. The first calculating unit can generate at least one first data bit of a subframe based on the sequence of power bits. The management unit can integrate the at least one first data bit with other data bits of the subframe, so as to constitute the subframe completely.

Abstract: There is provided a position calculating method including: calculating a pseudorange by receiving a satellite signal from a positioning satellite; and calculating a position using a normal mixture distribution model which expresses distribution of an error included in the pseudorange with normal mixture distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the coverage of geolocation to indoor locations through cooperative geolocation. The method includes establishing an ad-hoc wireless network comprising a plurality of devices including a first device. The method includes receiving, at the first device, position information from the plurality of devices and determining a physical location of the first device based on the received position information. In an embodiment, the position information is transmitted in response to a request by the first device. In an embodiment, the position information may include a time of arrival of the request received by each of the plurality of devices; and the time of arrival may be associated with a GNSS time. In an embodiment, the ad-hoc wireless network may be a Wi-Fi network, which is associated with one of the IEEE 802.11 standards.

Abstract: A position information transmitter including: a digital processing device including a CPU and a position information database storing position information of the position information transmitter and information of channels used by other position information transmitters; and a radio transmitting device executing a signal modulation, wherein the digital processing device generates spread spectrum signals from the position information of the position information transmitter and information of channels used by other position information transmitters, by using the C/A code, and the radio transmitting device modulates the spread spectrum signals and transmits modulated signals as a radio signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining accuracy information of location information. The method includes receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) location information of a user terminal from a GPS, determining whether the user terminal enters into a GPS shadow area, checking terminal movement information including a moving speed and a moving direction of the user terminal, when the user terminal enters into the GPS shadow area, estimating location information of the user terminal based on the terminal movement information, checking auxiliary location information including a moving state of the user terminal, error information of a terrestrial magnetism sensor, and the moving speed of the user terminal, and determining the accuracy information based on an accumulated location error of the estimated location information, based on the auxiliary location information.

Abstract: An almanac data management system at a location remote from a cell phone (20) has an almanac memory (44) for containing at least a current version of almanac data (52). A mobile device information memory (48) contains an identification of a version of almanac data held by the cell phone (20). A downloading system (56) selectively downloads at least a subset of the current version of almanac data (52) to the cell phone (20) if the current version of almanac data (52) is later than the version of almanac data held by the cell phone (20).

Abstract: A system and method for marking the location of a lost device using geographical location-sensing means is provided. The method involves time-stamping the moment of disconnection, recording the navigation from point of disconnection, fixing the geographical location, and then applying geographical displacement to GPS coordinates to fix the location of the lost or misplaced device.

Abstract: A method for modelling integrity of a filtered global navigation satellite system, by calculating component navigation system error distributions for a set of fault conditions and a fault free condition, and determining overall navigation error distribution by forming a mixture distribution from these component navigation system error distributions. The mixture distribution may be determined by weighted summation of navigation system error (NSE) distributions with weightings determined according to prior probabilities for the fault conditions. Once the overall NSE mixture distribution is determined in this way, it can be used to derive one or more statistical quantities relevant to the integrity of the navigation system such as the probability of exceeding given alert limits in a desired coordinate geometry.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite system (GNSS) enabled mobile device may be operable to assert one of autoblank signals when RF interference is detected in received GNSS signals for one of consecutive first time windows. The asserted autoblank signals are monitored by the GNSS enabled mobile device over time intervals corresponding to consecutive second time windows and a rate at which the autoblank signals are asserted for each of the consecutive second time windows is determined by the GNSS enabled mobile device based on the monitoring. The GNSS enabled mobile device may be operable to determine whether to blank processing of the received GNSS signals based on the determined rate. The autoblank signals may be asserted by the GNSS enabled mobile device based on a number of the received GNSS signals whose absolute signal levels exceed a signal level threshold for the first time window.

Abstract: An element of a phased array antenna is provided. The element comprises a phase tracking circuit configured to multiply the in-phase component (In) of a local output signal by the quadrature phase component (Qout) of an external output signal to generate a phase control signal (535) and/or to multiply the quadrature component (Qn) of a local output signal by the in-phase component (Iout) of an external output signal to generate a phase control signal (535).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for angularly refining the antenna beam of a radar. The antenna performs M pointings along an axis, a signal being received by the antenna for each of said pointings, each of said signals being, on account of the shape of the antenna pattern, formed by the sum of signals reflected by several contributors distributed over the space scanned by the antenna beam, the method determining an estimation of the real-reflectivity vector w of N contributors by performing an inverse filtering on the vector s of the M signals received signals, said inverse filtering being established as a function of the known shape of the antenna pattern. The invention applies notably to airborne radars, and more particularly to meteorological radars.