Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a security barrier attached to a structure such that the security barrier is operable to move from a first position, in which the security barrier blocks an exterior opening of the structure, to a second position, in which the security barrier does not block the exterior opening of the structure. The system further includes a latch mechanism operable to control movement of the security barrier from the first position to the second position and a sensor operable to generate an emergency signal indicating an emergency condition within the structure. The system further includes a control unit operable to access the emergency signal generated by the sensor and generate, in response to the emergency signal, a release signal to be communicated to the latch mechanism. The release signal is operable to cause the latch mechanism to permit the security barrier to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An electric vehicle can be configured to execute an association procedure with one or more charging stations in a charging facility to securely connect to and receive electric power from one of the charging stations. The electric vehicle can broadcast one or more service matching messages to the charging stations and, in response, can receive attenuation information from one or more of the charging stations. The electric vehicle can analyze the attenuation information received from the charging stations to identify with which charging station the electric vehicle should associate (e.g., to determine which charging station should provide electric power to the electric vehicle). The electric vehicle can then associate with (and receive electric power from) the identified charging station.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for secured execution of commands is described. Initially, a second electronic device authenticates a first electronic device and registers the first electronic device as a trusted device. Thereafter, up receipt of a message with one or more embedded commands, such commands are executed without any pre-established communication protocol if the message is from the registered first electronic device.

Abstract: Provided are an authentication device, an authentication system, and an authentication method, which are capable of increasing an authentication rate while suppressing an increase in a processing load. To solve this problem, the authentication device acquires a periodic temporal variation of an authentication rate, using history information stored in an authentication history storage unit storing a previous authentication result as history information, predicting whether or not a future authentication rate is lower than a previous value, based on the temporal variation of the authentication rate, and updates registration data regarding biometric information which has been registered, using input data regarding biometric information input from a user, when it is predicted that a future authentication rate will be lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A sight spot guiding system and an implementing method thereof are provided. The method includes: a mobile terminal equipped with an RFID chip, after arriving at the sight spot, receiving a radio broadcast signal transmitted by an RFID reader set at the sight spot, and transmitting a radio response signal which carriers the ID of the present RFID chip; the RFID reader reading the radio response signal and then reporting the IDs of the RFID chip and the reader to an administration center, which, after receiving the IDs of the RFID and the reader, sends sight spot description information corresponding to the ID of the reader to the mobile terminal corresponding to the ID of the RFID chip, according to corresponding relationships between IDs of RFID readers and sight spot description information and between IDs of RFID chips and mobile terminals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for ranging a radio frequency tag, comprising measuring the modulated backscattering response of the tag at a plurality of frequencies using reader and determining the dispersive properties of the tag from the amplitude of the measured backscattering response. Further, the method comprises determining a position parameter of the tag from the measured modulated backscattering response and the determined dispersive properties of the tag.

Abstract: A servo device 30 includes: a control portion 31 for driving and controlling a drive mechanism 32 by receiving a control signal from a transmitter 10, and by transforming the control signal into a drive signal corresponding to characteristic data previously stored in a memory portion 35. The control portion 31 includes: a signal processing portion 33 for discriminating whether the control signal is a maneuver signal or a characteristic data signal; and the memory portion for updating and storing the characteristic data based on the received characteristic data signal when the control signal is discriminated as the characteristic data signal.

Abstract: A building management system controller (10) is provided. The building management system controller may be configured to detect electro-magnetic interference on a plurality of frequency channels of a narrow band frequency, and select one of the plurality of frequency channels having a detected electro-magnetic interference which less than a predetermined electro-magnetic interference threshold as a communication channel for communicating with at least one device (12, 14). The building management system controller may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one device (12, 14), to determine a communication reliability for communications between the controller and the at least one device, and to determine a communication route between the controller and the at least one device in dependence on the determined communication reliabilities. Devices 12, 14 together make up a network 8 of controllers/sensors for the building management system.

Abstract: A control wheel for controlling at least one function of a system by a user includes a moveable engagement wheel for engagement by the user and an actuator coupled to the engagement wheel for providing force or haptic feedback to the engagement wheel in response to movement of the engagement wheel. A sensor for sensing movement of the engagement wheel is provided and a control system is coupled to the sensor for receiving information about positioning and movement of the engagement wheel, and is also coupled to the actuator for controlling force to the engagement wheel. The control system also provides control of the at least one function of the system.

Abstract: A vehicle having an item detection system is provided having at least one indicator for selectively emitting an alarm when activated, a vehicle alarm control module, at least one radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag, and a radio frequency (“RF”) interrogator. The vehicle alarm control module is in communication with the at least one indicator and includes control logic for sending an activation data signal to the at least one indicator to selectively activate the at least one indicator. The RFID tag is configured for receiving a query RF signal and transmitting a reply RF signal upon receipt of the query RF signal. The RF interrogator is in communication with the vehicle alarm and is located within a specified distance of the RFID tag. The RF interrogator has a processor, and includes control logic for transmitting the query RF signal to the RFID tag.

Abstract: In a method for line-of-sight-independent data transmission in a car-to-car or a car-to-infrastructure communication system, electromagnetic radiation having encoded data is transmitted from a transmitter located in a first vehicle or in a traffic infrastructure object, and a reflector system is provided for at least partially reflecting the transmitted electromagnetic radiation, wherein the reflector system is arranged so that the transmitted electromagnetic radiation arrives at a receiver located in a second vehicle or in the traffic infrastructure object. The reflected electromagnetic radiation having the encoded data can then be received by the receiver even when line-of-sight communication between the vehicles is impossible.

Abstract: An on-vehicle display device includes a first display section provided in an area within a width of a steering wheel of a vehicle viewed from a driver sitting on a driver seat of the vehicle and which displays at least one piece of report information concerning a state of the vehicle, a second display section provided in an area outside the width of the steering wheel viewed from the driver and which displays an image, and a control section which controls displays of the first display section and the second display section respectively. When a piece of report information is displayed on the first display section, the control section controls to display an information image corresponding to the piece of report information on the second display section.

Abstract: A vehicle running warning device includes: a fixed sound source signal generator configured to generate a fixed sound source signal with a certain frequency distribution; a variable sound source signal generator configured to generate a variable sound source signal with a frequency distribution having a peak frequency corresponding to each set; a sound-emitting controller configured to determine an acceleration segment of a vehicle based on vehicle speed information obtained from the vehicle to which the controller is mounted, and set the peak frequency based on the determined acceleration segment and the latest vehicle speed information; and a sound source signal adder configured to add to the fixed sound source signal a variable sound source signal in which the peak frequency is set, and output, and emits a vehicle running warning sound in consideration of a speed and an acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer is provided with various parametric sensors. Trailer operating characteristics obtained from the sensors are conveyed to an attached tow vehicle. The tow vehicle is configured to respond to trailer operating conditions or characteristics and/or warn the tow vehicle operator of trailer conditions. The tow vehicle's operation can also be changed responsive to an attached trailer.

Abstract: The vehicular notification and control apparatus receives user input via a multimodal control system, optionally including touch-responsive control and non-contact gestural and speech control. A processor-controlled display provides visual notifications of notifications and tasks according to a dynamically prioritized queue which takes into account environmental conditions and driving context and available driver attention. The display is filtered to present only valid notifications and tasks for the current available driver attention level. Driver attention is determined using multiple, diverse sensors integrated through a sensor fusion mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a driver shift aid are disclosed. In one aspect, an electronic control unit causes a shift indicator to be presented if a need for a shift is detected and vehicle performance after the shift would not be unduly impacted. If the vehicle operator follows the guidance of the shift indicator, vehicle fuel efficiency may be improved while vehicle performance remains adequate. In one aspect, a different indicator may be displayed to prompt the vehicle operator to shift either one gear or two gears.

Abstract: A vehicle status display apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a display configured to output a display related to a threshold indicating an engine start criterion under a traveling status using an electric motor; and a processing device. When the threshold changes, the processing device changes the display due to the change of the threshold such that a change manner of the display in a case where the threshold changes due to an operation of a vehicle's occupant is different from a change manner of the display in a case where the threshold changes due to a factor other than the operation of the vehicle's occupant.

Abstract: Tire pressure information is sensed. The sensed tire pressure information is stored in a transmission buffer. A control program is executed to transmit the tire pressure information from the transmission buffer to an external receiver device according to each of a plurality of communications formats incorporated into the control program and not according to a manufacturers' code.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting tire pressure signals includes a transmission buffer and a transmitter. The transmission buffer is configured to store tire pressure monitoring data. The transmitter is configured to transmit a signal including the tire pressure monitoring data. The signal includes a burst that includes plurality of frames and each of the frames includes the tire pressure monitoring information. A plurality of pause spaces is disposed between at least some of the frames in the burst.

Abstract: A receiver device is tuned to monitor for first transmissions at a first time according to a first criterion and to monitor for second transmissions at a second time according to a second criterion. When the receiver device initially recognizes one of the first transmissions being transmitted according to the first criterion or the second transmissions being transmitted according to the second criterion, the recognized transmission is verified as being valid. When the transmission is recognized as valid, a transmission apparatus is activated to transmit an indication to a receiver so that a localization process can be executed.

Abstract: A determination is made as to whether a frame to be transmitted according to a first protocol is susceptible to being incorrectly interpreted by a receiver in a vehicle as being transmitted according to a second protocol. When the frame is determined to be susceptible to an incorrect interpretation, an internal value of the frame is adjusted, and the adjustment is effective to prevent an incorrect interpretation of the frame being transmitted from the tire pressure monitor to the receiver. The adjusted frame can then be transmitted.

Abstract: A system comprising a power supply, an emergency warning light and a speaker, in combination with a control head. One or more processors controls operation of the system in response to received user input and provides system status for display. Storage media encoded with emergency warning light system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors controls the actuation of the emergency warning light system and controls light patterns generated by the emergency warning light system. The storage media is further encoded with siren system instructions for execution by one or more of the processors for controlling the actuation of the siren system and for controlling audible sounds generated by the siren system.

Abstract: The vehicular lamp of the present disclosure includes a lamp control unit configured to control the lighting state of the lamp, the sound generating device configured to generate an alarm sound from the lamp when the device is driven, and a sound generating control unit configured to control the sound generating device. The lamp control unit is configured such that a normal operation of the lamp control unit itself becomes impossible so as not to turn ON the lamp unit normally when a remodeling is performed to the sound generating control unit cutting off, for example, a power source line VW, a control line CW, and a driving line MW which are connected to the sound generating unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to locating systems, and more particularly, to handheld locator systems for locating personnel or other objects in buildings or other environments. In one illustrative embodiment, a tag is attached to an object to be located (e.g. firefighter). The tag may be configured to emit a first signal and a second signal, where the first signal and the second signal having disparate propagation characteristics in the environment. In some cases, the first signal may be an acoustic signal and the second signal may be an RF signal, but this is not required in all embodiments. By using a first signal or set of signals, and then automatically switching to another signal or set of signal(s) when the first signal or set of signals are not received clearly, the tag/receiver system may help mitigate the failure modes/weaknesses of any single technology, and may provide advantages over use of any of the technologies used singly.

Abstract: An electronic locking assembly includes an electronic lock and an electronic key for unlocking the electronic lock. The electronic key includes a first memory for storing a first password, and a first signal transceiver for encoding the first password into a first wireless signal and transmitting the first wireless signal. The electronic lock includes a main body for physically locking or unlocking the device, a second memory for storing a second password, a second signal transceiver, a processor, and a comparator. The second signal transceiver receives the first wireless signal and decodes the first wireless signal into the first password. The processor sends the first password and the second password to the comparator. The comparator compares whether the first password second password match, and thus to control the main body to physically lock or unlock the device.

Abstract: An access control system is disclosed comprising a credential reader arranged to gather at least one credential from a person desiring to pass through an access point associated with the access control system, the system being arranged to use the at least one credential to provide an indication about the identity of the person. The system also comprises at least one access control device controlling access through a respective access point such that a person is allowed or denied access dependent on whether the person is positively identified, and a data storage device that stores data indicative of a current security level applicable for each access point associated with the system, the security level defining the criteria required to provide a positive identification of the person. Stored security level data can be modified to change the criteria required for positively identifying a person.

Abstract: The invention relates to a burglar alarm arrangement, which can be installed in a mechanical lock, which mechanical lock comprises at least a lock cylinder (204), a lock frame (208) and a turn knob (214). A burglar alarm arrangement according to the present invention can be installed in a mechanical lock without a need to change keys, rekeying the lock or without adding code systems. Additionally, the burglar alarm arrangement can identify an authorized opening of the door by use of the key or the turn knob, and deactivate the alarm system for that time. The burglar alarm arrangement comprises an alarm system and first means (206) and second means (212), which first and second means (206 and 212) are functionally connected to the alarm system.

Abstract: System and Method for mail notification. An apparatus includes a first member adapted to be placed on an interior portion of the post office box, a flap member rotatably attached to the first member, and a sensor included in at least one of the first member or the flap member. When the apparatus is placed inside the post office box, and when the flap member is moved to be proximate to the first member to allow placement of content inside the post office box, the sensor detects proximity of the flap member to the first member or movement of the flap member from a first position to a second position, and provides an indication in response to detection of proximity, wherein the indication is useable to notify a recipient associated with the post office box.

Abstract: A system and a method for safeguarding wafers and photomasks. The system includes a container for storing an article, the article being a wafer or a photomask; a flashing unit for flashing light with a pre-determined light pattern; an anti-theft unit capable of performing an anti-theft function, the anti-theft unit being attached to the container; and a trigger unit electrically connected to the anti-theft unit for triggering the anti-theft function of the anti-theft unit, in response to detecting the pre-determined light pattern of the flashing unit. The method includes providing a container having an anti-theft unit capable of performing an anti-theft function; storing an article in the container, the article being a wafer or a photomask; providing a flashing light with a pre-determined light pattern; detecting the pre-determined light pattern; and performing the anti-theft function by the anti-theft unit, in response to detecting the pre-determined light pattern.

Abstract: An object locating, identifying, tracking, and surveillance system, denoted the Assets Locating, Tracking, and Surveillance System (ALTSS), is provided for managing physical objects and evidence in environments such as police departments, law offices, and the Courts. ALTSS employs radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, computer programming and database applications, networking technologies, and hardware elements. ALTSS may locate and track physical evidence, merchandise, information carriers like files, folders or individual pieces of paper, and people, under certain conditions, in near-real time. It may be configured as part of a local area network, a wide area network, or the Internet. ALTSS may employ exemplary components such as RFID transponders, scanners, strategically located antennas and computers to facilitate tracking of objects and people as needed.

Abstract: A measured result reflecting a body condition of a user when measuring a blood sugar level can be displayed, and convenience of management of the blood sugar level of the user is improved. A blood sugar level measuring apparatus includes: a measuring unit to measure a blood sugar level of a user; a recording unit to record measurement data thereof; and a display unit capable of displaying a measured result on a display, wherein the improvement comprises: a condition flag setting unit to record, on the recording unit, a condition flag related to a body condition of the user when measuring the blood sugar level; and a display control unit to display the measured result recorded on the recording unit on the display on the basis of the condition flag set by the condition flag setting unit.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring change in condition. A condition indication device can include an indication area and an identification area. The indication area can include one or more of a freeze/thaw indicator, heat temperature marker or high temperature indicator. A reader reads information from the indication area and the identification area. Information is forwarded from the reader using a remote network to a remote recognition device. In one embodiment, the reader takes a picture of the indicator device and the picture is forwarded as information to the remote recognition device. A conductivity changes to solutions and/or emulsions together with color changes in the remote indicating device can remotely monitor the change in condition. The information obtained at the remote recognition device can be used to determine a status, location and time for a point in transit or storage of the condition indication device.

Abstract: A system and method effective to monitor an amount of material in a portable container. The system may comprise a material and sensor in a container. The sensor is effective to detect a first level of the material when the container is at a first location and to generate a first data signal in response. The sensor is effective to detect a second level of the material in the container when the container is at a second location and to generate a second data signal in response. The sensor is further effective to send the first and second data signal to a processor. The processor is effective to receive the first and second data signal and generate a report based on the first and the second data signal, the report relating to an amount of the material in the container.

Abstract: A smart grid device display control system can include a demand response management system, a smart meter operatively coupled to the demand response management system, and a smart grid device operatively coupled to the smart meter, the smart grid device including a lighted display configured to power cycle in response to a power cycle indication.

Abstract: An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad.

Abstract: An apparatus including a strain sensor configured to sense strain in a connecting part between a first part and a second part of a headset, and a circuitry earpiece configured to cause a change in the state of the headset in accordance with the sensed strain. A corresponding method.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including an altitude information acquisition section which acquires altitude information, and a determination section which determines a degree of risk of physical strain on a user based on the altitude information.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a testing apparatus and a display control apparatus connected to the testing apparatus. The testing apparatus includes a plurality of testing locations and a collection module connected to the plurality of testing locations. Each of the plurality of testing locations receives a tested product, which is tested by the testing apparatus. The collection module collects testing states of the tested products. A display apparatus is connected to the display control apparatus. The display control apparatus controls the display apparatus to show a plurality of indicating blocks corresponding to the plurality of testing locations. The display apparatus is adapted to display the plurality of indicating blocks to match the plurality of testing locations. The display control apparatus controls each of the plurality of indicating blocks to show the testing state of the tested product in each the plurality of testing locations.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method to utilize road markers to control vehicle speeds. The road markers may be commanded to emit a light for a pre-determined period of time. Further, the road markers may be controlled such that they are commanded to emit the light based upon a timing sequence associated with a desired speed so that the road markers emit light in a strobe pattern. In this way, if a vehicle is traveling at the desired speed, then the strobe pattern appears static to a driver of the vehicle. Additionally, a message may be transmitted from a traffic authority to increase or decrease the timing sequence of the strobe pattern to increase or decrease the speed to the desired speed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transmitting data using vector sensors and via the vector components of the acoustic field. The data can be received via vector sensors and/or scalar sensors and/or arrays of such sensors.

Abstract: An interactive display of results obtained from the inversion of logging data is produced by obtaining and inverting the logging data using a Monte-Carlo inversion. An interactive plot having a percentile scale plotted against a location parameter is produced and a particular percentile is selected using the interactive plot. A cross-section plot for the particular percentile using the results of the Monte-Carlo inversion is produced. The particular percentile can be a curve representing a best-fit solution or a polyline representing selected solutions. Background color/shading can be displayed on the interactive plot to indicate user-defined constraints have been applied. Uncertain features can be plotted on a corresponding cross-section display using fading. Clusters of solutions that are substantially equally likely, given the measurements at a particular drill location, can be identified and plotted.

Abstract: A system for transmitting data along a borehole, comprises a drill string; a bottom hole assembly connected to the drill string including a drilling motor powered by flow of fluid from the drill string, a drill bit connected below the drilling motor and arranged to be rotated by the motor, and at least one sensor being positioned between the drilling motor and the drill bit; a first telemetry system for transmitting data from a first location below the drilling motor to a second location above the drilling motor, the first telemetry system comprising a first transmitter at the first location configured to induce an acoustic signal for propagation along the BHA, and a first acoustic receiver at the second location arranged to receive the acoustic signal; and a second telemetry system comprising two or more transmission channels for transmitting data received by the first acoustic receiver from the second location back up the borehole.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to an integrated device for the adaptation of fluid metering devices, comprising an attachment means for attachment to the meter, a pulse generating means for generating electrical pulses at a rate dependent on the volume of fluid used, means for counting and storing the number of pulses generated during a particular time period, and communication means for communicating the stored pulse readings. Ideally these elements are integrated into a single housing, attachable to a meter by simply plugging thereto, without the need for any programming.

Abstract: A visually and remotely readable apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of sensing units, a control unit and a flexible printed cable (FPC) to connect two units for exchanging information therebetween. A preferable structure of the sensing unit includes a fixed part secured to the body of the apparatus and two oppositely positioned rotatable parts, where two rotatable parts mounted on a common shaft with the fixed part arranged therebetween forming two angular position sensors. Each sensor is based on the capacitive coupling between two working surfaces of the rotatable part and the respective working surfaces of the fixed part with the electrodes are secured thereto. Two working surfaces of one part are confronted with two respective working surfaces of another part forming two working surface pair. Each sensor has two working surface pairs, one working surface pair is sensing pair for sensing angular position; another is coupling pair for coupling sensing signals.

Abstract: A method for providing an identification of individual smart meters among a plurality of smart meters communicably coupled in a networked grid area based on a unique identification number stored in the memory of the smart meter is provided. The method includes calculating a first value corresponding to the unique identification number, receiving a query message including a second value corresponding to the unique identification number of one of the plurality of smart meters and determining if the first value matches the second value. The method further includes sending a response message including the unique identification number if the first value matches the second value. The method may further include assigning logical identification numbers to each of the smart meters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing energy management utilize wireless wide-area network broadcast signals and a decentralized receiver architecture to allow customers to make informed choices with regard to energy consumption and load shedding for particular appliances. A receiver assembly embedded within an appliance receives a broadcast signal, e.g., an FM subcarrier signal, including tariff data and other electrical grid data. A processor coupled with the receiver controls the appliance in accordance with the received data and in accordance with user-defined preferences. In some embodiments, a transceiver assembly is embedded in one or more appliances in a household. Each transceiver is configured to receive broadcast signals regarding grid data, and to communicate with other appliances and/or a usage meter over a wireless personal area network. Meter data from one of more households may be aggregated and uplinked back to the energy provider or other entities.

Abstract: The biocontainer of the present invention provides a low cost, simple solution of many of the problems encountered during shipping, freezing and thawing of biopharmaceutical materials. The present invention enables a user to monitor the temperature profile of each biopharmaceutical container during the cryogenic process, so as to ensure the integrity of materials within each biocontainer by using a pre-installed and pre-sterilized temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a wireless transmitter and is capable of transmitting information regarding the measured reading. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a processing unit, which determines whether the temperature profile is acceptable. In a further embodiment, an indicator is included, such that the processing unit may indicate whether the biopharmaceutical material has been properly frozen.

Abstract: Techniques and systems are disclosed for monitoring multiple indoor and outdoor climate parameters and wirelessly transmitting the monitored data to a network for on-line analysis and dissemination. In one aspect, a monitoring device includes multiple sensors to monitor air quality modalities and generate corresponding monitored air quality data. The monitoring device includes a processor in communication with the multiple sensors to receive and process the monitored air quality data generated from the multiple sensors. Additionally, the monitoring device includes a display unit in communication with the processor to display the processed air quality data. The monitoring device includes a data communication unit to transmit the processed air quality data to a server. The server stores and optimizes the data through cross-calibration and makes the data available to persons who have purchased the monitoring devices and who wish to share the data in a social network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for remotely monitoring the temperature of acrolein in a storage tank has a temperature sensor in communication with the acrolein in the tank and with a temperature transmitter. A global positioning receiver/transmitter communicates with the temperature transmitter and sends the temperature data to a remote base station via a linking satellite while also providing location data about the storage tank. At the base station, the temperature data related to the actual temperature of the acrolein in the tank is compared to predetermined temperature set points. These predetermined set points correlate to polymerization reaction of the acrolein. When the set points are reached, a response processor initiates a response t control the polymerization reaction of the acrolein in the storage tank.

Abstract: In a method for warning a driver of a vehicle, the position of the vehicle on the roadway is determined. For the determined position of the vehicle, data relating to a curved roadway course in the area ahead of the vehicle are obtained and data relating to a self-motion of the vehicle are obtained using a driving dynamics sensor. The curved roadway in the area ahead of the vehicle is divided into at least two zones of criticality as a function of the data relating to the curved roadway course and the data relating to the self-motion, wherein each zone of criticality is assigned an assessment which assesses the driving behavior of the vehicle within the respective zone of criticality, and the assessments are outputted to the vehicle driver.