Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for stopping power supply to a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. The apparatus includes: a power supplier supplying power to a high RFID tag; an input unit rectifying and boosting an input predetermined frequency band signal and outputting a direct-current (DC) voltage signal; a wake-up determiner comparing a voltage of the DC voltage signal output from the input unit with a predetermined reference voltage and outputting a HIGH signal or a LOW signal; and a switch stopping power supply to the high RFID tag if the wake-up determiner outputs the LOW signal.

Abstract: A universal mobile communication system for wireless and wired sensor networking. The system is based on a sensor network comprising both hardware (wireless and/or wire-line sensor nodes) and software (universal mobile communication system logic, communication portal, etc.). The system of the instant invention may also comprise mobile communications devices (MCD), and in certain embodiments, the universal mobile communication system for wireless and wire lined sensor networking may comprise: a MCD; a set sensor node; a backend server; a short messaging service (SMS) server; and a communication portal.

Abstract: An overlay includes a sheet corresponding to a plurality of keys that are associated with an application for a portable electronic device. An identifier is associated with the application. The identifier is identifiable by the portable electronic device, such that the application is opened upon identification of the identifier.

Abstract: Active vibration techniques are described. In implementations, a selection of a type of writing surface or a type of writing implement is received, the selection made through interaction with a user interface. The selected type of writing surface or type of writing implement is simulated using vibrations of a stylus or surface of a computing device that is configured to receive one or more inputs from the stylus.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a fleet management system is provided for capturing, storing, and analyzing telematics data to improve fleet management operations. The fleet management system may be used, for example, by a shipping entity (e.g., a common carrier) to capture telematics data from a plurality of vehicle sensors located on various delivery vehicles and to analyze the captured telematics data. In particular, various embodiments of the fleet management system are configured to analyze engine idle data in relation to other telematics data in order to identify inefficiencies, safety hazards, and theft hazards in a driver's delivery process. The fleet management system may also be configured to assess various aspects of vehicle performance, such as vehicle travel delays and vehicle speeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic networking apparatus for vehicles for a vehicle with a first component and a second replaceable component, and it comprises a first identity recognition module disposed on the first component and a second identity recognition module disposed on the second component. When the second identity recognition module turns into a networking mode, it transmits a low-frequency wake-up signal through a low-frequency signal transmission circuit to wake up the first identity recognition module. A low-frequency sensor circuit of the first identity recognition module is able to sense the low-frequency wake-up signal, and responds to the low-frequency wake-up signal to transmit an identity code corresponding to the first component through the high-frequency signal transmission circuit. The high-frequency signal receiving circuit of the second identity recognition module can receive the identity code of the first component and store the received identity code.

Abstract: An embodiment of a communication system can control transmission of a data signal to a power distribution network based on signal data measured from the power distribution network. The signal data may represent an amount of crosstalk or an amount of noise experienced on the power distribution network. The signal data and an identification of at least one active power line coupler unit can be used to determine an adjustment to one or more power line coupler units. A control signal that represents the adjustment can be used to adjust the power line coupler units.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for tracking media history using a mobile device. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a notification indicating that a mobile device is in communication range of a first player device. First media context information specifying media content being played by the first device and capabilities for the first device is received. The capabilities indicate types of media content that can be played by the first device. The first media context information is associated with the first player device. A second notification indicating that the mobile device is in communication range of a second player device is received. Second media context information is received. The second context information is associated with the second device. A history of media content is generated from the first media context information and the second media context information.

Abstract: Automated sensor localization systems and methods are described. An exemplary application for the sensor localization system is in a “Sense Through the Wall” (STTW) radar system, involving a plurality of distributed sensors or sensor nodes.

Abstract: A real-time method and system for locating a mobile object or person in a tracking environment while conserving electrical energy in a battery-operated tracking tag associated with the object or person are provided. The method includes modulating a first carrier signal with a first packet including a first set of identification data having a first length to obtain a first modulated signal. The first set of data identifies the tag associated with the object or person. The method also includes transmitting the first modulated signal containing the first packet. Transmission of the first modulated signal consumes a first amount of electrical energy. The first modulated signal has a first precision and a first range within the environment. The method further includes modulating a second carrier signal with a second packet including a second set of identification data reduced in length from and based on the first set of identification data.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments employed to generate location and proximity based reminders. To this end, a device is configured to generate its geographical location using a positioning system. The device detects when it impinges upon at least one geographical trigger based upon its geographical location. A predefined reminder is generated in the device when the device impinges upon the geographical trigger.

Abstract: A solar powered portable control panel is disclosed herein for wirelessly controlling one or more lights or other devices. An embodiment of the control panel includes a solar panel, a regulator connected to the solar panel, a power storage device connected to the regulator, a wireless transceiver, a controller connected to the power storage device, and a user interface connected to the controller. The user interface is adapted to accept control input and provide it to the controller. The controller is adapted to transmit commands on the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an alert signal for an asset. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation.

Abstract: A magnetic proximity sensor is attached to a ferrous object such that the sensor alerts a practitioner if a threshold of magnetic strength has been exceeded by bringing the ferrous object within a certain proximity to the magnet of an MRI scanner. The magnetic proximity sensor includes at least one magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field strength. An alarm in communication with the field sensor alerts a practitioner that a threshold of magnetic strength has been exceeded. A battery powers the field sensor and the alarm. The field sensor may produce an output voltage corresponding to the sensed magnetic field strength, and a potentiometer may provide a reference voltage corresponding to a threshold magnetic field strength. A comparator compares the reference voltage to the output voltage, and triggers an alarm if the output voltage exceeds the reference voltage.

Abstract: A monitoring system according to the present invention includes a detecting unit, a tracking unit, a place judging unit and a reporting unit. When a pass unpermitted material that is not permitted to pass through a pass monitoring point passes through the pass monitoring point, the detecting unit detects the pass unpermitted material as a fraudulent passing material. The tracking unit tracks a position of the fraudulent passing material detected by the detecting unit. The place judging unit judges whether or not the fraudulent passing material exists inside a predetermined area. The reporting unit visibly reports the position of the fraudulent passing material and the judged result by the place judging unit.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system comprising a combined plurality of surveillance systems that operate independent of and autonomous from each other and are physically located within pedestal systems having at least a first EAS system for detecting a magnetic EAS tag (which are immune to foil lined bags and other Faraday Shields) and magnetic detachers, a second EAS system for detecting Faraday shields, a third EAS for detecting acousto-magnetic EAS tags, and an anti-EAS jamming alarm mechanism. The EAS system of the present invention further includes a counter that counts the number of individuals entering into and exiting out of a secured area, and validate if an alarm is legitimate.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed switching RFID tags. In some implementations, the RFID system includes an RFID tag and a panel. The panel includes one or more contacts configured to move between a first position and a second position. The second position forms an electrical connection between the RFID tag and the one or more contacts to update a state of the RFID tag.

Abstract: An RFID cabinet for monitoring items having an RFID tag includes a cabinet having at least one locking front door. An RFID detector is used for monitoring each item placed within the cabinet and is located within the interior of the cabinet. A computer is coupled to the RFID cabinet and controls opening and closing of the front door and is configured to receive an input that identifies the user. In this way, the computer is configured to periodically record data read from the RFID tags by the RFID detector.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled security tag and accompanying security system is described. The tag generally includes a housing having external contacts to interface with elongated contacts on a connecting band. The band forms a complex impedance circuit with a patient's limb that allows detection features such as removal and band compromise. A microprocessor and related circuitry as well as a transmitter and receivers are enclosed in the housing. The tag is adapted to communicate inductively with an activator/deactivator unit as well as a tag programmer that updates and changes tag features in the tag firmware. The overall system further includes a hub to receive the data from a plurality of tags in the system. The tag can also communicate with a phased multiple antenna that sends signals to the tag.

Abstract: A housing comprised of substantially arced configured first and second pieces pivotally coupled with one another to form an enclosure that defines a substantially circular-cylindrical hole for encompassing and securing an article therein. The housing includes a magnetic switch for resetting an internal alarm system of the EAS alarm tag to OFF, an interlocking sensor switch and an auxiliary sensor switch for arming the EAS alarm tag. When both the interlock sensor switch and the auxiliary sensor switch are closed, the internal alarm system of the EAS alarm tag is armed and set to ON, and if any one of the interlocking sensor switch and the auxiliary sensor switch is tampered, an alarm (external the EAS alarm tag and or) of the EAS alarm tag is triggered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a matching system in a virtual space to facilitate the exchange of protected information and protected content. Subscriber computing devices each operated by a subscriber are associated with a subscriber identifier. Each computing device is connected to the network. In an embodiment, the sharing of protected information and content by one party with another party is regulated through permissions that determine whether a sharing party is authorized to disclose the protected content, whether a potential receiving party is authorized to receive protected content, and whether the protected content meets conditions established by the potential reviewing party for review by the potential reviewing party. Matching instructions may reveal whether a potential recipient is qualified to view the protected information or content and whether the subscriber also possesses any required supplemental information.

Abstract: A wireless patient monitoring system employs room units to collect and display information from a variety of room based sensors, the latter of which may be battery-powered and have low range. The room units may relay collected data from the associated sensor units and, as identified to the room unit, to a central controller.

Abstract: A method, a system, and a computer-readable medium are provided for generating an alert based on a physiological characteristic of a patient. A user interface window is configured to allow a user to define a first alert value, an indicator of a physiological characteristic of a patient associated with the first alert value, and an application type indicator for the alert rule indicating a group for which to apply the alert rule. A value and a characteristic indicator of the physiological characteristic of the patient are received. A group indicator associated with the patient is received. The received first alert value is identified by comparing the received characteristic indicator to the indicator. The received value is compared to the identified first alert value, and the received group indicator is compared to the application type indicator. An alert is generated based on the comparison.

Abstract: This invention teaches further improvements in methods for forewarning of critical events via phase-space dissimilarity analysis of data from biomedical equipment, mechanical devices, and other physical processes. One improvement involves objective determination of a forewarning threshold (UFW), together with a failure-onset threshold (UFAIL) corresponding to a normalized value of a composite measure (C) of dissimilarity; and providing a visual or audible indication to a human observer of failure forewarning and/or failure onset. Another improvement relates to symbolization of the data according the binary numbers representing the slope between adjacent data points. Another improvement relates to adding measures of dissimilarity based on state-to-state dynamical changes of the system. And still another improvement relates to using a Shannon entropy as the measure of condition change in lieu of a connected or unconnected phase space.

Abstract: There is provided a physical token for use in a defined venue with a server having communication with the physical token. The physical token may comprise an identification data and a transmitter configured to transmit the identification data. The physical token is configured to transmit the identification data to the server to cause the server to initiate a sensory interaction with a user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may comprise a character in the defined venue interacting with the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may also comprise a display screen in the defined venue displaying information to the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may further comprise an audio speaker in the defined venue announcing information to the user possessing the physical token. The physical token may represent an affinity comprising an experience, entitlement, or characteristic of the user possessing the physical token.

Abstract: A sensor (which could be detachable) to sense a condition (including pressure from body weight or moisture from incontinence; applied by adhering to skin of a human body or by putting a diaper on the human body, for example), a signal processing circuit, a periodic or continuous transmitter, and a power supply (typically including a battery) are associated with a flexible substrate in low profile enabling disposition adjacent the human body. A transmitter antenna is on the substrate. Insulator film between battery contacts and a switch-and-transistor combination are two power-on techniques. A bedside monitor, a transceiver configured to receive signals from and transmit signals to the bedside monitor, and a computer connected with the transceiver can be included.

Abstract: A leak detecting tray device featuring a base tray having a bottom surface and sides, wherein the sides and bottom surface together form an enclosure for collecting liquid, wherein the base tray is constructed from a material comprising silicone; a moisture sensor disposed in the base tray, the moisture sensor is configured to detect moisture; an alarm system with speaker; and a microprocessor operatively connected to the moisture sensor and the alarm system with speaker, wherein the microprocessor is configured to receive a first sensor input signal from the moisture sensor when the moisture sensor detects moisture whereupon the microprocessor sends a first alarm output command to the alarm system to activate the alarm system.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank is provided. The vehicle fuel tank includes a housing defining an interior region, a fuel level sensor coupled to the interior region, the fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel pressure, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) device electronically coupled to the fuel level sensor configured to wirelessly transmit a signal indicative of a fuel level in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An illumination device is provided at the handle-piece of a sniffing probe, in which the illumination device illuminates the region to be inspected. This incorporation considerably facilitates handling of the sniffing probe in difficult-to-access and poorly illuminated regions, for sniffing probes used for detecting gases, for example, for detecting a gas leakage in a cooling device of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Two sensors (20, 30) which cooperate with one another are used in the interior of an activator (10) in order to trigger functions in a vehicle, said sensors (20, 30) being a proximity sensor (20) with a capacitive electrode (21) and a pressure sensor (30) with a pressure measuring element (31). The intention is that the pressure measuring element (31) will be acted on when pressure is applied manually (44) to an application point (43) on the outside of the actuator (10). It is proposed that in order to improve the method of functioning that the electrode (21) of the proximity sensor (20) be provided with a breakthrough (22) and that the pressure transmission between the application point (43) on the actuator (10) and the pressure measuring element (31) be lead through the breakthrough (22) in the electrode (21). The space between the application point (43) and the pressure measuring element (31) is spanned by a pressure transmitting means (50) which passes through the breakthrough (22).

Abstract: A machine includes at least one piston and a pump shaft. A method for detecting a leak in the machine includes receiving a vibration signal from a vibration sensor disposed on at least one of an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe of the machine, receiving a rotational speed signal and an angular shaft position signal from a speed and position sensor disposed on the machine, calculating a rotational speed and an angular shaft position of the pump shaft, calculating at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude of the received vibration signal, low pass filtering the at least one complex harmonic Fourier amplitude, calculating a deviation amplitude as a magnitude of a complex difference between the filtered amplitude and a base amplitude, and monitoring the deviation amplitude to detect a leakage.

Abstract: A motion sensor capable of detecting the direction of motion in three dimensions is disclosed. The motion sensor can be built into a printed circuit board allowing for simple and cost effective manufacturing. The motions sensor is designed to utilize a through hole in a printed circuit board, which is capped by on each side by housings creating a cavity where a spherical metal ball can move in three dimensions. This interior surface of the through hole and the housings have conductive element that when in contact with the spherical metal ball close a circuit creating an electrical signal indicative of direction.

Abstract: In a television viewing safety system and method, a detection zone of a sensor is set. The sensor is turned on to detect whether a person moves into the detection zone. If the person is detected moving into the detection zone, the television is controlled to display under a safe display mode. If the person is not detected moving into the detection zone, the television is controlled to display under a normal display mode.

Abstract: Property monitoring system and method of operating. Two signal lines are used to couple a master controller in series with a plurality of indicators. Each indicator has a visual display. Each visual display has a plurality of LEDs, or other type of lighting device. The master controller is configured to generate a multi-bit digital command message to be transmitted serially to the plurality of indicators over the second signal line upon receipt of an alarm condition message. Each command message has a predetermined time delay for activating each of the indicators, or a component thereof, so that all indicators activate in unison.

Abstract: A charge indicator circuit for indicating an electronic device charged by an inputted charge electric potential includes an interface unit, a switch unit connected to the interface unit; a processor unit connected to the switch unit, and an indicator unit connected to the switch unit. The charge electric potential is inputted into the charge indicator circuit from the interface unit and powers the indicator unit to emit light when the processor unit is switched off, and the processor unit detects the charge status of the electronic device and controls the switch unit according to the detect results when the processor unit is switched on.

Abstract: Acoustic communication apparatus for use with downhole tools are described. An example acoustic communication apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a first acoustic transducer to generate first acoustic signals. The first acoustic transducer is mounted in an interior of a first drill collar to transmit the first acoustic signals via at least a portion of a body of a drillstring or a mud channel within the drillstring to a second drill collar. Additionally, the example acoustic communication apparatus includes a first receiver mounted to the first drill collar to receive second acoustic signals transmitted from the second drill collar.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a system comprising a dynamic transmission process and a processor unit. The processor unit is configured to run the dynamic transmission process. The dynamic transmission process is configured to receive environmental information. The dynamic transmission process determines whether to send the environmental information to a subscriber.

Abstract: A method and device performs onboard monitoring of a horizontal position of a taxiing aircraft, in which the monitoring of the horizontal position is based on separately determined height differences of the aircraft. A predetermined threshold value is compared with a first height difference calculated using repetitively determined first current height positions received by an onboard positioning device over a first duration. The predetermined threshold value is also compared with calculated second height differences calculated from two successively measured second current height positions determined by an altimeter over a second duration that is less than or equal to the first duration. A warning signal, signaling a problem with the reliability of the monitored horizontal position of the taxiing aircraft, is emitted in the event none of the second height differences is greater than the threshold value, and the first height difference is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a method for controlling an air conditioner are provided. The air conditioner includes an air-conditioning device that air-conditions an indoor space, a lighting device that illuminates the indoor space, an input device that receives signals to operate the air-conditioning device and for selecting a sleep mode, and a controller that controls the lighting device and the air-conditioning device. When the input device receives the signal for selecting the sleep mode, the lighting device is controlled to sequentially perform a sleep entry operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature for a predetermined time, a sleep operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature until a wakeup time, and a wakeup operation in which the indoor space is illuminated to have a predetermined luminance and color temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to an activity monitoring system adapted to eliminate passive movement components caused by external forces from readout data produced by a first and a second motion sensor when attached to a subject during movement. The readout data include gravitational components, movement components caused by active movement of the subject or subject parts, and the passive movement components. A processor estimates first and second gravitational components produced by the at least first and a second motion sensors. It determines a rotation matrix based on the estimated gravitational components, the rotation matrix denoting rotation required for the first sensor to get aligned with the second sensor in orientation. It then multiplies the readout data produced by the first motion sensor with the rotation matrix when rotating the first sensor towards the second sensor.

Abstract: Keypads are described which are row similar to a standard telephone keypad though they have a different number of columns of base-letter-assigned keys than the standard to which they are related. Smooth sequences of such row-similar keypads are exhibited. Keypads which support both row-similar telephone keypad layouts and reduced layouts corresponding to typewriter standards are disclosed. It is shown how to combine various structural and statistical limitations with row similarity. It is also shown how to embed a row-similar digit layout in row-similar base letter layouts, and how to beneficially provide negative space between keys, construct pseudo standards, and extend or reduce desktop standards or pseudo standards while obeying structural or typability constraints.

Abstract: An entropy decoder and method for decoding code words with an indication of associated probability for each code word. The decoder may include an input buffer in communication with a branch node block, the branch node block in communication with a leaf node block. The input buffer operable to receive code words and the indication of associated probability. The branch node block comprising one or more branch node lookup tables and branch node control logic. The branch node control logic operable to process a code word in the input buffer using a selected table from the one or more branch node lookup tables to obtain leaf node information and a bit count of a code word size, the branch control logic further operable to refresh the input buffer to replace the bit count of the code word size and to make the leaf node information and the table selection available to the leaf node block. The leaf node block may include one or more leaf node lookup tables and leaf node control logic.

Abstract: An analog-to-digital (ADC) calibration apparatus comprises a calibration buffer, a comparator and a digital calibration block. Each reference voltage is sent to a track-and-hold amplifier as well as the calibration buffer. The comparator compares the output from the track-and-hold amplifier and the output from the calibration buffer and generates a binary number. Based upon a successive approximation method, the digital calibration block finds a correction voltage for ADC offset and nonlinearity compensation. By employing the ADC calibration apparatus, each reference voltage can be calibrated and the corresponding correction voltage can be used to modify the reference voltage during an ADC process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a comparator of a Flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is calibrated in the background by switching the comparator to a feedback loop, determining the comparator's current reference level, and adjusting the comparator's reference level to a target reference level by charging a reference capacitor coupled the comparator.

Abstract: A calibrating Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) has an X-side array with binary-weighted capacitors that connect to an X-side line and a Y-side array connected to a Y-side line. Each array has binary-weighted capacitors from a most-significant-bit (MSB) to a least-significant-bit (LSB), but the LSB capacitor is duplicated as a termination capacitor and a middle capacitor between upper and lower groups is also duplicated as a surrogate capacitor. During calibration, lower array capacitors are switched low while the upper capacitors are driven by a thermometer-code value on both X and Y arrays. The thermometer value is inverted to the X-array but remains uninverted on the Y array. The lower array bits are tested to final a calibration value that has X and Y side voltages balanced.

Abstract: An AD conversion apparatus includes a shift signal generating portion configured to generate n shift signals (n is a natural number greater than one) of which amplitudes are different from each other; a shift signal controlling portion configured to control the shift signal generating portion; a compounding portion configured to compound input analog signal and the n shift signals sequentially into n first signals; an AD converting portion configured to execute AD conversion to convert the n first signals into n second signals; and a signal processing portion configured to calculate an average of the n second signals to generate output digital signal.

Abstract: A superconducting bandpass sigma-delta modulator and a method for analog-to-digital signal conversion is disclosed. The superconducting bandpass sigma-delta modulator includes coupled resonators having a desired impedance ratio. A first resonator connects to a comparator, which comparator generates single-flux-quantum pulses. A feedback loop links from the comparator to a second resonator and includes a current amplifier. A digital RF receiver system is also disclosed. This system includes a second order bandpass sigma-delta modulator, which has a desired impedance ratio between resonators and a feedback loop with current amplification. The system further has an antenna configured to receive a GHz frequency radio transmission and to yield an analog signal which is accepted by the sigma-delta modulator.

Abstract: A multi-channel analog digital conversion circuit includes a plurality of sampling circuits for sampling and buffering a plurality of analog input signals, a single output circuit coupled to the sampling circuits and shared by the sampling circuits and a single analog digital conversion core coupled to the output circuit and shared by the sampling circuits.

Abstract: Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for converting a continuous-time, continuously variable signal into a sampled and quantized signal. According to one implementation, an apparatus includes multiple processing branches, each including: a continuous-time quantization-noise-shaping circuit, a sampling/quantization circuit, and a digital bandpass filter. A combining circuit then combines signals at the processing branch outputs into a final output signal. The continuous-time quantization-noise-shaping circuits include adjustable circuit components for changing their quantization-noise frequency-response minimum, and the digital bandpass filters include adjustable parameters for changing their frequency passbands.

Abstract: Circuitry and method for digital-to-analog current signal conversion with phase interpolation. For an n-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the number 2n control bits normally required can be reduced to 2(n-1) by jointly controlling pairs of the current sources with one of the 2(n-1) current control bits and inverses of two other ones of the 2(n-1) current control bits.