Abstract: Various multi-mode resonant filters including a housing having a cavity, are provided. The multi-mode resonant filters include a Dielectric Resonant (DR) element received in the cavity of the housing, and a plurality of transmission lines for connecting a point on one of a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis with a point on another axis. The first axis, the second axis, and the third axis are orthogonal to each other with respect to a center of the DR element.

Abstract: A vibration device includes a casing having an operating chamber formed therein, a vibration plate having an extended plate shape with one end fixed to the casing and an opposite end freely disposed in a space within the operating chamber, and a first magnet attached to the free end of the vibration plate. The vibration device further includes a second magnet fixed to an upper portion of the casing at a position above the first magnet to have a repulsive force against the top surface of the first magnet, and a third magnet fixed to a lower portion of the casing at a position below the first magnet to have a repulsive force against the underside surface of the first magnet, such that the free end of the vibration plate to which the first magnet is fixed is easily vibrated between the second magnet and the third magnet in response to external impact on the vibration device.

Abstract: An apparatus for tripping an electrical switch is disclosed, which includes a selective tripping device and a power-storing mechanism. The electrical switch can be tripped by the selective tripping device by way of the power-storing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching device with a switching device housing, having first guiding and supporting recesses on the connecting side and at least one first detent cam that points away from the front face with a first detent surface. A protective cover which is designed as an accessory and which consists of two lateral protective walls and a front face protective wall that connects said lateral walls is equipped with at least one first detent hook, which points towards the front face protective wall with a second detent surface and which can be connected to the first detent cam, on the protective cover end face that points towards the switching device.

Abstract: A system for transferring power and/or data through a skin of a vehicle includes a first module for disposition on an external surface of the vehicle, a first magnet arrangement attached to the first module, a second module for disposition on an internal surface of the vehicle, and a second magnet arrangement attached to the second module. The first magnet arrangement and the second magnet arrangement are selected to provide sufficient magnetic attraction therebetween to maintain the first module at a fixed position on the external surface of the vehicle by overcoming an air load force when the vehicle is in motion. When the first module and the second module are in registration with each other though the non-ferrous skin, at least one inductive coupling circuit through the non-ferrous skin is formed to provide one or more bidirectional paths therebetween for transfer of data signals, electrical power or both.

Abstract: A converter including a reactor as one of a component for the converter, the reactor comprising: a coil; a core having an inner core portion arranged inside the coil and an outer core portion covering the outside of the coil; and a case housing the coil and the core, wherein the case has a heat-radiation structure at an inner wall surface, the heat-radiation structure being provided for at least one of the coil and the inner core portion, wherein the heat-radiation structure is non-similar to an outer wall surface of the case, and is formed of the inner wall surface that is formed to correspond to an external shape of the at least one of the coil and the inner core portion.

Abstract: A micromagnetic device includes a first insulating layer formed above a substrate, a first seed layer formed above the first insulating layer, a first conductive winding layer selectively formed above the first seed layer, and a second insulating layer formed above the first conductive winding layer. The micromagnetic device also includes a first magnetic core layer formed above the second insulating layer, a third insulating layer formed above the first magnetic core layer, and a second magnetic core layer formed above the third insulating layer. The micromagnetic device still further includes a fourth insulating layer formed above the second magnetic core layer, a second seed layer formed above the fourth insulating layer, and a second conductive winding layer formed above the second seed layer and in vias to the first conductive winding layer. The first and second conductive winding layers form a winding for the micromagnetic device.

Abstract: A power acquisition device fixed to an illuminating device having a fluorescent tube and a reflective plate so as to acquire power from a magnetic field generated by an alternating current flowing through the fluorescent tube by electromagnetic induction. The power acquisition device is fixed so as to surround the fluorescent tube and at least one of the thickness in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the fluorescent tube and the length in the direction parallel to the length direction of the fluorescent tube is non-uniformly.

Abstract: A laminated inductor, which offers high inductance while suppressing increase in direct-current resistance, has a rectangular solid laminate and a pair of terminal electrodes formed only on the bottom face of the laminate, wherein a folded conductor piece is provided on the first magnetic layer in a manner constituting around one turn worth of the windings, with one end placed near the first corner and the other end placed at a position toward the center and away from this one end so as not to overlap with the one end, while one of multiple sets of coil conductor pieces, each set constituting around one turn worth of the windings, is placed on multiple magnetic layers in the laminate.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus which includes a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, whereby magnetic flux generated by a varying primary voltage applied to the primary winding induces a varying secondary voltage on the secondary winding, a torroidal transformer core over which said primary winding and secondary winding are applied, and at least one magnetic shunt arranged to provide a diversion path for magnetic flux generated by the primary winding which diverts magnetic flux from the secondary winding.

Abstract: An ESD protection device includes a ceramic multilayer substrate in which a plurality of ceramic insulating layers are laminated; a first connecting conductor extending through the main surfaces of the insulating layer; a mixture portion extending along a main surface of the insulating layer including the first connecting conductor and connected to the first connecting conductor, the mixture portion including a material dispersed therein, the material including at least one selected from a metal and a semiconductor, a metal and a ceramic, a semiconductor and a ceramic, a semiconductor, and a metal coated with an inorganic material; and a second connecting conductor that has electrical conductivity and is connected to the mixture portion and extends along the main surface of the insulating layer on which the mixture portion is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for verifying the authority of an owner, in terms of an identifier of a product, the first verification information for verifying the authority held at a terminal for an owner with the authority involving the product, and the second verification information for verifying the authority concerning the identifier of the product stored in a product database. The apparatus comprises means for receiving the identifier and the first verification information, means for acquiring the second verification information from the product DB, and means for determining whether or not there is the authority from the first verification information and the second verification information. A hash value acquired from a one-way hash function is employed as a verification key of the verification information.

Abstract: A remotely controlled parking space barrier for preventing access to a reserved parking space by unauthorized vehicles includes a barrier assembly. The assembly includes an anchoring member and a rotatable barrier member that is rotatable between a relatively flat position that can be driven over and a vertical or blocking position for preventing vehicular access to the space. The remotely controlled parking space also includes a plurality of studs for anchoring the anchoring member within the parking space. The mechanism also includes an electric motor for rotating the barrier member between a generally flat and a generally vertical position. A lighting system includes a plurality of lights, an alarm and a first sensor for sensing an unauthorized vehicle within a predetermined distance from the entrance to the parking space and actuates flashing lights and sounds an audible alarm when an unauthorized vehicle approaches the entrance to the parking space or parks in front of the parking space.

Abstract: A method for use in relation to a security system includes receiving one or more items of information that each identify things or users associated with the security system, and forming a fixed portion of a security code using the one or more items of information. The fixed portion of the security code is stored in an apparatus that is configured to transmit the security code. A method and apparatus involving the receipt of such a security code are also disclosed. A method for use in relation to a security system includes generating a fixed portion of a security code, and setting a value of the fixed portion of the security code to a value that has a relationship to a fixed portion of a previously learned security code. The relationship indicates that the fixed portion of the security code is a replacement for the fixed portion of the previously learned security code. The fixed portion of the security code is stored in an apparatus that is configured to transmit the security code.

Abstract: In one embodiment, providing an endpoint access to a locked target includes receiving a virtual key at a grantee endpoint through a wireless link. The virtual key results from a permission from a grantor endpoint, and is operable to unlock a physical lock of the target. The virtual key is wirelessly transmitted to a management system of the target to unlock the lock.

Abstract: This apparatus uses queue control gates with passenger information scanners, zone indicators, and a controller to organize and sequence passengers prior to entry into an aircraft to reduce row and seat interference with other passengers. It allows airlines to decrease the gate time of their aircraft.

Abstract: A finger biometric sensor may include a finger biometric sensing layer having an upper major surface and at least one sidewall surface adjacent thereto. The finger biometric layer may be for generating signals related to at least one biometric characteristic of the user's finger when positioned adjacent the first major surface. The finger biometric sensor may also include a piezoelectric transducer layer coupled to the at least one sidewall surface of the finger biometric sensing layer and a plurality of electrically conductive layers coupled to the piezoelectric transducer layer to define transducer electrodes. At least one of the electrically conductive layers may also cooperate with the finger biometric sensing layer for sensing the at least one biometric characteristic.

Abstract: A device having a biometric input device is configured to allow a user to enter a character sequence for use in validation using the biometric input device. A predetermined assignment of characters to enrolled biometric templates allows a user to determine a sequence of biometric inputs to provide to enter an appropriate character sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to communication technology. Use of the invention allows to monitor detachable connections using one antenna for a group of ports. This technical result is achieved by steps of: a patch cord plug is provided with the sensor of connection which contains an RFID tag; a port is provided with the modulator which changes uniquely the reply signal of the RFID tag; the reply signal of the RFID tag changes perceived by an RFID interrogator is changed in an unique manner when the plug is connected to the port; the port and the plug connected to the port is identified using the changed reply signal of the RFID tag. The tag can contain a dry reed switch which is a part of the RFID tag antenna. The modulator can be an electromagnet.

Abstract: An RFID enabled mobile device is configured to provide a secure release of RFID information. The RFID enabled mobile device, such as an RFID enabled cellular telephone, includes a set of sensors, such as a camera, one or more accelerometers, a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive data with an Internet device, and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The RFID enabled mobile device utilizes sensor attributes or information from one or more sensor of the set of sensors and, based upon the sensor attributes, controls the release of RFID information and/or other authentication data to an RFID interrogation system. In essence, the RFID enabled mobile device leverages from the conventional sensors typically incorporated as part of the mobile device and uses contextual data from its sensors and communication partners to make security decisions regarding the release of RFID information.

Abstract: An apparatus provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes an RFID tag, and a passive switch for sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected, and coupled to the RFID tag so that a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter can be stored, the RFID tag for providing remote readout of the sensed environmental parameter. A method provides environmental monitoring of an item and includes the steps of sensing an environmental parameter to which the item is subjected with activation of a passive switch, storing a measurement of the sensed environmental parameter upon the event of activation of the passive switch, and providing remote readout of the measurement of the sensed environmental parameter with an RFID tag.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a processor mounted on a battery pack and a communication pathway from the processor to an electronic device comprising power battery contacts. The apparatus also includes an antenna mounted on the battery pack and coupled to the processor and adapted to transmit and receive data. A method is provided that includes installing an integrated chip including a processor and an antenna on a battery pack. The method also includes coupling the integrated chip and an electronic device when the battery pack is installed in the electronic device using power battery contacts. A high frequency signal superimposed on a direct current carried through the power battery contacts operates to send data between the processor and the electronic device.

Abstract: A multi-mode, preferably dual mode, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted for automatic detection of whether a RFID reader located within communication range of the RFID tag is transmitting a continuous wave (CW) or modulated wave types of RF signal, and accordingly, mandating a response from the tag in read-only (RO) mode or read/write (R/W) mode, respectively. The tag includes means for designating one of the RO and R/W operating modes as a default mode of the tag, and for switching the tag from its default mode to its other operating mode, and vice versa, according to a rule for determining the frequency of occurrence of a selected event related to signal type of the reader. A device-implemented method of this automatic detection, and a method of fabricating the tag, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Device control systems and methods learn to control an electronic device. An exemplary embodiment has a base device and a learning remote control. The learning remote control receives a device command signal transmitted from a remote control that controls the controlled electronic device. The base device receives a first identifier associated with a first input interface of the learning remote control, a second identifier associated with a second input interface of the learning remote control, and device control information from the learning remote control, wherein the received device control information includes information corresponding to the device command signal. The base device determines device instruction code information enabling the learning remote control to generate and transmit an emulated device command signal that is substantially the same as the device command signal when the learning remote control receives signals generated by the first input interface and the second input interface.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus includes an electronic control system with client browser software running on a general purpose operating system that connects with a remote server via a high speed network connection. The browser and operating system allows the patient support apparatus to access and run programs not designed exclusively for patient support apparatus electronics systems. A general purpose microprocessor along with network converter circuitry allows the patient support to deliver messages in frames having intended recipient addresses. The microprocessor communicates with one or more graphical user interfaces and with a control system that controls actuators of the patient support. The control system may comprise networked nodes, such as CAN nodes for example. Isolation circuitry isolates the patient support from a network of a care facility with which it communicates.

Abstract: Timing apparatus which may be in the form of a stop watch and which includes a laser beam transmitter for transmitting a laser beam and a detector for detecting a reflected laser beam reflected from objects for example runners intercepting the transmitted beam. The apparatus includes a processor for calculating elapsed time of movement of the runners and their finishing order from the reflected signals received by the detector.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile device including: an audio output unit; an audio source unit which provides music information to the audio output unit; an adjustment unit which adjusts the audio volume of the audio output unit; an announcement information generation unit which provides announcement information to the audio output unit; and a control unit which forcibly selects a predetermined audio volume regardless of the adjustment made by the adjustment unit when announcing information by the announcement information generation unit from the audio output unit.

Abstract: A wet road surface detection system is provided for a vehicle driving on a road. The wet road surface detection system includes a sound sensing device coupled to the vehicle for capturing noise of the vehicle tires as the vehicle drives on a road surface. A processor processes sounds captured by the audible sensing device. The processor quantifies a variable sound level of the captured noise between a first frequency and a second frequency. The processor determines whether each quantified sound level between the first frequency and the second frequency is above a predetermined sound level threshold below the sound level at the first frequency. The processor determines that the vehicle is driving on a wet road surface in response to each quantified sound level between the first frequency and the second frequency being above a predetermined sound level threshold below the sound level at the first frequency.

Abstract: A method for ensuring operation of a limited-ability autonomous driving enabled vehicle includes monitoring a plurality of specific conditions necessary for preferred and reliable use of limited-ability autonomous driving, and initiating a fault handling and degradation strategy configured to maneuver the vehicle to a preferred state if the driver is unable to manually control the vehicle when at least one of the specific conditions is either violated or will become violated.

Abstract: A speed alarm system includes: a vehicle position detecting unit that detects a position of a vehicle; a map data storage unit that stores map data including information on a type of a road and a speed limit of the road; an entrance determining unit that determines whether the vehicle enters a different type of road from the type of the road; an integrated travel distance detecting unit that detects an integrated travel distance on a road which the vehicle has entered and a speed detecting unit that detects a speed of the vehicle on the road which the vehicle has entered, when the entrance determining unit determines that the vehicle enters the different type of road from the type of the road before the vehicle enters; and a notification unit that gives at least an auditory or visual alarm to an occupant of the vehicle when the integrated travel distance is equal to or less than a predetermined distance and the speed of the vehicle is higher than the speed limit.

Abstract: A tire inspection apparatus arranged with a plurality of cameras located at relatively displaced circumferential positions and set for the respective shooting positions different from each other in the axial direction of the tire. Thus the images of the inner circumferential surface of the tire are shot by the plurality of cameras as the tire is rotated circumferentially relative to the plurality of cameras. During this operation, markers are inserted at the same time in the images shot by all of the cameras. The images are synthesized using these markers as reference positions in aligning the shot images in accordance with the relative displacements of the cameras in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring using wireless network includes a remote command device and a valve-stem mountable tire pressure gauge. The tire pressure gauge includes a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure of a fluid in a tire and providing an output signal indicative of the detected fluid pressure, and a first radio-frequency module for transmitting data indicative of the detected fluid pressure based on the output signal of the pressure sensor. The remote command device includes a second radio-frequency module for wirelessly receiving the data transmitted by the data transmitted by the first radio frequency module, a wireless communication module for communicating via a wireless network, information based at least one data received by the second radio frequency module, and a display for displaying at least the fluid pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A safety system for passenger space in an enclosed vehicle includes a thermostat having a threshold temperature and an ambient temperature sensor in the passenger space to generate a signal representing the threshold temperature in the passenger space. An occupant sensor in the passenger space generates a signal representing the presence of an occupant of the passenger space. The system further includes a GPS locator, a radio transmitter and a controller. The controller receives the signal representing the threshold temperature in the passenger space and the signal representing presence of an occupant of the passenger space. It is in communication with the GPS locator and includes a timer measuring time from the ambient temperature signal exceeding the temperature threshold value, a timer threshold value and a signal output generator. A first output signal to the radio transmitter is generated which in turn is transmitted as an alert to a key fob.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for notification of alarms in security systems. When an alarm is detected, a contact list is retrieved and a presence database is queried. A location and availability is retrieved for each contact address in the contact list. A contact address is selected in a vicinity of the security system and having the availability to receive an electronic notification. The electronic notification is sent to the contact address to alert of the alarm.

Abstract: Systems (224, 222, 700) and methods (800) for providing wireless health monitoring for a locator beacon (216). The methods involve: coupling a Transponder and Sensor Module (TSM) to the locator beacon such that at least one condition of the locator beacon or a battery (230) of the locator beacon can be remotely monitored; periodically detecting the condition by the TSM (224); and periodically and wirelessly transmitting, from the TSM to a wireless device (222, 700) located in proximity to the TSM, a signal including information describing the condition detected by the TSM. The TSM can include, but is not limited to a transponder (e.g., an RFID tag) and sensor. The wireless device, can include, but is not limited to a transponder interrogator.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting first wireless signals towards a conveyor belt having multiple layers of material. The first wireless signals penetrate one or more layers in the conveyor belt. The method also includes receiving second wireless signals that have interacted with the conveyor belt. The method further includes identifying a condition of the conveyor belt using the second wireless signals and outputting an indicator identifying the condition of the conveyor belt. Identifying the condition of the conveyor belt could include identifying a thickness of at least one of the layers in the conveyor belt. This could be done by identifying pulses in the second wireless signals and using time of flight calculations.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring. The monitoring system may include at least one wearable monitor, which may include an accelerometer, coupled to a user; at least one server communicatively coupled using a network to the at least one wearable monitor, the accelerometer facilitating detection of a fall by the user and transmitting notification of said fall to said at least one server, and the server allowing verification of the fall and adjustment of fall detection parameters either automatically or through a user interface.

Abstract: A position-monitoring device for persons in tunnel systems having an evaluation device. Reliable determination of the position of persons in the tunnel system is achieved because a locally distributed arrangement of wireless transceiver units is installed in the tunnel system, at fixed anchoring points known to the evaluation device, in the spaces to be monitored. Persons are equipped with mobile sensors. Transceiver units have wireless data-transmission interfaces via which, on one hand, can be placed in a wireless data-transmitting connection to the mobile and, on the other hand, can be placed in a wire-bound or wireless data-transmitting connection to the evaluation device. Programs with which the position of the persons can be determined on the basis of detection data of the transceiver units are stored in the evaluation device.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for improving location awareness of a device. A device position can be determined (e.g., via GPS or some location service), and this position can be used to identify a user-experience that may be in an area around the device, such as within a desired position threshold. A near-field radio system beacon that is associated with the user-experience can be activated in order to identify a distance of the device from the beacon. The beacon can use a near-field radio system ID associated with the device to identify the device, and determine a distance to the device. When a user moves the device to within a threshold distance from the beacon, the user-experience can be activated on the device, such that the user may interact with the user-experience (e.g., to hear a description of artwork as the user navigates through a museum).

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed, which includes a base station and at least one sensor unit that is separate from the base station. The at least one sensor unit resides in a dormant state until it is awakened by the triggering of a vibration-sensitive switch. Once awakened, the sensor may take a measurement, and then transmit to the base station the measurement. Once data is transmitted from the sensor to the base station, the sensor may return to its dormant state. There may be various sensors for each base station and the various sensors may optionally measure different quantities, such as current, voltage, single-axis and/or three-axis magnetic fields.

Abstract: A system and a method of long-term condition monitoring of structures are based on use of autonomous sensing modules, centers for storing and processing data and software for data analysis. An autonomous sensing module contains a set of sensors for measurements of parameters related to the condition of a monitored structure, a non-volatile memory, a wireless data transfer unit, a controller, a clock circuit, a battery, an energy harvesting device and a power management unit. The autonomous sensing module provides a very long-term (40 years or more) functionality and reliability due to both use of at least near hermetic packages for the controller, the non-volatile memory, the battery, the clock circuit and the power management unit and choosing the duration of periods when the sensing module works in active mode in such a way that the average energy consumed by the autonomous sensing module is fully compensated by the average energy harvested by the energy harvesting device.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for enhancing a user visit to a site premises are disclosed. An exemplary method includes a mobile device tracking a geographic location of the mobile device, accessing site data associated with a site premises, and providing an interactive user interface configured to enhance a visit of a user of the mobile device to the site premises based on the site data associated with the site premises and the geographic location of the mobile device within the site premises. In certain embodiments, an output may be selected based on the geographic location of the mobile device within the site premises and provided via the interactive user interface for experiencing by the user of the mobile device. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Headgear techniques are provided. The headgear has a crown configured to fit on a wearer's head, a bill extending from the crown with at least a portion of the bill being transparent, and a filtration material positioned about the transparent portion of the bill. The filtration material is reactive to radiant energy whereby radiant energy is selectively permitted to pass therethrough. The filtration material may also be capable of passing electrical signals therethrough. The headgear may be providing with sensors, and be part of a monitoring system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling cavity height of a leaky wave antenna for RFID communications are disclosed. In this regard, an RFID transponder may receive RF signals via a leaky wave antenna and modulate a frequency of a backscattered signal by controlling a height of a resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna. The height of the resonant cavity may be controlled via a micro-electromechanical system. The RFID transponder may modulate an amplitude of the backscattered signal by controlling an input impedance of the RFID transponder. The input impedance may be controlled by switching a load in and out of a receive path of the RFID transponder. The input impedance of the RFID transponder may be controlled by switching between a plurality of feed points of the leaky wave antenna. Each of the plurality of feed points may be located in a different position in the resonant cavity of the leaky wave antenna.

Abstract: Gas cylinder and RFID (radio frequency identification) transponder assemblies and related methods are disclosed that utilize fixed orientations for RFID transponders to overcome problems existing with previous solutions. The disclosed embodiments provide an advantageous solution for utilizing metal plates, such as metal identification plates, to house RFID transponders and to fix the orientation of the RFID transponders to overcame the adverse effects of metal structures distorting the magnetic fields associated with gas cylinders. This fixed orientation combined with a transponder embodying a copper wire antenna wound around a longitudinal axis of a ferrite core and the use of PSK (phase shift keying) modulation allows for adequate reader performance despite the presence of interfering metal structures such as a metal plate used to house an RFID transponder.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device comprising an odor sensor and methods of operation are disclosed. An odor is detected using an odor sensor coupled to the mobile electronic device, and a predetermined process is performed if the odor is a predefined odor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flotation device such as a life vest or inflatable raft for keeping a user afloat when in water, the flotation device comprising a light source attached to the flotation device, a water activated switch, wherein the light source is illuminated when the water activated switch is submersed in the water, and a control panel mounted to an outer surface of the flotation device and comprised of at least one user activated switch, wherein the light source is extinguished when the user activated switch is depressed, the control panel having instructions printed thereon.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for interaction with water usage information are provided. In various embodiments, a method comprises receiving water usage data from a meter device, receiving an identifier from a user associated with the meter device, providing an interactive interface to the user, the interactive interface conveying at least some water usage information based on the water usage data, receiving a first characterization of a first water activity from the user, generating a visualization based on the water usage information and the first characterization of the first water activity, and displaying the visualization.

Abstract: An extended smoke alarm system and related methods are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of an extended smoke alarm system having wireless-signal-send-and-receive functionalities wherein the system includes one or more flashlights having at least wireless-signal-receiving functionality are detailed. Related methods for system use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a brush holder assembly and/or detecting wear of a brush in a brush holder assembly are disclosed. One method includes sending data from a plurality of remote monitoring locations to a central control unit, where the data may be evaluated in order to monitor states of brushes at a plurality of remote electrical facilities. For example, multiple images of a marker tracking longitudinal movement of the brush may be acquired. A comparison of the images, for example, a comparative imaging technique, such as pixel-by-pixel comparison, may then be performed in order to evaluate a condition of the brush, such as the wear rate, wear state, or life expectancy of the brush.