Abstract: Disclosed are a radio frequency locating system and method, which efficiently solve the problem of precise locating a moving target tag in a complex environment by using a method where location information is provided for a mobile tag by using low-cost fixed active RFID tags in place of a plurality of readers requiring network connection, and the location information of the mobile tag is directly transferred to a reader at the center of a locating area from a long distance by using a mobile or fixed location tag. The present invention uses a long-distance coordinator and clock information in a transmission instruction to coordinate and schedule communication time between the mobile tag and the location tag, thereby ensuring a super long battery life of the mobile tag and the location tag.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information about an object. In one embodiment, a system includes a hand held device and a wireless radio frequency (RF) tag. The hand held device is wirelessly coupled to a central computer system, and includes a wireless radio frequency (RF) tag reader, and a display panel. The wireless RF tag is attached to an object offered for sale, and includes an identifier for the object. The hand held device is configured to: wirelessly scan the wireless tag; to extract the identifier from information wirelessly received from the wireless tag via the wireless scan; to wirelessly communicate the identifier to the central computer system as part of a request for information concerning the object; and upon receiving a response to the request for information, to display the information concerning the object via the display panel.

Abstract: A control device has a night light that allows the control device to be easily found when the control device is located in a dark space. The control device comprises a low-power night light circuit having an LED characterized by a normal current range. The night light circuit conducts an LED current through the LED in a first mode to illuminate the LED to a first level to provide a night light, where the LED current has a magnitude below the normal current range, such that the night light may be provided in a battery-powered remote control that has an acceptable battery lifetime. The night light circuit is configured to operate in a second mode to illuminate the LED to a second level greater than the first level to provide feedback. The LED current in the second mode has a magnitude within the normal current range of the LED.

Abstract: A remote control method, a smart terminal, and a smart remote control system. The smart remote control system includes a terminal device and at least one primary device, the terminal device is configured to provide a primary device list for a user; obtain and display a remote control panel of the controlled primary device according to the controlled primary device selected by the user; and sends control information to the controlled primary device according to an operation performed by the user on the remote control panel; and the primary device is configured to perform a corresponding control operation according to the control information. A terminal device is used to provide a remote control function for a user, so that the user may remotely control multiple controlled devices on one terminal device by using the remote control panel.

Abstract: A method of informing a user of an identity of an input of a remote control device is presented. In the method, user activation of one of the inputs of the remote control device is detected. An audible signal associated with the activated input is determined. Each of the inputs of the remote control device is associated with a unique one of a plurality of audible signals. The audible signal associated with the activated input is produced to inform the user of the identity of that input.

Abstract: A medication reminder device is provided. The device includes a housing that defines a recess for receiving a container. A diaphragm overlies the recess in the housing and is positioned for contact with a container positioned within the recess. The device includes a power supply and a switch that is connected to the power supply that responds to a presence of the container within the recess. A signal generator is connected to the power supply for activation when the container is present in the recess and emits a signal at a predetermined interval after activation.

Abstract: A system is provided that encodes one or more dynamic haptic effects. The system defines a dynamic haptic effect as including a plurality of key frames, where each key frame includes an interpolant value and a corresponding haptic effect. An interpolant value is a value that specifies where an interpolation occurs. The system generates a haptic effect file, and stores the dynamic haptic effect within the haptic effect file.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an electrosensory sensation to a body member (120). The apparatus comprises one or more conducting electrodes (106), each of which is provided with an insulator (108). When the body member (120) is proximate to the conducting electrode, the insulator prevents flow of direct current from the conducting electrode to the body member. A capacitive coupling over the insulator (108) is formed between the conducting electrode (106) and the body member (120). The conducting electrodes are driven by an electrical input which comprises a low-frequency component (114) in a frequency range between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. The capacitive coupling and electrical input are dimensioned to produce an electrosensory sensation. The apparatus is capable of producing the electrosensory sensation independently of any mechanical vibration of the one or more conducting electrodes (106) or insulators (108).

Abstract: A realistic tactile haptic device comprising a first vibration sensor, a digital controller, an actuator, and a similar or identical second vibration sensor, and a realistic tactile haptic feedback method thereof, provides users with realistic tactile haptic feedback that is similar to or the same as real tactile haptic feedback which users would experience by touching real objects.

Abstract: Handheld weapons using tactile feedback to deliver silent status information are described. One embodiment comprises a handheld weapon comprising: a housing comprising a user contactable region, a tactile element coupled to the user contactable region, and an actuator coupled to the tactile element and capable of outputting a haptic sensation localized to the tactile element.

Abstract: A haptic feedback device can include a surface magnet and a first electromagnet sufficient to cause the physical movement of the surface magnet along a first axis. One or more individually addressable pin driver circuits may be communicably coupled to the electromagnet. The individually addressable pin driver circuit is selectively switchable into a number of operating modes that includes a current sourcing mode, a current sinking mode, and an impulse mode. A controller is communicably coupled to each of the pin driver circuits via a digital bus. The controller selects an operating mode and one or more parameters for each of the individually addressable pin driver circuits.

Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft device (60) is configured from: a box-like case body (132) having on the bottom (161) a hole (173) through which air comes in and goes out; a movement display member (170) of which the center is arranged along the perpendicular line extending from the center of the hole (173), and which is secured to the ceiling (162) of the case body by means of a tool (176) inserted from the hole (173) and transmits the movement, state to the outside of the case body (132); and a substrate (67) which is built into the case body (132) and on which electronic components for actuating the movement display member (170) are mounted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide monitoring apparatus for monitoring a target object external to a vehicle. The apparatus is operable to determine whether the target object is a valid target object in dependence on a value of a maximum range Rmax from the vehicle at which the target object has been detected. The apparatus may be operable to pre-arm a braking system and optionally apply a braking system responsive to a determination that a risk of collision exists.

Abstract: A method, system, device and computer readable medium for adaptively warning a driver includes detecting a behavior of the driver, the behavior including engagement in a secondary activity, which is an activity other than driving a vehicle. Based on the detected behavior, a level of engagement in the secondary activity is estimated, and, based on the estimated level of engagement in the secondary activity, the driver's level of perception of an external hazard is determined. A warning alert for the driver, when the level of perception is below a threshold is actuated. A reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert is determined. Based on the reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert, the warning alert is adjusted, and the warning alert is terminated when the level of perception becomes above the threshold because of the reaction of the driver to the actuated warning alert.

Abstract: A meter display device for vehicle includes a rotation number display region which displays a rotation number of a drive source, wherein the rotation number display region is divided into a plurality of partial display regions having different rotation number ranges displayed, wherein the partial display regions have display operation elements which are changed between the minimum and maximum values of the respective corresponding partial rotation number ranges with the increase and decrease of the rotation number, wherein the partial display regions are separated from each other.

Abstract: A light bar is described that is of a modular construction based on one or more large circuit boards that are populated with light beam assemblies and then fastened to an interior space of the light bar housing. Keys that automatically align the light beam assemblies on each of the boards precisely control placement of the assemblies on the board. In turn, each of the boards is keyed to the interior of the light bar housing so that when the board is fastened to the housing the light beam assemblies are automatically registered into alignment with the lenses in the housing so that the beams from the assemblies are properly oriented. The light bar is inexpensive to fabricate and can be assembled quickly and reliably, yet it provides for a high degree of customization, which is a requirement in the emergency vehicle lighting industry.

Abstract: A biological information displaying apparatus includes: a displaying section on which a measurement display screen displaying biological information under measurement and an abnormality display screen displaying information alarming an abnormality of the biological information, and the biological information at a timing when the abnormality occurs are displayed; and a display controlling section which is configured to display the abnormality display screen on the measurement display screen, so that the abnormality display screen is superimposed on the measurement display screen. In case where the abnormality display screen is displayed on the displaying section, the display controlling section controls the displaying section so that, even when the abnormality resolves, the information alarming the abnormality of the biological information, and the biological information at the timing when the abnormality occurs are continued to be displayed on the abnormality display screen.

Abstract: An alarm suspend system utilizes an alarm trigger responsive to physiological parameters and corresponding limits on those parameters. The parameters are associated with both fast and slow treatment times corresponding to length of time it takes for a person to respond to medical treatment for out-of-limit parameter measurements. Audible and visual alarms respond to the alarm trigger. An alarm silence button is pressed to silence the audible alarm for a predetermined suspend time. The audible alarm is activated after the suspend time has lapsed. Longer suspend times are associated with slow treatment parameters and shorter suspend times are associated with fast treatment parameters.

Abstract: Described is a caregiver alert that allows a caregiver to remotely monitor the condition and needs of a patient. The system includes a patient device that is adapted to receive a command from a patient and transmit an alert signal wirelessly. Additionally, the system includes a caregiver device adapted to receive the alert signal and generate an alert indicator to notify a caregiver that the patient is in need of assistance. Each of the patient device and caregiver device are formed as wristbands (or any other suitably convenient item) to be worn by a user.

Abstract: General health and wellness management techniques and devices are described including receiving data representing an activity profile defining parameters upon which a target activity score is established, acquiring sensor data representing acquired parameters based on sensors in a wearable computing device, determining values for the subsets of the acquired parameters based on reference values for the parameters set forth in the activity profile, establishing an ability profile using the values, the ability profile associated with a classification, calculating an activity score based on the values, detecting a difference between the activity score and the target activity score, modifying a rate at which the activity score accrues as a function of the difference, and presenting a representation of the activity score relative to the target activity score.

Abstract: General health and wellness management techniques and devices are described including receiving data representing an activity profile defining parameters upon which a target activity score is established, acquiring sensor data representing acquired parameters based on sensors in a wearable computing device, determining values for the subsets of the acquired parameters based on reference values for the parameters set forth in the activity profile, establishing an ability profile using the values, the ability profile associated with a classification, calculating an activity score based on the values, detecting a difference between the activity score and the target activity score, modifying a rate at which the activity score accrues as a function of the difference, and presenting a representation of the activity score relative to the target activity score.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for tagging and tracking surgical devices using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In general, the systems and methods allow for tracking surgical devices throughout distribution and sterilization thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a tray configured to seat a plurality of surgical devices and having a parent RFID tag attached thereto that contains information and/or facilitates access to information about the tray and each of the surgical devices seated therein. Each of the surgical devices seated in the instrument tray can have attached thereto a child RFID tag containing information and/or facilitating access to information about the surgical device.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer program instructions for monitoring whether persons in a group are each away from an associated vehicle. In one embodiment, the computer system receives an association between each of multiple persons in the group with one of multiple vehicles and automatically receives digital information, derived from measured rf signal strength, indicating whether any one of multiple persons in the group has moved from a first relatively close position with respect to an associated vehicle and farther away from the associated vehicle than the first position. A notification is sent from the computer system to at least one device associated with a person in the group based on received information that a first of said multiple persons is farther away from the associated vehicle than the first relatively close position is from the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A module frame for bell system modules having a module locking means for locking modules, which are to be inserted, to the frame and having a locking canceling means for canceling locking during actuator excitation. In the process, provision is made for the locking canceling means to also exhibit actuator-independent permanent catch blocking which can be selectively activated.

Abstract: There is disclosed method of management of electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) queues and an EVCS queue management system. The method includes limiting access to the EVCS to an individual at the top of an EVCS queue during a changeover time. The changeover time may be predetermined or may be generated based upon data pertaining to the management of the queue and/or to the vehicle of the user at the top of the queue. If the user at the top of the queue fails to activate the EVCS during the changeover time, the next in line in the queue will be given a changeover time in which to reach the EVCS. If the queue is otherwise empty, the user at the top of the queue will be notified that the EVCS is no longer reserved, and that anyone may use the EVCS.

Abstract: A sensor pad that is adapted to be positioned on a patient's bed or chair as part of a monitoring system that provides a signal to a caregiver when the patient rises from the bed or chair also indicates when the pad is near failure. The sensor pad includes specialized contact plate patterning that creates zones on the sensor pad.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for rapidly detecting smoke or other particles or aerosols generated in any one or more compartments of a multi-compartment electronics enclosure. The herein disclosed system includes a particle sensor and an airflow controller that pulls air and particles from the one or more compartments through fluid pathways and into the particle sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a methods and apparatus for optimizing and calibrating a magnetic field generator. In various embodiments, the magnetic field generator includes a signal generator for outputting a voltage and a magnetic field generating circuit including a shunt that may be used to change a value of inductance in the magnetic field generating circuit.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer programmable media for generating applications configured to access telemetry from at least one vehicle, the applications being generated by a consumer-programmable platform, are presented. The application may display data indicative of the vehicle telemetry or may allow a user to interface with the vehicle telemetry. Examples of vehicle telemetry may include data about the health and status of the vehicle, such as the current temperature of the vehicle engine or the current speed of the vehicle. Embodiments may generate applications configured to access telemetry from multiple vehicles built by different automobile manufacturers.

Abstract: A collection apparatus weight and fullness level reporting system includes: an inlet; a removable collection bin receiving material placed into the collection apparatus; a compacting mechanism including a ram body, wherein the ram body travels between a home position located above the collection bin to a maximum travel position located inside the collection bin, wherein during each compaction cycle the ram body travels along a variable length of the compaction path; a fullness-reporting module that determines the height of the material in the collection bin; and a controller that determines the length of the compaction path the ram body travels during each compaction cycle based on the input received from the fullness reporting module, wherein at the end of each compaction cycle in which the material height is below a maximum height, the ram body is brought to rest at a height below the home position.

Abstract: The present inventions, in one aspect, are directed to portable biometric monitoring device including a housing having a physical size and shape that is adapted to couple to the user's body, at least one band to secure the monitoring device to the user, a physiological sensor, disposed in the housing, to generate data which is representative of a physiological condition of the user data. The physiological sensor may include a light source to generate and output light having at least a first wavelength, and a photodetector to detect scattered light (e.g., from the user). A light pipe is disposed in the housing and optically coupled to the light source directs/transmits light therefrom along a predetermined path to an outer surface of the housing. Processing circuitry calculates a heart rate of the user using data which is representative of the scattered light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can provide systems and methods for implementation of a smart energy profile using data-interchange encoding. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system can be provided. The system can include at least one memory that stores computer-executable instructions. The system can include at least one processor configured to access the at least one memory, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions to receive, by the at least one processor, a control instruction for a home area network (HAN) device. The at least one processor can be configured to convert the control instruction to a JSON object and transmit the JSON object to the HAN device.

Abstract: Health and wellness management techniques and devices are described including receiving data representing an activity profile defining parameters upon which a target score is established based on health-related activities, acquiring sensor data representing subsets of acquired parameters based on sensors disposed in a wearable computing device, determining values for the subsets of the acquired parameters based on reference values for the parameters set forth in the activity profile, calculating an activity score based on the values, the activity score representing an attained portion of the health-related activities, causing presentation of a representation of an overall score comprising the activity score, adjusting a determination upon which to modify the target score, the target score being indicative of one or more standards against which to compare one or more groups of values aggregated to form the target score, and modifying the activity profile using an activity profile manager.

Abstract: A metering and measuring point system for measuring and metering electrical energy/electricity drawn off and/or fed into a drawing off and/or feeding device at a fixed geographical point by a consumption unit, comprises one or more stationary drawing off and/or feeding devices that are connected to the power supply and configured for drawing off and/or feeding in electrical energy/electricity by means of consumption/generation units and at least one identifiable non-stationary functional unit for measuring and metering electrical energy/electricity that is conductively, via an electric conductor or inductively, drawn off or fed into one or more stationary drawing off and/or feeding devices by consumption/generation units.

Abstract: A sensor interface is configured to receive a sensor signal. A transmitter generates a transmit signal. A receiver receives the signal corresponding to the transmit signal. Further, a monitor interface is configured to communicate a waveform to the monitor so that measurements derived by the monitor from the waveform are generally equivalent to measurements derivable from the sensor signal.

Abstract: A tank monitoring interface connects to many known automatic tank gauging systems. The interface deciphers serial data from existing tank monitoring controllers through a serial port on that tank monitoring controller. This serial data is extracted from the tank monitoring controller by serial commands issued by the interface. The tank monitoring controller response indicates the type of tank monitoring controller protocol that is connected to the interface, thus allowing the interface to display that particular tank monitoring controller's information on a graphics touch screen interface. The interface also interrogates the tank monitoring controller for pertinent alarm information allowing the ability to aurally and visually alert the user.

Abstract: To realize high-performance sensing and lower power consumption as well as to improve the entire operation of measurement. A terminal device according to the present invention includes a plurality of sensors for measurement measuring physical quantities of measurement targets, a storage unit storing information for determining activation manners of the plural sensors for measurement, a control unit switching all or part of the plural sensors for measurement from a non-activated state to an activated state based on the information when activated and an activation unit including a sensor for activation to be driven based on a change of environment and activating the control unit when a physical quantity having correlation with the physical quantity of the measurement target is satisfied as a given activation condition based on a detection result by the sensor for activation.

Abstract: A “smart” transit signal priority and control system includes a universal interface that enables incoming signals transmitted from approaching mass transit vehicles to request priority treatment at any traffic signal. The universal interface also enables a wireless communication link between traffic signal controller equipment and approaching mass transit vehicles and supports both electrical and data interfaces to initiate transit signal priority for any type of traffic signal controller, so that any messaging protocol used by an approaching mass transit vehicle is capable of communicating with any type of controller firmware.

Abstract: A barrier operator feature enhancement device is designed to provide one or more features found in modern barrier operator devices and to incorporate those features into a previously installed barrier operator system. To facilitate ease of use, the barrier operator feature enhancement device can communicate with a large variety of barrier operators. Such communication may be wireless or wired, depending on the communication protocol implemented by a particular previously installed barrier operator. To facilitate the ease of installation, the device is designed to configure itself to operate with the communication protocol of the previously installed barrier operator. Once configured to be able to communicate with the previously installed barrier operator, the feature enhancement device works with the barrier operator to provide one or more additional features to enhance the capabilities of the previously installed barrier operator.

Abstract: A method and system of switch and actuator coupling in a chassis of a container associated with an intermodal freight transport system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method of a tracking system involves coupling a first switch of a chassis to a second actuator of a container and coupling a first actuator of the chassis to a second switch of the container when the container is placed on the chassis, and signaling a wake event to a container tracking device when the first switch and the first actuator of the chassis is coupled with the second actuator and the second switch of the container. The method may also include communicating at least one of a location data and a container identification number of the container through at least one of the container tracking device and a chassis tracking device, through a network, to an administrative server.

Abstract: A method and system related to container identification through an electrical receptacle and plug associated with the container of an intermodal freight transport system is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method includes coupling an electrical power plug of a container and an electrical power receptacle of a transport vehicle. Also, the method includes activating a tracking device of the container through a switch and actuator coupling. Further, the method includes verifying an identity of the container upon coupling the electrical power plug to the electrical power receptacle through an identification tag of the container and an electronic reader. Furthermore, the method may include conserving battery power through deactivating the tracking device of the container when the electrical power plug is de-coupled to the electrical power receptacle. The method may also include delivering an alert message to a driver when an incorrect container is identified.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for tracking vehicle riders, such as students riding in a school bus, for example. In one embodiment, the disclosed system has a biometric device, such as a palm vein reader, configured to identify users who are expected to ride a school bus. When a student rider either gets on or off the bus, the biometric device is used to identify the rider. An automated controller on the bus maintains a list of expected passengers on the bus, and based on the biometric device, the controller maintains data, referred to hereafter as “rider data,” indicating whether each expected passenger is currently on the bus. The rider data is updated, in real time, as riders get on and off the bus at various stops.

Abstract: A system and method for decoding quadrature signals includes a quadrature signal generator, a quadrature signal decoder, a key matrix and a driver. The quadrature signal generator generates quadrature signals on rotation. The quadrature signal decoder is configured to convert the quadrature signals into non-overlapping signals. The key matrix is configured to receive the non-overlapping signals. The driver is configured to scan the key matrix to decode the non-overlapping signals to generate an event update corresponding to a direction of rotation of the quadrature signal generator.

Abstract: A continuous time sigma delta analog to digital converter is provided. The continuous time sigma delta analog to digital converter may include, but is not limited to, an analog to digital converter having a feedback loop, and a feedback loop controller coupled to the analog to digital converter, the feedback loop controller configured to adjust delay in the feedback loop by controlling a variable delay component in the feedback loop.

Abstract: A base band to frequency up-converter is described wherein the base band to frequency up-converter comprises a first input for receiving a first base band signal of first base band samples and a second input for receiving a second base band signal of second base band samples and an output for providing up-converted radio signal samples. The base-band to radio frequency up-converter further comprises a phase converter for converting the first base band signal of first base band samples and the second base band signal of second base band samples into a first intermediate signal of first intermediate samples, a second intermediate signal of second intermediate samples, and a third intermediate signal of third intermediate samples. The intermediate samples are then up-converted into radio signal samples.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for signature adaptation, comprising at least one surface element (100; 300; 500) arranged to assume a determined thermal distribution, wherein said surface element comprises at least one temperature generating element (150; 450a, 450b, 450c) arranged to generate at least one predetermined temperature gradient to a portion of said at least one surface element. Said at least one surface element (100; 300; 500) comprises at least one radar suppressing element (190), wherein said at least one radar suppressing element (190) is arranged to suppress reflections of incident radio waves. The invention also concerns an object provided with a device for signature adaptation.

Abstract: A corner reflector includes: annular hollow balloons having flexibility and airtightness, and when gas is supplied therein, the annular hollow balloons expand with pressure of the gas to be an annular shape; and a radio wave reflection film having an outer edge part that is attached to the annular hollow balloons so that expansion of the annular hollow balloons makes the radio wave reflection film unfold over a plane of the annular shape. The three of the annular hollow balloons are provided so as to be mutually orthogonal after expansion. Binding members are attached to outer faces of the annular hollow balloons, the binding members being for preventing expansion of the annular hollow balloons beyond their limit volume.

Abstract: A municipal infrastructure maintenance system uses a ground vehicle to move an antenna array in back-and-forth sweeps over large areas or distances. The antenna array comprises dozens of compartmentalized radio dipole antennas arranged laterally, shoulder-to-shoulder across the width of each sweep. An antenna switch matrix is connected between the antenna array and a ground-penetrating-radar (GPR) set and provides electronic aperture switching and selection, and the ability to laterally register one sweep to the next. The antenna array is extended out in front of the ground vehicle on a pivotable boom, and the cantilevered weight is a primary concern. The antenna array is constructed with aluminum-on-aluminum honeycomb panels slotted and folded around dozens of resistive-card compartment separators. Printed circuit boards with matching baluns are also slotted to receive tabs on the resistive cards, and their dipole elements are resistive loaded to quench crosstalk and near field effects.

Abstract: A multi-modal ground penetrating radar includes a radar set configured to launch predistorted double-sideband (DSB) suppressed-carrier modulated continuous waves (CW) to illuminate and penetrate a ground surface. A variable frequency modulator is connected to modulate a continuous wave (CW) carrier frequency generator within the radar set to yield a double-sideband suppressed carrier output. A lateral single-file array of antennas is configured to be flown closely over the surface of the ground. A multiplexing switch is connected to the array of antennas and configured to selectively switch individual ones of the antennas to the radar set. Any early arriving signals returned from geologic clutter and surface reflections are suppressed in synchronous detection in relation to signals received by the array of antennas from less shallow depths. Interesting objects below the ground surface are detected and located by the late arriving signal reflections.

Abstract: A method for detecting the motion of object by ultra-wideband radar imaging and system thereof to be used to present the motion of object in a reference gray-level image by using the delay time to analyze the distance between the detected position of object and the detecting position to compare the time-varying distance variation between the reference distance and the detecting distance. The system includes a transmitter module, a receiver module and a signal processing module. The transmitter module is used to transmit a first ultra-wideband signal from a detecting position to the object. The receiver module is used to receive a second ultra-wideband signal reflected from the object in the detecting position. The signal processing module is used to analyze the signal delay time of the second ultra-wideband signal received in the detecting position to analyze the detecting distance between the second ultra-wideband signal and the detecting position.