Abstract: A wiring pattern for oscillation input signal and a wiring pattern for oscillation output signal are provided on a printed circuit board, and a wiring pattern for ground power source voltage is arranged in a region therebetween. A quartz crystal unit is connected between the wiring pattern for oscillation input signal and the wiring pattern for oscillation output signal and one ends of capacitors serving as load capacitors thereof are connected to the wiring pattern for ground power source voltage. Further, a wiring pattern for VSS is arranged so as to enclose these wiring patterns, and a wiring pattern for VSS is arranged also in a lower layer in addition thereto. By this means, reduction of a parasitic capacitance between an XIN node and an XOUT node, improvement in noise tolerance of these nodes and others can be achieved.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit includes an amplifier including at least two terminals for receiving a crystal and an automatic amplitude control loop coupled to the amplifier including biasing circuitry switched between a first operational mode and a second operational mode. The first operational mode occurs during an initial time period and the second operational mode occurs after the initial time period is expired. The biasing circuitry includes first and second PMOS transistor circuits, each transistor circuit including an unswitched PMOS transistor and a switched PMOS transistor. Alternatively, the biasing circuitry can include first and second NMOS transistor circuits, each transistor circuit including an unswitched NMOS transistor and a switched NMOS transistor. The biasing circuitry is under control of an internally generated control signal.

Abstract: Techniques for providing transformer-based CMOS oscillators capable of operation with low voltage power supplies. In an exemplary embodiment, an LC tank is provided at the drains of a transistor pair, and the inductance of the LC tank is mutually magnetically coupled to an inductance between the gates of the transistor pair. A separate complementary transistor pair is also coupled to the LC tank. A further exemplary embodiment provides an LC tank at the gates of a transistor pair, as well as for three-way coupling amongst a tank inductance, an inductance between the gates of the transistor pair, and an inductance between the gates of a complementary transistor pair.

Abstract: A digitally controlled variable capacitance integrated electronic circuit module (100) comprises a set of basic cells in a matrix arrangement. Each basic cell itself comprises a functional block (11) which can be switched between two individual capacitance values, a control block (12), and a control junction connecting the control block and the functional block of said basic cell. The functional blocks and the control blocks are grouped into separate regions (110, 120) of the matrix arrangement, to reduce capacitive interaction between output paths and power supply paths of the module. The functional blocks can still be switched in a winding path order within the matrix arrangement. A module of the invention can be used in an oscillator capable of producing a signal at 4 GHz.

Abstract: To provide a reference frequency generating device that can output a highly accurate reference frequency signal even if a reference signal becomes unable to be acquired. The reference frequency generating device includes a synchronization circuit, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The synchronization circuit controls a reference frequency signal outputted from a voltage controlled oscillator, by a control signal obtained based on a reference signal. The temperature detector detects a temperature of the voltage controlled oscillator being used. When the reference signal is unable to be acquired, the controller corrects a voltage controlled signal in consideration of a distortion in the aging characteristic of the voltage controlled oscillator based on a rate of change with time in a slope of the oscillator temperature, and generates a holdover control signal based on corrected contents to control the voltage controlled oscillator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polar modulation apparatus and method, in which a polar-modulated signal is generated based on separately processed phase modulation (PM) and amplitude modulation (AM) components of an input signal. An amplified polar modulated output signal is generated in accordance with the phase modulation and amplitude modulation components by using a differential power amplifier circuitry(30) and supplying an amplified phase modulation component to a differential input of the differential power amplifier circuitry(30). A bias input of the differential power amplifier circuitry(30) is controlled based on the amplitude modulation component, so as to modulate a common-mode current of the differential power amplifier circuitry(30). Thereby, a new concept of a polar modulator with static DC-DC converter and power and/or efficiency and/or linearity controlled output power amplifier can be achieved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a radio communicating device including: a first communicating block; a second communicating block rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the first communicating block; and a radio signal transmission line capable of information transmission by radio between the first communicating block and the second communicating block; wherein between the first communicating block and the second communicating block, a signal to be transmitted is converted into a radio signal of a circularly polarized wave, and the radio signal of the circularly polarized wave is transmitted via the radio signal transmission line.

Abstract: A coaxial to microstrip transition is introduced in a multi layer mixed dielectric printed circuit board environment that provides a 50 Ohm impedance system between a coaxial antenna feed and a surface mount diplexer at Ku-band frequencies. The 50 Ohm transition from the coaxial antenna feed to the diplexer at microwave frequencies lossy FR-4 style laminate is provided by constructing a PCB internal coax using the center conductor of the antenna feed and a dual ring of plated through hole VIAs. The transition from the PCB internal coax to the microstrip section of the high frequency laminate PCB layer uses a “D”-style opening in the ground layer and a VIA ring arrangement between the layers to optimize or tune the performance of the transition. Additional features in the interface construction are implemented to guaranty that its microwave and mechanical performance does not degrade in extreme environmental conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diplexed transmit (TX) filter and RF switch for suppressing third order intermodulation (IM3) products. Included are first and second duplexers each having a receive (RX) port, a TX port, and an RX/TX port. Also included are first and second power splitter/combiners each having first, second, and third terminals. Further included are first, second, and third phase shift networks. The first power splitter/combiner's first terminal is coupled to the first duplexer's TX port and a first switch segment is coupled between the first duplexer's RX/TX port and the first terminal of the second coupler. The first phase shift network is coupled to the second duplexer's TX port and a second switch segment in series with the second phase shift network is coupled between the second duplexer's RX/TX port and second coupler's second terminal. The third phase shift network is coupled to the second duplexer's RX terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first filter, a second filter, a third filter, and a fourth filter. The first filter may comprise a low pass filter having a first bandwidth and configured to present a first output signal in response to an input signal received at an input port of the apparatus. The second filter may comprise a high pass filter having a second bandwidth and configured to present a second output signal in response to the input signal received at the input port of the apparatus. The third filter may comprise a low pass filter having a third bandwidth and configured to present a third output signal in response to the second output signal. The fourth filter may comprise a high pass filter having a fourth bandwidth and configured to present a fourth output signal in response to the second output signal.

Abstract: A bandpass filter includes a first oscillating circuit having inductors (L1, L2) in parallel with capacitors (Cij1), and a second oscillating circuit having inductors (L3, L4) arranged in parallel with capacitors (Cij2). The capacitors (Cij1) of the first oscillating circuit have an assembly of variable capacitive elements (C11, C12, C13, C14) in series with a fixed capacitor (C1), and the capacitors (Cij2) of the second oscillating circuit have an assembly of variable capacitive elements (C21, C22, C23, C24) arranged in series with a fixed capacitor (C2). The first oscillating circuit and the second oscillating circuit are coupled together with capacitors of substantially fixed value (C3, C4) and these coupling capacitors are linked to different respective midpoints between variable capacitors in the first and second oscillating circuits.

Abstract: To suppress changes in capacitance due to displacement between electrodes opposing each other across a dielectric layer, thereby allowing stable manufacturing of a capacitance device having a desired capacitance. The capacitance device according to the present invention is of a configuration including a dielectric layer (10), a first electrode (11) formed on a predetermined surface (10a) of the dielectric layer (10), and a second electrode (12) formed on a surface (10b) on the opposite side of the dielectric layer (10) from the predetermined surface (10a). The forms of the first and second electrodes (11, 12) are set so that even in the event that the first electrode (11) is relatively displaced regarding position in a predetermined direction as to the second electrode (12), the area of the opposing-electrode region between the first electrode (11) and to the second electrode (12) is unchanged.

Abstract: An elastic wave filter device having improved sharpness of filter characteristics includes a longitudinally-coupled resonator-type elastic wave filter section including first to third IDT electrodes each including a plurality of electrode fingers, and first and second reflectors. The first to third IDT electrodes include narrower-pitch portions provided in end portions thereof, which are each adjacent to another IDT electrode in a direction of propagation of elastic waves, each of the narrower-pitch portions having a smaller period of electrode fingers than a period of electrode fingers in the remaining portion of the relevant IDT electrode. The number of electrode fingers in the narrower-pitch portion of the second IDT electrode, which is disposed on the side closer to the first IDT electrode, and the number of electrode fingers in the narrower-pitch portion of the second IDT electrode, which is disposed on the side closer to the third IDT electrode, differ from each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides example resonance filters and methods for making the same. The resonance filter includes a first layer having n adjacent resonance cavities, n being at least 2 and said cavities each being separated from one another by a partition wall. The resonance filter also includes a second layer having at least n?1 coupling cavities. The cavities in the first layer are formed as resonance cavities and those in the second layer are formed as (a) coupling cavity/cavities and are open on one side. The second layer is arranged on the first layer in such a way that the resonance cavities in the first layer are interconnected by the coupling cavity/cavities in the second layer. Further, the resonance filter is configured as a monolithic component.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to RF MEMS devices that are capable of hot switching. The RF MEMS devices, by utilizing one or more spring mechanisms, are capable of hot switching. In certain embodiments, two or more sets of springs may be used that become engaged at specific points in the displacement of the cantilever of the MEMS device. The springs allow for a significant increase in the release voltage for a given pull in landing voltage.

Abstract: An embodiment of a microelectromechanical device having a first structural element, a second structural element, which is mobile with respect to the first structural element, and an elastic supporting structure, which extends between the first and second structural elements to enable a relative movement between the first and second structural elements. The microelectromechanical device moreover possesses an anti-stiction structure, which includes at least one flexible element, which is fixed only with respect to the first structural element and, in a condition of rest, is set at a first distance from the second structural element. The anti-stiction structure is designed to generate a repulsive force between the first and second structural elements in the case of relative movement by an amount greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A latch for a washing machine or other appliance provides two interengaging elements on a lid and housing each having a magnet oriented for mutual repulsion. Proper repulsion of the magnets is necessary to signal that the lid is properly closed such as may be used to determine if the appliance may be locked and safely operated, for example, in a clothes spinning mode.

Abstract: This invention relates mainly to methods and apparatus for magnetizing a superconductor. We describe a method of changing the magnetization of a superconductor, by automatically controlling a magnet to generate a wave of magnetic flux, in particular a standing wave of magnetic flux, adjacent to the surface of said superconductor. In preferred implementations of the method the superconductor is positioned within a magnetic circuit including a ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material and the method further comprises regulating the magnetic circuit during or after changing the superconductor's magnetization.

Abstract: A magnetic anchor that is attachable to a computing unit via a magnetic field. The magnetic anchor further includes a locking mechanism that enables its attachment/detachment to a surface area of the computing unit—and further connects to a cable that is fastened to a secured location.

Abstract: A solenoid for an electromagnetic valve, which reduces a magnetic resistance resulting from a space between a movable iron core and a magnetic plate. A magnetic plate provided around a movable iron core forming a magnetic path between a magnetic frame and the movable iron core includes an extending portion extending toward a stationary iron core along a surface of the movable iron core. An area Sa of an opposing portion of an outer periphery of the movable iron core opposing an inner peripheral surface of the magnetic plate and a sectional area Sb of the movable iron core satisfy K=Sa/Sb, K>1. An axial length h of the inner peripheral surface of the magnetic plate and a length L from an attracting-force acting surface of the movable iron core located at a position separate from the stationary iron core to a front end portion of the magnetic plate satisfy 2?K?[value of K when h=L].

Abstract: A magnet that includes a composite body and at least one reinforcing element. The reinforcing element is embedded within the body and increases the radial strength of the body. As a result, the magnet is able to rotate at higher speeds without fracturing. Additionally, methods of manufacturing the magnet are described.

Abstract: A transformer includes a winding member, a magnetic core assembly and an insulating seat. The winding member includes a bobbin, a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil and the secondary coil are wound on the bobbin. The magnetic core assembly includes a first magnetic core and a second magnetic core. The winding member is arranged between the first magnetic core and the second magnetic core. The insulating seat includes a receptacle, at least one ventilation hole, at least one sheltering member and plural pins. The winding member and the magnetic core assembly are accommodated within the receptacle. The ventilation hole is formed in the sheltering member. The first terminals of the primary coil and/or the second terminals of the secondary coil are connected with the pins.

Abstract: A magnetic element may include a first core member, a second core member facing the first core member along an entire outer periphery thereof, a coil, and a base shaped body on which the first core member and the second core member are placed. The base shaped body is provided with a base member and a terminal member, and the terminal member is provided with a binding terminal part, which projects outward in a first corner part of the base member and projects from the base member on a side lower than a portion of a winding frame part side of one flange part. The second core member is provided with a cutout part at a portion corresponding to the first corner part of the base member for allowing insertion of an end drawn out from the winding frame part in a state of not contacting the second core member.

Abstract: In a laminated inductor element, a magnetic ferrite layer sandwiched between two conductor patterns is thinner than other magnetic ferrite layers. Therefore, a crack occurs in the magnetic ferrite layer due to firing. As a result of the occurrence of this crack, a stress applied to each layer is relaxed, and it becomes possible to avoid warpage, a crack, or the like. In addition, in the laminated type inductor element, the two conductor patterns are electrically connected by two via holes, and subjected to a same potential. Since the two conductor patterns correspond to a same wiring pattern and a coil of coil conductor is defined by the two conductor patterns, even if upper and lower coil conductors are electrically in contact with each other due to the crack, the two conductor patterns are not put into a short-circuited state.

Abstract: A magnetic power converter has a core that has at least a first leg and a second leg. In addition, the magnetic power converter has an output coil positioned around the second leg and a toroid integrated into the first leg, the toroid comprising a permanent magnet and an first input coil, the input coil positioned relative to the permanent magnet, such that when an alternating current (A/C) is applied to the first input coil, permanent magnet magnetic flux produced by the permanent magnet is displaced and travels through the second leg.

Abstract: The invention provides an amorphous alloy stereo wound-core, comprising three structurally identical amorphous alloy made square frames; the cross section of the sides of the frames is in an approximately semi-circular or semi-polygonal shape; the frames have semi-circular cross sections and uniform thicknesses; the vertical sides of every two adjacent frames fit together fixedly to form a core pillar, the horizontal sides of the frames form iron yokes; the cross section of each core pillar has a circular or regular-polygonal shape. With this structure, the magnetic conduction direction of the amorphous alloy is completely consistent with the magnetic circuit direction of the core, and its working vibration is small. This core structure guarantees balanced three-phase power supply and largely reduces the magnetic resistance and excited current. There is no seam in the amorphous alloy stereo wound-core, so there is no area with high energy consumption.

Abstract: A self-hold type thermal protector according to the present invention includes a movable contact of a movable plate rises and separates from a fixed contact when a bimetal of the thermal protector inversely warps at a predetermined temperature, an electric current between the contacts, namely, an electric current between a movable contact side terminal and a fixed contact side terminal is disrupted, and the disrupted current flows into the polymer PTC element, which is then made to produce heat and is thermally expanded to increase a resistance value. A second terminal member on a side opposite to a first terminal member where the polymer PTC element is positioned and fixed forms a bowing part, and a gap h is formed between an upper inner wall of a housing and the upper surface of the second terminal member.

Abstract: According to one general aspect, a method according to the present application includes remotely controlling wirelessly networked devices via a mobile unit. The method includes receiving, at a mobile unit and from a user, an input, analyzing the input to identify a networked device associated with the input, determining whether the networked device is presently accessible via a wireless network; determining whether to establish a connection with the networked device based on whether the networked device is determined to be presently accessible via the wireless network. The method also includes establishing a connection with the networked device if it is determined that the networked device is accessible via the wireless network and enabling the user to interact with the networked device through the mobile unit to remotely control the networked device.

Abstract: A mobile device which is assigned to a person transmits an identification to a central device where localization of the mobile device is initiated. After the mobile device has been located in an area of an access system, the identification is checked for authorization for access via the access system. Access via the access system is either allowed or denied based on the result of the check. Access by an authorized person to secure areas or devices with the aid of a wireless device which is usually carried along—for example a mobile radio terminal or a DECT terminal—thus becomes considerably easier and more convenient.

Abstract: Position data received wirelessly from a vehicle enrolled in an inspection waiver program are employed to determine when the enrolled vehicle is approaching an inspection station. After determining that the enrolled vehicle is approaching an inspection station, and if the enrolled vehicle has a valid inspection waiver, a bypass confirmation can selectively be provided to the vehicle operator, authorizing the operator to bypass the inspection station. The task of determining when an enrolled vehicle is approaching the location of an inspection station can be performed using a processor disposed in the vehicle, or at a remote location separate from both the vehicle and the inspection station, or at the inspection station. The inspection stations can be mobile so that their locations are varied to prevent operators from intentionally avoiding an inspection, as may occur with fixed inspection stations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for controlling a device. A signal is received and a power of the signal is determined. The power is associated to a command, and the command is executed.

Abstract: A biometric information processing apparatus includes: a calculation unit that calculates the direction of each of characteristic lines included in biometric information extracted from a user; a smoothing unit that smoothes each of the characteristic lines; a difference calculation unit that calculates a difference between the direction of each of the characteristic lines and the direction of each of the smoothed characteristic lines; a detection unit that detects, as a change candidate area, a potentially changeable area in the biometric information based on each of the calculated differences; and an estimation unit that estimates the future authentication accuracy using the biometric information, based on the detected change candidate area.

Abstract: A method for conducting a passive label query in a radio frequency identification system, wherein a query process conducted by a reader for a group of passive labels comprises a first query and a subsequent query. The link frequency used by a reverse link from the passive label to the reader in the subsequent query is smaller than that the link frequency used by the reverse link in the first query. The method improves the reverse link performance of a passive label radio frequency identification system, and increased the reading success rate of the passive label. A reader is also provided to implement the method.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the invention, RFID network control devices (RNCDs) are provided wherein RFID traffic signals from any one of multiple RFID readers may be routed to any of the RFID antennas coupled to the RNCD. Each reader coupled directly or indirectly to the RNCD, either through its own action or the action of the external host controller managing the reader, may issue commands to the RNCD, over the same cable used to carry RFID traffic signals, and cause the RNCD to set its internal switch configuration such that a channel is established for RFID traffic signals between that reader and a particular RFID antenna coupled to the RNCD. This may include commands from the reader or external host controller which place other intervening RNCD units in a bypass state so as to establish the required communications channel with a minimum of signal strength loss.

Abstract: An RFID system includes an RFID tag, an RFID reader, and a server. The RFID tag communicates to the server via encrypted information. The information may be encrypted with synchronized encryption keys. In this manner, the reader need not decrypt the information from the RFID tag. The effectiveness of malicious readers is thereby reduced, resulting in improved RFID tag security.

Abstract: The present invention related to methods and systems for simultaneously sensing two or more environmental parameters of a sample. Included is an inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator sensor and a pick up coil in operative association with the LCR resonator sensor wherein viscoelastic changes in the sensing film cause displacement of the antenna relative to the pick up coil.

Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a remote controller with a device are provided. The systems and methods generally relate to receiving a request from a remote controller to pair the remote controller to a device at several devices and determining at each of the several devices the strength of the wireless pairing request signal received by that device. If a device determines that its received signal is the strongest, the device may be paired with the remote controller. If instead a device determines that its received signal is not the strongest, it may ignore subsequent communications received from the remote controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a remote control apparatus for performing wireless communication with an electronic device, the remote control apparatus including: a reader/writer configured to read and/or write information from or to an information storage medium; and a transmission/reception section configured to transmit and receiving a signal to or from the electronic device via the wireless communication, wherein the transmission/reception section uses the same wireless communication system for both transmission of an operation instruction to the electronic device and transmission of information read from the information storage medium and reception from the electronic device of information to be written to the information storage medium.

Abstract: A greeting card having an audio message and playback device delivers a first sound recording upon opening of the greeting card and a second sound recording upon closing of the greeting card. The delivery of each sound recording may be delayed by a timing component within the audio message and playback device. Additionally, the delivery of each sound recording may be played simultaneously or in queue. Sound recordings may also be recorded by a user using a recording component that is in addition to the audio message and playback device. The audio message and playback device may also include an additional trial mode component that allows the user to test a recorded message before purchasing the greeting card and place the greeting card into a use mode that allows the user to permanently record the message.

Abstract: A sensor pad (105) is adapted to be worn and operated by a user (100) to control a separate wireless communication terminal (103) carried by the user. The sensor pad includes a plurality of discrete sensors each operable to produce an indication signal indicating proximity of a user's finger to the sensor and a controller, responsive to receipt of indication signals from a plurality of the sensors, to produce a control signal for delivery to the wireless communication terminal to produce selection of a functional operation of the wireless communication terminal. Also described is a terminal for use with the sensor pad and also equipment and a method of operation.

Abstract: A tactile visual indicator and methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for controlling a tactile visual indicator are provided. Embodiments include a light source; an electromagnetically inductive wound coil; and a light pipe coupled to a ferromagnetic-metal jacket surrounding the outside of the light pipe. The ferromagnetic-metal jacket is within the wound coil and one end of the light pipe is provided to the light source. The light pipe and the ferromagnetic-metal jacket are configured to move within the wound coil in response to the coil receiving power. Light shining through the light pipe from the light source provides a visual indication of a status and the movement of the light pipe and jacket within the wound coil provides a tactile indication of the status via contact with a user.

Abstract: A touch sensor assembly having a selectable sensitivity level allows for a user to activate a touch sensor while wearing hand covers. The touch sensor assembly includes a touch sensor, a comparison unit, and a control unit. The touch sensor has a selectable sensitivity level, and detects a value corresponding to a capacitance of the touch sensor. The comparison unit has a predetermined threshold stored therein, and determines activation of the touch sensor if the detected value exceeds the predetermined value. The control unit is operable to select a sensitivity level of the touch sensor by varying the predetermined threshold by an amount unrelated to an environmental effect on the touch sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method to detect vehicle theft. In one embodiment, a processor may be configured to execute instructions to: receive a vehicle detection signal from a vehicle detector; determine whether a vehicle is present or absent based upon the vehicle detection signal; establish an authentication credential after the vehicle is determined to present; and validate the authentication credential to indicate validated parking. If the vehicle is determined to be absent and an authentication credential to un-park the vehicle has not been validated, a notification action may be transmitted to appropriate personnel to indicate that the vehicle has been moved or un-parked without proper authentication.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for recording events in a vehicle based on driver status of a driver is provided. The apparatus comprises a vehicle interface device. The device is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The device is further configured to receive at least one vehicle event signal corresponding to vehicle events in response to the driver status signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to store the at least one vehicle event signal to record the vehicle events. The device is further configured to generate a report indicating the recorded vehicle events for transmission to at least one of the primary driver and the secondary driver.

Abstract: A tire information monitoring system includes a transmitting device, provided in a tire cavity region, for transmitting tire information, a receiving device, provided in a vehicle body, that receives the tire information from the transmitting device and determines a tire condition based on the tire information, and a setting device that transmits identification information and a criterion to the receiving device so as to set the identification information of the transmitting device and the criterion of the tire information used for determining the tire condition by the receiving device. The setting device can be a mobile telecommunication terminal device for setting the identification information and the criterion in the receiving device using a program downloaded via an external network.

Abstract: A building equipment control system comprises a remote transceiver module including a plurality of remote transceivers for remotely receiving multi-channel alarm signals, and each of the remote transceivers including a plurality of input points; a remote indication module including a plurality of remote indicators for performing alarm indication according to the multi-channel alarm signals, and each of the remote indicators including a plurality of output points; a remote main system controller for remotely setting characteristics and authorities of the input and output points; a remote compiler for remotely changing system settings of the remote main system controller and characteristics of the input points. The wiring of the system could save about 70-90% cables and 90-95% junction boxes, and reduce about 70% period of time for wiring and 90% period of time for testing and debugging needed for the conventional building equipment control system.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure discloses techniques for using a computing device as a smart vehicle key. The computing device may send a validation request signal to a vehicle via a first short-range communication protocol. After to sending the validation request signal, the computing device may establish a secure connection with the vehicle over a second short-range communication protocol. The computing device may send via the secure connection an ignition signal to the vehicle that activates an ignition system operable to activate a motor of the vehicle. The computing device may periodically send via the secure connection a keep-alive message to the vehicle as the motor of the vehicle is running.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for low-cost detection and alerting of bed-departure, which causes significant stress to caretakers of patients who often wander out of bed as a result of their dementia, Alzheimer's, or other medical conditions. The apparatus comprises a sock embedded with a pressure sensor and a battery-powered microcontroller unit with a radio frequency module. Once the user wanders out of bed and steps onto the floor, the sensor on the sock will immediately detect the pressure caused by his or her body weight and wirelessly trigger an audible sound at a caretaker's monitoring unit, which can be a smart phone or PC. The sensor and the microcontroller unit can be packaged in one assembly to be mounted on an ordinary sock, slipper, or shoe. The apparatus also accurately counts steps and measures the time interval between them.

Abstract: An early alert system and a method for livestock disease detection are disclosed. An activity measurement zone (AMZ) is defined near an incentive device (e.g. food or water dispensing system) with an RFID tag reader and/or an RFID antenna. An animal's access into the AMZ is tracked and counted with an RFID tag attached to the animal. If the animals' activity relative to the AMZ drops to an alarmingly low level (e.g. dropping below an alert trigger point) over time, then a user of the alert system is informed of a potential health problem of the animal and may also be encouraged to inspect the animal in person for further determination of its current health and potential medical issues. The early alert system may be powered by hybrid alternative energy sources for rural or remote areas, which may have inconvenient or expensive access to conventional electrical power lines.