Abstract: Provided are an RFID reader and a method for controlling a gain thereof. The RFID reader includes an amplifier and an AGC circuit. The amplifier controls the gain of an RX signal, received from an RFID tag, in response to an AGC signal. The AGC circuit measures a signal level in an ante-preamble period of the RX signal and generates an AGC signal to control the gain of the RX signal, on the basis of the measured signal level.

Abstract: A method of producing location information relating to articles (e.g. 9o) utilizes tag devices (10, 1112, • • •)• The method comprises the steps of: • the tag devices (e.g. I0), when in each other's proximity, exchanging identification data and storing the time and date of the exchange together with the identification data of the other tag device, and also storing data relating to previous exchanges, • the tag devices, when in the proximity of an information collection device (e.g. 2o), communicating the stored times and dates together with the stored identification data to an information collection device, • the information collection device (20) transmitting the times and dates and the identification data received from the tag devices to a central processing device (3), and • the central processing device (3) deriving location information from the times and dates and the identification data. Each tag device (e.g. 1o), during each encounter with another tag device (e.g.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor electrically coupled to a system/data bus, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, an EIR device, a multi-band antenna, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, or a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to output raw message data containing an encoded message and/or output decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can comprise a radio frequency (RF) front end electrically coupled to the multi-band antenna. The RF front end can comprise a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) filter array including one or more band-pass filter. Each band-pass filter of the MEMS filter array can be electrically coupled to a bias voltage source or an oscillating signal source.

Abstract: As an RFID interrogator transmitting a command depending on a collision situation and a control method thereof, the RFID interrogator includes a collision diagnosis unit that analyzes data of a received signal received during a receive time in correspondence with a transmitted signal from an RF communication unit that can transmit and receive signal to and from one or more tag, verifies whether or not a collision occurs in the received signal, and diagnoses a collision type depending on an analysis result of the data of the received signal; and a collision resolution unit that can retransmit a command to the tag through the RF communication unit depending on the collision situation on the basis of whether or not occurrence of the collision or not and the collision type that are received from the collision diagnosis unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is an RFID interrogator having a collision type identification function and a control method thereof. It verifies whether or not a collision occurs in a received signal by analyzing data of a signal received from an RF communication unit and performs a corresponding collision resolution operation by diagnosing a collision type in accordance with a collision generation means between the corresponding RFID interrogator and other interrogators or a tag. Since all types of collisions that occur between the RFID interrogator and the tag can be identified, a reason for occurrence of the collisions can be rapidly recognized to cope with the reason for the collisions.

Abstract: A method, system, and device provide asymmetric round-trip-time (RTT) ranging with multipath correction. A RTT ranging determination using the resulting composite received signal contains multipath error, and compensation or correction of this error in a manner compatible with low-power, low-complexity devices, such as tag devices, is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifier sequencing of wireless identification tags are disclosed. According to aspect, a method includes receiving identifiers of wireless identification tags from each of a plurality of wireless identification read cells. The method also includes determining whether identifiers received from one or more of the wireless identification read cells are not contiguous. Further, the method includes communicating, to the wireless identification read cells, other identifiers having a contiguous sequence for re-sequencing identifiers of the wireless identification tags within the communication range of the wireless identification read cells in response to determining that one or more of the wireless identification read cells have identifiers that are not contiguous.

Abstract: Data associated with supply chain events for a manufactured assembly is automatically stored. In preferred embodiments the supply chain events for the manufactured assembly are stored on an RFID tag attached to the assembly as it travels through the supply chain to insure the data concerning the assembly is readily available and not separated from the assembly. In other embodiments, the supply chain events or characteristic data is stored on the RFID tag in a hierarchical structure beginning with the original state of the assembly and with additional entries for each step in the assembly process. In other embodiments, as the product undergoes rework, conversion to a different assembly, or personalizations, the new state of the assembly is stored in the RFID tag. In other preferred embodiments, other information is also stored on the RFID tag such as country of origin, failure data, cycle times and a quality status indicator.

Abstract: A remote controller generates control signals according to the speed of movement sensed by a three-axis accelerometer and the direction of movement sensed by a gyroscope and transmits the control signals to a remotely controlled device communicating with the remote controller when the remote controller is in a first work mode, generates control signals according to touch sensing signals from a touch pad and transmits the control signals to the remotely controlled device when the remote controller is in a second work mode, and further generates control signals according to variations in the capacitance of the capacitive type pressure transducer unit and transmits the control signals to the remotely controlled device when the remote controller is in a third work mode.

Abstract: The method of the present invention allows a first wireless control device that is operable to communicate on a predetermined one of a plurality of channels to establish communication with a second wireless control device that may be communicating on any of the plurality of channels. A beacon message is first transmitted repeatedly by the wireless control device on the predetermined channel. The second wireless control device listens for the beacon message for a predetermined amount of time on each of the plurality of channels. When the second control device receives the beacon message on the predetermined channel, the second control device begins communicating on the predetermined channel. The second wireless device may begin listening for the beacon message in response to powering up.

Abstract: A personal safety and alarm system including a siren/strobe light, and a pepper spray container which are selectively removably positioned in a holder with the holder being selectively detachably secured to a stand for use on a bedside table or the like or which may be placed in the person's purse or pocket. The system also includes a flashlight which is selectively removably secured to the stand.

Abstract: A control circuit for a portable x-ray medical imaging system detector. The control circuit operates to reduce power consumption of the portable x-ray detector. The detector control circuit includes a multi-function switch coupled to the portable detector, and a detector control module installed in the portable detector, the detector control module receiving an input from the multi-function switch and based on the received input reconfiguring the portable detector from a first operational mode to a different second operational mode. A portable detector including the detector control circuit and a method of operating the portable detector are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling social dancing. The system comprising a movement registration module configured to monitor and identify movements by a participant; and a tactile feedback actuator configured to supply tactile feedback to the participant based on a determination by a logic module. The method performed by a computerized device, the method comprising: monitoring movements by a participant; determining feedback in response to the movements; and instructing a tactile feedback actuator to supply the feedback to the participant.

Abstract: A touch screen/keyboard is positionable within a vehicle. The touch screen/keyboard has a cradle. A projector is positioned on a dashboard of the vehicle. In this manner digital data is displayed on a windshield of the vehicle. A receiver couples the touch screen/keyboard and the projector. In this manner digital data is received and transmitted. A computer couples the touch screen/keyboard and the receiver. Further in this manner digital data is received and transmitted.

Abstract: An interior mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a display element disposed within a mirror housing and behind the mirror reflective element. Information displayed by the display element, when backlit by a plurality of white light-emitting light emitting diodes, is viewable through the reflective element. The control is operable to vary the intensity of information displayed by the display element as viewed through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. When the display element is backlit during daytime lighting conditions, the control is operable to adjust the intensity of displayed information to at least about 1,000 cd/m2 as viewed through the reflective element by the driver of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly may include circuitry that shares components with the control and at least one other electrically operable feature of the interior rearview mirror assembly.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (1) with a blind spot indicator for visually alerting a driver (5) to the presence of an object (2) in the blind spot (3) of the motor vehicle (1). The mirror assembly (10) includes a first mirror surface (30) and a second mirror surface (32). The mirror assembly (10) further includes a transition surface (34) disposed between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32) for displaying a blind spot indicator to the driver (5) when an object (2) is detected in the vehicle's blind spot (3). The transition surface (34) for displaying the blind spot indicator is oriented generally towards the driver of the vehicle and away from other road users. Preferably, the transition surface (34) forms a discrete step or discontinuity between the first and second mirror surfaces (30, 32).

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an onboard computer (OBC) and associated circuitry capable of spoofing or mimicking a fault condition tricks an electronic control module (ECM) of an automobile or other such vehicle into implementing an engine derate procedure resulting in vehicle immobilization that is safe and that is credibly attributable to a genuine vehicle fault condition. For example, in response to an engine shutdown command, the OBC might cause a fault-spoofing engine shutdown device in one embodiment to spoof an engine overheating condition by inserting an electrical resistance in parallel with the resistance of an engine temperature sensor, thus lowering the electrical resistance of the temperature sensor as detected by the ECM.

Abstract: A transmission indicator apparatus for a vehicle, may include a base provided on a side of a gearshift lever of the vehicle, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) circuit mounted on the base and provided with light sources, a cover provided above the PCB circuit to shield an internal structure therein, wherein stage characters of a stage character part and stage selection displays of a stage selection part may be formed on the cover to transmit light of the light sources and be thus distinguished, and a partition provided in a space between the PCB circuit and the cover and located between the stage character part and the stage selection part of the cover, thus preventing light interference between the light sources.

Abstract: A safety rearview mirror for the backseat of automobile vehicles, comprising a rigid plaque which has on one of its faces a finished and reflective surface and on the other face an opaque covering, except for at least, a zone free of the covering, wherein this zone corresponds to signs and/or drawings which are visible through transparency due to a light source associated with the other face. The light source may be of the LED/LCD type or an incandescent lamp.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatus for improving motion sensing. In an example, provided is a method of mitigating an error in a motion sensor signal in a mobile device. A user input signal, based on a user input to the mobile device, is received. The user input can be a keystroke, and the user input signal can be a signal resulting from the keystroke. The user input signal triggers performing a function on a motion sensor signal for a period of time. The motion sensor signal can be an output from an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope. The period of time can be based on the duration of the user input signal, and can be in a range between substantially 100 milliseconds to substantially 700 milliseconds.

Abstract: Timeline presentations of process control system alarms are described. An operator interface apparatus for a process control system is described that includes an operator display module to present an operator application on a display. The operator interface also includes an alarm presentation interface to be presented on the display via the operator application. The alarm presentation interface includes a timeline to graphically indicate a temporal relationship of a plurality of active alarms of the process control system.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media for providing real-time weather notifications to at least one communication device across various networks are described. Methods disclose receiving meteorological information or weather conditions corresponding to an affected geographical area. Methods disclose accessing a database for information concerning the at least one communication device. The affected geographical area identified in the national weather notification service is evaluated in relationship to a real-time location of the at least one communication device. A notification of weather conditions is generated. This notification of weather conditions is transmitted to at least one communication device.

Abstract: A convulsive seizure detection and notification device includes an acceleration module to measure acceleration of a body part of a user and generate acceleration measurement values, a storage to store a first threshold value and a second threshold value, and a data processor to compare acceleration measurement data with the first and second threshold values and generate a signal if a predetermined relationship between the acceleration measurement data and the first and second threshold values is satisfied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for transmitting event codes from a base station to a remote location. In one embodiment, a method is described, executed by a processor within an event communication module, the method comprising receiving an encoded event code from a base station over an interface connection, selecting a first transmission method from two or more communication methods based on the received event code, encoding the event code based on the first communication method, and transmitting the encoded event code to remote location by a communication module configured to communicate using the first communication method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety and security system designed to protect a designated area. The system comprises sensors of various types (radars, infrared detectors for instance) and sources of intelligence. Correlation is run between instant-track data and non-instant-track data before the level of threat of the tracks is analyzed. Reliability of this analysis is thus greatly enhanced. Also a method is provided to develop systems of this type which provides an integrated specification and design method which covers technical and human factors.

Abstract: An adaptive security network, sensor node and methods for detecting and responding to anomalous events in a security network are provided herein. In general, the adaptive security network comprises a plurality of sensor nodes interconnected to form a communication network, wherein each sensor node is configured for detecting an anomalous event occurring within a vicinity of the sensor node and for identifying the detected anomalous event as a specific threat-event, a specific non-threat event or an unidentified event. In addition, the adaptive security network comprises a central processing and control system coupled to the plurality of sensor nodes for receiving an event notification message from at least one of the sensor nodes indicating an identity of an anomalous event detected by the at least one sensor node.

Abstract: Data center equipment location systems include hardware and software to provide information on the location, monitoring, and security of servers and other equipment in equipment racks. The systems provide a wired alternative to the wireless RFID tag system by using electronic ID tags connected to each piece of equipment, each electronic ID tag connected directly by wires to an equipment rack controller on the equipment rack. The equipment rack controllers link to a central control computer that provides an operator interface and communicates with the equipment rack controllers. The computer stores IDs of the equipment rack controllers and each of its connected electronic ID tags, and receives information from the tags to monitor the status of each piece of equipment. Further, the computer can activate a sensory indicator to enable a technician(s) to locate a piece of equipment that is in need of repair or replacement.

Abstract: A vehicle having a battery package as a power source includes a memory device for storing authentication information of battery modules in the battery package. A battery controller in the vehicle has an authentication unit. The authentication unit determines whether the battery module is a genuine product or not. When the battery module is not a genuine product, a control unit controls a communication unit to send information indicative that the battery module is not a genuine product. The information sent from the communication unit is recorded in a server of a public organization, such as an administrative organization or the like. The information recorded in the server of the administrative organization is utilized by the administrative organization or by a vehicle manufacturer, for an action that advises the user to use the genuine battery.

Abstract: A healthcare information system for use in a healthcare facility having patient beds in a plurality of patient rooms is provided. The healthcare information system has a nurse call computer which is located at a nurse's station and which is configured to receive nurse calls and/or safety alerts originating from the patient rooms. The healthcare information system has a status board computer which is also located at the nurse's station and which is operable to display, for more than one patient, information regarding the patient, staff location, bed data, and room status.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. A virtual fence is defined around the containment area, as well as around optional exclusion zones within the containment area, during system set up through communication between the base units and a trackable device as the user walks around the desired border. Visualization software enables the user to verify that the location of the fence is as desired and that the system is operating properly using a computing device having a display screen. In use, the system employs improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base units and the collar to discount errant measurement values in terms of their contribution to the current calculation of the dog's location.

Abstract: Configuring a user interface by which a user can view information regarding one or more conditions of an environment collected by an environmental monitoring system. An environmental monitoring system comprises one or more sensor units disposed in an environment and one or more servers. The servers may receive from an operator of the environment a visual representation of the environment and may identify a position in the visual representation corresponding to the location and configure a user interface to present information regarding the environment based at least in part on the positions. The user interface can be configured to display the visual representation and display information related to the first sensor unit so as to indicate a relationship between the information and the position corresponding to the location of the first sensor unit. Information identifying a location of one or more sensor units may be determined through an automated process.

Abstract: Determining the scope of power outage includes receiving a message indicating power outage from a device, and probing other devices associated with the device sending the message. The message indicating power outage may include a power outage code, and may be received via a control channel of a communication network. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a collector flashover alert by passive monitoring of a generator are provided. One method includes receiving, by a computing device, signals from a current transformer coupled around an exciter cable connected to a generator collector assembly, determining, by the computing device, when a spark has occurred in the generator collector assembly based at least in part on received signals from the current transformer, generating an indication that a spark has occurred in the generator collector assembly when it is determined that a spark has occurred in the generator collector assembly, and generating a flashover alert based at least in part on the generated indication that a spark has occurred in the generator collector assembly.

Abstract: A semiconductor element drive device which individually drives semiconductor elements configuring a power converter includes plural protection circuits which detect information necessary for carrying out a protection operation for the semiconductor elements, an alarm signal output circuit which, having set therein pulse signals with pulse widths differing from one of the plural protection circuits to another, continuously outputs a pulse signal corresponding to a protection circuit, among the plural protection circuits, which has first detected that a protection operation is necessary, as an alarm signal during a period in which it is detected that the protection operation is necessary, and a notification signal output circuit which, when the alarm signal is output from the alarm signal output circuit, outputs one pulse thereof equivalent to the set pulse width as a protection operation notification signal.

Abstract: A system, device, and method of providing information for a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a device that receives power from the low voltage power of the power distribution system and experiences a power loss during a local power outage may perform the processes of monitoring a voltage of the low voltage power line, detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period, storing information of the voltage reduction in a non-volatile memory prior to the power outage, and transmitting a notification to a remote computer system prior to the outage. The monitoring may comprise making a plurality of measurements of the voltage during a time interval and averaging the plurality of voltage measurements. In addition, the method may include transmitting an alert message upon power up after the outage to indicate a power restoration local to the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visually indicating an engagement status of a submerged subsea connector are provided. An example of a system includes a measurement device positioned to provide a signal indicating positive engagement of a locking mechanism for a submerged subsea connector, and a visual engagement status indicator assembly including a visual engagement status indicator positioned on an outside portion of a surrounding frame to provide a visual indication corresponding to an engagement status of the locking mechanism provided by the measurement device. A power supply assembly is configured to interface with portions of an adjacent cathodic protection system to provide supply power or voltage multiplication to the visual engagement status indicator.

Abstract: A status detector and communication unit (20) for a padlock (10) having a body (11) and a shackle (12) at least one end (14) of which can be latched to and released from the body. The status detector and communication unit includes a casing (21) adapted to be securely retrofitted to the padlock so as to form a compact assembly without obscuring an operating mechanism (17) of the padlock, and a battery powered circuit (22) contained within the casing for co-operating with the shackle of the padlock for transmitting a signal indicative of a status of the shackle to a remote monitoring unit (93). The invention allows remote monitoring of a conventional padlock with little or no modification of the padlock.

Abstract: Vehicles and other objects (4a, 4b, 4c, 5, 6, 7, 8) in a surface mine (1) are equipped with monitoring devices (12) that communicate by radio in order to detect the risk of collisions. The devices (12) are equipped with GNSS-receivers (15). At least one of the objects (4a, 4b, 4c) has two devices (12a, 12b) mounted to it. Each of the two devices (12a, 12b) determines its position independently, which in turn allows to determine not only the position, but also the orientation, of the object.

Abstract: A movement warning system for notifying a proximal entity of the approach of a vehicle comprising a sensor system, a controlling mobile device, and a signal generator system. The sensor system generates motion data indicative of movement of the vehicle. The controlling mobile device generates at least one warning signal based on the motion data. The signal generator system generates at least one warning based on the to at least one warning signal. The signal generator generates the warning such that the proximal entity perceives the warning.

Abstract: A method for providing a safety guidance service from a local server to a nomadic device includes gathering information regarding surrounding conditions within a service area on a road, receiving device information from the nomadic device, which enters the service area, determining whether or not the nomadic device is placed in a situation based on the device information, and when it is recognized that the situation has happened, providing safety guidance message suitable to the situation to the nomadic device.

Abstract: A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate. The back plate has an indicator mounting portion. An aperture is established through the back plate generally at the indicator mounting portion. A heater pad is disposed between the mirror reflective element and the back plate. The heater pad has a light transmitting portion generally aligned with the aperture of the back plate. A self-contained substantially sealed indicator is mounted at the indicator mounting portion and has a light source that is activatable to emit light. When an equipped exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at a side of a vehicle and with the light source activated, light emitted by the light source transmits through the aperture of the back plate and the light transmitting portion of the heater pad and exits the mirror reflective element.

Abstract: A road traffic control system is applied to an intersection to control traffic and includes a light support, three traffic lights, a speed measuring device, a light controller, and an alarm. The light support is installed at one lane at the intersection; the three traffic lights are installed on the light support to control traffic. The speed measuring device is installed on guardrails on the lane to measure current speed of vehicle. When one of the traffic lights changes its color to indicate stopping, the light controller synchronously controls the speed measuring device to detect the current speed of the vehicle that is passing through the speed measuring device, and compares the measured speed of the vehicle with a preset speed limit. The alarm outputs warning signals when the measured speed is above the preset speed limit.

Abstract: A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle when parking in a parking space is disclosed. The method involves measuring a possible parking space, calculating a parking trajectory on the basis of a current parking space geometry determined from the measurement of the parking space and on the basis of a vehicle position relative to the parking space, and a parking process is subsequently carried out during which the vehicle is steered along the parking trajectory into the parking space, continuing to determine, during the parking process, the current parking space geometry and is compared with a previous parking space geometry determined before the start of the parking process, where, if the two parking space geometries differ from one another, a deviation which is present is evaluated and the parking trajectory corrected and/or re-calculated.

Abstract: A facility for providing guidance for locating street parking is described. The facility receives an indication of a geographic location with respect to which provide parking guidance, and determines an effective time for which to provide guidance. The facility then provides parking guidance relating to the indicated location at the effective time for a use.

Abstract: A facility for providing guidance for locating street parking is described. The facility receives an indication of a geographic location with respect to which provide parking guidance, and determines an effective time for which to provide guidance. The facility then provides parking guidance relating to the indicated location at the effective time for a use.

Abstract: A vehicle detector detects bicycles and discriminates between a bicycle and a motorized vehicle using a specific signature analysis technique when operated in the bicycle detect mode and the bicycle only detect mode. The signature analysis technique employs two sets of rules: one set for a bicycle which produces a signature having at least two peaks and two valleys when passing over a loop connected to the vehicle detector; the other for a bicycle which produces a signature having two peaks and only one valley when passing over a marginal side region of a loop connected to the vehicle detector. Peak and valley searches are conducted sequentially, with a peak search being conducted first upon start-up.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring the condition of structural components, in which an optical sensor in conjunction with a computing unit ascertains image deviations from successive images of the structural components to be monitored, and therefrom ascertains changes in shape of the structure. Robust three-dimensional scanning of the structural components is possible when using two or more sensors. The invention further relates to an apparatus for monitoring the condition of structural components having an optical sensor and an apparatus having two or more sensors. Finally the invention relates to an aircraft in which the methods or apparatuses according to the invention are used.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring information from an image of a vehicle in real time wherein at least one imaging device with advanced light metering capabilities is placed aboard a vehicle, a computer processor means is provided to control the imaging device and the advanced light metering capabilities, the advanced light metering capabilities are used to capture an image of at least a portion of the vehicle, and image recognition algorithms are used to identify the current state or position of the corresponding portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flight display for an aircraft includes a virtual ice accretion meter having a liquid water content portion and an ice thickness portion. A method for determining ice accretion includes integrating over a time period a constant K multiplied by a liquid water content (LWC) and true airspeed (TAS).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for updating a system for providing a centralized status indication of an aircraft. The system includes a plurality of indicators, and the method includes the step of replacing the plurality of indicators with a single display. The display is configured for presenting an emulated view of the plurality of indicators. The next step of the method involves receiving status information for at least one indicator of the plurality of indicators from an existing logic associated with the plurality of indicators. The next step of the method is to display an emulated view of the plurality of indicators. The emulated view includes an icon associated with each indicator of the plurality of indicators, and each icon is placed in a similar geographical location as the associated indicator.