Abstract: A multiple-target vital sign detector includes a self-injection-locked oscillator (SILO), a chirp up/down converter, a frequency demodulator and a multiple-target vital sign processor. The chirp up/down converter performs conversion from an oscillation signal generated by the SILO to a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal to detect an area and from a received FMCW signal reflected from the area to an injection signal, while the SILO is injected with the injection signal to enter a self-injection-locked state. The locations and vital signs of multiple subjects are extracted from the oscillation signal using the frequency demodulator and the multiple-target vital sign processor. The objective of using the SILO is to improve the sensitivity of the FMCW detection process so as to more effectively distinguish the vital signs of multiple subjects at different locations.

Abstract: A passive wireless temperature sensor includes a radio frequency (RF) front end having a variable input impedance. The RF front end includes an antenna operable to receive an RF signal having a particular carrier frequency and a tuning circuit having a resonant frequency corresponding to the particular carrier frequency. The passive wireless temperature sensor further includes one or more temperature sensing elements coupled to the RF front end. When sensing a temperature, the one or more temperature sensing elements cause a change in the variable input impedance. The passive wireless temperature sensor further includes a processing module operably coupled to the RF front end operable to adjust the resonant frequency of the tuning circuit to compensate for the change in the variable input impedance and generate a coded value representative of the change. The coded value representative of the change corresponds to the sensed temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a temperature difference between the sides of a Thermo-Electric Generator (TEG) for generating electrical power are described. Water is used to saturate a wicking material in thermal communication with at least one thermal conductor, such as metal tubing or wires, whereby one side of the TEG is cooled by the reduction of heat caused by the evaporation of the liquid from the material, and transferred to the TEG by the at least one thermal conductor. The other side of the TEG is maintained in a dry condition, and exposed to ambient conditions, thereby remaining at ambient temperature and, as a result, containing more heat than the cooled side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, a gateway, a terminal, an adjustment system, and a storage medium are provided. The method may be applied to a gateway. The gateway may determine position information of at least one terminal through at least three ultra-wide band modules. The at least one terminal may be within a network coverage range of a gateway. The gateway may include the at least three ultra-wide band modules. The gateway may adjust a lobe direction of an antenna based on the position information of the at least one terminal to achieve shaped beam coverage for each terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting items of merchandise from theft. A merchandise security system and method according to the invention includes at least one tag and a plurality of nodes positioned within a display area. The plurality of nodes are operable for determining a location of the tag. The wireless beacon tracking system further includes a server operably associated with the plurality of nodes for receiving information related to the location of the tag.

Abstract: A system for protecting personal data contained on an RFID-enabled device, suitable for use with an RFID system including an RFID reader configured to extract information from an RFID chip associated with the RFID-enabled device, includes a personal data protection system including a personal data protection device configured to prevent reading of the RFID chip associated with an RFID-enabled personal item.

Abstract: A lock-state control system comprises a control arrangement, mobile devices, and lock assemblies. The control arrangement includes a status module, a locator module, a control module, and at least one processor configured to execute the modules. The devices each include a device module and a processor configured to execute the modules. The assemblies are adapted to move between locked and unlocked states as commanded by the control module in response to an event. The status module is configured to send a notification to each one of the devices upon the event, thereby initiating the device module to scan for advertisements transmitted by a each respective one of the assemblies when placed in one of the locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: Provided are an RFID tag information reading apparatus and method, including a signal management circuit, configured to output an operation frequency signal; a resonant circuit, configured to receive the operation frequency signal, adjust a capacitance value and an inductance value of the resonant circuit according to the operation frequency signal, so that the resonant circuit generates a resonance for generating a sine wave signal at a frequency point of the operation frequency signal, the resonant circuit is further configured to generate an electromagnetic wave from the sine wave signal, radiate the electromagnetic wave to a tag, and trigger the tag to return a tag identity signal; and a decoding identification circuit, configured to identify tag information according to the tag identity signal returned by the tag; where the signal management circuit is connected with the resonant circuit, and the resonant circuit is connected with the decoding identification circuit.

Abstract: Receivers are arranged to detect a corresponding observed phase shift, observed attenuation or other observed signal parameters for its respective microphone. An electronic data processor is adapted to estimate a distribution or quantity of material on the sieve based on the observed phase shift, the observed attenuation or the other observed signal parameters relative to a reference phase shift, a reference attenuation or other reference signal parameter. The operator can be alerted via a user interface if the material on the sieve is unevenly distributed or matches a preestablished distribution profile, or the sieve can be adjusted by an actuator to promote a generally uniform distribution.

Abstract: A security system includes a security system controller and a plurality of security sensors that are operably coupled with the security system controller. The security system includes a plurality of configuration settings that define when particular alarms are to be issued by the security system based at least in part on events that are detected by the security sensors. The security system controller receives each of the events detected by the security sensors. The security system controller stores event data that includes an event type, a time value indicating when the event occurred, and an identifier of the security sensor that detected the event. The security system controller analyzes the stored event data to identify and output one or more changes to one or more of the plurality of configuration settings in order to reduce false alarms issued by a security system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for responding to an Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) alarm's issuance. The methods involve: receiving, by a mobile device, a short range communication signal from a fixed device located in proximity to EAS equipment issuing the EAS alarm; automatically transitioning an operational mode of the mobile device from a first operational mode in which alarm response functions are disabled to a second operational mode in which alarm response functions are enabled, in response to the short range communication signal's reception; receiving, by the mobile device, a user input for inputting a reason code specifying a reason for the EAS alarm's issuance; and communicating the reason code from the mobile device to an external device for causing a deactivation of the EAS alarm's issuance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the provision of a procedure based upon automated determination of a location of agents and equipment during a procedure and quantifying conditions in an environment via automated sensors. The present invention provides apparatus and methods for wireless designation of a position of health care providers and equipment relative to each other based upon wireless communications amongst multiple wireless transceivers combined with ongoing monitoring of conditions present in a facility. The transceivers may be portions of nodes and nodes may form self-verifying arrays. A user interface may provide a augmented reality view of positions of all or some the providers and equipment and condition quantifying sensors.

Abstract: A method of operating an autonomous shuttle includes attempting to recognize a guideline based on a route recognition device of the autonomous shuttle, transmitting an additional information request message to first nodes located within a predetermined range from the autonomous shuttle when failing to recognize the guideline, receiving a response message to the additional information request message from the first nodes, and driving along the guideline based on the received response message.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to merchandise security systems and methods for displaying and protecting items of merchandise from theft. A merchandise security system and method according to the invention includes at least one tag and a plurality of nodes positioned within a display area. The plurality of nodes are operable for determining a location of the tag. The wireless beacon tracking system further includes a server operably associated with the plurality of nodes for receiving information related to the location of the tag.

Abstract: Aspects and features of this disclosure include a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna multiplexer. An RFID reader and an RFID system using the RFID antenna multiplexer are also disclosed. The multiplexer includes multiple output ports. Each of at least some of the output ports is connectable to an antenna or another device. In some aspects, a logic circuit in the multiplexer is configured to cause a radio frequency (RF) switch to select an output port from the multiple output ports to connect to the input port based upon a reduction in RF power at the input port. In some aspects, the multiplexer includes an energy harvester connected to the input port to harvest signal energy from the RFID reader and a storage device connected to the energy harvester to store the signal energy and supply power to the multiplexer using the signal energy.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. An access point (AP) may identify a sequence of on symbols and off symbols for transmission to a wake-up radio (WUR) of a wireless device. The AP may assign a modulation symbol from a set of possible modulation symbol waveforms to at least each on symbol in the sequence. The modulation symbol waveforms may be assigned to sequential on symbols in a random or pseudorandom order, e.g., by applying a random phase rotation to a stored modulation symbol waveform, by applying a random cyclic shift to a stored modulation symbol waveform, or by applying a random or pseudorandom phase-shift keying value to each subcarrier in a multicarrier system to generate a modulation symbol waveform. The AP may transmit the sequence to the WUR based at least in part on the assigned modulation symbol waveforms.

Abstract: Techniques and methods for security vehicle systems. For instance, a control system may receive a reported location of a vehicle. The control system may then receive sensor data generated by the vehicle. After receiving the sensor data, the control system may analyze the sensor data with respect to additional data associated with the reported location. The additional data may include map data representing the reported location and/or additional sensor data received from another vehicle or user device. The control system may determine whether the vehicle is at the reported location. If the control system determines that the vehicle is at the reported location, the control system may determine that the vehicle is not compromised. However, if the control system determines that the vehicle is not at the reported location, the control system may determine that the vehicle is compromised and may then perform one or more remedial actions.

Abstract: A communication system includes a passive wireless sensor and a sensor computing device. The passive wireless sensor is operable to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal including a carrier frequency signal and a modulated sense request signal, generate a power supply voltage, determine received signal strength (RSSI) of the RF signal, and determine whether the RSSI is at a desired level. When the RSSI is at a desired level, the passive wireless sensor generates a response RF signal including the carrier frequency and a coded sense response signal representative of a sensed environmental condition. The sensed environmental condition affects impedance of a front-end of the passive wireless sensor to produce an affected impedance. The passive wireless sensor generates the coded sense response signal based on tuning the affected impedance to resonate with the carrier frequency signal.

Abstract: A position determination apparatus includes a memory and a hardware processor coupled to the memory. The hardware processor: determines position information on one or more wireless communication devices being located within a target region; judges position movement of the one or more wireless communication devices based on the position information; and transmits, to the wireless communication device whose position movement has been judged to be absent, a decrease instruction signal that causes the wireless communication device to decrease a communication frequency of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A computer device, associated with a base station, may include a memory storing instructions and processor configured to execute the instructions to determine at least one of a channel quality variation or beam switching request frequency for a user equipment (UE) device communicating with the base station via wireless signals and determine a speed and direction of movement of the UE device based on the determined at least one of the channel quality variation or beam switching request frequency. The processor may be further configured to select an antenna beam pattern for the UE device based on the determined speed and direction of movement of the UE device and adjust an antenna beam associated with the UE device based on the selected antenna beam pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an access control apparatus for a barrier movement system that moves a barrier. The access control apparatus includes a near field communications (NFC) module, a radiofrequency (RF) module, and a controller coupled to the NFC module and RF module. The controller is configured to read an NFC signal from an authenticated external device, via the NFC module. In response to reading the NFC signal, the controller transmits a command signal, via the RF module, that commands the barrier movement system to move the barrier.

Abstract: There is provided a storage apparatus including a storage case which stores a specimen container accommodating a specimen inside and having a wireless tag recorded with identification information on a side surface, and an antenna surrounding the periphery of the specimen container stored in the storage case.

Abstract: Method and system for calibrating a tag location system comprising the steps of placing one or more test radio frequency RF, communication circuits at known locations within a space to be calibrated. Receiving a signal from each one of the test RF communication circuit. Determining a property of each received signal, wherein the determined property is associated with the known location of the test RF communication circuit that generated the signal. Generating a model of the calibrated space from the determined properties of the each received signal and associated known locations, wherein the model provides an output indicating the location of a signal-producing tag based on signals received from the test RF communication circuits and associated known locations.

Abstract: An adapter assembly is provided and includes a housing for connection with a surgical device and for operative communication with at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an outer tube having a proximal end supported by the housing and a distal end for connection with a selected end effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; and a circuit board supported in the housing and storing at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information which are unique to the adapter assembly.

Abstract: A shovel management apparatus includes a temporary storing part and an abnormality information storing part. The temporary storing part temporarily stores detection information containing an operation input amount detected by an input amount detecting part of a shovel and physical amounts detected by a plurality of sensors in the shovel. The abnormality information storing part stores abnormality information. A controller performs an abnormality determination based on the detection information. The controller transfers, when an occurrence of an abnormality is determined at a first time, the detection information as the abnormality information, which is stored in a time period from a second time earlier than the first time to at least the first time, from the temporary storing part to the abnormality information storing part.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus and an electronic apparatus are provided. The electronic apparatus includes the antenna apparatus. The antenna apparatus includes a radiator, a first and a second impedance control circuit. The radiator receives and transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal. The first impedance control circuit is electrically connected to the radiator and transmits the RF signal. The second impedance control circuit includes an impedance matching circuit and an inductor. The first end of the impedance matching circuit is electrically connected to the radiator. The impedance matching circuit adjusts the impedance matching of the radiator and transmits a sensing signal. The inductor is electrically connected to the second end of the impedance matching circuit. The inductor transmits a sensing signal, and blocks the RF signal. Accordingly, the structures of the antenna and the circuit can be simplified, and the influence between the RF signal and the sensing signal can be reduced.

Abstract: A device comprising: a radio frequency (RF) coupler comprising input, output, and coupled ports; an antenna capable of receiving RF signals having a first characteristic and transmitting RF signals having a second characteristic, the antenna connected to the RF coupler to provide received RF signals to the input port of the RF coupler and transmit RF signals received at the input port via coupling to signals received at the coupled port; and signal transformation circuitry having an input connected to the output port of the RF coupler to receive RF signals provided by the antenna to the input port and an output connected to the coupled port, the signal transformation circuitry configured to transform first RF signals having the first characteristic received from the output port to second RF signals having the second characteristic and to provide them to the coupled port.

Abstract: A wireless card reader system includes: a card reader terminal that is battery-driven and obtains card data for verification; a high-order host apparatus that verifies the card data, changes an operating state of a target device when a verification result is successful, and sends the verification result; and an interface apparatus that relays communication between the card reader terminal and the high-order host apparatus. The card reader terminal is operable in a normal mode or in a sleep mode. The card reader terminal switches to the sleep mode after sending the card data in the normal mode. The card reader terminal temporarily returns from the sleep mode to the normal mode to perform polling to the interface apparatus, and obtains the verification result. The polling is performed less frequently in a period before a state change than in a period after the state change.

Abstract: A method includes a computing device transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal to a passive wireless sensor. The RF signal includes a carrier frequency signal and a modulated sense request signal. The method further includes, in response to the modulated sense request signal, receiving, by the computing device, a response RF signal that includes the carrier frequency signal and a coded sense response signal from the passive wireless sensor. The coded sense response signal is representative of a sensed environmental condition by the passive wireless sensor. The method further includes generating, by the computing device, an environmental condition value based on the coded sense response signal and an environmental conversion information.

Abstract: In embodiments, a method of detecting a transmitting device within an obstruction rich environment is disclosed. The method may involve detecting the transmitting device with a wireless transmission detection facility; communicating signal information relating to the detected transmitting device from the wireless transmission detection facility to a central unit; determining the location of the transmitting device; displaying information of the detection and location of the transmitting device through a user interface; and providing an action facility for causing actions related to the detected transmitting device.

Abstract: A system is provided for wirelessly locating objects. The system has a transceiver unit with an antenna array of two partially overlapping coils, which is used in combination with a passive electromagnetic reflector to track or locate the objects. The system is tuned to reflect and receive higher order harmonics of a transmitted signal frequency. The system is reliable in a highly reflective environment with no placement error detection due to reflections. A relatively large distance can be bridged with a minimum power and a small sensitive area to detect the coils, which increase the accuracy to determine the location of the electromagnetic reflector.

Abstract: An apparatus for disruptive flexible geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite constellation system includes an electronic steering array (ESA) including multiple antenna elements, a number of frequency converters coupled to the ESA, and a digital control unit to provide frequency and gain control commands to the frequency converters. Each frequency converter is coupled to an antenna element of the ESA and forms an independent payload path. A payload path is configurable to support a communication beam-pair consisting of a transmit (TX) beam and a receive (RX) beam. Each frequency converter is configured to couple the TX beam to the RX beam and to adjust a channel frequency and a gain of a respective optical communication beam independently using the frequency and gain control commands.

Abstract: Operational data generated and used in a vehicle to control various vehicular systems is temporarily stored in a data buffer in the vehicle. A processor in the vehicle is configured to detect anomalous conditions, which can be based on predefined fault codes or user defined conditions (based on a single parameter or a combination of parameters). Whenever such an anomaly is detected, a diagnostic log is conveyed from the vehicle to a remote location. Such a log will include the detected anomaly, and buffered operational data. In at least one embodiment, the diagnostic log includes buffered operational data collected both before and after the anomaly. The diagnostic log is analyzed at the remote location to diagnose the cause of the anomalous condition, so a decision can be made as to whether the vehicle requires immediate repair, or whether the repair can be scheduled at a later time.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring objects being placed onto a plurality of pallets. A controller is configured to analyze images captured by the plurality of camera devices to determine when a first object is placed onto a first one of the plurality of pallets. Upon determining that the first object has been placed onto the first pallet, the controller can determine a first identifier corresponding to the first object using the RFID reader corresponding to the first pallet and can determine an intended pallet corresponding to the first object. Upon determining that the first pallet onto which the first object was placed is not the intended pallet for the first object, the user is notified using the feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A device includes a near field communication (NFC) module for generating an electromagnetic carrier signal and modulating the carrier signal according to data to be transmitted, and an antenna coupled to and driven by the NFC module with the modulated carrier signal. The device includes an analog front end coupled between the NFC module and the antenna. The device further includes a digital gain control (DGC) block for controlling gains in a first and second baseband amplifiers (BBAs). The DGC block includes a first clipping detector for correlating in-phase input signals with a subcarrier pattern and a second clipping detector for correlating quadrature input signals with the subcarrier pattern, and further includes a signal energy correction block adapted to output a number of correction ticks for a numerically controlled oscillator (NCO) based on a number of gain updates performed for the first or the second BBAs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided using RFID devices to assist in determining an open status of a container. For example, a first RFID tag is fixed to a first portion of the container and a second RFID tag is fixed to a second portion of the container. Upon a user action to at least partially open the container, the first and second portions will move relative to each other, such that one or more of the RFID tags will no longer be readable by the RFID-tag reader or will now be readable by the reader. The reading or cessation of reading of one or more RFID tags indicates at least one open status of the container. In some embodiments, the open status is at least one of an unsealing confirmation, an open motion initiation status, an open motion confirmation, a partial open status and a fully open status.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating assay information with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system includes a reader adapted to read/erase/write information from/to an assay consumable identifier associated with the assay consumable. Various types of assay information are described, as well as methods of using such information in the conduct of an assay by an assay system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising beads with unique identifiers for storing information about a multiplex assay as well as methods for using the same in multiplex chemical and biological assays.

Abstract: An interrogator, methods of discerning the presence of an object, and interrogation systems employing the same. In one embodiment, the interrogation systems include multiple interrogators that communicate with a base command unit to track a location of an object. In another embodiment wherein the object is an RFID object (e.g., an object with an RFID tag), the interrogators employ signal processing techniques such as precharging the RFID object, and correlating a reference code with a reply code from the RFID object using selected techniques to increase a sensitivity of the interrogator, especially for adverse environments. In other embodiments, the interrogation systems include variations of metal instruments and sponges employed therewith. In yet another embodiment, the interrogation system includes metal interrogators capable of discerning the presence of a metal object, especially in a presence of another metal object.

Abstract: A contactless component, connected to an antenna, includes a plurality of terminals and a first, second, third, and fourth plurality of switchable auxiliary capacitors. The plurality of terminals include a first output terminal, a second output terminal, a first auxiliary terminal, and a second auxiliary terminal. Each of the first plurality of switchable auxiliary capacitors is connected between the first auxiliary terminal and the first output terminal. Each of the second plurality of switchable auxiliary capacitors is coupled between the first auxiliary terminal and a neutral point. Each of the third plurality of switchable auxiliary capacitors is coupled between the second auxiliary terminal and the second output terminal of the contactless component. Each of the fourth plurality of switchable auxiliary capacitors is coupled between the second auxiliary terminal and the neutral point.

Abstract: A system, computer program product, and computer-executable method for managing data from an Internet of Things (IoT) Device, the system, computer program product, and computer-executable method comprising receiving data from the IoT Device, analyzing the data using an analytic filter, and updating a mobile device based on the analyzing.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for operating a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling are described. In an embodiment, a method for operating a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling involves obtaining transmission output power information related to the communications device and measuring a detuning condition based on the transmission output power information. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a contactless communication device includes an antenna, and a driving stage having a power supply terminal configured to receive a power supply voltage, where the driving stage is configured to deliver a current to the antenna. The device further includes a monitoring circuit configured to monitor the power transmitted by the antenna. The monitoring circuit is configured, in the presence of a request for a reduction in a current level of transmitted power, to reduce the power supply voltage of the driving stage down to a target value corresponding to a new level of the transmitted power less than the current level.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for convenient management of animals within a rodent containment cage system that includes labeling components, receiving data, associating the data, reporting the data and/or associations and locating components within the cage system. The management of the system may be self-contained, networked through a controller, local server and/or main server.

Abstract: Various example embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for providing a service based on context information in an electronic device. In this case, a portable electronic apparatus may include a communication module, an air pressure sensor configured to measure air pressure, a processor electrically coupled to the communication module and the air pressure sensor, and a memory electrically coupled to the processor.

Abstract: A system for changing a network password includes a first lighting device to wirelessly connect to a second lighting device on a first wireless network having a first network identification. The first network identification is a network password of the first wireless device. The system further includes a password recovery device, wherein, in response to detecting a power cycling sequence of power provided to the first lighting device, the first lighting device is to attempt to wirelessly connect to the password recovery device over a recovery wireless network having a recovery network identification before attempting to connect to the second lighting device over the first wireless network. The recovery network identification is a network password of the recovery wireless network. The password recovery device includes a software user interface for changing the first network identification stored in the first lighting device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is one that performs radio communication with an external apparatus and includes a processing circuit, a diagnostic circuit configured to perform a diagnosis of the processing circuit according to a plurality of diagnostic items and a charging circuit configured to store charge for causing the diagnostic circuit to operate, during a period of performing radio communication, in which the diagnostic circuit is configured to perform the diagnosis on a first subset of the plurality of diagnostic items by using the charge stored in the charging circuit during a first period of not performing radio communication.

Abstract: A near field communication device includes an amplifier that amplifies a signal received through an antenna and outputs the signal as an amplified receive signal, a gain control block that adjusts a gain of the amplifier based on a level of a noise included in the amplified receive signal during a noise reception sequence, and a data determination block that determines a noise threshold voltage based on the level of the noise of the amplified receive signal after the gain is completely adjusted and determines data from the amplified receive signal by using the noise threshold voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for location estimation and tracking for passive RFID and wireless sensor networks in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a process for obtaining location information using an RFID reader system includes transmitting a combined interrogation and ranging signal from a plurality of antennas, where the ranging signal is a pseudorandom signal, receiving a backscattered return signal from an RFID tag at one or more receive antennas, extracting an information signal from the return signal and decoding the information signal to obtain RFID tag data, extracting a received ranging signal from the return signal, and estimating a range to the RFID tag based upon correlation between the ranging signal and the received ranging signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided using RFID devices to assist in determining an open status of a container. For example, a first RFID tag is fixed to a first portion of the container and a second RFID tag is fixed to a second portion of the container. Upon a user action to at least partially open the container, the first and second portions will move relative to each other, such that one or more of the RFID tags will no longer be readable by the RFID-tag reader or will now be readable by the reader. The reading or cessation of reading of one or more RFID tags indicates at least one open status of the container. In some embodiments, the open status is at least one of an unsealing confirmation, an open motion initiation status, an open motion confirmation, a partial open status and a fully open status.