Abstract: The present invention relates to a gravity-box-based snack vending apparatus including a storage container for storing snacks and a delivery module. A bottom of the storage container is in communication with a material outlet of the delivery module. The delivery module includes a discharging apparatus housing and a transmission apparatus. The transmission apparatus includes a driving gear driven by an external force, a driven gear engaged with the driving gear, and a rotating wheel structure coaxially rotating with the driven gear. The rotating wheel structure includes a rotating shaft and blades mounted on the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft and the blades are provided across a material outlet. Granular materials fall on the blades, and two front and rear blades in a static state just block the material outlet.

Abstract: Techniques related to measuring a time-of-flight (ToF), comprising switching a first measuring station to a main operating mode, transmitting, by the first measuring station, a first ToF packet to a remote device, switching the first measuring station to a receive mode to receive a first ToF response packet from the remote device, receiving, by the first measuring station, the first ToF response packet, determining, a time interval between transmitting of the first ToF packet and receiving the first ToF response packet, receiving a plurality of time intervals from one or more other measuring stations, determining a ToF measurement based on the first time interval and the plurality of time intervals, switching the first measuring station to a secondary operating mode, and transmitting to a second measuring station, an indication to switch to the main operating mode.

Abstract: In order to more accurately ascertain the number of evacuees, a calculation device according to the present invention comprises: a communication means which transmits a response request to terminals in an evacuation shelter and which receives, from the terminals that have responded to the response request, signals in accordance with operations by users of the terminals; and a calculation means which calculates, as the number of evacuees in the evacuation shelter, the number of the terminals which have transmitted the signals.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for detecting an anomaly in a power network are described. A method for detecting an anomaly in a power network includes determining a baseline power usage in the power network, receiving data indicative of an active power usage in the power network, detecting an anomaly based on a difference between the baseline power usage and the active power usage, isolating a fault for an element in the power network, responsive to detecting the anomaly, and transmitting fault isolation information indicating the fault to a user device. Related devices and systems may perform operations of the method described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for determining a location of a wireless marker for a tumor, the apparatus comprising: a phased array antenna, and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to control the phased array antenna to transmit a wireless signal to the wireless marker, receive a wireless signal transmitted by the wireless marker in response to the transmitted wireless signal, and analyze the wireless signals transmitted and received by the phased array antenna to determine a location of the wireless marker.

Abstract: A system and method for inferring the presence of objects including the identification of an object at least one time and use other presence sensor(s) to confirm the tag or sensor is still in the area of interest even if the identification cannot be confirmed.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a wristband, including: a wristband material; an padding material; and at least two antennas, wherein the at least two antennas are located between the wristband material and the padding material; wherein the at least two antennas are located having a spacing between each of the at least two antennas with respect to another of the at least two antennas; wherein the wristband material, the padding material, and the at least two antennas are formed as a wearable wristband. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for detecting an anomaly in a power network are described. A method for detecting an anomaly in a power network includes determining a baseline power usage in the power network, receiving data indicative of an active power usage in the power network, detecting an anomaly based on a difference between the baseline power usage and the active power usage, isolating a fault for an element in the power network, responsive to detecting the anomaly, and transmitting fault isolation information indicating the fault to a user device. Related devices and systems may perform operations of the method described herein.

Abstract: A phytosanitary treatment blockchain is generated from automatically gathered phytosanitary treatment records. The phytosanitary treatment records are generated by matching authenticated treatment data with authenticated identification data. Matching may be based on geolocation, timestamps, or both. Authentication may be based on digital signatures using private key encryption. Separate treatment sensors and identification sensors automatically gather information about a phytosanitary treatment and the item being treated. The gathered information is encrypted and transmitted to blockchain members that perform authentication, matching, and generation of the phytosanitary treatment blockchain. A tracking code may be issued for each treatment. The tracking code is used to obtain an authentication of the treatment that indicates whether the treatment passed or failed.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable media for receiving a magnetic signal from a magnetic signal transmitter, determining a strength of the magnetic signal at the security tag, receiving a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogatory signal from a RFID scanner, and transmitting a RFID response signal, to the RFID scanner, indicating the strength of the magnetic signal.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a pick-up of an item and determining analytics based on the detected pick-up. The method includes receiving data packets from a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT) tags, wherein each of the IoT tags is attached to a product, extracting a frequency word from each of the plurality of IoT tags, analyzing each of the extracted frequency words to detect a pick-up event associated with each IoT tag, and determining analytics related to an interest in the product based on the detected pick-up events.

Abstract: A method of detecting phase loss of a three-phase AC power source includes steps of: acquiring any two line voltages of the AC power source with a first cycle period, acquiring a first digital signal and a second digital signal, performing an exclusive OR operation between the first digital signal and the second digital signal to generate a level signal, accumulating a high-level time count value, or accumulating a low-level time count value, resetting the low-level time count value when the high-level time count value is accumulated, or resetting the high-level time count value when the low-level time count value is accumulated, and determining that the AC power source occurs a phase-loss abnormality when the high-level time count value is greater than or equal to ? of the first cycle period or the low-level time count value is greater than or equal to ? of the first cycle period.

Abstract: A sensor device, monitoring device, and method for automatically matching the sensor device attached to an animal with an ID tag attached to the animal, wherein the monitoring device receives information related to the ID tag from an ID reader device and receives sensor device information from the sensor device, where the sensor device information includes a sensor device identity information and an indication that transmission of the sensor device information from the sensor device was triggered by an ID reader device, the ID tag and the sensor device being determined to be attached to the same animal based on time information associated with the information related to the ID tag and the sensor device information.

Abstract: A tracking and monitoring system and method includes a callback engine in communication with a plurality of GNSS-enabled ankle monitor bracelets via cellular/Wi-Fi internet service or SMS text service, depending on availability of services at each bracelet location. SMS text communication may be routed via a relay service. Bracelet straps form electrical circuits by which open, closed, cut, or shorted conditions are detected and relayed to the callback engine. Bracelets include components for detection of magnetic hacking, physical intrusion, software hacking, and GNSS spoofing. The callback engine may remotely update bracelet setting and cause playback of audio messages; bracelets confirm execution with the callback engine. Bracelets include advanced power saving circuitry and notify the callback engine of low battery levels.

Abstract: An electronic monitoring device and system uses a wearable monitoring device in conjunction with an associated smartphone's location services to track a person's location. Cameras or biometric sensors associated with the smartphone allow incremental responses to apparent violations by requiring the wearer to check-in using a photograph, biometric data, GPS location, and other relevant information. The system optimizes compliance by tracking KPIs and using predictive analytics to adjust compliance programs as they apply to client throughout the system.

Abstract: A signal transmission system with at least one signal encoder, a line, and a control and evaluation unit, wherein the signal encoder has an electronic unit and a power source, wherein the signal encoder feeds an imprinted current in the range between a preset first value and a preset second value into the line, in particular between 4 and 20 mA. The control and evaluation unit has a load and a microprocessor, and captures and evaluates a voltage that decreases via the load or a current that flows through the load. Additional information regarding the status of the components, can thus be captured and forwarded in a simple way, in that the load in the control and evaluation unit is connected in series to at least one electrical component at which a direct current appears when a current flows through the electrical component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system for programming wireless sensor tags, and such programmed wireless sensor tags. Embodiments of the method and apparatus can be utilized in food service operations, without utilizing a computing device or smartphone for programming the wireless sensor tag. Embodiments relate to a method and system for programming wireless temperature sensor tags, and such programmed wireless temperature sensor tags. Embodiments of the subject method use NFC-enabled cards with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology to quickly and simply program a wireless temperature sensor tag to read, collect, and report the temperature of a food item or ingredient. The use of this method enables food service operators, such as: quick-serve restaurants (QSRs), school cafeterias, and food service departments within supermarkets, to simplify the collection of temperature data within the retail space, as well as throughout the supply chain of products.

Abstract: A system and method that enable analysis and visualization of disparate data to provide actionable insight regarding a smart meter network are disclosed. In some implementations, smart meter grid dashboard functionality may provide an improved and integrated data view and enable dynamic investigations and actions based on smart meter analytics. A method of aggregating and displaying data relevant to operations of an AMI network may provide actionable insight into operation of the network, predict failures, and recommend remedial actions.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a test clock generation circuit, a test data generation circuit, and a control code generation circuit. The test clock generation circuit delays a clock signal based on a delay selection signal in a test mode to generate a test clock signal. The test data generation circuit delays data to generate test data. The control code generation circuit latches the test data based on the delay selection signal and the test clock signal to generate a control code.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the read range of an electronic communication module within a tire and methods for improving the read range of an electronic communication module within a tire are provided herein. As discussed further herein, the read range can be increased by applying strain to the tire without abrading its tread, resulting in an increase in read range of 20% or more. Similarly, the read range can be improved by applying strain to the tire without circumferentially contacting the outer surface of its tread, resulting in an increase in the same-distance-signal-strength of 5% or more. Also provided are tires made according to the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a bioreactor. More particularly, this invention relates to a process and apparatus for reading the characteristics of an industrial waste water stream and dosing amount of nutrients that play a key role to help the microorganisms in the bioreactor work efficiently to remove impurities from the industrial wastewater stream.

Abstract: Electronic systems are provided for secure actuation of a remote device such as a moveable barrier operator. The systems address the “man in the middle” problem of persons intercepting and duplicating radio frequency signals from a control device by introducing timing parameters into a bidirectional communication sequence between at least two devices.

Abstract: The invention refers to a transmitter for emitting at least one signal towards a receiver. A signal generator generates the signal such that the signal includes data content. The data content is modified using an identifier assigned to the transmitter or assigned to the receiver. The invention also refers to a receiver and corresponding methods.

Abstract: In a headlock system having a plurality of n headlock cells, each of the n cells being adapted to enclose at least one animal; n is an integer greater than 1; a system for locating the position of at least one animal, the system comprising: at least one identification means adapted to transmit at least one identification signal associated with said at least one animal; at least one locating means adapted to generate at least one location signal associated with said at least one animal; and, a data processing system in communication with said at least one identification means and said at least one locating means, adapted to analyze said signals, said analyzed signals comprising the position within a predetermined region in said headlock system of each of said at least one animals as a function of time.

Abstract: A method for automatic initiation of a vehicle function of a vehicle includes ascertaining a first location of an object at a first time in a surrounding area of the vehicle, and ascertaining a second location of the object at a second time in the surrounding area of the vehicle. The method also includes calculating a movement vector depending on the ascertained first location of the object at the first time and the ascertained second location of the object at the second time, determining a point of intersection between the movement vector and a virtual vehicle region, wherein the virtual vehicle region corresponds at least in part to a real vehicle region of the vehicle, and initiating a vehicle function of the vehicle in response to a point of intersection between the movement vector and a virtual vehicle region being present.

Abstract: Methods include receiving a request from a user device to download an application and providing access to the application in response to the request. The application is configured to transmit a first electromagnetic radiation and receive, from an electromagnetic state sensing device (EMSSD) that is affixed to product packaging, a first electromagnetic radiation return signal. The first electromagnetic radiation return signal is transduced by the EMSSD to produce an electromagnetic radiation signal that encodes first information comprising a product identification code.

Abstract: It is determined whether or not a cargo identifier (ID) transmitted from a cargo tag attached to a container has been detected by a first antenna provided in a fork, and a carrying-in source or a carrying-out destination of the cargo is determined according to a detection situation of the cargo ID.

Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include encoding, by a first computing device, a control message by generating a sequence of network link statuses, monitoring, by a second computing device, the sequence of network link statuses, decoding, by the second computing device, the sequence of network link statuses, and remediating the second computing device based on the control message. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor package in a refrigerator configured to provide information related to refrigerated food. The sensor package may include a body having a mark classified by a type of food allocated to the sensor package and indicating the type of food of a food to which the sensor package is coupled, a battery, an operation switch, a memory configured to store food information corresponding to the type of food corresponding to the mark, a sensor communication module that communicates with a display provided in the refrigerator, a sensing module that senses state information associated with the food, and a sensor control module that controls the sensor communication module to initiate communication between the sensor package and the display of the refrigerator based on the state information sensed by the sensing module.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems transmit a request to a destination site for information indicating whether or not each of a plurality of regions of a destination logical storage device is allocated. Each of the corresponding regions of a source logical storage device is determined to be either allocated or unallocated. The allocation information is received from the destination site. The allocation status of a first region of the plurality of regions of the source logical storage device and of a corresponding first region of the plurality of regions of the destination logical storage device is determined. The first region of the source logical storage device and the corresponding first region of the destination logical storage device are synchronized based upon the determined allocation status of the first region of the source logical storage device and determined allocation status of the corresponding first region of the destination logical storage.

Abstract: A method and system for the transmission of digital data (210) over existing analog radio frequencies (230) is presented, wherein the digital data may include audio data, visual data or audio-visual data for presentation either with analog broadcast data or at a selectable time. The digital data may be transmitted over a plurality of sub-channels that have varying degrees or reliability (250). A “quality-of-service” process manages the transmission of digital data over various sub-channels based on the reliability of the sub-channel, the amount of digital data and the type of digital data to be transmitted. The digital data may further be encrypted and authenticated.

Abstract: A building alarm system and automated door lock arranged to place the alarm system in an armed state when a door lock fails to engage to lock an associated door in a closed position. Activation of a single button by a user or use of specific code by a user to gain access to a building can cause the alarm system to automatically rearm and for door locks at the building to be locked after entry by the user. A first responder code can be used by first responder personnel to gain access to a building after an alarm system indicates an alarm state, e.g., that corresponds to an emergency condition.

Abstract: A coating system for applying a coating to a substrate that can be part of a wall assembly. The system includes a positioning stage and an end effector coupled at a distal end of the positioning stage, the end effector configured to apply coating to a target surface. The system can further include a computing device executing a computational planner that: generates instructions for driving the end effector and positioning stage to perform at least one coating task that includes applying coating, via the coating the end effector, to one or more substrate pieces, the generating based at least in part on obtained target surface data; and drives the end effector and positioning stage to perform the at least one coating task.

Abstract: A wireless sensor system includes a sensor tag configured to include a radio frequency tag and a communication device configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more sensor tags. Each of the sensor tags is configured to receive a measurement signal from one or more sensor circuits and stores identification information capable of being distinguished from other sensor tags. The communication device includes a transmission means configured to transmit a command signal to the one or more sensor tags and the command signal includes designation information for designating a sensor target serving as an object. Each of the sensor tags generates measurement data on the basis of the measurement signal if the designation information included in the command signal received from the communication device matches its own stored identification information and starts transmission of a response signal including the generated measurement data when a predetermined response start condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A tamper proof mobile tracking system that has a base unit that comprises of a base band transceiver, a GPS chip, a power supply, and a microprocessor that has an RFID interrogator. A locking unit, the locking unit comprises of a locking pin that powers an active RFID tag within the locking unit and that operatively connects to the base unit. A band, the band comprises of a active RFID tag and an embedded antenna that powers the active RFID tag when the base unit, the locking unit and the band are all operatively connected. And, a central unit that communicates with the base unit that tracks and detect faults associated with the base unit, the locking unit and the band when they are all operatively connected. The system is used by governmental entities to monitoring for the tampering of devices that are used by the system.

Abstract: Verifying eligibility of players attempting to participate in gaming events is disclosed. Communication objects having RFID tags and closed circuits are worn by players within a verification system. A casino desk, hotel concierge, or other entity can administer the system. These RFID tags are adapted to communicate with associated tracking units attached to gaming machines and other devices via radio waves. Each communication object is adapted to alter its communication pattern responsive to any break of its closed circuit. Communication objects may be bracelets, wristwatches or collars, such that object removal results in the closed circuit breaking, thereby disabling or de-authenticating the device. A communication object may emit a signal which can be tied to one of two or more accounts. One of the two accounts may be charged for a player transaction depending on the transaction nature. A server having a verification program and database may also be used.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) sensing device in an assembly is adapted to wirelessly communicate with a remote transceiver. The sensing device includes a substrate; an antenna disposed on the substrate; an electronic circuit disposed on the substrate and electrically coupled to the antenna; a heating element electrically coupled to the electronic circuit for heating a target area; and a sensing element thermally coupled to the heating element for sensing a temperature of the heating element. The RF sensing device is configured to wirelessly receive a power and provides the power to the heating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a navigation apparatus that is capable of switching between the display of a direction sign image and the display of an enlarged view of an intersection and reducing an erroneous recognition of a target intersection made by a driver. The navigation apparatus displays the direction sign image related to the target intersection when a distance between the host vehicle and an installation location of the direction sign is within a sign display distance. The navigation apparatus displays an intersection enlarged view of the target intersection when a distance between the host vehicle and the target intersection is within an enlarged view display distance, which is set shorter than the sign display distance.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic tamper detection device is provided, comprising a radio frequency antenna, a tamper loop, a power level determination unit and a tamper measurement unit, wherein: the power level determination unit is configured to determine a power level of the tamper detection device; the tamper measurement unit is configured to generate a measurement signal and to transmit said measurement signal through the tamper loop; the tamper measurement unit is further configured to adapt the measurement signal in dependence on the power level. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding tamper detection method is conceived. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions is provided.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and software are disclosed for reading RFID tags located in defined spatial locations. In one illustrative embodiment, a system can comprise a processor, a memory, and an RFID reading device including at least one radio frequency (RF) antenna. The system can be configured to read a first plurality of RFID tags attached to items disposed within a first spatial zone and read a second plurality of RFID tags attached to items disposed within a second spatial zone. The system can be further configured to produce a list of identifiers of RFID tags which belong to the second plurality of RFID tags and do not belong to the first plurality of RFID tags. In some embodiments, the system can be further configured, responsive to successfully decoding decodable indicia attached to an item, to match the item to an RFID tag belonging to the list.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for a machine and process that include a computer code specially programmed on a non-transitory medium to change an altitude, of an aircraft that remains certified for flight by a pilot, such that the aircraft contains an altimeter having a fixed altimeter setting. The computer code may be configured to: receive an assigned altitude and a barometric pressure for a location of the aircraft; determine a differential between a height above mean sea level indicated on an altimeter using the new barometric pressure for the location of the aircraft and a height above mean sea level indicated on an altimeter based upon the fixed altimeter setting; modify, based upon the differential, a flight planned altitude for the aircraft, to create a pilotless altitude; send the pilotless altitude to the aircraft; and fly the aircraft at the assigned altitude via commanding flight at the pilotless altitude.

Abstract: A method of operating a Near Field Communication (NFC) function in a portable terminal is provided. The method includes detecting an NFC tag during execution of a particular mode, comparing the NFC tag with preset lists, omitting a reading operation of the NFC tag if the NFC tag is an NFC tag which is included in a blocking list, and reading the NFC tag if the NFC tag is an NFC tag which is included in an application mapping list.

Abstract: A method including receiving, at a server, vessel AIS information, said AIS information including at least a vessel identifier and a vessel location. Querying a location data store in response to the vessel location, said location data store including port location information. Determining, in response to said querying, whether the vessel is in a port area or port approach area and iteratively receiving, additional AIS information which may be stored as structured data. And calculating port performance metrics in response to the location information, and transmitting those performance metrics through a network.

Abstract: A collar-mounted GPS and stimulation unit includes a body. Quick-mount retention clips extend from the superior and inferior lateral edges, bend in a 90 degree angle towards the center, and extend for a short distance before terminating. The preferred embodiment collar mounted GPS unit is preferably slightly wider than a standard nylon dog collar. The collar is made of a flexible material, such as nylon, leather and most other common collar materials, and can operatively be pinched to fit in between the quick-mount clips, then released to expand into normal shape within the space between the retention clips and the ends of the collar-mounted GPS and stimulation unit. A special stimulation unit is used in combination to protect the animal from harm.

Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag adapted to wirelessly communicate with a remote transceiver. The RFID tag includes a substrate; and first and second circuits disposed on the substrate and comprising respective first and second antennas magnetically coupled to one another. At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a RFID tag having a plurality of RF circuits, where each RF circuit is electronically coupled to a sensing element.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to an aircraft cabin LED lighting system and lighting assembly, in which each LED light is paired with and controlled by a separate microcontroller, which is individually addressable. In various embodiments, a lighting control device (e.g., a control panel for flight attendants) transmits pixel data to various lighting assemblies around the cabin. These lighting assemblies include the microcontroller-LED light pairs. Each LED light is multicolor and includes multiple LEDs (e.g., one for each color). The pixel data defines a color scheme and/or animation sequence. Each pixel maps to one of the microcontroller-LED pairs. The microcontroller controls the intensity of each LED of the LED light according to the pixel data it receives.

Abstract: Position and proximity detection systems and methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a computing device may include a processor configured to determine a position coordinate of a first movable device. Further, the processor is configured to determine whether the position coordinate of the first movable device is a predetermined distance from a second movable device. The processor is also configured to signal the second movable device in response to determining that the position coordinate of the first movable device is a predetermined distance from a second movable device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system embedded in an airplane comprising an electronic device intended to be inserted into a frame, a frame that can accommodate the electronic device, in which system the electronic device includes a radiofrequency tag reader, a radiofrequency tag, having a configuration information item, is fixed to the frame such that the radiofrequency tag reader can read the radiofrequency tag once the electronic device is inserted into the frame and the electronic device is adapted to, in a phase of configuration of the electronic device: read the configuration information item via the radiofrequency tag reader and determine a configuration of the electronic device as a function of the configuration information item read.

Abstract: Systems for switchable RFID tags responsive to an environmental sensor are provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a primary RFID tag and a secondary RFID tag, and a switch being associated with the primary RFID tag and the secondary RFID tag in a manner that the primary RFID tag and the secondary RFID tag are not activated at the same time. Each RFID tag may include an integrated circuit and an antenna. The system may also include at least two first electrical terminals electrically connecting the primary RFID tag to the switch, and at least two second electrical terminals electrically connecting the secondary RFID tag to the switch.

Abstract: An isolator circuit (25) for a unit of a safety system (10) includes a power control line (14) connectable to a first loop of a safety system and a power connection (16) connectable to a second loop of the safety system. A switch (26) is connected to the power control line (14), and the switch has a closed configuration and an open configuration. A controller (28) controls the configuration of the switch (26). If a voltage across the circuit (10) from the power connection (16) to the power control line (14) falls below a predetermined level, the controller (28) opens the switch (26), thereby causing a disconnection to occur in the first loop.