Abstract: The invention relates to a luminaire network, comprising a plurality of luminaires comprising a lighting apparatus, wherein a plurality of the luminaires comprise a communication unit configured to enable communication of data between said plurality of luminaires and/or with a central unit; a processing unit; a control unit configured to control the lighting apparatus as well as the communication and processing units and at least one first sensor configured to output first sensed data. The processing unit of the luminaire is configured to process the first sensed data to produce first processed data, and the luminaire network is further configured such that the first processed data of at least two luminaires is further processed to produce second processed data. The invention further relates to a method of processing sensor data in a luminaire network.

Abstract: A method, system and product for identifying spoofed maritime signals based on receiving reception stations. The method comprises obtaining one or more location-reporting signals of a maritime vessel, wherein the one or more location-reporting signals comprise one or more respective sets of geographical coordinates, each of which having a timestamp. The method further comprises determining that the one or more location-reporting signals are at least partially fabricated. The determination comprises: identifying a station that received the one or more location-reporting signals, wherein the station having a reception polygon; and determining that at least one set of geographical coordinates indicated by the one or more location-reporting signals is fabricated based on the reception polygon of the station. The method further comprises performing a responsive action.

Abstract: An onboard relay apparatus, connected to a plurality of onboard devices and relays communication to the onboard devices, is provided on a roof and includes a branch line connector connected to an onboard load; a main line connector connected to a power supply apparatus supplies power and a second onboard relay apparatus, which are included in the plurality of onboard loads, provided in an area other than the roof via a power line and a communication line provided on a pillar of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to control power supplied from the power supply apparatus via a power line provided on the pillar and distributed to the onboard load via one of a plurality of power lines provided on the roof and controls relaying communication to the onboard load and the second onboard relay apparatus.

Abstract: A data sensing circuit including a reference signal circuit, a reference signal combining circuit, drive-sense circuits, an array of sensors, sets of digital filters, and a processing module. The processing module provides a reference control signal to the reference signal circuit operable to generate a plurality of reference signals based on the reference control signal. The reference signal combining circuit transmits sets of reference signals to the drive-sense circuits operably coupled to an array of sensor. When the sensor is exposed to a condition, and is receiving the signal from the drive-sense circuits, an electrical characteristic of the sensor affects the signal, which is interpreted by the drive-sense circuit and converted to a digital signal to be filtered by the set of digital filters generating a frequency response for the array of sensors.

Abstract: Provided is a wireless communication system in which a first wireless device and a second wireless device intermittently perform wireless communication, in which the first wireless device repeatedly transmits an activation signal for activating the second wireless device at a first cycle until receiving a response signal from the second wireless device, the second wireless device repeatedly executes detection processing of the activation signal at a second cycle that is longer than the first cycle, receives, when a part of the activation signal is detected in the detection processing, the activation signal, transmits, when the activation signal is addressed to the second wireless device itself, the response signal to the first wireless device, the first wireless device transmits, when the response signal is received, data to the second wireless device, and the second wireless device receives, after transmitting the response signal, the data from the first wireless device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control apparatus which can remotely control multiple devices. A remote control apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a key input unit having multiple keys; a reception unit for receiving at least one device identification signal from at least one device or a transmission device corresponding to the device; a processor for detecting an identification signal for a device, which can be remotely controlled, from the at least one received device identification signal, and matching at least one of the multiple keys to a control command for the remote control of the device, on the basis of the detected identification signal; and a transmission unit for transmitting a signal corresponding to the control command when the key matched to the control command is selected. Accordingly, the present invention can remotely control multiple devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe a battery-free touch sensing user interface (UI) for Internet of Things (IoT) and other smart spaces employing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers and tags that we call RIO. With RIO, any surface may be a touch-aware surface by attaching RFID tag(s) thereto. RIO advantageously supports custom-designed RFID tags and therefore facilitates customized UIs to be easily deployed in a real-world environment. RIO employs impedance tracking that results from a human finger—or other appendage—touching a surface of an RFID tag, thereby changing a characteristic impedance of the RFID tag antenna. This change manifests as a change in the phase of the RFID backscattered signal and is advantageously used by RIO to track fine-grained touch movement over the RFID tag. Disclosed further are multi-tag environments in which RIO operates and demonstrations including continuous tracking of finger movement during a swipe to within 3 mm of its actual position.

Abstract: A method of charging a light bulb is disclosed. A processor within the light bulb detects a state-of-charge of the battery and if it is below a predetermined dynamic battery state-of-charge threshold then the transceiver sends a wireless signal from the light bulb to a remote light switch with instructions to supply power to the light bulb. The predetermined dynamic battery state-of-charge threshold may be determined based on historical light use data during an on-peak energy time period. The predetermined dynamic threshold allows a battery in the light bulb to supply energy to the light bulb during on-peak hours and recharge during off-peak hours.

Abstract: Electric power is transferred between an AC voltage grid and a DC voltage grid in the high-voltage range. Phase modules have at least one common DC voltage connection and separate AC voltage connections. A phase module branch between the DC voltage connection and each AC voltage connection has a series circuit of two-pole sub-modules, each with an energy storage device and a power semiconductor circuit in parallel with the energy storage device. The power semiconductor circuit is driven to generate either the voltage drop across the energy storage device or else a zero voltage at the two sub-module connection terminals. A converter transformer has a primary side on an AC voltage grid and a secondary side connected to the AC voltage connections. Improved protection against overloading is provided by at least one surge arrester between the or one of the common DC voltage connections and the inverter neutral point.

Abstract: A sensor module includes a sensor element set up to output a sensor signal, an A/D converter connected to the sensor element, a signal transmission unit connected to the A/D converter and set up for the transmission of a sensor signal converted by the A/D converter, and a supply signal tap at which an unconverted supply signal that represents a supply voltage or a supply current of the sensor module is present. An input of the A/D converter is connected to the supply signal tap. The unconverted supply signal that represents a supply voltage or a supply current of the sensor module is converted into a converted supply signal by the A/D converter that converts the sensor signal.

Abstract: A system for event triggering comprises an interface and a processor. An interface configured to receive a face tracking data and receive a sensor data. The processor configured to determine a degree of drowsiness based at least in part on the face tracking data and the sensor data; in the event that the degree of drowsiness is greater than a first threshold, capture data; and in the event that the degree of drowsiness is greater than a second threshold, provide a warning.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for transmitting data to a data accumulation apparatus via a relay apparatus detects, by communication with the relay apparatus, which is the relay function used by the relay apparatus to operate, a proxy relay function of temporarily holding and proxy-transmitting the data and a transparent relay function of transparently transmitting the data without holding. The communication apparatus transmits the data based on the detected relay function. When the data is being transmitted using the relay apparatus operating by the transparent relay function, and a disconnection notification representing disconnection of communication between the relay apparatus and the data accumulation apparatus is received from the relay apparatus, the data transmission is immediately stopped. When the data is being transmitted using the relay apparatus operating by the proxy relay function, the data transmission is continued.

Abstract: A bend sensor for use in wirelessly sensing an amount of bend of a joint or other monitored object. The sensor includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna and an integrated circuit linked to the antenna. The integrated circuit or chip is passive and responds to, or is powered by, a read signal received by the antenna to transmit a reflected signal via the antenna such as to an RFID reader. The sensor also includes a transducer linked to the integrated circuit. The transducer defines reflecting impedance, which modulates amplitude and phase of the reflected signal. The transducer has impedance varying with deformation or bend. In one example, the transducer includes an upper conductor, and the amount of the deformation is defined by a bend radius of the upper conductor. The read signal may be at 5 GHz or higher such with the antenna and the transducer being microwave structures.

Abstract: A first node including a physical layer device, a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The first transceiver includes a first analog front end connected to a first transmission line. The first analog front end is configured to transfer first data between the physical layer device and a second node via the first transmission line. The second transceiver includes a second analog front end connected to a second transmission line. The second analog front end is configured to transfer second data between the physical layer device and a third node via the second transmission line. A first type of the second transmission line is different than a second type of the first transmission line. The first node is configured to perform as a repeater using data repeating functions at a link layer control level.

Abstract: A wireless node that bridges a wireless communications gap between a first wireless device, such as a smart meter, and a wireless network, such as a smart grid network, by repeating wireless communications received by the wireless node. The wireless node is integrated with another powered device common to buildings to provide a clandestine improvement to wireless communications. Additionally, the wireless node may effect testing of the powered device and provide results of the test wirelessly to remote devices. The wireless node may take the form of an exit sign, an emergency light, a speaker, and a combination of one or more of these devices. The wireless node may also track power consumption of the repeater portion of the wireless node to provide billing credit to power consumers.

Abstract: A communication control method and system for controlling communication among multiple industrial control systems connected via a network. The communication control system includes: a communication relay apparatus for relaying communication between at least two of multiple industrial control systems; a monitoring section for monitoring the multiple industrial control systems; and a control section for switching, if the monitoring section detects an anomaly from at least one of the multiple industrial control systems, communication between an industrial control system detected with an anomaly and a second industrial control system so that the communication is performed via the communication relay apparatus.

Abstract: The present method enables an RFID repeater to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag to allow data in the RFID tag to be read using wireless packet switched technologies. For example, the present method enables an RFID repeater to be coupled with an RFID tag. The RFID repeater reads and records the data from the RFID tag and then transmits the retrieved data from the RFID tag over a wireless packet network.

Abstract: A relay device for relaying wireless communication between a transmission device and a reception device includes a buffer configured to temporarily store first data that is a relay object so that the first data is retransmitted to the reception device, a buffer control unit configured to restrict the first data from being stored in the buffer when, based on information acquired using a signal fed back from the reception device, it is determined that a chance of retransmitting the first data is low, and a retransmission request unit configured to request the transmission device to retransmit the first data when the first data is not stored in the buffer and the first data is to be retransmitted to the reception device.

Abstract: A method for granting access to restricted areas such as computers, doors, vehicles, or other areas to which access by a user is controlled. An access code is transmitted from a central computer via radio waves to a user's radio terminal, such as a mobile telephone. The radio terminal transmits the access code over a short-range radio link to a communication device at the restricted area. The communication device transmits the access code to the central computer, which compares the received code with the code that the computer transmitted to the radio terminal to determine whether access should be granted.

Abstract: Several embodiments provide methods and apparatus to improve communications between an RFID reader and one or more RFID tags. In one implementation, an apparatus comprises a first antenna configured to communicate with a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader; a second antenna separate from said first antenna, and configured to communicate with at least one RFID tag; and structure electrically coupling said first and second antennas.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for improving communications among battery operated network endpoints and a central facility. A battery operated endpoint may determine its remaining battery capacity and decide whether is it able to provide message repeating services to other endpoints within the network. The endpoint may make such decision based also on it own communications reliability to a central facility either directly or via other endpoints operating as repeaters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving RFID tag reading. The apparatus includes a substrate element having a predetermined active area, and a plurality of resonant elements each having a resonant frequency, a quality factor, and a response band. The resonant elements are distributed within the predetermined active area of the substrate element for scattering interrogation electromagnetic waves radiated thereupon from the RFID reader. At least one resonant element has a null-direction thereof orientated in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a line extending from a center of the resonant element to a center of an antenna of the RFID reader.

Abstract: A communication control method and system for controlling communication among multiple industrial control systems connected via a network. The communication control system includes: a communication relay apparatus for relaying communication between at least two of multiple industrial control systems; a monitoring section for monitoring the multiple industrial control systems; and a control section for switching, if the monitoring section detects an anomaly from at least one of the multiple industrial control systems, communication between an industrial control system detected with an anomaly and a second industrial control system so that the communication is performed via the communication relay apparatus.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention is directed to a communications adapter for coupling between a power adapter and a laptop computer. The communications adapter includes a first connector adapted to couple to the power adapter to receive DC power, and a second connector adapted to couple to a laptop computer. The communications adapter further includes a communications circuit constructed and arranged to receive signals from the laptop computer through the second connector and to provide signals to the laptop computer in response.

Abstract: A radio frequency tag for a radio frequency identification system is provided that includes an antenna and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The receiver receives and demodulates a message received on at least one frequency. A retransmit controller receives the message, determines a retransmit status for the message, and if the retransmit status is positive, initiates retransmission of the message for reception by another radio tag.

Abstract: A single communication interface for controlling multiple smart appliances. The communication interface can be integral with an appliance and have a port for communicating with at least one other appliance or energy consuming devices. The communication interface can be a separate module connectable to a plurality of appliance or energy consuming devices. A wireless or wired connection can be established between the communication module and an energy management device for controlling the smart appliances or energy consuming devices connected to the communication module. One or more of the appliances or energy consuming devices can be wirelessly connected to the communication interface.

Abstract: A communication apparatus for transmitting data to a data accumulation apparatus via a relay apparatus detects, by communication with the relay apparatus, which is the relay function used by the relay apparatus to operate, a proxy relay function of temporarily holding and proxy-transmitting the data and a transparent relay function of transparently transmitting the data without holding. The communication apparatus transmits the data based on the detected relay function. When the data is being transmitted using the relay apparatus operating by the transparent relay function, and a disconnection notification representing disconnection of communication between the relay apparatus and the data accumulation apparatus is received from the relay apparatus, the data transmission is immediately stopped. When the data is being transmitted using the relay apparatus operating by the proxy relay function, the data transmission is continued.

Abstract: Methods and systems for allocating bandwidth and performing soft handoffs in multi-hop cellular communication networks are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns analog signal repeater system solutions of the general kind. It concerns in particular stability with analog signal repeater systems.

Abstract: A signal relay device, a communication network system and an operation system include: a standardized logic interface conversion unit for judging a control system type or a device type and converting a signal to a signal appropriate for a communication network; or a device side logic interface conversion unit for converting a signal from the communication network to a signal appropriate for the control system type or the device type. An operation monitoring station includes a an advanced control block for the control system or the device and transmits a control signal to the communication network.

Abstract: A system and method for testing the integrity of a vehicle testing/diagnostic system is provided. Examples of vehicle testing/diagnostic systems may include any equipment (portable or stationary) found in an automotive maintenance and/or testing environment (or other environment) that is capable of communicating with vehicle on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems. Prior to conducting an OBD test on one or more vehicles, an integrity testing system interfaces with a vehicle testing/diagnostic system to determine whether the vehicle testing/diagnostic system is capable of communicating via one or more predetermined communications protocols.

Abstract: A device for waking users of a bus system, wherein a detection means, in particular a counter, is provided, which detects at least one predefined signal feature of the signals transmitted on the bus system and initiates the further wake-up procedure once a predefinable number with respect to the signal feature has been reached.

Abstract: A lighting control system is operable to be coupled to a security system and is pre-programmed such that the control devices of the lighting control system behave out-of-box in a predetermined manner in response to the security system. The lighting control system comprises a contact closure input that is operable to be simultaneously coupled to both a momentary contact closure output and a maintained contact closure output of the security system. Preferably, the lighting control system enters a first mode of operation when the contact closure input detects a closure, enters a second mode of operation if the contact closure input continues to detect the closure after a predetermined amount of time, and enters a third mode of operation if the contact closure input no longer closed. Accordingly, the lighting control system is responsive to either the momentary contact closure output or the maintained contact closure output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring and facilitating a process, through the use of wirelessly-linked, portable signal units. The signal units have one or more signal lights, and can be placed adjacent to process stations. When a signal light is actuated by operator input at one or more of the process stations, the lights at all of the other process stations also are illuminated in a recognizable pattern to enhance visibility and identification at a glance as to which process station needs attention. Signal units also can function as repeaters to facilitate communication and operation. Designation of certain signal units as repeaters and optimization of communication between signal units is automatically carried out in accordance with one or more optimization approaches. In an embodiment, a time-based record of operation of the signal lights is provided for process monitoring and improvement.

Abstract: In a retransmission control method and device which can suppress or expedite a retransmission of user data depending on a processing congestion status or the like on a receiving side, a user equipment on a data receiving side transmits to a radio network control device on a data transmitting side, when redundantly receiving an ACK request included in same user data, control data for extending a timeout period of a polling timer which is a retransmission time interval of user data for a subsequent ACK request by e.g. 10 ms. The radio network control device having received the control data extends the timeout period based on the control data. Alternatively, the radio network control device reduces, when receiving an ACK response from the user equipment within the timeout period, a timeout period of user data for a subsequent ACK request to less than the timeout period presently set.

Abstract: The present method enables an RFID repeater to be used in conjunction with an RFID tag to allow data in the RFID tag to be read using wireless packet switched technologies. For example, the present method enables an RFID repeater to be coupled with an RFID tag. The RFID repeater reads and records the data from the RFID tag and then transmits the retrieved data from the RFID tag over a wireless packet network.

Abstract: While ECUs are connected with a distribution apparatus via a communication line, each of the ECUs sends status notification representing own status to the distribution apparatus. The distribution apparatus creates status information representing status of the ECUs in accordance with status notifications received from the ECUs connected with the distribution apparatus. This status information is sent to other distribution apparatuses together with data for synchronizing a database. The other ECUs perform similar operations to those of the ECUs, while the other distribution apparatuses perform similar operations to those of the distribution apparatus. Therefore, each of the distribution apparatuses can recognize the status of all the ECUs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bus repeater tapering. The sizing of repeaters on a portion of one transmission line is chosen to propagate a signal transition at a particular rate. The sizing of repeaters on a substantially parallel portion of another transmission line, is chosen to propagate a second signal transition at a different rate. Thus, the worst-case capacitance coupling factor between the two transmission lines may be reduced.

Abstract: A system in which one or more alarm sources (10), can wirelessly communicate with a receiver (30), to activate an alarm and does not contain any identification that indicates the communication's source (10). The system may include “repeaters” (40), whose function is to relay the communication from one station to another over distances longer than can be reached by a single transmitter (10), Apparatuses for transmitting (10), repeating (40), and receiving (30), are also disclosed, as well as a communication system comprised of various elements of these.

Abstract: When a relay device receives a content transmitted from a first communication device toward a second communication device, the relay device performs relay processing of transmitting the content toward the second communication device. When, during the relay processing, the relay device receives a transmission request for the content, which has been transmitted from a third communication device toward the first communication device, the relay device performs transmission processing of transmitting a first section of the content, which has not been transmitted in the relay processing at a time of reception of the transmission request, from the relay device toward the third communication device in synchronization with transmission of the first section performed in the relay processing.

Abstract: The infrared communication unit of the mobile phone receives a first data series transmitted from the other-party mobile phone by infrared communication, and, when transmitting a second data series by infrared communication, the controller of the mobile phone controls the infrared communication unit so as to transmit the second data series in response to completion of reception of the first data series. Alternatively, the controller controls the infrared communication unit so as to receive the first data series in response to completion of transmission of the second data series.

Abstract: The emergency underwater notification device disclosed, one of which would be carried by each diver on a team of divers at a dive site, comprises (a) an activator; (b) one or more primary signal emitters, each of which emits a primary notification signal upon activation of the activator, the primary signal emitter comprising one or more of the following: a light source, a hydrophone, a siren, a speaker, or an acoustic transducer; (c) one or more secondary signal emitters, each of the secondary signal emitters emitting a secondary communication signal upon activation of the activator; (d) a receiver capable of receiving communication signals; (e) one or more tertiary signal emitters, each of the tertiary signal emitters to emit a tertiary communication signal upon receipt by the receiver of either a secondary communication signal or a tertiary communication signal from another notification device; and (f) one or more quaternary signal emitters, each of the quaternary signal emitters to emit a quaternary notifi

Abstract: An audio signal system for a vehicle remote locking mechanism provides an audio signal that is more intricate than a simple, sounding of the vehicle's horn or beep tone. Preferably, the audio signal may be varied among many possible sounds by the operator. More preferably, the system includes a digital audio source with a signal amplifier and loudspeaker. Most preferably, the digital audio source is programmable with recorded sounds that can be transferred from a remote bank of digital sounds, for example by being downloaded from an internet website.

Abstract: A signal relay device, a communication network system and an operation system include: a standardized logic interface conversion unit for judging a control system type or a device type and converting a signal to a signal appropriate for a communication network; or a device side logic interface conversion unit for converting a signal from the communication network to a signal appropriate for the control system type or the device type. An operation monitoring station includes a advanced control block for the control system or the device and transmits a control signal to the communication network.

Abstract: A signal repeater for receiving and re-transmitting signals from environmental transducers and the like, and for mechanically and electrically cooperating with existing electrically powered fixtures. More particularly, the present invention includes a housing unit for mechanically and electrically coupling to the powered fixture, a transceiver unit, and a first power supply electrically connected to the transceiver circuit and housed by the housing unit. The repeater is adapted to maintain the functionality of the fixture.

Abstract: There is provided in back of the instrument panel the motion sensor that transmits the radio wave continuously or periodically and receive the radio wave reflected in the vehicle compartment. Also, there is provided the burglar horn that executes specified alarming when a specified change in the reflected radio wave received by the motion sensor occurs. Herein, the motion sensor transmits the radio wave toward the instrument panel. Thereby, the stable burglar alarm operation can be performed.

Abstract: A signal repeater for receiving and re-transmitting signals from environmental transducers and the like, and for mechanically and electrically cooperating with existing electrically powered fixtures. More particularly, the present invention includes a housing unit for mechanically and electrically coupling to the powered fixture, a transceiver unit, and a first power supply electrically connected to the transceiver circuit and housed by the housing unit. The repeater is adapted to maintain the functionality of the fixture.

Abstract: A PLCS network element that provides communications to one or more user devices and may also repeat data for other network elements is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes software for discovering its upstream gateway, for acting as a gateway for other devices, and for relaying DHCP transmissions. In addition, the device includes software for receiving and processing commands from a remote computer system that may include commands enabling and disabling the repeater functionality. Finally, the device may also include software for receiving and processing configuration information that may include, for example, information of the other network devices for which it will repeat.

Abstract: A signal repeater for receiving and re-transmitting signals from environmental transducers and the like, and for mechanically and electrically cooperating with existing electrically powered fixtures. More particularly, the present invention includes a housing unit for mechanically and electrically coupling to the powered fixture, a transceiver unit, and a first power supply electrically connected to the transceiver circuit and housed by the housing unit. The repeater is adapted to maintain the functionality of the fixture.

Abstract: The emergency underwater notification device disclosed, one of which would be carried by each diver on a team of divers at a dive site, comprises (a) an activator; (b) one or more primary signal emitters, each of which emits a primary notification signal upon activation of the activator, the primary signal emitter comprising one or more of the following: a light source, a hydrophone, a siren, a speaker, or an acoustic transducer; (c) one or more secondary signal emitters, each of the secondary signal emitters emitting a secondary communication signal upon activation of the activator; (d) a receiver capable of receiving communication signals; (e) one or more tertiary signal emitters, each of the tertiary signal emitters to emit a tertiary communication signal upon receipt by the receiver of either a secondary communication signal or a tertiary communication signal from another notification device; and (f) one or more quaternary signal emitters, each of the quaternary signal emitters to emit a quaternary notifi