Abstract: According to various illustrative embodiments, a motion-monitoring system comprises at least one antenna fixed within a barrier, the at least one antenna transmitting at least one first radio-frequency signal through the barrier to at least one volume outside the barrier, the at least one first radio-frequency signal reflecting from at least one object in the at least one volume to produce a plurality of second radio-frequency signals, which are received by the at least one antenna, at least one sensing circuit sensing the plurality of second radio-frequency signals and generating a plurality of time-domain output signals, and at least one processor receiving the plurality of time-domain output signals and comparing at least one successive time-domain output signal to at least one previous time-domain output signal to estimate at least one characteristic of the at least one object, including a motion of the at least one object.

Abstract: An embodiment of an access control system is disclosed herein that is easily customized by a user. A user defines cardholders, clearance levels, and logic scripts that dictate how the system will operate. User-entered changes propagate through the system automatically. The disclosed embodiment includes personality modules coupled to both field devices and a server. However, the personality modules operate autonomously from the server. Personality modules can also be added to the system dynamically and are auto-configuring. Display modules may also be included for locally and remotely programming, testing, managing, and operating personality modules and field devices. The system may include an intelligent display station that includes a reader and a display, displaying information in an interactive user interface in accordance with an individual's clearance level.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a technique for providing location-based functionality comprises providing functionality, wherein the functionality uses information provided by a location-aware device.

Abstract: A monitoring and location system for mobile objects is shown which includes a control center to monitor the movement of mobile objects to and from a prescribed local area and a prescribed wide area. Each mobile object is provided with a separate RFID tag which has a unique electronic indicia stored thereon for transmission by a radio frequency signal upon request from an RFID interrogation unit. The local areas includes egress zones and ingress zones, each zone having its own RFID interrogation unit for monitoring the ingress and egress, respectively, of its own group of RFID tags. When an RFID tag has egressed or ingressed one of the zones, the RFID transmits its unique electronic indicia to the RFID interrogation unit of one of the zones, and when the RFID interrogation unit has received the indicia, the RFID interrogation unit transmits a signal including such indicia to the control center.

Abstract: A racing caution-condition control system includes a master control station and first and second caution-condition warning systems. The master control station has a master activation input and a transmitter, and the master activation input is coupled to the transmitter and selectively causes the transmitter to send a caution-condition signal output. The first caution-condition warning system has a first receiver in communication with the transmitter. The first caution-condition warning system is activated when the first receiver receives the caution-condition signal from the transmitter. The second caution-condition warning system, different from the first caution-condition warning system, has a second receiver in communication with the transmitter. The second caution-condition warning system is activated when the second receiver receives the caution-condition signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: A glass breakage detector (100) having an acoustic transducer (102) for sensing first acoustic waves (130) and for providing a first analog signal (110) representative of the received first acoustic waves (130), an analog to digital converter circuit (104) adapted to convert the first analog signal (110) to a digital signal (112), processing circuitry (106) adapted to process the digital signal (112) to determine if the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage and generate an alarm signal (116) when it is determined that the received first acoustic waves (130) are a result of glass breakage, and a memory circuit (108), wherein the processing circuitry (106) is adapted to cause the memory circuit (108) to store the digital signal (112) for subsequent retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is a perimeter containment system and method of use thereof having a control center, perimeter contact units, and a perimeter structure. The invention is designed to reduce human error and misinformation during emergency situations. The invention includes a method of monitoring a perimeter such that upon a breach of the perimeter immediate notice is provided to perimeter units so that at least one of the perimeter units may secure the breach. The invention allows a control center to monitor the location of the perimeter units by use of GPS data.

Abstract: A personal alarm system characterized by a central control or base unit wirelessly connected to one or more remote personal alarm units. The central control unit stores one or more alarms and is configured to transmit alarm notifications to one or more of the remote personal alarm units. Each remote personal alarm unit is in a convenient form for individual use.

Abstract: The present self-configuring emergency event alarm network uses a decentralized (ad hoc or mesh) architecture that does not have a centralized “master” node. In this ad hoc network, any node is capable of behaving as if it were the “master node” by autonomously reporting the alarm event directly to all other nodes in the ad hoc network independent of where the alarm event occurred. The network of alarm devices, therefore, can spread the alarm indication to the entirety of the area covered by the network of alarm devices and can also differentiate between a general alarm indication and the locus of the alarm event.

Abstract: A master controller for managing items tagged with radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags includes a transceiver to transmit interrogation signals to the RFID tags and to receive response signals from the RFID tags. The master controller may also include a processor to determine the proximity of tagged items based on signal levels of the response signals, and to notify a user when certain ones of the tagged items are in a predetermined relation to a proximity threshold.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a RFID system for monitoring food hygiene, comprising: a first accommodating space; an object-under-monitor with a RFID tag attached thereon, being disposed in the first accommodating space; an environmental sensor, disposed in the first accommodating space; a processor, electrically connected to the environmental sensor; a first RFID accessing device, disposed in the first accommodating space while electrically connected to the processor; a second accommodating space; a displaying device, disposed in the second accommodating space; and a second RFID accessing device, disposed in the second accommodating space while electrically connected to the displaying device.

Abstract: Emergency equipment stations (e.g., fire extinguisher stations, fire alarm pull stations, defibrillator stations, etc.) distributed throughout a facility monitor one or more internal or external conditions (e.g., ambient air temperature near the station, presence of an obstruction restricting access to the station, etc.) and relay information about the monitored conditions to a central station. The central station transmits information about the monitored conditions to emergency response personnel (e.g., the fire department) in the event of an actual or apparent emergency.

Abstract: A system and method for communication of information that has particular significance to a specific location only to those individuals that are at or near that geo-spatial location. In particular, providing safety factor data and alerts is a preferred use of the invention. The invention allows information to be tailored to the individual at that location by selectively filtering what is communicated and what is not. The system includes a transmitting proximity event server, a GPS client wireless component that can be a personal wireless communication device (such as Palm Pilot, cellular digital phones, etc.) or personal computer configured for use within a global position satellite network.

Abstract: A system is described that enables the user to deal with an intrusion into their home without having to personally confront the intruder. Given the night-time nature of many intruder events, a display and control unit is disclosed that is suitable for residing on a bedside table, typically in the Master Bedroom, performing a remote viewing and control function. Various locations within the particular home are represented by buttons such that the user can easily choose the location(s) to be viewed and can verify, among other things, the presence of an intruder. Motion detection is various rooms may be included and viewing can be enhanced by lights controlled from this unit. User interface features are included that are simple to operate when the user is half-awake. Surveillance and control features may be combined with common bedside appliance functions including a clock-radio, a television, or a telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically uploading the configuration of a security system to a central station automation system via telephonic lines, long-range radio (e.g., cellular), or Internet. The end result is that the automation system has sufficient information regarding the type and configuration of the system installed at the protected premises to properly handle alarms reports from that system.

Abstract: An activity based monitoring system is disclosed, the activity based monitoring system being configured to monitor a plurality of badges associated with a plurality of assets within a healthcare facility.

Abstract: A bed monitoring system that remotely monitors a patient bed. The bed monitoring system comprises a bed status system and a master station. The bed status system is coupled to the patient bed and is configured to monitor at least one condition of the bed, and to generate a bed message indicating the status of the monitored condition. The master station, remote from the patient bed, is operatively coupled to the bed status system to receive bed status information. The bed message can include a bed identifier, bed type identifier, patient exit detection signal, bed occupied signal, or various other status signals. The system can also include locating stations that receive the bed messages from any beds within its monitored location, and generates a station message including information from the bed messages. The master station receives the station messages and can determine the status and location of any bed.

Abstract: A building security system which allows clients of building tenants to set up their own appointments, allows the building tenants to control and analyze such appointment scheduling, and enables building security personnel to analyze and control the number of visitors to the building. Visitors schedule their appointments via a visitor interface part of the system and providing the required appointment schedule information. Security personnel have integrated information concerning the number of visitors expected for a particular day, the number of visitors already in the building, and the number of past visitors for that day. Detailed information about visitors, and information on visitor's entering or leaving the building is also available. Because, visitors' information is already stored on the system, the security guard may also readily print a visitors pass as necessary. Security personnel with special access privileges (e.g., security manager) have access to building's visiting activity reports.

Abstract: A multi-wheel highway vehicle for transporting passengers, cargo or both has a plurality of wheels supporting the vehicle with the wheels having pneumatic tires mounted thereon, at least one transducer connected to one of the wheels for sensing pressure in a tire mounted on the wheel and providing a output signal indicative of the pressure, a comparator mounted on the wheel receiving the output signal provided by the transducer for comparing the output signal from the transducer to a reference and providing a second output signal indicative of the comparison and a transmitter carried by the vehicle receiving the second output signal provided by the comparator for sending tire pressure information derived from the second output signal to a remote locale, optionally together with information identifying the vehicle and/or the location of the vehicle and/or the speed and/or the direction of travel of the vehicle and/or the identity of the driver of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tracking system (10) for tracking movable assets (16) and several methods for using the system are provided. The tracking system includes a monitoring device (22), a tracking information network (20), a data communication network (18), a tracker tag (12), and a tracking information server (14). The tracker tag uses GPS technology. The tracking information server provides programmed instructions to the tracker tag in messages via a messaging system. The tracker tag selectively retrieves the messages from the messaging system. The tracking information server provides tracking information and related information to a subscriber. In one embodiment, the tracker tag is in communication with an Iridium satellite constellation (28) and tracking information is displayed to the subscriber when the asset is substantially anywhere in the world.

Abstract: An electric power line characteristic monitoring method that allows automatic conductor circuit fault data logging of average nominal and maximum magnitudes of conductor current, voltage, temperature and strain. Additionally, an alarm is implemented to enunciate a faulted condition on the power line. Parametric data storage is provided for later retrieval by a remote exciter. The parametric data is retrieved from the exciter through the transmission of a specific frequency and code key that activates the exciter.

Abstract: The invention involves the usage of radio frequency, infrared, and low frequency radio frequency to accurately track transponders (tags) that are placed on objects. Transponders about the size of a small watch or a badge that can be worn on a lapel or pocket are used. The transponders are attached to staff, assets, and/or patients. Typically, ceiling mounted readers are used. The system utilizes the readers to triangulate the position of the transponders. The transponders can triangulate to a resolution accuracy of a couple of inches to 10 feet within 4 seconds. The system is also capable of triangulating the position of tags when they are lost to IR using RF. The system works with vector floor plans (AutoCAD or Microstation). This enables the system to function so that detail doesn't deteriorate even with large areas (100,000 square feet to unlimited miles). This enables accurate reading of room labels to quickly identify exact location of tags.

Abstract: A vehicle theft protecting system includes a vehicle-onboard device mounted on a vehicle and a management station installed at a predetermined location, each including narrow area wireless communication unit capable of communication with encryption in a range of a predetermined distance to perform regular mutual communication to monitor each other's condition. The vehicle-onboard device and the management station effect mutual verification through the narrow area wireless communication at start of the mutual communication.

Abstract: An RF addressable sensor network architecture is provided. The RF addressable sensor network includes one or more RF addressable sensors, one or more wireless sensor readers coupled to a communications network, and one or more end user devices coupled to the communications network. The RF addressable sensor network may also include a sensor network processor. An RF addressable sensor includes one or more sensor elements, one or more antennas for communicating with the wireless sensor reader, an RF power and communications interface, an RFID control module, and a sensor interface. The wireless sensor reader includes one or more antennas, a user interface, a controller, a network communications module, and an RF addressable sensor logic module.

Abstract: A method for establishing an association in a remote computer database between an asset and an electronic device monitoring the asset, while minimizing the chances of an error in the association. The method is capable of being implemented by one user largely automatically. Establishing the association enables reliable remote monitoring of the asset.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote notification device in electronic communication with a user's personal communication device that alerts the user that the personal communication device is receiving an incoming telecommunications signal. A user who is not in operable contact with the communication device is alerted to the incoming call, message, or page by the remote notification device, which is in operable contact with the user, and alerts the user with a suitable indication (e.g., visual, audible, and/or tactile). The remote notification device preferably permits the user to not alter his or her desired appearance in social situations. The remote notification device is easily concealable or integral to an article of clothing, piece of jewelry, piercing, or accessory that the user desires to wear or carry independent of the desire to be notified of incoming calls, messages, or pages.

Abstract: A communication and control system for use by the disabled and their caretakers. The system has at least two communication modules, each module having a processing unit which has a unique identification code. Each communication module also has a unique hierarchical address corresponding to the identification code, the address defining the physical location of the module. The hierarchical address represents at least two physical domains. Each commnunication module further includes a processing unit having coupled to it one or both of a signal receiver and a signal transmitter, and at least one transducer for detecting a physical parameter and for broadcasting packets of data indicative of the status of a module or for controlling a remote module.

Abstract: An integrated intercom and security system including a local integrated intercom and security system and a remote communication in communication with the local intercom and security system via a globally accessible communication network.

Abstract: A security system device including a single housing including at least a primary alarm sensor, an alarm verification unit, and processing circuitry. The primary alarm sensor is adapted to monitor a primary protected area and to generate a primary alarm signal when the primary alarm sensor is triggered. The alarm verification unit selectively provides verification information (e.g. video and/or audio signals) from at least part of the primary protected area to a central station monitor. The processing circuitry is adapted to generate an alarm enable signal when the primary alarm signal is generated. On the occurrence of an alarm enable signal, the processing circuitry generates an alarm detected signal and causes the alarm detected signal to be transmitted to a central station monitor, enables operation of the alarm verification unit, and enables transmission of the verification information from the protected area to the central station monitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for the deactivation of an alarm system situated within a home or business environment by the use of a sound-activated wireless key device. This present invention describes a wireless key that “hears” a pulsing, warning tone, identifies the tone and automatically sends out a signal to disarm the alarm system thus allowing for the automatic hands-free deactivation of the alarm system. The invention comprises “listening” circuitry that is able to identify the sound of the audio warning, even when the invention is located within clothing or a handbag.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the activities of a resident living independently to distinguish normal activity from unusual activity. A variety of sensors distributed around the home collect data on activity in the home. The data is communicated to a remote monitoring center and collated in a database according to applicable time slots. The time slots for a twenty-four hour cycle are at least three and can be as many as forty-eight or more. Historical activity time lines are created and a buffer time is added to and offset from the maximum historical activity time line. If a new data point comes in that exceeds both the maximum historical activity time line and the buffer time, an alert is issued indicating the activity is unusual.

Abstract: One or more X10 gateway components of an apparatus in one example communicate one or more messages between one or more mobile communication devices and one or more module components.

Abstract: A surveillance system having surveillance terminals and a surveillance center is configured to perform effective hazard alert signaling, depending on the hazard type. The surveillance system comprises a plurality of surveillance terminals, which are connected to the surveillance center by a network, carries out hazard and alert signaling. One surveillance terminal detects a hazard and sends a hazard information signal reporting what hazard has just been detected to the surveillance center. The surveillance center receives the hazard information signal, identifies what type of hazard source and the surveillance terminal that sent the hazard information signal, selects surveillance terminals to be alerted to the hazard from among the plurality of surveillance terminals, depending on the identified type of the hazard source and its locality, and sends a hazard alert signal to the selected surveillance terminals.

Abstract: Of a vehicle, a steering position, a seat position, and mirror angles are registered as setting data along with an ID code of the vehicle with a data center. When a user of the vehicle uses the vehicle, the steering position, seat position, and mirror angles are varied based on the setting data that is sent from the data center to the vehicle. This eliminates procedures for setting the devices by trial and error each time the user uses the vehicle.

Abstract: An embodiment of an access control system is disclosed herein that is easily customized by a user. A user defines cardholders, clearance levels, and logic scripts that dictate how the system will operate. User-entered changes propagate through the system automatically. The disclosed embodiment includes personality modules coupled to both field devices and a server. However, the personality modules operate autonomously from the server. Personality modules can also be added to the system dynamically and are auto-configuring. Display modules may also be included for locally and remotely programming, testing, managing, and operating personality modules and field devices. The system may include an intelligent display station that includes a reader and a display, displaying information in an interactive user interface in accordance with an individual's clearance level.

Abstract: In an access control system, a method and system for dynamic channel selection to select a channel for communication between a Wireless Access Point Module (WAPM) and a Wireless Panel Interface Module (WPIM). A number of communication channels are available. The WAPM attempts to communicate over a first channel and selects a second channel if the first channel is unsuccessful. The WPIM scans all the available channels so that communication may be established regardless of the channel chosen by the system. Alternatively, the available channels may be segmented into groups and an individual WAPM may be assigned to a group of channels rather than a single channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an RF transmission-reception device an antenna, a transmission part that includes a power amplifier that outputs an RF signal with modulated power to the antenna, a reception part, a digital processing and interface module, in which the input signal is picked up at the reception part by taking a current sample at the power supply regulator to generate an image current of the current amplitude output by the antenna to the power amplifier.

Abstract: A system for coordinating the activity of a plurality of humans in teams with a central automated controller having reasoning capability based on a predetermined set of criteria by sending messages to and from each of the humans. The controller processes input from each of the humans in accordance with programmed decision making capability to accomplish predetermined objectives and provide output to at least some of the humans to assess a situation, direct steps in response thereto and coordinate decisions based on a predetermined model and task assessment reasoning to determine the best way to accomplish the predetermined objectives. The coordinator assesses changes to the situation, and makes decisions about the various tasks to be performed and when they are to be begun. Outputs to the humans may be instructions, questions, information and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of satellite nodes coupled to a sensing device or an actuator and logically dispersed around an access node are configured to wirelessly communicate alarm conditions. A first satellite node detects and accesses an alarm condition and then prepares an alarm message containing an alarm code corresponding to the alarm condition and an address indication. The first satellite node may thereafter receive alarm messages from other satellite nodes logically further from the access node than the first satellite node. Alarm codes contained in the received alarm messages are filtered and compared to the alarm code of the prepared alarm message. The first satellite node includes a sender address in the prepared alarm message for each received alarm message containing an alarm code that matches the alarm code of the prepared alarm message. The first satellite node transmits the prepared alarm message to the access node.

Abstract: A gateway module including a security system interface for interfacing with a security system control panel via a security system bus, a peripheral device interface for interfacing with a peripheral device, and processing circuitry for controlling operation. The processing circuitry transceives security system data to and from the security system interface, wherein the security system data is configured in a security system protocol suitable for communication with a security system control panel, and transceives peripheral device data to and from the peripheral device interface, wherein the peripheral device data is configured in a peripheral device protocol suitable for communication with a peripheral device. The processing circuitry is also adapted to translate security system data to peripheral device data, and also translate peripheral device data to security system data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gathering data, representative of food condition information, from a plurality of remote locations and providing the information to a user together with information about the locations from which the information was gathered. The sensors may be grouped into a plurality of zones, and the food information may be presented to the user on the basis of the zone in which the respective sensor is located. A sensor's actual location may be compared to its expected location and the results provided to a user, and an alarm may be generated if the sensor's actual location differes from its expected location.

Abstract: A disaster recovery virtual roll call and recovery management system and method allows any organization to locate their staff and allocate resources to their staff in the event of a disaster. User information can be stored on remote, distributed computer networks to assure that the information is available during a disaster. The computer networks can be web networks and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) networks, to provide different methods of user interaction with the system. In case of disaster, the system can contact the users over one or more communications networks, such as by email or IVR message, and request the user provide their status. The users can send user status updates to the web network using internet enabled devices, such as personal computers, telephones, or handheld portable computers, or to the IVR network using standard or wireless telephones. The system can compile the information, and generate reports on group and individual status.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides systems and method for detecting. Sensing modules are provided in communication with one or more detectors. In some embodiments, detectors are provided that are sensitive to chemical, biological, or radiological agents. Embodiments of sensing modules include processing capabilities to analyze, perform computations on, and/or run models to predict or interpret data received from one or more detectors. Embodiments of sensing modules form various network configurations with one another and/or with one or more data aggregation devices. Some embodiments of sensing modules include power management functionalities.

Abstract: Device and method for positioning of a moving object in a monitorable region using a stationary monitoring system and a transponder attached to the moving object. Furthermore, the monitoring system contains at least two sensor units and an analysis unit, which allow distance values (Dx) to be established using travel time measurement of ultrasound signals (US) and positioning to be performed therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the generic extraction and compression of surveillance information that facilitates high performance data fusion in distributed sensor systems. According to the method, multiple sensors (120[1] . . . 120[N]), distributed over a wide surveillance area (100), sense surveillance data of interest (310), optionally filter that sensed data (340), extract non-essential data (360) from the filtered data, compress in a manner specific to the extracted data (370) the extracted data for transmission and subsequently transmit (380) the compressed data to a “master” processing system (220) for integration/fusion with other transmitted compressed data streams originating from other sensors. Reductions in required data transmitted is on the order of 100:1.

Abstract: A vehicle positioning apparatus is shown and described. The positioning apparatus is adaptable for the guidance of a vehicle into a limited space, such as in the case of a boat approaching a dock, slip, or trailer. The vehicle includes two emitters, producing two images reflected to the operator of the vehicle. The emitters are spaced from each other in such a manner that the operator may determine direction, orientation, and other critical parameters of the vehicle during approach to the limited space by viewing of the reflected images. Targets may be employed to enhance the image seen by the operator.

Abstract: For use in a wireless voice network, an alarm system and method of operation thereof. In one embodiment, the alarm system includes: (1) a local transceiver that, in response to a received stimulus, establishes an out-of-band wireless link of diminished bandwidth to a wireless central monitoring station in the wireless voice network and (2) a local controller, coupled to the transceiver for bidirectional communication therewith, that receives commands from the wireless central monitoring station via the wireless link.

Abstract: A surveillance and remote alarm system for persons subject to limitation of freedom of movement includes a fixed unit placed in the area within which the person can move and a personal bracelet element attached to the person subject to limitation of freedom of movement. The fixed unit is arranged to establish an electromagnetic connection with the personal element and a connection via a telephone line to an operations center. The fixed unit is equipped with a CPU associated with a fingerprint reader and a radio receiver arranged to interact with a similar radio transmitter fitted in the personal element together with a CPU that controls its operation. A sensor is provided to detect any interruption and/or anomalies in the connection between the fixed unit and the personal element and to send an alarm to the operations center.

Abstract: An assistance device for a motor vehicle consisting of an on-board terminal and manual controller, and a remote processing center able to communicate with the terminal via a radiotelephone network. The remote processing center handles exchanges with the on-board terminal by recognizing user requests made verbally or by means of the manual controller, and sends information to the terminal.

Abstract: A multi-processor burglar-proof apparatus includes a plurality of detection processors. At least one detection processor is located in each detection area and each detection processor is separately linked to a radio alarm and a radio help system by radio signals.