Abstract: A method, system, and device provide power-efficient communications within the context of available power. Transmission and receipt data rates are scalable in accordance with output power available from a power source. Data is transmitted at a data rate determined, at least in part, by the available output power.

Abstract: Monitoring systems for automatic doors comprise at least one input device configured for sensing at least one characteristic of at least one operational parameter of an automatic door system, a door system controller coupled to the at least one input device, at least one monitor display comprising a first interface operatively coupled to the door system controller, and at least another interface operatively coupled to the monitor display and configured to be operatively coupled to at least one remote display device. The at least one monitor display is configured to continuously request information representative of the at least one operational parameter characteristic from the door system controller and display the information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are related to enforcing a policy on a computing device, or a companion device, based upon its proximity to another computing device, or an anchor device. In one example, the anchor device and companion device can report their location with respect to one another to a policy server. The policy server can determine whether the anchor device and proximity device are in proximity to one another as well as determine whether a policy should be applied to the companion device based upon whether it is in proximity to the anchor device.

Abstract: An automated kiosk and related apparatus provide check-in and boarding services to energy sector passengers, such as helicopter passengers. Preferably, the kiosk and related apparatus can take and store a picture of the passenger, calculate and/or measure the weight of the passenger and the passenger's luggage, print luggage tags and boarding printouts, check third parties' databases (such as a no-fly list (NFL)) for approval for the passenger's flight and can transmit data to another location (server, third party employer, pilot).

Abstract: A pendant which provides a large, prominent alert button comprises a GPS device for locating a lost child. The child user may wear the pendant and may press the alert button to alert authorities, family, and friends. The pendant then sends a location query to GPS, obtains the child user's GPS coordinates, and transmits the GPS coordinates within a distress message. This distress message may be received by authorities, by the child user's parent, or other responsible parties via a mobile application which may be installed on a smartphone or other mobile electronic device. The pendant may also be activated by the parent via the mobile application. In alternate embodiments, a microchip GPS can be inserted just under the skin, or a contact lens tracking device. The device can also aid in the search for people lost in avalanches, earthquakes, and those lost at sea.

Abstract: Automating the forewarning of risks incurred when working on an aircraft, and a forewarning system. The system comprises an identification module configured to identify a set of risky zones in the aircraft and its environment during current work on the aircraft by a set of operatives, a location module configured to locate a position of each operative during the current work, and an alert module configured to generate an alert when an operative is situated in a risky zone.

Abstract: The present inventions are related to monitoring movement, and in particular to systems and methods for extending the service life of a monitoring device.

Abstract: Removing a gun or other weapon from a holster may inevitably require police backup to secure officer safety. One example device may include a weapon securing holster and a wireless presence detection antenna which receives wireless proximity data from a weapon drawn from the holster. Other features may include a sensor which detects a presence of the weapon and a processor which processes sensor data generated by the at least one sensor and radio frequency signals identifying a proximity of the weapon to the wireless presence detection antenna.

Abstract: A method of authenticating data packets transmitted by terminals and received by a station, each terminal successively transmitting data packets in a plurality of different frequency bands according to a frequency hop sequence specific to said terminal, includes, for a data packet received by the station, i) measuring the frequency band in which the considered data packet has been received, ii) extracting an identification code from said considered data packet, iii) determining a theoretical frequency hop according to the frequency hop sequence associated with said extracted identification code, and iv) calculating a frequency hop deviation according to the theoretical frequency hop and to the frequency bands measured for the considered data packet and for the previous data packet. The authentication method includes determining whether data packets have been transmitted by the terminal associated with this identification code according to at least one frequency hop deviation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a security alert system for communicating a security event to users by means of a full mesh network topology. The mesh network includes a plurality of remote units, receiver units, emergency box units, and teacher/hallway units strategically placed throughout a facility. Each remote unit has a plurality of buttons thereon wherein a button is designated for a specific type of problem, for example, an intruder, a gun carrying intruder, a medical emergency, or a fight. If a user presses one of the designated buttons the other members of the mesh network, including a receiver unit being monitored by security personnel, are immediately notified of the type and the location of the problem within the facility.

Abstract: A methodology determining a response to exposure of a monitored person to a prohibited substance is provided. The methodology includes: first receiving movement data representing movement of the monitored person over time; second receiving an indication that a monitored person has been exposed to a quantity of a prohibited substance; first determining, from the received movement data, movement activity of the monitored person for a period of time before the exposure was detected; second determining a risk parameter based on at least (a) the amount of the quantity of the prohibited substance, and (b) the movement activity; issuing a notice to a supervising authority in substantially real time when the second determining results in a risk parameter that is above a first threshold; and issuing a notice to a supervising authority in non-real time when the second determining results in a risk parameter that is below the first threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the moisture to which an electronic device is exposed may alter or vary operation of the electronic device. Operation of the electronic device may be altered or varied to provide a notification that the electronic device has been exposed to moisture. When an electronic device is exposed to moisture, an operational mode of the electronic device may be changed. A change in the operational mode of the electronic device may include termination of the supply of power to one or more components, which may protect those components. Programs or apps that provide a user of the electronic device with information regarding exposure of the electronic device to an amount of moisture that meets or exceeds a moisture response threshold are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a group of individuals comprising: a wireless tracking device provided to at least one or more individuals within a group, wherein the wireless tracking device is configured for bi-directional communications with a monitoring center that establishes dynamic geo-fencing limitations in real-time for all group members provided with the wireless tracking device based on the group's center of gravity as they travel, whereby the geo-fence is in constant motion, and the wireless tracking device is adapted to determine and store absolute location information of each wireless tracking device provided to group members; and viewing device configured for displaying identification information concerning each individual wireless tracking device within the group on a rotating map display oriented relative to the group leader's location information.

Abstract: The present technology concerns cell phones and other portable devices, and more particularly concerns use of such devices in connection with media content (electronic and physical) and with other systems (e.g., televisions, digital video recorders, and electronic program directories). One particular aspect of the technology concerns complementing primary content viewed on one screen (e.g., a television screen) with auxiliary content displayed on a second screen (e.g., a cell phone screen). Different auxiliary content can be paired with the primary content, depending on the profile of the user (e.g., age, location, etc.). Some embodiments make use of location information provided by the primary screen device. Other embodiments make use of content identification data provided by the primary screen device. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alerts to end users of networked enabled portable devices are provided so that the end users are made aware when broadcast emergency alerts are issued. The systems and methods provide a way for a portable device to receive information about an emergency alert broadcast of which the user should be aware, e.g., from the EAS, and to notify the user of the emergency alert. A flag provides an indication the EAS should be on and the systems and method override the settings made by a user to a portable device to enable EAS reception. The user may then be automatically taken to the emergency alert information by having the portable device automatically tune to the emergency broadcast information, or the user may optionally retrieve the emergency information by tuning to the emergency broadcast channel, or the user may otherwise be presented with a reference to the emergency data (e.g., a link to the information).

Abstract: The system includes a control module, an environment detection unit and an electricity generation module. The control module includes a control unit for data processing and operating and an alarm unit, electrically connected to the control unit for receiving a command of the control unit. The environment detection unit is electrically connected to the control unit of the control module for detecting a physical quantity of environmental matter to generate a signal to send back to the control unit. The electricity generation module is electrically connected to the control module and has an electricity generator for generating electricity by environmental energy to supply the control module and the environment detection unit.

Abstract: An access-level control apparatus includes an NC machine tool, an RFID that is held by an operator and stores an ID given to the operator, a reader unit that reads out the ID in the RFID, an authenticating unit that determines operator processing limitation information including an operable range by the operator associated with the ID or display information provided to the operator, and an operation/display limiting unit that limits processing by the operator for the NC machine tool on the basis of the operator processing limitation information. The reader unit includes a transmission antenna that calls the RFID. The transmission antenna is disposed in parallel to a rotation axis of a motor unit of the NC machine tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marker aided autonomous vehicle localization are disclosed. Marker aided autonomous vehicle localization may include an autonomous vehicle identifying transportation network information, identifying an origin, identifying a destination, generating a plurality of candidate routes from the origin to the destination based on the transportation network information, wherein each route from the plurality of routes indicates a distinct combination of road segments and lanes, generating an action cost probability distribution for each action in each candidate route, generating a route cost probability distribution based at least in part on the action cost probability distribution, identify an optimal route from the plurality of candidate routes based at least in part on the route cost probability distribution, and operate the autonomous vehicle to travel from the origin to the destination using the optimal route.

Abstract: A wearable alert device includes an audio transducer and driver circuit that allows selection of either a high or low volume setting for driving the transducer. The driver circuit is operable in a single ended mode for low volume and a double ended mode for high volume. The single ended mode holds one terminal of the transducer low while the other is driven in correspondence with a clock signal, while the double ended mode drives one terminal in correspondence with the clock signal and the other terminal is inverted from the clock signal. The transducer is activated in response to an alert event, and can be driven according to a profile or pattern.

Abstract: A wireless dongle for use in the potentially explosive area for an automation field device to connect to an electrical interface of the field device, having a wireless circuit for sending and receiving wireless signals and a connector element. The wireless dongle can be detachably fitted to the electrical interface by means of the connector element. The connector element has several contact elements, wherein the contact elements are attached to a printed circuit board in the wireless dongle, that a first contact element is used to supply the wireless dongle with energy, that an energy buffer on the printed circuit board is provided which is downstream of the first contact element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking compliance of personal protection (PP) articles in working environments. Tracking compliance includes providing at least one PP article configured with a smart tag; providing at least one predetermined criterion that governs compliance with respect to the at least one PP article in a particular working environment; tracking the PP article by retrieving smart tag data; and determining whether the smart tag data satisfies at least one predetermined criterion; and storing data relating to results of the determination.

Abstract: A programmable proximity alert system for providing a sensory reminder to a parent when the exit the vicinity of a vehicle possibly containing their child. The programmable proximity alert system comprises a remote receiver adapted to sense the presence of a seat transmitter that it has been paired with and provide plural sensor alerts upon exiting from within a predetermined proximity of the seat transmitter, as well as a coding remote for initiating a bonding request that pairs a remote receiver and a seat transmitter.

Abstract: A low cost solution for detecting the flow of water in a sink using a non-contact vibration sensor coupled with a computer vision system and a passive switched RFID tag that becomes active upon detection of water flow. In some embodiments, the water flow forms an active antennae system for the RFID tag. The sensor comprises a piezo electric film attached at the underside of a water receptacle, for example, a sink so as to collect the sound generated by water splashing or hitting the sink and a vision system using active detection techniques.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for guided installation of an opening sensor. A strength of a magnetic field created by a magnet of an opening sensor at a location of a magnetometer sensor of the opening sensor may be determined. Feedback may be provided to an installer of the opening sensor based on the determined strength of the magnetic field. A function of the opening sensor may be configured based on the determined strength of the magnetic field. The function may be associated with reporting the status of an entry point to which the magnetometer sensor may be affixed.

Abstract: A system for vehicle to another party communications that includes a vehicle personality module adapted to create a vehicle personality and a communications system that utilizes the created vehicle personality for one or more communications instead of a user's profile. The one or more communications are associated with one or more of an identifier and an icon representing the vehicle personality, with this identifier and/or icon sent with at least one communication and displayable to the recipient of the communication.

Abstract: A system and method to monitor and control the valves in industrial process control and automation using Near-Field Communication (NFC) is disclosed. The system comprises a NFC-Equipment Interface Unit (NFC-EIU) to acquire parameters from the valves through a port and send the parameters to any handheld device by NFC for analysis. The NFC-EIU on receiving the analysis results from the handheld device can control the valves too.

Abstract: A wallet for a carrier includes a receiving body formed to be folded along a direction of a length thereof and having a plurality of receiving parts at a side surface thereof, a fixing part attached to the receiving body to hold the receiving body in a folded position, and a coupling part attached to a side of the receiving body and having a coupling member fixed thereto, the coupling member coupled to a target for coupling.

Abstract: A first terminal configured to operate in conjunction with a second terminal, the first terminal including: a sensor configured to obtain information corresponding to a motion of the first terminal; a communicator configured to receive information corresponding to a motion of the second terminal from the second terminal; and a controller configured to, in response to a distance between the first terminal and the second terminal being greater than or equal to a critical value, control the communicator to transmit a notification message to the second terminal based on the information corresponding to the motion of the first terminal and the information corresponding to the motion of the second terminal.

Abstract: A system to provide an always-on always-available security system for a platform is described. The system comprises a multi-mode system having a plurality of modes, available whenever the platform has a source of power, the modes comprising an unarmed mode, in which the security system is not protecting the platform, an armed mode, in which the platform is protected, the armed mode reached from the unarmed mode, after an arming command, and a suspecting mode, in which the platform is suspecting theft, the suspecting mode reached from the armed mode, when a risk behavior is detected. The system further enabling the unarmed mode to be reached from the armed mode when a user disarms the platform, and the unarmed mode reached from the armed mode through the suspecting mode when an override command is received.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a monitoring device for detecting when an object may be subjected to a condition includes a processor, a sensor, and a configuration circuit. The sensor is adapted to detect if the object is subjected to at least a first magnitude of the particular condition. The configuration circuit may be used to specify a second magnitude of the particular condition, wherein the second magnitude is greater than the first magnitude. The processor remains in an inactive state if the object is subjected to a magnitude of the particular condition less than the second magnitude, and the sensor generates a signal in response to detection of object being subjected to at least the second magnitude of the particular condition. In response to the signal, the processor enters an active state to develop an indication of at least the second magnitude of the particular condition.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a tamper-proof electronic bolt seal which contains a bolt assembly and a seal body. The gist of the present invention lies in the bolt assembly which contains a casing, and a circuit board elastically suspended inside the casing. When a burglar grinds a bolt head of the casing, an internal circuit of the electronic bolt seal is automatically disrupted so that the tampering of the electronic bolt seal can be detected.

Abstract: A multifunction flashlight includes an audio recorder, a video recorder and a flashlight having one or more operating modes. The flashlight includes an audio microphone secured within a water-tight interior compartment in the body of the flashlight. A storage compartment is provided in a rear portion of the flashlight for removably storing one or more light diffuser caps which are selectively mountable over the flashlight lens. A port in the wall of the flashlight can be opened to improve audio reception and sensitivity of a microphone housed within the flashlight. A resilient switch cover is provided with two or more differently textured surface portions to allow an operator to identify an audio, video or lighting function by tactile feel or touch. A delay circuit can be provided to protect the audio and/or video functions from in advertent or unintentional actuation.

Abstract: Pool alarm system for detecting the introduction and/or presence of a body in a liquid pool. The system includes: a first sensor for sensing audio signals generated by the body in the pool; a second sensor for sensing water pressure signals generated by the body in the pool; an analog signal processor for pre-processing the audio signals and water pressure signals and for converting them to digital data; an alarm device activated when the body was detected in the pool; a processor and control unit. The audio signals are detected and processed faster than the detection of the water pressure signal. According to the intensity of an acoustic signature originating from the audible signals an aquatic signature originating from the water pressure sensor is analyzed using an adaptable sensitivity parameter dependent on the intensity of the acoustic signature for improving alarm triggering decision.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a wireless sensor network system. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method including receiving and storing a first signal strength threshold associated with obtaining access to a first access control device; receiving a first RF advertisement from the first access control device; obtaining a first received signal strength indication (RSSI) for the received first RF advertisement; determining that the first RSSI is greater than or equal to the first signal strength threshold; and transmitting, in response to the determination that the first RSSI is equal to or greater than the first signal strength threshold, a first RF message to indicate that the transmitting device is proximate to the first access control device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described relating to detecting an indication of a person within a specified proximity to at least one mobile device; and presenting an indication of location of the at least one mobile device at least partially based on the indication of the person within the specified proximity. Additionally, systems and methods are described relating to means for detecting an indication of a person within a specified proximity to at least one mobile device; and means for presenting an indication of location of the at least one mobile device at least partially based on the indication of the person within the specified proximity.

Abstract: A container including a reusable electronic seal, as well as a system and method for using the electronic seal are described. The container includes a closure member configured to detachably affix to a portion of the container, thereby sealing the container. In response to the closure member sealing the container, a signal generating component generates an electronic signal and transmits the electronic signal to a processing circuit operably connected to the signal generating component. The processing circuit includes a processing device configured to generate a unique code when the closure member is manipulated to open or close the container and an output device operably connected to the processing device and configured to output the unique code. The unique code is updated each time the container is opened, thereby providing a recipient with a way to determine whether the container has been opened during delivery.

Abstract: A method of determining an attribute of a parking structure includes monitoring vehicle status data (VSD) obtained by a first on-board processor operatively associated with a vehicle telematics unit. The first processor executes computer readable code encoded on a first non-transitory computer readable medium. The method includes recording, in a vehicle memory operatively associated with the first processor, the VSD based on an output of a vehicle on-board sensor. The method further includes communicating the recorded VSD to a data aggregator of a remote parking information system (RPIS) for storage as aggregated data in a computer memory associated with the RPIS. The method determines, via the data aggregator, whether the vehicle is in the parking structure based on the communicated recorded VSD. The method further includes determining the attribute via the RPIS based on the VSD stored in the computer memory, and storing the attribute in the computer memory.

Abstract: A method for monitoring hand sanitization policy compliance including initializing a sanitization monitoring sensor (SMS) to a deactivated state, the SMS being configured to wearable by a user, activating the SMS by an SMS activator that is disposed in at least one predetermined location of a structure, wherein the SMS is activated upon a determination of at least one parameter, deactivating the SMS by an SMS deactivator configured to deactivate the SMS upon use of an associated sanitization dispenser by the user, monitoring SMS activation/deactivation activity by a network integrated SMS monitoring module, wherein when the SMS changes activation states, the network integrated SMS monitoring module receives a log of SMS activities, including credentials and time of activation/deactivation; and negotiating access credentials by the SMS with at least one access point wherein the access point restricts access to the SMS if the SMS is activated.

Abstract: Mobile device emergency service techniques are described. In embodiments, a client device includes one or more modules implemented at least partially in hardware and configured to implement an emergency service. The emergency service configured to support operations including generating a user interface for display on a display device, receiving one or more inputs usable to form an emergency contacts list that includes a plurality of emergency contacts, and causing the emergency contacts list to be communicated to one or more other client devices for use in generating a message to be communicated automatically and without user intervention to the emergency contacts in the emergency contacts list responsive to a trigger.

Abstract: There is a need in the water sensing alarm field for a device that alerts a supervisor when a child's nose and/or mouth come in contact with water that is easy to reset each time that the system is activated. This water safety device system includes a water alarm device for attachment to the user and alarm receiver device for monitoring by the supervisor. The water alarm device is configured to attach to the user expected to have contact with water and is worn on the user's head. The alarm receiver is configured to be used by the supervisor monitoring the user expected to have contact with water and contains visual, audio, and/or physical alert mechanisms. The water safety device system is activated by a momentary contact with water and sends an alert to the supervisor.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and system for storing, retrieving, and managing data for tags that are associated in some manner to any type of object. More particularly, the present invention writes data to these tags, reads data from these tags, and manages data that is written to and/or read from these tags.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an appliance are provided. The system includes a plurality of sensing devices and a plurality of appliance control devices. The sensing devices are locatable in a selected area with each device wirelessly transmitting a first status message and a second status message. Each of the plurality of appliance control devices has a wireless receiver that continuously monitors a transmission spectrum for wireless status messages, has a decryption device that decrypts any received encrypted messages, provides an ON and OFF output, and provides one of the ON and OFF outputs upon receiving a first status message and the other of the ON and OFF outputs upon receiving a second status message.

Abstract: The embodiment of the present document provides a mobile terminal and a method for obtaining location information about a mobile terminal. The method for obtaining location information about the mobile terminal comprises: turning on a satellite locating module of the mobile terminal, turning off the satellite locating module after current location information about the mobile terminal is obtained, and regarding the current location information as initial location information; a sensing module of the mobile terminal collecting motion information about the mobile terminal, and calculating variation of displacement of the mobile terminal according to the motion information; and obtaining actual location information about the mobile terminal according to the initial location information and the variation of displacement of the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dynamic routing intelligent vehicle enhancement system and method. Intelligent land buoys can be proximately disposed to roadways. Each of the intelligent land buoys can gather situational awareness information about the roadways and one or more vehicles traveling thereon. The intelligent land buoys can compress the situational awareness information. One or more remote computer servers can receive the compressed situational awareness information from the plurality of intelligent land buoys, decompress it, and process the decompressed situational awareness information. The one or more remote computer servers can generate vehicle operational intelligence information based at least on the decompressed situational awareness information, and can transmit the vehicle operational intelligence information to the plurality of intelligent land buoys and/or directly to one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: Security systems and methods for protecting retail display merchandise from theft are provided. For example, a security system includes a sensor configured to removably engage an input port of an item of merchandise, and a monitoring component configured to wirelessly communicate with the sensor and to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the monitoring component and the sensor are configured to communicate with one another to determine a proximity of the item of merchandise relative to the monitoring component, wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal when the proximity between the monitoring component and the sensor is not within a predetermined range, and wherein the monitoring component and/or the sensor is configured to initiate a security signal in response to the sensor being removed from the input port of the item of merchandise.

Abstract: A wearable memory card holder for positioning on a limb of a wearer may comprise a band for at least partially encircling the limb of the wearer, and a memory card receptacle integrated with the band and configured to receive a memory card. A transmitter may be mounted on the band and configured to wirelessly transmit data from a memory card when the memory card is inserted into the memory card receptacle.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting obstacles in a user's path by obtaining the user's location and direction of movement, as well as visual and audio inputs of the surrounding environment, and alarming the user if the method and system detect an obstacle approaching the user.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes at least one processor to display a user interface on a touch screen, the user interface comprising a button to receive a touch event, determine that the touch event is currently being received by the button and enter an alarm armed state, determine that the touch event ends and enter an alarm active state, and after a particular period of time in the alarm active state, trigger a communication to an emergency responder.

Abstract: A server management system disposes two wave generators on a rack and disposes a wave sensor on a server, wherein each of the wave generators is capable of emitting an omni-directional wave and a directional wave. When the wave sensor senses the omni-directional wave and the directional wave at different time points, one of the server and a host device is capable of determining two angles of the wave sensor relative to the two wave generators according to time differences and then calculating a position of the server located in the rack according to the two angles.