Abstract: A switch packing includes a switch mechanism part disposed between an operation button and a switch element, and configured to be elastically deformed by pushing the operation button so as to have the switch element change to a first state and provide an operational feeling via the operation button, and a sealing part configured to prevent penetration of a liquid. The switch mechanism part and the sealing part are integrated with each other.

Abstract: A wireless access device in a wireless network, whether a known or unknown entity, can be located using a geolocation system according to the present invention. A signal strength is determined by a wireless intrusion detection system (WIDS) node in a wireless network for each wireless access device that it detects. Based on the signal strength, an approximate distance from the node is determined, which, in one embodiment corresponds to a radius of a circle around the node. To account for error, an approximation band of the circle is calculated that will allow a user to determine the approximate location of the device within the wireless network.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for identifying parts in a vehicle. Signals are received from a plurality of transponders associated with the parts in the vehicle. Locations of the parts are identified based on signal strengths for the signals received from the plurality of transponders and an identification of the parts in the signals.

Abstract: A bridge device includes a first radio frequency (RF) transceiver that receives event data via an incoming RF signal from protective headgear in response to an impact event at the protective headgear, wherein the incoming RF signal is formatted in accordance with a first wireless protocol. A second RF transceiver transmits the event data in accordance with a second wireless protocol to a first monitoring device.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system comprising a transceiver in a vehicle configured to wirelessly connect with a nomadic device, wherein the nomadic device is capable of running a contextual application which operates at least in part based on vehicle environment data. The vehicle computer system further comprises one or more vehicle modules configured to receive environment data and capable of causing the transceiver to provide the vehicle environment data to the nomadic device for processing by the contextual application.

Abstract: A wireless system (101) includes a plurality of objects (106). The wireless system includes a controller 102 and a radio frequency identification (RFID) read-write (RW) device (103, 104, 105). Each of the objects includes an RFED device (107) and a transceiver (108). An object and methods of tracking objects are also disclosed.

Abstract: In large systems of ambient condition detectors the respective detectors can each include an RFID-type tag or integrated circuit. The tag can transmit detector identification information and status information wirelessly to a displaced receiver. Receivers can be installed in docking/test stations as well as in portable units which can be carried by an individual entering, or, moving through a region being monitored by the detectors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment taught herein, a plurality of road-going vehicles report weather-related data to a weather-determining system. For example, trucks and/or cars having in-vehicle information systems wirelessly transmit one or more items of weather-related data, such that the weather-determining system directly or indirectly receives the transmitted data. In turn, the weather-determining system jointly processes the weather-related data to determine weather information for one or more geographic areas corresponding to reported positions of the road-going vehicles. In one embodiment, the in-vehicle information systems comprise GPS-based position reporting systems installed in on-highway trucks and other fleet vehicles, and the weather-determining system comprises a modified position-tracking system, e.g., a modified network fleet management system.

Abstract: A cocktail-ring with self-defense alarm that allows a person in distress to trigger a loud audio alarm from the cocktail-ring. The cocktail-ring comprises a trigger assembly, a ring head base, and a ring shank. The trigger assembly comprises a circuit board with a magnetic proximity sensor. The circuit board also houses all the electrical components used to control the flow of logic and generate the audio alarm signal, such as transducers, power supply, process timers, oscillators, output drivers, and the like. An upper ring jewel and a ring head base form the housing for the trigger assembly. When the upper ring jewel is depressed and rotated about a track, located within the ring head base, into a locked position, the sensor may be activated, causing the control circuitry and transducers to generate a loud audio sound to deter potential attackers or alert third-parties of a potential danger.

Abstract: A data entry device including a housing formed of at least two portions, data entry circuitry located within the housing, at least one case-open switch assembly operative to sense when the housing is opened and tamper indication circuitry operative to receive an input from the at least one case-open switch assembly and to provide an output indication of possible tampering with the data entry circuitry located within the housing, the at least one case-open switch assembly including an arrangement of electrical contacts including at least first, second and third contacts and a displaceable conductive element, the tamper indication circuitry and the third contact together being operative such that when the third contact is short circuited to at least one of the first contact, the second contact and another contact, an output indication of possible tampering is provided.

Abstract: A wireless tandem alarm having a first alarm configured for physical connection to an industrial machine having an electronic machine controller, and a second alarm configured for detachable connection to the first alarm or to the industrial machine. Each alarm has a housing, a piezoelectric transducer within the housing, a processor configured to drive the piezoelectric transducer in response to a control signal, and a wireless transceiver configured for relatively short-range, low-power communications. In the first alarm, the processor drives the piezoelectric transducer in response to a signal from the machine controller and, also responsive to the machine controller signal, transmits a control signal via the wireless transceiver. In the second alarm, the wireless transceiver receives the control signal from the first alarm and supplies it to the processor, which is configured drive the piezoelectric transducer in response.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method is provided. The method comprises a communications control device installed in a motor vehicle receiving a wireless communication from a short range wireless device. The method also comprises the communications control device selecting a first radio from a plurality of radios available to transmit the wireless communication to the destination specified in the wireless communication, wherein the radios are components of the communications control device. The method also comprises the communications control device determining that a second radio is connected to a physical expansion slot, wherein the physical expansion slot is a component of the communications control device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic occupancy sensor for detecting presence or absence of an occupant in a space includes an ultrasonic receiving circuit having a synchronous rectifier that allows the circuit to detect small-magnitude ultrasonic waves having a Doppler shift. The sensor comprises an ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves at an ultrasonic operating frequency, and a controller that drives the transmitting circuit with complementary drive signals to control the ultrasonic operating frequency. The synchronous rectifier receives the drive signals from the controller and rectifies an amplified input signal to generate a rectified signal, which is filtered by a filter to generate a filtered signal. The controller receives the filtered signal and determines that the space is occupied if the magnitude of the filtered signal exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An indoor position location system. The indoor position location system may include a narrowband messaging link. The narrowband messaging link may enable synchronization and ranging initialization between asset tags and access points of the indoor position location system. The indoor position location system may also include a wideband ranging link. The wideband ranging link may enable a ranging operation between the asset tags, the access points and a position location server of the indoor position location system. The position location server may determine a location of at least one of the asset tags according to the ranging operation.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for managing access control devices. In overview, an access control device is configured to function on the basis of an applied set of configuration data. For example, the manner in which the device processes an access request is dependent on the configuration data. A device according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to locally maintain plurality of uniquely applicable sets of configuration data. Each set, when applied, causes the device to function in accordance with a respective mode of operation. The device is configured to change which set of configuration data is applied in response to a predetermined command, thereby allowing the device to shift between modes of operation relatively quickly and without the need to download additional configuration data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisting medication are disclosed. The apparatus includes a medication box and a medication service device. The medication box includes a plurality of containers each storing a paper bag of medication, and discharges a paper bag of medication from a corresponding one of the containers using a rotational force of an electric motor, and detects whether the stored paper bag of medication is present or is discharged. The medication service device includes a situation detector detecting a status of a user based on user identification and signal strength included in a radio frequency signal, and a status of the medication box, a situation recognizer recognizing a medication situation, and a service executor generating a service for medication. The user who has to regularly take a paper bag of medication for a long time can be assisted to take an accurate dose of medication on time.

Abstract: A method of receiving data indicative of at least one physiological parameter of a patient, receiving image data of the patient, determining that a value of the at least one physiological parameters signifies an alarm condition in the patient, generating an alarm data set including image or audio data of the patient and the value of at least one physiological parameter, and transmitting a notification of the alarm condition including the alarm data set to a clinician.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing indications of received emergency alert messages to devices within a consumer premises are disclosed. In one embodiment, a consumer premise equipment (CPE) receiving one or more emergency alert messages from a content provider or managed network determines one or more alert responses for one or more devices of the consumer premise network. In one implementation, the responses are based at least in part on the received emergency alert messages themselves. The CPE issues one or more commands to one or more devices present within the consumer premises (which may be for example a home automation system), to indicate the one or more determined alert indication responses, such as auditory alert and visual alert by the one or more devices. Thus, users in the consumer premises may be made aware of an alert message outside of the typical means in which an alert is displayed, such as via a television.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling a target operating device of a process control system. The method comprises: detecting activation of one or more parts of the target operating device with a sensor of a wireless latching unit; latching a switch of the wireless latching unit from an active state to an inactive state upon detecting the activation of the one or more parts; transmitting one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to abuse station upon latching the switch to the active state; detecting deactivation of the one or more parts of the target operating device with the sensor of the wireless latching unit; ignoring the detected deactivation at the wireless latching unit; and continuing to transmit the one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to the base station. A wireless monitoring and control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Defining a radio frequency identification read area includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader operable to read RFID tags within a specified read area. An RFID transmitter is coupled with the RFID reader and is operable to radiating a modulated carrier in an area adjacent to the specified read area. The RFID reader controls the RFID transmitter to transmit the modulated carrier during a preamble transmission of the RFID reader to prevent any RFID tags in the adjacent area from recognizing an interrogation signal from the RFID reader.

Abstract: Alarm system technology, in which an alarm event is detected at a property monitored by an alarm system when the alarm system was set in an armed state. Based on detection of the alarm event, an alarm probability score that indicates a likelihood of the alarm event being an emergency situation is determined and the alarm event is handled based on the determined alarm probability score.

Abstract: A method for determining the occupation state of a parking space, including the steps of: providing a first detection unit equipped with a frequency modulated continuous wave radar; preparing a decision unit and a second detection unit; transmitting via the radar a communication signal modulated on the basis of a first code, alternatively indicating the parking space or a vehicle; receiving the communication signal with the second detection unit; demodulating the first code with the second detection unit; transmitting the first code to the decision unit via the second detection unit; and determining, with the decision unit, the occupation state on the basis of the first code and the second code, alternatively indicating either a vehicle or the parking space.

Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

Abstract: A combined personal convenience and remote fob device is provided for use with a transportation vehicle. The personal convenience device includes a housing and is adapted to perform a non-transportation related convenience function. The remote fob device is supported within the housing and is capable of performing at least one of an active remote keyless entry function, an active remote start function, a passive entry function, a passive start function, and an immobilizer function.

Abstract: A device for road and urban mobility and for solving the problem of traffic congestion, installed on a vehicle in order to make traffic flow more fluid in and between cities. The device consists of a set of five electronic modules, including a processor. The processor analyzes and extracts positional data of the equipped vehicle from a satellite signal and sends the requests of same for an exchange with a server, bi-directionally. The device is incorporated into an onboard housing. The present device is intended, in particular, to make the traffic flow more fluid and to communicate with a dedicated server in order to guide the driver of the equipped vehicle during his/her journey from a start point to the point entered into the device as the desired final destination. The present device reduces traffic congestion and pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing data communication in medical systems are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of asset location. Location data is received from a cellular transmitter associated with a selected asset, which location data includes data representative of a cellular receiver with which direct communication with the cellular transmitter is made. The location data is then communicated to a tracking service system, which tracking service system includes a database representative of geographic locations associated with a plurality of cellular receivers. The database is then queried with received location data so as to generate geographic tracking data associated with a location of the cellular receiver, the geographic tracking data including display data adapted to generate a map image including a representative of a location of the selected asset.

Abstract: A medical device data reporting system comprises: at least one medical device configured to output device data; a filter module configured to analyze the device data according to a predetermined criteria of parameters; an encoder module configured to encode the analyzed data into a digital format according to a predetermined encoding scheme and initiate a transmission of the encoded data; a transmitter module configured to transmit the encoded data to a location distal to the medical device via a telecommunication network; a digital receiver module located distal to the medical device configured to receive the digitally encoded data from the encoder module; and a decoder module configured to decode the digitally encoded data from the encoder module and communicate it to a responder capable of executing a predefined action sequence determined by the encoded data.

Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a material storage container which includes a housing defining an interior receivable of removable material. An interior sensor system is arranged on the housing to obtain information about any material in the interior of the housing different than the location of the container. A location determining system is arranged on the housing to monitor the location of the container, and a communication system is coupled to the interior sensor system and the location determining system and transmits information about the material in the housing and the location of the container to one or more remote facilities. The communication system may be arranged on the housing itself, which is especially applicable when the housing is movable, for example, such as the housing of a Frac tank. The location and condition of the material in the container can thus be known at all times.

Abstract: A control device may include a control unit to control transmission of a predetermined control command to a controlled device, when an operation surface is put face down is detected from a detection result of at least one sensor indicating the operation surface is put face down.

Abstract: A data center equipment location system includes both hardware and software to provide for location, monitoring, security and identification of servers and other equipment in equipment racks. The system provides a wired alternative to the wireless RFID tag system by using electronic ID tags connected to each piece of equipment, each electronic ID tag connected directly by wires to a equipment rack controller on the equipment rack. The equipment rack controllers then link over a local area network to a central control computer. The central control computer provides an operator interface, and runs a software application program that communicates with the equipment rack controllers. The software application program of the central control computer stores IDs of the equipment rack controllers and each of its connected electronic ID tags in a database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating “feelings” from tangible objects in a responsive and cost efficient manner are provided. In accordance with such systems and methods, near field communication (NFC) tags are embedded into tangible objects, e.g., Compact Discs (CDs), books, posters, etc., where the NFC tags include feeling/sensory feedback parameters associated with the object in which the NFC tag is embedded. That is, such NFC tags are able to stimulate one or more senses, such as the human senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Thus, sensory feedback is provided via tangible objects, where only minimal cost (e.g., a few cents) is added to the production/manufacture of such objects.

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for processing a virtual world, haptic information regarding a virtual object in the virtual world, the haptic information corresponding to sensed information, is extracted and transmitted to a haptic feedback device. Accordingly, interaction between a real world and the virtual world is achieved. The processing speed of the haptic information with respect to the virtual object may be increased by varying data structures according to types of the virtual object.

Abstract: A device operable as an electronic shark deterrent has a high-voltage pulse signal waveform generator for pulses to be applied to electrodes immersed in water to deter sharks and other aquatic creatures. A preferred output waveform has a train of pulse bursts of alternating-polarity pulses in a series. Preferably, the timing intervals between pulses are of irregular duration, the amplitudes of pulses are varied to be irregular, and the interval between pulse bursts is kept to less than about 5 seconds, in order to be more effective as a shark deterrent signal. The device has the signal waveform generator enclosed in a thin, planar case mounted to a belt connector and a fastener strap for attachment to a part of a user's body. It can include a water-detection probe for automatic activation when immersed in water, a status LED indicator, and electrodes embedded in a layer at opposite ends of the fastener strap with an insulative screen layer for reducing electrostatic effects on the user.

Abstract: A safety system for a wireless snowplow controller makes the wireless controller safer and more effective. The system includes a vehicle, a snowplow, a wireless controller and a tether. The controller wirelessly sends one or more control signs to one or more control modules coupled to the vehicle and/or the snowplow. The control signals may be used to control operation of the snowplow. The controller may be configured such that it is only able to send control signals when it is connected, via the tether, to a power supply coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a soil moisture sensor for interrupting an irrigation schedule of an irrigation controller. The moisture sensor comprises a relatively flat body with two lower electrodes and two lower anchoring barbs. A receiver receives moisture readings from the sensor and compares moisture data to a predetermined moisture interrupt value or limit, over which irrigation is interrupted.

Abstract: A system that produces a haptic effect and generates a drive signal that includes at least two haptic effect signals each having a priority level. The haptic effect is a combination of the haptic effect signals and priority levels. The haptic effect may optionally be a combination of the two haptic effect signals if the priority levels are the same, otherwise only the haptic effect signal with the highest priority is used. The frequency of haptic notifications may also be used to generate a drive signal using foreground and background haptic effect channels depending on whether the frequency ratio exceeds a foreground haptic effect threshold.

Abstract: An RFID tag includes: an antenna receiving an RF signal from a reader; an AFE (analog front end) generating voltage using the RF signal; and one or more switches interposed between the antenna and the AFE and controlling the connection between the antenna and the AFE through the switch operation.

Abstract: A detection device designed to detect the intensity of a signal emitted by a source powered by pulse-width modulation at a first frequency. The device includes a reactivation circuit including circuitry for detecting a signal modulated at a second frequency, the second frequency being different from the first frequency and tripping circuitry or tripping a reactivation of the detection device when the signal is modulated at the second frequency.

Abstract: A system provides for radio frequency detection of an offending device within a specific range of a body worn device. Upon detection of the radio frequency signal, the body worn device communicates to an infrastructure to alert of the presence and optionally the location of the radio frequency signal, and therefore the offending device. The user and/or location of the body worn device is/are revealed and the source of the radio frequency signal is readily determined for confiscation of the offending device. Other features include locating/tracking of the body worn device (and wearer) detection of tampering with the body worn device, and detection of cloaking of the body worn device (e.g. submerging in water or covering with aluminum foil, etc.).

Abstract: A system including a network of emergency equipment stations is described. The network includes at least one emergency equipment station. The emergency equipment station includes an emergency assistance device, a first sensor configured to detect an object within a vicinity of the emergency equipment station and a second sensor configured to sense at least one selectable predetermined internal condition. The system may further include a central station that is remotely located from the emergency equipment station. The central station is configured to communicate with the emergency equipment station as well as the network and receive data from the first and the second sensors.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring appliances at a site, such as a household, business office, etc. The appliances can include, for example but not limited to, an electric oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, laundry washer, freezer, pool controller, light bulb, microwave oven, computer, television, telephone, etc. In many of the embodiments, the appliance has a computer based architecture or a controller that enables communication of data concerning the electronic appliance. In some embodiments the appliance is an apparatus with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or other passive device that can be interrogated for information concerning the appliance.

Abstract: A system for reporting a condition of a first entity to a second entity, the system includes a processor that executes instructions to determine the condition of the first entity based on an aggregation of structured and unstructured information and entity-activity information of the first entity, and a reporting unit that reports the condition of the first entity to the second entity.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product determine when a user's mobile device has left a secured location, such as a house or office, without predefined site security settings being met, and responsively inform the user of any security anomalies. A predetermined distance threshold is compared with the distance between the mobile device, and the secured location. If the distance exceeds the threshold and a trigger event is detected, an alert is transmitted. An alert may also be sent when a mobile object to be secured is moved away from the user's mobile device by a distance that exceeds the predetermined distance threshold.

Abstract: A locating system and method for locating objects, such as keys, is disclosed. The locating system may include a transmitter for transmitting an encrypted code in the 900 MHz band. The transmitter may be powered by a battery. By transmitting in the 900 MHz band, the battery power consumed by the transmission may be relatively low and the encrypted code may travel a relatively long distance, such as 100 feet or more. The locating system may include a battery-powered locator device that is configured to detect, receive, and/or decode the encrypted code and determine whether the encrypted code is associated with the locator device or an attached object. After which, the locator device may provide an indication of its position. For instance, an audible sound of 85 dB or greater may be generated. The transmitter may be a self-contained device, or affixed onto or incorporated into a communications device.

Abstract: A wildlife warning system that comprises at least two independent warning devices, wherein each warning device has an electric power supply, at least one signal generator, and a microcontroller for controlling the signal generator, and a communication means for wireless communication with other warning devices and/or with a base station for the purpose of forming a wireless network of wildlife warning devices.

Abstract: A system of managing product at a location in which a weight-sensing RFID tag is utilized to determine the weight or pressure applied to a substrate and then this information is read by an RFID reader and then transmitted to a data storage repository and processing program for further handling of the data. The data storage repository and processing program may be near the RFID reader or may be remotely located with respect to the RFID reader.

Abstract: An adaptor for remote coupling a security system to a monitoring center is described. The adaptor includes both a wireless connection to an alarm panel and a remote wireless interface. The wireless connection to the alarm panel is configured such that the adaptor appears to the alarm panel as a control pad. The adaptor communicates with a central station using the remote wireless interface and is operable to translate messages between the alarm panel and the central station into an appropriate protocol.

Abstract: A supplemental control system for a materials handling vehicle comprises a wearable control device, and a corresponding receiver on the materials handling vehicle. The wearable control device is donned by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle, and comprises a wireless transmitter to be worn on the wrist of the operator and a travel control communicably coupled to the wireless transmitter. Actuation of the travel control causes the wireless transmitter to transmit a first type signal designating a request to the vehicle. The receiver is supported by the vehicle for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter.