Abstract: A video recording device, holster and article of clothing are disclosed to reliably and covertly provide for the capture of video, audio, and metadata, and perform other commands. The holster may be provided with a carrier that is, in turn, inserted into the holster. In one embodiment, the holster may be confirmed as being associated with the video recording device to authenticate a user, and establishes a docked position. Moreover, the video recording device may enter a mode of operation associated with using the video recording apparatus automatically when inserted into a holster.

Abstract: Techniques are described for handling duress input. For example, techniques are described for handling duress input provided to a mobile application that controls a monitoring system located at a fixed property.

Abstract: A method for evaluating an individual hearing benefit of an advanced hearing device feature, including providing a basic and an advanced hearing device feature in a hearing device, automatically classifying a current hearing situation, automatically selecting the advanced hearing device feature dependent on the classified hearing situation, applying the selected advanced hearing device feature for processing an audio signal, providing the processed audio signal to an output transducer of the hearing device, indicating to the user that the advanced hearing device feature is currently being applied, and providing a control for the user to switch off and on an effect of the second hearing device feature.

Abstract: A method for analyzing hygiene habits of a user. The method comprises attaching a personal hygiene monitor to the user, using the attached personal hygiene monitor for detecting a plurality of personal hygiene events related to the user, logging the plurality of personal hygiene events to allow configuring a user hygiene profile of the user, and estimating a hygiene level of one or more hygiene habits of the user according to the user hygiene profile.

Abstract: Apparatus and method pertaining to the calculation of at least one value that represents, at least in part, wireless reception signal strength from the perspective of both a local wireless receiver and a remote receiver that receives wireless transmissions from a local wireless transmitter. By one approach the apparatus directly determines the wireless reception signal strength from the perspective of the local wireless receiver and indirectly determines the wireless reception signal strength from the perspective of the remote receiver.

Abstract: A method of recognizing a conveyor belt wear condition is provided. Relationships between an apparent compressive stress in a wear resistance test and surface roughness of a sample and between the surface roughness and amount of wear per unit frictional energy of the sample are acquired. A wear condition of an upper cover rubber is recognized based on an apparent compressive stress generated on the upper cover rubber at a use site, and a database is created based on the relationships. Alternatively, relationships between an average wear pitch calculated from the surface roughness and viscoelastic properties of the sample and between the average wear pitch and an actual amount of wear of the sample are acquired. A wear condition of the upper cover rubber is recognized based on the viscoelastic properties of the upper cover rubber of the use site and a database is created based on the relationships.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining a condition associated with a piston rod of a reciprocating system includes an interrogator system having a first antenna. The sensor system further includes a second antenna separated from the first antenna by an air gap distance. The second antenna is configured to be coupled to the piston rod of the reciprocating system. The second antenna is a patch antenna and is configured to communicate with the first antenna through a range of translational movement relative to the first antenna. The sensor system further includes a radio frequency sensor coupled to the second antenna. The radio frequency sensor is configured to be coupled to the piston rod of the reciprocating system, measure a characteristic associated with the piston rod of the reciprocating system, and transmit data associated with the characteristic to the first antenna of the interrogator system through the second antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a case; cameras; microphones; a speaker; a processor; a display; a touchscreen keyboard; a global positioning system; and a collision avoidance sensor. The processor detects a texting, e-mail, game or gaming, or speakerphone, operational mode and activates the camera to display a view in front of, or an anticipated travel path of movement of the apparatus. The global positioning system determines a position or location of the apparatus. The processor determines whether or not the apparatus is located outside of a safe area of travel. If the apparatus is outside of the safe area of travel, the processor activates a camera to record a picture or video at the location of the apparatus, and generates a notification message containing the picture or video, or a link thereto. The apparatus transmits the notification message to a communication device associated with an authorized individual or law enforcement personnel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a fall-off detection method for a wearable device and a wearable device. The method includes collecting physiological parameter information and activity information of a wearer of the wearable device; when an abnormality is detected in the physiological parameter information of the wearer of the wearable device and a time of the abnormality exceeds a preset time, determining that the wearable device falls off from the wearer; when it is determined that the wearable device falls off from the wearer, determining, according to the collected physiological parameter information and activity information of the wearer of the wearable device, a scenario mode that the wearer is in; and sending, according to the scenario mode that the wearer is in, an indication corresponding to the scenario mode.

Abstract: An alarm device comprises an RFID circuit that is configured to store identification information and is coupled to an antenna designed to receive and to emit, from and to an RFID reader, signals at the frequency of the RFID reader, and a switch coupled to the antenna and able to be activated by a user, enabling the antenna to be matched to the frequency of the RFID reader. The alarm device comprises the RFID circuit, the antenna and the switch designed to be incorporated into an object worn by a user, and enable the alarm to be activated discreetly.

Abstract: Electronic equipment includes: a substrate configured to include a first component, a second component, and an interconnection part that couples the first component with the second component by electric interconnections; and an exterior part configured to cover the first component, the second component, and the interconnection parts, and include a first exterior section that covers at least a portion of the first component, and a second exterior section that covers at least a portion of the interconnection parts, a thickness of the first exterior section being different from a thickness of the second exterior section to form a level difference in a boundary part between the first exterior section and the second exterior section.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of a system for monitoring and detecting a level of a tank storing a material. The system may be used in making a determination of whether and/or when to provide additional material to the tank, to refill the tank partially or entirely. In some embodiments, the tank may be disposed at a premises such as a residence or commercial building and the system may be disposed in part at that premises to monitor the level of the material in the tank. In some embodiments, the material may be a fuel and the tank may be a fuel tank, to provide fuel to utilities equipment at the premises. In other embodiments, the tank may include other materials, such as other utilities materials. In some embodiments, the utilities material may be potable water.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A first device associated with a first user is identified. A second different device, associated with a second different user, is determined to be in proximity to the first device, forming a first group. A determination is made of an occurrence of an event in association with the second different device. The event is evaluated to determine when the event is indicative of a follow-on opportunity for presentation of content to the first user. The information related to the event is stored as a record in a log in association with an identifier for the group. A first opportunity to provide content to the first device is identified and evaluated including locating the record. Information in the record is used when selecting content for delivery in response to the first opportunity.

Abstract: An interconnect device includes a body portion with conductors passing through the body portion. An energy harvesting device, a power controller device and a rechargeable DC power source are configured such that the power controller device includes instructions programmed thereon for controlling the flow of power between the energy harvesting device, the DC power source, and a microcontroller. Sensor devices are in electrical communication with the microcontroller. The sensors are arranged to detect parameters associated with the interconnect device and communicate the parameters to the microcontroller. An output device communicates data from the microcontroller associated with the at least one sensor.

Abstract: An automated asset management system includes a plurality of storage locations for storing objects, and first and second sensing subsystems each configured to sense presence or absence of the objects in the plurality of storage locations. The first and second sensing subsystems are used to sense the presence or absence of a same particular object using different respective sensing modalities. In operation, a first scan of the storage locations is performed using the first sensing subsystem, and the presence or absence of the particular object is determined using the first sensing modality. In turn, a second scan of the storage locations is performed using the second sensing subsystem, and the presence or absence of the particular object is confirmed using both the result of the determination made using the first sensing modality and a determination of the presence or absence of the particular object using the second sensing modality.

Abstract: A wearable user device is provided, which can be donned and doffed by a user, and which is configured for use in a user authentication system. To enhance the security of a user authentication, the wearable user device comprises a detector device to detect a donned or doffed condition of said wearable user device; and an alert processing module, connected with said detector device. The alert processing module is configured to determine whether said wearable user device is doffed forcefully, and if said wearable user device is doffed forcefully, to transmit an authentication exception corresponding to a forceful doffed condition to an authentication server.

Abstract: A mobile communication device comprises: a first communicator configured to perform short range wireless communication with a first communication device not via another device; a second communicator configured to perform wireless communication with the first communication device via another device; an acceleration sensor configured to detect an acceleration; and at least one controller configured to, when it is determined that a travelling means of a user of the mobile communication device is changed from walking to a vehicle based on the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, cause the second communicator to notify the first communication device of an alarm when a notification condition is established, and cause the second communicator not to notify the first communication device of the alarm when the notification condition is not established, wherein the notification condition includes a condition that communication between the first communicator and the first communication device is disconnected

Abstract: A mobile tracking unit includes a controller having a processor, a memory in electronic communication with the processor, and instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executable by the processor to communicate with a control unit of an automation and security system, determine a position of the mobile tracking unit relative to a base station using a low power location module, and communicate the position of the mobile tracking unit to at least one of the base station and a control unit of the automation and security system. When the mobile tracking unit is outside a specified range from the mobile tracking unit, the controller continues tracking the position of the mobile tracking unit with the low power location module. When the mobile tracking unit is inside the specified range, the controller determines the position of the mobile tracking unit using a high power location module.

Abstract: A multimode seismic unit can selectively operate in any one or more of multimode readout modes. In one embodiment, a multimode seismic unit (1600) includes a physical mode selector switch (1602). The mode selector switch (1602) allows for manual selection of output modes including wireless, nodal, dual mode or automatic mode selection. The unit (1600) further includes an antenna (1604) for RF transmissions and a data port (1606) for uploading data in a nodal mode. The multimode unit can be used to implement a variety of single mode and multimode seismic arrays.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises: a communication unit configured to communicate with an external apparatus; an operating unit; a control unit configured to receive operation regarding a predetermined function from the external apparatus via the communication unit and to receive operation regarding a predetermined function from a user via the operating unit; and a power source for supplying electrical power to the control unit; wherein if electrical power is supplied from the power source due to start of communication with the external apparatus, the control unit performs control to disable the reception of operation by the operating unit according to the function whose operation has been received from the external apparatus.

Abstract: An access control system and method for monitoring an access point are disclosed. Preferably, a positioning unit of the system includes a primary antenna and a directional antenna that determine close proximity of users to the access point while also allowing the system to continuously monitor the locations of the users. The primary antenna preferentially receives wireless signals sent from user devices (e.g. mobile phones, fobs) of the users while the directional antenna receives the wireless signals within a threshold area of the access point. The system authorizes users to enter each access point by matching user information of the users extracted from the wireless signals to locally stored user information for the users, and determining that the matched user information is referenced within locally stored authorization information indicating which users can access the access point. The system can pre-authorize the users as they approach the threshold area.

Abstract: Electronic components may be integrated in objects used by the trucking industry, such as truck, tractor trailer, cargo, and loading bay. These objects may then communicate with each other and with a gateway device to transmit or receive data or commands. The gateway may be configured to attach to the truck, such as by securing to the truck frame or securing to an interior of the truck cab. The gateway may couple to one or more input devices, and receive sensor data through the one or more input devices. The gateway may execute steps that allow the gateway to update an engine computer with a firmware that provides better operation, such as improved fuel efficiency, during a portion of the vehicle's route.

Abstract: An alarm and monitoring system including a primary device and at least one secondary device, the alarm and monitoring system including at least one controller configured to: determine whether at least one alarm event is set; establish a wireless communication between a primary device and the secondary device, when it is determined that the alarm event has been set; transmit an alarm event signal including alarm information from the primary device to the secondary device in accordance with the alarm event that is determined to have been set; generate an alarm signal by the secondary device in accordance with at least the alarm information; and render the generated alarm signal on a rendering device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention include pairing two wireless devices by placing at least one of two devices in a pairing mode; performing at least one pairing motion event with at least one of the wireless devices to satisfy at least one pairing condition; detecting satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition; and pairing the two wireless devices in response to detecting satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: An automotive security apparatus, comprising: a security-terminal, configured to receive security-location-information representative of a location of the automotive security apparatus or a vehicle key; and a vehicle-location-terminal, configured to receive vehicle-location-information representative of a location of a vehicle, a processor, configured to compare the security-location-information with the vehicle-location-information, and determine a security-condition-signal based on whether the location of the automotive security apparatus or the vehicle key is inside or outside of a predetermined-proximity of the location of the vehicle; and an output-terminal, configured to provide the security-condition-signal.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for alarm initiation when a sensor is intentionally jammed. According to one aspect disclosed herein, a connected home system can include a controller device and a sensor device. The sensor device can include a processor and memory. The memory can store sensor instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the sensor device to perform sensor operations. In particular, the sensor device can detect a jamming signal originating, for example, from a jamming device that is intentionally attempting to jam operations of the sensor device. The sensor device can determine whether the jamming signal is above a jamming alarm threshold. If the sensor device determines that the jamming signal is above the jamming alarm threshold, the sensor device can generate a jamming alarm event that is directed to the controller device. The sensor device can send the jamming alarm event to the controller device.

Abstract: An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A patch cord, a management system and a management method thereof are provided. The patch cord (10) comprises a connection line portion (11), a first connector (21) arranged at a first end of the connection line portion (11), a second connector (22) arranged at a second end of the connection line portion (11), a first communication unit (31) arranged at near the first connector (21) including a first identifier and a second communication unit (32) arranged near the second connector (22) including a second identifier, wherein the first and second identifiers contain unique identify information for identifying the first connector and the second connector, respectively, and wherein the first identifier is different from the second identifier. The management system and the management method can differentiate connectors at the both ends of the patch cord by self-identification.

Abstract: The luggage lighting system includes a piece of luggage and a lighting module coupled to the luggage. In some embodiments, the lighting module is a fiber-optic lighting module. The luggage includes an outer surface, and the lighting module includes a light diffuser coupled to the outer surface. In some embodiments, the light diffuser is a fiber-optic light diffuser. The lighting module also includes a light source, such as a laser or a light emitting diode (LED). When the light source is powered on, the output light is directed through the light diffuser. The light diffuser is configured to output single or multiple colors of light, easily observed by someone looking at the luggage. The luggage lighting system is particularly useful for identifying one's luggage from surrounding pieces of luggage lacking the luggage lighting system.

Abstract: A method and system of broadcasting crowd-sourced localization data from a mobile device within a pedestrian area. The method, executed in the processor of the mobile device, comprises localizing the mobile device by determining an estimated position of the mobile device within the pedestrian area based on accessing fingerprint data of the pedestrian area, broadcasting, at a first broadcast power level, a localization data packet that includes data of the estimated position to one or more peer mobile devices within the pedestrian area, determining a confidence level indicative of a degree of accuracy for the estimated position, and continuing the broadcasting at one of a lower and a higher broadcast power level than the first broadcast power level when it is determined that the confidence level is one of above and below a threshold confidence level.

Abstract: Footwear systems include an article of footwear and a data transmission system engaged with the article of footwear. The transmission system transmits data to a remote system, such as a display system, another data transmission system, a processing system, etc. Such footwear systems further may include activation systems for activating the transmission and/or display systems. The transmitted data may be used for various purposes, such as: (a) identifying a user of the article of footwear; (b) activating targeted advertising or product information; (c) confirming the user's presence at a specific location and/or at a specific time; (d) determining start, finish, and/or intermediate split times for specific user; (e) confirming athletic equipment usage; (f) providing data for a game or reward program; (g) registering the user for an event or competition; or the like.

Abstract: A monitor device includes a memory, a hardware mount configured to attach to a rigging member, a motion sensor configured to detect a first motion characteristic of the rigging member, and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the motion sensor. The processor is configured to receive the first motion characteristic from the motion sensor. The processor is further configured to send the first motion characteristic to a controller. The controller is configured to receive a second motion characteristic generate an output for a display based on the first motion characteristic and the second motion characteristic.

Abstract: Contactless extremely high frequency connector assemblies, passive cable connector assemblies, and active cable connector assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a contactless connector assembly can include several (EHF) contactless communication units operable to selectively transmit and receive EHF signals, and several signal directing structures coupled to the EHF CCUs. The signal directing structures can direct the EHF signals along a plurality of EHF signal pathways.

Abstract: The solution is to create a device, where if the mobile device or important small item is removed beyond a user-defined distance, such as 2 meters, a visual and noise alarm will activate, thus immediately letting the owner and others know that a theft has occurred. One embodiment of the invention is a device called an Automatic Loss Prevention Alert Trigger (ALPAT) and software on a mobile device called Automatic Loss Prevention Alert Software (ALPAS). The ALPAT can be in the form of a small device that a person can keep with them and optionally secure to a keychain. The ALPAS will then keep track of whether the ALPAT is more than a user defined distance from the mobile device. If the mobile device is removed beyond a user determined distance, such as a distance of 2 m from the device, a visual and noise alarm will activate from the mobile device and possibly form the ALPAT, depending on user settings. This will immediately let the owner and others know that a theft has occurred.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for programming a sensor at a customer location is disclosed. A defective sensor at a customer location is replaced by a new sensor that is programmed at the customer location using a programming device or a transducer coupled to a computing device. The new sensor is programming using the sensor's detector normally used to sense a change in a magnetic field, an RF signal, infra-red light, or some other emission or property.

Abstract: A vehicle antitheft system includes a house security device and a vehicle security device. The house security device includes a detection unit and a transmission unit configured to transmit a notification when a state change of a predetermined security unit is detected by the detection unit. The vehicle security device includes a reception unit configured to receive the notification transmitted from the transmission unit and a function control unit configured to control a vehicle antitheft function depending on whether the notification is received by the reception unit. The function control unit is configured to release the vehicle antitheft function when the notification is not received and a regular vehicle key is used to operate a vehicle, and to restrict releasing of the vehicle antitheft function when the notification is received and the regular vehicle key is used to operate the vehicle.

Abstract: Antenna systems that can include first and second radiators and an electromagnetic coupler disposed adjacent to the first and the second radiators. The radiators can be tunable to one or more frequencies. The electromagnetic coupler can be, for example, an inductive coupler or a capacitive coupler. One or more of the antenna systems can be configured to use carrier aggregation by tuning the first and/or the second radiators. For example, one or more of the antenna systems can be configured to use inter-band aggregation, intra-band contiguous aggregation, and intra-band non-contiguous aggregation.

Abstract: A location confirmation platform of a released arrestee's location and a property entry status system for establishing a virtual boundary around a property in which an individual is scheduled or authorized to appear or occupy and polling and confirming the individual's presence within the boundary.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses, systems, methods, and machine readable media for activating a portable camera in response to the activity of a firearm, and for implementing and using a system for identifying an individual who discharged a firearm, and for recording, assessing, identifying, and transmitting information related to the firing of a firearm, and for monitoring the status of an implement at a mount, and for using a charging device for delivering electrical power to components of a firearm. A communications channel may be established between a firearm telematics sensor and a video camera, sometimes by means of intermediary devices. A communications channel may be established between a mount (e.g., holster) telematics device and local and/or remote monitoring service components, sometimes by means of intermediary devices. When the telematics sensor detects that its associated firearm is removed from its holster, or in motion, or being discharged, it may signal the camera to initiate recording.

Abstract: A system for automatically returning a flotation device to a user when the user becomes separated from it and is greater than some predetermined distance away. The user may have a tracking device that is operable to determine its location and transmit this information to an automatic recovery unit coupled to the flotation device. The recovery unit may be configured to activate when it is greater than the predetermined distance from the tracking device, and may be operable to propel the flotation device steering it toward the tracking device to close the distance between them.

Abstract: A vehicle alarming method includes measuring a pressure value of a vehicle through a pressure sensor, detecting whether a paired terminal corresponding to the vehicle is within a preset distance range when the pressure value of the vehicle is reduced to a preset pressure range, and performing alarming when the paired terminal is not detected.

Abstract: Multiple drowning alert methods monitor a three-dimensional space to determine if a person is drowning or an unattended child is present within the three-dimensional space and initiate alarms, notifications, and safety devices.

Abstract: A digital wearable monitoring device with dual locking system allows parents to monitor and locate a missing or wandering child. The monitoring device is secured to a child and can be removed through biometric signatures of a parent or authorized guardians. The monitoring device is preferred to be a wrist strap; however, the present invention may take the form of a belt, necklace, bracelet, earring, or any other applicable clothing accessory. The monitoring device includes a tactile sensor and at least one input device. The tactile sensor allows the wearer to write, draw, or tap a message to be processed and transmitted to a parent or authority. A location device then allows the parent or authority to locate and rescue the wearer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric drive device includes multiple piezoelectric drive units that have a contact portion which can come into contact with a driven portion, and that have a piezoelectric substance. The number of the multiple piezoelectric drive units is 10 or more, an overall output from the multiple piezoelectric drive units is 0.3 W or greater, and a weight of the piezoelectric drive unit is 1 ?g to 5 g.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses may use an unmanned vehicle to communicate an alert, such as an emergency alert, to a region, such as one affected by a natural disaster. A method may include receiving a message, which may comprise an alert and information associated with a region, from an alert originator. The message may then be transmitted, via a communication access device, to an unmanned vehicle. After receiving the message, the unmanned vehicle may travel to the region. Upon reaching the region, the unmanned vehicle may communicate the alert, whereby individuals' reception devices within the region may receive the alert.

Abstract: An electrically insulating mechanical joint checker for mechanical joints connecting rails of following track segments of a railway line, each track segment forming part of a track circuit. The track segment includes electric signal transmitting units and receiving units for transmitting and receiving train presence detection signals within the track segment and/or relating communication signals between the train and the track segment. The train presence detection signals and communication signals include a further joint detection signal, generated and transmitted by the transmitting units and received by the receiving units belonging to the same track segment, the joint detection signal relating to the track segment being different at least in respect to the one relating to the adjacent track segments. A method to detect a failure or breakage of a mechanical joint inside a track segment is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method that allows caregivers, central monitoring services, and other persons to monitor whether a monitored individual's hand(s) have entered into an area where the caregiver has determined the monitored individual's hand(s) should not be, such as where the monitored individual may remove or disturb a piece of medical equipment. Where the monitored individual's hand(s) do enter the restricted area that is represented by an electronic virtual safety zone, an alert can be generated by the system and method.

Abstract: A smart phone including a computer readable storage medium to store a hearing aid locator application and a processor coupled to the computer readable storage medium to execute the hearing aid locator application to track a last known location of a hearing aid.

Abstract: A controller includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. The processor is programmed to receive a signal indicating engine knocking, adjust an octane requirement in response to the signal, and request a fuel for refueling meeting the octane requirement. The processor may also be programmed to avoid a gas station of most recent refueling in response to the signal and retard ignition timing of a spark plug in response to the signal.

Abstract: A passive device shield 2 used to protect a passive chip containing data embedded in a device from remote skimming at a frequency which activates the chip to send the data, the shield 2 being removable to enable authorized reading of the chip data. The shield 2 is adapted to block the frequencies which activate the chip, the shield 2 further having a transmitter 18 which sends a coupling signal at a non-blocked frequency to a receiver 20, at least one of the receiver/and transmitter 18 having means to monitor the distance between the transmitter 18 and receiver 20 and an alert means to indicate when a predetermined distance has been exceeded.