Signal Strength Patents (Class 340/539.21)
  • Patent number: 11663896
    Abstract: A system for detecting placement or misplacement of an object includes a wireless tag; a first electronic device (“FED”) associated with the tag to automatically detect signals from the tag, determine a position of the FED, transmit the position and status to an external electronic device or network (“EED”) in response to the status indicating that the tag and the FED are within a predetermined range, and transmit the position and status to the EED in response to the status indicating that the tag and the FED are outside of the predetermined range; and a second electronic device (“SED”) that is unassociated with the tag to automatically detect signals from the tag, determine a position of the SED, determine an identifier for the tag using the signals, and transmit the position of the SED and the identifier to the EED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: LINQUET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Pooya H. Kazerouni
  • Patent number: 11395232
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for the detection of human presence in front of a plurality of sensors such as those of speakers and a device with a processor, such as a television. Data gathered from the plurality of sensors may be analyzed by the processor to determine if one or more humans are present proximate to the device. Based on the determined presence or absence of one or more humans, further actions including, inter alia, activating a sleep mode for the one or more humans, shutting off the device in a green mode, or alerting an owner-user to the presence of an intruder can be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Roku, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Neerbek, Rafal Krzysztof Malewski, Brian Thoft Moth Møller, Paul Nangeroni, Amalavoyal Narasimha Chari
  • Patent number: 11176335
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a Radio Frequency Identification (“RFID”) tag. The methods comprise: monitoring a level of Radio Frequency (“RF”) energy being received by the RFID tag; performing operations by a circuit of the RFID tag to compare the level of RF energy in a given frequency band to a first threshold value; and transitioning an operational mode of the RFID tag from a first operational mode in which a receiver is disabled to a second operational mode in which the receiver is enabled, when the level of RF energy exceeds the first threshold value. The RFID tag is able to communicate with a remote tag reader when the RFID tag is in the second operational mode and not when the RFID tag is in the first operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Steve E. Trivelpiece, Craig E. Trivelpiece, Eric F. Riggert
  • Patent number: 11113700
    Abstract: Creating an association of a user identifier linked to a mobile device with the presentation of content. A computing device may create an association between the presentation of content on a presentation device and a user identifier linked to a mobile device in response to the presentation of content. The computing device may detect a presentation event which indicates a connection between a user identifier linked to the mobile device and the presentation of content. The computing device may then send a presentation event message to a network server. Subsequently, a predefined event may be detected via the mobile device, and in response, a predefined event message, including the user identifier linked to the mobile device and the predefined event, may be sent to the network server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Adobe Inc.
    Inventors: William Brandon George, Kevin G. Smith
  • Patent number: 11057750
    Abstract: An intelligent device controlling method, a mobile terminal, and a computing device are provided. A mobile terminal for controlling intelligently a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure receives a call for a call connection, selects at least one control target device to control an operation while the call is connected, based on a location of the mobile terminal, selects a control item of the at least one control target device using a plurality of pre-learned control methods, and controls the control item for the at least one control target device in a state where the call is connected. Accordingly, it is possible to improve a call environment by controlling an operation of a device around a smart phone at the time of a call connection of the smart phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS
    Inventors: Kyuho Lee, Jaewoong Jeong, Youngman Kim, Sangjun Oh, Seunghyun Hwang
  • Patent number: 11039289
    Abstract: Mobile agents can be deployed to mobile devices within specific regions of interest to achieve specific goals in respect of events occurring in the region of interest. In order to ensure that the agent can persist within the region of interest until the agent goals are achieved, the agent is configured to locate other devices within the region of interest and to propagate itself, by moving or copying itself, to those other devices. The region of interest may be a mobile and/or dynamic region of interest defined by, for example, a proximity to one or more mobile wireless access points or by an overlapping peer-to-peer communication range of a plurality of mobile devices that are configured to support the agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: OPEN INVENTION NETWORK LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Peterson, Mark Gerard
  • Patent number: 10839675
    Abstract: An alarm method and system reduces costs, and the alarm method includes obtaining a detection signal from a terminal device, where the detection signal is a signal sent by the terminal device when the terminal device detects whether there is an available network, and performing an alarm operation when the detection signal meets a first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai Xue, Nan Yang
  • Patent number: 10750385
    Abstract: This specification describes a method comprising responding to a detection of a variation in at least one measured characteristic of a reference signal transmitted from an access point to a portable device by triggering participation by the portable device in vehicle-to-portable device communications. In some examples, the triggering of the participation in the vehicle-to-portable device communications in response to the detection of the variation in the at least one measured characteristic of the reference signal may be performed only if it has been determined that a location of the portable device satisfies a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Karol Drazynski, Krzysztof Kordybach, Maciej Januszewski, Jedrzej Stanczak
  • Patent number: 10594928
    Abstract: A body camera can include: a camera configured to capture images; and a sensor module programmed to: sense a strength of a field within an emergency vehicle; activate the camera when the strength of the field falls below a certain threshold; and deactivate the camera when the strength of the field exceeds the threshold. The body camera can include a receiver configured to wirelessly receive power from an energy source within the emergency vehicle. An autonomous vehicle can also be carried by the emergency vehicle, with the autonomous vehicle being configured to be automatically activated and/or charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Federal Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Vishnu Swaminathan, David Joseph Jablonsky, Scott Thomas Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: 10546481
    Abstract: A method and system that allows healthcare providers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other persons to monitor disabled, elderly or other high-risk individuals to prevent or reduce falls and/or mitigate the impact of a fall by delivering automated notification of “at risk” behavior and falls by such an individual being monitored where assistance is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Kusens
  • Patent number: 10403124
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting that a stun gun has been deployed is provided herein. During operation a periodic nature of a stun-gun voltage will be utilized to determine if the stun-gun has been fired. More specifically, an electric/magnetic field (EMF) and/or a sound will be analyzed to determine if the periodic nature of the EMF and/or sound matches that of a stun gun. If so, a command center will be notified of the event. In order to increase the accuracy of any stun-gun detect, a gun-draw sensor may be used in combination with the above technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Francesca Schuler, John B. Preston, Daniel A. Tealdi
  • Patent number: 10395508
    Abstract: A method and system that allows healthcare providers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other persons to monitor disabled, elderly or other high-risk individuals to prevent or reduce falls and/or mitigate the impact of a fall by delivering automated notification of “at risk” behavior and falls by such an individual being monitored where assistance is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Kusens
  • Patent number: 10255789
    Abstract: A location confirmation platform of a home confinement location confirmation system for establishing a virtual boundary in which an incarcerated individual is authorized to occupy and polling and confirming the individual's presence within the boundary by comparing previously collected individual attribute data and comparing the collected data to corresponding data received from the individual in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Kris Keyton
  • Patent number: 10217318
    Abstract: In one aspect, there is described a computer-implemented method comprising: determining locations of a plurality of electronic gaming machines through communications between the electronic gaming machines and at least one wireless transmitter provided at a known location; based on the locations of the plurality of electronic gaming machines, generating a game floor map; and displaying the game floor map on a retailer terminal, the retailer terminal configured to provide management functions for the plurality of electronic gaming machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: IGT Canada Solutions ULC
    Inventors: Bradley Boudreau, Yan Meunier
  • Patent number: 10217676
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device including a plurality of semiconductor chips includes steps of placing, on a first semiconductor chip, a second semiconductor chip, such that a plurality of bumps is located between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip, determining a distance between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip, and determining whether or not the distance is within a predetermined range and stopping placement of additional chips if the distance is determined to be outside the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinya Fukayama, Naoyuki Komuta, Hiroshi Watabe
  • Patent number: 10135798
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a proximity lock using Bluetooth Low Energy are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a Bluetooth low energy proximity lock system may include a host electronic device comprising a computer processor; a peripheral electronic device interfacing with the host electronic device that may include a controller and a first Bluetooth low energy component; and a user device comprising a second Bluetooth low energy component. The controller may, using the first Bluetooth low energy component, identify the second Bluetooth low energy component, determine a radio signal strength between the first Bluetooth radio component and the second Bluetooth low energy component; and generate a command that renders the host electronic device temporarily inoperable in response to the radio signal strength being below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Inventor: Steven J. Ulbrich
  • Patent number: 10049313
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a printer comprising a feeder, a printing head, a printer RFID tag comprising a tag antenna and an IC circuit part, a communication antenna, and a control device. The control device being configured to execute an information acquisition process for acquiring access point information via a wired communication connecting part from the printer RFID tag, the access point information being acquired by the printer RFID tag by tag communication, a transmission and reception attempting process for attempting information transmission and reception with an access point, by means of the mutually recognized wireless communication, a data acquisition process for acquiring desired print data acquired by the mutually recognized wireless communication when information transmission and reception by the transmission and reception attempting process succeed, and a printing control process for controlling the feeder and the printing head so that printing is performed on a print-receiving medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Zhipeng Yu
  • Patent number: 10031511
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an arrangement for monitoring a position of a hand-held tool within a work region, comprising the hand-held tool for use within the work region; means that are designed to generate a virtual image of the work region; means that are designed to determine an actual position of the hand-held tool within the image; the hand-held tool having display means that are designed to display the actual position, and to a method for monitoring a position of a hand-held tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
    Inventors: Harald Lukosz, Christoph Kauth
  • Patent number: 9990831
    Abstract: A location confirmation platform of a home confinement location confirmation system for establishing a virtual boundary in which an incarcerated individual is authorized to occupy and polling and confirming the individual's presence within the boundary by comparing previously collected individual attribute data and comparing the collected data to corresponding data received from the individual in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Kris Keyton
  • Patent number: 9967825
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to mobile computing devices and, more particularly, to environmentally aware mobile computing devices and methods of use. The method is implemented in a computer infrastructure which has computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions operable to: place a mobile computing device into a power savings mode when a environmental condition is below a sensor threshold value for a predetermined time period; and place the mobile computing device into a powered up state when the environmental condition exceeds the sensor threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Eric D. Hunt-Schroeder, Igor Arsovski
  • Patent number: 9965137
    Abstract: A transparent display apparatus and an object selection method thereof for selecting objects disposed on one side of the transparent display apparatus opposite to a user on another side of the transparent display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Il-kook Yun, Geun-ho Lee, Chang-soo Lee
  • Patent number: 9959687
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for monitoring, recording, and analyzing driver activity. An exemplary system comprises a sensor module configured to receive data from one or more sensors that measure acceleration or deceleration associated with a vehicle. A stop detection module is configured to receive the sensor module data, process the sensor module data, and determine an abrupt acceleration or deceleration event. A location module is configured to retrieve the location of the vehicle simultaneous with an abrupt acceleration or deceleration event. The system stores the location of the abrupt acceleration or deceleration event in an event record in an event database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: John Lindsay
  • Patent number: 9960956
    Abstract: Determining flow rules in a software defined network (SDN) of a plurality of forwarding devices includes determining, by a controller device, a network adjacency matrix of the SDN, wherein the network adjacency matrix represents a topology of the SDN; placing, by the controller device, a phantom node in the network adjacency matrix, wherein the phantom node does not physically exist within the topology of the SDN and the phantom node is attached to a first node with maximum degree in the network adjacency matrix to create a phantom adjacency matrix, wherein the first node corresponds to a first forwarding device in the SDN; and determining, by the controller device, an adverse condition in the SDN using the phantom node, wherein the controller device is separate from the plurality of forwarding devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Jamie Lynn Johnson, Thomas Parker, Murali Tummala, John C. McEachen
  • Patent number: 9892611
    Abstract: A method and system that allows healthcare providers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other persons to monitor disabled, elderly or other high-risk individuals to prevent or reduce falls and/or mitigate the impact of a fall by delivering automated notification of “at risk” behavior and falls by such an individual being monitored where assistance is required. Two systems are used to identify patients, a skeletal tracking system, which identifies patients by biometric indicators, and a virtual blob detection system. In the virtual blob system, the monitored individual is virtually represented as a blob object of at least a specific size by a computerized monitoring system and such system detects and alerts when the blob object enters or crosses into a virtually defined or designated blob detection zone and remains in the zone for at least a predetermined period of time. These systems may be used concurrently, or one system may be used primarily, with the other system acting as a failsafe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventor: Neil Kusens
  • Patent number: 9801068
    Abstract: An image processing module can compare a face image of a user with a registered image which is a face image of a normal user, and detect a line of sight from the face image of the user. When the comparison between the face image of the user and the registered image matches at a part other than a line of sight, a control module can determine that an authentication of a user is successful, and start an application corresponding to a direction of the line of sight of the user or display a pre-set screen on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Masayoshi Nakao
  • Patent number: 9786155
    Abstract: A system is provided that includes a control panel of a security system, a memory of the security system having a reference frequency hopping pattern and a reference frequency offset saved therein, a plurality of wireless threat sensors that communicate with the control panel using the reference frequency hopping pattern and a fixed frequency offset for each frequency and each hop of the reference frequency hop pattern, wherein the fixed frequency offset is an integer multiple of the reference frequency offset, and a processor of the security system that detects any nearby security systems that use the reference frequency hopping pattern, determines the integer multiple of the reference frequency offset used by each of the nearby security systems, and sets the fixed frequency offset used by the plurality of sensors at a selected integer multiple of the reference frequency offset that is not used by any nearby security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jesse J. Otis, Andrew G. Berezowski, Gourav Sharma
  • Patent number: 9747568
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for determining when to decommission vehicles from a fleet of autonomous vehicles are described. One method includes receiving information indicating a sequence of coverage requirements for a region over a period of time, and the region is characterized by landmarks and the period of time is divided into time intervals. Landmarks may be defined as a decommissioning site representative of a location at which a given vehicle can be taken out of service, and the method includes determining estimated landmarks that can be reached by one or more vehicles starting from a respective landmark by an end of a respective time interval, and based on the sequence of coverage requirements, determining which vehicles from among the vehicles that can reach the one or more landmarks defined as the decommissioning site to take out of service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventor: Keith Allen Bonawitz
  • Patent number: 9602299
    Abstract: A detection device may monitor emissions from a computing device, which may include radiation and/or radio waves from a computing device. The emissions may be electromagnetic (EM) radiation indicative of operation of components of the computing device. When the emissions reach or exceed an emissions threshold, the detection device may output an indicator. The indicator may indicate a violation of an operational policy that is associated with the emissions threshold. The indicator may additionally or alternatively indicate compliance with the operation policy. In some embodiments, the detection device may be implemented as an accessory such as a case, a cover, a light, or another type of accessory for the computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Misener, Gregg Elliott Zehr, David Y. Woo
  • Patent number: 9562776
    Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment, a portable user-carried device includes wireless communication circuitry capable of determining a relative direction of a wireless signal in a vehicle. A processor may be programmed to determine a location of the device within a vehicle based upon the relative direction of the wireless signal as determined by the wireless communication circuitry. In a disclosed method for activating a function in a vehicle, a state of a user-carried portable device is determined. A function is activated based upon the state of the user-carried portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Otman A Basir
  • Patent number: 9507918
    Abstract: A platform protected by an always-available security system, the system is described. The system, in one embodiment, comprises a near field communications (NFC) reader, a pairing logic to identify an NFC device as an authorized device for arming and disarming the system, an arming logic to arm the system upon receipt of an arming command, and a disarming logic to disarm the system upon receipt of a disarming command, wherein the arming command and the disarming command may use the NFC device, and wherein the NFC reader is powered in a plurality of power states, enabling disarming and arming of the platform in the plurality of power states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Berger
  • Patent number: 9497331
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simplifying and improving the reliability of communication between end users and access control systems such as those that include door and/or gate controllers, tenant access to buildings, and the like. In certain embodiments using an analog modem at the controller end of the system, the corresponding remote analog modem (which communicates with that analog modem at the controller end) is not within the direct control of the end user, and the end user's communicates instead via the user's standard hardware/software for communicating generally, such as via the Internet. Depending on the application, the control data can be maintained and/or synched at any selected combination or sub-combination of several locations: (1) the user's local system; (2) an intermediate server system; and/or (3) the controller end system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas R. Richmond, Suzanne Richmond, Patrick S. Kochie, Yu Jennifer Cheng, Eitan T. Bear, Nadejda V. Gueorguieva
  • Patent number: 9485041
    Abstract: An antenna device includes an antenna for receiving an RF signal and generating an antenna signal associated with the RF signal, and a measuring device. The measuring device includes a measurement unit, a processing unit and a display unit. The measurement unit receives the antenna signal, and outputs a voltage signal associated with the antenna signal. The processing unit obtains a strength signal according to the voltage signal. The display unit has a plurality of lighting elements configured to light with different colors, and displays an indication of signal strength of the RF signal according to the strength signal by a number of the lighting elements that emit light and by color of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: TRANS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Huang
  • Patent number: 9378634
    Abstract: A method for intruder detection is provided. The method includes monitoring, at a wireless sniffer in a building, received signal strength relative to each of a plurality of wireless access points, wherein a first wireless access point of the plurality of wireless access points is located within the building and a second wireless access point of the plurality of wireless access points is located external to the building. The method includes creating a profile of the received signal strength from each of the plurality of wireless access points, during a learn mode and comparing activity of the received signal strength from each of the plurality of wireless access points to the profile, during an intruder detection mode. The method includes issuing a notification, based on the comparing. An intruder detection system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Symantec Corporation
    Inventors: Anand Kashyap, Yongjie Cai, Qiyan Wang
  • Patent number: 9264847
    Abstract: A method and electronic device for transmitting an emergency signal. The method includes: establishing a short-range communication link with a counterpart electronic device using a first short-range communication network; generating an emergency signal when the short-range communication link with the counterpart electronic device is cut off; and broadcasting the emergency signal using a second short-range communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hyun-Chul Choi, Moo-Young Kim, Chi-Hyun Cho, Chang-Ryong Heo
  • Patent number: 9257028
    Abstract: A communications system is provided for emergency services personnel that includes a plurality of portable devices and a base station. The portable devices are configured to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each have a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and a second transceiver configured to communicate over a second network, where the first and second networks operate independent of one another. For example, they may have at least one of different first and second carrier frequencies, protocol, channels and the like. The base station has at least one transceiver for communicating with the portable devices over at least one of the first and second networks. Optionally, the first and second networks may have different transmission characteristics, such as different transmit ranges, power levels and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Michael Parkulo
  • Patent number: 9159215
    Abstract: A method and system that allows healthcare providers, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other persons to monitor disabled, elderly or other high-risk individuals to prevent or reduce falls and/or mitigate the impact of a fall by delivering automated notification of “at risk” behavior and falls by such an individual being monitored where assistance is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: CERNER INNOVATION, INC.
    Inventor: Neil Kusens
  • Patent number: 9129502
    Abstract: A method and range monitoring system for verifying that communication between two communicating units is of satisfactory quality and that the units are within a predetermined range from one another, wherein the units are in non-continuous communication. One or both units test that the quality and distance by sending a signal to the other unit, and expecting a response signal. If no response signal is received, an alert is fired. The check is initiated upon a trigger, such as a timer, a sensed motion, or a user-initiated event such as when the user presses a button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DSP Group LTD.
    Inventors: Yaron Naim, Jochen Kilian, Yuval Itkin
  • Patent number: 9079494
    Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices, systems and methods for use in vehicle operations. In some examples, the devices, systems and methods described herein can be used to permit safe operation of a vehicle where the vehicle operator may have one or more mobile devices in their possession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Mill Mountain Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Clay Skelton
  • Patent number: 9041533
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Steve A. Villa, James O'Neil Wickline, Dallas S. Scholes
  • Patent number: 9030315
    Abstract: An automation component configured for wireless communication within a building automation system is disclosed. The automation component includes a communication module having a communication port, and a wireless communication component. The automation component further includes a processor in communication with the communication module, a memory in communication with the processor, the memory configured to store computer readable instructions which are executable by the processor. The computer readable instructions are programmed to receive a component identifier via the communications port, generate a binding request based on the received component identifier, and communicate the binding request via the wireless communication component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Hendrix, Norman R. McFarland, Geoffrey D. Nass, Jeffrey A. Raimo, Pornsak Songkakul
  • Patent number: 8994548
    Abstract: A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Howard Gaboury, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Lisa Therese Boran, Mark George Vojtisek
  • Patent number: 8981916
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle-based processor configured to receive a wireless vehicle-locate request from a remote device. The processor is also configured to receive an instruction from the remote device relating to selection of an outputtable tone and output, through use of one or more external vehicle sound systems, a selected tone in accordance with the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 8981924
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a personal possession management system using a short range Internet Protocol (IP) based Personal Area Network (PAN) comprises a master device MD to be worn or held by a user, and an IP based RFID electronic tag ET to be attached to or contained within a personal possession desired to be managed. The electronic tag ET has communicability with the master device. The master device MD is configured to allot an IP address to the electronic tag ET in a registration mode using IEEE 802.11 protocols and sends probes to the electronic tag ET. The electronic tag ET is configured to receive messages from the master device MD and respond accordingly. The master device MD alerts a user when the communicability between the master device MD and the electronic tag Er is disrupted in a monitoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Toshiba America Research, Inc., Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raziq Yaqub, Tao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8976022
    Abstract: A mobile tracking identification system, method, and computer program product uses a tracking chip, a pickup apparatus, a wireless network, and a controller unit. The tracking chip is disposed within a human body and is configured to passively transmit a data beacon via a wireless link. The pickup apparatus is configured to generate a triggering signal that activates the tracking chip as well as receive a data beacon from the tracking chip. The wireless network is configured to relay the data beacon from the pickup apparatus via a transmission medium. The controller unit is configured to receive the data beacon from the wireless network and generate geolocational data, store the geolocational data to produce a tracking vector, and initiate a commandeering function as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Khalid Hamad Motleb Alnafisah
  • Patent number: 8957777
    Abstract: A method for establishing a connection between a first electronic computing device and a second electronic computing device includes moving the second electronic computing device so that it is proximal to the first electronic computing device. When the first electronic computing device detects the proximity of the first electronic computing device relative to the second electronic computing device, a radio on the first electronic device is set to a connectable and discoverable state. A wireless connection is automatically established between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device. Data is transmitted between the first electronic computing device and the second electronic computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Baker, Braxton L. Lathrop
  • Patent number: 8941486
    Abstract: A radio frequency detection device that includes a housing, a power supply port, a radio frequency circuit board, and a microprocessor is disclosed. The radio frequency detection device is configured to detect signals between approximately 20 Mhz and 6020 Mhz. The microprocessor is configured to report the frequency and decibel level of a detected signal to a computer for display on a user interface. A user may set an alert frequency range and an decibel sensitivity threshold to filter out certain devices. The microprocessor is configured to initiate an alert when any signal is detected, or when a signal within either or both the alert frequency range or the decibel sensitivity threshold is detected. The alert may include pulsing of LED lights on the housing, a message on the user interface, and/or broadcast of an audio alert from a speaker associated with the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Cell Busters, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Forde, George O'Dowd
  • Patent number: 8941478
    Abstract: A vehicle system for determining that at least one mobile electronic device is generally stationary and is potentially forgotten is provided. The system includes a vehicle data bus and a control module. The vehicle data bus transmits a signal indicating at least one trigger event. The trigger event indicates a vehicle exit condition. The control module is in communication with the mobile electronic device and the vehicle bus. The control module is in communication with the mobile device through a data connection to receive information. The control module includes control logic for receiving the trigger signal from the vehicle data bus. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device has moved based on information received from the data connection. The control module includes control logic for determining if the mobile electronic device is generally stationary if the trigger signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sanjeev C. Mirle, Eric S. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 8941497
    Abstract: A multi-mode RFID tag includes a power generating and signal detection module, a baseband processing module, a transmit section, a configurable coupling circuit, and an antenna section. In near field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to a coil or inductor in the configurable coupling circuit to transmit an outbound transmit signal using electromagnetic or inductive coupling to an RFID reader. In far field mode, the configurable coupling circuit is operable to couple the transmit section to the antenna section, and the multi-mode RFID tag then utilizes a back-scattering RF technology to transmit the outbound transmit signal to RFID readers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran, Amin Shameli
  • Patent number: 8937545
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer program instructions for monitoring whether persons in a group are each away from an associated vehicle. In one embodiment, the computer system receives an association between each of multiple persons in the group with one of multiple vehicles and automatically receives digital information, derived from measured rf signal strength, indicating whether any one of multiple persons in the group has moved from a first relatively close position with respect to an associated vehicle and farther away from the associated vehicle than the first position. A notification is sent from the computer system to at least one device associated with a person in the group based on received information that a first of said multiple persons is farther away from the associated vehicle than the first relatively close position is from the associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Intrepid Networks, LLC
    Inventors: Brittin Kane, Joshua Witter
  • Patent number: 8928477
    Abstract: A method for a contactless transmission of electric energy and/or an electric signal between a wall and a wing fastened to the wall includes providing a first coil fastened to the wall and a second coil fastened to the wing which are actively inductively connected to each other. A control signal is applied to the first coil within a control time interval to induce a first signal in the second coil, which is then detected. A second control signal is applied to the second coil within the control time interval to induce a second signal in the first coil, which is then detected. A fault signal is generated if the first or second control signal, or a part thereof, is not applied during the control time interval, or if the first or second signal, or a part thereof, is not detected during the control time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Dr. Hahn GmbH & Co. KG, Staude Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Tibor Herglotz, Ingo Steinfeld, Wolfgang Staude, Sascha Puppel