Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining the location of a transmitter by jointly and collectively processing the full sampled signal data from a plurality of receivers to form a single solution.

Abstract: An RFD reader includes a transceiver configured to receive a first radio frequency signal reflected off at least one surface to provide baseline signal information and a second radio frequency signal reflected off the at least one surface and an object to provide further signal information. A comparator is configured to compare the baseline signal information and the further signal information to provide a signal comparison. A processor is configured to detect the presence of the object in accordance with the signal comparison. A determination is made whether the object is in motion in accordance with the signal comparison. The determination whether the object is in motion is made in accordance with a continuous fluctuation of the second radio frequency signal. A determination whether the object is no longer in motion is made in accordance with an ending of the continuous fluctuation of the second radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication device to interface with a machine system comprises projecting a human-machine interface (HMI) system for the machine system on a surface, wherein the HMI system comprises a plurality of commands associated with the machine system, detecting an input from a user, wherein the input comprises a fluid motion in air performed by the user corresponding to a selection of a command of the plurality of commands associated with the machine system, and transferring the selected command for delivery to the machine system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity detection system. The invention provides a proximity detection system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response. In the proximity detection system, the generator generates the magnetic field for a first predefined time period, and thereafter senses for a radio frequency response signal from the radio frequency device within a second predefined time period. The invention also provides for shaping proximity detection zones by overlaying magnetic field boundaries to produce a different boundary. The invention also provides for varying the strength of magnetic fields by adjusting a width of a timed pulse.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a portable RFID reader, and a read infrastructure that includes a distributed read structure, which may be part of a display (such as a shelf) for holding objects. The read structure is used to couple the RFID reader to RFID devices (tabs and/or labels) on or near the structure. The RFID reader and the read structure communicate in a near field or proximity region communication, without any use of a direct ohmic electrical connection. The RFID reader may have an antenna that is configured for near field or proximity communication with a coupler of the read infrastructure. The RFID reader may also have a separate antenna for use in far field communication. The RFID reader may be able to obtain information more efficiently in the near field or proximity mode, allowing information to be received faster and with greater reliability.

Abstract: A visual indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), may display the quality of the radio frequency (RF) link. In one implementation, a device may include, a RF antenna; a control module to connect to a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network through the RF antenna; and a LED, disposed on an outer surface of the device, to emit light of a number of different colors, where the color to emit is selected based on a quality of the connection to the LTE network. The device may include an outdoor broadband unit connected to an external portion of a customer premise.

Abstract: A computer, media player, remote control or other device is configured to determine its relative location within a home, office or other given environment based upon the reception and/or sensing of wireless network signals and/or other electromagnetic signals emitted by other devices present at any time in the environment. The device receives wireless signals from one or more wireless signal sources, and determines a parameter (e.g., signal strength) for the signals received from each source. The location of the portable device within the environment is determined based on the determined parameters. The location may be used for any purpose, such as adjusting a setting on the portable device, identifying another device to be controlled by a portable remote control, or the like.

Abstract: An approach for providing notifications to caregivers based on the detected presence of a child in a car seat is described. Physical presence of an object within a car seat is detected. A determination is made that a proximity threshold between a mobile device and the car seat is satisfied based on the presence information, range information associated with the mobile device, or a combination thereof. A notification message is generated in response to the detected physical presence of the object to indicate the presence of the object in the car seat based on the determination. Initiation of the transmission of the notification message to a mobile device within a predetermined proximity of the car seat is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing loss of an item and quickly searching for the item includes a slave configured to act as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having unique identifier information in an internal tag memory; and a hand-held master configured to function as an RFID reader and to permit the change of at least one of a recognition distance and a recognition width, at which the master recognizes the slave. When the distance between a user and an item is out of a predetermined range, a warning such as an alarm or voice signal is provided to the user, so that it is possible to prevent loss of the item. Alternatively, it is possible to quickly search for a misplaced item whenever the user desires it and has misplaced the same.

Abstract: Various proximity detection zones for work sites that require personnel to be in close proximity to various hazardous elements, such as machines, mobile equipment, remotely controlled machines, and operated vehicles can be shaped to fit specific equipment or work area configurations and may include one or more silent zones within the proximity warning zone in which an alarm is not sounded. The zones are determined by overlapping magnetic fields that expand and collapse at a selected operating frequency. Devices sense and measure the strength of the magnetic fields in which they are located and use the information to determine if they are in a silent or warning zone. Thus, it is possible to produce silent zones having desired shapes.

Abstract: A receiver of an object finder includes an antenna to receive a signal from a transmitter associated with the receiver, a PIN diode having a first terminal coupled with the antenna, and having a resistance that increases as a current flows therethrough decreases, and vice versa, a variable resistor coupled with the first terminal of the PIN diode to control the amount of a current flowing into the PIN diode, and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RF IC) having a first pin electrically coupled with second terminal of the PIN diode to receive the signal from the antenna via the PIN diode.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for monitoring a location is presented. The method includes monitoring one or more entryways of a building to detect when an entryway of the building is being opened and responsive to detecting an entryway of the building being opened, the method monitors for a presence of one or more wireless devices within a range of a residential wireless access point located within the building. In response to detecting the presence a wireless device within the range of the residential wireless access point, the method identifies an identifier associated with the wireless device. The method determines whether the identifier associated with the wireless device is registered with the residential wireless access point and responsive to the identifier associated with the wireless device being unregistered with the residential wireless access point, the method performs a user-specified event.

Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a vehicle to communicate with another vehicle or with an infrastructure device which has a particular range which is dependent on the current position of the vehicle. In order to ensure correct operation of the communication, the range to be expected for the communication is derived inter alia from the nature of the surroundings, which is dependent on the current position of the vehicle. The invention also relates to an appropriate apparatus for communication.

Abstract: A method for reminding objects being away, a communication device and a computer readable medium using the same method are proposed. The proposed method is adapted to the communication device, and includes the following steps. Location information of the communication device is recorded. A connection between the communication device and a specified object is established. A safety zone of the specified object is configured according to a user configuration signal. It is determined whether the specified object is away from the communication device, which is carried by the user. It is further determined whether the specified object is not in the safety zone. When the specified object is determined to be away from the communication device and is not in the safety zone, an alarm signal is provided to the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a location tracking system and the method thereof for storing location information. The location tracking system includes at least one beacon apparatus arranged to transmit a beacon signal to a tag; a tag at any position respectively measuring a signal intensity of beacon signals received from surrounding at least one beacon apparatus, and transmitting a measured per-beacon signal intensity to a specific beacon apparatus; and a server arranged to determine if at least any one of signal intensities exceeds a set maximum value by analyzing a per-beacon signal intensity input from the specific beacon apparatus, and store a location-based signal intensity into a database by equally dividing a distance between corresponding beacon apparatuses and then distributing a measured signal intensity into a divided each position in multiple cases the signal intensity exceeds a set maximum value.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more powered wireless transceivers and/or one or more passive wireless transceivers, a reader and interrogator with variable power, one or more antennas connected to a human or robotic hand and/or foot, a method for making same and the method of using these devices for process automation and verification involving one or more items in addition to locating, tracking and identifying these items in a supply chain. In one embodiment, a proximity sensing wireless system is provided which can be used to step the handler or operator through the step of a process and verify that each step in the process has been completed.

Abstract: A portable alarm device includes a portable enclosure, a wireless communication system disposed in the portable enclosure and configured to receive a signal from a monitoring device. The device further includes a processor in communication with the wireless communication system and wherein the processor is configured to initiate an alert when the signal indicates that the portable enclosure is beyond a pre-determined distance from the monitoring device.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alerting persons of obstacles and/or approaching hazards are provided. Embodiments may include a warning system that includes a radio source configured to transmit a radio signal and a warning device. The warning device may include at least one vibration device, at least two receiver devices configured to receive the radio signal, and a processing device operably coupled to at least two receiver devices and at least one vibration device, wherein the processing device is configured to determine at least a direction and a distance to the radio source from the warning device and configured to transmit a vibration signal to at least one vibration device based upon the determined direction and distance to the radio source from the warning device.

Abstract: A displacement device for mapping wireless signal fingerprints includes motion sensors and at least one of a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) sensor and a round trip time (RTT) sensor. The motion sensors may include a pedometer and one or more sensors to receive turn information. The start position of the displacement device is initialized and as the displacement device is moved through an environment, the position of each measurement location is determined using the initialized position and data from the motion sensors. The measurement position along with the RSSI and/or RTT measurement is stored in a database, from which a map can be generated. The position of the access point may be determined using the RSSI measurement or RTT measurement. Additionally, accumulated errors in the measurement position may be monitored and when greater than a threshold, a user may be prompted to reinitialize the position of the displacement device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an RF disturbance detection system is provided that includes: an RF interrogator configured to transmit an RF interrogation signal; and a plurality of RF transceiver modules configured to respond to the RF interrogation signal by transmitting unique RF response signals, wherein the RF interrogator is further configured to periodically interrogate the RF transceiver modules to detect the power of the corresponding response signals so as to detect any changes in the response signal powers over time.

Abstract: Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user (200) sends a low power discovery message to devices (201) using a portable programming tool (100). The devices (201) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool (100) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal (202), allowing the user (200) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device (201), the portable programming tool (100), and/or a central or local controller (1100). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.

Abstract: A passive entry and/or passive go system and am associated operating method is provided. According to an embodiment of the invention, the following steps are performed in an electronic key of the passive entry and/or passive go system: generation of a reference input value, supplying the antenna circuit with the reference input value, measurement of the characteristic parameters, while the antenna circuit is supplied with the reference input value, storage of the characteristic parameters, measurement of a first output value of the antenna circuit, and determination of the field strength from the first output value and the characteristic parameters, whereby an effect of the characteristic parameters on the field strength is compensated. Use, for example, in motor vehicles.

Abstract: A system and method switches a mobile device from a first wireless communication signal, to a second, different wireless communication signal to maintain or reestablish communication between the mobile device and a communication network. Switching occurs when the signal strength of the first wireless communication signal falls below a predefined threshold and a second communication signal is present.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for pull-outs, shelf boards, flaps, or other such elements to be opened, particularly front elements of particularly kitchen and office furniture, kitchen appliances and flush-mounted appliances, product dispensing devices, and the like, having components comprising a corpus, wherein the element to be opened can be transferred into an open position relative to the corpus 2 by way of a drive unit 5, the drive unit 5 can be activated by way of control means, and the control means comprise a front body sound sensor 6 that is associated with the front element 3.

Abstract: An information access system including an information device that is adapted for radio communication with a reader/writer, the information device having a detection data acquisition unit acquiring detection data from a sensor, a detection data storage unit holding the most recent detection data, a first receiving unit detecting the reception of an RF signal, and a first transmission unit transmitting a response signal. The reader/writer is adapted for radio communication with the information device and includes a second transmission unit transmitting the information request signal, a second receiving unit receiving the response signal, an accumulation recording unit recording the received detection data, and a detection data accumulation unit accumulating, in the accumulation recording unit, the most recent detection data, and if other detection data has not been accumulated in the accumulation recording unit, accumulating the other detection data in the accumulation recording unit.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array, an acquisition circuit, a transceiver and a battery. The probe also includes a loudspeaker which produces audible sounds as a function of the range between the wireless probe and a host system. When the probe is within a near field range of the host system, the loudspeaker is silent. But if the probe is moved to an intermediate or a far field range from the host system, the loudspeaker sounds an alert. This audible alert can be used to locate the probe by transmitting a paging signal which, upon reception by the probe, causes the probe to sound its alert. If the probe is moved to an unauthorized location where it is within range of a transmitter or receiver, the reception of a signal by the probe, the transmitter, or receiver will sound an alert signaling the unauthorized presence of the wireless probe.

Abstract: A system for preventing a portable terminal from being left is characterized in that the portable terminal sounds an alarm when a signal from a wireless terminal can no longer be received, terminates sounding of the alarm after a predetermined amount of time passes, and makes a transition to a lock standby state.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described which are useful for determining a location characteristic between an RFID tag and an RFID tag reader or a second RFID tag. In various embodiments, signals backscattered from a singulated tag over a range of frequencies are evaluated for in-phase I and in-quadrature Q signal components. The I-Q data is processed to determine phase delay angles associated with each signal frequency. The phase delay data can be processed by a sum of squared errors method or Fourier transform method to determine a distance to the singulated tag. The methods can also be used to determine any of a location, a radial velocity, a directional velocity of the singulated tag, and proximity of the singulated tag to a second tag.

Abstract: Various proximity detection zones for work sites that require personnel to be in close proximity to various hazardous elements, such as machines, mobile equipment, remotely controlled machines, and operated vehicles can be shaped to fit specific equipment or work area configurations and may include one or more silent zones within the proximity warning zone in which an alarm is not sounded. The zones are determined by overlapping magnetic fields that expand and collapse at a selected operating frequency. Devices sense and measure the strength of the magnetic fields in which they are located and use the information to determine if they are in a silent or warning zone. Thus, it is possible to produce silent zones having desired shapes.

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.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for determining presence of a portable transmitter relative to a boundary. The presence may be determined according to whether the portable transmitter is interior or exterior to the boundary. The boundary may be defined as a wireless boundary that corresponds with an intersection or overlapping portion set by multiple antenna fields.

Abstract: An asset tracking system includes a station, transmitting points, and tag units. The tag units can be used for communicating with the transmitting points. The station receives data associated with signal strengths between wireless access points and tag units. The station analyzes the data associated with a number of the transmitting points and determines the location of the tag units.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alerting persons of obstacles and/or approaching hazards are provided. Embodiments may include a warning system that includes a radio source configured to transmit a radio signal and a warning device. The warning device may include at least one vibration device, at least two receiver devices configured to receive the radio signal, and a processing device operably coupled to at least two receiver devices and at least one vibration device, wherein the processing device is configured to determine at least a direction and a distance to the radio source from the warning device and configured to transmit a vibration signal to at least one vibration device based upon the determined direction and distance to the radio source from the warning device.

Abstract: A positioning system and method are provided to use multiple RFID readers to position a target object with an active RFID tag equipped thereon. The system and method defines a geometric center of the locations of the RFID readers as a first coordinate. When the RFID readers continuously receive RF signals of the active RFID tag, a corresponding signal intensity of each of the RF signals is calculated and compared to obtain an approaching vector corresponding to the location of the RFID reader with the greatest signal intensity of the RF signal. A positioned location of the target object is then approached from the first coordinate to a second coordinate according to the approaching vector. The first coordinate and the positioned location of the target object will be reset as the second coordinate. The reset first coordinate is output as the latest positioned location of the target object.

Abstract: A communication apparatus and a method used by the communication apparatus to perform magnetic-field communication with an external apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus determines the communication distance between the communication apparatus and the external apparatus based on the voltage level of a radio signal, a distance measuring device, or other means. The communication distance is compared to a predetermined distance and the communication apparatus dynamically adjusts its resonance frequency for improved magnetic-field communication with the external apparatus.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for recognizing a parking area are disclosed. The parking area recognizing apparatus includes: a signal transmitter transmitting a signal using a sensor; an echo signal receiver receiving an echo signal for the signal; a multiple signal generator generating a multiple echo signal using the echo signal based on first and second preset thresholds; and a parking area recognizer recognizing a parking area by calculating a round trip time and a duration time for the multiple echo signal and selecting an available echo signal based on at least one of the round trip time and the duration time. Accordingly, a precision in recognition of a parking area is enhanced by reducing a measurement error by processing an echo signal received after it is reflected on an object with a multiple echo signal in recognition of the parking area using a sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a radar sensor.

Abstract: In order to improve the reduction of interference among cells such as pico cells and ease operations of arranging and controlling the cells, a wireless communication area measuring apparatus includes: a signal measuring unit for calculating wireless environment indicators at measuring points based on measured data of received signal strength indicators of a plurality of base stations; a transmission power determination unit for adjusting transmission power of the base stations based on margins of the received signal strength indicators; and a display unit for outputting adjustment results of the transmission power of the base stations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for presenting viewer-related programming to a particular viewer. In at least one embodiment, a wireless reader is configured to receive at least one identifier when the particular viewer is in proximity to the reader. A controller is configured to receive the identifier from the wireless reader and to associate the identifier with the particular viewer, and, upon successfully associating the wireless identifier with the particular viewer, to present the viewer-related programming associated with the particular viewer via the display or other presentation device located in proximity to the wireless reader. Viewer-related programming may including placeshifted content, viewing preferences, settings or other information as desired.

Abstract: A remote keyless entry system is provided comprising a handheld remote keyless entry transmitter in selectable wireless communication with a car based entry system. The handheld remote keyless entry transmitter comprises an integrated electronic compass element and logic adapted to store a first compass direction when activated and directed towards a destination. The logic further is adapted to display a return compass direction and a return distance from the car based entry system when activated leaving the destination.

Abstract: A proximity location system and method thereof for locating a communications device. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) proximity location tag is arranged in a proximity of the communications device and detected thereby. A proximity location key included in the RFID proximity location tag is acquired by the communications device and forwarded to a location information server. The location information is queried for location information associated with the proximity location key. Based on the location information, data transmitted by the communications device is routed to the appropriate receiver of the data. The location information is also provided to the receiver.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of positioning sensors on wheels (200 and 300) installed coaxial to the same end of one and the same axle of a vehicle (C) comprising a receiving module (100) associated with the body of the vehicle, noteworthy in that it consists in positioning the sensors (210 and 310) at an angular interval greater than or equal to ninety (90) degrees of a wheel (200) relative to the other (300) so that, when operating in displacement mode, the distance between the receiving module and the sensor varies according to the wheel rotation, and in using a link of low frequency (LF) type so that the creation of a distance between the points of emission makes it possible to vary the power of the signals received, thus rendering them distinct. The invention also relates to a device making it possible to implement the method described hereinabove. Applications: measurement and transmission of data associated with the wheels of a vehicle.

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.

Abstract: On a first level of the wireless building automation architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct wireless communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy is provided by receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The tag reader includes a power detection circuit operable to detect power from a plurality of different power sources, and a controller for operating the radio frequency identification tag reader at a power consumption level commensurate with a detected power source.

Abstract: A detection head has an array including a plurality of coils. Magnetic marks are arranged in a travel route at a pitch equal to the array length. By interaction between the magnetic marks and the coils, a position of a moving vehicle is determined based on the magnetic marks.

Abstract: An emergency locating system can include emergency transceivers and locator transceivers. The emergency transceivers can be capable of transmission of spread-spectrum encoded messages, and can be actuated by a user to send a distress message. A locator transceiver can be capable of receiving the distress messages and performing two-way ranging to determine a distance between the locator transceiver and the emergency transceiver.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for allowing users to verify the presence of personal items. RFID tags are attached to personal items, and the items are entered into a list. The user makes travel lists from the list of items. When traveling, the user queries the system to determine whether all personal items in the travel list are within range of the system. The system checks for the presence of the RFID tags associated with the items in the travel list. If any RFIDs are not present, the user is alerted. Optionally, the system updates the last known location of items whenever checking for the presence of personal items, so that if an item is not found the user can determine where the item was last known to have been.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to provide a wireless tether system is described. In one embodiment, one or more wireless tether apparatuses are in wireless communication with one or more base units. A wireless tether apparatus may be configured such that when separated from a base unit greater than a predetermined distance, such a wireless tether apparatus provides information to the user of the wireless tether apparatus to aid a user such as a human, animal, or machine in finding their way back to a desired location. A predetermined distance may be configured to change over time to accommodate different tether distance requirements at different times, e.g., closer to a home location at night and further away from the home location during the day. In one aspect, wireless tether apparatuses and base units communicate using a plurality of different communication modes such that when one mode fails other modes are utilized to reestablish a connection therebetween.