Abstract: A system, method, and devices for locating an object, in which the system includes objects having location tags for projecting data about the object, a processing unit for receiving data about the object, and an algorithm for processing the data. Typically, the location tag includes at least one mobility sensor that projects sensory data about the object, a wireless transceiver that projects received signal strength indication data about the object and a microprocessor. The processing unit receiving the sensory data and the received signal strength indication data about the object. The algorithm processes the data, provides a location estimate about the object and thereby locates the object.

Abstract: A severe weather alarm configured for actuation by the occurrence of a single type of weather phenomena is disclosed. In one embodiment an alarm includes a portable housing; an audio siren configured to actuate upon an occurrence of a predetermined event; a receiver to receive signals and Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) messages at one or more National Weather Service (NWS) weather radio frequencies; a digital decoder coupled to the receiver and configured to filter out all SAME messages except for a single weather warning message event code and a Required Weekly Test (RWT) code; a processor coupled to the receiver and the digital decoder to control the receiver and decoder and to actuate the audio siren upon the occurrence of the predetermined event; a power source; and a memory for storing signal values, frequencies, message values, and geographical codes.

Abstract: A combined proximity monitoring and locating system including a wearable unit, a proximity detector, and a control subsystem. The proximity detector includes a receiver for receiving the wearable unit transmitter signal, a processing subsystem configured to signal an alert if the wearable unit transmitter signal strength is below a pre-established minimum, and a tracking subsystem configured to assist in locating the wearable unit based on the signal strength of the wearable unit transmitter signal. A control subsystem is responsive to an indication that the alert has been signaled. The control subsystem includes an RF transmitter configured to transmit a transponder activation signal, and an RF antenna network for relaying the transponder activation signal to a receiver of the portable unit to activate the transponder thereof. A tracking unit includes a receiver configured to receive the transponder signal of the wearable unit to locate the wearable unit.

Abstract: A method of providing security and maintenance of a group of devices using a group of tags. Each of the tags is attached to a device and includes a radio frequency transceiver for intercommunicating using ultra-wide band signals. Using the intercommunication, distance between two of the tags is determined and an alarm is triggered when the distance is greater than a previously defined threshold distance. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a round trip delay time between the transmission of a transmitted signal to the other tag and reception of a response signal in response to the transmitted signal from the other tag. The distance is preferably determined by measuring a time delay between transmitting a unicast ultra-wide band message and receiving a unicast response message. The intercommunication preferably uses ultra-wide band signals which relay information regarding completeness of the group between the tags of the group.

Abstract: A method for cableless transmission of operating signals from a mobile remote control unit to a medical device is provided. The method includes recording a transmission quality measurement, and blocking the transmission of the operating signals if the transmission quality measurement or a distance measurement between the remote control unit and a receiver unit of the device fulfills a predetermined trigger criteria. A step detection process is carried out by the remote control unit, and a change in the transmission quality measurement is taken into account if a step movement is determined in the step detection process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and systems for position detections of an individual. One method to detect a position of an individual includes creating a zone map by mapping locations of a number of fixed sensors in a zone and signal strengths of a number of communications between the fixed sensors and at least two wireless access points. The method also includes determining signal strength values of a number of communications between the wireless access points and a mobile sensor and comparing the signal strength values of the number of communications between at least two wireless access points and the mobile sensor with the zone map to determine the mobile sensor's position in relation to the zone.

Abstract: A system for object tracking may comprise at least one subsystem that couples an electronic signal emitting and receiving device to an object to be tracked, at least one subsystem that assigns an identifier to the object, at least one subsystem that registers the identifier of the object with a second object, and at least one subsystem that establishes electronic communication between the object to be tracked and the second object via the electronic signal emitting and receiving device. Also a system for object tracking may comprise at least one subsystem that detects at a first object an electronic signal from a second object, and at least one subsystem that emits an electronic alert beacon from the first object when said first object is determined to be out of range of the second object.

Abstract: An RFID transponder having an adjustable response field strength including a determination circuit formed to determine a quantity which is derivable from a field strength of an electromagnetic field prevailing at the location of the RFID transponder, a comparator formed to compare the determined quantity derived from the field strength with a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is based on the adjustable response field strength, which is higher than the minimum field strength required for the operation of the RFID transponder, and a deactivator formed to deactivate a functionality of the RFID transponder if the derived quantity falls below the threshold value.

Abstract: A tracking and locating system includes a user unit, a central unit, and a range finder. The user unit includes a beacon that transmits an information signal. The central unit receives the information signal from the beacon, interprets content of the information signal, and reports the content. The range finder receives the information signal from the beacon, interprets a header of the information signal to determine a range, and reports the range.

Abstract: A method for rendering an alert message on a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal is received at the digital radio broadcast receiver. Data corresponding to an alert message comprising type information for identifying a type of the alert message and message information is detected. If the type information satisfies a triggering condition for a type of alert message pre-selected by a user of the digital radio broadcast receiver, the message information is rendered at the digital radio broadcast receiver. A digital radio broadcast receiver that performs the method is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to acquire received signal strength intensities (RSSIs) for a wireless device from a plurality of access points (APs) located on a plurality logical floors. The apparatus is configured to determine which logical floor the wireless device is on by analyzing the RSSIs. The RSSIs for each floor are adjusted with an adjustment value and are selectively weighted with at least two different weight values, and the adjusted and weighted RSSIs for each floor are each summed. The floor with highest sum of adjusted or weighted RSSIs is determined to be the floor the wireless device is on. The logical floor is further determined by sorting the RSSIs for each floor and then weighting the sorted RSSIs with the different weight values. The sorted and weighted RSSIs for each floor are summed. The floor with highest sum of weighted sorted RSSIs is determined to be the floor the wireless device is on.

Abstract: An antenna outputs query signals to a wireless tag, and receives response signals output from the wireless tag. An intensity detection circuit detects the signal intensity of the response signals. A control portion judges the type of toner housed in a cartridge, or whether the toner is a certified product or a non-certified product, from the detected signal intensity. Further, the control portion outputs to an output setting circuit an instruction signal to change the signal intensity of the query signals, such that normal wireless communication can be performed with the wireless tag.

Abstract: A method for locating a target wireless device is disclosed. At least one directional antenna is swept through a field of view at each of a plurality of sensing locations. A position is determined for each of the plurality of sensing locations. During the sweep at each of the plurality of sensing locations, a set of signal strength data for the target wireless device and a set of bearing information are collected. A plurality of lines of bearing are determined, one from each of the plurality of sensing locations to the target wireless device, based on the determined position, the collected set of signal strength data, and bearing information for each of the plurality of sensing locations. A target location of the target wireless device is determined based on an intersection of at least two lines of bearing from the plurality of lines of bearing.

Abstract: A system for tracking objects includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver device integrated in a wireless handheld personal electronic device (e.g., cell phone, BLACKBERRY, iPHONE) having a visual display, a battery power source and a selection of distinct audible ringtones. The transceiver device communicates via RF signals with transponders installed within or attached to personal objects such as, but not limited to: keys; wallets; laptops; handbags; handheld electronic devices; cameras; video cameras; MP3 players; sunglasses and pens. The tracked objects are programed into the wireless handheld electronic device and are viewable on the display, identifying the object by name, transponder number and identifying ringtone. The transceiver device is pre-programed to trigger alarm functions (e.g., distinct ringtone, vibration and/or visual indicator) of the wireless handheld device upon any one or more of the tracked objects becoming separated from the transceiver device beyond a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method of processing location data at a portable computing device is provided and includes receiving information associated with a user defined location at the portable computing device. The information includes a central point and an entry indication perimeter. An entry alert associated with the user defined location is received at the portable computing device. The location of the portable computing device is monitored to determine when the portable computing device crosses the entry indication perimeter associated with the central point of the user defined location indicating that the portable computing device is proximate to the user defined location. The method further includes switching the portable computing device from a roaming state to an entry state indicating that the portable computing device is about to enter the user defined location. An indication can be provided to the user that the portable computing device has switched to the entry state.

Abstract: Method and system for safely transporting valuable articles to a client. A known amount of articles for transport are packed in a transport package comprising a security circuit and a security system for the valuable articles. In the armed state the valuable articles are devaluated in case of an unauthorized manipulation in the transport package. A first client identifier is given. The valuable articles in the transport package are transported to the client. A portable computer transported with the valuable articles serves for recording and/or capturing the first client identifier, for capturing a second client identifier, for evaluating the first client identifier and the second client identifier, and for establishing a communication connection with the security circuit of the transport package, in order to transfer and release the package into the not-armed state, if permitted after evaluating the client identifiers.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to systems and methods for communicating messages in wireless networks. In one exemplary embodiment, a wireless sensor network has a first node and a second node. The second node is configured to wirelessly transmit a message through a channel of the wireless sensor network to the first node. The second node is further configured to determine whether to retransmit the message through the channel of the wireless sensor network to the first node based on an amount of energy detected for the channel by the second node immediately after transmission of the message by the second node.

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

Abstract: A method of monitoring a portable electronic device electronically is provided. The method comprises receiving a first radio signal, the first radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device and determining a first received signal strength of the first radio signal. The method also comprises receiving a second radio signal, the second radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device, the second radio signal received after the first radio signal. The method also comprises determining a second received signal strength of the second radio signal, comparing the second received signal strength to the first received signal strength, and alerting when a result of the comparing exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for automatically detecting the use of a means of transport (10; 16) conveying persons. According to said method, a transmitter emits signals, a receiver receives signals emitted by the transmitter, positional and/or movement-related data of the means of transport are determined, and the use of the means of transport is detected based on an evaluation of the change in intensity of successive signals received by the receiver as well as the positional and/or movement-related data.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing machine health information. In one embodiment, a machine may include a storage device that is configured to store collected machine health data. The storage device has a module that is configured to determine a data characteristic and a communication characteristic. The storage device is further configured to determine, based on the data characteristic and the communication characteristic, whether to transmit a set of machine health data to an off-board system. Further, the storage device is coupled to a transmitter that is configured to transmit the set of machine health data to the off-board system.

Abstract: A wireless distress system and method compares signals transmitted from fixed wireless devices to more accurately determine the location of a mobile wireless distress device. The system and method may compare the signal pattern of a mobile wireless device to the signal patterns of fixed wireless devices in known locations. The location of a fixed wireless device with a signal pattern that most closely matches the signal pattern of the mobile wireless device may be used as the location of the mobile wireless distress device.

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 method for operating a failsafe-enabled wireless device is provided that includes monitoring a signal quality for a wireless signal between a failsafe-enabled wireless device and a controller. A determination is made regarding whether the signal quality is poor. A failsafe procedure is initiated when the signal quality is poor.

Abstract: A system and method for representing on a user interface a plurality of transponders in a file system of a computing device, the user interface provided by the device, the device configured for communicating with the transponders when present in an electromagnetic spectrum in communication range of the device. The communication between the transponders and the device uses radio frequency signals to obtain information of the transponders. The system and method comprises a first memory location configured for storing the transponder information as a plurality of corresponding transponder files in the file system. The system and method also have a driver for coordinating the transfer of the transponder information between the transponder and the first memory location according to an access command, the access command configured for directing the computing device to obtain the transponder information for the transponders when in communication range of the device.

Abstract: A communication system for monitoring the health status of a patient includes a communication device and a sensor device, the communication device comprising a first communication interface for communication with the sensor device and comprising a second communication interface for communication with a health care center, the communication device being able to generate a warning message upon failure of either the first communication interface or the second communication interface, wherein the generation of a warning message is prevented if the failure of the first communication interface begins and ends during a first time interval and/or the generation of a warning message is prevented if the failure of the second communication interface begins and ends during a third time interval and/or the communication device comprises a detection device for detecting a critical or non-critical health status, and the generation of a warning message is prevented if both the duration of failure of the second communication

Abstract: A tool tracking apparatus constructed by a base monitoring station that has electronic circuitry, an LED display panel and an audible alarm; a power supply including a battery power backup for the base monitoring station; a perimeter loop wire electrically connected to the base monitoring system defining an extended area in which at least one tool is protected or can be located; at least one wireless security tag fixedly attached to the at least one tool for rounding a second audible alarm when the locate button on the base monitoring station is pushed or for triggering the first audible alarm when the at least one wireless security tag approaches the perimeter loop wire at a distance less than a preset distance.

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: The surveillance system includes a remote monitoring station, at least one mobile radio (e.g. a handheld radio), and one or more deployable sensors each for unattended surveillance to transmit a detection signal in response to a detected activity. A deployable gateway surveillance node includes a controller and at least one wireless transceiver cooperating therewith to transmit a notification to the remote monitoring station based upon a received detection signal, and determine and transmit a voice-message status report, based upon the received detection signal, to the at least one mobile radio identifying the deployable gateway surveillance node and corresponding deployable sensor for the received detection signal.

Abstract: The invention is a system for locating and preventing the loss of personal items within a geographic zone. The system components are a personal portable homing center device a having a radio frequency receiver and a transducer that is actuated by a change in a signal strength; and several zone devices, for instance an active RFID tag attached to the personal item. The homing center device has an algorithm to measure the strength of the signal generated by the tag. The transducer is an audible and/or a silent alarm. The homing center device has three operating modes: Off, Homing-in, and Homing-out. In the Homing-in mode the alarm is actuated when a zone device's signal is detected. In the Homing-out operating mode the alarm is actuated when a zone device's signal falls to a threshold strength, indicating that the item is no longer close to the homing center device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to mistaken location calculations based on multipath effects. The present invention utilizes tags attached to objects that transmit signals at various power levels for reception by sensors stationed throughout a facility. Sensor readings at the various power levels are utilized to determine the location of the tagged object.

Abstract: A system, device and method for identifying, within a local area, a location of an electronic device, such as a mobile telephone, includes determining a signal characteristic of a wireless communication from one or more wireless devices in the local area to the electronic device, wherein determining is performed by the electronic device. Then, based on a comparison of the determined signal characteristic from the one or more wireless devices to a plurality of reference signal characteristics the location of the electronic device in the local area is determined.

Abstract: A pet location system having a pet locator with GPS capabilities in communication with a wireless network such that a user interface accessible on a common computer network or by telephone is provided. The pet location system includes access to the user interface via a computer on the common computer network or via a telecommunications network.

Abstract: A distance measuring system and method is disclosed having a transponder and an interrogation unit in communication with each other wherein, based upon a calculated distance between the transponder and the interrogation unit, a warning signal is provided if the calculated distance is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a communication system and method for determining and recording the geographical location of an object attached with a short range wireless device, over a wide area, in a vicinity of a radio beacon that can be located by a remote control station, upon establishing or interrupting a wireless connection between said wireless device and said radio beacon. One embodiment of the invention relates to a system for search and rescue of a man overboard (person overboard), a quite frequent and fatal accident at sea.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a portable electronic device electronically is provided. The method comprises receiving a first radio signal, the first radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device and determining a first received signal strength of the first radio signal. The method also comprises receiving a second radio signal, the second radio signal emitted by the electronically monitored portable electronic device, the second radio signal received after the first radio signal. The method also comprises determining a second received signal strength of the second radio signal, comparing the second received signal strength to the first received signal strength, and alerting when a result of the comparing exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A multivariate environmental sensing system with redundant transmission pathways with a network of nodes detecting environmental conditions and processing a transmissible signal. Nodes use predetermined criteria to make periodic detections, maintaining a low power state between detections. Power is conserved by deciding whether detections are transmitted immediately, or may be stored for periodic transmission. The nodes power up and immediately transmit urgent detections, storing routine detections for delayed batch transmission. Nodes may transmit signals received from other nodes, passing along signals received from more distant nodes. Transmission may have a predetermined pattern, but the system alters this pattern if there is disruption to the system or pattern. Gateways process data from nodes and pass data to other gateways, on an immediate or deferred basis, to a control center, where data is analyzed.

Abstract: A monitoring system that allows for a handheld device to transmit information to a monitoring station indicative of an emergency situation within a facility. The handheld device is provided as a keyfob and transmits a wireless RF signal to transceivers variously positioned throughout the facility. Based on identifying which transceiver is in alert, personnel can determine the location of the emergency situation and track the movement of the keyfob as it is moved throughout the facility. Additionally, two-way communication can be established with via the system to provide a maximum amount of information to security personnel and first responders as well as allowing for specific instructions to be given to select personnel in the emergency area.

Abstract: An object detection framework enables the definition of a set of related physical objects, and provides a corresponding ability to detect when one or more of the objects disassociates from the set. Object relationships within a set can be defined, and disassociation is detected when one or more of the object relationships no longer holds true, such as when one of the objects is no longer within a threshold proximity of the other objects of the set. Then, one or more responses, such as an alert, are automatically initiated in response to the disassociation. In various non-limiting implementations of the framework, each object of a related set is provisioned with the ability to any one or more of emit, detect and/or transmit detection information, process and/or store detection information, or initiate response(s) to detection information.

Abstract: A system for tracking items using passive RFID tags utilizes separate data and power frequencies. Within an area in which the items are located, one or more data readers are provided but many more separate power modules are distributed through the space, for powering up the tags. With the power nodes distributed, the tags are powered from a relatively short distance, enabling the tags to transmit through a greater distance. One or more of the readers can include a power-node control which sends an RF signal to control on/off status of specific power nodes within the area, so that power nodes can be activated zone by zone, to thereby permit the reader to determine location by zone of products as their RFID tags are read.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, a reading device and a system for transmitting data and/or energy between a reading device and a transponder unit. Via a first antenna coil of the reading device generating a first magnetic field data and/or energy are transmitted to the transponder unit. By means of a second antenna coil a second magnetic field with opposite sign is generated. Within a near field or communication range (12) of the reading device the second magnetic field is weaker than the first magnetic field. In a tap-proof range (13), i.e. outside the near field, the two magnetic fields have the same absolute value and cancel each other out due to the opposite signs.

Abstract: Security systems, methods, and devices for monitoring a region for movement utilize a wireless network detector having a directional antenna and a transmitter for transmitting the detected wireless network signal strength to a computer. Analysis of changes in the signal strength measurements determines the presence of movement requiring a response.

Abstract: Method and Circuit Arrangement for Field Strength Determination and Integrated Circuit is provided. In the method of the invention for determining the field strength of a carrier signal at an antenna of an antenna circuit of an electronic key, whereby the antenna circuit generates an output value, which is a function of the field strength and a function of characteristic parameters of the antenna circuit, comprises the steps: 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: System(s) and method(s) to increase the accuracy and efficiency of an RFID system is provided. A system includes an RFID component that receives a signal from an RFID reader, and an identifier component that interfaces with the RFID component and identifies the source of the signal. The system further includes a signal strength component that interfaces with the identifier component and measures the strength of the signal. The system can include an environment component that analyzes an operating environment.

Abstract: There is provided a short-range wireless communication apparatus and a cellular phone terminal that can surely and immediately notify a user of the optimum distance between a contactless IC card reader/writer and a contactless IC card not through an MPU or a CPU and if the contactless IC card function is locked, surely notify the user as such. In an RFID card, a magnetic field strength/brightness conversion section adjusts the brightness of two LEDs in accordance with the detected magnetic field strength of a carrier wave. A blink generation circuit detects whether the RFID card is in a communication state and blinks the LEDs if so. A function combining section combines the functions to indicate the magnetic field strength and the communication state with the brightness and blinking of the LEDs. An LED with another color illuminates only when an RFID function LSI is in a lock state.

Abstract: A locating system for an archive having multiple objects stored therein includes an RFID reader device having an RFID reader to detect and read RFID tags on the objects. A central processing unit includes a database to store information on each object in the archive, a location engine operating system in communication with the RFID reader device, and a data structure to store a relative position of each object in the archive relative to each other object in the archive. A method of locating an object within an archive containing multiple objects includes carrying an RFID reader device through the archive. The RFID reader device queries each RFID tag for the identifier associated with the RFID tag and determines whether each identifier is an old identifier stored in a memory or a new identifier not stored in the memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for logging and reporting network parameters within a portable communication device that includes a processor and a wireless module that may communicate with a wireless network such as a wireless telephone network, for example, via a wireless connection. The wireless module may determine characteristic information associated with the wireless connection and may provide the characteristic information to the processor. The processor may format the characteristic information for transmission and then transmit the formatted characteristic information to the wireless network. In addition, the processor may store the characteristic information within the portable communication device for future aggregation and transmission.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for detecting a reader signal strength in a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is described. A tag is configured to monitor an attribute of a reader transmitted signal, such as the signal strength. The tag generates an indication of the signal attribute, and transmits the indication of the signal attribute to the reader.

Abstract: A system, method, and devices for locating an object, in which the system includes objects having location tags for projecting data about the object, a processing unit for receiving data about the object, and an algorithm for processing the data. Typically, the location tag includes at least one mobility sensor that projects sensory data about the object, a wireless transceiver that projects received signal strength indication data about the object and a microprocessor. The processing unit receiving the sensory data and the received signal strength indication data about the object. The algorithm processes the data, provides a location estimate about the object and thereby locates the object.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing an indication of the proximity of a moveable device. The system comprises at least a first moveable device having a transmitting means for transmitting data comprising an identification of the first device and a second device having a receiving means for receiving data from the first device and a transmitting means for transmitting data including the identification of the first device together with an indication of the proximity of the identified device. A further device with a receiving means for receiving the data transmitted by the second device can be used in order to obtain an indication of the proximity of the first device. The indication of the proximity of the first device is a scale value which degrades as the first device moves away from the second device.