Abstract: A system and method for locating objects in an approximate immediate proximity to a user is disclosed. A two-way radio transponder system is employed with a Coordinator as a parent device and multiple Identification Tags as child devices. The system is low-cost and consumes relatively low power using advancement in microcircuit technology and additionally the system employs predetermined timing cycles to further optimize power consumption. The Coordinator has a microprocessor programmed to compare signal strength in successive communication cycles to help determine the proximity of the Coordinator to the multiple Identification Tags. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, motion sensors are used to assist in determining relative motion between Coordinator and Identification Tags. A USB port is further included for the system to interface with a PC.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for determining the location of at least one of a plurality of uniquely-identified transducers within one of a plurality of known areas (210-270). The method comprises the steps of receiving information from at least one sensor selected from a plurality of first (211, 212, 216) and second sensors (218, 228, 238), wherein the first sensors (211, 212, 216) are distributed within the plurality of known areas, and the second sensors are located between adjacent ones of the plurality of known areas (220, 240), the information including at least a transducer-unique identification, associating the received information based on the transducer identification, and determining the location based on the information received by at least one of the first sensors. In one aspect the information is a signal strength. In another aspect of the invention, the location may be determined based on information received by a plurality of the first sensors.

Abstract: An RFID tag distance measuring system includes a reader that outputs a predetermined carrier signal to a tag and receives a reflected signal of the carrier signal from the tag. The reader has signal output means for outputting signals at multiple frequencies, which are different from each other, as the carrier signal, a transmitting section that transmits a signal output by the signal output means to the tag, a receiving section that receives reflected signals of the signals at multiple frequencies, which are different from each other, from the tag and estimating means for estimating the distance between the tag and the reader based on the amount of change in phase between the reflected signals received by the receiving section and the carrier signals and the frequencies of the carrier signals.

Abstract: An onboard-equipment control apparatus controls activation of an onboard apparatus such as an air conditioner and termination of the operation of the onboard apparatus in order to prevent an onboard battery from running out of residual electric charge in advance. Upon detection of a state in which an onboard radio apparatus is not capable of receiving a termination command from a cellular phone or the cellular phone is not capable of transmitting a termination command to the onboard radio apparatus while the air conditioner is in operation, the onboard-equipment control apparatus forcibly terminates the operation of the air conditioner even before a termination condition is satisfied. Thus, the onboard battery can be prevented in advance from running out of accumulated electric charge required for operating the activated air conditioner thereafter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna system for reading RFID tags and/or transmitting and receiving wireless network signals, including for example wireless local area network (WLAN) signals, in a material handling environment. A ruggedized antenna can be mounted on the load backrest of a lift truck and configured to accomplish the reading of RFID tags that indicate particular pallet storage locations and the reading of RFID tags that indicate warehouse locations, such as specific loading docks. The antenna system can also be configured to accomplish transmitting and receiving WLAN signals for communication with a warehouse.

Abstract: A sensor module detects light beam hits on a participant during battlefield simulations. The sensor module includes an infrared sensor for sensing infrared light and generating signals based on the sensed infrared light; a short-range radio transmitter associated with the infrared sensor; an electrical voltage source for supplying electrical capacity to the sensor module; and a device for attaching the sensor module to a participant.

Abstract: A distance determination and alarm system for alarming when a wireless transmitter is either close or distant, having a wireless transmitter for transmitting an emitter signal. A wireless receiver is for receiving the emitter signal. The wireless receiver is for resolving the distance between the wireless transmitter and the wireless receiver. A proximity switch is electrically connected to the wireless receiver for selectable switching between within boundary alarm and out of boundary alarm. An alarm is electrically connected to the wireless receiver.

Abstract: An RFID performance monitoring system may include systems, methods, or computer program products for collecting information related to the performance of an RFID system. One source of performance-related information can be the RFID readers, both during an active (reading) period and an inactive (listening) period. In various embodiments described herein, a performance monitoring system may collect performance-related information from RFID readers during both during their active and inactive periods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing storage and display of emergency data and other reference materials on a cellular telephone, electronic telephone, multimedia player or other electronic device. Emergency information, first aid procedures, spiritual guidance, and reference information is embedded or otherwise stored on an electronic device, for later retrieval. Storage on the electronic device prior to the time of needs ensures that the information will be available whether or not a communication signal is available to the user.

Abstract: A power saving device for a GPS device is to utilize acceleration of gravity sensor to continue detecting the acceleration variation of the GPS device; if an acceleration value is larger than a threshold value, a GPS signal receiver is then started; if the acceleration value is smaller than the threshold value, the GPS signal receiver is then shut. This allows the GPS device to be power saving and not need to facilitate an extra oscillation switch therein to save the production cost.

Abstract: A method of managing data communications in a wireless security system. A message is transmitted from a fixed location security device and received by at least two transceivers. Each transceiver analyzes the received message to generate RSSI data. A digital message including the RSSI data is sent from each transceiver via a wired connection to a control panel, which analyzes the RSSI data from each transceiver to determine which transceiver generated the highest RSSI. The control panel then designates data exchange responsibility to the transceiver with the highest RSSI. That transceiver will have responsibility for acknowledging messages from that security device and send data to that security device from the control panel. A transceiver will be allocated to a portable security device if it is the first to receive the wireless message rather than on RSSI data.

Abstract: A system for locating one or more objects. The system includes one or more objects having an unknown location. Each object comprises at least one mobility sensor for providing sensory information about the object, a wireless communications package for providing received signal strength indication (RSSI) and a processing unit for transmitting data about the object. The data includes the sensory information and the received signal strength indication. The system also includes at least one receiver for receiving the data about each object and at least one algorithm for processing the data about each object and identifying a location estimate about each object, thereby locating one or more objects having an unknown location.

Abstract: A method and system for managing mesh network devices. A mesh network device with integrated features creates an N-way mesh network with a full mesh network topology or a partial mesh network topology.

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 wireless sensor system according to the invention has a wireless sensor device for detecting something and a wireless base station for exchanging data with the wireless sensor device by wireless. The wireless sensor device 2 has a sampling signal transmitting portion for transmitting a sampling signal, and the wireless base station has a sensitivity detecting portion for detecting a receive sensitivity of the sampling signal, and a sensitivity transmitting portion for transmitting a result detected thereby to the wireless sensor device. And, the wireless sensor device has at least one of a LED and a buzzer for informing of the receive sensitivity on the basis of data from the sensitivity transmitting portion. A worker who tries to locate the wireless sensor device can easily know the best place for location with the LED or the like.

Abstract: A method for recording information on a device worn on a person includes capturing video information, capturing audio information and receiving a signal from a remote unit. The method further includes determining from the signal that the remote unit is a minimum distance from the device and in response commencing recording of the video information and the audio information in storage. In one alternative, the video information is captured via a video camera and audio information is captured via a microphone. In another alternative, the remote unit is installed in the person's vehicle.

Abstract: Sensors in a network each have a geographical location and they each periodically broadcast this information to all the sensors in the network. Each receiving sensors then builds a list of sensors (neighbor list) that are closest to that sensor by computing the distance between itself and the other sensors. This list can then be used along with a decision algorithm to decide whether that sensor should act or perform a command when it receives a message from other sensors. In one embodiment, a sensor can use the neighbor list to command a specific other sensor(s) to perform a specific function.

Abstract: Systems, methods, or computer program products may collect information about the performance of individual RFID tags. In particular, signal strength and/or signal sensitivity of individual RFID tags may be measured and the resulting performance information may be stored in a data repository. In the data repository, the performance information for an individual tag may be associated with an identifier that is uniquely associated with the tag. In one exemplary embodiment, the performance information may be used by an on-line system configured to automatically determine the performance margin with which RFID tags are being read in an RFID system, or to automatically tune the RFID system to achieve a desired performance margin.

Abstract: A safety system, which stops the motion of a sail boat when a person falls off the boat, is comprised of a wireless transmitter carried by the person, a receiver-controller, an actuator, and a separable member which ordinarily holds a sail or a sail assembly in its working position. When the person falls off the boat and or the boat moves away, the diminution in wireless signal causes the actuator to separate the connecting member which holds sail in place, thus reducing the propulsive power and altering the motion of the boat. A preferred actuator stores manually input energy, to enable the use of a compact and low power solenoid type coil.

Abstract: A method of installing a security system includes placing a security device at an installation location. An air-borne signal is transmitted to the security device. An indication of a quality of the signal as received by the security device is displayed on the security device.

Abstract: Briefly, some embodiments of the invention provide devices, systems and methods for locating a wireless communication station. For example, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a wireless access point to transmit a low-power security query through a dedicated security channel; and a wireless communication station to transmit, in response to said security query, a low-power security response through said dedicated security channel.

Abstract: The device and the method enable the localization of transponders, particularly in motor vehicles. A determination of the distance of different transponders from the base station is made possible by evaluating the different request signals and response signals received and also the physical variables contained therein, such as signal level, charging time, and signal propagation delay. As a result of the relative determination of the different distances of the transponders from a base station, it is for example possible to determine the position of wheels of a motor vehicle. This means savings in terms of tire electronics, which require a separate power supply and are technically more complicated and more expensive to use than transponders.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic threat warning system utilizing two or more radio frequency transmitters or transceivers. A remote transmitter or transceiver is attached to each ferromagnetic threat that may enter the area to be protected. A master receiver or transceiver is mounted at each door controlling entry into the area to be protected. Communication between any master unit and one or more remote units generates an alarm when one or more threat objects approaches within a preselected distance of any master unit. Approach of a threat object within the preselected distance from a door can be detected when the strength of a radio signal between the remote unit associated with the threat object and the master unit near the door reaches a predetermined level. Generation of an alarm can be initiated at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit. Generation of an alarm at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit can also result in generation of an alarm at the other of the two units.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a system for locating an object. The system may include, for example, an object electromagnetic receiver, an audio amplifier, an audio transducer, and an object microprocessor coupled to the object electromagnetic receiver and the audio amplifier. The object microprocessor is configured to ascertain whether a valid activation signal has been received by the object electromagnetic receiver, and if so, read a digital sound file, and ascertain whether the signal strength of the received valid activation signal is above a first threshold. If the signal strength is not above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a maximum sound level indicator signal; and if the signal strength is above the first threshold, the object microprocessor outputs a second tier sound level indicator signal.

Abstract: The device is designed for warning about relocation of objects under control relative to the controlling user. The engineering effect is achieved through the ability to carry out control and identification of several objects at a time and to generate preliminary warning about possible loss of contact with objects under control. The device uses a pseudo-noise signal and makes it possible to differentiate between signals within the same bandwidth and the same time interval through the form-wise selection. i.e. the device solves the problem of carrier guidance in terms of frequency, virtually eliminating the cross-talk and interference with other radio systems and provides ample opportunities for increase in the number of simultaneously controlled (guarded) objects by means of, for example, modifications in the structure of a pseudo-random sequence for pseudo-noise signal generation.

Abstract: A system for tracking as lost child a receiver attached to the coupled to a small child. The system comprises a transmitter carried by the parent. A small receiver and activator is attached to the child. When the parent activates the transmitter, the receiver is activated and buzzer or beeper is set off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a monitoring unit operable to receive signals from a mobile transmitter in an electronic location monitoring system involves causing a first receiver to change a signal reception threshold thereof for receiving signals from the mobile transmitter, in response to proximity of the monitoring unit relative to a reference position whereby the receiver rejects signals received from the mobile transmitter that have a signal strength below the signal reception threshold and receives and processes signals received from the mobile transmitter that have a signal strength above the signal reception threshold. Alternatively, detection of a first monitoring unit in proximity to a second monitoring unit may cause the second monitoring unit to take over receiving signals from the mobile transmitter while the first monitoring unit is put into a low power mode.

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: A method of managing data communications in a wireless security system. A message is transmitted from a fixed location security device and received by at least two transceivers. Each transceiver analyzes the received message to generate RSSI data. A digital message including the RSSI data is sent from each transceiver via a wired connection to a control panel, which analyzes the RSSI data from each transceiver to determine which transceiver generated the highest RSSI. The control panel then designates data exchange responsibility to the transceiver with the highest RSSI. That transceiver will have responsibility for acknowledging messages from that security device and send data to that security device from the control panel. A transceiver will be allocated to a portable security device if it is the first to receive the wireless message rather than on RSSI data.

Abstract: The invention provides an approach for automatic and dynamic mapping of zone boundaries for position-determination systems. The system of the present invention utilizes beacons (“position determining devices”) to identify the boundaries and limits of device area coverage (“zone”) for tracking objects with a position-determination system. Beacons, used both to identify zone boundaries and to tag assets to be tracked, are distributed within the zone. The beacon locations are then detected and displayed in the visualization application. Three or more beacons may be linked together, either manually or automatically, to establish a detection zone. Using beacons to establish detection zone boundaries eliminates guesswork and its associated errors, and produces a zone boundary that is actually valid.

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: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for approximating the location of an RFID tag in an RFID system. The RFID system may include a plurality of receivers that receive RF signals from the RFID tag. Tag read count data for two or more of the plurality of receivers may be used to identify a number of times that each of the two or more receivers has received an RF signal from the RFID tag over a period of time. Signal strength data may be used to identify the strength of the RF signals received from the RFID tag. A combination metric for each of the two or more receivers may be determined as a function of the tag read count data and the signal strength data. The combination metrics may be compared to identify one of the receivers that is closest in proximity to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Product availability can be determined using radio frequency identification (RFID) by determining whether a RFID tag is detectable by a RFID reader and setting a product availability condition, where the RFID tag is not attached to the product, and where distance between the RFID tag and the RFID reader changes as quantity of the product changes. A system for determining availability of products using RFID can comprise a product display unit, a RFID reader, a RFID tag associated with the product display unit, and a computing device configured to set product availability conditions. In the system, distance between the RFID tag and the RFID reader changes as quantity of the product changes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for automatically and autonomously forming a wireless personal area network (WPAN) from an array of intercommunicating personal area network (PAN) devices. The devices comprise first communicators associated with primary functions of the devices and second communicators coupled to the first communicators for determining a subset of the devices meeting predetermined association criteria, from which subset the first communicators form the WPAN. In a preferred embodiment, the second communicators include range measuring transceivers and processors coupled to the transceivers that cooperate to determine range and relative motion of elements within communication range of the first communicators for comparison to range and relative motion association criteria stored in one or more of the devices. Memory is desirably included for storing the association criteria.

Abstract: A wireless electronic tracking system employs transmitters attached to moveable target items that send continuous analog radio frequency (RF) digitally-coded signals at prime number differentiated time intervals to a base receiver. The coded signals carry transmitter and base unit identifiers, low battery and attachment status information. The base unit periodically scans using an omnidirectional antenna to determine distance and azimuth for multiple active transmitters, alerting an operator to any status alerts, such as ‘out of range’ status determined by signal strength. The operator can switch to a higher gain, directional antenna to search for an errant target transmitter, or simply to check on the whereabouts of any given target item. Because the movable target items need only transmit, the transmitters can be physically diminutive and unobtrusive to the target wearer, making the system practical for tracking people (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enhanced mechanism for RFID reader which includes: an antenna for receiving a RFID signal transmitted from an object under test and outputting the RFID signal to the RFID reader; a metal plate disposed on an entrance of a building. The metal plate and the object under test are respectively placed on opposite sides of the antenna. The angle between the first metal plate and the second metal plate is from 30 to 180 degrees; therefore the metal plate, the antenna, and the RFID reader provide an enhanced mechanism of a RFID reader.

Abstract: A locator system includes a transmitter unit that is located on one side of a wall or barrier and generates a locator signal when activated and a receiver unit element that is located on the other side of the wall or barrier and is activated by the locator signal to indicate the exact and precise location at which the work is to be done.

Abstract: Systems, methods, or computer program products may collect information about the performance of individual RFID tags. In particular, signal strength and/or signal sensitivity of individual RFID tags may be measured and the resulting performance information may be stored in a data repository. In the data repository, the performance information for an individual tag may be associated with an identifier that is uniquely associated with the tag. In one exemplary embodiment, the performance information may be used by an on-line system configured to automatically determine the performance margin with which RFID tags are being read in an RFID system, or to automatically tune the RFID system to achieve a desired performance margin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving security are disclosed. The apparatus includes a case provided with an aperture, the aperture being closable by a clasp, the clasp being operable by a trigger which operates in response to a radio frequency (RF) signal.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for estimating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) based on dedicated physical channel (DPCH) pilot symbols in a wireless communication system. A receiver receives a DPCH transmission and a despreader despreads the received DPCH transmission. A selector selects pilot symbols in the despread DPCH transmission. A signal power estimator estimates signal power based on the pilot symbols, and a noise power estimator estimates noise power based on the received DPCH transmission. A SNR estimator estimates an SNR based on the signal power estimation and the noise power estimation. The noise power estimator may calculate the noise power estimation either based only on pilot symbols or based on both pilot symbols and non-pilot symbols. The DPCH transmission may be transmitted using more than one antenna for transmit diversity.

Abstract: A pen set equipped with a loss alarm mechanism aims to generate an alarm signal when a radio transmitter is spaced from the pen set at an excessive distance thereby prevent an article which contains the radio transmitter from getting lost.

Abstract: Techniques for testing a station, such as a wireless-enabled device, are described. A first method relates to evaluating a station configured to communicate with at least one access point. Another device is controlled to communicate wirelessly with the station by transmitting a wireless signal. The first device is controlled, via software, to reduce the strength of the wireless signal, and the response of the station is evaluated. A second method relates to evaluating a station configured to communicate in accordance with a wireless communication standard. Another device is controlled to engage in wireless communication with the station in a manner that does not comply with the wireless communication standard, and the station's response is evaluated. A third method relates to evaluating a station that can be configured to communicate in different communication modes.

Abstract: A child locator that enables a parent to locate a child includes a master unit for wear by a parent and a monitored unit for wear by a child. The master unit may actuate an on-board alarm when its processor determines that the monitored unit is beyond a first predetermined distance and may actuate an alarm on the monitored unit when the separation distance is beyond another distance. The first and second predetermined distances may be the same of different. The child locator may also actuate the monitored unit manually and the alarms may be audible or visual. Once an alarm on the monitored unit is activated, a signal from the master unit is required to deactivate it. The master unit may include a directional antenna for determining a position on the monitored unit. The monitored unit may deliver voice data to a speaker at the monitored unit.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for identifying, locating, authorizing by proximity and communicating with equipment and personnel in a facility that generally employs a series of limited range transceivers for location determination and a distributed wireless data network for data transfer. The system employs unique RF transceiver tags on personnel and equipment that are each uniquely identified and registered with a facility control application that oversees activities in the facility. The tags are tracked by RF communication based upon their proximity to one or more fixed-base networked access points and relays (which transfer location data by RF back to access points) within four range zones. Location data on all tags is uploaded periodically to a location server that interfaces with the facility control server.

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: The present invention relates to a property supervisory control system. The property supervisory control system operates with an image-capturing device, combines, and outputs a warning signal and image record by the image-capturing device to a supervisory control center. The security service personnel in the supervisory control center can be notified with the type of an object and a displacement of the object by the property supervisory control system when the object is moved abnormally in a scanning region of a wireless receiver. Because the wireless emitter transmits signals only when the object is moved, the power life of the battery of the wireless emitter could be extended.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic threat warning system utilizing two or more radio frequency transmitters or transceivers. A remote transmitter or transceiver is attached to each ferromagnetic threat that may enter the area to be protected. A master receiver or transceiver is mounted at each door controlling entry into the area to be protected. Communication between any master unit and one or more remote units generates an alarm when one or more threat objects approaches within a preselected distance of any master unit. Approach of a threat object within the preselected distance from a door can be detected when the strength of a radio signal between the remote unit associated with the threat object and the master unit near the door reaches a predetermined level. Generation of an alarm can be initiated at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit. Generation of an alarm at either the affected remote unit or the affected master unit can also result in generation of an alarm at the other of the two units.

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.

Abstract: The monitoring system has a monitoring apparatus and an access point that wirelessly communicates with the monitoring apparatus. The monitoring apparatus sends a wireless signal to the access point. The access point generates a Received Signal Strength Indicator of the received wireless signal. The access point checks for an entrance of an intruder between the monitoring apparatus and the access point based on the Received Signal Strength Indicator generated by the access point. The monitoring systems enables accurate detection of an entrance of an intruder using wireless communication technology.

Abstract: A passive entry system for a vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle-based communication module mounted in the vehicle and a portable communication device. The vehicle-based communication module includes a transmitter for transmitting a challenge signal to the portable communication device when in a polling state to determine a presence of the portable communication device for allowing access to the vehicle. The portable communication device includes a receiver for receiving the challenge signal and is responsive to the challenge signal when in a response state and non-responsive to the challenge signal when in a non-response state.