Abstract: A wireless system including an antenna, an electrical energy storage unit connected to the antenna, the energy storage unit receiving power via electromagnetic coupling of the antenna with an RF field generated by a master unit, and an electronics package. The electronics package is powered by the energy storage unit, and it includes a sensor, a processor that is capable of acquiring data from the sensor, and a transmitter connected to the processor and to the antenna, wherein the energy storage unit is capable of storing sufficient energy to supply power for the processor to format a message containing data acquired from the sensor and for the transmitter to transmit the message wirelessly via the antenna.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to monitoring and notification apparatus capable of monitoring events at various locations. The apparatus includes a sound receiving unit which receives audio content from various locations. A user can select which of the location is monitored at any one time. In one embodiment, this selection is made depending on the orientation of the sound receiving unit.

Abstract: A security zone is monitored for intrusion detection by dispersing therein a plurality of sensor nodes that, when an intrusion is detected, communicate with their neighboring sensor nodes without protocols other than a first tone. As the intrusion is detected by more sensor nodes, there is an increase in sensor node transmissions and, hence, an increase in the total power density in the security zone which is detected by a remote monitor for detecting and localizing the intrusion and providing an alert. In addition, certain of the sensor nodes also transmit a continuous second tone received by other sensor nodes. When an intrusion occurs, the transmission is blocked causing the receiving nodes to transmit the first tone to alert neighboring nodes.

Abstract: A remote sensor assembly includes a silicon substrate, a plurality of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors supported on the silicon substrate, a wireless communication circuit supported on the silicon substrate, and a processing device supported on the silicon substrate. The processing device is operable to obtain measurement values from at least one of plurality of MEMS sensors, perform a first filtering operation on the measurement values, and determine whether to cause the communication circuit to transmit a signal to an external device based on the first filtering operation.

Abstract: A surveillance system generally includes a data capture module that collects sensor data. A scoring engine module receives the sensor data and computes at least one of an abnormality score and a normalcy score based on the sensor data, at least one dynamically loaded learned data model, and a learned scoring method. A decision making module receives the at least one of the abnormality score and the normalcy score and generates an alert message based on the at least one of the abnormality score and the normalcy score and a learned decision making method to produce progressive behavior and threat detection.

Abstract: Provided is a method for mobile sensor node roaming in an environment of first and second adjacent wireless sensor networks having a plurality of sensor nodes. The method includes the steps of: periodically performing energy detection scan and active scan operations, at the mobile sensor node forming an association with a parent node of the first wireless network, and obtaining energy values of selected channels and link quality indications (LQIs) for the channels; when the sensor node moves to the second wireless sensor network, periodically performing energy detection scan and active scan operations, at the sensor node, and obtaining energy values of selected channels and link quality indications (LQIs) for the channels after movement; comparing, at the sensor node, the energy values and link quality indications (LQIs) of the selected channels before and after movement.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag based object position tracking apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a position recognizer including at least one radio frequency identification unit for reading information data on an object through a sensor; and a path analyzing and processing unit for allocating each unique coordinates to the radio frequency identification units based on a relative position in a space where a position recognizer is disposed and recognizing the position of the object and analyzing the path based on the object information data received by the sensor in the radio frequency identification unit corresponding to the unique coordinate. Thus, it is possible to track the path of an object with a low density of RFID tags.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method that improves upon voice activity detection by packetizing actual noise signals, typically background noise. In accordance with the present invention an access network receives an input voice signal (including noise) and converts the input voice signal into a packetized voice signal. The packetized voice signal is transmitted via a network to an egress network. The egress network receives the packetized voice signal, converts the packetized voice signal into an output voice signal, and outputs the output voice signal. The egress network also extracts and stores noise packets from the received packetized voice signal and converts the packetized noise signal into an output noise signal. When the access network ceases to receive the input voice signal while the call is still ongoing, the access network instructs the egress network to continually output the output noise signal.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a user may receive guidance information from a guidance support center via a location system.

Abstract: A method for receiving information on measurable conditions using at least one enterprise server and at least one remote terminal unit. The enterprise server is adapted to simultaneously handle multiple types of telemetry and multiple different protocols associated with at least one remote terminal unit on at least one vessel over a network. Selective encryption is used to communicate between the server and the remote terminal unit. The remote terminal unit collects data on measurable conditions, which is stored, streamed to enterprise server, or combinations thereof. When the collected data exceeds a preset limit, an alarm is automatically initiated. During communication, the enterprise server simultaneously on-line configures and reconfigures the remote terminal unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed providing the automatic, self configuration of a communication device to adjust to the user's environmental circumstances. Method includes creating a set of mode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances and may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. A change to a plurality of communication device operational settings may then be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.

Abstract: A fault-tolerant timeout protocol for distributed sensor arrays and networks in which each sensor has a plurality of backup nodes, each of which is operable to send priority information which includes the product of the time needed for the backup node to transmit sensor information to a base station and the number of tasks offered to the backup node. In another embodiment, the base station stores the two values and calculates their product. In both cases, the lowest resulting value is used by the base station to select the backup node, which then sends backup sensor information. Another aspect of the present invention is a fault-tolerant sensor integration algorithm. The algorithm creates an abstract sensor defined as an interval having values above and below the reading of an associated physical sensor, and finds a range of values common to more than half of the abstract sensors.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus includes a situation change detecting unit that detects a change in external situation and transmits an external situation change detection signal, and a control unit that receives the external situation change detection signal, thereby reads out a predetermined function and/or setting stored in a storing unit, and changes the functions and/or setting.

Abstract: A fire suppression valve includes an RF transmitter which transmits an indication that a closed valve has opened. The transmitter can be implemented as a passive wireless identifier tag energized by a source of wireless signals.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking items may store in memory first association data reflecting an association between an item tracking device and a beacon device when the item tracking device is within a predetermined range of the beacon device. The item tracking device may correspond to a first item, and the beacon device may correspond to an area that contains multiple items including the first item. Furthermore, the system and method for tracking items may periodically transmit sensor data to a database. The sensor data may be transmitted to the database from the beacon device to provide information about an environment of a group of items from the multiple items within the predetermined range of the beacon device.

Abstract: A modular programmable safety device and system coupled with multiple sensors. The device has a memory unit to store the data modules, which can be synthesized into speech and a microprocessor-based speech module, which is connected to the memory and to a transceiver. A remote server computer is connected to the programmable device through a wireless communication system and is provided with a database to store digital data modules and scripts that are either input by a user or downloaded from a third party content provider. Software is operated on the remote server computer to provide the third party contents and the scripts. The device has an external sensor port which is coupled with multiple sensors. The safety device senses a variety of safety parameters programmable with rule sets to communicate with a parent or service provider automatically.

Abstract: A refrigerated container comprising a door composed of a first and a second door panels and a security device is disclosed. The security device includes a detection plate fixed to an inner side of the first door panel which has a free end extending towards the second door panel; a displacement sensor fixed to an inner side of the second door panel to cooperate with the free end of the detection plate; a monitoring module; and an antenna. Said displacement sensor, monitoring module and antenna are separately arranged in the door, and said monitoring module is arranged within a heat insulating layer in the first door panel or the second door panel, and said antenna is provided at an outer side of the first door panel or the second door panel.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wireless smart display panel. The method uses a sensor to monitor environmental information, such as temperature or humidity, and the information is transmitted to a processor by using a wireless communication device that is compatible with IEEE 802.15.4. Moreover, the environmental information is converted to image information and displayed on a display device through the processor. Consequently, users understand outward environmental information in time.

Abstract: Communication networks having redundant signal paths for sensed operating conditions and control parameters for electrical power transmission and distribution systems.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for real-time management of mobile resources. The management system includes an on board system, a processor, and a data center. The on board system is provided with the mobile resource to be managed and includes a number of sensors to monitor various conditions. Each sensor collects information independently and asynchronously with respect to the other sensors. The processor collects the information from the sensors and saves it in the form of synchronous data. A continuous two-way connection is established between the on board system and the data center across a wireless communication network. The data center monitors at least one sensed state from the sensors based on receipt of the synchronous data from the on board system. The data center can also provide instructions to the on board system in response to the state that is being monitored.

Abstract: A sensor network system, including: a model list that stores preset model names; an event table that stores monitoring conditions of data transmitted from sensor nodes; an event generator that receives data corresponding to the model names from the sensor nodes, and notifies an occurrence of an event when receiving data satisfying the monitoring conditions from the sensor nodes; and an event-action controller including an action executer that executes processing previously specified when the occurrence of an event is indicated from the event generator.

Abstract: An interface includes a port that communicates with one of N detectors, where N is an integer greater than 1. A classification module communicates with the port and classifies the detector as one of an analog detector and a digital detector. The classification module selectively generates detector type information based on the classification.

Abstract: A mine vehicle and a method of preventing a mine vehicle from colliding. The mine vehicle (1) includes at least one scanner (13, 14) to scan the environment in front of the vehicle. On the basis of the scanning, an obstacle-free route is determined whose outermost points in a sideward direction are stored as memory points (21). At least one sideward safe area (15b) has been predetermined around the vehicle (1). A control system checks that no memory point (21) resides within the safe area (15b).

Abstract: A cassette handling system for sterilant filled cassettes employs RFID or other electromagnetic signal technology to track the cassettes. A method for tracking the sterilant cassettes includes the steps of reading for the presence of a cassette within a cassette processing area of the sterilizer by transmitting a non-optical electromagnetic signal between the cassette and a receiver on the sterilizer, via the electromagnetic signal transmitting identifying information between the cassette and the receiver, and verifying that a proper cassette is loaded into the sterilizer based upon the identifying information.

Abstract: A system for automating parking payment including user terminals having wireless communication equipment allowing access to a wireless communication network and including readers/writers of electronic tags, electronic tags to be carried by the users on their vehicles and into which the users can input information concerning a parking event by means of their terminals; and a parking service management center connected to said network.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to wirelessly transmit information within a mobile platform is provided, comprising a local processor, signally connected to a plurality of sensing devices and operative to process input signals from the sensing devices. There is a control module and a wireless communication system, operative to selectively transmit information between the local processor and the control module. Selectively transmitting information comprises assigning a communications priority to each input signal, the communications priority comprising one of a non-event, a first-level event, a second-level event, and a third-level event; and, transmitting the input signals to the control module based upon the communications priority.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a detector network across one or more existing communications systems. In one implementation, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of hosts, each host hosting one or more detectors operable to detect an occurrence of an event, the hosts including functionality that is not related to the detectors and including communication functionality. The system also includes a management device for managing the detectors and one or more communications networks linking the detectors and the management device using the communication functionality of the respective host.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes a power source; a communication device electrically connected to the power source and attachable to a cover of the enclosure; and a sensor suspended away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for providing a monitor of environmental parameters within an enclosure includes attaching a communication device to a cover of the enclosure, connecting the communication device to a power source; and suspending a sensor away from the cover of the enclosure. A method for monitoring environmental parameters within an enclosure includes monitoring one or more environmental parameters with a sensor suspended by a cable within an enclosure, and transmitting data representing one or more monitored environmental parameters from a communication device to a second communication device.

Abstract: A cognitive monitoring wireless apparatus (10, 10?) includes a cognitive monitor (12) and a cognitive radio (14). The cognitive monitor receives inputs from a plurality of sensors (32-40, 90, 92) and decides based on the sensed inputs which messages should be forwarded. The cognitive radio receives the messages to be forwarded from the cognitive monitor, selects among available communication formats, and wirelessly communicates the messages. The communication parameters include frequency, maximum allowed power, code, and protocol. The apparatus monitors the hardware and software of healthcare equipment and communicates intelligent information about the condition of the equipment.

Abstract: A method of tracking a status of a catalytic process in a mixture incorporates the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that have corrosive-sensitive coatings. The coatings are removable, by a corrosive in the mixture, at a rate that tracks with the rate at which a catalytic-driven process progresses. As coatings on the RFID tags are removed by the corrosive in the mixture, the digital signatures returned by the RFID tags change, in response to the corrosive damaging the RFID tags. By quantifying the number of damaged RFID tags, a determination can be made as to the progress status of the catalytic process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, devices, and systems to monitor activity. One method to monitor activity includes monitoring activity of an individual including detecting a sensor activated by an individual during the individual's daily activities. The embodiment also includes comparing the sensor activation to a predetermined sensor activation timeframe, determining whether to initiate an alert based upon the comparison, and checking for at least one other sensor activation to confirm whether an alert should be initiated.

Abstract: A health monitoring system containing a Bluetooth transceiver and one or more health signs sensors automatically detects conditions that require medical attention based on configurable rules, calls a phone number and sends an alert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a self-positioning remote burglary alarm system comprising a plurality of sensors used for collecting signals related to burglary, a signal collecting and converting circuit used for receiving and converting signals collected by the sensors, a GPS signal receiving module used for getting a real-time geographical location coordinates information, a microcomputer used for generating alarm information codes, a communication module, a modem and a mobile phone. The invention sends alarm information to a control center or relevant personnel when collecting signals related to burglary.

Abstract: Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for gathering and disseminating travel conditions. These conditions may include traffic congestion and air quality data such as CO, NOx, and Ozone (O3) concentration levels, or meteorological conditions. In some embodiments, fleet vehicles already operating within a given area are equipped with monitoring devices to collect the desired data. The collected data may be transmitted to a central computer that associates the data with a road map and disseminates the data to the public. Dissemination may occur in a variety of ways including providing the data to radio stations for broadcast, posting the data on a website or pushing the data to navigation systems in vehicles or mobile communications devices such as cell phones and personal data assistants (PDAs).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for real-time management of mobile resources. The management system includes an on board system, a processor, and a data center. The on board system is provided with the mobile resource to be managed and includes a number of sensors to monitor various conditions. Each sensor collects information independently and asynchronously with respect to the other sensors. The processor collects the information from the sensors and saves it in the form of synchronous data. A continuous two-way connection is established between the on board system and the data center across a wireless communication network. The data center monitors at least one sensed state from the sensors based on receipt of the synchronous data from the on board system. The data center can also provide instructions to the on board system in response to the state that is being monitored.

Abstract: A method of wirelessly receiving a biological signal is provided. Thus, it is possible to considerably reduce power consumption of a wireless biological signal receiver by determining a transmission period of an externally received biological signal, setting an operation mode of the wireless biological signal receiver to an active mode in which it is possible to receive the biological signal for a predetermined time for each determined transmission period and receiving the biological signal, and changing the operation mode from the active mode to a low-power mode in which it is impossible to receive the biological signal, after the predetermined time is elapsed with respect to each determined transmission period.

Abstract: A vehicle email notification method and system that uses customer-selected severity settings to send special notifications to the subscriber. The notification system uses triggers to initiate the generation and transmission of email messages that provide diverse types of dynamic vehicle information to the subscriber. The email notifications are triggered by different events, some of which are independent of the vehicle (e.g., a monthly trigger), and others of which occur at the vehicle, such as a mileage or low oil life trigger. The notification system builds and sends to the subscriber an email message that contains the dynamic vehicle information along with a diagnostic result indicative of the severity level of a vehicle condition. That diagnostic result is compared to a customer-supplied severity setting to determine whether additional contact with the subscriber is needed. This allows the subscriber to receive special notification when a more severe condition exists.

Abstract: A multi-mode asset tracking and monitoring system and method is provided that enables comprehensive reporting of asset position, status, and alerts. In one embodiment, the multi-mode system and method is based on the addition of a local network monitoring system to a wide area satellite network monitoring system. In this example, the local network monitoring system would add container presence and status monitoring in crowded environments (e.g., within a port facility, on-board a ship, etc.), while the wide area satellite network monitoring system would provide tracking and monitoring coverage when the container is in dispersed environments. Both the local and wide area monitoring systems work together to provide end-to-end container tracking and monitoring to thereby ensure continuous container tracking and monitoring from container loading to container unloading.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless tire pressure and tire temperature detecting system, using a wireless monitoring and transmission device with a centrifugal switch. When the tire rotational speed of the car reaches a certain speed, it turns on the centrifugal switch. The centrifugal switch is used to turn on the entire wireless monitoring and transmission device to detect, process signal, and transmit. The wireless monitoring and transmission device is not working, until the tire rotational speed of the car reaches a certain speed before it is initiated and causes power consumption. The present invention saves more power consumption than the conventional structure, which extends the shelf life of the wireless tire pressure and temperature detecting system as well as time involved to change the battery, which is practical and convenient.

Abstract: Temporary safety zones are established by deploying a plurality of safety icons connected by extensible, brightly colored, retro-reflective tapes. The tapes are retracted within the housings of the safety icons. A plurality of modules having different functions are removably affixed to the base of the safety icons, the modules including sensors, beacons, transceivers, detection devices, and audio receivers and video cameras. Because the modules are manually interchangeable, the safety zones can be implemented for specific, interchangeable circumstances, e.g., a surveillance station, portable helipad, landing strip, and restricted area barriers.

Abstract: Provided is a data storing apparatus and method for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags with sensors. The apparatus includes: a first storing block which includes a kill password storage and an access password storage; a second storing block which includes an Electronic Product Code (EPC) storage, a protocol control storage, and an error check storage storing a Cyclic Redundancy Checking (CRC) code for detecting a transmission error; a third storing block which includes a tag identifier storage storing a tag identifier including a manufacture model and a serial number of the tag; and a fourth storing block which includes an initial sensor data storage storing initial information of the sensor, a real-time information storage, a maximum/minimum data storage storing maximum/minimum values, a sensor data storage storing sensing data actually measured through the sensor embedded in the RFID tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods for handling information from wireless nodes, including nodes for communication with aircraft, are disclosed. A system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a sensor configured to sense information corresponding to a characteristic of a wireless node. The wireless node can be one of a plurality of wireless nodes configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. The wireless nodes can also be linked to a non-wireless network portion. The system can further include a transmitter configured to transmit the information via the network, and a receiver operatively coupled to the transmitter to receive the information via the network. Accordingly, the system can be used to automatically identify and track diagnostic information corresponding to the state of one or more wireless nodes.

Abstract: A wireless position feedback device incorporated in a monitored device. The position feedback device measures a position of a moving element of the monitored device, generates a local power supply based upon local environmental characteristics and conditions. The wireless feedback device stores the local power supply for use in transmitting the measured position to a remote control system. The remote control system adjusts at least one operational parameter for the monitored device based upon the measured position.

Abstract: A multi-tiered network for gathering detected condition information includes a first tier having first tier nodes and a second tier having a second tier node. The second tier node is operable to receive detected condition information from at least one of the first tier nodes in a substantially autonomous manner. In addition, the second tier node is operable to at least one of store, process, and transmit the detected condition information. The network also includes a third tier having a third tier node configured to receive the detected condition information and to at least one of store and process the detected condition information.

Abstract: A communications network for a security network is disclosed. The communications network includes at least one master base unit, or fixed parts, and at least two slave base units, or portable parts. The communications network is configured such that each of the master base units is capable of communicating with each of the slave base units, and each of the slave base units is capable of communicating with each of the master base units. The network is also configured such that each of the master base units is capable of communicating with an outside telecommunications network, and each of the network slave base units are also capable of communicating with an outside telecommunications network. Such a communications network for a security network provides substantial redundancy and reliability in the event of one or more component failures.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a sensor housing, a sensor package, an actuator and a switch. The sensor package is disposed within the sensor housing and includes first and second screens and at least one sensing membrane. The sensing membrane is disposed between the first and second screens and is adapted to expand when exposed to a predetermined quantity of a first predetermined fluid. The actuator is disposed proximate the sensor package within the sensor housing and moveable between a first position and a second position through an intermediate position. The switch is disposed proximate the actuator and is operable between closed and open positions. When the actuator is in the second position at least a portion of the actuator depresses the switch to control an electrical circuit connected therewith.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for document management, which may occur at a physical document, at a remote location, or at a combination thereof. Document management at a physical document may include sensing a state of a document, generating a signal representing the document state, determining the document state based on the signal, and generating a wireless message representing the document state. Document management at a remote location may include storing non-physical versions of documents, receiving state data for physical versions of the documents, associating the state data with the appropriate non-physical versions, and managing access to the non-physical versions and the state data.

Abstract: An alarm monitor includes memory that stores an actuator schedule. An input circuit receives a sensor signal that indicates an alarm condition, the sensor signal originating from a sensor that is remote from the alarm monitor. A processor generates digital data based on the sensor signal and generates a first control signal to control an actuator based on the actuator schedule. An interface wirelessly transmits a report signal to a remote master unit based on the digital data and transmits the first control signal to the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for monitoring a variety of environmental and/or other conditions within a defined remotely located region. Such a system may be configured to monitor utility meters in a defined area. The system is implemented by using a plurality of wireless transmitters, wherein each wireless transmitter is integrated into a sensor adapted to monitor a particular data input. The system also includes a plurality of transceivers that are dispersed throughout the region at defined locations. The system uses a local gateway to translate and transfer information from the transmitters to a dedicated computer on a network. The dedicated computer, collects, compiles, and stores the data for retrieval upon client demand across the network. The computer further includes means for evaluating the received information and identifying an appropriate control signal, the system further including means for applying the control signal at a designated actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a means for detecting external threats by the use of methods and apparatuses for the wide area detection of chemical, radiological or biological threats using modified personal wireless devices combined with new advanced micro and nanosensor technologies. A cost effective method is provided for wide area surveillance of a potential terrorist or personal threat. Personal electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs or watches, in combination with new microsensor technologies described herein, can be used as a new type of platform detection technology for wide area surveillance of major threats. A “Homeland Security” chip is further provided which combines the elements of geo-location, remote wireless communication and sensing into a single chip. The personal electronic devices can be further equipped for detecting various medically related threats. Similarly modified personal devices can be used to detect external threats that are person-specific.