Abstract: In illuminated local areas occupants are actively detected to facilitate control of the illumination and possibly other local parameters such as temperature. The emitted light in each local area is uniquely modulated to identify the respective area. The modulated light is detected by any wearable occupancy detectors in the local areas, which transmit detector-locator signals to lighting control units, thereby identifying which local areas are occupied. These signals may also uniquely identify the respective detectors, thereby enabling a lighting system controller to determine the number and identities of the detectors in each local area.

Abstract: Remote monitoring and diagnosis of railroad devices using data structures defined for each of the railroad devices. The railroad devices are configured to populate the data structures with status data. The railroad devices transmit the status data for analysis using a network protocol. The analysis of the data results in reduced maintenance.

Abstract: One computer readable medium embodiment includes computer readable instructions stored thereon for execution by a device to perform a method of environmental data collection. The method can include receiving environmental data and associated time data. The method can also include aggregating time data into categories of environmental data within, above, and below a range. The method can further include outputting the aggregated and categorized time data.

Abstract: Provided are a sensor node that changes and processes various applications in accordance with the change of networks and wirelessly transmits the data obtained from devices such as the scales to a specified monitor PC in the same manner as the sensing data and a sensor network system having the sensor node. A sensor node according to the present invention is provided with a sensor for measuring biological information and a wireless communication unit for transmitting data, and the sensor node further comprises: a plurality of intrinsic programs that drive the wireless communication unit to communicate with different wireless devices; a common program that drives the sensor to make a measurement without being dependent on the intrinsic programs; and a nonvolatile memory unit that records the data.

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: A Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), supporting two operation modes local monitoring and remote monitoring. The apparatus includes a PLB that supports the present operation mode, as well as a local monitoring mode, employing the same transmitter, and automatically switching between modes. Upon activation, the PLB first tries to communicate with a local monitoring station, at a low transmission power, and at a high repetition rate, in purpose of dealing with the PLB call locally, without involving the remote monitoring station. Then, if not acknowledged by a local monitoring station, the PLB increases its transmission power, enabling access to a remote monitoring station. In a preferred embodiment, the PLB is carried by a person onboard a vessel, to alarm upon a Man Overboard (MOB) accident, the local monitoring station is installed onboard the same vessel, and the remote monitoring station is part of a satellite Search and Rescue (SAR) system, as Cospas-Sarsat.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.

Abstract: The invention disclosed provides a method, system, and associated tag for detection and tracking of inanimate and animate objects.

Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a threat sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a threat level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the threat level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output a threat signal to security server.

Abstract: Remotely monitorable shipping container assembly including a shipping container including at least one door, a door status sensor for monitoring the open or closed status of the door(s) and a communications device mounted on the container and wirelessly transmitting information to one or more remote facilities including the status of the door(s) as monitored by the door status sensor. The remote facility may be for example, a facility interested in ensuring the integrity of the contents of the container, a facility which is charged with preventing theft of the contents of the containers, a law enforcement facility which is responsible for preventing transport of illegal cargo, and the like. A positioning system may be arranged on the container for determining a position thereof. The communications device is coupled to the positioning system and transmits the determined position of the container with the open or closed status of the door(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tracking systems and methods for monitoring the location of an asset or group of assets. In particular, the present invention provides systems for monitoring the location of a large group of assets. Furthermore, the present invention provides systems and methods for identifying an asset within a group of assets.

Abstract: A semi-passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag being coupled to a battery providing a battery voltage for powering a part of the circuitry of the RFID tag includes an RF communication block receiving and transmitting RF signals, a sensor block including a frequency ratio digitizing temperature sensor for alternately measuring the ambient temperature and the battery voltage, and a control logic block in communication with the RF communication block and the sensor block. The control logic controls the operation of the RF communication block and the sensor block and stores temperature and voltage measurement data generated by the sensor block. In one embodiment, the control logic block of the RFID tag operates based on a system clock and the sensor block provides a reference clock to the control logic block for use in calibrating the system clock of the control logic block.

Abstract: A system for detection of underground intrusions and reporting those intrusions, including a plurality of sensor packages planted underground, the plurality of sensor packages providing a corresponding plurality of detection outputs to a controller, the controller operative to receive at least one of the plurality of detection outputs and to provide a high speed output indication of intrusion presence.

Abstract: A system for signaling that a person is in an vehicle is provided and includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed, a first buckle receiver, including a first signal issuing unit, a first buckle to be removably inserted into the buckle receiver and to thereby cause the first signal issuing unit to issue an installation signal to the processing unit, a second buckle receiver, including a second signal issuing unit, a second buckle to be removably inserted into the second buckle receiver and to thereby cause the second signal issuing unit to issue an occupation signal to the processing unit, and an alarm unit.

Abstract: A method allows an H2S alarm system installed at a remote wellsite to be monitored and configured from a distant location. Alert-signals from the alarm system to the distant location and configuration settings from the distant location to the alarm system can be transmitted using the text-messaging feature of a conventional cell phone. The cell phone, for example, can send the H2S alarm system a text message that sets the H2S concentration threshold at which the alarm system triggers an alert. When the H2S concentration reaches the threshold or a fault occurs with the alarm system, the system can send the cell phone a text message that describes the problem, identifies the location of the wellsite, and lists the names and telephone numbers of those that should be notified.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking a body's bio-readings and environmental information in which such bio-readings are generated is disclosed. Conventional bio-reading sensor technology may be used in combination with technology for receiving information from electronic tags associated with items in a body's environment. Such technology may include RFID smart tags associated with items in an environment. Such smart tags store information describing the item associated with the smart tag. An RFID smart tag reader may be provided for retrieving item description information stored in such smart tags. The combination of bio-reading data and environmental data provide a power tool in evaluating behavioral and environmental variables that affect a body's bio-readings.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

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 method of communicating among wireless devices includes providing a frequency hopping schedule to a target device. The frequency hopping schedule includes a sequence of frequencies. The method also includes, at the target device, alternately sleeping and listening on a frequency in the sequence of frequencies according to the frequency hopping schedule, exchanging time base information between the target device and the transmitting device, at the transmitting device, using the time base information to determine a current frequency of the target device, from the transmitting device, and transmitting a packet of information uniquely addressed to the target device.

Abstract: A remote wireless network includes a plurality of sensors/transmitters wherein each sensor is uniquely identifiable and lends its unique identity to the transmitter to which it is attached.

Abstract: The improved methods and apparatus for analysis of environment provide wireless communication of the environmental analyzers, e.g. such as particle monitoring (counting and measuring) instruments. The improved apparatus includes at least one of a plurality of environment monitoring systems and at least one of a plurality of remote control systems, each of which comprises the wireless communicating device and control/processing device. Also the improved apparatus includes the selectable channel flow system for the assayed environment which intersects a light (laser) beam or a ray within monitoring region of the monitoring device of the improved apparatus. The selection of the channel is provided by the valving device coupled with the inlet filtrating device.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for remotely monitoring an individual may include providing a sensor integrated in a monitoring object at a first location where the monitoring object may be configured as a picture frame. A sensor may be associated with an environment of an individual at the first location. The sensor may be associated with a network. Sensor data may be processed to obtain monitoring information for the activity of the individual in the environment. The monitoring information may be transmitted over the network from the first location to a receiving object at a second location, where the receiving object may be configured as a picture frame.

Abstract: A remote parking meter monitoring system is provided. The system has a plurality of radio transceivers. Each transceiver communicates with at least one other transceiver within a transceiver communication region. The transceivers are integrated to parking meters. A separate aggregate point has a transceiver and a communication network that is connected to a computer. The aggregate point communicates with at least one proximal transceiver and communicates to the computer through the network. The system has a mesh communication arrangement, and a signal routing architecture, where the information is communicated along any path of adjacent communication regions. The computer is able to communicate information through the network to the aggregate point, and the aggregate point transceiver sends the information to the proximal transceiver.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer readable device for providing spatial information in a sensor network. The sensor network comprises a plurality of sensors and a plurality of actuators, each sensors and actuators have a unique id and a known spatial location within a spatially-bounded zone and a database is provided for storing the location each sensor and actuator. A spatial-processor generates a plurality of context zones based upon the information contained in the location database to provide actuator coverage for the spatially-bounded zone. Each context zone is generated by assigning a subset of the plurality of sensors as a spatial boundary of each context zone and by deploying a subset of the plurality of actuators into one or more context zones. In operation, the spatial-processor determines if an actuator has failed in context zone and redeploys one or more actuators from another intersecting context zone to the context zone containing the non-operational actuator.

Abstract: Wireless field devices used in process control plants are configured over a wireless medium. In an embodiment, a host device discovers the presence of wireless field devices in the vicinity, and displays a list of discovered devices. The host device then enables a user to select a field device for configuration from the displayed list, and causes only the selected wireless field device to generate a human perceivable signal, thereby enabling a user to correlate a wireless field device listed in the display with the actual physical field device present in the vicinity. Upon confirmation from the user that the selected wireless field device is the device intended for configuration, the host device transmits the corresponding configuration parameters over the wireless medium, thus configuring the device.

Abstract: A cargo security sensing system includes a smart container having a sensor, wherein the smart container is a standard shipping cargo container that includes the sensor. The sensor may be any suitable type of sensing device capable of sensing changes in environmental conditions. The sensing system includes a plurality of dumb containers in corresponding relation to the smart container, wherein, the dumb container may be any suitable shipment container, including the same type of cargo shipment container or other type, as the smart container, excluding the sensor. The system for cargo security provides for the smart container to detect an event occurring with respect to either the smart container itself and/or the nearby dumb containers. An event may be an occurrence detected by the sensor, such that the smart container may notify of any potential security breaches in any of the containers.

Abstract: A pollution information message system provides a system and method for generating and transmitting pollution information messages. In one embodiment, the pollution information message system employs a transceiver network with a plurality transceivers coupled to monitoring devices. Control room operators receive a pollution information message from an identifiable transceiver. The transceiver, identified by an identification code, indicates a location and the nature of the detected pollution.

Abstract: A system for detecting excessive usage of product in a storage tank is provided. The system comprises a monitor and a data center. The monitor is operatively coupled to the tank for monitoring a level of product stored therein. The data center is in communication with the monitor. The data center generates an alarm signal when excessive product usage has been detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allocates bandwidth among wireless sensor nodes in wireless sensor groups in a wireless sensor network (WSN) is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for recording force and motion data obtained from a user during an exercise workout or other physical movement is disclosed. The system also can interact with a web-portal mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a container specifically adapted for the system and constructed with at least one door. A sensor is secured in the container for detecting proximity of the at least one door relative to another area of the container and for providing sensor data that may be communicated from the container relative to its integrity.

Abstract: A data aggregation method and data aggregation apparatus are provided. More particularly the data aggregation method includes: generating a plurality of data aggregation trees according to connection relationships between clusters that constitute a sensor network using a geographical code (GGC), selecting a single activation zone for each of the clusters which configures each of the plurality of data aggregation trees, selecting a maximum energy tree having a maximum total residual energy from the plurality of data aggregation trees, based on the single activation zone, and generating a tree list including activation zone information which corresponds to the maximum energy tree, and information about the maximum energy tree.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for registering the opening of locks of areas that are to be secured. According to the invention, a sealing module, which comprises a sensor, a microprocessor, a memory and a device for wireless communication, can be attached to the lock in such a way that the sensor recognizes a displacement and writes data documenting said displacement to the memory. A recording device also comprises at least one unit for wireless communication, a microprocessor and a memory, which are configured to read at least the data documenting the displacement from the memory of the sealing module and to write said data to the memory of the mobile recording device.

Abstract: Described is a cellular security system for monitoring an asset from a remote monitoring site without utilizing a signal modulating device or a cellular voice service. The cellular security system includes a detector, a display device, a cellular telephone that includes a camera and email capabilities, and a remote email device. When the detector detects an occurrence, the display device is activated such that the display device indicates the status of the detector. The cellular telephone captures a photo-image of the activated display device and composes an email and attaches the captured photo-image to the email. The cellular telephone sends the email to a remote email device, which is located at the remote monitoring site. From the remote monitoring site, the photo-image is viewed using the remote email device such that the status of the detector of the cellular security system is revealed.

Abstract: An electronic system for use in a body of fluid is disclosed. The electronic system includes a first housing element and a second housing element. The second housing element is hermetically sealed to the first housing element, forming a first chamber there between. An electronic circuit is mounted within the first chamber. The electronic system further includes a second chamber internal to the second housing element. The second chamber is configured for holding a power source for the electronic circuit. Preferably, the power source is a battery pack. Also, the electronic system includes means for temporarily sealing the second chamber. Preferably, means for temporarily sealing the second chamber includes a detachable plug configured for coupling to the second housing element.

Abstract: A low cost, robust, wireless sensor that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The wireless sensors are configured to communicate with a base unit or repeater. When the sensor unit detects an anomalous ambient condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition. The sensor unit receives instructions to change operating parameters and/or control external devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the control of a monitored zone, in particular at transport devices for objects, wherein the monitored zone is scanned by means of at least one spatially resolving sensor, in particular a laser scanner and/or a camera system, the positions of object points in the monitored zone are determined and a contour search is carried out in at least a sub-set of the determined positions in that these positions are mathematically examined as to whether the respective object points lie on at least one model line pre-determined with respect to shape and/or length within a pre-determinable tolerance, said model line corresponding to at least a part of a contour of a permitted object in the monitored zone, with the contour search being carried out independently of the location of the positions relative to the sensor.

Abstract: Asset including an arrangement for monitoring inanimate objects in an interior thereof includes a sensor system arranged on each object in the asset and arranged to obtain data about the object, a location determining system arranged on the asset to monitor the location of the asset, and a communication system arranged on the asset and coupled to the sensor system and the location determining system. The communication system transmits the data about each object obtained by the sensor system and the location of the asset provided by the location determining system to one or more remote facilities, these remote facilities being those interested in the information about the objects in the asset being monitored.

Abstract: A processing method of data transmitted from sensor nodes, including: providing a model list that stores preset model names; providing a semantic interpretation list that stores semantic information corresponding to a value of the data; providing an event table that stores monitoring conditions of values of data corresponding to the model names; receiving data corresponding to the model names from the sensor nodes; notifying an occurrence of an event when receiving data satisfying the monitoring conditions from the sensor nodes; and executing processing previously specified when an occurrence of an event is notified.

Abstract: A system for detecting chemical/biological substances and a detection method. The system comprises a plurality of sensing units or nodes and a radiofrequency link. Each unit has several sensors with different sensing curves. Each sensor is able to transmit information related to the sensed substance on a specific frequency. The sensors preferably comprise AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of a moving object in an enclosed space comprises at least one first transmitter adapted to be located in the enclosed space, wherein each of the first transmitters is operable to transmit a code associated with the first transmitter, wherein the code is representative of a coordinate in a predetermined coordinate system, a first receiver adapted to be located on a moving object, the receiver operable to receive the code, and a first processing unit adapted to be located on the moving object, the processing unit operable to process codes from the first receiver to determine the location of the moving object based on the code.

Abstract: A wireless sensor network includes a controller connected with multiple antennas for sending out a beacon signal at different instants into different directions and for receiving a sensor signal. Furthermore, the wireless sensor network comprises a sensor having a receiver connected with a sensor antenna for receiving the beacon signal, a transmitter connected with the sensor antenna for sending out the sensor signal, and a control unit which takes care that the sensor signal is transmitted after the beacon signal has been received.

Abstract: A method is provided for tracking an object, including positioning a radio frequency (RF) driver to radiate an RF driving field toward the object, and fixing to the object a wireless transponder that includes a power coil and at least one sensor coil. The method also includes receiving the RF driving field using the power coil and storing electrical energy derived therefrom. A plurality of field generators are driven to generate electromagnetic fields at respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object that induce a voltage drop across the at least one sensor coil. A digital output signal is generated at the wireless transponder indicative of the voltage drop across the sensor coil, and the generation of the digital output signal is powered using the stored electrical energy. The digital output signal is transmitted from the wireless transponder using the power coil, and the transmission of the digital output signal is powered using the stored electrical energy.

Abstract: A communication and intelligence gathering system and method for monitoring a crisis scene from a remote command post. The system includes an access node positioned within communication range of multiple observation platforms that each provide information relating to the crisis scene, such as a video feed. The access node communicates with a main transfer module that relays the audio/video/data from the crisis scene to a main transfer module remotely positioned. A second main transfer module communicates with a field command post such that personnel at the field command post can monitor, react to and manage the crisis situation from the remote location. The access node position near the crisis scene also communications video and relevant information to field agents such that the field agents can monitor the video and information from a hand held/portable device.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for emergency services personnel that includes a plurality of portable devices and a base station. The portable devices are configured to be carried by emergency services personnel while at an emergency site. The portable devices each have a first transceiver configured to communicate over a first network and a second transceiver configured to communicate over a second network, where the first and second networks operate independent of one another. For example, they may have at least one of different first and second carrier frequencies, protocol, channels and the like. The base station has at least one transceiver for communicating with the portable devices over at least one of the first and second networks. Optionally, the first and second networks may have different transmission characteristics, such as different transmit ranges, power levels and the like.

Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a threat sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a threat level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the threat level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the senor pack can output a threat signal to security server.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a local terminal and a measuring element installed at a predetermined distance from the local terminal. The local terminal includes a first measuring unit for measuring a first human body temperature, a signal processing unit for receiving and converting the first human body temperature, a display unit coupled to the signal processing unit for displaying the converted first human body temperature, and a first interface unit coupled to the signal processing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method of a health monitoring network which automates detection of faulty or failed sensors using real-time fault checking on a dynamically registered sensor data stream. The monitoring system and sensor network can provide a one-touch system to notify users when a sensor requires attention, without prior knowledge of the operational characteristics, installation method or configuration of sensors in the network. The network uses a decision engine to assist in maintenance according to a profile based on individual preferences and capabilities.

Abstract: A multipurpose sensing system of detecting, qualifying and quantifying a potential threat to national security comprises a multipurpose sensing module associated with each cargo carrying container. The system tracks the instantaneous location of each cargo carrying container with the multipurpose sensing module on board each cargo carrying container sampling the contents thereof for the presence of material selected from the group comprising nuclear, biological and chemical grade weapons material.