Having Plural Distinct Sensors (i.e., For Surrounding Conditions) Patents (Class 340/539.22)
  • Patent number: 8373542
    Abstract: This is an all-in-one radio frequency identification system for goods inventory and sale management, comprising at least one tag, an antenna unit and a multi-port reader comprising a micro control unit, a reader and a multiplexer. The tag is attached on each article. The antenna unit is RF coupled to the tag. The multiplexer built-in the multi-port reader is electrically coupled to the antenna unit. The reader built-in the multi-port reader is capable of transmitting RF signals, accessing commands and receiving tag signals from the multiplexer. The micro control unit is electrically coupled to the multiplexer and the reader to receive and process the reading signal and provide inventory and sale management functions and applications. Therefore, the all-in-one radio frequency identification system provides not only inventory and anti-theft functions but also information for consumer behavior research, and capable of doing stand alone operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Claridy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Lee
  • Publication number: 20130033377
    Abstract: A fire detector monitors a room and triggers a fire alarm. The fire detector has a smoke sensor and a temperature sensor for measuring a smoke density and a temperature. When a temperature threshold value and/or a smoke density threshold value is exceeded an alarm is triggered. The temperature threshold value is dependent on the smoke density and/or the smoke density threshold value is dependent on the temperature. The fire detector contains a memory. A complicated evaluation as to whether the temperature or smoke density threshold value has been exceeded is avoided and the risk of false alarms is reduced due to a stored matrix. The matrix contains combination values, and one of the combination values is assigned to the measured temperature and the measured smoke density. The combination value indicates whether the temperature threshold value and/or the smoke density threshold value has been exceeded or fallen below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Winrich Hoseit
  • Patent number: 8368526
    Abstract: A system and method for providing home security services may include receiving, at a local alarm controller, a cordless sensor signal indicative of an alarm sensor being triggered. The cordless sensor signal may be communicated over one of multiple cordless telephone channels. In response to receiving the sensor signal, a signal indicative of the cordless telephone channel may be communicated to a mobile telephone of a user to notify the user that a sensor associated with the cordless telephone channel was triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventor: Mark Chalk
  • Patent number: 8355707
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing information regarding monitored computer systems to wireless devices are provided. Information may be requested by a wireless device and displayed on the wireless device in a browser. The web server application may detect the wireless device, and may also then specially format the response, including the requested information formatted for optimized delivery and/or display on a wireless device. The web server application may also send a message to a wireless device about events associated with the monitored computer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Guy R. Hagan
  • Patent number: 8354925
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting change in an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system for detecting change in an environment includes an RF noise source configured to transmit an RF noise signal into the environment and to vary a parameter of the RF noise signal, and an interrogator configured to communicate with a plurality of communication devices distributed in the environment over a plurality of communication channels. The system also includes a detection system configured to receive information related to performances of the plurality of communication channels from the interrogator, to generate a fingerprint of the environment for each of the plurality of communication channels based on the performance of the communication channel at different values of the parameter of the RF noise signal, and to detect a change in the environment when one or more of the fingerprints deviates from a respective baseline fingerprint by a certain amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Vibeke Libby, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 8354924
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the instructional training of a swimmer wherein the system is further operable to provide object detection to the swimmer of an object within the general movement path of the swimmer. The system further includes a transmitter wherein the transmitter is configured to broadcast at least two audio signals. A receiver is operably coupled to the transmitter utilizing a wireless frequency. The receiver further includes a left earpiece and a right earpiece that have intermediate therebetween two headbands for releasably securing the receiver to the head of the swimmer. The receiver further includes a plurality of sensors mounted to the first headband that are configured to generate and receive sound pulses in order to detect an object within the general movement path of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Spencer Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20130009773
    Abstract: A wireless apparatus includes an antenna, a circuit board configured to form a wireless communication circuit that is connected to the antenna, and a housing configured to accommodate the circuit board and formed by resin molding. A linear conductor extends from a ground of the circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Matsumoto, Takeshi Kohrogi, Hiroshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 8350693
    Abstract: A system includes a fire extinguisher station having a number of sensors to detect various predetermined conditions that can be communicated in alarms to a central station. The central station receives alarms from the fire extinguisher and determines whether to contact emergency personnel and/or building maintenance personnel. Other items of emergency equipment can be included in the system for improved detection and response to emergency conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: en-Gauge, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. McSheffrey, Sr., John J. McSheffrey, Jr., Brendan T. McSheffrey
  • Patent number: 8344858
    Abstract: A system for and method of tracking and locating RFID tags, including where at least one steerable phase array antenna may locate the tags associated with items in three dimensions in real time, through the use of a beam steering unit and controller therewith to control the direction of a beam launched by the at least one steerable phase array antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: RF Controls, LLC
    Inventor: Graham P. Bloy
  • Patent number: 8339279
    Abstract: A remote monitoring system provides a real-time monitoring of conditions of an apparatus, such as a power line. The remote monitoring system includes an apparatus that generates electrical signals, a remote monitoring module that is remote from the apparatus, and a transmission module. The transmission module is provided adjacent to the apparatus and transmits data that correspond to the electrical signals via a cellular network to the remote monitoring system. The remote monitoring module receives the signal and determines a condition of the apparatus based on the received electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Jadavpur University
    Inventors: Sivaji Chakravorti, Biswendu Chatterjee, Debangshu Dey
  • Patent number: 8331862
    Abstract: An RF addressable sensor network includes one or more RF addressable sensors; one or more wireless sensor readers coupled to a communications network; and one or more end user devices coupled to the communications network. The one or more wireless sensor readers communicate with the one or more RF addressable sensors to obtain sensor data for transmission over the communications network. A wireless sensor reader includes at least one antenna configured for communication with the one or more RF addressable sensors, a controller, a network communications module coupled to the controller, the network communications module having an interface for coupling to a communications network, a logic module coupled to the controller, and a user interface. The logic module includes a sensor communications module for receiving sensor data from the one or more RF addressable sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Twitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8331925
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for assessing call integrity of calls communicated via a mobile device. In particular, physical aspects of the mobile device that are related to call integrity are identified. The physical condition of the mobile device is then monitored based on the identified physical aspects. The data retrieved from monitoring the physical aspects of the mobile device is then provided to a physical condition assessment component that determines an assessed physical condition of the mobile device. Based on the assessed physical condition of the mobile device, call integrity of calls communicated via the mobile device is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Tuan Quoc Tran, Jason Norwood Ward, Kimberly Rae Raddatz
  • Patent number: 8319600
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a number of input devices, a number of first sensors, a number of second sensors, and a number of alarms. Each input device comprises a switching circuit, an input circuit, and a connector. The connector is connected to a first sensor and a voltage source in series or connected to a second sensor and a current source in series. The controller controls the switching circuit of the input device to receive a voltage signal of the first sensor or a current signal of the second sensor and send out a corresponding detection signal. The input circuit transmits the detection signal to the controller. The controller controls the corresponding alarm to work according to the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8319635
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to mistaken location calculations based on multipath effects. The present invention utilizes tags attached to objects that transmit signals at various power levels for reception by sensors stationed throughout a facility. Sensor readings at the various power levels are utilized to determine the location of the tagged object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Awarepoint Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. Perkins, Nicolas C. Nierenberg
  • Patent number: 8314679
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a number of input devices, a number of digital sensors, a number of analog sensors, and a number of alarms. Each input device comprises a switching circuit, an input circuit, and a connector. The connector is connected to a digital sensor or connected to an analog sensor and a first power source in series. The controller controls the switching circuit of the input device to receive a digital signal of the digital sensor or an analog signal of the analog sensor and output a corresponding detection signal. The input circuit transmits the detection signal to the controller. The controller controls the corresponding alarm to work according to the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8315565
    Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes: (a) a low power radio frequency (LPRF) communications component capable of powering down to conserve energy and capable of powering up in response to an electronic signal, the LPRF communications component including a transmitter and a first receiver; and (b) a second receiver that is configured to screen a radio frequency broadcast and provide, on the basis of specific data identified therein, the electronic signal to the LPRF communications component in order to power up the LPRF communications component. The second receiver is adapted to draw less current than the LPRF communications component while awaiting receipt of and listening for a radio frequency broadcast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Twitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8314686
    Abstract: A security system including an RFID subsystem for detecting entry of an RFID tag within a monitored area; an RFID token associated with a person accessing the monitored area; and an indicator system for providing an indication when the person enters into the monitored area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: James M. Kirtley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8310363
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 8305209
    Abstract: Provided is an alarm device capable of performing transmission and reception reliably while suppressing an amount of current consumption. An alarm device (100) includes: a fire detection circuit (7); a control circuit (1); and a transmitting/receiving circuit (5). The transmitting/receiving circuit (5) transmits the status signal to the another alarm device (100) with a transmission pattern formed by combining transmission periods and transmission suspension periods a predetermined number of times, and receives the status signal transmitted by the another alarm device (100) in an intermittent reception cycle. A time length of each of the transmission periods and the transmission suspension periods is set so that the another alarm device (100) that has failed to receive the status signal transmitted in a first intermittent reception cycle can receive the status signal in a second intermittent reception cycle and subsequent intermittent reception cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidesato Morita, Makoto Masuyama, Toshimitsu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8301334
    Abstract: A system using a number of portable or wrist-worn remote controller units that communicate with a number of sensor units or sensor head sets for vehicle or automotive testing. An optional central communications controller can coordinate communications between the wrist-worn units and the sensor sets. A particular remote unit can associate with particular sensors or a particular sensor set and thus receive and transmit data only with that sensor set. Mechanics or technicians can run tests and take data completely from the remote units. The remote units generally contain a display screen that can show all parts and results of any vehicle test procedure. Various wireless communications techniques can be used to establish this communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Joshua P. Knapp, Benjamin P. Knapp, Emilo B. Fabregat
  • Patent number: 8294572
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Intel-GE Care Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Kuris, Donald R. Denning, Jr., Steven M. Ayer
  • Patent number: 8289128
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a controller, a plurality of sensors, a plurality of alarms, and a plurality of input/output devices. Each input/output device is connected between the controller and a sensor or an alarm. Each input/output device includes an input circuit, an output circuit, and a connector. The input circuit and the output circuit are connected between the controller and the connector. The connector is further selectively connected to a sensor or an alarm and a DC power in series. The controller controls a status of the input circuit and the output circuit. When the connector is connected to the alarm, the input circuit does not operate. The controller outputs a motion signal to the alarm via the output circuit. When the connector is connected to the sensor, the output circuit does not operate. The sensor outputs a detection signal to the controller via the input circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8284048
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for automatically activating a consumer device using a sensor capable of detecting an external stimulus and location determination system capable of providing current location data for the consumer device when a user receives a device. The location determination system provides location data, which is sent to the activation server, in response to the sensor actuating. The location data determined at the time the sensor senses the external stimuli is compared to location data stored on the activation server to automatically activate the consumer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Visa International Service Association
    Inventor: Patrick Faith
  • Publication number: 20120247984
    Abstract: A secure document bin is described that includes a bin having a lid that securely affixes to the bin to prevent unauthorized access to the contents of the bin, and an electronics module associated with the bin. The electronics module is formed in part by a location detection circuit and status sensors. The status sensors include a sensor to detect movement of the bin, a sensor to detect tampering with the bin, and a sensor to detect a relative fill level of the bin. The location and status of the secure document destruction bin is monitored by a monitoring center using wireless transmissions from the secure document destruction bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Jansson, Jeffrey O. Smith
  • Patent number: 8279091
    Abstract: A system includes a controller and an RFID sensor, an RFID sensor reader having a detection region, and a transceiver connected to the controller. The system may be secured to or contained within a wearable glove. The RFID sensor is configured to transmit an RFID sensor signal to the RFID sensor reader when the RFID sensor is within the detection region. The RFID sensor reader is configured to transmit an RFID sensor reader signal to the controller after receiving the RFID sensor signal. The controller is configured to transmit a signal to the transceiver after receiving the RFID sensor reader signal. The signal may include input from a motion sensor and/or an orientation sensor connected to the controller. The transceiver may transmit the signal to a remote processor via an antenna. The signal may be used for gesture recognition, information coding, and/or information processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nghia Tran, Sunny Fugate, Jeffrey Ellen, Lorraine Duffy, Hoa Phan
  • Patent number: 8279062
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Amstr. Investments 19 K.G., LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Burneske, Fred F. Schleifer
  • Patent number: 8274384
    Abstract: An information device capable of performing wireless communication with a reader/writer device, a method, and a computer-readable medium are provided. The device includes a reception section that detects an information request signal transmitted from a reader/writer device and a transmission section that transmits a signal to the reader/writer device in response to the detection of an information request signal. The device also includes a detection data acquisition section that acquires detection data corresponding to a physical quantity or state from a sensor and a detection data storage section that stores the detection data. The device includes a control section that activates the detection data acquisition section at time intervals and inputs the acquired detection data into the detection data storage section and another control section that activates the reception section at other time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinichi Shiotsu, Isamu Yamada, Satoshi Inano, Akira Itasaki
  • Patent number: 8270576
    Abstract: An arrangement includes an input to receive DTMF tones, logic to convert the DTMF tones to SMPP protocol, and an output to provide the SMPP protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Dinh C. Tat, Richard A. Layendecker
  • Patent number: 8258943
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ubiquitous sensor network-based system and method for automatically managing food sanitation. The system includes at least one sensor node (100) configured to measure and store sensing information, compare measured values with preset values, and generate a warning message. A sink node (200) mediates between the sensor node and a management server (400) and between the mobile terminal and the management server. A mobile terminal (300) reads food information using an RFID reader or a barcode reader, transmits the food information, measures and stores sensing information, compares the measured values with preset values, and generates a warning message. The management server (400) generates a control command, transmits the control command to the sensor node or the mobile terminal, and notifies a manager of an urgent situation and a location of the kitchen appliance if received data is a warning message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: First-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Ill Park, Jung Gyu Kim, Byung Rak Son
  • Patent number: 8258957
    Abstract: A transponder that may be used as an RFID tag includes a passive circuit to eliminate the need for an “always on” active RF receiving element to anticipate a wake-up signal for the balance of the transponder electronics. This solution allows the entire active transponder to have all circuit elements in a sleep (standby) state, thus drastically extending battery life or other charge storage device life. Also, a wake-up solution that reduces total energy consumption of an active transponder system by allowing all non-addressed transponders to remain in a sleep (standby) state, thereby reducing total system or collection energy. Also, the transponder and wake-up solution are employed in an asset tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marlin H. Mickle, Alex K. Jones, James T. Cain, Peter J. Hawrylak, Frank Marx, Raymond R. Hoare
  • Patent number: 8258959
    Abstract: An environmentally sealed electronic device with an internal activation circuit that does not require a constant interrogation signal to maintain power to its internal circuitry. The electronic device includes sensor circuitry for gathering or sensing data; an internal battery for powering the sensor circuitry; and an internal activation circuit for activating the sensor circuitry. The sensor circuitry may include a temperature sensor, a location sensor, a signal sensor, a sound detector, a motion sensor, or any other device that senses or gathers data. The battery may be any type of energy storage device such as a lithium or alkaline battery. The activation circuit includes a receiver for receiving a radio frequency signal from an external source and a switch for connecting the battery to the sensor circuitry in response to the receiver. The switch is operable to maintain connection of the battery to the sensor circuitry after the radio frequency signal ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: L3 Communications Integrated Systems, L.P.
    Inventor: Joshua D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8260319
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a distance between a wireless transceiver and a wireless receiver arranged to communicate with each other in a wireless communication network, the wireless receiver having an active and an inactive reception state, the method comprising transmitting, with the wireless receiver in the active reception state, a first transmission signal, receiving a first reflection signal, the first reflection signal being a reflection of the first transmission signal and influenced by the active reception state of the wireless receiver, transmitting, with the wireless receiver in the inactive reception state, a second transmission signal, receiving a second reflected signal, the second reflection signal being a reflection of the second transmission signal and influenced by the inactive reception state of the wireless receiver, and determining a distance between the wireless transceiver and the wireless receiver based on the second reflection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar AB
    Inventors: Fabian Wenger, Mats Nordlund
  • Patent number: 8253983
    Abstract: A stamping system using a portable communication device is provided. In a preferred form, the stamping system has a server and a portable communication device, the server has a computer program for generating a file code and a log file, the portable communication device has a central processor, a communication unit, and a seal, the seal is used for generating a seal impression, when receiving a file code generation request, the server generates a file code and sends the file code to the portable communication device, the central processor sends a control signal to the seal in response to the file code, the seal generates a seal impression corresponding with the file code, the communication unit sends a log file generation request to the server, and the server generates a log file in response to the log file generation request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xin Lu, Shih-Fang Wong
  • Patent number: 8253337
    Abstract: A lighting system for an emergency exit from an occupied space: an array of lighting elements located around the emergency exit to illuminate the exit and facilitate egress for an occupant of the space; a control unit; and sensors to detect one or more trigger conditions and actuate the lighting elements in response to a first trigger condition from any of the sensors, the sensors comprising: an impulse detector operable to send a signal to the control unit indicating that the impulse detector has experienced an impulse; and a roll and/or pitch detector operable to send a signal to the control unit indicating that the roll and/or pitch detector has experienced roll and/or pitch, wherein upon detection of the first trigger condition the control unit actuates one or more of the lighting elements to illuminate the exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: AeroGlow Ltd.
    Inventor: Ross Michael Kilby
  • Patent number: 8248264
    Abstract: When a major failure is detected, display of a measurement value on a display section is stopped, and instead of the measurement value, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the major failure, is displayed on the display section. When a minor failure is detected, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the minor failure, and a measurement value are alternately displayed on the display section by being switched one from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Shimakata, Miho Egawa
  • Patent number: 8248262
    Abstract: An event recognition and response system includes an event sensor. An event recognition engine is coupled to the event sensor. An action profile database is coupled to the event recognition engine. The event recognition engine is operable to receive an event input from the event sensor, compare the event input to a plurality of action profiles in the action profile database and, upon determining that at least one action profile in the action profile database matches the event input, perform a predetermined action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Delbert Robison, Jr., Douglas Evan Messick, Kyle Eric Cross
  • Publication number: 20120206258
    Abstract: A wireless node for monitoring landslide conditions has at least one tubular probe body deployed in a borehole in a landslide prone area and anchored to rock below soil, multiple sensors carried by and deployed within and or outside of the tubular probe body for measuring geologic motion and hydrologic saturation and pressure at three or more distinct levels of soil above the rock, a power source, a data acquisition board in communication with the sensors carried by and or deployed within or outside of the probe body, and a wireless transceiver in communication with the data acquisition board and accessible to a local area wireless network (LAWN), which is in turn accessible to a wide area wireless network (WAWN).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Maneesha V. Ramesh
  • Patent number: 8242904
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: SkyBitz, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Brosius
  • Patent number: 8242880
    Abstract: A method of tracking movement, position, or both of a tongue of a subject. The method includes positioning a tracer unit on the tongue of the subject in a non-obstructively manner; positioning a sensor system in proximity to the tongue carrying the tracer unit; calibrating the sensor system relative to the tracer unit; and detecting the position of the tracer unit. An assistive system/apparatus can track movement, position, or both of the tongue. The system/apparatus includes the tracer unit; the sensor system for detecting position of the tracer unit and adapted for non-obstructive placement proximal the sensor system; and a control system for transmitting to a processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Maysam Ghovanloo, Xueliang Huo
  • Patent number: 8237545
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless transponder comprising: a receiver unit that receives an electromagnetic input signal; an input converter unit that converts into an acoustic wave the electromagnetic input signal received by the receiver unit; a delay unit provided in a direction in which an acoustic wave generated by the input converter unit propagates; an output converter unit that converts into an electromagnetic output signal the acoustic wave which has propagated inside the delay unit; and a transmitter unit that transmits wirelessly the electromagnetic output signal generated by the output converter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8228183
    Abstract: A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Arthroscopic Surgery Associates Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory M. Glenn, Damon Silva, Timothy Henry
  • Patent number: 8223013
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Intel-GE Care Innovations LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Kuris, Donald R. Denning, Jr., Steven M. Ayer
  • Patent number: 8212681
    Abstract: An automated theater warning technique makes use of a digital cinema projection system to provide a display of a visual message indicative of an emergency condition. Upon receipt of a trigger generated in response to an emergency condition, the digital cinema projection system automatically switches from displaying the feature presentation to displaying the visual message. The digital cinema projection system can advantageously display different messages responsive to different conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GVBB Holdings S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: James Edward Pearce, John Robert Naylor, Stephen Burnside
  • Patent number: 8212671
    Abstract: A passive microwave receiver array, operating in the one meter to sub-millimeter wavelengths range and including an internationally protected range of frequencies of varying bandwidth, may be used for fire and intrusion detection. One or more receiver array can be used to provide a plurality of frequency ranges that can be detected. In an interior installation, one or more receiver array can be placed inside a wall. In other embodiments, the receiver and array can be in the form of a hand-held or wearable device. This method and apparatus achieves high performance by exploiting conventional low noise amplification block conversion circuits and provides the detection of thermal signals through clear, smoky, misty, or environmentally untenable conditions as well as the detection of fire and intrusion events through a non-metallic wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Icove and Associates, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Icove, Carl T. Lyster
  • Patent number: 8204489
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and method of controlling data transmission and reception therein are disclosed. In a mobile terminal selectively performing a data transceiving operation or a signal transceiving operation, the present invention includes performing the data transceiving operation, determining whether the data transceiving operation in the course of being performed meets a prior execution condition, if the data transceiving operation in the course of being performed by the wireless communication unit meets the prior execution condition, setting up a data prior mode for enabling the data transceiving operation to be performed prior to the call signal transceiving operation, wherein as the data prior mode is set up, if the call signal transceiving operation is detected, the data transceiving operation is preferentially performed. Accordingly, a data transceiving operation can be performed prior to a call signal transceiving operation despite that a hybrid mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Ho Kim, Young Wan Lim, Il Won
  • Patent number: 8200273
    Abstract: On a first level of the wireless building automation architecture, sensors and associated actuators communicate directly. The sensor performs control processes appropriate for the sensor and regardless of the type of actuator being used. The actuator performs control processes specific to the actuator regardless of the type of sensor being used. By direct wireless communication between sensors and actuators, the opportunity for a failed communications link using a hub and spoke arrangement may be avoided. Communication redundancy is provided by receiving the outputs of sensors at a controller, such as a controller on a second high speed or high bandwidth tier of the architecture. Regional control is implemented in the higher level tier. The higher level tier may override or control operation of components of the lower level tier as needed. The distributed control processing allows for more convenient room level integration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman R. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8199937
    Abstract: A contents reproduction apparatus that reproduces contents suitable for a user's environment includes a position detecting unit detecting a user's position, an operation detecting unit detecting a movement of a user's body, a contents generating unit generating contents based on the user's position and the movement of the user's body, and a contents reproducing unit reproducing the generated contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Motoyuki Takai, Yoichiro Sako, Toshiro Terauchi, Makoto Inoue, Masamichi Asukai, Katsuya Shirai, Yasushi Miyajima, Kenichi Makino
  • Patent number: 8199000
    Abstract: A wireless patient monitoring system forms a Network Around a Patient (NAP) and includes sensor nodes configured to acquire patient data from a patient. A gateway device is in bi-directional wireless communication with the sensor nodes for a plurality of defined communication frames. The gateway device is configured to transmit a beacon message to the sensor nodes at each of a plurality of frequencies. The sensor nodes are further configured to receive the beacon message from the gateway device and transmit the acquired patient data to the gateway device at each of the plurality of frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Anderson Fergus Ross, David Michael Davenport
  • Patent number: 8193935
    Abstract: An RFID based security system detects a lock/unlocked condition when securing a premise and an open/close condition of a window and/or door to monitor for an intruder. A local interface polls a RFID tag and relays a read value to a user panel for a determination if an intruder has opened a window and/or door. Alternately, the local interface is connected to at least one of a second local interface and the user panel to form a security network. The security network is relied on to convey security information to the user panel for a determination if an intruder has opened a window and/or door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Tell A. Gates
  • Patent number: RE43809
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Zlatko Krstulich