Abstract: A system for determining the vicinity of a communication device within a communication network is provided. Individual communication devices are provided with an active identification reader capable of reporting information concerning identified passive identification tags to a location server. At least some passive identification tags have fixed or known locations, allowing a communication device capable of reading such a passive identification1 tag to be determined to be within a particular vicinity or area. Communication devices may also be provided with passive identification tags to allow other active identification readers to determine whether the communication device is in their vicinity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of having telecommunication connections as well as a mobile terminal and a contact server for executing this method. A mobile terminal logs on to a contact server that manages a personal profile of a first subscriber. A first communication connection is established between the mobile terminal of the first subscriber and a second subscriber whose personal profile matches with the personal profile of the first subscriber according to a search profile associated with the first subscriber. A response to a switch command, the first communication connection is interrupted and a second communication connection is established between the mobile terminal of the first subscriber and a third subscriber whose personal profile as well matches with the personal profile of the first subscriber according to the search profile.

Abstract: Methods are provided for providing location information associated with a mobile device. A request for presence information is transmitted from a location circuit to an identification circuit associated with the mobile device. The presence information is associated with the mobile device. The requested presence information is received at the location circuit responsive to the transmitted request. Related location circuits and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for aurally indicating progress. In one embodiment, a node count module determines a node threshold. A discovery module searches for a plurality of nodes over a communications channel wherein each node is autonomously connected to the communications channel. In addition, the discovery module receives a reply from a node. The node count module may direct an indicator module to modify an aural indicator in response to the node count exceeding the node threshold. The indicator module further emits the aural indicator.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a position monitoring device for establishing the position of a first part with respect to a second part, having a transceiver at the first part for emitting an interrogation signal and for receiving a response signal that can be emitted in reaction to the interrogation signal by a transponder, wherein a screen that attenuates signals between the transponder and the transceiver is provided, two members of the group consisting of the transceiver, the screen and the transponder being movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A method and a device for securing objects that are present in protected spatial areas, whereby the objects to be secured are provided with an identifier or linked with an identifier and said identifier is detected by a receiving unit when the object to be secured is displaced. For this purpose, the receiving unit detects the presence of the identifier and electronic data for proving the presence of the identifier are stored. The electronic data are adapted to allow an unambiguous assignment of the signal detected by the receiving unit to the identifier. Data are detected independently of the detection of the identifier that allow an identification of a person carrying an object to be secured.

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: There is disclosed a system and method wherein precise geographical location information such as Global Positioning System coordinate data is utilized as a principal criterion for implementing other wireless transmitted instructions and communications advising vehicles, and others, of an approaching emergency vehicle, the proximity of a hazardous condition, or virtually any other situation which is relevant to the intended recipient because of their location. The system and method further can involve intervention and control of a vehicle, such as an aircraft or automobile, which comes into a predetermined location or area, or under other circumstances. The system and method use transmitting units and receiving units, both of which can receive geographical positioning information and which may sound or otherwise output an appropriate advisory, warning or other communication selected based on their positions, heading, and/or speed.

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

Abstract: A wireless system includes a server having a port, a plurality of sensors or devices, each of which includes a wireless transceiver and a proximity sensor; and a wireless module. The wireless module includes a port interconnected with the port of the server, a wireless transceiver cooperating with the port of the wireless module, the wireless transceiver of the wireless module being structured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless transceiver of the sensors or devices, a proximity sensor structured to sense one of the sensors or devices, and a target structured to be sensed by the proximity sensor of such one of the sensors or devices. The port of the server is structured to cooperate with the port of the wireless module to transmit and receive wireless messages. The port of the wireless module cooperates with the wireless transceiver to transmit and receive the wireless messages.

Abstract: A mobile key includes an RFID tag associated with a memory. The memory holds a secure access code. An authorization status for a person or item associated with the mobile key is determined by interrogating the mobile key using an RFID interrogation field. Security information, such as a secure identifier or access code, physical measurement data, or biometric data may be provided by the mobile key. The key may also comprise a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone. Security information, such as an access code, may be provided to the key using the wireless communication device or other communications network.

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

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

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

Abstract: A portable terminal comprising a transmission part that transmits to information provision equipment or a server, a signal indicating presence at a prescribed location, presence of a communications counterparty at a prescribed location, a reception part that receives from the information provision equipment or the server, a signal indicating the position of a moving body, a moving body is approaching or is present at the prescribed location, an alarm part that issues an alarm using the moving body in position signal received at the reception part, indicating the moving body is approaching or is present at the prescribed location, a light detection part detecting the degree of brightness, a part deciding whether or not to transmit a present in prescribed location signal that decides, using the brightness as detected by the light detection part, whether or not to send a present in prescribed location signal from the transmission part.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that determines a spatial position of a tracker device relative to an object sending a return signal to the tracker. Such a system advantageously maintains phase accuracy between a forward signal from the tracker device and the return signal from the object. The system can include, as part of a tracker device, a reference signal generator, a transmitter, a receiver, and a spatial position computer. The reference signal generator is responsive to and phase-stabilized by a broadcast signal, e.g., a signal received from a commercial AM broadcast transmitter. The transmitter and receiver are both coupled to and phase-stabilized by the tracker reference signal generator. Variations and methods with different advantageous features are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and system for storing, retrieving, and managing data for tags that are associated in some manner to any type of object. More particularly, the present invention writes data to these tags, reads data from these tags, and manages data that is written to and/or read from these tags.

Abstract: A small integrated diagnostic and identification system is disclosed that solves several problems associated with current sensory systems. The diagnostic and identification system comprises a bracelet with an identification mechanism that is difficult to remove and has a lock. Further, the diagnostic and identification bracelet comprises a microprocessor which communicates with various physiologic sensors wherein said physiological sensors are substantially within said bracelet. Alternatively some of the sensors may be mounted outside the bracelet and means are provided for communicating data from the outside mounted sensors to the bracelet. The physiologic sensors either routinely, automatically monitor an individual's physiology or monitor the physiology based on a user request. The resulting physiology data from each sensor is combined via a single output and displayed on a display device. The present invention may be integrated with a record management system to share and store an individual's records.

Abstract: A heat sensor activated detector having a housing, which accommodates a heat sensor, a logic device that compares the heat signal read by the heat sensor to a predetermined level and transmits an enable signal to an audible signal generator where the heat signal is outside of the predetermined level, an audible signal generator, and a power source. The heat sensor may be tuned to the body heat of the user. Also, the predetermined level may be set to a specific distance, such as three meters. Further, the detector may be attached, temporarily or permanently, to an object the user wants to protect against loss or misplacement.

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: 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: An MPF (Multi Function Peripheral) obtains a BD address and a device name from a communication partner search response when it receives the communication partner search response from a cellular phone. When the MFP successfully obtains the BD address and the BD address is stored in a device management database in a RAM of the MFP, the MFP obtains a user name corresponding to the BD address from the device management database. The MFP obtains settings associated with the user name from an environment database in the RAM of the MFP and stores the same in an environment storage area in the RAM. A display process, etc. in the MFP are performed according to the settings stored in the environment storage area.

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

Abstract: A sensor panel having a matrix of independently decoded sensors, arranged in a two-dimensional pattern allows a consumer identification unit (CIDU) to detect a user-specific gesture made with a gesturing instrument such as an RF ID device. The CIDU monitors on a timed basis which of the sensors in the panel are receiving a signal from an RF ID device which has entered the proximity of one or more of the sensors. The user moves the sensor in a two-dimensional pattern to perform a “gesture signature” in free space near the panel, and the CIDU records the sequence of receiving sensors. This sequence can then be quickly and efficiently handled as a number to be looked up to identify and authenticate the user. Preferably, the user is allowed to define multiple signature gestures, each having the possibility of being associated with a transaction or authorization level.

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

Abstract: A system and processing techniques are provided for automatically detecting when an individual is under surveillance. At least one uniquely identifying characteristic associated with a vehicle or a person in proximity to the individual is detected as the individual moves about a geographic region, such as when the individual is traveling in a car. Positions in the geographic region where the uniquely identifying characteristics are collected and the times of these collections as the individual moves about the geographic region are also captured. Data is stored for detections of the uniquely identifying characteristics, times of detections and the positions where the uniquely identifying characteristics are detected as the individual moves about the geographic region.

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

Abstract: A device for locating a parked vehicle has a remote mobile unit with an aerodynamic housing, including a base and a transparent lens covering an illuminating visual indicator, such as a strobe light. The base contains a battery power source, an electronic sound emitter and control circuitry, including a radio signal transceiver and a spread spectrum processor. An adhesive membrane layer on the bottom of the base facilitates quick and easy attachment to a vehicle, at a location which is easily visible from a distance (e.g. the roof or other high exterior position). A wireless handheld control unit has an internal I/O processor, pushbuttons for entering commands, a spread spectrum processor and a radio transceiver and antenna for sending and receiving spread spectrum signals to and from the transceiver in the mobile unit in order to selectively activate and deactivate the illuminating visual indicator and sound emitter.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing a notification from an in-vehicle device to a person to be notified includes an information acquiring unit that acquires information on the person; and a means selecting unit that selects a notification means based on the information acquired. The information includes at least a relative position of the person with respect to a vehicle.

Abstract: This invention is a communication control system which includes a monitoring terminal held by each of a plurality of persons to be monitored and an information managing apparatus for managing position information on the monitor terminal. The monitor terminal has a position information obtaining unit for obtaining geographical position information, a group setting unit for setting a group of monitor terminals of persons to be monitored who are allowed to be mutually grouped, and a first transmitting unit for transmitting the obtained position information and group setting information to the information managing apparatus.

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

Abstract: A package delivery notification system and method notifies package recipients of a package's arrival. The method-enabling system comprises a package, a package recipient, a package carrier, first and second wireless communications devices, and a recipient setting. The package carrier brings the package and the first wireless communications device to within a delivery distance relative to the recipient setting. The first wireless communications device and the delivery distance enable data transmission to the second wireless communications device located at the recipient setting. The package carrier transmits a package-delivery message to the second communications device, which device receives and displays the package-delivery message for notifying the package recipient of the package's arrival.

Abstract: A personal article, such as a handbag, comprising a wireless companion proximity detector system which includes one or more electronic components. The electronic components may be a transmitter for transmitting a signal, receiver for receiving a signal, or a notifier. In some cases, the wireless signals may be RF signals. In some cases, one or more of the electronic components are attached to the personal article.

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

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for performing discovery between devices in a network. Using event-driven discovery, devices conserve energy resources and more rapidly join a given network. The event-driven discovery detects a common-event associated with a first device preparing to communicate with a second device. The first device then discovers the second device in response to detection of the common-event. For example, this common-event could be a handshake with another person. During discovery, the first and second devices exchange respective information and optionally may establish a communication session to exchange further information if desired.

Abstract: A type of cellular phone notification apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus would combine both a transmitter attached to a cellular phone and a receiver that would be attached to an individual's clothing. If the cellular phone and the receiver would become disassociated more than a specified number of feet, the receiver would notify the individual of this fact so that the cellular phone could be retrieved, if necessary.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a control apparatus for at least partially controlling a component of a vehicle. The apparatus includes a knob having a body portion, a connection portion, and a conductive portion. The apparatus also includes a device having a proximity sensor and an illuminating portion. The conductive portion is selectively positioned adjacent the illuminating portion. The apparatus further includes a system controller in communication with the proximity sensor and the illumination portion. The system controller selectively detects movement of the conductive portion relative to the proximity sensor.

Abstract: A user of a handheld device may be alerted to a possible risk of losing the handheld device. The handheld device is able to be secured to a carrying case. The carrying case may alert the user by activating one or more of its user interface elements. The handheld device may determine that a trigger condition has been met and transmit a signal indicating this to the carrying case. The carrying case may itself determine that a trigger condition has been met. The handheld device may determine that a trigger condition has been met and may alert the user by activating one or more of its user interface elements. The handheld device and the carrying case may communicate via a wireless communication link according to a communication protocol, for example, a Bluetooth® standard, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) standard, a Zigbee™ standard or an ultra wideband (UWB) standard.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for allowing users to verify the presence of personal items. RFID tags are attached to personal items, and the items are entered into a list. The user makes travel lists from the list of items. When traveling, the user queries the system to determine whether all personal items in the travel list are within range of the system. The system checks for the presence of the RFID tags associated with the items in the travel list. If any RFIDs are not present, the user is alerted. Optionally, the system updates the last known location of items whenever checking for the presence of personal items, so that if an item is not found the user can determine where the item was last known to have been.

Abstract: The present invention is for an umbrella with a device, called the umpod, built into the handle of the umbrella. When detached from the handle, the umpod serves as a receiver of a pulsating RF signal, or other electronic communication, sent from the handle of the umbrella. There is an transmitter located in the handle of the umbrella and a receiver located in the umpod. When the umpod is separated from the umbrella handle, the umpod is activated and when separated by more than a preset distance, the receiver senses the diminished strength of the communication signal and the umpod automatically goes into “alert” mode. In “alert” mode, the umpod vibrates and/or beeps until the umpod is brought back within the range of the preset distance from the umbrella handle.

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

Abstract: A position detection system for measuring a position of a mobile object traveling throughout a controlled area, the position detection system includes a tag, which is provided on the mobile object, a detector, which obtains object position information which indicates the position of the mobile object, object position information includes direction information and distance information relative to the detector of the mobile object, and the detector travels throughout the controlled area, and a base station which obtains detector position information which indicates the position of the detector, detector position information includes an absolute position and angle within the controlled area of the detector, in order to measure the position within the controlled area of the mobile object based on object position information and detector position information.

Abstract: An audio apparatus includes a converter having a sound-output mode in which the converter functions as a sound-output device for converting a sound signal into an audio output and a sound-pickup mode in which the converter functions as a sound-pickup device for converting an audio signal into a sound output, a controller switching the converter to the sound-output mode or the sound-pickup mode, an analyzing section analyzing the sound output generated from the converter that is switched to the sound-pickup mode by the controller, and an alarm section generating an alarm signal based on an analysis result from the analyzing section.

Abstract: A “seeking” wireless terminal determines its location coordinates via access of its GPS receiver. The seeking wireless terminal then sends a seeking request via a supporting wireless network infrastructure. The seeking request includes at least one interest item entered by a user of the seeking wireless terminal and also the location coordinates of the seeking wireless terminal. The location coordinates may include an elevation of the wireless terminal. The seeking wireless terminal receives a seeking response via the supporting wireless network infrastructure that includes location coordinates of a “sought” wireless terminal. The seeking wireless terminal accesses a map segment corresponding to the location coordinates of the seeking wireless terminal and to the location coordinates of the sought wireless terminal. Then, the seeking wireless terminal displays the map segment, an icon that represents the seeking wireless terminal, and an icon that represents the sought wireless terminal.

Abstract: An RFID transceiver tag is proposed for use in a monitoring system for detecting a change in position of the tag relative to an associated RFID tag or to the environment surrounding or between the tags. The transceiver tag has a detector for detecting a characteristic of a signal transmitted between the transceiver tag and the associated RFID tag and for creating a trigger signal if the detector detects that the characteristic has changed beyond a predetermined extent; and a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote controller on receipt of the trigger signal from the detector.

Abstract: An Electronic Proximity Alarm Device comprised of a housing that covers and protects one or more electronic and mechanical components that are assembled within the housing and that are electronically programmed in such manner as to wirelessly determine whether a Device worn by a habitual criminal on parole or probation is within given minimum allowable proximity of a potential victim that is wearing a corresponding Device, in which case an alarm is triggered for the purpose of notifying both users of the Devices as well as law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers and corresponding third parties that a proximity breach is in progress at a specific place, in a specific direction and at specific distances from each of the corresponding Devices, thus activating immediate response, thereby possibly preventing a criminal act.

Abstract: A security control system secures electronic devices. The electronic devices communicate wirelessly with the security control system. The security control system can be used to define an authorized wireless communication area for the electronic devices. On a regular basis, the security control system checks the presence of the electronic devices within the authorized wireless communication area. If an electronic device is removed from wireless communication without a deconnection request, an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: An exemplary electronic apparatus monitors whether a security badge remains within an area proximate to the electronic apparatus in order to protect against loss or theft of the badge especially when the user is away from the secure environment for which the badge facilitates access. A transmitter periodically transmits a poll signal intended for reception by an RFID module attached to the badge, the poll signal having a predetermined magnitude to limit the effective reception range of the poll signal to the proximate area. A receiver can receive a reply signal generated by the RFID module in response to receipt of the poll signal where the reply signal includes identification information that is unique to the electronic device. The received identification information is compared with first identification information stored in memory of the electronic apparatus to determine if the received identification information matches the first identification information.

Abstract: A personal articles tracking system, method and apparatus. In the system of the invention, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader can be coupled to a tracking processor. A data store further can be configured to store tag data from corresponding RFID tags. Finally, an alert can be programmed to activate when the tracking processor no longer can sense within range of the RFID reader an RFID tag having corresponding tag data stored in the data store.