Abstract: A batteryless, chipless, sensor is disclosed which includes a substrate, at least two conductive strips disposed on the substrate, a passivation layer encasing the substrate and the at least two conductive strips, wherein the conductive strips are adapted to respond to an interrogation signal from a reader having a first polarization, with a response signal at a second polarization different than the first polarization.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed including a digital hub and a cloud database. The digital hub encodes, as a virtual supply chain network, the structure, one or more objectives, and one or more states of a supply chain network and contextualizes data received from one or more supply chain entities and one or more external data sources with the virtual supply chain network. The digital hub further employs machine learning to extract insights from the contextualized data and monitors external data sources for an event that may impact the one or more objectives of the supply chain network. Responsive to identifying an event that may impact the one or more objectives, the digital hub automatically adjusts one or more of robotic warehouse systems, robotic inventory systems, automated guided vehicles, mobile racking units, automated robotic production machinery, and robotic devices.

Abstract: A batteryless, chipless, sensor is disclosed which includes a substrate, at least two conductive strips disposed on the substrate, a passivation layer encasing the substrate and the at least two conductive strips, wherein the conductive strips are adapted to respond to an interrogation signal from a reader having a first polarization, with a response signal at a second polarization different than the first polarization.

Abstract: A lost tracking device associated with a tracking system can be located by leveraging one or more community members by inviting these members to join a search party. Search party criteria can be identified and candidate search party members can be selected and invited based on the search party criteria. When invited candidate search party members accept the invitations, they are added to the search party. A last known location of the tracking device can be provided to the search party members, and the search party can remain in effect until the lost tracking device is located. The location of the lost tracking device is provided to the tracking system, which forwards it to the owner of the lost tracking device. A reward can be provided by the owner of the lost tracking device to the tracking system, which releases the reward to the search party member that located the lost tracking device.

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.

Abstract: A wireless communication device is disclosed. The wireless communication device has a near field communications transmitter system. The device has an outer chassis that can be sized, dimensioned and decorated to resemble common household items that lack any apparent value. The wireless communication device can also include an indicia that is invisible to an unaided human eye.

Abstract: A package command node detects an environmental anomaly related to a shipment package for transport within a shipping container on a transit vehicle having an external transceiver. The package command node has a command node housing disposed with the package, a processor within the housing, a memory maintaining package command node environmental detection program code, and a wireless transceiver communication interface that communicates with sensor-based ID nodes generating sensor data from different parts of the container. The package command node's processor is programmatically configured to detect the ID node sensor data; identify the anomaly when the detected sensor data indicates an environmental condition that exceeds an environmental threshold; generate an alert notification related to the anomaly; and transmit the alert notification to the external transceiver to initiate a mediation response related to the environmental anomaly.

Abstract: A tag management device includes: a signal detection unit that detects a signal which is transmitted from a first tag and which includes data stored in the first tag, and detects a signal which is transmitted from a second tag and which includes data stored in the second tag, the second tag being different from the first tag; and a write unit that writes, in the second tag, data based on the data stored in the first tag.

Abstract: Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a decision (processing or transmitting a medical record or other resource, e.g.) conditionally, at least partly based on one or more performance indicia (excess hospital readmissions, e.g.) or therapeutic determinants (prior success, e.g.) or privacy considerations (patient consent, e.g.).

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, a method and a system for measuring a location are provided. A motion information is obtained according to a moving process of the electronic apparatus. And in the moving process, a displacement vector from a first sensing point to a second sensing point is calculated according to the motion information when an identification tag is sensed by the electronic apparatus, for obtaining a relative location of the first sensing point and the second sensing point.

Abstract: A vehicle computer system comprising a transceiver in a vehicle configured to wirelessly connect with a nomadic device, wherein the nomadic device is capable of running a contextual application which operates at least in part based on vehicle environment data. The vehicle computer system further comprises one or more vehicle modules configured to receive environment data and capable of causing the transceiver to provide the vehicle environment data to the nomadic device for processing by the contextual application.

Abstract: A system for preventing drowsiness in a driver by employing a thermal grill that includes warm and cool regions. The system includes a threshold determination module and a configuration module. The threshold determination module determines temperatures for warm and cool regions corresponding to a level below the driver's pain threshold. The warm and cool regions configured at these determined temperatures do not cause an uncomfortable sensation for an alert driver. Accordingly, the configuration module configures the thermal grill to these determined temperatures. As the driver gets drowsy, the driver's pain threshold falls, the configured thermal grill causes an uncomfortable sensation for the driver and alerts the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience includes circuitry. The circuitry is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors monitoring the audience. The circuitry is configured to analyze said sensor data to identify characteristic movement patterns of one or more members of the audience. The circuitry is configured to select music and generate verbal communication other than music to address the audience, based on the identified characteristic movement patterns. The circuitry is further configured to output said selected music and said verbal communication. A corresponding method for at least one of playing and generating audio content for an audience is also provided.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable storage media are provided to monitor a mobile device. An example method includes determining whether environmental condition data collected by a plurality of sensors of a mobile device complies with an environmental condition rule comprising thresholds associated with the environmental condition data. The environmental condition data is representative of external elements detected by the sensors. The example method includes informing a user of the mobile device of an environmental condition associated with the environmental condition data when the environmental condition data does not comply with the environmental condition rule. The example method includes performing a self-protecting procedure via the mobile device. The self-protecting procedure defined in the environmental condition rule is to protect the mobile device from the environmental condition when the environmental condition data does not comply with the environmental condition rule.

Abstract: An approach is provided for mapping a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to a network routable address.

Abstract: A sensor enhanced communication device (200) is provided with a wake mode, a standby mode and sleep mode. The sleep mode is a periodic occurrence within the standby mode which places a cluster of sensors and transducers (202) into a state of arousal in which the sensitivity of the transducers and sensors is increased while the sampling rate is decreased. Incremental learning can occur during the sleep mode as well as basic memory transfers. Since the cluster does not have to re-acquire information upon entering wake mode, the overall power efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A system having a first motion sensor configured to sense movement of an object on a first side of a portal, the object including an RFID tag, a first RFID reader being activated by the first motion sensor when the first motion sensor senses movement of the object, the first RFID reader reading the RFID tag, a second motion sensor configured to sense movement of the object on a second side of the portal and a second RFID reader being activated by the second motion sensor when the second motion sensor senses movement of the object, the second RFID reader reading the RFID tag, wherein, when one of the first and second motion sensors sense movement of the object, the other one of the first and second motion sensors is deactivated for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A device, system and method for monitoring conditions within an environment in which an item is disposed includes a reusable environment monitoring tag operably connected to a return postcard that can be disposed adjacent an item to be monitored, the tag equipped to sense and store surrounding environmental conditions thereof and an electronic reader electronic reader which upon receipt of the a return postcard having the tag therein in a predetermined range receives environmental data sensed and stored by the tag and analyze the data. The method includes mailing the return postcard to a receiving site for reading.

Abstract: A chipless RFID tag system having a transmitter sending an input signal and a tag substrate. An ID generation circuit on the tag relies on microstrip transmission line patterns which are pre-designed to generate a unique code. The ID generating circuit may be designed based upon the transmission line properties, including signal delay, and/or reflection, and/or phase change. The tag may be formed on a flexible substrate having at least one microstrip and the microstrip having a first portion with a first impedance and a second portion with a second impedance different from the first impedance. The tag may further include a microstrip antenna for communication with the transmitter and a receiver system. The tag may also include sensors for detection of desired substances of interest. The system may further include a receiver detecting at least two reflections from an interface of first and second impedances and identifying relative time domain positions of the reflections to one another.

Abstract: A system for wireless heat detection is disclosed. The system includes one or more heat sensors that convert sensed heat energy into electrical power for transmitting an alarm signals. A remote system may trigger an alarm based on the received alarm signals. The heat sensors may be placed at discrete locations within an interior of a building to monitor a condition of the infrastructure of the building. The remote system can include a communications module for receiving the signal and transmitting an alarm signal to an associated fire panel. The fire panel may analyze the signal, as well as signals generated from adjacent sensors, to determine whether a fire condition exists within a building. Appropriate notification devices may then be activated based on the determination. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention is an ASIC-controlled alarm unit. The ASIC circuit performs all the necessary control functions to provide audible and visual signaling when used with external horn and strobe circuits.

Abstract: An fire monitoring apparatus for large storage tanks of combustible fluids permits wireless communication between a Linear Heat Detector system and a Fire Control system. The system comprises a Communication Unit and a Remote Unit. The Communication Unit relays status and control signals between the Fire Control system and the Remote Unit. The communication between the Communication Unit and the Remote Unit is wireless. The Remote Unit is self-powered using solar cells, batteries, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present system and methods provides for distribution of weather and other environmental information to remote users within a wireless transmitter coverage area. The system and method assigns meteorological data to a plurality of cells, each corresponding to a communication range of a wireless transmitter. The data is then distributed by the appropriate wireless transmitter to all users within its coverage area. The system and method does not distribute information to a particular user based upon a known communication address, user profile, or identification, but rather is directed to any user falling within the communications range of the wireless transmitter. By indiscriminate distribution of reportable events, the system provides timely, site-specific information without requiring the location of the remote units.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of transferring application data (F1, F2) from a first device (Ds) to a second device (DT1, DT2), which method comprises exchanging, through the body of a user (2) touching a touch interface (210) of the first device (Ds), connection-related data (4) between the first device (Ds) and a memory device (1), which memory device (1) is conveyed on the person of the user (2). Application data (F1, F2) is transferred from the first device (Ds) to the memory device (1) over a connection, between the first device (Ds) and the memory device (1), established on the basis of the connection-related data (4), and stored in a memory (220) of the memory device (1).

Abstract: Various sensors, systems, and methods for monitoring environmental conditions are provided. In one embodiment, among others, a passive sensor includes an antenna; a modulating circuit coupled to the antenna by a microstrip transmission line, the modulating circuit capable of modulating a backscattered signal; a sensing material disposed between the microstrip transmission line and a ground plane of the passive sensor, where an electrical property of at least a portion of the sensing material varies with the environmental condition; and where the modulated backscattered signal includes at least one of phase and amplitude information corresponding to the electrical property of the portion of the sensing material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a building automation system with an FMC cellular device are provided. The FMC cellular device can locally interface with a building automation system via a femtocell base station or a wireless access point, remotely interface with a building automation system over a wide area network via a macrocell base station, or remotely interface with a building automation system via a GAN enabled wireless access point.

Abstract: A system having a first motion sensor configured to sense movement of an object on a first side of a portal, the object including an RFID tag, a first RFID reader being activated by the first motion sensor when the first motion sensor senses movement of the object, the first RFID reader reading the RFID tag, a second motion sensor configured to sense movement of the object on a second side of the portal and a second RFID reader being activated by the second motion sensor when the second motion sensor senses movement of the object, the second RFID reader reading the RFID tag, wherein, when one of the first and second motion sensors sense movement of the object, the other one of the first and second motion sensors is deactivated for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A wireless communication device and method adapted for temperature monitoring and warning is disclosed. In its simplest form, it can include: providing (510) a multi-mode communication device including an unrestricted mode having an unrestricted operation temperature range, a restricted mode having a restricted operation temperature range and a warning mode having a warning operation temperature range; determining (520) if a temperature in proximity to the energy storage device is in at least one of the restricted operation temperature range, the unrestricted operation temperature range and a warning operation temperature range; and entering (540) the warning mode when in the warning operation temperature range. The warning mode can include a notification, banner or the like, to a user, to suggest that at least one active application be shut down.

Abstract: An environmental alarm sensor panel for a telecommunication cable station (TCS) is provided. The sensor panel can includes a plurality of alert sensors for measuring environmental conditions and other conditions in an equipment room of the TCS. The sensors are hard wired to an equipment interface panel for telecommunication equipment in the equipment room. The equipment interface panel is connected to the telecommunication equipment and is in communication with a network operation center (NOC), which is located remotely from the TCS and monitors the status of the TCS. According to an embodiment, the alarm sensor panel includes one or more dry contact temperature alert sensors, a humidity alert sensor, a smoke alert sensor and a power alert sensor. The sensors are configured to generate respective alert signals when selected conditions exist (e.g.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting a thermally optimal airlink for a portable computing device includes monitoring a temperature of the portable computing device as well as determining if the portable computing device has reached a threshold temperature range. Next, an estimated volume of data to be sent over one or more airlinks may be calculated in addition to determining an estimated duration for the data using one or more airlinks. A quality of service needed for the data in connection with the one or more airlinks may be determined. With this estimated data, one or more available airlinks for the data to be transmitted may be compared. After this comparison, one or more thermally optimal airlinks may be selected based on the estimated volume, estimated data rate, and estimated duration. Determining if the portable computing device is proximate to an operator may be used when considering airlinks.

Abstract: A system for wireless heat detection is disclosed. The system includes one or more heat sensors that convert sensed heat energy into electrical power for transmitting an alarm signals. A remote system may trigger an alarm based on the received alarm signals. The heat sensors may be placed at discrete locations within an interior of a building to monitor a condition of the infrastructure of the building. The remote system can include a communications module for receiving the signal and transmitting an alarm signal to an associated fire panel. The fire panel may analyze the signal, as well as signals generated from adjacent sensors, to determine whether a fire condition exists within a building. Appropriate notification devices may then be activated based on the determination. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A dual mode human interface device (HID) includes a wireless interface for wireless communication with a host computer; a wired interface for wired communication with the host computer; and a processor coupled with the wireless interface and the wired interface for transferring data between the HID and the host computer, wherein the processor initiates establishing wireless communication with the host computer, when the HID is connected to the host computer via the wired interface.

Abstract: Identification and tracking of hollow pipes at a site where the hollow pipes are to be stored or interconnected, such as an oil drilling site where the aforesaid hollow pipes are to be connected and the drillstring of pipes is to be inserted into a drilled hole on solid ground or under a deepsea drilling platform is achieved. Each hollow pipe is provided with a low frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the pipe's outer surface. The RFID tag is operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1.0 megahertz and may be disposed within a recess in the pipe's outer surface. A tracking system provides communication be the tags and a reader.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for an electric vehicle without a combustion engine and having a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical AC unit selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the hybrid vehicle. At least one of the electrical AC unit and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the hybrid vehicle for receiving signals from said remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with said receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the hybrid vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical AC unit responsive to the sensor and said remote transmitter.

Abstract: A remote climate control system is for an electric vehicle without a combustion engine and including a rechargeable electrical power source and an electrical heater selectively powered thereby, a sensor associated with the rechargeable electrical power source, and a data communications bus extending throughout the electric vehicle. At least one of the electrical heater and the sensor is coupled to the data communications bus. The remote climate control system includes a remote transmitter and a receiver to be positioned at the electric vehicle for receiving signals from the remote transmitter. A vehicle remote climate controller cooperates with the receiver and to be coupled to the data communications bus extending within the electric vehicle for communication thereover to selectively operate the electrical heater responsive to the sensor and the remote transmitter.

Abstract: A wireless tracking system and method for real-time location tracking of a extreme-temperature sterilizable object is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to the extreme-temperature sterilizable object which includes a housing, a processor, a temperature sensor and a transceiver. If an internal temperature of the tag is detected by the temperature sensor, the tag enters a sleep mode. The temperature sensor periodically activates to determine if the internal temperature of the tag is within an acceptable operating range.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus (100, 200, 300) for registration and warning of overtemperature, particularly in connection with harmful heat development in electric installations, as for example outlets, switches and fuse equipment. The apparatus provides for timely warning of heat development, so that overheating and damage is avoided, whereby the operation of electric installation equipment for mounting in electric installations, will have a significantly improved safety. The temperature registration is performed in a unit (100) by means of a sensor (1) which provides an electrical magnitude that is influenced by the temperature, for example a thermistor, which is a temperature-dependent resistor. When a low current is applied to such a component, it will result in a temperature-dependent voltage drop that is measured and gives a direct measure of the temperature.

Abstract: A power saving wireless fire alarm system has a master station and a plurality of battery-powered fire detecting terminals linked for wireless communication with each other. Upon detection of a fire occurrence at one of the fire detecting terminals, the fire detecting terminal transmit a fire detection message to a master station which in turn transmit a wake-up message to the other fire detecting terminals and thereafter a fire information message which starts a multiple synchronous communication between the master station and the fire detecting terminals. Each fire detecting terminal has a power controller which selects an intermittent reception mode of activating its own receiver only intermittently until receiving the wake-up message or information indicative of the fire occurrence, and select a constant operation mode thereafter to make the fire detecting terminals be ready for the multiple synchronous communication commenced by the fire information message from the master station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a wireless sensor in conjunction with a host controller are described. An illustrative system can include a host controller, a wireless sensor device, and a decoder in communication with the wireless sensor device and the host controller. The host controller may include a remote sensor input that normally would be connected to a wired remote sensor having an expected sensor characteristic. The decoder may receive a wireless signal from the wireless sensor device, and may provide an output signal to the remote sensor input of the host controller that replicate or mimic signals that would be provided by a wired remote sensor having the expected sensor characteristic.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for providing monitoring of hazardous materials, including collecting environmental data via one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the environmental data including one or more environmentally detectable reference points; comparing the environmental data to a set of current ambient conditions, the environmental data detectable in a reference frame by the one or more sensors directed at the hazardous materials source, the reference frame including at least one of the one or more environmentally detectable reference points; performing an alert determination according to the comparison of the environmental data to the set of ambient conditions; and transmitting the alert determination to an existing fault detection system for the hazardous material source to enable the existing fault detection system to override a status rating of the hazardous materials source.

Abstract: A network of wireless radios automatically conserves energy, directs the operation of equipment, and locates assets and personnel. The network may identify changes in the occupancy of a building area and automatically alter the building environment according to predetermined settings, personal preferences, or unexpected conditions. The wireless radios also may include sensors that monitor specific parameters, the parameters may relate to building environment conditions or operating equipment. The network may automatically alter the operating building equipment in response to the parameters received. The wireless radios also may be portable and mounted upon movable items, such as personal identification devices, office furniture, equipment, containers, or other assets. The network may locate the movable items within a building based upon signals received from the wireless radios. The network also may track the movement of the movable items within a building. The wireless radios may operable as a mesh network.

Abstract: A wireless temperature sensor network includes a base station unit which transmits query signals cyclically addressing a plurality of temperature sensor transponder units. The transponder units are passive and derive operating power from the query signal to encode measured temperature data into a reply signal which is received by the base station. In a dual carrier embodiment, the query signal and reply signals are transmitted on separate frequencies. In a backscattering embodiment, the antennas of the transponder units can be switched between an absorption mode in which the query signal is received and a reflection mode in which the query signal is reflected back to the base station. The transponder antennas are switched in such a manner as to encode temperature data in the reflected signal to form a reply signal. The network embodiments are particularly applicable to space based platforms.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method including an event notification appliance including first and second light sources configured to indicate an event, including a fire and/or alert.

Abstract: A communication system for a climate-controlled container. The system includes a controller and a radio expansion module removably connected to the controller. The controller is coupled to the refrigerated container and configured to monitor a status of the refrigerated container. The radio expansion module is configured to support a communication mode, and to communicate the status to a remote system. The communication mode used to communicate with the remote system is determined by the controller based on the communication modes supported by the radio expansion module.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intelligent, integrated facility and fireground management system which is efficient, assures first responder, pedestrian and appliance safety, as well as precise performance in extreme emergency situations, regulatory compliance, easy and flexible integration with building systems and add-on components, as well as advanced internal component monitoring and event logging. The present invention additionally provides systems and method for real-time first responder situational awareness and real-time fireground situational awareness.

Abstract: In an RFID system including RFID tags each incorporating a sensor, accuracy of measurement by the sensor can be improved. For example, when measurements are performed several times by using RFID tags each incorporating a sensor unit, generation of a carrier directed from an RFID reader/writer to the RFID tags is stopped for a predetermined period every time when a measurement ends. By this means, the chip temperature of the RFID tag increased due to power consumption in each measurement can be reduced to, for example, ambient temperature every time when a measurement ends. Therefore, an error in measurement by the sensor unit can be reduced, thereby achieving accurate measurement.

Abstract: Various sensors, systems, and methods for monitoring environmental conditions are provided. In one embodiment, among others, a passive sensor includes an antenna; a modulating circuit coupled to the antenna by a microstrip transmission line, the modulating circuit capable of modulating a backscattered signal; a sensing material disposed between the microstrip transmission line and a ground plane of the passive sensor, where an electrical property of at least a portion of the sensing material varies with the environmental condition; and where the modulated backscattered signal includes at least one of phase and amplitude information corresponding to the electrical property of the portion of the sensing material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a tactile stimulation in response to detecting a specific event associated with exposure to a particular environmental or physiological condition are described herein. A tactile stimulation device, according to one of several implementations, comprises a sensing layer, an actuating layer, and an adhesive layer. The sensing layer, which is sensitive to exposure to a particular condition, is configured to sense when a specific event associated with exposure to the particular condition occurs. The actuating layer is configured to provide a tactile stimulation to a human subject when the specific event occurs. The adhesive layer is configured to affix the sensing layer and actuating layer with respect to a surface portion of the skin of the human subject such that the human subject can sense the tactile stimulation provided by the actuating layer. The sensing layer, actuating layer, and adhesive layer can be bonded together to form a relatively flat structure.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing and a passive cooling system associated with the housing and being devoid of fans as operable to cool the Ethernet switch. Ethernet switch also includes software operable to perform at least one of the functions selected from the group consisting of multiple spanning, rapid spanning, cluster management and IGMP snooping and querying. According to another embodiment, a rugged Ethernet switch includes a housing having a plurality of perforations formed therein for cooling the Ethernet switch. The switch also includes a passive cooling system be devoid of fans and that is operable to cool the Ethernet switch. A temperature sensor is operable to measure a temperature of the Ethernet switch is included as is an alarm software responsive to the temperature sensor and operable to initiate an alarm when a measured temperature of the Ethernet switch exceeds a particular limit.

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.