Abstract: A system for facilitating the location of a first item of a set of items, as well as a wireless communication device and a related method of operation, are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the system includes a first wireless device associated with the first item of the set, the first wireless device including an output device and a receiver, and a second wireless device associated with a second item of the set, the second wireless device including an input device and a transmitter. The second wireless device in response to an input signal transmits a wireless signal to the first wireless device, which in response provides a first output signal that is either sufficiently visible or sufficiently audible so as to facilitate the location of the first item of the set. In some embodiments, the wireless devices are aftermarket devices capable of being attached to the items.

Abstract: The present invention provides one or more powered wireless transceivers and/or one or more passive wireless transceivers, a reader and interrogator with variable power, one or more antennas connected to a human or robotic hand and/or foot, a method for making same and the method of using these devices for process automation and verification involving one or more items in addition to locating, tracking and identifying these items in a supply chain. In one embodiment, a proximity sensing wireless system is provided which can be used to step the handler or operator through the step of a process and verify that each step in the process has been completed.

Abstract: Communications methods, methods of forming a reader, wireless communications readers, and wireless communications systems are described in some embodiments. In one embodiment, a communications method includes associating a plurality of remote communications devices with a plurality of objects located within a wireless communications range of a reader having a first configuration, providing one of the remote communications device within a wireless communications range of a reader having a second configuration, wherein the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration is less than the wireless communications range of the reader having the first configuration, and during the presence of the one of the remote communications devices within the wireless communications range of the reader having the second configuration, implementing communications between the reader having the second configuration and only the one of the remote communications devices.

Abstract: A computer device including a transceiver receives broadcasts from cellular sites within a range of the transceiver. The computer device compares the identity of cellular site identifying information received at different periods to determine a transit status of the device and based on the transit status, broadcasts its location.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes a request unit, an illuminating unit, a detecting unit, a capturing unit, an analyzing unit, and a pairing unit. The request unit is used for generating a pairing signal when communication pairing function is enabled. The illuminating unit is used for generating predetermined light when communication pairing function is enabled. The detecting unit detects whether the pairing signal from another terminal has been received, and if it has, generates a signal to the capturing unit. The capturing unit is used for capturing an image of the light generated by the illuminating unit of the other terminal. The analyzing unit is used for analyzing the captured image. The pairing unit is used for completing the communication pairing with the other terminal when the captured image of the light includes a predetermined characteristic.

Abstract: An object is to provide a card game machine capable of enhancing gameplay. A card game machine has a game board including a plurality of reader/writers configured to communicate with a semiconductor device which is mounted on a card and capable of wireless communication, and a control device connected to the reader/writer and configured to determine the position or orientation of the card or whether the card is put face up or down based on a signal from the reader/writer. By arrangement of a plurality of reader/writers and RF chips in the game board, not only data of the card but also signal strength can be detected, and the detailed position of an RF chip of the card which is placed on the game board can be specified.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing information of a device to other devices through the home network are provided. The method includes: generating relative location information indicating that a first device is present in a vicinity of a second device if a remote control signal for the second device is received; and providing the relative location information as location information of the first device to at least one other device belonging to the home network. Accordingly, the user can acquire location information of devices belonging to the home network. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the correspondence of devices visually recognized by the user to the device list obtained as a result of the search.

Abstract: A device and system for electronically tracking one or more objects, such as tools or equipment is provided. The tool locator device and system of the present invention provides an electronic checklist specially designed to keep track of a set of tools or accessories.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing and detecting information regarding a person, location, or object includes a power supply, a helicoil dipole antenna, a transmitter, a receiver configured to receive signals from remote transmitters at a designated frequency, a computer processor, and a memory device configured to store an identifier associated with the apparatus. Logic instructions embedded on the memory device are configured to compare an identifier decoded from received signals to the identifier associated with the apparatus. When the identifier decoded matches the identifier associated with the apparatus, the instructions decode a return frequency from the signal, and generate return signals. The return signals include the identifier associated with the apparatus, the transmitter is activated only when the transmitter transmits the return signals at the return frequency.

Abstract: A tag information processing apparatus, including: a receiving section (101) for receiving read-out information of an RFID tag (100), the read-out information obtained through N reading operations (where N represents an integer equal to or greater than 2) carried out for an RFID tag-reading area; a detection frequency information obtaining section (102) for obtaining detection frequency information on the basis of the read-out information received by the receiving section (101), the detection frequency information indicating a detection frequency at which the read-out information of the RFID tag (100) is detected in the N reading operations; a movement determining section (103) for determining whether or not the RFID tag (100) has been moved out of the RFID tag-reading area, wherein, in a case where the detection frequency information obtained by the detection frequency information obtaining section (102) indicates that the detection frequency at which the read-out information of the RFID tag (100) is detecte

Abstract: A portable device is equipped with a signaling circuit that responds to a searching signal (e.g., hand clap, light flash, RF signal, infrared light) generated to locate the portable device when it is misplaced or lost. The device generates a location signal to enable the user to find the device. The location signal may be an audible, light, vibration, or other signal that calls attention to the device to enable the user to find it. The device may also sense events which cause it to disable the sensor, render it less sensitive, or suppress the generation of the location signal. The sensed event is any event, e.g., heat, motion, which indicates that the device is not, in fact, lost.

Abstract: A vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle for performing communication with a mobile device and performing predetermined control in accordance with communication contents with the mobile device, having a locking operation unit that locks or unlocks doors of the vehicle, interior signal transmitting and receiving units that detect a position of the mobile device left in an interior of the vehicle in a case where a locking operation is performed by the locking operation unit, and an interior lamp drive control unit that lights an interior lamp among a plurality of interior lamps provided in the interior of the vehicle, the interior lamp being close to the position of the mobile device based on information of the position detected by the interior signal transmitting and receiving units.

Abstract: A remotely controllable receptacle system is disclosed. The remotely controllable receptacle system includes a remote control device for emitting a first request signal and a searching signal, and a plurality of receptacle devices for emitting a first reply signal according to the first request signal. The remote control device determines whether the first reply signal is received and the receptacle device emitting the first reply signal is classified as the vicinity receptacle device and the receptacle device not emitting the first reply signal is classified as the missing receptacle device. The vicinity receptacle device is configured to emit a second request signal according to the searching signal and determine whether the missing receptacle device emits a second reply signal according to the second request signal before a mutual communication between the remote control device and the missing receptacle device via the vicinity receptacle device is established.

Abstract: A system, method and device to interrogate for the presence of objects, to prevent the inadvertent separation of the objects from their owner. An owner is alerted when they are separated from the objects by determining when a trigger event occurs, such as a person leaving and/or entering a particular monitored area or location. These monitored areas can be retrofitted with an electronic interrogation device that monitors local conditions to determine whether a user is entering or leaving the monitored area to trigger an interrogation of the personal items. The interrogation device is constructed and arranged to communicate with the objects to determine whether the objects are with the owner. The interrogation device automatically determines the presence of a particular object at the monitored environment and automatically generates a notification when needed. The system further controls functionality of the objects, according to illustrative embodiments, when the object is present.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to visualize locations of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged items are described. One example method includes receiving a request from a portable electronic device to access product information associated with an individual radio frequency identification (RFID) tagged item, determining a location of the product information in a database, transmitting the located product information to the portable electronic device for display thereon, receiving modified product information associated with the individual RFID tagged item from the portable electronic device, and storing the modified product information to the location of the product information in the database.

Abstract: A method and system of facilitating communication between a finder of an article and an owner of the article including providing a unique ID to the owner and allowing the owner to register an association between the ID and owner contact information, allowing the owner to associate the ID and a virtual locale with the article, and forwarding communications of the finder of the article to the owner where the finder may provide no more information to the virtual locale than the ID and the communication.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for locating pieces of luggage gone astray in a commercial air flight shipment, comprising a plurality of mobile units (11) for associating to a piece of luggage to be located if gone astray, and a set of locating units on the ground (21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35), wherein each of the mobile units (11) comprise: a movement detection module (15, 16) capable of detecting a state of stillness or movement of the lost piece of luggage and capable of blocking the communications of said at least one mobile units (11) from and towards said set of locating units on the ground (21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35), depending on the state of stillness or movement of the lost piece of luggage.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically identifying and locating a cotton module that has been transported prior to marking with an identifier, such system and method locating the cotton module as a function of a location of the cotton module and a heading of an unloading vehicle.

Abstract: A cooking system is provided to improve the safety and the reliability of the cooking system, and the convenience of a user. The cooking system includes at least one RF tag, a cooking appliance with an RF reader detecting the RF tag approaching, and an RF tag recognition button in a manipulation unit of the cooking system. The cooking appliance initiates a predetermined mode when the RF tag is detected. The RF tag recognition button determines whether the RF reader initiates an RF tag reading operation to recognize the RF tag.

Abstract: A portable device is equipped with a signaling circuit that responds to a searching signal (e.g., hand clap, light flash, RF signal, infrared light) generated to locate the portable device when it is misplaced or lost. The device generates a location signal to enable the user to find the device. The location signal may be an audible, light, vibration, or other signal that calls attention to the device to enable the user to find it. The device may also sense events which cause it to disable the sensor, render it less sensitive, or suppress the generation of the location signal. The sensed event is any event, e.g., heat, motion, which indicates that the device is not, in fact, lost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for permitting movement of an object not detected within a predetermined proximity distance threshold, the systems and methods comprising registering at least one object with a device; tracking the at least one object with the device; allowing at least one object not detected within a predetermined proximity distance threshold; and reregistering the at least one object with the device once the object has returned inside the predetermined proximity distance threshold.

Abstract: A theft tracking device includes a circuit board, a battery, a battery case, a housing, and an engagement part. The circuit board specifies a current position and transmits current position information regarding the current position specified through a wireless communication: The battery case houses at least a part of the battery. The housing houses the circuit board, the battery case and the battery housed in the battery case. The engagement part is provided by the housing, and engages with the battery case such that a first space of the housing in which the circuit board is located is separated from a second space of the housing that faces the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed are a crime prevention system using human body communication and a crime prevention method using human body communication capable of actively and effectively preventing a generation of a crime by using human body communication. The crime prevention system using human body communication includes: a monitoring device attached to a monitoring target to sense his physical contact with an observer and providing information obtained by monitoring the monitoring target through human body communication when body contact of the monitoring target with the observer is sensed; and a reception device attached to the observer, receiving the monitoring information through human body communication, and transmitting the monitoring information to a pre-set destination. A criminal act of the monitoring target may be prevented in advance, and when a criminal act is attempted, an observer who may fall a victim of the criminal act can actively cope with the situation.

Abstract: Methods, articles, and systems for enabling the return of a misplaced device to a rightful user of the misplaced device are described herein. The misplaced device is configured to communicate with a misplaced device server, indicating to the misplaced device server that the misplaced device has been found. The misplaced device server is configured to provide the misplaced device and a returning user currently in possession of the misplaced device with information describing how to return the misplaced device to the rightful user. The misplaced device server is also configured to communicate with the rightful user, indicating to the rightful user that the misplaced device has been found.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for group search-based lost bag search and recovery. In one embodiment of the invention, the system for group search-based lost bag search and recovery includes a bag/luggage information database and a lost bag group search organizer system, which can identify and organize search groups for lost bag search and recovery based on geographic proximity of search agent devices or a common theme. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this system is operatively connected to a plurality of devices, such as a consumer's device, a ticket agent's device, a regulatory information database, and one or more search agent devices categorized by search groups. In one example, the one or more search agent devices integrate mobile applications, which detect an electrically-identifiable bag wirelessly within a defined perimeter and report back to the lost bag group search organizer system.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving location information for the portable electronic device; and entering a tracked mode of a mapping application. The tracked mode includes: displaying a map on the display with an orientation that is independent of a current orientation of the portable electronic device; displaying a current location icon on the map that corresponds to a current location of the portable electronic device; and maintaining the current location icon in a predefined area on the display as the current location of the portable electronic device changes. The method also includes moving the current location icon along a boundary of the predefined area on the display in accordance with movement of the current location of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system provides for facilitating the location of a first item of a set of items, as well as a wireless communication device and a related method of operation. In at least some embodiments, the system includes a first wireless device associated with the first item of the set, the first wireless device including an output device and a receiver, and a second wireless device associated with a second item of the set, the second wireless device including an input device and a transmitter. The second wireless device in response to an input signal transmits a wireless signal to the first wireless device, which in response provides a first output signal that is either sufficiently visible or sufficiently audible so as to facilitate the location of the first item of the set. In some embodiments, the wireless devices are aftermarket devices capable of being attached to the items.

Abstract: A locator system for electronic devices including at least one jacket for a modular wireless communicator, each jacket having an identifier, and a modular wireless communicator that attaches to each one of the at least one jacket, including a positioning system for identifying a location of the modular wireless communicator, a log manager for recording a plurality of entries in a log, each entry including the jacket identifier for a jacket currently attached to the modular wireless communicator, and a current location as identified by the positioning system, and a controller for notifying the log manager of occurrence of a log trigger event, wherein the log manager records a new entry in the log when it receives a notification of a log trigger event from the controller, and wherein the log trigger events enable determination of a location where a jacket was last actively used with the modular wireless communicator.

Abstract: A device to track and to provide positioning information for goods susceptible to be stolen, such as objects of value and vehicles, based on a undetectable module which can be activated by a motion-sensor, thereby allowing the disappeared goods to be located instantaneously and inconspicuously and, unperceived by the thief, transmitting the position of such goods to their owner.

Abstract: A remotely controllable receptacle system is disclosed. The remotely controllable receptacle system includes a remote control device for emitting a first request signal and a searching signal, and a plurality of receptacle devices for emitting a first reply signal according to the first request signal. The remote control device determines whether the first reply signal is received and the receptacle device emitting the first reply signal is classified as the vicinity receptacle device and the receptacle device not emitting the first reply signal is classified as the missing receptacle device. The vicinity receptacle device is configured to emit a second request signal according to the searching signal and determine whether the missing receptacle device emits a second reply signal according to the second request signal before a mutual communication between the remote control device and the missing receptacle device via the vicinity receptacle device is established.

Abstract: In a method for operating an access arrangement (ZA) for a vehicle (FZ), access to the vehicle can be obtained by a mobile identification transmitter (IDG). With this method, first an ambient brightness around the vehicle is determined. Furthermore, the presence of an authorized mobile identification transmitter in an approach region (ANB, ANB2) around the vehicle is examined. Finally, an activation signal (LSS) for an illumination source (BL) of the vehicle is issued when the ambient brightness drops below a predetermined brightness value and the presence of an authorized mobile identification transmitter is detected in the approach zone. In this way, efficient activation of the illumination source can be achieved.

Abstract: The basic invention uses a portable device that can contain a camera, a database, and a text, voice or visual entry to control the storage of an image into a database. Furthermore, the stored image can be associated with text, color, visual or audio. The stored images can be used to guide the user towards a target that the user does not recall its current location. The user's commands can be issued verbally, textually or by scrolling through the target images in the database until the desired one is found. This target can be shoes, pink sneakers, a toy or some comparable items that the user needs to find.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to network management using visual identifiers. In one of many possible embodiments, a network management system includes a visual identifier device located visibly proximate to a network device. The visual identifier device includes a set of visual identifiers and a selector mechanism configured to be manipulated to select at least one of the visual identifiers to be assigned to the network device. The network management system also includes a display device configured to display a visual representation of said selected visual identifier.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for determining a location of an item using the services of an existing cellular infrastructure. A search request comprising a first item identifier of the item is received by a tracking service server from a user. A second item identifier of the item is retrieved by the tracking service server from a tracking service database. A search signal comprising the second item identifier is transmitted from the tracking service server to at least one mobile service provider system. The search signal is transmitted by the at least one mobile service provider system to a plurality of communicatively coupled transmitting towers which are configured to locate the item by capturing radio frequency signals, comprising the second item identifier, emitted by an identification tag coupled to the item.

Abstract: A receiver of an object finder includes an antenna to receive a signal from a transmitter associated with the receiver, a PIN diode having a first terminal coupled with the antenna, and having a resistance that increases as a current flows therethrough decreases, and vice versa, a variable resistor coupled with the first terminal of the PIN diode to control the amount of a current flowing into the PIN diode, and a radio frequency integrated circuit (RF IC) having a first pin electrically coupled with second terminal of the PIN diode to receive the signal from the antenna via the PIN diode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices and computer program products are provided for locating, tracking and/or recovering a wireless communication device that has been misplaced, lost or stolen. In addition, the aspects provide for tracking or surveillance of the location or user in instances in which the wireless device has been loaned or is being used for covert surveillance. The aspects include communicating a locating state code to the targeted device, which detects the code and executes one or more routines that are associated with the respective code. In this regard, the targeted device is capable of carrying out different routines or sequences of actions depending on the state of the device, such as a misplaced state, a lost state, a stolen state or the like, which is based on the respective code.

Abstract: In a mobile control node system and method for a vehicle (630), the mobile control node (624) can interact, via a bi-directional radio link (642), with a transceiver processor unit (628) in the vehicle. The transceiver processor unit (628) is connected to a vehicle control system (120) and allows the mobile control node (624) to function as an input and output node on a vehicle control network (632), allowing remote control of the vehicle and providing functions such as remote or passive keyless entry. Additionally, the system provides a vehicle location function wherein the range and bearing between the mobile control node (624) and the vehicle (630) can be determined and displayed on the mobile control node (624).

Abstract: There is provided an automated warning system which includes a receiver/controller, an actuator, one or more relays electrically connected to both the receiver and the linear actuator, a flag holder and a mechanical linkage connecting the linear actuator to the flag holder such that movement of the linear actuator causes the flag holder to move between raised and lowered positions.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking items are disclosed. The system and method include a computing device capable of near filed communication (NFC), and at least one tag coupled to each of at least one item, where the at least one tag is communicatively coupled to the NFC of the computing device using radio frequency (RF) signals. The coupling of the at least one tag to the at least one item enables the computing device to identify the at least one item and the distance from the at least one item to the computing device.

Abstract: A field device of automation technology, is fed via a two-wire line or via an energy source of limited energy reserve associated with the field device. The field device includes: a hardwired communication interface having at least one communication channel; and, associated with the communication interface, a functional unit, which is embodied in such a manner, that it performs sending and/or receiving of digital communication signals via the communication interface. The functional unit, for the purpose of energy saving, is turned on only in active, operating phases, while it is switched off in inactive, resting phases; and a detection circuit is provided, which detects a communication signal applied to the communication interface and automatically activates the functional unit.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically identifying and locating a cotton module that has been transported prior to marking with an identifier, such system and method locating the cotton module as a function of a location of the cotton module and a heading of an unloading vehicle.

Abstract: A locator system for electronic devices including at least one jacket for a modular wireless communicator, each jacket having an identifier, and a modular wireless communicator that attaches to each one of the at least one jacket, including a positioning system for identifying a location of the modular wireless communicator, a log manager for recording a plurality of entries in a log, each entry including the jacket identifier for a jacket currently attached to the modular wireless communicator, and a current location as identified by the positioning system, and a controller for notifying the log manager of occurrence of a log trigger event, wherein the log manager records a new entry in the log when it receives a notification of a log trigger event from the controller, and wherein the log trigger events enable determination of a location where a jacket was last actively used with the modular wireless communicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system which can give a vehicle user an indication related to a direction to take to find back his vehicle. The said system comprises a hand-held object (1) to be taken by the user and a module (2) to be installed on the vehicle. The module (2) is equipped with a first emitting device (3) of a first radio signal (5). The latter (5) is a directed radio signal which is emitted within an angular sector of an angle A less than 90°.

Abstract: Wireless proximity devices function in a group designed for the purpose related but not limited to tracking, locating and identifying devices that are active in the group or missing from the group using “in the air” wireless technologies.

Abstract: A convenient handheld locator is provided for locating an item in an urban environment in which the locator is programmed to search for and locate specific items, with the detected item being displayed on the locator as to its identity or name, also displaying where the item is relative to the locator, as to position and range.

Abstract: An electronic device that would remind the user to place his keys on a fixed place to avoid the inconvenience of forgetting where placing and searching after those keys. The device consists of a receiver that would be placed in a fixed place and of a fitted transmitter that would be attached to a key chain. When the keys with the attached transmitter would be in a proximity to the receiver there would be an alert or a reminder to place the keys, the transmitter, on the wall mounted key holder that the receiver is attached too.

Abstract: A real-time method and system of determining and validating location of a relocated mobile object or person in a tracking environment in which a plurality of sensors are located are provided. The method includes modulating a first carrier signal with a first packet including a first set of data to obtain a modulated first signal. The first signal contains the first packet and has a first precision and a first range within the environment. A modulated second signal is received from at least one of the sensors including the nearest sensor. The second signal contains a second packet including a second set of data and has a second precision and a second range within the environment. The method further includes determining and validating current location of the relocated tag within the environment based on a plurality of second packets.

Abstract: A finding system with a base charger, finder, and other functional features includes a receiving unit and a base unit. The receiving unit is recharged using the base unit. The base unit also includes a button operationally coupled to a transmitter for sending a locate signal to the receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a receiver for receiving the locate signal. In response to the locate signal, the receiving unit provides audio and visual signals to assist a user in finding the receiving unit. The receiving unit can include, but is not limited to, a remote control unit that has the capability to operate multiple devices including TVs, VCRs, satellite receivers, audio and visual receivers, stereo equipment, and the like.

Abstract: A system and method which enable an airline passenger who is traveling with articles, such as baggage and the like, to easily locate them upon arrival to the airport luggage retrieval point, even among a mass of look-alike baggage articles around it. According to an embodiment of the invention a luggage location unit is described, having a transmitter for transmitting an identifying code, a sensor to sense cargo compartment environment and an indicator unit having a receiver for receiving the identifying code and for indicating that the luggage article is in proximity with the indicator unit. The system may be activated automatically by a light sensor. The system and method according to the invention may be used for other uses such as for locating a vehicle in a parking lot or for keeping a child in a close distance form an adult.

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.