Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for remotely interrogating sensor electronics are described. In one embodiment, a system for detecting and localizing chemical analytes is described. This system includes a plurality of chemosensor electronic devices for detecting the presence of chemical analytes. Each of these devices includes a chemosensor for sensing chemical analytes, a transponder, and an electronic circuit for activating the transponder based on an output of the chemosensor. These devices may have a cross-section area of less than 1 square micrometer. The system also includes an interrogation device for interrogating the plurality of devices and for receiving information on the detected chemical analytes from devices with activated transponders, and a processor for determining the locations of the devices with activated transponders. These locations may be forwarded to a third party.

Abstract: The invention relates to a movable barrier operator with a microelectromechanical positioning sensor, or a movable barrier operator that employs an inertial measuring unit to receive a signal associated with a barrier position, and communicate that signal to one or more devices. A device in communication with the movable barrier operator may be enabled for receiving information pertaining to the barrier and for providing commands that actuate the barrier at precise barrier parameters. In an exemplary embodiment, a movable barrier such as a swing-arm gate may be accurately controlled without requiring manual positioning mechanisms, or otherwise require physical components to set the gate's open and closed limits. Additionally, accurate information may be communicated to a user device, for monitoring and providing maintenance to the movable barrier system.

Abstract: A dispensing container is equipped with a battery powered orientation dependent illumination device.

Abstract: The device (31) of the invention comprises a receiver (33) for receiving from a further device (41) an identifier identifying a person in the vicinity of the device, warning means (35) for providing a warning signal to a user of the device and a transmitter (37) for transmitting data to said further device. The device further comprises a controller (39) for performing the method of the invention. The device is operative to instruct said warning means (35) to provide a warning signal in dependence on the identified person, to use a gesture detector (43) for detecting a specific gesture by said user from among a plurality of gestures in response to the warning signal and to instruct said transmitter to transmit said data to said further device upon detection of said specific gesture, wherein said data depends on said specific gesture. The computer program product of the invention enables a programmable device to perform the method of the invention.

Abstract: A container monitoring system can generally comprise a first door controller, a second door controller, and a controller module. The first door controller module can be disposed in communication with a controller module. The first door controller module can be configured to receive a first random generated code from the controller module and further configured to store the first random generated code. The second door controller module can be disposed in communication with the controller module. The second door controller module can be configured to receive a second random generated code from the controller module and further configured to store the second random generated code. The controller module can be configured to separately interrogate the first door controller and the second door controller and configured to establish an alarm condition based on one or more signals received from the first door controller and the second door controller.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for monitoring cargo includes coupling an inertial measurement unit to the cargo such that accelerations of the cargo are detected by the inertial measurement unit, monitoring, using a processor, the accelerations of the cargo as detected by the inertial measurement unit, and generating a warning based on the monitoring of the accelerations. The warning may be generated when the detected acceleration is excessive in magnitude, duration or frequency and/or when integration of the detected acceleration is indicative of excessive velocity, angular velocity or angular displacement.

Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a gesture-based user interface for a wearable portable device are described. A gesture including a movement of the wearable portable device is received, and at least one character associated with the gesture is identified and displayed on the wearable portable device, thereby allowing entry of characters on the user interface of the wearable portable device using the gestures.

Abstract: A system to detect a presence in a space is provided and includes a sensor to issue a signal at an instance when a door to the space closes, a detector to periodically issue packets that identify when a presence was last detected in the space, and a processing unit, coupled to the sensor and the detector, which is configured to receive the signal and the packets and which has executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause the processing unit to identify when the door closes based on the signal and to judge the space to be unoccupied after a wait time if the packets indicate the presence was last detected prior to the closing.

Abstract: A method of detecting a moving target within a predefined protected region with a microwave motion detector, by transmitting microwave frequency signals and receiving the microwave frequency signals reflected by a target. A target distance is then determined from the received microwave frequency signals, and a target angle is determined from the received microwave frequency signals. Then, a target location is determined from the target distance and the target angle, and an alarm condition is set if the target location is within the predefined protected region.

Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a personal door alarm and more specifically to a battery powered door alarm that can be easily transported from location to location, can be installed on most door knob assemblies and is simple to deploy. The personal door alarm provides protection for valuable property and to the occupants of the habitation.

Abstract: A monitoring method and a monitoring device for a motor-driven door, wherein a stationary unit and a monitoring device mounted on the movable door communicate bidirectionally with one another, wherein data and/or signals of at least one door safety sensor are relayed to the stationary unit, and wherein a waking device is automatically wakened cyclically or is wakened by a vibration sensor and wakes the control device, which in turn wakes the transmitter/receiver and actively queries the stationary unit assigned individually to it as to whether the monitoring device must remain active or be switched back to a power-saving idle state.

Abstract: An illumination and detection architecture that illuminates a target for detecting a material of interest. The architecture includes an illumination component that illuminates the target using a predetermined light wavelength known to energize and thereby cause a detectable change in the desired chemical and/or compounds associated with the target in a particular way. The change is then captured by an image capture system and processed to determine the presence or absence detected of the desired material of interest at the target.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A haptic signal distribution system capable of distributing haptic synchronous signals includes a master haptic device and groups of slave haptic devices. In one embodiment, the master haptic device is configured to distribute haptic synchronous signals to slave haptic devices. The haptic synchronous signals, for instance, may include information relating to a tempo for a piece of music. A haptic signal distribution system, for example, allows a master wearable haptic device to selectively distribute haptic synchronous signals to one or more groups of slave wearable haptic devices via a wireless communications network. Upon receipt of the haptic synchronous signals, each slave wearable haptic device generates a series of haptic feedback having a rhythm of beats in response to the haptic synchronous signals.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tilt sensor apparatus (36) includes one or more tilt sensors (42). Each tilt sensor (42) includes a conductive element (64) entrapped within an opening (46) formed through a middle planar substrate (38). The opening is surrounded by an opening wall (52) which is entirely covered by a conductor (54). A conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a top planar substrate (40), and a conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a bottom planar substrate (44). The star patterns (100) are positioned at opposing ends of the opening (46). The conductive element moves within the opening (46) as the apparatus (36) is tilted. An interrupt-driven control circuit (124) is configured to indicate a change in orientation only when a short is first detected across a contact pair (54/56, 54/60) that corresponds to an orientation opposite to a currently-indicated orientation.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for a computer device, including a main body having at least one protrusion portion which protrudes from the computer device when the body is connected to the computer device, an acceleration sensor provided in the main body and configured to detect impact, a detection processing unit positioned in the main body and configured to output a signal based on the impact detected by the acceleration sensor, a first memory unit including a driver program which facilitates communication between the detection processing unit and the personal computer, a program transfer unit which temporarily installs the driver program in the computer device, a connector configured to attach the body to the computer device and facilitate electrical connection between the computer device and detection processing unit, and an indicator configured to provide indication according to the signal.

Abstract: There is provided a security sensor device having an optical axis adjusting capability, which device includes a beam projecting unit (1) for projecting sensing waves, to which ID codes for specifying beam projectors (2) are applied, to a beam receiving unit (8) sequentially at predetermined intervals. The beam receiving unit (8) detects the level of light received by each of beam receivers (9) corresponding to or identified by the respective ID codes and transmits the received light levels to the beam projecting unit (1). According to these features, during the optical axis adjustment the levels of light received by the beam receivers (9) can readily be obtained on the side of the beam projecting unit (1), resulting in an accurate adjustment of optical axis between the beam projectors (2) and the beam receivers (9) in a short length of time with a simplified structure.

Abstract: Described herein are a transient event detector comprising electrical circuitry suitable to detect a transient event, and a container having a wall with at least two electrically conductive contacts that are electrically connected to the electrical circuitry, each of the at least two electrically conductive contacts being electrically isolated from each other, and a movable electrically conductive piece that intermittently connects at least two of the at least two electrically conductive contacts when the electrically conductive piece is in motion, said movable electrically conducting piece having a mass that is low enough such that if the movable electrically conducting piece is at rest and bridges two of the at least two electrically conductive contacts no transient event is detected by the electrical circuitry, methods of use and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: A hidden security device for a container of cargo transportation includes a case provided with an electronic processing unit; a tightly-seized device, including a plate, extending from the case, on which a displacement sensor communicating with the electronic processing unit is provided at a predetermined place; and a tightly-seized part, perpendicularly extending from the plate and having a flexing end; and an antenna, communicating with the electronic processing unit and extending out from the case to the flexing end of the tightly-seized part. The present security device can accurately record the time and frequency of opening the door plates of the container, and meanwhile it is disposed on the inner side of the door plates, and is readily concealed.

Abstract: The method, terminal and computer program product determine the acceleration of a mobile terminal associated with the short-range communication transceiver and adjusts the power consumption of the short-range communication transceiver based upon whether a predefined acceleration threshold has been exceeded. To adjust the power consumption, the frequency at which the transceiver is activated may be altered. Thus, the power consumption of the transceiver may be reduced when the acceleration threshold is exceeded and/or may be increased when the acceleration threshold is not exceeded. Due to the adjustment of power consumption by transceivers, power is conserved in the mobile terminals associated with transceivers, which permits the mobile terminals and the transceivers to operate longer without requiring charging or replacement of the power supply.

Abstract: A MEMS based overhead garage door intrusion sensor for a security system, such as a residential/home security system, for detecting an intrusion through an overhead garage door. In one embodiment, a MEMS sensor accelerometer is mounted with a sensitive axis of the MEMS device, along which the MEMS device measures acceleration/gravity, pointing vertically downward towards the earth when the overhead garage door is closed, such that the MEMS sensor measures a 1 g acceleration/gravity force, and when the overhead garage door is open, the sensitive axis of the MEMS device points horizontally with respect to the earth, such that the MEMS sensor measures a 0 g acceleration/gravity force, such that the output of the MEMS sensor, indicating either a 1 g or a 0 g measured acceleration/gravity force, indicates whether the overhead garage door is respectively closed or open. Alternatively, the MEMS sensor can be a MEMS switch.

Abstract: A portable security alarm system including a movement detecting and signal transmitting member for mounting on or proximate to the object whose movement is to be detected, a signal receiving and alarm generating member for receiving a signal from the movement detecting and signal transmitting member and producing a security response, a remote control for actuating and deactuating the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an environmental monitoring member for sensing an environmental condition and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, a visual information gathering member for gathering visual information and providing a signal to the signal receiving and alarm generating member, an audio output member for receiving a signal from the signal receiving and alarm generating member and generating an audio output, and components for delivering a security notification to remote recipients. A security network that includes the alarm system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tilt sensor apparatus (36) includes one or more tilt sensors (42). Each tilt sensor (42) includes a conductive element (64) entrapped within an opening (46) formed through a middle planar substrate (38). The opening is surrounded by an opening wall (52) which is entirely covered by a conductor (54). A conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a top planar substrate (40), and a conductive star pattern (100?) is formed on a bottom planar substrate (44). The star patterns (100) are positioned at opposing ends of the opening (46). The conductive element moves within the opening (46) as the apparatus (36) is tilted. An interrupt-driven control circuit (124) is configured to indicate a change in orientation only when a short is first detected across a contact pair (54/56, 54/60) that corresponds to an orientation opposite to a currently-indicated orientation.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a motion sensitive power switching integrated circuit, which, in turn, includes a power switch connected between an input and an output, and a MEMS inertial sensing switch movable from a first position to a second position based upon motion thereof. The motion sensitive power switching integrated circuit also includes a detector operating the power switch to supply power to the output from the input based upon the MEMS inertial sensing switch moving from the first position to the second position. The first and second positions may be, respectively, a normally open position and a closed position. The device may be unpowered until the MEMS inertial sensing switch moves from the open to the closed position. The detector may generate a power on reset (POR) signal based upon the MEMS inertial sensing switch moving from the open to the closed position.

Abstract: A drop detection device having a spherical inertia member disposed within an enclosure. The enclosure has multiple faces, preferably six faces oriented orthogonally, with each face having a pressure contact member. The exertion of a predetermined force by the spherical inertia member on the pressure contact member causes a signal to be activated. Multiple enclosures maybe disposed in different orientations in a housing of a fragile product to provide a signal if the product is dropped in any one of multiple directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-power source type monitor device installed in a place where a non-power source system needs to be used or a place preferably suitable for the non-power source system, in which a quantity generated energy not lower than several ten times as much as an output of electric current obtained by usual piezoelectric power generating device using steel balls can be assuredly obtained by striking a piezoelectric ceramics element once. A piezoelectric power generating device is formed commonly with capable of automatically repeatedly striking the piezoelectric ceramics element so that a quantity of generated energy of a practical level can be assuredly ensured as a power source of such type monitor device.

Abstract: In a process for adjusting a movable motor vehicle part (33) between at least two positions by means of a drive (42), the monitoring area (13, 30, 31) outside and/or inside the motor vehicle (10) is checked for at least one perturbing object (32). When a perturbing object (32) is detected within the monitoring area (13, 30, 31), the drive (42) is turned off or reversed. In this way, perturbing objects can be detected without contact and can be protected against pinching even before they are actually pinched.

Abstract: Disclosed is an orientation device that may be deployed in a mechanical assembly such as a surveillance camera or enclosure to positively determine the physical orientation and/or attitude (tilt), or any change in such physical orientation and/or attitude, of either the camera or the enclosure, and report that information electronically. The invention includes a sensor that is triggered by the movement of a weighted flag along a shaft caused by gravity or gravity in conjunction with the operation of a spring. As the invention is rotated through 360°, the force of gravity and force of the spring are exerted on the weighted flag, causing it to move along the shaft as the assembly is rotated. Each movement by the flag is detected by the sensor which sends an electronic signal indicating that a predetermined point has been reached. Multiple assemblies may be used, offset from each other, to provide additional and more precise position information.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, an apparatus and method for aircraft navigation are provided that utilize a blended architecture consisting of a global positioning system (GPS) and micro-electromechanical sensors (MEMS) for the primary navigation system and a laser gyroscope system for the secondary navigation system. The blended architecture of the present invention provides a navigation system that is at least as accurate, redundant and fault-tolerant as conventional navigation systems. In addition, the navigation system components may be distributed throughout the aircraft and may share computing resources with other avionics systems to process signals and provide data to the avionics systems. Overall, the navigation system of the present invention is significantly less expensive and easier to maintain, but equally or more precise and redundant, relative to conventional navigation systems.

Abstract: A battery-monitoring system in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes one or more cell sensors modules linked to a battery sensor module via a data interface. In turn, the one or more battery sensor modules may be linked to an alarm interface. Each cell sensor module includes one or more sensors that monitor physical parameters, such as cell voltage and temperature, related to the corresponding cell. Each battery sensor module monitors physical parameters, such as battery voltage, discharge current, and temperature related to the battery. The battery sensor module also gather cell monitoring information from the plurality of cell sensor modules. Various battery monitor-related analytical, control, and reporting functions may be performed by the various modules.

Abstract: An ice chest which incorporates a mechanism for alerting an owner or user that an unauthorized individual is tampering with the ice chest contents or the ice chest itself. Burglar proof ice chest 10 includes a lid 12 and a bottom portion 14 with a spring loaded activation switch. Opening the lid portion generates the audible alarm output.

Abstract: The chamber (3) of the sensor (1) comprises a first and a second passage (16, 17) that communicate with the outside; a source of visible light (11) outside the chamber, through the first of the said passages (16), illuminates the interior of the chamber (3) and the spherical body (7) arranged inside it; an element sensitive to the quantity of light (9) outside the chamber to receive, through the second of the said passages (17), the light reflected from inside the chamber and electronic circuit that analyzes the electric signals correlated with the quantity of light seen by the said light-sensitive element (9) to generate at least one pulse that activates a movement control system of the means in which the sensor (1) is installed and an alarm system.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided for use in detecting movement of an item, e.g. a picture 16, suspended from a wall or other substantially vertical structure, or for detecting movement of an item displayed or stored on a horizontal or inclined surface, the sensor system including a piezoceramic element (22) which is mounted on a metallic disc (23) which, in use, is located between the item (16) and the structure or surface, and means for detecting the generation of an output by the piezoceramic element (22) as a result of deflection of the disc (23) in either of two opposite directions as a result of movement of the item (16).

Abstract: A device for indicating/limiting the overall displacement of a movable member from a preset position, wherein the device (1) is selectively positionable to accomodate variation in allowable displacement of the movable member (32, 38, 39, 42, 49, 50, 52) prior to preventing displacement of the movable member or for providing an indication of any such displacement of the member.

Abstract: A removable security device for a portable article that includes an alarm housing with an audible electronic alarm circuit and a locking mechanism, a receiver that attaches to the portable article. The alarm housing has a pair of opposed rails that define a channel and the receiver has a pair of opposed flanges that mate with and that slide into the channel. A lock bolt, operated by the locking mechanism, extends from the alarm housing into a shaped depression in the receiver to secure the alarm housing to the receiver, and retracts from the depression to permit removal of the alarm housing from the receiver. The audible alarm is triggered by a motion detector or by cutting an attached cable.