Abstract: A method that includes obtaining a sensor reading from a sensor installed inside an underground vault and determining whether the sensor reading is indicative of an alarm state. When the sensor reading is indicative of the alarm state, the method obtains at least one new reading and determines whether the sensor reading includes sensor drift based at least in part on the at least one new reading. The alarm state is established when the sensor reading is determined not to include sensor drift. The sensor drift is removed when the sensor reading is determined to include sensor drift.

Abstract: System for detecting window or glass panel damage, wherein the system comprises at least one sensor devices arranged to interior or exterior surface of a vehicle window or bus shelter glass panel for monitoring, registering and alerting on-line, in real-time, when and if a vehicle window or bus shelter glass panel damage is detected.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for demonstrating acoustic properties of a fenestration unit are provided herein. A system includes a sound demonstration apparatus having a sound insulating member defining an acoustic chamber, wherein the sound demonstration apparatus includes at least one open face. The system also includes a sound emitter operable to be positioned in the acoustic chamber of the sound demonstration apparatus, wherein the sound demonstration apparatus is operable to engage the fenestration unit at the open face of the sound demonstration apparatus. The method includes positioning the sound demonstration apparatus and a fenestration unit, such that the fenestration unit and the sound demonstration apparatus are operably engaged and form an acoustic chamber. The method includes activating a sound emitter.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an operational state of a sensor device for break-in detection. The method is performed in the sensor device and comprises the steps of: determining, while in a low-power state, that a wake-up condition is true when a vibration measurement associated with a barrier is greater than a wake-up threshold; transitioning, when the wake-up condition is true, to an active state; determining, while in the active state, when an activity condition is true, the activity condition being based on vibration measurements associated with the barrier; increasing the wake-up threshold, and transitioning to the low-power state when the activity condition is not determined to be true within a first duration while in the active state; and decreasing the wake-up threshold, when the sensor device stays in the low-power state longer than a second duration.

Abstract: Generating a virtual fence for vehicles to perform a drop off and a pick up. A drop off location is determined for a first vehicle and a route is determined for the first vehicle to the drop off location. The virtual fence is generated at the drop off location which defines a safe area for performing the drop off and pick up. A boundary of the virtual fence is communicated to at least one other vehicle in proximity of the drop off location. In at least one embodiment, autonomous vehicles perform the drop off and pick up within the virtual fence at the drop off location.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhanced data reliability for sensor devices, such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can include a first set of sensor devices (e.g., primary sensors) for collecting data in accordance with an application program. A second set of sensor devices (peer sensors) can be enabled for collecting supplemental data. Each of the sensor devices in the second set of sensor devices corresponds to one of the sensor devices in the first set of sensor devices. After receiving data from a selected sensor device of the set of first sensor devices and determining that the received data triggers a notification for a critical event, a second sensor of the second set of sensor devices can be interrogated to confirm the critical event. The event is confirmed by a convergence of data from the selected sensor device and the supplemental data from the second sensor device.

Abstract: An enclosure system including barrier segments and at least one electrical cable coupled to each barrier segment. Each electrical cable having electrical connectors disposed at each of a first terminus and a second terminus of the electrical cable. Each electrical connector is releasably coupled to another electrical connector of an adjacent electrical cable to form at least one continuity loop through the barrier segments. Each continuity loop includes two electrical terminal ends disposed at free ends of the continuity loop. A comparator system is coupled to a respective continuity loop and is configured to generate a closed loop signal when electrical current flows to the comparator system from one of the two electrical terminal ends of the respective continuity loop, and an open loop signal when electrical current ceases to flow to the comparator system from the one of the two electrical terminal ends of the respective continuity loop.

Abstract: A glass panel unit according to an example of the present disclosure includes a first glass panel and a second glass panel disposed to face the first glass panel. The glass panel unit includes: a seal having frame shape and hermetically binding the first glass panel and the second glass panel together; and a depressurized space surrounded by the first glass panel, the second glass panel, and the seal. The glass panel unit includes spacers between the first glass panel and the second glass panel. The spacers include a macromolecular resin material including molecular chains. Of the molecular chains, the number of molecular chains oriented in an orthogonal direction is larger than the number of molecular chains oriented in a counter direction. The orthogonal direction is a direction orthogonal to the counter direction, which is a direction in which the first and second glass panels face each other.

Abstract: An event entertainment system including a first wearable device associated with a first competitive participant, a second wearable device associated with a second competitive participant, and a hub that receives and wirelessly broadcasts data related to one or more contests; wherein the data related to the one or more contests includes a stream of events related to at least the first competitive participant and the second competitive participant, wherein the data for each event identifies an outcome and an associated competitive participant, wherein the first wearable device and the second wearable device includes a wireless communication module that receives the data related to the one or more contests, wherein, in response to a first trigger event, the first wearable device performs an action and the second wearable device does not perform the action, wherein the first trigger event includes a first outcome associated with the first competitive participant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring insulation integrity for electrostatic friction are disclosed. One system may include a touch sensitive interface configured to detect user interaction; an electrostatic haptic output device configured to output one or more electrostatic haptic effects to the touch sensitive interface; a processor in communication with the touch sensitive interface and the electrostatic haptic output device, the processor configured to: determine an operating condition associated with the electrostatic haptic output device; determine a corrective action associated with the operating condition; and apply the corrective action.

Abstract: A window system is disclosed. The window system includes a window which has a first window pane spatially separated from a second window pane. The window panes are surrounded by a window frame, which houses a memory device for storing electronic data.

Abstract: A fence alarm, having a plurality of laterally spaced electrically conductive fence elements, the fence elements electrically being connected in series with each other, a sensing arrangement electrically connected to the plurality of conductive fence elements, the sensing arrangement being calibrated to a nominal electrical value, the sensing arrangement further being operable to sense a predefined deviation from the nominal electrical value caused by a deviation in an electrical property of the conductive fence elements.

Abstract: An open-circuit detection system for an integrated circuit (IC) includes a wire (e.g., part of a wire mesh for device protection) and circuitry for detecting open-circuit conditions in the wire. A first signal generator (e.g., a linear-feedback shift register) applies a binary sequence to a first end of the wire. Switched resistors are connected between a second end of the wire and both a voltage supply and ground. A comparator compares the binary sequence and a signal based on the voltage at the second end of the wire to check for the open-circuit condition. Logic circuitry closes one of the first and second switches as a function of a value in the binary sequence. The comparator checks for the open-circuit condition in the wire randomly and intermittently, which reduces power consumption.

Abstract: A method for detecting a glass breakage event, the method including, responsive to receiving a plurality of acoustic event indications associated with an acoustic event, ascertaining whether the plurality of acoustic event indications together indicate a random nature of at least part of the acoustic event, thereby ascertaining that the acoustic event corresponds to a glass breakage event.

Abstract: An alarm or intrusion monitoring system includes a plurality of detectors which communicate with a displaced control element. Various of the detectors include local storage circuitry wherein detected conditions or events are recorded along with a time indicator. Recorded events and respective times of occurrence can be downloaded to the control element for evaluation. Detected conditions or events can include system conditions, such as faults or detector off-line indicators, as well as various intrusion or environmental-type incidents such as smoke, gas, temperature or fire.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting damage to an object may include a housing, a first coating provided on a surface of a first end of the housing, and a second coating provided on a surface of a second end of the housing opposing the first end. The first coating may be configured to be exposed to an environment in which the object is placed, while the second coating may be configured to be hermitically sealed. The sensor may further include a plurality of electrodes placed in the housing connected to the first end and the second end so as to measure an electrical signal generated therebetween.

Abstract: A device for cutting to size and handling a substantially planar blank from a planar CFRP semi-finished product positioned on a cutting table by a cutting means, it being possible for the separated blank to be drawn up by suction and at least raised by a vacuum effector, characterized in that at least one blank electrode can be brought into contact with the blank and at least one peripheral electrode can be brought into contact with a peripheral portion separated from the CFRP semi-finished product and the at least two electrodes are connected to a voltage source and to a measuring means, the measuring means being able to detect a complete separation of the blank from the CFRP semi-finished product.

Abstract: A stressed substrate for transient electronic systems (i.e., electronic systems that visually disappear when triggered to do so) that includes one or more stress-engineered layers that store potential energy in the form of a significant internal stress. An associated trigger mechanism is also provided that, when triggered, causes an initial fracture in the stressed substrate, whereby the fracture energy nearly instantaneously travels throughout the stressed substrate, causing the stressed substrate to shatter into multiple small (e.g., micron-sized) pieces that are difficult to detect. The internal stress is incorporated into the stressed substrate through strategies similar to glass tempering (for example through heat or chemical treatment), or by depositing thin-film layers with large amounts of stress. Patterned fracture features are optionally provided to control the final fractured particle size. Electronic systems built on the substrate are entirely destroyed and dispersed during the transience event.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a heat wave shielding material which can be manufactured by a simple method without using a complicated manufacturing method or a high cost physical film-formation method, maintains excellent visible light transmittancy, exhibits high heat wave shieldability, and, furthermore, is excellent in strength such as impact resistance. The heat wave shielding resin sheet which has a maximum transmittance in the visible light region and at the same time a minimum transmittance in the near-infrared region exhibiting strong absorption is realized by dispersing hexaboride fine particles such as LaB6 as a heat wave shielding component in polycarbonate resin or acrylic resin. ITO fine particles and/or ATO fine particles can be dispersed together with the hexaboride fine particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber cable net including: one elongated optical fiber cable having a front end portion repeatedly moved upward and downward from the lower end portion of the left side of a bee hive-like section along a line forming the bee hive-like section, the optical fiber cable being wound by a plurality of times onto pre-disposed portions where it meets the pre-disposed portions and being moved upward or downward, so that if the front end portion of the optical fiber cable reaches the lower end portion of the right side of the bee hive-like section, the front end portion of the optical fiber cable is sequentially passed through the respective net eyes of the right side of the bee hive-like section, the respective net eyes of the upper side thereof and the respective net eyes of the left side thereof.

Abstract: A weapons container for releasing a defense weapon includes a cabinet, a cabinet door, and an interior securing the defense weapon. Upon detection of a fingerprint input by a biometric sensor, a surveillance camera captures video and an audio intercom provides communication with a central command center. A recording system saves the video and audio to a storage database. A delay release lock secures the defense weapon for an amount of time and releases the defense weapon depending on a signal from the central command center. A communications system is connected over a network to the central command center, a local authority, and an emergency responder. The communications system notifies the local authority or the emergency responder upon detection of the fingerprint input and streams the video and audio to the central command center and at least one of the local authority and the emergency responder over the Internet.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including one or more security structures. The one or more security structures includes: a weldable frame; a plurality of composite panels, each panel securable to the weldable frame, each composite panel configured to form at least one joint with at least one adjoining composite panel; and a respective security element embedded within each of the composite panels. The security element is configured to detect a breach in the composite panel.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting an electronic payment terminal that includes an electronic printed circuit board and a casing. The device includes at least one capacitive detector in a volume formed by a first ground plane of the printed circuit and a second ground plane positioned on an internal surface of the casing, the at least one capacitive detector being configured to deliver a reference capacitance. A capacitive measurement microprocessor detects a variation of capacitance of the at least one capacitive detector. A transmitter transmits the variation when an absolute value of a difference between the reference capacitance and the measured capacitance exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A multiple optical axis photoelectric sensor is provided that stops a control output according to light being obstructed in a detection area. First and second variable signals indicate the duration of an optical axis scan processing for which light entrance detection and light obstruction detection are obtained, respectively. The first and second variable signals are updated according to results of each scan in the optical axis scan processing. When the value of the first variable reaches a predetermined first reference value, and when a final value of the second variable is equal to or lower than a predetermined second reference value, a notification is made that the light obstruction is detected due to a malfunction. As a result of this notification, whether output signal of the sensor is erroneously switched due to a cause other than an object of a detection target can correctly be made.

Abstract: A control method for a road toll system using vehicle-based on-board units, recording vehicles, control vehicles, cellular mobile communication networks, and switching servers, comprising: registering a recording vehicle identifier and a mobile communication network cell identifier in the switching server; selecting a cell identifier in a control vehicle and transmitting the same with a control vehicle identifier to the switching server; associating the control vehicle identifier with the recording vehicle identifier for which a cell identifier that is identical to the selected cell identifier is registered; detecting a traffic or toll violation by means of the recording vehicle and transmitting a violation data record to the switching server, determining the assigned control vehicle identifier; transmitting the violation data record to the control vehicle identified by the determined identifier; and processing the violation data record in the control vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting tampering associated with a utility meter. According to one embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a method. The method can include detecting either a rate of change or change in magnitude of a magnetic field associated with a utility meter; based at least in part on the rate of change or the magnitude of the magnetic field, determining that a magnetic event has occurred; upon or after occurrence of the magnetic event, receiving additional utility meter information; based at least in part on the magnetic event and additional utility meter information, determining that meter tampering has occurred; and generating an event indication for transmission to a utility service or for subsequent review by the utility service.

Abstract: The present application describes a sensor network and method for monitoring and detecting intrusion activities in accordance with various illustrative embodiments. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first input from a first sensor at a first sensor node of a wireless ad hoc sensor network, and comparing the first input to a first predefined input threshold associated with an intrusion activity. The method also includes wirelessly communicating an indication of the intrusion activity to a gateway device via a second sensor node of the wireless ad hoc sensor network. The gateway device may include an interface between the wireless ad hoc sensor network and a user-interactive system configured to monitor the wireless ad hoc sensor network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting a change in tension of a taut wire fence system, where the system includes a connector including a main body member having a first attachment portion at one end of the member and a second attachment portion at the opposite end of the member and a sensor located on the main body between and aligned with the first and second attachment portions, the method including the steps of attaching a first wire of the fence to the first attachment portion and attaching the second attachment portion of the connector either to an end support mount for the fence, or to a second wire of the fence system such that the connector is held independently of direct contact with any fence support, and such that the first wire, the sensor on the main body of the connector and the second attachment portion respectively, are aligned.

Abstract: A data entry module includes a flexible substrate, a fence circuit formed on the flexible substrate and including at least one trace routed in a meandering manner, an insulating layer formed on the fence circuit, a substrate spaced from the insulating layer, and a switch circuit including a plurality of switch elements each including two contact pads separately disposed on the substrate and the insulating layer. The fence circuit is configured to cover the switch circuit for preventing the interrogation of the switch circuit.

Abstract: An alarm system for indicating the time that has elapsed since intrusion into an enclosed space, as well as a method for installing the alarm system, are disclosed. The alarm system detects an intrusion into the enclosed space, the intrusion thereby causing an indicator light outside the enclosed space to illuminate, thereby indicating time elapsed since intrusion. At least one interior sensor is located within the enclosed space and configured to generate an intrusion time signal in response to movement therein. The indicator light is located within an outer perimeter zone of the enclosed space, and upon receiving an intrusion time signal, the indicator light emits light visible from outside the outer perimeter zone of the enclosed space. The light can indicate time elapsed via a property of the light itself, such as wavelength, intensity and/or focus, and/or via a light display producing readable output of time elapsed, for example.

Abstract: A walking guidance apparatus using human body communication, including: a first human body communication device acquiring a walking guidance information signal, converting the acquired walking guidance information signal into a signal available for human body communication, and transmitting the converted signal through a user's body; and a second human body communication device receiving the signal transmitted through the user's body from the first human body communication device, converting the received signal into a signal that can be recognized by the user, and outputting the converted signal. Walking guidance information having a high privacy function and high stability and accuracy can be provided to enhance user convenience.

Abstract: A system for data communication connection in an architecture including an optical fiber communication line running from a communication service provider source to a proximity of at least one building, a fiber optic branch line extending from a point along the communication line generally towards the at least one building, and a receptacle, comprises a communication unit, a fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit, and at least one connector adapted to couple the branch line to the fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit. The connector may reside within the receptacle, and at least one of the communication unit, the cable, the branch line, the connector, and the receptacle may provide a visual indication that coupling of the branch line and the cable is effected.

Abstract: A security fence for swimming pools is provided to be so positioned as to surround the water of a swimming pool. The security fence comprises fence sections which are linked to an alarm system. The fence sections are moveable between a non-signaling position and an alarm signaling position. When the fence sections are in the non-signaling position and a given fence section is engaged with sufficient force it is moved to the alarm signaling position thereby signaling the alarm. The foregoing prevents a user, such as a child, from entering the pool water when the alarm system has been activated.

Abstract: A breach detection system for a container includes at least two panels having a first electrical circuit mounted thereto. The panels are configured for attachment to a container. The first electrical circuit is configured to detect an intrusion through any portion of the panel and generate an intrusion signal when the intrusion occurs. A connector electrically connects the first electrical circuits of two panels of the container.

Abstract: A cabinet formed of a plurality of panels, includes a tamper detection system that includes an electrical circuit for detecting forming of a hole in a protected region of at least one panels. The electrical circuit includes at least one conductive trace on one of the panels. The conductive trace spans a protected region, wherein the minimum distance from any point in the protected region to the at least one conductive trace does not exceed some defined maximum. An electrical current source provides a current through the conductive trace. A sensor is in electrical communication with the electrical current source to sense a change in current provided to the trace and generate a tamper signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for locking a door or the like with a Sabbath control unit comprises a Sabbath control unit comprising an optical device including a light beam emitter and detector spaced apart with a line of sight path between them, the optical device operative to provide output indicating if a light beam emitted by the emitter is received by the detector, and a locking mechanism comprising a moving member operative to be displaced between a locked state position wherein the door is locked and an unlocked state position wherein the door is unlocked, wherein the moving member is operative to block the line of sight path while in the locked state position and to clear the line of site path while in the unlocked state position, and wherein the Sabbath control unit is operative to activate an electronic device in response to output indicating that the light beam emitted by the emitter has not been received by the detector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to tamper detection, memorization, and indication for packaging. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: detecting when the package is opened and closed; and generating an alarm if the package is opened more than once after it is initially closed to indicate that the package has been tampered with.

Abstract: A system for data communication connection in an architecture including an optical fiber communication line running from a communication service provider source to a proximity of at least one building, a fiber optic branch line extending from a point along the communication line generally towards the at least one building, and a receptacle, comprises a communication unit, a fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit, and at least one connector adapted to couple the branch line to the fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit. The connector may reside within the receptacle, and at least one of the communication unit, the cable, the branch line, the connector, and the receptacle may provide a visual indication that coupling of the branch line and the cable is effected.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed including one or more security structures. The one or more security structures includes: a weldable frame; a plurality of composite panels, each panel securable to the weldable frame, each composite panel configured to form at least one joint with at least one adjoining composite panel; and a respective security element embedded within each of the composite panels. The security element is configured to detect a breach in the composite panel.

Abstract: A sensor is paired with an emitter, such as in a postage metering machine, and the sensor is calibrated for ambient light conditions. Ambient light is measured with a sensor while the emitter is unpowered. If the measured ambient light is less than a current trip level (voltage level at the sensor), then a current level of light is measured with the sensor while the emitter is powered. If the measured current level of light exceeds the current trip level, then the signal output from the sensor indicates that an object such as an envelope awaiting postage to be printed thereon is present at the sensor. The current trip level may be determined by measuring light at the sensor when the emitter is on and adding some voltage margin to it, but if the sensor is blocked during this calibration a default threshold is used as the current trip level.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses an odor-generating alarm apparatus that can ensure the reliability of a releasing operation and the odor dispersibility. In an odor-generating alarm apparatus, when abnormality information indicating occurrence of an abnormal state is supplied from a sensor for occurrence of an abnormal state, an initiator is operated by a circuit portion, and the initiator displaces a piston of a driving portion and displaces a spray can with respect to a casing and switches the spray can to a releasing state, thus releasing an odorous liquid filling the spray can in the form of fine particles.

Abstract: A system and method for predictive abnormal behavior detection is disclosed. The system receives surveillance data such as video data and can create and update a plurality of prediction models. The system may also receive video data relating to a moving object and may generate a prediction of the future locations of the moving object based on the generated prediction models. The predicted motion may be scored by a scoring engine to determine if the predicted motion is unsafe or otherwise undesirable.

Abstract: A system and method for a structure monitoring and locating a disturbance event is disclosed. The system includes a compact transceiver chip sending optical signals in three optical fibers that encompass the monitored structure appropriately. The system contains a sequence of loops, wherein the first and the second fiber forming the loop clockwise, while the third fiber is winded along the same loop counterclockwise. A set of two detectors registers the returning signals, and a time delay between those signals is calculated, which is indicative of the disturbance event location. The event location is determined with different sensitivity in different parts of the monitored structure depending on the density of fibers in these parts.

Abstract: An alarm system for indicating the time that has elapsed since intrusion into an enclosed space, as well as a method for installing the alarm system, are disclosed. The alarm system detects an intrusion into the enclosed space, the intrusion thereby causing an indicator light outside the enclosed space to illuminate, thereby indicating time elapsed since intrusion. At least one interior sensor is located within the enclosed space and configured to generate an intrusion time signal in response to movement therein. The indicator light is located within an outer perimeter zone of the enclosed space, and upon receiving an intrusion time signal, the indicator light emits light visible from outside the outer perimeter zone of the enclosed space. The light can indicate time elapsed via a property of the light itself, such as wavelength, intensity and/or focus, and/or via a light display producing readable output of time elapsed, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus include conductive material doped within a microchip that accumulates a detectable charge in the presence of ions. Such ions may result from a focused ion beam or other unwelcome technology exploitation effort. Circuitry sensing the charge buildup in the embedded, doped material may initiate a defensive action intended to defeat the tampering operation.

Abstract: A security fence for swimming pools is provided to be so positioned as to surround the water of a swimming pool. The security fence comprises fence sections which are linked to an alarm system. The fence sections are moveable between a non-signaling position and an alarm signaling position. When the fence sections are in the non-signaling position and a given fence section is engaged with sufficient force it is moved to the alarm signaling position thereby signaling the alarm. The foregoing prevents a user, such as a child, from entering the pool water when the alarm system has been activated.

Abstract: An abnormality detecting apparatus includes a power supply portion applying a voltage to electrodes provided at both surfaces of a light control glass adapted to be provided at a vehicle to change a transparency of the light control glass, a detection portion detecting a detectable amount obtained on the basis of the voltage applied to the electrodes, and an abnormality determination portion determining whether or not an abnormality occurs to the light control glass based on a predetermined detectable amount and the detectable amount detected by the detection portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal detector gate comprising two uprights (12, 14) housing sensors forming a metal mass detector, particularly transmitter/receiver coils (20, 22), associated with a power supply and processing module (30), and defining between them a channel for individuals to be checked to pass through, at least one of the uprights (12, 14) comprising a series of light sources (40) distributed over its height to display alarms, characterized in that it also comprises a radioactive radiation detector (25) associated with the power supply and processing module (30) and that said module is suitable for controlling the light sources (40) so that a part of the colors generated by the light sources (40) is associated with the signals from the metal mass detector and a different series of colors is associated with the signals from the radioactive radiation detector.

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 stressed substrate for transient electronic systems (i.e., electronic systems that visually disappear when triggered to do so) that includes one or more stress-engineered layers that store potential energy in the form of a significant internal stress. An associated trigger mechanism is also provided that, when triggered, causes an initial fracture in the stressed substrate, whereby the fracture energy nearly instantaneously travels throughout the stressed substrate, causing the stressed substrate to shatter into multiple small (e.g., micron-sized) pieces that are difficult to detect. The internal stress is incorporated into the stressed substrate through strategies similar to glass tempering (for example through heat or chemical treatment), or by depositing thin-film layers with large amounts of stress. Patterned fracture features are optionally provided to control the final fractured particle size. Electronic systems built on the substrate are entirely destroyed and dispersed during the transience event.