Vibration Patents (Class 340/566)
  • Patent number: 8773265
    Abstract: An alarm system for protecting an environment from an unwanted events, such as an intrusion, the alarm system including: a detection sensor for detecting sound in the environment, wherein the detection sensors are adaptable to identify a unique audio signal if an unwanted event is detected; a sensor module adapted to verify the unique audio signal from the detection sensor; and an alarm generation module adapted to generate an alarm if the unique audio signal is verified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sonis Europe Limited
    Inventor: William Marr
  • Patent number: 8742942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a security device for a cover device of a pipe and/or for a pipe, that can be used for producing pipelines having a series of further pipes welded to each other, wherein the cover device comprises a sleeve covering an inner wall of the pipe, and the security device is designed for generating an alarm signal, wherein the security device comprises a structure-borne sound detection device comprising a structure-borne sound sensor for detecting manipulation of the pipe. The invention further relates to a system for monitoring pipes having a plurality of security devices having a receiving station for receiving the security device signals, preferably repeatable by means of a repeater, and an electronic data processor designed for analyzing the signals and for out-putting an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Rosen Swiss AG
    Inventor: Hermann Rosen
  • Patent number: 8723673
    Abstract: A detection and alarm system comprises a piezoelectric film sensor and associated circuitry. The sensor detects acoustic emission signals from metallic objects under stress upon which it is affixed. The associated circuitry receives electronic signals from the sensor, creates and evaluates a sensor output value including rate ratio and frequency content of such signals within preset time limits. This data allows the detection of impending failure, an alarm condition, of the metallic object by identifying significant changes in the rate of emission of such sensor signals. An alarm condition may then trigger an alarm signal to warn of such impending failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alertek, LLC
    Inventors: Zvi H. Meiksin, Robert J. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 8676447
    Abstract: To be configured inexpensively to enable cost reduction and sense sitting posture of an occupant highly accurately, occupant posture sensing apparatus 100 includes capacitance sensor unit 10 and circuit unit 20. Capacitance sensor unit 10 includes first and second sensing electrodes 11 and 12 provided at portions of vehicle interior ceiling 2 ahead of and right above a seat 40 and connected to capacitance sensing circuit 21 of circuit unit 20 and shield-driving circuit 23 through selector switches SW1 and SW2. CPU 29 of circuit unit 20 determines sitting posture of occupant (human body) 48 sitting on the seat 40 based on information regarding position of head 49 of the occupant 48 by using capacitance values detected by capacitance sensing circuit 21 based on capacitances from sensing electrodes 11 and 12. Posture information regarding the determined sitting posture is output to ECU mounted on a vehicle 1 and used for controlling air bag deployment, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Togura, Koichi Ichihara, Koji Sakiyama
  • Publication number: 20140062692
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided including an environmental sensor that detects security threats within a secure area, a shock detector that detects vibration of the environmental sensor and a processor that receives an signal from the environmental detector, processes the signal and provides a threat detected signal in response to the signal from the environmental detector wherein the processor also processes a signal from the shock detector, detects vibration and blocks the threat detected signal during the detected vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Honeywell Inernational Inc.
    Inventors: Huayu LI, Tianfeng Zhao, Lei Qin
  • Patent number: 8659424
    Abstract: A system to detect subsurface activity. The system employs vibration sensor pairs, with each sensor pair having a shallow sensor and a deep sensor. Outputs of the sensors of a pair are processed together and events are detected based on the relative values detected by the sensors of the pair. When signal energy departs from a detected background level, the relative amplitude and frequency content of vibrations measured at the shallow and deep sensors may be compared. The comparison may be performed, at least in part, using a classifier that discriminates between subsurface activity and surface activity. The outputs of sensor pairs may be aggregated to make a determination of whether subsurface activity exists and/or its location. Aggregation may involve comparing the outputs of the same sensor pair at multiple time intervals or may involve comparing the outputs of arrayed sensor pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Raytheon BBN Technologies, Corp., US Army Corps of Enginees
    Inventors: Peter Allen Krumhansl, William Coney, Richard Mullen, Jason R. McKenna, Michael Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 8638217
    Abstract: A system comprises a sensing node that includes a sensor, a processor, an energy harvesting circuit, a time keeper, a first energy storage device, and a second energy storage device. The energy harvesting circuit is connected for recharging the first energy storage device. The processor is connected for receiving all its power derived from the energy harvesting circuit. The second energy storage device is connected for powering the time keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Chris Pruyn Townsend, David Lawrence Churchill, Michael John Hamel
  • Patent number: 8618934
    Abstract: A system and a method of long-term condition monitoring of structures are based on use of autonomous sensing modules, centers for storing and processing data and software for data analysis. An autonomous sensing module contains a set of sensors for measurements of parameters related to the condition of a monitored structure, a non-volatile memory, a wireless data transfer unit, a controller, a clock circuit, a battery, an energy harvesting device and a power management unit. The autonomous sensing module provides a very long-term (40 years or more) functionality and reliability due to both use of at least near hermetic packages for the controller, the non-volatile memory, the battery, the clock circuit and the power management unit and choosing the duration of periods when the sensing module works in active mode in such a way that the average energy consumed by the autonomous sensing module is fully compensated by the average energy harvested by the energy harvesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Kolos International LLC
    Inventors: Nickolai S Belov, Olga V Belova
  • Patent number: 8547220
    Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Dempsey, Ronald S. Newbower
  • Patent number: 8493177
    Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods for communicating vehicle information from a vehicle to a keyless entry device are provided. The system may include a keyless entry device for communicating vehicle information from a vehicle to a user. The keyless entry device may include a haptic actuator and one or more processors that may establish a communication channel with a vehicle, communicate, via the communication channel, a command to the vehicle, receive a response to the command from the vehicle, and cause the haptic actuator to output a first haptic effect based on the response. The vehicle may include a vehicle device that may obtain vehicle information that relates to a vehicle, determine and output a control signal that corresponds to the vehicle information. The control signal may cause the keyless entry device to output a first haptic effect that haptically communicates the vehicle information to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Natasha Margaret Minenko Flaherty, David M. Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 8493204
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for displaying one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of a source of sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound are disclosed. A method may involve receiving audio data corresponding to sound detected by a wearable computing system. Further, the method may involve analyzing the audio data to determine both (i) a direction from the wearable computing system of a source of the sound and (ii) an intensity level of the sound. Still further, the method may involve causing the wearable computing system to display one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of the source of the sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Wong, Xiaoyu Miao
  • Patent number: 8483262
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and distinguishing occurrences along a perimeter bounded by at least one piezoelectric cable that completely defines the perimeter. The monitoring system utilizes at least one piezoelectric cable that generates electrical signals in response to mechanical stress events. The electrical signals from each piezoelectric cable are analyzed by a processing system to determine event classification and location. The monitoring system alerts users and connects to an existing security system to notify third-parties. The monitoring system includes functionality to communicate with a calibration unit and calibrate itself. The monitoring system also includes functionality to interface with a pet containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Radio System Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Mainini, Randal D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 8400301
    Abstract: A window safety and security device detects unauthorized movement of a double-hung window, sliding window, or door upon which the safety and security device is installed and communicates an alarm in response to the detecting. The device includes a housing, a suction cup affixed to or integral with the housing configured to be removably attached to an inside glass pane of a first sash of a double-hung window, sliding window or door. An electrical switch is disposed in, on or affixed to the housing for contacting a portion of a second sash when the second sash is slid to a fixed position to actuate the switch. A light or a buzzer or both communicates a detected window or door movement sufficient to cause a change of state in the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Mitchell I. Kersch, Aaron R. Kersch
  • Patent number: 8384316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to synchronized vibration devices that can provide haptic feedback to a user. A wide variety of actuator types may be employed to provide synchronized vibration, including linear actuators, rotary actuators, rotating eccentric mass actuators, and rocking mass actuators. A controller may send signals to one or more driver circuits for directing operation of the actuators. The controller may provide direction and amplitude control, vibration control, and frequency control to direct the haptic experience. Parameters such as frequency, phase, amplitude, duration, and direction can be programmed or input as different patterns suitable for use in gaming, virtual reality and real-world situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Coactive Drive Corporation
    Inventors: John Houston, Nathan Delson
  • Patent number: 8354925
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting change in an environment are provided. In one aspect, a system for detecting change in an environment includes an RF noise source configured to transmit an RF noise signal into the environment and to vary a parameter of the RF noise signal, and an interrogator configured to communicate with a plurality of communication devices distributed in the environment over a plurality of communication channels. The system also includes a detection system configured to receive information related to performances of the plurality of communication channels from the interrogator, to generate a fingerprint of the environment for each of the plurality of communication channels based on the performance of the communication channel at different values of the parameter of the RF noise signal, and to detect a change in the environment when one or more of the fingerprints deviates from a respective baseline fingerprint by a certain amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Vibeke Libby, John S. Camp
  • Patent number: 8354929
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting and classifying intruders is provided. A noise threshold can be determined and set based on background noise. A seismic sensor can be configured to receive a plurality of seismic data signals. A microcontroller can be configured to count the number of times the noise threshold is exceeded over a defined time interval by the plurality of seismic data signals, and then detect and classify the presence of an intruder based on the count. Additionally, an amplitude evaluation module can be configured to determine a signal amplitude for the seismic data signals associated with the detected intruder and compare the detected intruder signal amplitude to known signal amplitudes in order to determine a sub-type of the intruder. Finally, a transmission source can be configured to transmit intruder detection and classification information to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as respresented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Peter C Herdic, Robert M Baden, Brian H Houston, Phillip A Frank, Alain R Berdoz, Jeff M Byers
  • Patent number: 8331195
    Abstract: A computer implemented method, program and system utilizing a number of field-deployed sensors to accurately detect and classify objects/events (targets) of interest within a sensor field including the detection/classification of human beings travelling on-foot or with vehicles and their direction(s) of travel. In particular, the method, computer program and system are operable to determine whether a detected target is an animal, human or vehicle via analysis of received acoustic and sensor data. The analyses performed include comparison/correlation of the sensor data to known seismic cyclostationary signatures, acoustic and seismic characteristics of human footsteps and travel tendencies, and acoustic and seismic characteristics of non-human (animal) footsteps and travel tendencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Sean Schumer, Mark Mellini
  • Patent number: 8319620
    Abstract: Methods and devices for situation awareness facilitation for a vehicle driver are provided. A method includes receiving a first acoustic signal from outside a vehicle that the driver is in and converting the first acoustic signal into a first acoustic electronic signal; sending the first acoustic electronic signal to a processor; matching the first acoustic electronic signal by the processor to stored reference electronic signals; and sending an acoustic message associated with a matched reference electronic signal to a speaker in the cab of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Personics Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: John Usher, John P Keady
  • Publication number: 20120293329
    Abstract: The present invention is an alarm system that includes at least one base unit operable to detect sound levels and to transmit a signal to cause an alarm response, such as emission of media that may be the sound of one or more dog barks. The media may be emitted through one or more applicable broadcasting device, such as through a speaker, and may be the sound of one or more dog barks. The broadcasting device and base units may be configured to function collectively to create a realistic deterrent effect. Other alarm responses may be part of the system, such as electronic device warning messages, turning on a light, etc. The alarm responses and the general operation of the system may be set by a user, either through the base unit or by other remote input means (e.g., a fob unit or other electronic device).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: James Vernon CUNNINGHAM, Mircea Dan PAUL, Timothy James Hendrie POUPORE, Stacey Charleen GAY, Leo RALPH
  • Patent number: 8248003
    Abstract: A vibration frequency adjusting system and method measures energy of a vibration generated by a vibrator of an electronic device, and converts the vibration energy to a level of electric charge. The system and method further compares the level of electric charge with preset electric charge thresholds, and adjusts the level of electric charge to a preset level of electric charge according to the comparison. Then, the system and method converts the adjusted preset level of electric charge to a voltage, and outputs the voltage to vibrator, so as to adjust the frequency of the vibration according to the voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Ying Zhou
  • Patent number: 8248235
    Abstract: This invention provides an area monitoring sensor capable of setting a monitor area without connecting a terminal device for area setting. The area monitoring sensor that emits detection light in different emitting directions and senses an intruder within a monitor area based on reflection of the detection light, the monitor area being previously set as a polygonal shaped area defined by three or more sides, the sensor being provided on a first side out of the sides of the monitor area, and includes a side selecting unit that selects a second side other than the first side out of the three or more sides that define the monitor area based on an operation input; a distance specifying unit that specifies a distance between the area monitoring sensor and the second side that is being selected by the side selecting unit based on an operation input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Keyence Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsu Inoue, Akiji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8217790
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Michael H. Script
  • Patent number: 8203455
    Abstract: A posture sensing alert apparatus is provided. The posture sensing alert apparatus comprises an attachment element, a detecting element, a processing element and an alert element. The attachment element is adapted to attach on a human body. The detecting element is disposed on the attachment element and is adapted to sense a posture change from the human body. The processing element is disposed on the attachment element and connects to the detecting element. The processing element is adapted to output a signal to the alert element in response to the posture change for a predetermined period so that the alert element is adapted to output an alert accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Kun-Ta Lee, Chih Lo, Ching-Yen Lee, Ching-Hua Lee, Ching-Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 8183997
    Abstract: Example methods and systems for displaying one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of a source of sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound are disclosed. A method may involve receiving audio data corresponding to sound detected by a wearable computing system. Further, the method may involve analyzing the audio data to determine both (i) a direction from the wearable computing system of a source of the sound and (ii) an intensity level of the sound. Still further, the method may involve causing the wearable computing system to display one or more indications that indicate (i) the direction of the source of the sound and (ii) the intensity level of the sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Wong, Xiaoyu Miao
  • Patent number: 8164439
    Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corp.
    Inventors: Michael K. Dempsey, Ronald S. Newbower
  • Patent number: 8130595
    Abstract: An electronic appliance includes a microphone which detects a clapping sound, an edge signal extractor, an edge pulse generator and a judgment processing circuit. The judgment processing circuit generates a first gate having a first time width to detect whether or not a second clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a first predetermined time from a first time when the microphone detects a first clapping sound and the edge pulse generator generates the first edge pulse corresponding to the first clapping sound. Subsequently, the judgment processing circuit generates a second gate having a second time width to detect whether or not a third clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a second predetermined time from a second time when the edge pulse generator generates the second edge pulse corresponding to the second clapping sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Limited
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ohguri, Masahiro Kitaura
  • Patent number: 8081082
    Abstract: A method, computer program product, and apparatus for monitoring patterns of motion are provided. A signal is received from a sensor on a user, wherein movement of the user causes the sensor to generate power to emit a signal indicative of the movement of the user. The signal is analyzed to form a current pattern of motion. The current pattern of motion is compared to a baseline pattern of motion associated with the user. A difference between the current pattern of motion and the baseline pattern of motion associated with the user is determined to form a difference. The difference is compared to a predetermined threshold. Responsive to the difference exceeding the predetermined threshold, an alert is sent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nadeem Malik, Katherine June Pearsall, Adrian Rutledge, Elizabeth Vera Woodward
  • Patent number: 8077036
    Abstract: A system for detecting and classifying a security breach may include at least one sensor configured to detect seismic vibration from a source, and to generate an output signal that represents the detected seismic vibration. The system may further include a controller that is configured to extract a feature vector from the output signal of the sensor and to measure one or more likelihoods of the extracted feature vector relative to set {bi} (i=1, . . . , imax) of breach classes bi. The controller may be further configured to classify the detected seismic vibration as a security breach belonging to one of the breach classes bi, by choosing a breach class within the set {bi} that has a maximum likelihood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Theodore W. Berger, Alireza Dibazar, Ali Yousefi, Hyung O. Park
  • Patent number: 8031069
    Abstract: A tamper-proof electronic security seal which includes a bolt and a locking element and an electronic seal element. The bolt has a head and a hollow shank extending therefrom having a longitudinal bore formed therein. The shank is dimensioned to pass through a lock hasp and has a free end formed for locking engagement with the locking element. The electronic seal element is formed for mechanical connection to the bolt head, and includes an electrical power source, a control unit, communications means responsive to the control unit and a sensor adapted for insertion into the longitudinal bore of the shank, and connected to the control unit. In response to a severing of the shank and the sensor inserted therein, the control unit is operative to activate the communications means to emit an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignees: Oded Yair Cohn, Zvi Ben-Shalom
    Inventors: Oded Yair Cohn, Zvi Ben Shalom
  • Publication number: 20110169638
    Abstract: A system to detect subsurface activity. The system employs vibration sensor pairs, with each sensor pair having a shallow sensor and a deep sensor. Outputs of the sensors of a pair are processed together and events are detected based on the relative values detected by the sensors of the pair. When signal energy departs from a detected background level, the relative amplitude and frequency content of vibrations measured at the shallow and deep sensors may be compared. The comparison may be performed, at least in part, using a classifier that discriminates between subsurface activity and surface to activity. The outputs of sensor pairs may be aggregated to make a determination of whether subsurface activity exists and/or its location. Aggregation may involve comparing the outputs of the same sensor pair at multiple time intervals or may involve comparing the outputs of arrayed sensor pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicants: BBN Technologies, Corp., US Army Corps of Engineers
    Inventors: Peter Allen Krumhansl, William Coney, Richard Mullen, Jason R. McKenna, Michael Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 7961094
    Abstract: Method for monitoring borders or peripheries of installations includes arranging sensors periodically along the border at least partially in the ground, the sensors being sensitive to vibrations, infrared radiation, sound or other disturbances, programming the sensors to wake-up upon detection of a predetermined condition and receive a signal, analyzing the signal and transmitting a signal indicative of the analysis with an identification or location of the sensors. The sensors may include a processor embodying a pattern recognition system trained to recognize characteristic signals indicating the passing of a person or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Breed
  • Patent number: 7920054
    Abstract: A bicycle meter assembly with locating function includes a sensor module and a receiver module. The sensor module includes a microprocessor, a sensing unit, a display unit, a keypad, an encoder, and a wireless transceiver. The receiver module includes a wireless receiver, a decoder, and a warning unit. The sensor module and the receiver module are separately installed on a bicycle at two selected positions. The sensor module senses and displays traveling information and user's body signals that are generated when the bicycle is moving. When the user wants to locate the bicycle being parked at a selected place, the keypad can be pressed to generate a call signal, which is sent to the receiver module for the warning unit to emit a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventors: Yi-Lun Chen, Wen-Pin Weng
  • Patent number: 7912509
    Abstract: A method for automatically switching an incoming call signal output mode in a mobile communication terminal is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of determining whether or not a present incoming call signal output mode is a vibration mode when receiving incoming call, driving a vibrator to output vibration if it is determined that the present incoming call signal output mode is set to the vibration mode, detecting an intensity of actual vibration of the terminal via a vibration detection sensor when the vibration is output, followed by calculating transfer energy using the intensity of the actual vibration on the terminal, and automatically switching the incoming call signal output mode from the vibration mode to a ringtone mode according to comparison of the calculated transfer energy with a reference value. With the method, a user can easily recognize the incoming call signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Hun Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7902968
    Abstract: An obstacle detection device has an ultrasonic sensor fixed to a first side of a mount member. The ultrasonic sensor sends/receives ultrasonic wave toward/from a second side of the mount member, which is opposite to the first side thereof. At least one of a mounting surface of the ultrasonic sensor and a mounting surface of the mount member has a protrusion, which protrudes therefrom so that an end surface of the protrusion contacts the other of the mounting surfaces. The mounting surfaces of the mount member and the ultrasonic sensor face each other. The end surface of the protrusion and the mounting surface of the ultrasonic sensor are different from each other in at least one of shape and area thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyonari Kojima, Hisanaga Matsuoka, Akio Nakano, Muneaki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7902977
    Abstract: A security apparatus comprising a plurality of sensing elements, each adapted to detect intrusion into protected premises, each sensing element outputs a sensing signal representing a detected event, a signal processing section for examining each sensing signal and outputting a signature for each sensing signal, a computing section for translating each signature into a normalized threat value, ranging from “0” to “1”, modifying each normalized threat values by multiplying a weighting coefficient corresponding to a type of sensing element, storing for a temporary period of time, each modified normalized threat value, and an alarm generating section for adding each of the stored modified normalized threat values, outputting an aggregate threat value and generating an alarm enable signal based upon an analysis of the aggregate threat value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Howe
  • Patent number: 7889075
    Abstract: A detection system comprising a plurality of taut wire panels having vertical detection/sensor wires. The sensor wires are tensioned to position trigger plates associated one or more of the wires. Trigger plate movement causes an actuating means to indicate a sensor wire has been moved. In one embodiment, sensor wires and portions of the panel frame have similar coefficients of thermal expansion to substantially eliminate environmental expansion effects that may result in false alarms. Linked sensor wires on adjacent panel may signal movement of entire panels. Panels are monitored by panel controllers reporting to sector controllers that report to a central command computer that automatically numbers sector and panel controllers at start-up. Bi-directional communication enables alarms and system faults to be precisely located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Winkler, Reginald John Kerr
  • Patent number: 7881882
    Abstract: A system for monitoring or detecting tampering in a flexible structure includes taking electrical measurements on a sensing cable coupled to the structure, performing spectral analysis on the measured data, and comparing the spectral characteristics of the event to those of known benign and/or known suspicious events. A threshold or trigger value may used to identify an event of interest and initiate data collection. Alternatively, the system may be triggered at preset intervals, triggered manually, or triggered by a signal from another sensing device such as a motion detector. The system may be used to monitor electrical cables and conduits, hoses and flexible ducts, fences and other perimeter control devices, structural cables, flexible fabrics, and other flexible structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie C. Maxey, Howard D. Haynes
  • Patent number: 7812855
    Abstract: A glass break detector is provided with microphones for detecting glass breaking, and microphones for detecting noise, and generating a noise output once a noise is detected. The noise output triggers a video camera to record in the area of the glass break detector. Also, a security apparatus is provided, having a video dome, a video camera provided in the video dome, and one or more microphones provided on an outside surface of the video dome. If a noise is detected by the one or more microphones, the video camera points to a direction of the noise by determining the time of arrival of the noise, and the camera begins to record.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas S. Babich, Kevin G. Piel
  • Patent number: 7733238
    Abstract: The present invention provide a motion detection circuit for a handheld item detection system, where the motion detection circuit includes an accelerometer outputting at least one signal corresponding to a measured acceleration. A differentiator differentiates the measured acceleration. A motion detection device evaluates a discriminated version of the acceleration and a discriminated version of the acceleration to determine whether the handheld item detection system is in motion. The present invention extends battery life and allows a handheld system to quickly enter an active operational mode without any user intervention other than handling (moving) the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: Steven V. Leone, Larry K. Canipe
  • Patent number: 7719416
    Abstract: A method of maintaining a structure includes providing a structure having a component subject to failure. A sensor, a memory and an energy harvesting device are mounted on the structure. The sensor is used and data derived from the sensor logged in the memory, wherein the memory is powered solely with energy derived from the energy harvesting device. The component is replaced if information in the memory shows that the component was subject to damaging usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: MicroStrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Arms, Chris Pruyn Townsend, David Lawrence Churchill, Michael John Hamel
  • Patent number: 7715789
    Abstract: Method affecting the interior of human flesh, providing modulated power signal to at least one solenoid to create a modulated solenoid action delivered through a mechanical interface to the human flesh to create a modulated audio effect into the interior. Providing the modulated power signal may include receiving an audio signal to create the modulated power signal, which may include fetching a down-converted audio signal and the audio signal from a memory device and/or frequency-down-converting the audio signal to create the down-converted audio signal. Receiving the audio signal may further include solenoid amplifying the down-converted signal to create the modulated power signal. The modulated audio effect into the interior of the human flesh, the modulated power signal and the down-converted audio signal are products of this method. Apparatus implementing the solenoid amplifying, receiving the audio signal, frequency-down-converting the audio signal in a variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Song Park
    Inventors: Song Park, Earle Jennings, Robert Spence, John Larsen
  • Publication number: 20100109869
    Abstract: An alarm system for protecting an environment from an unwanted events, such as an intrusion, the alarm system including: a detection sensor for detecting sound in the environment, wherein the detection sensors are adaptable to identify a unique audio signal if an unwanted event is detected; a sensor module adapted to verify the unique audio signal from the detection sensor; and an alarm generation module adapted to generate an alarm if the unique audio signal is verified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: William Marr
  • Publication number: 20100085188
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting and classifying intruders is provided. A noise threshold can be determined and set based on background noise. A seismic sensor can be configured to receive a plurality of seismic data signals. A microcontroller can be configured to count the number of times the noise threshold is exceeded over a defined time interval by the plurality of seismic data signals, and then detect and classify the presence of an intruder based on the count. Additionally, an amplitude evaluation module can be configured to determine a signal amplitude for the seismic data signals associated with the detected intruder and compare the detected intruder signal amplitude to known signal amplitudes in order to determine a sub-type of the intruder. Finally, a transmission source can be configured to transmit intruder detection and classification information to a remote location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Peter C. Herdic, Robert M. Baden, Brian H. Houston, Phillip A. Frank, Alain R. Berdoz, Jeff M. Byers
  • Patent number: 7680283
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting a predetermined sound event, such as the sound of breaking glass. Data representing monitored sounds is stored, such as in a circular buffer, while a preliminary assessment is made in real time as to whether the monitored sounds potentially include the predetermined sound event. If there is a potential correspondence, the already stored, pre-event data is frozen, and additional data including, and following, the event is stored. Next, the stored pre-event and additional data is retrieved from storage and provided to a processor that applies one or more algorithms to determine, with finality, if the event corresponds to the predetermined sound event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Eskildsen
  • Patent number: 7663492
    Abstract: A method and means for controlling the operation of a machine by an operator having a transmitter mounted to a machine, a sensor attached to an operator or an operator's clothing, and a tracking device that receives signals from the sensor and determines the position of the sensor. Based on the determined position of the sensor, the tracking device sends signals to the operator and an actuator on the machine based on a comparison with a danger zone, warning zone, or operator zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Stork Townsend Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Bergman, R. Thomas Seaberg, Liansuo Xie
  • Publication number: 20090309725
    Abstract: A system for detecting and classifying a security breach may include at least one sensor configured to detect seismic vibration from a source, and to generate an output signal that represents the detected seismic vibration. The system may further include a controller that is configured to extract a feature vector from the output signal of the sensor and to measure one or more likelihoods of the extracted feature vector relative to set {bi} (i=1, . . . , imax) of breach classes bi. The controller may be further configured to classify the detected seismic vibration as a security breach belonging to one of the breach classes bi, by choosing a breach class within the set {bi} that has a maximum likelihood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Theodore W. Berger, Alireza Dibazar, Ali Yousefi, Hyung O. Park
  • Publication number: 20090303042
    Abstract: This invention is an intruder detection system which integrates wireless sensor network and security robots. Multiple ZigBee wireless sensor modules installed in the environment can detect intruders and abnormal conditions with various sensors, and transmit alert to the monitoring center and security robot via the wireless mesh network. The robot can navigate in the environment autonomously and approach to a target place using its localization system. If any possible intruder is detected, the robot can approach to that location, and transmit images to the mobile devices of the securities and users, in order to determine the exact situation in real time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: National Chiao Tung University
    Inventors: Kai-Tai Song, Chia-Hao Lin, Chih-Sheng Lin, Su-Hen Yang
  • Patent number: 7616115
    Abstract: A dual-modality sensor for detecting a presence of a human intruder within a secure setting includes a seismic sensor for acquiring a seismic signature of a disturbance, and includes an active acoustic sensor to acquire an acoustic signature of the disturbance. A system processor is electrically connected to the seismic and active acoustic sensors to receive and process the seismic and acoustic signatures, and generate an alarm signal when the disturbance is determined to come from a human intruder. Also included is an antenna and/or hard-wire connection arranged for communicating the alarm signal. The dual-modality sensor is arranged in a sensor housing constructed to contact a surface of the secure setting. The sensor may include a battery or other means for providing electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Dan T. Horak, Richard A. Burne
  • Patent number: 7589631
    Abstract: A method for adapting a characteristic of an audible signal produced by a portable communication device includes obtaining a measure of the normal conditions in the environment surrounding the device. The method also includes obtaining at least one measure from a sensor on the portable communication device as a response to an audible event, where the measure corresponds to the current condition in the environment surrounding the device. The method further includes adapting a characteristic of the audible signal based on the relationship between the current condition and the normal condition and presenting the audible signal to a user of the portable communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Claes Hovmalm, Per Olof Hiselius, Magnus Hansson
  • Patent number: 7576648
    Abstract: The present invention provides an intrusion detecting system and method for precisely locating an intruder along the length of a sensor cable and for determining the intruder distance from the cable to precisely locate multiple, simultaneously occurring intrusions. The method includes the steps of: generating a TX signal and transmitting same over a first transmission line of the sensor cable, for creating an electromagnetic field; detecting an RX signal induced in a second transmission line of the cable by the electromagnetic field and identifying in the RX signal a contra-directional reflection received from a target and a co-directional reflection received from the far-end of the first transmission line, processing the contra-directional reflection for providing a first coordinate of the target, and processing the co-directional reflection for providing a second coordinate of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Senstar-Stellar Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Keith Harman