Abstract: An ultrasonic wave sensing module includes a housing, an ultrasonic wave sensor, an adapter, and a circuit board. The housing has a first containing space and a second containing space being separated from each other by a blocking wall. The ultrasonic wave sensor is disposed within the first containing space and has a first connecting pin. The adapter includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting pin, and is integrally formed with the blocking wall by means of insert molding. The circuit board is provided within the second containing space, and has a second connecting portion. The first connecting pin of the ultrasonic wave sensor is coupled to the first connecting portion of the adapter, and the second connecting pin of the adapter is coupled to the second connecting portion of the circuit board, so that the ultrasonic wave sensor and the circuit board are electrically connected.

Abstract: An article management system comprises a transmitter for sending electric wave, a receiver for receiving the electric wave from the transmitter, an alarm for carrying out a notification operation in response to the input of a drive signal and an article management apparatus including an association module configured to associate the transmitter with the alarm corresponding to an article to be handed over to a user who has the transmitter on condition that the electric wave from the transmitter is being received by the receiver, and a determination-output module configured to determine whether or not a relative distance between the transmitter and the receiver becomes shorter than a specific distance on condition that the electric wave from the transmitter is being received by the receiver and to output the drive signal to the alarm which is associated with the transmitter if the relative distance is shorter than the specific distance.

Abstract: A security system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a security tag operable for connection to an object, a monitoring device operable to monitor whether a party removes or attempts to remove the security tag from the object; an alarm operable to emit a tamper signal when the monitoring device indicates that a party has removed or attempted to remove the security tag from the object in an unauthorized removal condition, and a remote collector system adapted to communicate with the security tag to set the security tag in the unauthorized removal condition and an authorized removal condition, wherein upon receipt of the tamper signal, the remote collector system generates a security message.

Abstract: A personal alarm system includes an electronic device that may be carried. The electronic device has an output port. An alarm is removably coupled to the electronic device and the alarm may be manipulated. The alarm is selectively turned on such that the alarm emits an audible alarm. Thus, the alarm may alert an observer to provide assistance. The alarm is turned on when the alarm is removed from the electronic device.

Abstract: An anti-theft device for an electronics apparatus, including (a) locating means for determining an actual location, (b) storage means for storing a permissible location, and (c) processing means connected to the locating means and storage means. The processing means is configured to retrieve the actual location from the locating means, and to compare the actual location against the permissible location. The processing means is further configured to disable at least part of the functionality of the electronics apparatus if the actual location is more than a predetermined distance from the permissible location. The processing means is further configured to enter the anti-theft device in a standby mode, wherein the electronics apparatus is never disabled by the anti-theft device, and the standby mode may be entered for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A semiconductor system may include a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device may output set signals. The second semiconductor device may generate a start signal in response to the set signals, generate an input control code and an output control code from the set signals in response to the start signal, generate a frequency determination signal including information on an operation frequency in response to the output control code, and control an internal operation in response to the frequency determination signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a device comprising a processor detects a communication session between a calling device and a called device, and receives a motion signal from the called device; the motion signal is generated at a motion sensor of the called device during or after the communication session. The device analyzes the motion signal to determine whether a portion of the motion signal corresponds to a preselected motion of the called device and whether a subsequent call from the calling device accordingly is to be blocked. Responsive to a determination that the subsequent call is to be blocked, the device also updates a list of blocked caller identifiers associated with the called device to add an identifier associated with the calling device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A cutoff system for a power tool or other device includes a receiver and a transmitter, the receiver being configured to electrically couple to a power source and to a power tool or other device, the transmitter is configured to transmit a communication signal to the receiver, and the receiver is further configured to transmit electrical power from the power source to the power tool or other device only when the receiver receives the communication signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a tamper detection element to locate against a first member to detect tampering. The element has a resilient deformable member able to deform because of tamper induced deformation, a contact sensing member disposed towards the resilient deformable member, a first electrically conductive portion adjacent or on the resilient deformable member, and a second electrically conductive portion on the contact sensing member. An electrical relationship can then be formed between the first and second electrically conductive portions, and the tamper induced deformation results in a change of impedance of the electrical relationship, the change therefore indicative of the tampering.

Abstract: A medical products storage device, such as a refrigerator, includes a door having a viewing window. The window has a variable opacity so that the viewing window may be transparent or opaque, depending on conditions of the medical products storage device. Light emitting diodes embedded in the viewing window are used to indicate an alarm condition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting the loss, theft or unauthorized use of a device and/or altering the functionality of the device in response. In one embodiment, a device monitors its use, its local environment, and/or its operating context to determine that the device is no longer within the control of an authorized user. The device may receive communications or generate an internal signal altering its functionality, such as instructing the device to enter a restricted use mode, a surveillance mode, to provide instructions to return the device and/or to prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized access to data. Additional embodiments also address methods and systems for gathering forensic data regarding an unauthorized user to assist in locating the unauthorized user and/or the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying and/or, authenticating, and/or authorizing a first radio station in a radio network, comprising the steps of (a) at the first radio station, transmitting to a second radio station a first radio station identifier computed from a set of identity parameters based on the identity of the first radio station, comprising at least one identity parameter, (b) at the first radio station, transmitting at least one identity parameter from the set of identity parameters, (c) at the second radio station, comparing an authentication identifier computed on the basis of the transmitted identity parameter to the first radio station identifier for enabling a subsequent communication between the first and second radio stations.

Abstract: A communications system by which a user may provide inputs using an accessory device is provided. The accessory device may provide instructions to the communications device over any suitable wired or wireless communications path. The accessory device may include any suitable input mechanism for providing an input, including for example one or more switches, sliders, knobs, keys, motion sensing components, environmental sensing components, or any other input mechanism that the user may actuate. A communications system by which a communications device may transmit urgent communications requests is provided. The user may select an urgent option when transmitting a communications request to cause the recipient communications device to enable an urgent mode in which the recipient communications device may change the notification scheme to ensure that the recipient receives the urgent communications request.

Abstract: An alarm/monitoring system includes an interface body, a first electrical contactor electrically connected to a first lead, and a second electrical contactor electrically connected to a second lead. The first electrical contactor has a magnetic field associated therewith to provide a magnetic attractive force to a ferromagnetic component of the object to be monitored. The first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor are located on the interface body so that when the interface body is placed in an operating position with respect to the ferromagnetic component, the first electrical contactor and the second electrical contactor each contact a respective surface of the ferromagnetic component to provide a closed electrical circuit between the first lead and the second lead, the closed electrical circuit providing a monitoring input to an alarm system.

Abstract: A radio frequency device utilizing an antenna having a single antenna structure resonant on multiple resonant frequency ranges. The antenna can be configured to operate within multiple frequency ranges for communication according to respective protocols associated with the respective frequency ranges.

Abstract: A luggage bag is disclosed which comprises electronic circuits comprising a geolocation module and a communication module that are designed such that an information item relating to the position of the luggage bag may be remotely accessible to a user, the communication module exhibiting a switch-off device allowing its deactivation by the user independently of the remainder of the electronic circuits. The electronic circuits comprise a detection module, designed to take measurements of at least one physical quantity and to identify conditions corresponding to the landing of an aircraft. They can also be programmed to operate in an aircraft mode in which, after deactivation of the communication module in response to an action of the user, the detection module performs measurements staggered over time, the electronic circuits being designed to automatically reactivate the communication module subsequent to the identification of conditions corresponding to the landing of an aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to establish a trustworthy local time based on trusted computing methods are described. The concepts are scaling because they may be graded by the frequency and accuracy with which a reliable external time source is available for correction and/or reset, and how trustworthy this external source is in a commercial scenario. The techniques also take into account that the number of different paths and number of hops between the device and the trusted external time source may vary. A local clock related value which is protected by a TPM securely bound to an external clock. A system of Accuracy Statements (AS) is added to introduce time references to the audit data provided by other maybe cheaper sources than the time source providing the initial time.

Abstract: A method for a device to determine that it has been lost is provided. The method comprises the device determining its current location, the device comparing its current location to a plurality of stored locations, and the device determining that it has been lost when its current location is a stored location that has been designated as a location where the device is unlikely to be located or is not a stored location that has been designated as a location where the device is likely to be located.

Abstract: There are provided a multilayer ferrite sheet capable of performing communications in a wideband frequency, an antenna device using the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. The multilayer ferrite sheet includes: a Y-type hexaferrite layer; and a Z-type hexaferrite layer, wherein the Y-type hexaferrite and the Z-type hexaferrite are alternately laminated.

Abstract: A contactless bi-directional device including first and second generally mutually electromagnetically decoupled contactless loop antennas which are arranged in at least partially mutually overlapping orientation, first and second contactless communication chips, each of the first and second communications chips being connected to a corresponding one of the generally mutually electromagnetically decoupled contactless loop antennas, thereby providing bi-directional communication.

Abstract: The present disclose relates to a mobile telephone, including a main body, a light source and an optical element. The main body defines a cavity. The light source is received in the cavity. The optical element is removably mounted on the main body and located at a pathway of the light source. Light emitted from the light source is converged by the optical element to outside.

Abstract: A mounting system for an electronic device is described. This mounting system includes a base that can be rigidly mounted on or underneath a wall. Moreover, the base can be remateably coupled to the electronic device. The remateable coupling may involve pins that are inserted into corresponding holes and rotated into a lock position. Alternatively, the remateable coupling may involve magnets that mechanically couple to each other so long as the electronic device and the base are within a predefined distance. The electronic device may receive power via the remateable coupling or via inductive charging. In addition, the electronic device may monitor a spatial parameter, such as: a location of the electronic device, a velocity of the electronic device and/or an acceleration of the electronic device. If this spatial parameter changes without the electronic device first receiving a security code, the electronic device provides an alert.

Abstract: A mounting system for an electronic device is described. This mounting system includes a base that can be rigidly mounted on or underneath a wall. Moreover, the base can be remateably coupled to the electronic device. The remateable coupling may involve pins that are inserted into corresponding holes and rotated into a lock position. Alternatively, the remateable coupling may involve magnets that mechanically couple to each other so long as the electronic device and the base are within a predefined distance. The electronic device may receive power via the remateable coupling or via inductive charging. In addition, the electronic device may monitor a spatial parameter, such as: a location of the electronic device, a velocity of the electronic device and/or an acceleration of the electronic device. If this spatial parameter changes without the electronic device first receiving a security code, the electronic device provides an alert.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a systems and methods of loss prevention, discovery, and tracking of personal belongings through the use of wireless hardware and mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, and portable computers. One embodiment of the present invention may be directed to a mobile communication device comprising a processor, an antenna, a transceiver device electrically coupled to the antenna and the processor, and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor and comprising code executable by the processor to implement a method. The method may include receiving a wireless communication from a wireless apparatus attached to an object, determining a signal strength reading from the communication, determining if the signal strength reading is below an adaptable alert threshold, and if the signal strength reading is below the alert threshold, alerting a user.

Abstract: Contactless cards and a corresponding anti-collision coupling method are provided, where the method includes requesting that the cards transmit their unique identifiers that each include a fixed number of bytes, receiving the unique identifiers simultaneously as byte-wise positive pulses, counting the received positive pulses, and determining that more than one card responded if the number of received positive pulses exceeds the fixed number of bytes; and where the contactless cards each include a unique identifier having a number of bytes, a receiver for receiving an anti-collision command indicative of a desired identifier byte, a comparator in signal communication with the receiver for comparing the desired identifier byte with a corresponding byte of the unique identifier, and a transmitter responsive to the comparator for transmitting the unique identifier as byte-wise positive pulses if the desired identifier byte matches the corresponding byte of the unique identifier.

Abstract: A method and system for executing a security policy at a mobile terminal is provided. The mobile terminal may contact an authentication entity based on the security policy. The mobile terminal may receive a response from the authentication entity indicative of a security status of the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal may execute a security action based on the received response.

Abstract: One embodiment of the leash for an electronic device, with a data port, comprises: a connector; a singular cord; an elastomeric coating; a protective element; and a washer. The connector includes a broad face, an insertable member adjacent to the broad face and configured to engage the data port, and a latch configured to selectively lock the insertable member to the data port. The singular cord includes a first and second end and defines a spring-loop junction therebetween, wherein the second end is arranged proximal to the spring-loop junction to form a loop. The elastomeric coating is arranged over the cord between the first end and the spring-loop junction and defines a spring section therebetween. The protective element is arranged over the spring-loop junction and the second end of the cord. The washer couples the first end to the connector, the cord extending from the broad face of the connector.

Abstract: A notification system for an air conditioning system includes a power source, first and second connectors, first and second switches, and a notification device. The power source has first and second power terminals. The first and second connectors are connected to a continuity sensor. The first switching device is configured to connect the first power terminal to a first output responsive to an interruption of current from the first connector to the second connector. The second switching device has a second output coupled to the first output, and is configured to connect the first power terminal to the second output responsive to current on the second output. The notification device is coupled to the first and second outputs, and is configured to generate an audible and/or visible notification responsive to power received from the outputs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting and disbursing electronic gratuities. According to one embodiment, a device for submitting gratuities by credit card is provided at a place of business or other appropriate location. A method of using this device is disclosed, whereby consumers pay a predetermined or adjustable gratuity amount by inserting a credit card into the device. According to another embodiment, technological infrastructure is provided to transmit encrypted payment information such that the acquiring bank of the device provider obtains authorization for gratuity transactions conducted using the device. The acquiring bank is thus enabled to credit the device provider's merchant account or disbursal accounts with electronic gratuity payments less acquisition fees. According to another embodiment, a method of disbursing gratuity shares to employees of the business is provided, wherein processing fees are collected by the device provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods of issuing a reminder from a remote control are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, an exemplary embodiment has a remote control and a set top box (STB). In at least one embodiment, the remote control has a transmitter that transmits information corresponding to at least one reminder event with a reminder time, a reminder alert receiver that receives a reminder alert, and at least one of a sound emitter that issues audible reminder alerts, a vibration generator that issues vibration reminder alerts, and a light source that issues visible reminder alerts. In at least one embodiment, the STB has a receiver that receives the information corresponding to the reminder event from the remote control, a STB processing system that generates a reminder alert based upon the received reminder event, and a reminder alert transmitter that transmits the reminder alert to the remote control.

Abstract: Tracking modes of a user device is described. In one method, the user device tracks the user device in a stolen mode and an elevated mode. The user device generates a challenge to authenticate a user as an owner of the user device when the user device is in the elevated mode. The challenge includes a question about a list of history items comprising at least one counterfeit history item and at least one valid history item. The user device generates an audible alert when the user device is in the stolen mode.

Abstract: An alarm system for monitoring a local premises and multiple remote objects is described. The system includes sensors in the local premises, an alarm panel connected to the sensors in the local premises, and remote objects having alarm systems in communication with the alarm panel. The remote objects are assigned a zone in the alarm panel to represent the remote object, such that an alarm condition at the remote object is reported as an alarm condition in the assigned zone.

Abstract: A proximity-based catalytic converter protection system for a vehicle that includes a controller, and a catalytic converter, both located in the vehicle. The protection system further includes a pair of electrodes that are electrically coupled to the controller and located in proximity to the converter. The controller monitors capacitance between the electrodes to detect movement external to the vehicle near the converter. The controller may activate an alarm element upon detecting a change in capacitance between the electrodes that exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A data entry device including a housing formed of at least two portions, data entry circuitry located within the housing, at least one case-open switch assembly operative to sense when the housing is opened and tamper indication circuitry operative to receive an input from the at least one case-open switch assembly and to provide an output indication of possible tampering with the data entry circuitry located within the housing, the at least one case-open switch assembly including an arrangement of electrical contacts including at least first, second and third contacts and a displaceable conductive element, the tamper indication circuitry and the third contact together being operative such that when the third contact is short circuited to at least one of the first contact, the second contact and another contact, an output indication of possible tampering is provided.

Abstract: A portable deactivator having a corresponding identifier is provided. Identification data associated with a user is captured by the portable deactivator. A determination is made whether to activate a deactivation element in the portable deactivator based at least in part on the captured user identification data. The deactivation element is configured to disable at least one electronic article surveillance, EAS, tag when the deactivation element is activated. The deactivation element remains disabled when the determination is made the user associated with the captured identification data is unauthorized to use the deactivator.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a method and system for calibrating an electronic monitoring device having a housing and a strap being connected to a first end and a second end of the housing. The method provides for calibrating a transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap. Then, the signal is generated and transmitted along the strap from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Calibrating the transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap provides for minimizing the power level to a lowest transmission power level detectable by a receiver located in the housing or until the signal is lower than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: A circuit, a system and/or a method detect a passive electrical connection and/or an active electrical connection between an electrical device and a power supply. An integrity of the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power supply is monitored to determine if the electrical device may have access to power and/or to determine if the electrical device may be secure while on display. A high frequency AC signal is modulated onto a positive power rail between the electrical device and the power supply. Capacitance circuitry of the electrical device may remove the high frequency signal from the positive power rail. An absence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection exists between the electrical device and the power supply. A presence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection does not exist between the electrical device and the power supply.

Abstract: A method and system for responding to a request received at an object with a radio frequency identification (RFID) device is described. In one embodiment, a method for responding to a request received at an object with an RFID device is described. The method for responding to a request received at an object with an RFID device involves receiving a request at an RFID device, providing the request from the RFID device to a component of the object, and processing the request at the component of the object. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A merchandise display security device for displaying and protecting an article of merchandise is provided. For example, the security device comprises an alarm unit and a first connector electrically coupled to the alarm unit and configured to releasably engage the article of merchandise. The security device further comprises a second connector electrically coupled to the alarm unit. The second connector is configured to releasably engage an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) power supply cable such that the alarm unit is disposed between a source of electric power and the article of merchandise, and the power supply cable is configured to provide power to both the alarm unit and the article of merchandise. The alarm unit is configured to at least one of activate an alarm in the event that the first connector is removed from the article of merchandise or the second connector is removed from the power supply cable.

Abstract: A merchandise sensor for protecting an item of merchandise displayed on a merchandise display security device from theft includes sensor electronics and a sensor element operably coupled to the sensor electronics. The sensor element provides an output value in an initial stable state before an interaction state and in a subsequent stable state following the interaction state. The sensor electronics compares the output value of the sensor element in the subsequent stable state and the output value of the sensor element in the initial stable state to determine whether a change in the output value indicates an alarm condition. In the event that the output value of the sensor element in the subsequent stable state is not within a predetermined tolerance bandwidth of the output value of the sensor element in the initial stable state, the sensor electronics activates an alarm in response to the alarm condition.

Abstract: An article transfer system that allows the operator to easily notice that abnormality occurs in an abnormality detecting sensor for detecting abnormality and perform remedial work is provided. The article transfer system is adapted to display information indicating that the abnormality occurs on a display device as abnormality occurrence information, receive input of a result of determination by the operator on whether or not the abnormality indicated by the abnormality occurrence information occurs, and display information indicating that the detecting information received from the abnormality detecting sensor is incorrect on the display device when the operator inputs the result of determination that the abnormality indicated by the abnormality occurrence information does not occur with the abnormality detecting sensor detecting the abnormality.

Abstract: A loss prevention system comprises a protected article and a receiver. The protected article and the receiver are located in the same room. The loss prevention system can help to prevent loss or theft of the protected article. The protected article comprises a transmitter that emits an infrared signal. The infrared signal has a carrier frequency that is modulated to encode a digital signature. The receiver detects infrared signals. The receiver performs an alarm action if the receiver does not detect within a rolling time window an infrared signal having the carrier frequency that is modulated to encode the digital signature.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for facilitating payments using low-cost barcode or RFID tags are disclosed. Such tags can be attached or affixed to physical, real-world objects thus allowing the objects to be purchased using a customer mobile device, without the need for a dedicated, on-site point-of-sale system. The tags may be constructed from paper, metal, leather, plastic or some other low-cost material. The tag allows a unique visual identifier such as a tag code to be imprinted so that it can be read using a mobile camera or other sensor enabled telephone.

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

Abstract: A programmable security system and method for protecting an item of merchandise includes a programming station, a programmable key and a security system. The programming station generates a security code and communicates the security code to a memory of the programmable key. The programmable key initially communicates the security code to a memory of the security device and subsequently operates the security device upon a matching of the security code in the memory of the security device with the security code in the memory of the programmable key. The programmable key may also transfer power via electrical contacts or inductive transfer from an internal battery to the security device to operate a lock mechanism. The security code may be communicated by wireless infrared (IR) systems, electrical contacts or inductive transfer. A timer inactivates the programmable key and/or the security device after a predetermine period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for supervising a baggage item using a security device comprising at least one sensor, a processor connected to said sensor, and a communication unit connected to said processor. Said method comprises the steps of monitoring (S101), by the at least one sensor, a status of a baggage item, detecting (S102), by the processor, a change in the status of the baggage item and determining (S103), based on a detected change in the status, whether a notification is to be issued, and transmitting (S104), by the communication unit, the notification to a supervision unit.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems and methods for monitoring and alerting a body temperature of a person under guardianship. A wireless signal emitting body temperature sensor is configured to transmit a wireless signal including a detected temperature value. The wireless signal is received by a wireless signal receiving chip of a wireless signal receiving and processing precaution device carried by a guardian, and processed by a central processing chip. If the detected value is over the maximum value or is under the minimum value, an alarming signal will timely notify the guardian about abnormality in the body temperature of the person under guardianship.

Abstract: Portable security and protection cases and enclosures for storage and transport of high value articles susceptible or vulnerable to theft, loss or irreparable damage. The cases and enclosures include reinforced structural shells electronic anti-theft and climate control and monitoring measures, electronic and non-electronic anti-breakage performance characteristics and automated locking and control systems.

Abstract: Various cryptographic locks for securing assets, secure containers and methods of operating a cryptographic lock. One embodiment of a cryptographic lock includes: (1) a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a first and second phase, wherein the first phase inhibits access to an asset and the second phase allows access to the asset and (2) an RFID transponder, coupled to the SMA, configured to receive an authentication signal from an RFID transceiver and, based thereon, energize the SMA to temporarily change the SMA from the first phase to the second phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an AC line for impedance change. In one embodiment, the method, comprises superimposing a tone on an AC current coupled to the AC line, wherein the tone is a higher frequency than an AC voltage waveform on the AC line; applying a correlation over a sampled AC voltage waveform, obtained by sampling the AC voltage waveform, to generate a correlated signal; and determining whether at least one change in characteristic of the correlated signal occurs.