Velocity Patents (Class 340/670)
  • Patent number: 8005347
    Abstract: A drop sensor detects a drop of a device. When the drop of the device is detected, a sub CPU allows a counter to count a drop time. When the device drops for a predetermined time or more, the sub CPU controls a regulator so that the regulator forcibly disconnects an electric power to be supplied to a hard disc, and writes a drop occurrence flag into a nonvolatile memory. When the power supply is again turned on, a main CPU allows a display section to display information indicating that the power supply is disconnected due to the drop of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Victor Company of Japan, Limited
    Inventor: Junichi Kasuya
  • Publication number: 20110187547
    Abstract: Disclosed are an information display apparatus and a method thereof capable of allowing a user to conveniently and safely drive by displaying a sender's information corresponding to a call signal, on a windshield of a vehicle, through a display unit such as a Head-Up Display (HUD) or a projector, if the vehicle is in a running state when the call signal is received. The information display apparatus comprises a communication unit configured to receive a call signal, and a controller configured to detect a vehicle speed when the call signal is received, and configured to display a sender's to information corresponding to the call signal, on a display unit, based on the vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Donguke KWEON
  • Publication number: 20110175738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system (1) for detecting and/or tracking at least one moving monitoring object (4) in a monitoring area (2), having a plurality of monitoring sensors (6) which are and/or can be spatially distributed in the monitoring area (2) and which are designed to detect the monitoring object (4) and to output detected object information, having a signature lock (8a, b, c, d) having at least one signature sensor (9) which is designed and/or arranged to detect the monitoring object (4) and to output object signature information, having an evaluation device (10) which is designed to create and/or add to an object signature (16) of the monitoring object (4) based on the object signature information and to detect and/or track the monitoring object (4) by comparing detected object information to the object signature (16) of the monitoring object (4), wherein the signature lock (8a, b, c, d) comprises at least two signature sensors (9) and is designed in such a way that the object signatur
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Axel Baumann, Hartmut Loos, Jan Karl Warzelhan
  • Publication number: 20110150425
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention involves an apparatus and method for controlling periodic play back of demo content by a display device. The method comprises monitoring for a triggering event by a presence sensor within the display device. The triggering event involves a detection of a non-moving or slow-moving object remaining in front of the display device for a predetermined period of time. In response to detecting the triggering event, the demo content is automatically played for a first period of time. Thereafter, play back of the demo content is halted after the first period of time has elapsed and play back the streaming advertising content is continued by the display device for a second period of time, and as an option, even if another triggering event is detected during the second period of time. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicants: SONY CORPORATION, SONY ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Brant L. Candelore, Peter Shintani
  • Publication number: 20110109468
    Abstract: A method of partial deactivation of a personal communication device in a vehicle when the vehicle is in motion including receiving, by the personal communication device, velocity information of the vehicle, determining, by the personal communication device, whether the vehicle is in motion from the velocity information, and deactivating, by an application executing on the personal communication device, at least one function of the personal communication device when the vehicle is in motion. Deactivation may include any one or more of disabling a user interface, turning off a communication radio, muting a ringer, and activating a power saving mode. A safety system for partial deactivation of the personal communication device while a vehicle is in motion. A diagnostic audio bridge retrieves and sends velocity information. The device executes activation control code which deactivates at least one function of the personal communication device when the vehicle is in motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Robert A. Hirschfeld, Laura G. Hirschfeld, Gregory S. Althaus
  • Publication number: 20110105096
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system and method for activating an electronic device from a low power state. The method comprises: monitoring a motion detection circuit for a signal indicating a movement of the device; analyzing the movement of the device and if the movement matches a profile for an activation movement for the device then activating a component on the device; and if the movement does not match the profile, then monitoring for additional movement signals for the device and providing data relating to the additional movement signals to a microprocessor in the device at an instance where the microprocessor is expected to be monitoring for receipt of a synchronization signal from a network in communication with the device is expected and when the instance is passed, the device is placed in second power operating mode, the second power operating mode consuming less power than the first power operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Alton Hugh Dods, Nazih Almalki
  • Publication number: 20110084822
    Abstract: A detecting apparatus for a bicycle includes a detector mounted on a wheel fork and a monitoring device connected to a bicycle for immediately monitoring cycling status data. The detector wirelessly communicates with the monitoring device for detecting a wheel rotation rate. The monitoring device includes a process unit controlling the monitoring device and calculating a bicycle speed from the wheel rotation rate. A display module is electrically connected to the process unit. The display module has a speed display mode for displaying the bicycle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Johnson Li
  • Publication number: 20110065484
    Abstract: A wireless mobile communication device is provided. The wireless mobile communication device has, a wireless communication module for performing wireless communications, a hands-free conversation module for providing a hands-free mode of a phone conversation during the wireless communications, a speed value generation module for receiving location or velocity information to generate a speed value, and a hands-free mode controller for determining whether the speed value has exceeded a predetermined threshold value, and activating the hands-free conversation module in response to the speed value exceeding the predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: VIA TELECOM, INC.
    Inventor: Xiaomei Liu
  • Patent number: 7902993
    Abstract: Component removal detection may be accomplished by a variety of systems and techniques. In one embodiment, a system for component movement detection may include a payment module, a fuel dispenser, and a movement detection device. The fuel dispenser may receive the payment module and enclose the payment module at a first position defined by a fixed position of the payment module relative to the fuel dispenser. The movement detection device may be communicably coupled to the payment module and may detect a first value at the first position and a second value at a second position of the payment module, where the second position may be different from the first position. Further, the movement detection device may transmit the second value to the payment module, where the payment module may activate a security measure based upon a difference in the first and second values greater than an adjustable absolute limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael DeMarco
  • Patent number: 7898428
    Abstract: A mobile device configured to have at least one function disabled when a speed of the mobile device exceeds a threshold. The mobile device includes an output component configured to provide a notification related to disabling the at least one function. The mobile device also includes a first input component configured to promote controlling whether to disable the at least one function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: David Blaine Dietz, Nagula Tharma Sangary, Sean Bartholomew Simmons
  • Publication number: 20100315252
    Abstract: The invention provides lighting apparatuses which are power efficient, environment friendly and long lasting and can be manufactured with high degree of speed, accuracy and flexibility. The lighting apparatuses are easily serviceable and can be produced, transported economically and have higher economical value even on completion of life term of the lighting apparatuses. The present invention reduce the waste of raw material thereby utilizing maximum percentage raw material for produce solid state lighting fixtures using CAD and CNC process and provides retrofitting lighting apparatuses which can be replaced without making considerable changes in existing infrastructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: SHIRISH DEVIDAS DESPHANDE, PRAFULLA MADHUKAR THOTE
  • Publication number: 20100289659
    Abstract: A dynamic position reporting and/or logging scheme is described herein. Position reporting and/or logging for a mobile device may be dynamically determined based on one or more reporting and/or logging constraints. The constraints may be based on time, distance, events, operating parameters, operating conditions, or some combination thereof. The constraints that dynamically trigger position reporting may be the same as, overlap, or be distinct from the constraints used to trigger position logging. The reporting and logging constraints can be selected to provide a more accurate indication of a track or route traveled by the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: Christopher John Verbil
  • Publication number: 20100289660
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is equipped with an environmental sensor, which emits signals and receives reflected signals. In order to reduce influences on the environment, a transmission power of the environmental sensor can be regulated as a function of velocity. Furthermore, a corresponding method for activating the environmental sensor is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Uwe BONNE
  • Publication number: 20100210301
    Abstract: A system and method for speed measurement of a mobile device, using an speed sensor such as a satellite navigation system or an accelerometer, does not need such speed sensor to be continually activated. The system and method make use of a monitor for monitoring at least one motion indicium for indicating that the speed of the mobile device is above an initial threshold, including but not limited to: monitoring the Doppler shift measurements of a timing signal; monitoring the timing advance of a cellular radio signal; monitoring the number of base stations visible to the mobile device; monitoring the frequency of base station handover, however determined; monitoring the level crossings and/or the autocorrelation of an RSSI signal; and/or triangulation of the position of the mobile device. When the monitor determines that the mobile device may be travelling in excess of a threshold speed, a speed sensor is activated to confirm the indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: David Blaine Dietz, Nagula Tharma Sangary, Sean Bartholomew Simmons, Mihal Lazaridis, Jonathan Cyril Skilton Doll, Perry Jarmuszewskl
  • Patent number: 7774156
    Abstract: A portable apparatus including an interface configured to input first motion data of a user from a foot-worn first self-contained activity determining unit is disclosed. The portable apparatus also includes a second self-contained activity determining unit configured to determine second motion data of the user. Furthermore, the portable apparatus includes a processing unit configured to determine and store a user-specific dependency between the first motion data and the second motion data, and determine a current speed of the user or a current traveled distance of the user based on current second motion data and the user-specific dependency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Polar Electro Oy
    Inventors: Arto Niva, Jukka Jaatinen, Mika Niemimäki
  • Publication number: 20100156651
    Abstract: A system, techniques, and apparatus for determining RFID tag movement are disclosed. The system includes an RFID reader that is configured to detect an RFID tag's motion by comparing backscattered signals received from the tag. The system can also generate and filter alerts according to pre-defined business rules based on the detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Dirk A Broer
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100134308
    Abstract: An infrared remote control is encapsulated in a plastic moulding and has no physical controlling buttons or virtual touch screen buttons that uses motion to determine which remote control codes are to be transmitted to adjust the function of home audio visual equipment. The combination of a motion sensor (14) and a computer program running in an onboard microprocessor (15) enables the device to be used in any orientation. The user selects modes and causes the remote control device to broadcast infrared command signals as required to adjust the function of home audiovisual equipment at a distance by moving the device in certain predetermined patterns. The device signals its function to the user by a heartbeat style vibration pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: THE WAND COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Chrisopher John Andew BARNARDO, Richard Guy BLAKESLEY
  • Publication number: 20100123593
    Abstract: A jump safety system and method for monitoring a jump landing area is described. The system of examining a landing area associated with the jump includes a camera, a memory, a processor, an image processing module, and a light emitting output. The camera is positioned to generate a camera output that displays the landing area. The landing area has a declining slope angle that reduces a landing force in relation to the slope angle. The image processing module, which is controlled by the processor, determines a landing area clear status by analyzing the camera output and determining the landing area is clear of obstructions. A landing area obstruction status is determined by identifying that there is an obstruction in the landing area. The light emitting output communicates either the landing area clear status or the landing area obstruction status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: David James Stewart
  • Patent number: 7693640
    Abstract: A lateral G sensor breakdown detection device configured to carry out a breakdown determination control that determines that the lateral G sensor has a breakdown when the difference between the actual lateral G acting on a four wheel drive vehicle measured by the lateral G detection sensor installed on the vehicle and the estimated lateral G estimated and calculated from predetermined parameters that express the condition of the vehicle; while the vehicle is turning when the rotation speed of the outer wheel is equal to or less than the rotation speed of the inner wheel and when the actual lateral G is less than the estimated lateral G and the difference is greater than a predetermined value, the breakdown determination control is suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoki Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100081420
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and a moving speed detection method which are capable of detecting a moving speed with high accuracy are provided. A mobile communication terminal 10 includes a plurality of moving speed detector sections, i.e., a first moving speed detector section 30 and a second moving speed detector section 32 which have mutually different detection methods and a speed detection value selector section 34 to select any one of respective speed detection values of the detector sections 30 and 32 based on a predetermined selection criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Osamu Ootsuka
  • Publication number: 20100073183
    Abstract: A system and method for false alarm prevention in unstable locations is presented. In one embodiment, the method comprises activating an asset sensor and a reference sensor, detecting motion in the asset sensor, determining if the reference sensor detects motion, and preventing transmission of an alarm if the reference sensor detects the motion. In another embodiment, the method comprises activating an asset sensor and a reference sensor, detecting motion in the asset sensor and transmitting acceleration data in accordance with the detected motion, sensing local acceleration data from the reference sensor, and signaling an alarm if a difference between the transmitted acceleration data and the local acceleration data is greater than a predetermined threshold. The reference sensor can be mounted in a control panel, and the asset and reference sensors can be enrolled in the control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Lewin Edwards, Christopher Beach
  • Publication number: 20100066680
    Abstract: Two or more spatial filters are used in determining velocity based on speckle translation. A light source may be turned on, turned off, or both for a variable amount of time during operation. The velocity may then be determined with trend identification, correlation, recursive frequency estimation, or measurement bandwidth variation. A confidence level may also be calculated for the measured velocity, and the measured velocity reported or used only when the calculated confidence level meets or exceeds a given value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Susan Hunter, Charles D. Hoke, Ramakrishna Kakarala, John S. Wenstrand
  • Publication number: 20100052931
    Abstract: A key fob for a vehicle that provides a certain vehicle function depending on the motion applied to the key fob. The key fob includes a switch that is pressed when the vehicle operator wishes to transmit a command. Pressing the switch causes a device, such as a camera or accelerometer, to be put in a motion detecting mode, where a subsequent motion of the key fob causes the key fob to transmit a command associated with that motion. For example, the vehicle operator can press the switch on the key fob and make an upward motion, which will cause the vehicle door locks to unlock. Likewise, pressing the switch on the key fob and making a downward motion may cause the door locks to lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin G. Kolpasky, David T. Proefke, Ryan O'Keefe, Janet S. Goings, Louise E. Stauffer, Nancy S. Martinelli, Kate Marie Schreiber, Dirk Ahlgrim, Gian Antonio Pangaro, Robert Francis Hartmann, Gaius S. Lim, Clark E. McCall
  • Publication number: 20100057357
    Abstract: A device selects an area to be introduced, from among a plurality of areas. The area is introduced to a user moving along a given route. The device includes a candidate selector, a time estimator, and an area determiner. The candidate selector selects a candidate area for an area to be introduced. The candidate area is adjacent to or neighboring a road on the given route. The time estimator estimates a transit time for transiting the candidate area. The area determiner determines the candidate area as an area to be introduced, in accordance with the transit time and a given reference time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Ryosuke MIYATA, Kyouko Okuyama, Hiroshi Yamada
  • Publication number: 20100033352
    Abstract: The present invention provides a real-time motion recognition method for identifying whether an inertia-sensing device is in active state or not according to an angular velocity signal detected with respect to the device. The present invention further provides an inertia-sensing and trajectory-reconstruction device incorporated with the foregoing method for recording detected acceleration and angular velocity signals while the device is in operation so as to reconstruct a corresponding trajectory which is capable of being subsequently utilized to be a basis of writing recognition and motion analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Fang-Chen CHUANG, Guo-Yuan ZENG, Gwo-Yun LEE, Hsuan-Lih LIN
  • Publication number: 20100001873
    Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is an audio apparatus for a financial transaction organizer. According to various embodiments, the audio apparatus includes a sound module adapted to detect use by a user. The audio apparatus further includes a speaker coupled to the sound module, in various embodiments. The speaker is adapted to output a sound after detecting use by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Carol J. Johnson, Lisa A. Juhl, Lynn R. Koldenhoven, James T. McCall, Kathy S. Reding, Heather R. Selph
  • Publication number: 20090224931
    Abstract: A mobile device configured to have at least one function disabled when a speed of the mobile device exceeds a threshold. The mobile device includes an output component configured to provide a notification related to disabling the at least one function. The mobile device also includes a first input component configured to promote controlling whether to disable the at least one function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: David Blaine Dietz, Nagula Tharma Sangary, Sean Bartholomew Simmons
  • Publication number: 20090174567
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote controller for controlling playback of multimedia files. The remote controller includes a controller body and a receiver. By changing the inclination statuses of the controller body and pressing down the button on the external surface of the controller body, the user can remotely control playback of the multimedia files. The multimedia file playback remote controller of the present invention is small in size and thus convenient for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventor: Tzu-Chiang Shih
  • Publication number: 20090156131
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a wireless communication module to wirelessly connect with an external device, a sensor to detect movement of the information processing apparatus, and a disconnection control module to instruct the wireless communication module to terminate wireless connection with the external device when start of movement is detected based on information output from the sensor during wireless connection with the external device by the wireless communication module
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Nobuaki TAKASU
  • Publication number: 20090135027
    Abstract: A system and method for reporting a status of an asset is described. In one embodiment, an asset status is determined based on configurable parameters to thereby enable accurate reporting of departures and arrivals of an asset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Rich Battista
  • Publication number: 20090102675
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for the centralized control of radio frequency identification (RFID) readers are described herein. An input event control embodiment operates by receiving a signal from a non-RFID input device and commanding an RFID reader associated with the non-RFID input device to begin reading. According to an alternative time coordination embodiment, non-overlapping time slots are assigned to a plurality of RFID readers, and the RFID readers read only during their respective non-overlapping time slots. According to an alternative combined input event control/time coordination embodiment, non-overlapping time slots are assigned to a plurality of RFID readers. A signal from a non-RFID input device is received, and an RFID reader associated with the non-RFID input device is commanded to begin reading. However, such RFID reader only begins to read at the beginning of its next assigned time slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: iAnywhere Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Arteaga, Franky Martin
  • Patent number: 7505865
    Abstract: As an embodiment of the present invention, in a navigation system using an acceleration sensor, when position information cannot be obtained from a GPS processing section, a velocity detecting unit performs an operation using detected acceleration ?G, a measurement time mt, a velocity V0 at a time t0, gravity acceleration g and an amount of height change Dh, according to Expression (11). By using the relationship among a gravity acceleration component gf, the gravity acceleration g, the amount of height change Dh and distance Dm shown in Expression (4), the gravity acceleration component gf can be offset by the amount of height change Dh. Therefore, velocity V can be calculated with high accuracy without receiving the effect of the gravity acceleration component gf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Ohkubo, Tomohisa Takaoka
  • Publication number: 20090066485
    Abstract: There is described a method for monitoring the load condition of a variable speed engine. Said method shows a determination of an actual speed and an actual load moment during operation. A warning signal is emitted when the actual load moment remains outside a monitoring range, predetermined depending on the speed, for the duration of a predetermined delayed reaction time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gerd Michaelis
  • Patent number: 7479890
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method of operation for evaluating body activity relative to an environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a processor that is associable with a sensor for sensing dynamic and static accelerative phenomena of the body. The processor is operable to process the sensed dynamic and static accelerative phenomena as a function of at least one accelerative event characteristic and an environmental representation to thereby determine whether the evaluated body activity is within environmental tolerance. The processor operates to monitor both activity and inactivity relative to the environmental representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: iLife Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Lehrman, Michael E. Halleck, Alan R. Owens, Edward L. Massman
  • Publication number: 20090015421
    Abstract: A portable apparatus including an interface configured to input first motion data of a user from a foot-worn first self-contained activity determining unit is disclosed. The portable apparatus also includes a second self-contained activity determining unit configured to determine second motion data of the user. Furthermore, the portable apparatus includes a processing unit configured to determine and store a user-specific dependency between the first motion data and the second motion data, and determine a current speed of the user or a current traveled distance of the user based on current second motion data and the user-specific dependency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Arto Niva, Jukka Jaatinen, Mika Niemimaki
  • Publication number: 20090002186
    Abstract: A tracking system allows for the tracking of underground mine equipment and personnel and is particularly useful in locating miners under emergency circumstances in order to expedite their rescue. The system includes an inertial sensor which is suitably sized to be carried by an individual or mounted on mine equipment. Velocity data signals are transmitted from the inertial sensor so that equipment and miners may be tracked at a remote location with the use of a computer. Typically, a transmitter sends wireless signals from the inertial sensor to the computer via several underground transceivers. An underground charging and reset station is provided for charging a battery used with the inertial sensor and for setting alignment of the inertial sensor to a home position. A pair of underground geodetic survey monuments typically facilitate alignment of the inertial sensor to the home position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Russell M. Breeding
  • Publication number: 20080316041
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a movement sensor and a processor. The movement sensor is configured for detecting different types of movements of the portable electronic device and generating a corresponding signal representing each type of movement. The processor is configured for receiving the signal generated by the movement sensor and generating an operating signal for operating the portable electronic device corresponding to each movement type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHEN-FU TSAI
  • Publication number: 20080316040
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring terminal (TS), comprising positional information acquisition means (M1S), determination means (AGS-MGS) to provide location information in response to a received signal from a positioning system. Said terminal further comprises calculation means (MCS) to calculate the distance between said position and said location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Frederic Aberlenc
  • Publication number: 20080297365
    Abstract: Method and system of guising communication using a chatter signal is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes communicating a chatter signal generated by a first node of a network to a second node based on the communication protocol of the network to guise a true signal of the first node communicated to the second node of the network, and processing the true signal communicated to the second node while dispensing with the chatter signal communicated to the second node based on the communication protocol of the network. The method may also include padding the chatter signal and/or the true signal with pseudorandom bits to make a size of the chatter signal equal to a size of the true signal. Moreover, the method may include guising a key exchanged between the first node and the second node with the chatter signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Devon Welles, Chris Gough, Chris Vondrachek, Lewis Adams
  • Publication number: 20080291041
    Abstract: A system for predicting a trajectory of an item tagged with an RFID tag. The system includes a network of communicatively coupled RFID readers, each having tag cache memory, and a search engine communicatively coupled with the tag caches in each of the readers. When a tag is within operating range of one of the readers, the tag is interrogated for its data and path information comprising timestamps of reader-tag interactions and related event data, and updated path information is stored in the tag cache memory. The search engine performs a search the tag cache memory in one of one of the readers to locate information corresponding to search criteria including characteristics of the tagged item sought.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: SKYETEK, INC.
    Inventor: Sayan Chakraborty
  • Publication number: 20080280642
    Abstract: A device and method of controlling a user interface of an electronic device. The method includes detecting the occurrence of an event for which a user response is desired, moving the electronic device, detecting such moving, and in response to said moving of a prescribed character, controlling the user interface of the electronic device. The controlling includes substituting an automated response for a user response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventors: Robert Andrew Coxhill, Gary Denman
  • Publication number: 20080238703
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the IC. An RF transceiver generates an outbound RF signal from outbound data and that generates inbound data from an inbound RF signal. A processing module processes the motion parameter, generates the outbound data, and receives the inbound data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation, a Californica Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadraza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Publication number: 20080242354
    Abstract: A device includes an on-chip gyrating circuit that generates a motion parameter based on motion of the device. An RF transceiver generates an outbound RF signal from an outbound symbol stream, transmits the outbound RF signal to a remote station of a wireless network, and generates an inbound symbol stream from an inbound RF signal received from the at least one remote station. A processing module is coupled to process the motion parameter to produce motion data, to convert outbound data into the outbound symbol stream, and to convert the inbound symbol stream into inbound data, wherein the outbound data includes the motion data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation, a California Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Reza Rofougaran
  • Publication number: 20080186193
    Abstract: A movement information determining unit determines a moving direction and a moving speed of a user using position information detected by a position information detecting unit. A moving-speed determining unit determines whether the moving speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. An information display unit displays high-speed movement information corresponding to the position information and the moving direction when the moving speed is determined to exceed the threshold speed, and low-speed movement information corresponding to the position information and the moving direction when the moving speed is determined not to exceed the threshold speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicants: FUJITSU LIMITED, FUJITSU FRONTECH LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi TOYOKAWA, Yasuyoshi SATO, Shouta KAMASAKI
  • Publication number: 20080186165
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the location of a tracking device are disclosed. An example method includes defining location criteria, associating the location criteria with a user, associating the tracking device with the user, comparing location data generated by the tracking device to the location criteria, and transmitting notification to said user if the location data satisfies the location criteria. An example system includes a tracking device interface for communicating with a tracking device, a network interface for communicating with a user, a processing unit for processing data and code, and memory for storing the data and the code, the data and the code together including data associating the tracking device with the user, location criteria associated with the user, and a monitoring routine operative to transmit notification to the user if location data generated by the tracking device satisfies the location criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Patrick E. Bertagna, R. Eric Stalnaker, David S. Ryan
  • Publication number: 20080117072
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating an alarm signal upon detecting movement of an object over a time that is greater than a field settable allowed movement time. The method includes the steps of locating a housing with respect to the object, setting the allowed movement time for the object, monitoring the movement of the housing, detecting a movement that exceeds the allowed movement time of the housing, generating an alarm signal, and transmitting by wireless transmission the alarm signal to a remote receiving station. Setting the movement time for the object is achieved by the following steps: powering the apparatus while depressing a tamper switch, initiating a time counter, moving the object an acceptable distance, releasing the tamper switch, stopping the time counter, and reading the allowed movement time from the time counter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: William E. Hallbert, Ralph Scena, Lewin Edwards
  • Patent number: 7317393
    Abstract: A system and method for tracking and controlling access to objects such as keys includes a lockable storage cabinet adapted to receive, store, and dispense objects within transparent security containers. A control computer is operably coupled to the cabinet. Information about objects, such as their weight, an image, or magnetic characteristics, is extracted by sensors when the objects within their containers are dispensed to a user or checked in by a user. This information is compared to a data base of the same information previously extracted for these objects. From the comparison, the connected control computer verifies that the objects present in the security container are the objects expected to be in the security container. If they are not, then theft or tampering is indicated and the computer takes remedial actions such as setting alarms or notifying security personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Key Control Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Maloney
  • Patent number: 7253610
    Abstract: A bicycle signal output device comprises a magnet structured to be mounted to one of a first part and a moving part of a bicycle, a coil structured to be mounted to the other one of the first part and the moving part of the bicycle, and a signal generating unit that operates using electrical power generated by the coil in response to relative motion between the magnet and the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Masayoshi Nagae
  • Patent number: 7180425
    Abstract: The invention is aimed at preventing apparatus damage, loss of data, accidental firing of a firearm due to dropping or subjection to an impact, and other mishaps caused by accidental dropping or improper handling of the apparatus, firearm, etc. due to carelessness on the side of users. To achieve this, a drop detecting means is provided that detects the dropping of the apparatus when the apparatus is dropped, and control is performed so as to set the apparatus in a safe condition in response to a drop detection signal supplied by the drop detecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Yuasa