Abstract: Techniques for detecting and dealing with a lost electronics device are disclosed. In one design, the device may autonomously determine whether it is lost. The device may destroy at least one component to render it inoperable and may perform other actions in response to determining that it is lost. In another design, the device may determine available battery power of the device upon determining that it is lost, select at least one action in a list of possible actions based on the available battery power, and perform the selected action(s). In yet another design, upon determining that it is lost, the device may prevent access to information on the device based on a secondary security key, which is not used for encrypting information during normal operation. In yet another design, the device may notify at least one contact and may perform at least one additional action upon determining that it is lost.

Abstract: A device for processing alarms includes a processor and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations include receiving a first alarm from a first diagnostic device and determining a location associated with a first user. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be proximate to a device, the operations further include presenting a first verbal alert indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be not proximate to the device, the operations further include sending a first notification message to a first mobile device of the first user indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm.

Abstract: Described herein is a platform and method for providing a device valuation for an electronic device based on parameter values of the electronic device. The method may comprise obtaining a model information of the electronic device and identifying a base value of the electronic device. In some embodiments, a device specific performance evaluation may be executed on a hardware component contained with the electronic device. Upon execution of the performance evaluation, a set of parameter values may be generated using input collected with respect to the performance evaluation. A valuation of the electronic device may subsequently be generated based upon the base value and the set of parameter values.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for detecting the locations of terminals in a multi-node system. A plurality of nodes transmit location reference signals which are distinguished by node, and a terminal performs feedback of channel information on each node using the location reference signals. Various signaling for detecting the locations of the terminals may be performed for each node, that is, for each point, rather than cell-based signaling.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting and dealing with a lost electronics device are disclosed. In one design, the device may autonomously determine whether it is lost. The device may destroy at least one component to render it inoperable and may perform other actions in response to determining that it is lost. In another design, the device may determine available battery power of the device upon determining that it is lost, select at least one action in a list of possible actions based on the available battery power, and perform the selected action(s). In yet another design, upon determining that it is lost, the device may prevent access to information on the device based on a secondary security key, which is not used for encrypting information during normal operation. In yet another design, the device may notify at least one contact and may perform at least one additional action upon determining that it is lost.

Abstract: An apparatus includes communication circuit; an actuator electrically coupled with the communication circuit; and a switch engagement component mechanically coupled with the actuator. The apparatus is configured for mounting adjacent to a switch (e.g., a rocker switch, a toggle switch, a button switch, etc.). The communication circuit is configured to activate the actuator in response to one or more instructions received by the communication circuit. The actuator is configured to rotate the switch engagement component. Rotating the switch engagement component while the switch is in a first state places the switch in a second state that is distinct from the first state.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is operated to receive a trigger at a first instance. The trigger may be associated with a predefined condition or event or action. The mobile computing device may detect the predefined condition or event at a second instance. In response to detecting the predefined condition or event, a notification is activated on the mobile computing device that is based on the trigger.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to systems and methods for obstructing or preventing light from reaching a light detecting portion of a camera. In one scenario, a camera obstructing device is described which includes the following: a structural housing that provides support for an obstructing member. The structural housing has at least one channel on which the obstructing member slides from one position to another position. The obstructing member substantially prevents light from reaching the light sensor of the camera. At least one magnet is positioned within the structural housing, where the magnet holds the obstructing member in place in the initial position or the other position.

Abstract: A method for monitoring changes in rangeland includes determining a percent coverage of land cover components in the rangeland, and mapping the land cover components using high resolution imagery. The method further includes linking the mapping to coarser imagery having a larger geographic extent, and interpolating land cover measurements spatially and temporally.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed for providing notification at a vehicle that a pre-paired consumer electronics device (CED) has been left inside the vehicle. The vehicle includes a processor and a vehicular system controllable via the processor. The processor can receive an alert signal that indicates that a pre-paired CED has been left inside the vehicle during a time period after a trigger event has occurred. The processor is further configured to control activation of the vehicular system, in response to receiving the alert signal, to cause the vehicular system to generate another signal that is perceptible outside the vehicle to indicate that the pre-paired CED has been left inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A barrier operator that controls operation of a camera includes a controller, a communication module, and control circuitry. The controller moves a barrier between open and closed positions. The communication module receives open/close commands from a peripheral device. The control circuitry is in communication with the controller, the communication module, and a camera. The control circuitry of the barrier operator automatically activates the camera to capture at least one visual image in response to receiving an open/close command and/or a determination to move the barrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for redundant circuit disconnection in electric vehicles are disclosed. Systems can include a resistive metallic fuse connected within an electrical circuit for a battery or otherwise, an inductor comprising a coil of at least one turn of wire about a longitudinal axis, and an AC power source configured to provide an alternating current across the inductor. The resistive metallic fuse may be disposed within the inductor along the longitudinal axis, and the AC power source may be configured to cause the inductor to induce within the resistive metallic fuse eddy currents of sufficient magnitude to melt or vaporize at least a portion of the resistive metallic fuse disposed therein.

Abstract: In one embodiment, chip-cards are fed from conveyor canisters individually into an array of N heterogeneous encoding assemblies of a heterogeneous chip-card production apparatus. Each chip-card is associated with a user account based on a database. Smart chips and magnetic stripes of the chip-cards are encoded asynchronously, electrically and magnetically by the N assemblies with N independent timing protocols for the N assemblies. Encoded chip-cards are deposited asynchronously in parallel by the N assemblies onto a conveyor belt and transported asynchronously and serially to a chip-card printer. The chip-card printer synchronizes each encoded chip-card with associated user account and prints on a surface of the encoded chip-card based on the associated user account.

Abstract: A method and associated device for moving an image of displayable content displayed on a touchscreen of the device. Movement of an object along the touchscreen of the device toward an outer edge of the touchscreen is detected, and in response, the displayed image is moved toward the outer edge in synchronization with the detected movement of the object. It is determined that the object has traversed the outer edge of the touchscreen so as to no longer be touching the touchscreen, and in response, one or more motion sensors are activated to monitor the object for continuing movement of the object. The one or more motion sensors ascertain the continuing movement of the object away from the outer edge, and in response, the displayed image is moved toward the outer edge in synchronization with the ascertained continuing movement of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for personal security is disclosed that includes a wearable accessory formed to receive an alerting device such that the alerting device is not visible while the accessory is worn. The apparatus includes an alerting device with an alerting element. The alerting device is interchangeable with a plurality of wearable accessories. One or more activation elements are disposed on the wearable accessory and formed to activate the alerting device wherein the alerting element sends an alert signal in response to receiving an activation signal from the one or more activation elements. In one embodiment, the alerting device is in wireless communication with a communication device and sends an alert signal to the communication device in response to receiving the activation signal. In another embodiment, the communication device notifies one or more predefined contacts that an alert signal was sent in response to receiving the alert signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the estimation of jurisdictional boundary crossings for fuel tax reporting relating to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). One method includes defining a geo-fenced region for a jurisdiction. The location of the vehicle is determined using a positioning system and the geo-fenced region. When positioning system information is unavailable for a period of time, the location of the vehicle is estimated, including determining if a distance between two consecutive positioning system points is greater than a threshold value, and using predetermined route information to estimate where the vehicle has crossed the geo-fenced region boundary.

Abstract: A new apparatus, system, method and a computer readable memory are presented for lighting control using active wireless active feedback monitoring of behavioral activity of moving objects, for lighting control in an area of interest using, for example, a time dependence of a received signal strength parameter (RSSP) and a calculated standard deviation of the RSSP. Presence of moving objects (such as humans, pets/animals, cars and the like) within the range of an established wireless network tends to modulate the wireless signal strength between wireless nodes. Using the monitored variation in the standard deviation of the wireless signal strength between network nodes, behavioral activity of moving objects may be used to directly control ambient lighting conditions such as luminaire lumen output, color temperature, light distribution, and/or other lighting characteristics, based upon the level of behavioral activity of moving objects within an area of interest.

Abstract: A robot system (50) includes a control system (101) having a control interface grip (102). The robot system includes a macro robotic arm (54) and a micro robotic arm (60). The robot system is arranged such that the macro robotic arm will respond, in a first control system state, to movement of the control interface grip. In particular, the macro robotic arm will move in a plurality of directions responsive to corresponding movement of the interface grip. The micro robotic arm will respond, in a second control system state, to movement of the control interface grip. In particular, the micro robotic arm will move in a plurality of directions responsive to corresponding movement of the interface grip.

Abstract: Method for identifying a location of a subject in a facility and a corresponding system including a kinematic sensor configured to detect a change in subject's mechanical characteristic, and a communications unit. Communications unit includes a controller configured to receive feedback from the kinematic sensor and a unit transceiver controlled by the controller to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal communicating the change. The system may include a housing facilitating coupling of the kinematic sensor with the subject, and at least one facility transceiver unit arranged in a fixed location to extract the first RF signal relative to an RF pattern and to produce an output signal. A processor is configured in communication with the facility transceiver unit (wirelessly or over the facility's power wire) to receive the output signal and to generate data representative of a location of the subject relative to the fixed location.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for space status detection based on acoustic signal are provided. The detecting apparatus includes an audio transmitting device, an audio receiving device, a signal processing device and a decision device. The audio transmitting device transmits an acoustic signal into a space. The audio receiving device receives a varied acoustic signal as a sensing signal. The signal processing device is coupled to the audio receiving device to receive the sensing signal and generates a characteristic parameter of a space status according to the sensing signal. The decision device is coupled to the signal processing device to receive the characteristic parameter and detects a change of the space status according to the characteristic parameter.

Abstract: A method for locating a rail vehicle with a rail vehicle position determination device on a route includes reading positions of reference marks, passed by the rail vehicle, along the route of the rail vehicle and evaluating additional distance information. In order to locate a rail vehicle with little expenditure and with comparatively high accuracy, in the case of a route with at least one track section bounded by axle counting sensor units and having an axle counting evaluator, information on the number of axles from the axle counting evaluator is transferred to the rail vehicle position determination device for determining the position of a rail vehicle. In the rail vehicle position determination device, the position of an axle of the rail vehicle corresponding to the information on the number of axles is determined using route topology data present there, and this position is used as a further reference mark.

Abstract: A group recommendation provides end users in a social group a set of recommended destinations based on the combined personal preferences of the members of the social group. Members of a social group are identified using a combination of location based signals and social graph information in response to receiving a recommendation request. The group recommendation may be determined by combining the personal preferences associated with each member of the group into a master preference profile. Alternatively, the group recommendation may be determined by first calculating an individual recommendation list for each member of the social group and then calculating a composite score for each recommendation on the individual recommendation lists.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a first unit and circuitry. The first unit includes first and second sensors and a wireless device. The first sensor detects approach of an object. The second sensor detects whether the first unit is open or closed. The circuitry reduces transmission power of the wireless device when the first sensor detects approach of the object, and not to reduce transmission power when the second sensor detects a change from an open state to a closed state and the first sensor detects approach of the object.

Abstract: A controlling method and an electronic device are described. The method is applied to an electronic device that includes determining whether the electronic device satisfies a preset condition in case of a deformable structure in the electronic device being in a first form; and obtaining a first control instruction, controlling the deformable structure to deform from the first form to a second form to drive at least a part of a body of the electronic device to be deformed in case of the electronic device satisfying the preset condition, and controlling the deformable structure to maintain in the second form before a second control instruction is received, wherein, the second control instruction controls the deformable structure to deform from the second form to a third form which is different from or the same as the first form.

Abstract: A handheld measuring device includes at least one locating sensor provided for locating at least one object in a measured object, and has a protective circuit that comprises at least one object sensor provided for registering at least one object parameter which at least depends on an alignment of the locating sensor to the measured object. The protective circuit has at least one operator sensor provided for registering at least one operator parameter dependent on an operator.

Abstract: A tag controller may be configured to interface with one or more security tags and at least one of the tags may be adapted to be disposed on a product in a monitoring environment. The tag controller may include processing circuitry configured to receive location information indicative of tag location responsive to initial movement of a tag, and compare the location information to alerting criteria. The alerting criteria may include at least a position component and a temporal component. The processing circuitry may be further configured to initiate an alerting function responsive to the alerting criteria being met.

Abstract: The invention relates to a complex proximity safety and warning system. The invention provides a safety system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response. In the safety system, the generator generates the magnetic field for a first predefined time period, and thereafter senses for a radio frequency response signal from the radio frequency device within a second predefined time period. The invention also provides for shaping safety zones by overlaying magnetic field boundaries to produce a different boundary. The invention also provides for varying the strength of magnetic fields by adjusting a width of a timed pulse.

Abstract: A navigation system, apparatus and method utilizing a processor and a sensor, operatively coupled to the processor to determine a location of the navigation system. An input is configured to receive destination data, specifying a destination, and point-of-interest (POI) data from a user, wherein the processor is configured to process the destination data and the POI data to determine a plurality of POIs that are in closest proximity to the destination and clustering the POIs for presentation on a navigational map. The processor may be further configured to generate a route from the location of the navigation system, the destination and at least one of the POIs in the navigational map based on at least one of speed and distance.

Abstract: A computing device using diagnostic application software described herein allows an owner or operator of a premises to provide a service technician access to operational data from a movable barrier operator so that the technician's computing device can troubleshoot for possible issues with the operation of the barrier operator. The owner's computing device can send credentials to the technician mobile device so that the technician's computing device can then utilize the application to access the operational data. For added security, the application can further give the owner computing device control over the type and duration of access provided to the technician.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided which may be implemented in various devices for to determine or assist in determining that a mobile station is at one or more particular indoor regions and to provide positioning assistance data and/or the like to the mobile station with regard to at least the one or more particular indoor regions.

Abstract: A graphics or image rendering system, such as a map image rendering system, may mark areas of interest on a map based on metadata associated with one or more features of the map. Additional map features may be created to mark the areas of interest or styles of existing map features may be modified to mark the areas of interest.

Abstract: Application software for a mobile device can provide an owner or operator of a premises with the ability to remotely grant a guest authorization to access an access control device on or in the premises. The access control device can control the operation of the one or more secondary devices, so that with the owner authorization, the guest can access the access control device to cause an action at the premises with the secondary device. The application software can further provide the owner/operator the ability to restrict the third party access, such as temporally or spatially.

Abstract: A system for checking the positioning of components is provided. The system includes a reading device for reading in component identification information, which is provided by an identification device in a spatially limited region about a component to be checked, a locating device with at least one stationary reference device, a movement component which is movable relative thereto and a computing unit. The reading device and the locating device can be connected to the computing unit. The computing unit is set up to detect a relative position of the movement component with respect to the at least one reference device in the spatially limited region about the component to be checked and to form a data pair from the detected relative position with component identification information read in by means of the reading device and to compare it with predefined data pairs.

Abstract: An inventory system can include radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and RFID tuners that can be brought into interacting proximity with one another to provide input or other information about the location or other condition of movable elements within the inventory system. For example, a closed or at least partially open state of a drawer can be determined based on signals from an RFID tag when the RFID tag and a corresponding RFID tuner are mounted on opposing faces of the drawer and a compartment that receives the drawer.

Abstract: A sensory prompted protocol for the manipulation of complex devices such as consumer electronic devices without the necessity of the visual feedback via textual or graphic data on a graphical user interface, wherein the binary state sensor functions change with time rather than placement, so that a user action biases a binary state input, which is correlated to a timed data stream, the correlation indicating the desired action selected by the user.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an inventory management system that offers significant improvement over existing systems by automating requests to restock inventory. The present disclosure details an inventory management system that provides real time visibility to stock levels and streamlines materials management activities, while addressing the issues of human resource misallocations, inaccurate inventory data management and related out of stock conditions. Moreover, the system of the present disclosure promotes a high level of confidence in inventory data that enables on-hand inventory levels to be reduced, thereby reducing costs and waste.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described relating to detecting an indication of a person within a specified proximity to at least one mobile device; and presenting an indication of location of the at least one mobile device at least partially based on the indication of the person within the specified proximity. Additionally, systems and methods are described relating to means for detecting an indication of a person within a specified proximity to at least one mobile device; and means for presenting an indication of location of the at least one mobile device at least partially based on the indication of the person within the specified proximity.

Abstract: A system and method for switching a positioning device between using a first positioning technology and using a second positioning technology includes determining a location of the positioning device based on the first positioning technology, determining environment information corresponding to the location of the positioning device, and determining a location of a boundary where switching from the first positioning technology to the second positioning technology should occur. The method also includes switching from the first positioning technology to the second positioning technology prior to the positioning device crossing the boundary.

Abstract: A warning system 10 that warns of saturation of the control capability for the moving surface such as an elevator 4 and a rudder 8 of an aircraft has a determination section 31 that determines whether or not the control capability for the moving surface is saturated, and a display 50 that issues a warning when the determination section 31 determines that the control capability for the moving surface is saturated. The determination section 31 determines that the control capability for the elevator 4 is saturated, when a control target position of the elevator 4 by, for example, a control stick (column) is larger than a first reference position indicating an operation limit of the elevator 4, and a present position of the column is smaller than a second reference position indicating an operation limit of the column.

Abstract: A system that includes at least one processor, at least one 3D camera positioned on or near at least one boundary, at least one radio frequency identification tag reader positioned on or near the at least one boundary, at least one object having at least one radio frequency identification tag connected thereto, and computer executable instructions readable by the at least one processor and operative to use the at least one 3D camera to determine whether the at least one object is within at least one boundary, use the at least one radio frequency identification tag reader to determine whether the at least one radio frequency identification tag is within the at least one boundary, and notify at least one user when the at least one object encroaches the at least one boundary.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a microprocessor executable media controller operable to receive a media stream from a remote node, the received media stream being for an occupant associated with an on board vehicle input/output system, identify which on board vehicle input/output systems are restricted due to operator command and/or as a result of a governing law, and provide the media stream, in compliance with any restriction, to a selected input/output system associated with the occupant.

Abstract: A method on a mobile computing device for locating electromagnetic signals radiating from a buried asset is disclosed. The method includes receiving buried asset data points corresponding to a buried asset, reading a predefined value, generating, based on the buried asset data points, a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone at an above-surface location, wherein a width of the buffer zone corresponds to the predefined value, and wherein the buffer zone corresponds to the buried asset, and iteratively executing the following four steps: a) calculating an above-surface location, b) determining whether the above-surface location is located within the two dimensional area, c) if the above-surface location is not located within the two dimensional area, displaying a first graphic in a display, and d) if the above-surface location is located within the two dimensional area, displaying a second graphic.

Abstract: A self-positioning mechanism is provided that determines and tracks the position of an access point in real time. A location unaware access point determines its location from the locations of location aware stations. The location is determined based on a predicted estimate which is updated based on measured values of the locations of the location aware stations over a time period. The movement of the location is then tracked based on the differences between range measurements of the location aware stations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for determining the presence or absence of an object within a vehicle based on sensor signals and selectively providing notification to a user of the same.

Abstract: A machine for detecting earthquake precursory signals that comprises a spring-loaded balance wheel that is in reality an oscillating seismometer, the oscillating seismometer employed as a local oscillator in a seismic wave receiver. A clock and balance wheel make up the seismic wave receiver which detects the precursory micro-seismic vibrations that precede the earthquake. Extreme sensitivity is accomplished by the immense storage capacity of the clock, for each individual swing of the balance wheel, a miniscule interruption takes place that will go unnoticed but after tens of thousands of swings, which would take place over night for example, a buildup of these interruptions will eventually have their effect.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for generating an indication of an object within an operating ambit of heavy loading equipment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensors disposed about a periphery of the loading equipment, each being operable to generate a proximity signal in response to detecting an object within a coverage region of the sensor, the proximity signal including an indication of at least an approximate distance between the sensor and the object. A processor circuit is operably configured to define an alert region extending outwardly and encompassing swinging movements of outer extents of the loading equipment. The processor circuit is operably configured to receive proximity signals from the plurality of sensors, process the signals to determine a location of the object relative to the loading equipment, and initiate an alert when the location falls within the alert region.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for monitoring patient orientation. A reusable sensor is configured to detect inclination angles of an anterior region of the patient. An elongated disposable attachment device is configured for removable attachment to both the sensor and the patient's anterior region such that the direction of elongation of the attachment device extends along the patient's sternum. The attachment device includes a sensor attachment portion configured for removable attachment to the sensor such that the sensor is prevented from direct contact with the patient, and a patient attachment portion configured for removable attachment to the patient's anterior region.

Abstract: Subject matter disclosed herein relates to an apparatus, device, or method for detecting aim or pointing direction of a firearm, the method comprising detecting a sound signature of a gunshot from the firearm; sensing an aim direction of the firearm substantially at the time of detecting the sound signature of the gunshot; setting a reference direction based, at least in part, on the aim direction; sensing a current aim direction of the firearm; comparing the current aim direction to the reference direction; and initiating an alarm if the current aim direction is beyond a threshold angle of displacement from the reference direction.

Abstract: A system is invented to combine different signals from various sensors together so that an object (such as a car, an airplane etc.)'s position and/or orientation can be measured.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for altering a mobile electronic device's screen timeout based on an acceleration event. A ringtone can be altered in addition to the password timeout time. Historical accelerations may be recognized and the time out can be adjusted based on the determined risk associated acceleration.