Abstract: A fuel dispenser and method to detect the presence of a human being at a fuel dispenser as well as gather data about the human being using the fuel dispenser. The data is used to determine the language or dialect of the fueling instructions as well as the language or dialect of the advertisements understood by the human being. The data is also used to retrieve advertisements tailored to the human being. The fueling instructions and advertisements are displayed on the fuel dispenser in the language or dialect understood by the human being using the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus displays homeland security advisory system information. The apparatus includes a beacon having an illuminous display configured to illuminate a color, and a controller configured to cause the display to selectively illuminate a red, orange, yellow, blue and green color. The controller is configured to receive and respond to a signal to illuminate one of the colors. The method includes providing a security alert beacon, selecting a color for the security alert beacon to display, and manipulating the beacon to display the selected color. The color selected is green when the security alert level is in a first condition, blue when the security alert level in the second condition, yellow when the security alert level is in a third condition, orange when the security alert level is in a fourth condition, and red when the security alert level is in a fifth condition.

Abstract: An electrically modifiable label. In some embodiments, an electrically modifiable label may be applied to or form a part of products that have configurable or otherwise dynamic characteristics. That is, characteristics or desirability that vary over time or characteristics that may be selected or determined at or after advanced stages of manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A writing instrument including an integrated display module. The display module is used to provide a presentation to a user or consumer. The presentation can be in the form of scrolling text, a still image, a flashing image, an image that fades in and out of view or a movie. The presentation can be an advertisement, for entertainment or informative in nature.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for thermally managing a display. A display may be tiltably coupled to a base, and the display may have a tilt sensor disposed therein for providing a tilt output when the display is tilted beyond a tilt threshold. Further aspects include a temperature sensors disposed for providing a high- or low-temperature threshold output when the display the exceeds predetermined temperature thresholds. The disclosure provides for producing a warning signal to the user when sensed signals are positive, and for producing a sleep signal to protect the display from thermal damage.

Abstract: A display sign is in the form of a flat panel loudspeaker, the graphics of the display being carried on one exposed surface of the flat panel, the latter being provided with one or more transducers whereby the flat panel may be energised to transmit sound in accordance with signals supplied to the one or more transducers. The sign may also be provided with means for storing inputs made by a user for later retrieval.

Abstract: A system for tracking and monitoring at least one item in an environment includes at least one transmitter assigned a unique identification number for the item and attached to the item and at least one receiver for receiving a first data packet which includes the unique identification number from the transmitter. At least one node computer controls the receiver, receives a second data packet which includes said unique identification number and direction-of-travel code from the receiver, and determines a location of the item from the direction-of-travel code. A controller computer controls the node computer, receives the unique identification number and the location of the item from the node computer, and stores the unique identification number and the location of the item. A central computer facility coordinates the controller computer and collects and stores the unique identification number and the location of the item for exportation from the system.

Abstract: An internal indicator of a viewfinder of a camera includes a viewfinder optical system which includes a focusing screen on which an object image is formed through a photographic optical system of the camera; at least one optical deflector that is positioned on or in the close vicinity of the focusing screen and is provided with at least one deflecting surface; and at least two light emitters for illuminating the optical deflector from the outside of the viewfinder optical system, which emit at least two light beams of different colors to be incident on the optical deflector.

Abstract: This is an improvement to a microwave, convection, or any other oven. The oven would be equipped with a television screen in or on the door. The television screen could be wired to an antenna, cable television, satellite television or a pre-recording device (such as but not limited to a DVD player or VCR). The television screen could also be hooked to a closed circuit television to view the inside of the oven, or other rooms or areas. There is a clear advantage in having the television in an existing appliance because it will not take up any additional counter space or under cabinet space.

Abstract: An operating device for operating apparatus mounted on the vehicle includes a dial being rotatable, a hand support, and a plurality of switches arranged adjacent to the dial. The apparatus mounted on the vehicle are turned on and off by a user when the switches are operated by the user. A pair of the openings from which operating portions of the dial protrudes are defined on left and right side surfaces of the hand support, respectively. In this way, the occurrence of misoperation is prevented.

Abstract: An onboard, multi-channel vehicle communication system uses a wireless hand-held control and display unit which can be removed from a charging cradle and moved about the interior of an automotive vehicle. An alarm function reminds the user of the hand-held unit that he/she is leaving the immediate area of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system shows messages on electronic displays, including networks of outdoor displays, such as displays mounted on vehicles. With such vehicle displays, a display's current geographical location can be sensed, such as by a GPS receiver in the vehicle or by multiple wireless receivers separate from the vehicle. The sensed location can then be used to select which messages are shown the display. Different values can be associated with showing messages on displays at different locations and times, and values associated with the locations and time through which a display travels can be summed, such as for charging advertisers or crediting vehicle operators. The system can be controlled by a computer system, such as an e-commerce site, which allows advertisers to upload message content, select messages, and select the time and place at which a messages is to be shown, either directly or by specifying criteria for the system to select such times and places.

Abstract: A method and an assembly 10 for increasing the likelihood that a certain function or operation will be performed in a desired manner. In one embodiment, the assembly 10 measures the amount of material 22 which has been applied to an object 23 and provides several sensory stimulation signals in response to the measurement, effective to provide positive feedback to an operator of the performance of the operation.

Abstract: A system of advertising has a source of advertising information adapted to transmit advertising information of different contents substantially corresponding to objects to be advertised situated in different advertising zones and formed as a server unit, a plurality of moving vehicles, each of the vehicle being provided with a receiver for receiving the advertising information of different contents, each of the vehicles being provided with further unit for receiving a signal, which does not contain a geographical information, each of the vehicles being provided with a display for displaying advertising information, and the server unit determining a zone in which the vehicle is located and therefore a geographic information and to transmit to the further receiving unit of the vehicle the signal does not contain the geographic information without transmitting the geographical information, while the receiver in each of the vehicle is formed so as to select in a vehicle based on the signal and to display an adver

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser capable of sensing the proximity or location of a customer relative to the fuel dispenser without requiring direct customer contact and controlling the display or aspects of the display accordingly to conserve energy, reduce heat generation or draw the customer's attention to the display once the customer is within a relative proximity to the fuel dispenser.

Abstract: A lighted signaling system connected to the electrical indicating system of a vehicle or devices on the vehicle which cause the vehicle to change direction or speed. The signaling system allows the user of the vehicle to clearly signal directional and vehicular intentions, including right turns, left turns, running and braking.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor 11 has a level display unit (28). The level display unit (28) is constituted by arranging a plurality of 7-segment indicators (33). The 7-segment indicators (33) are partially constituted of red LED segments (33b) and partially constituted of red/green two-color LED segments (33a). For a digital display, all of the segments are illuminated in red to display numerals. For a graph display, the red/green two-color LED segments are illuminated in green to present a bar graph.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automatic advance warning of imminent automatic door closure to passengers of public transportation vehicles. Comprised of a panel mounted above the automatic door, consisting of an alarm light, a message display area, and a speaker capable of producing audible alarm warnings as well as audible verbal warning messages, it is capable of warning incoming passengers that automatic door closure is imminent. When a door close signal is received from existing door control circuitry, the apparatus is activated and it produces the audible and visual warning messages. After an appropriate delay period the audible and visual warning devices are deactivated and a door close signal is issued to the existing automatic doors and associated door safety guard circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a visual indication of receipt of an electronic message by changing the color of at least a portion of a display formed of liquid crystal according to the message received. A first circuit receives an incoming signal, a second circuit identifies the incoming signal by comparing the incoming signal with stored signals, and a third circuit causes a predetermined voltage to be coupled to a predetermined area of the liquid crystal to cause the predetermined area to assume a predetermined color to call attention to the incoming message.

Abstract: A tolerance-level display portion 12 is provided in a casing 11 of a head 1 of a photoelectric switch. A light reception signal output from the head 1 is transmitted through a cable 31b of a main body 2. The casing 21 of the main body 2 contains a received light amount display portion 22, a tolerance-level display portion 24, adjust switches 28 and setting switches 29. The CPU in the main body 2 calculates a ratio of a light reception signal to a threshold value to obtain a tolerance level, and applies a control signal corresponding to the obtained tolerance level to a variable power supply circuit. The variable power supply circuit applies a variable voltage, which is dependent on the control signal, through a cable 31a to the head 1. The tolerance-level display portion 12 of the head 1 displays a tolerance level on the basis of the variable voltage by turning on the tolerance-level display LEDs 12a, 12b and 12c.

Abstract: An automated system for displaying product information related to acquired biological data by a monitoring device. The monitoring device provides an effective and timely manner for manufacturers to reach a user in need of a product associated with the biological data. The system increases compliance by acting at the subconscious level on the user of the monitoring device.

Abstract: Several different embodiments of a troubleshooting method are described. In one embodiment, an alarm data image is provided (e.g., to a user). The alarm data image may be displayed upon on a display screen visible by the user. The alarm data image includes an image indicative of a problem (e.g., an abnormal condition or faulty state of a processing or metrology tool). Information indicative of a class in which the problem resides is used to access a corresponding portion of a troubleshooting guide (TSG). The corresponding portion of the TSG includes one or more symptom images, wherein each symptom image includes an image indicative of a symptom of the class in which the problem resides. Each symptom image has a corresponding corrective action. A selected one of the symptom images is selected (e.g., by the user). Where the selecting is performed by the user, the user may select one of the symptom images the user believes most closely resembles the alarm data image.

Abstract: A display monitor system for mounting in an automobile, the automobile having an interior and a vehicle status indicator with a changeable state, is provided. The display monitor system comprises a monitor, a motor drivingly coupled to the monitor, and a controller operatively connected to the motor for controlling the motor. The monitor has a screen with a viewing surface, and is configured to be movably coupled to the interior of the automobile such that it is movable between a deployed position, in which the viewing surface is visible to the viewer, and a stowed position. The motor is drivingly coupled to the monitor to move the monitor between the stowed position and the deployed position. The controller is adapted to detect a change in the state of the vehicle status indicator and to signal the motor to move the monitor to a predetermined position corresponding to the detected change in the state.

Abstract: A controller generates a signal to control network activity-indicator devices based upon activity-level information provided by the central processing unit of a network component. This shifts the significant burden of controlling the indicator device from the central processing unit to the controller. The activity indicator-flashing pattern may change non-linearly relative to changes in the activity level to improve the quality of the information provided to network administrators. In addition, the flashing may also be randomized to provide a perception of actual network traffic patterns, and to reduce any appearance of correlated or synchronized flashing when multiple activity indicators are displayed.

Abstract: A medical communication system for exchanging information between a plurality of rooms, comprising transmission means for transmitting information inputted from within one of the rooms, to the other room, and display means for displaying the information received in the other room, as visual information.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a communication device having an light emitting diode (LED) display for displaying a text message and/or one or more images, wherein the LED display is of an ultra-miniature design; a programmable circuit connected to the LED display; a power supply to power the LED display and the programmable circuit; and a frame for holding the LED display, the programmable circuit and the power supply.

Abstract: A method 10 for displaying warranty information by use of a display of indicators 72, 74 having one of a variety of colors. Various item function groups 68, 70 are created and each function group has a certain indicator 72, 74. The color of each indicator 72, 74 is based upon the number of warranty claims received for the unique function group 68, 70 to which each indicator 72, 74 respectively pertains. These selectively colored indicators 72, 74 allow a user of the methodology 10 to be quickly and efficiently warned of the existence of an undesirably high amount of warranty claims.

Abstract: The invention provides a display device for vehicles capable of quickly and reliably displaying high-priority and high-emergency information, while maintaining sufficient display space for other information. The vehicles may be of the type including a trunk provided with a cover. The display device has a display section in which display patterns are used. The display device includes an open position detecting device which detects that the cover of the trunk is open. A warning design pattern producing device generates a warning design pattern which visually expresses a warning when the cover is open. A warning display priority device displays the warning design pattern, prior to other information, on the display section when the cover is detected to be open.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles includes a mirror case having a reflective element and a carrier positioned in the mirror case. The mirror case is adapted to mount to a vehicle. The reflective element includes a substrate, with a reflective coating on one side of the substrate, and a window therethrough. The carrier has a display element for displaying one or more indicia through the window to define a display area on the reflective element. The carrier comprises a plate member, with a first portion and a second portion offset rearwardly from the reflective element and from the first portion. The second portion includes the display element. Preferably, the interior rearview mirror assembly further includes at least one light assembly for displaying the indicia through said window so that it is visible to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: In an air pressure information display system of a vehicle tire, a vehicle (1) has air pressure sensors (7-9) for detecting the air pressure of a vehicle tire (2-5), and transmitting air pressure information indicating the detected air pressure via a wireless communication, and an informing unit (100) installed in a gas station or the like has a display module (100b) for displaying the received air pressure information.

Abstract: An overbed table configured to support a table section above a patient support surface, such as a hospital bed. The overbed table includes a frame having a base and a substantially vertical support column for supporting the table section. In one illustrative embodiment, a display device is supported by the overbed table. In a further illustrative embodiment, a camera is supported by the overbed table.

Abstract: An electronic check list for systematically checking and reminding a driver of a recreation vehicle the number of steps required before leaving a camp site or storage area to assure that all lines, blocks, jacks, antennas, hoses, etc are properly disconnected and stored before moving the vehicle. The vehicle electronic check-off helps prevent damage to the recreation vehicle and associated equipment as well as preventing damage to campground facilities such as water connections, power boxes, sewer connections, cable television and phone lines. The device is hand held and contains a number of momentary switches and associated red warning indicators each labeled for a particular check-off item, after all items are checked off a master green indicator is illuminated indicating to the operator that all is clear for moving the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an electronic message from a user and actively notifying a receiver is disclosed. The apparatus includes a message input device for receiving the electronic message from the user, a message storing device for storing the electronic message therein, a message playing device for playing the electronic message, a vibration detector for detecting a certain level of vibration, a controller electrically connected to the message input device, the message storing device, the message playing device and the vibration detector, and a case accommodating the message input device, the message storing device, the message playing device, the vibration detector and the controller therein. The vibration detector sends out a trigger signal in response to the vibration, and the controller allows the electronic message to be read out from the message storing device and played by the message playing device in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: An oil proper amount informing apparatus for engines capable of simply checking whether or not a remaining amount or level of oil is proper even if the period of time of warming-up varies. An oil level gauge mounted to an oil reservoir unit, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of oil, and temperature indicating means for indicating the temperature on the basis of a detected signal of the temperature sensor are provided. The temperature indicating means indicates the temperature of oil in either of a plurality of divided regions H, M, and L, each of which has a predetermined width or range of temperature. The oil level gauge is provided with the indicating regions H, M, and L, each of which indicates an proper amount of oil at a position corresponding to the proper amount of oil in each of the temperature regions H, M, and L.

Abstract: It is a subject of the present invention to provide a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations in which an operator may immediately be ascertained of conditions during crane operations as well as dangerous conditions occurring on the implement or the vehicle body so that operations may be performed in a stable and rapid manner, this being achieved by a hydraulic shovel concurrently used for crane operations which comprises an implement including a boom, an arm, a bucket and a hook for enabling crane operations, which further comprises a monitor device including a monitor screen, wherein a parameter display portion for displaying parameters related to load factors of safe-working load, an engine condition display portion for displaying engine conditions and an alarm information display portion for displaying alarm information are provided on the monitor screen during crane operations, wherein a plurality of display items of the alarm information display portion may be sequentially switched and d

Abstract: The present invention relates to passenger management and, more particular, to a system for improving the experience of a passenger when they embark on a journey. The typical passenger experience then taking, in particular, an international flight is unpleasant. The passenger experiences a significant number of inconveniences which include having to carry and present paper documents at various stages within an airport and being subject to various security checks. Each of these experiences invariably involves a period of time waiting in a queue to be serviced by airport personnel. Waiting in queues is in itself an unpleasant experience and a waste of the passenger's time.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor is disclosed that comprises a sensor unit having a casing. The casing includes one surface having a first display and a second display. The first display is structured and arranged to display a threshold value that may be set by an operator of the photoelectric sensor. The second display is structured and arranged to display the actual conditions sensed by said photoelectric sensor. The sensor also includes a selection device for selecting different operational values to display on the second display. The selection device can include a mechanism disposed on the casing for changing the different operational values on the second display. The selection device can also include an adjustment switch disposed on the casing. The adjustment switch allows the operator to adjust the threshold value shown on the first display while the second display shows at least one of the actual conditions sensed by the photoelectric sensor.

Abstract: A library terminal permits a user to execute a loan transaction without assistance. The library terminal(i) provides a visible scan line from a bar code reader indicating the correct positioning of the bar code on a circulating item, (ii) leads a user through a loan transaction, (iii) provides an explicit feedback to a user when an article has an improper position on the article receiving area, (iv) both checks out and checks in circulating items, (v) stores fonts in bit maps of screen displays instead of in a separate font memory, (vi) integrates a security marker reader, a printer, and a controller in the same housing, (vii) processes financial transactions related to the borrowing of circulating items, and/or (viii) displays actions for helping the user to correct errors in use of the terminal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a visual indication of receipt of an electronic message by changing the color of at least a portion of an LCD display according to the message signal received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire receiver in which a building is divided into sections for each of which window indication is made by using a corresponding window. The fire receiver includes: a base having a frame for window indication; a rectangular window sheet to which the names of the sections are written and which is fitted into the frame of the base; and a substantially transparent protective sheet which is substantially of the same configuration as the window sheet and arranged in front of it and has at its longitudinal ends rectangular engagement members to be engaged with engagement grooves of the frame and at its center a central rectangular engagement member to be engaged with a central engagement groove of the frame.

Abstract: A motorcycle jacket which has turn signal lights attached to the back of the jacket in the upper left and right shoulder areas. The lights are electrically connected to the motorcycle electrical system, so that when the motorcycle turn signals are actuated, the jacket turn signals will flash in synchronism with them.

Abstract: A method for an emergency vehicle alert system for transmitting signals from one or more emergency vehicles to a nearby commuter vehicle includes activating an initiation switch in one or more of the emergency vehicles. A transmitter located in each of the emergency vehicles, transmits a uniquely individual signal stamp of a predefined frequency and a GPS signal. Each emergency vehicle can be identified by the uniquely individual signal stamp. Other emergency vehicles and commuter vehicles in the area with the appropriate receiver can detect the transmitted signal stamp.

Abstract: A modular assembly is disclosed for mounting within a vehicle interior and for providing a plurality of electronic accessories to a user. Such integrated assembly preferably includes a system for detecting radar signals and providing audio and visual alerts upon detection of selected signals. An assembly may also include additional electronic accessories such as digital display, home access control, digital voice recorder, cellular phone, and audio interface. Such digital display may provide a user with an informative status of temperature, time, direction, or other selected quantities. Such audio interface preferably includes at least one microphone for audio input and at least one speaker for audio output. The modular assembly is preferably designed as a retrofit product for installation in a vehicle and for integration with certain existing vehicular technology.

Abstract: A display unit for a construction machine is provided which allow for an operator to easily set a target plane or area in works to be performed under automatic control, and to freely change the contents to be displayed regardless of whether the machine is under the automatic control, so that information which the operator wants to see can be promptly displayed.

Abstract: An information display unit 47 is provided inside a cab of a hydraulic excavator 1 and has a display portion 471 capable of displaying plural kinds of information including body information and maintenance information. A screen image displayed on the display portion 471 comprises one main screen and a plurality of sub-screens. The main screen displays information regarding one of a plurality of information categories in detail and the plurality of sub-screens respectively correspond to the plurality of information categories. The sub-screens corresponding to the information categories other than the information category, for which information is displayed on the main screen in detail, display the corresponding information categories in the simplified form. The information category displayed on the main screen can be selected and changed with key manipulation made on an operating portion 470.

Abstract: A container for a beverage, other foods, household goods, or any other products includes a wall with a display generating digital images. A controller is also provided associated with a memory, said memory storing digital imaging data. The controller selectively retrieves the data from the memory and generates electrical signals to the display. Data may also be transmitted from or received by the container through an external interface controlled by the controller. Switches, sensors and other selector elements may be provided to activate the display and to select the images to be shown. Additionally miniature speakers may also be provided which cooperate with the display to show multimedia presentations.

Abstract: An indicator unit is provided to display information to occupants in a motor vehicle. An interface to a communication network provides data required for the specific information being displayed. The indicator unit is adapted to fit into a standard sized aperture found in motor vehicle dashboards, thereby enabling indicators for different operating parameters as desired by the owner to be incorporated into the dashboard of a particular vehicle. An input device also may be provided by which an occupant of the motor vehicle can control operation of the indicator unit.

Abstract: Techniques for an electronic shelf label (ESL) system which uses an ESL's liquid crystal display (LCD) to transmit information to a relay unit, or CBS, by reflecting infrared (IR) or visible light to the relay unit. In a first embodiment, a plurality of IR light sources flood the area where the ESL is located. To transmit a message to the relay unit, the ESL reflectively modulates the IR light by blinking, or turning on and off, at least one segment of the LCD display. The relay unit then receives and interprets the modulated reflected IR light. In a second embodiment, the relay unit does not generate IR light. Instead, the ESL reflectively modulates the visible light present in the retail establishment to transmit a message to the relay unit. The relay unit may use one or more cameras to receive this reflectively modulated visible light.

Abstract: A method for indicating positions of moving bodies located in a specific area, includes detecting a current position or positions of one or more moving bodies located in the specific area; and displaying a layout diagram of specific objects located in the specific area and information symbolical of each of the moving bodies at positions in the layout diagram which is displayed. The positions of the moving bodies in the displayed layout diagram is determined on the basis of the detected current positions of the moving bodies.

Abstract: An alarm system includes at least one wireless alarm transmitter, at least one wireless activate transmitter, and at least one wireless signal receiver. The signal receiver becomes sensitized to recognize an alarm code from the alarm transmitter after recognizing an activate code from the activate transmitter. The signal receiver can include an alarm generator that provides a first alarm after recognizing the alarm code. An alarm device can include a wireless hazard signal receiver that becomes sensitized to recognize a wireless transmitted hazard alarm code only after recognizing a wireless transmitted activate code. An alarm generator can provide a hazard alarm after recognizing the alarm code. The device can further include an alarm code and activate code decryption device. Instead of or in addition to the activate transmitter and sensitizing feature, the system can be equipped to display a location name in the alarm generator as a text alarm.