Abstract: A system for hygienic input of data into a medical information system is provided. In one embodiment of the system, a computer terminal, a mobile wireless input tray, a mobile wireless interactive visual display system, and a wireless headset are used. During a medical procedure, the mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be positioned in an operating room near a surgeon or other medical practitioner. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be used to access patient medical information through the computer terminal. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate amongst and between each other through wireless communication links. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate with the computer terminal through wireless communication links.

Abstract: A plurality of monitors are linked with a communication network and other communications devices (e.g., cellular phones, satellite phones, Voice-Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and any communications device having a digital signal processor (DSP)). The communications network provides access to one or more databases that contain information related to an identification tag attached to an object, information about the object, and/or policies for tracking and communicating information about the object. When combined with a network tracking system, the policies can also set parameters for permissible areas in which the objects can be disposed and for tracking of the objects across the network.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation guiding system for guiding people to run away in a building system as an accident occurs comprises a detector system for detecting an accidents which is occurred in the building system; an informing system for informing people that an accident occurs; a receiving system for receiving wireless signals from the informing system so as to know the message about the occurring of an accident; a guiding system for guiding people to run away from an accident area to a safety place; the guiding system including the at least one transmitter of the informing system and at least one receiver of the receiving system. The guiding system guides people to run out of the accident area by using the strength of the received signal in the receiver. The receiving system including at least one wireless receiver for detecting the strengths of the signals transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver.

Abstract: A system for tracking objects including visually sensible indicators on objects being tracked, at least one imager capturing images of the objects being tracked which images also show the visually sensible indicators and at least one image processor receiving outputs of the at least one imager and extracting from the outputs coded information indicated by the visually sensible indicators.

Abstract: There is disclosed a communication method of a communication system having a base station for transmitting a beacon and a terminal for receiving the beacon transmitted from the base station and performing communication with the base station, the communication method including the steps of: transmitting the beacon by the base station, the beacon being made of a plurality of sub-beacons including an ID for identifying the terminal; and stopping processing for communication with the base station by the terminal when at least one of the plural sub-beacons has a portion that does not match an ID of the terminal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a communication method of a communication system having a base station for performing a call and a terminal for returning a response to the call from the base station, the communication method including the steps of: transmitting the call by the base station, the call including response probability; and responding to the base station by the terminal based on the response probability when the call from the base station is received.

Abstract: An applause device including a sound generator capable of generating at least one applause sound. The sound generator preferably can generate at least one sound which can indicate approval or disapproval, such as clapping, hollering, whistling, booing, and hissing. A switch permits the user to select between each of the sounds. The device also preferably comprises illumination structure so as to illuminate at least a portion of the sound generation device. In a preferred embodiment, the applause device is shaped substantially, at least in part, in the shape of an open hand. A method for generating applause sounds and a system for remotely controlling the applause device is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A back drafting alarm assembly is designed to detect back drafting in combustion fired appliances. The assembly includes a temperature sensor unit that is attached to the diverter bonnet of a water heater or furnace to measure the temperature at all times. The sensor is connected to an alarm assembly that sounds an alarm when the temperature of the bonnet reaches or exceeds 130 degrees F. for a predetermined time period. The preferred time period is three (3) minutes. The alarm assembly also includes a reset button to shut off the alarm and a test button to make certain that the device functions when installed. A microprocessor provides the additional capability to record the total number of excursion events over a longer monitoring period. The alarm operates on direct current from a battery, or standard 110 volts AC with a suitable AC/DC transformer. A battery backup feature provides uninterrupted power when using 110 volts AC as a power source.

Abstract: An anti-terrorist and crime fighting system, method and apparatus, of isolating terrorists and criminals by providing a predetermined audio-visual stimulus into controlled public or private environments in order to elicit specific human responses, reactions and judgment changes in terrorists or other criminals. This stimuli is further utilized to create multiple stimuli points in the controlled environment by the dissemination of real-time intelligence being shown to the general public. This action creates further observable judgment changes in the terrorists and criminals as the general public become more aware of their environment and the people in it. The suspicious reactions are monitored by the general public as well as by onsite and behind the scenes security personnel via a real time camera system.

Abstract: An activity based monitoring system is disclosed, the activity based monitoring system being configured to monitor a plurality of badges associated with a plurality of assets within a healthcare facility.

Abstract: A wireless communications capability enables field personnel to communicate with a remote control console of a distributed system. A hand held communications unit generates console related messages that are coupled, via local devices, to the remote console.

Abstract: A method is performed to provide a multi-functional user interface on a work machine for displaying suggested corrective action. The process includes receiving status information associated with the work machine and analyzing the status information to determine an abnormal condition. The process also includes displaying a warning message on the display device indicating the abnormal condition and determining one or more corrective actions to handle the abnormal condition. Further, the process includes determining an appropriate corrective action among the one or more corrective actions and displaying a recommendation message on the display device reflecting the appropriate corrective action. The process may also include displaying a list including the remaining one or more corrective actions on the display device to provide alternative actions to an operator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a warning information displaying apparatus and method of an electric device which receive a warning signal included in a wireless signal and display the warning signal in the form of a message. The warning information displaying apparatus of the electric device includes a wireless receiving module for receiving a wireless signal including a warning signal through a warning broadcasting channel, a display means for visibly displaying warning information, a storing means for storing warning information corresponding to the warning signal, and a control means for reading the warning information corresponding to the warning signal from the storing means, and displaying the warning information through the display means, when receiving the wireless signal including the warning signal from the wireless receiving module.

Abstract: Described is a floor mounted graphic display comprising an electroluminescent lamp assembly, a graphic overlay which is positioned over the electroluminescent lamp, a moisture barrier surrounding the electroluminescent lamp and the graphic overlay, a mounting plate which is incorporated into the electroluminescent lamp and the graphic overlay, a controller housing which is attached with the mounting plate and a controller which is situated in the controller housing.

Abstract: An RFID device includes a chip, an antenna operatively coupled to the chip, and a visual indicator operatively coupled to the chip. The visual indicator provides a visual indication of an operative state of the device. The visual indication may be human readable and/or machine readable, and may provide visual indication that is dependent on a change in an operative state of the device. The operative state that triggers the visual indication may include a state in which the chip has temporarily or permanently been rendered inoperative or disabled, that is, in which the chip no longer responds to, or otherwise interacts with, ordinary incoming RF signals such as from a device reader. The visual indicator may be included in a display that functions by any of a variety of suitable mechanisms, such as by use of electrochromic materials, thermochromic materials, liquid crystals, or chemically-reactive materials.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a primary signaling doorbell assembly that includes a sound emitter, an actuator electrically coupled to the sound emitter, and a transmitter electrically coupled to the actuator that is adapted for sending a wireless signal. A power supply is electrically coupled to the actuator. A plurality of secondary signaling assemblies is provided. Each of the secondary signaling assemblies includes a receiver adapted for receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter, a signal member electrically coupled to the receiver, and a power supply electrically coupled to the transmitter and signal member. The signal member is adapted for signaling a person when the receiver receives the wireless signal.

Abstract: Communication systems and apparatus to allow a user to perceive the relative spatial location or present position of other elements of interest in a control space, such as the location of a speaker participating in a telephone conference or that of an aircraft carrier to a remotely piloted vehicle on final approach. The system inserts synthetic sound cues into the communication to the user that represent the relative postion(s). In one embodiment, the user will perceive the communication as though it were communicated through free space to the user from the relative position of the represented source, so that, for example, the squad leader will perceive his wingman to be at his immediate left. Methods of conveying relative position sound cues are also provided.

Abstract: A system for hygienic input of data into a medical information system is provided. In one embodiment of the system, a computer terminal, a mobile wireless input tray, a mobile wireless interactive visual display system, and a wireless headset are used. During a medical procedure, the mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be positioned in an operating room near a surgeon or other medical practitioner. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset may be used to access patient medical information through the computer terminal. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate amongst and between each other through wireless communication links. The mobile input tray, the mobile display system, and the wireless headset communicate with the computer terminal through wireless communication links.

Abstract: A combination RFID tag intended to be associated with a host product, for example by being secured to the outside of a package containing a perishable product, e.g. foodstuffs or vaccines, which RFID tag is provided with a visually readable environmental condition exposure indicator. The visual indicator can sense the exposure of the RFID tag to an environmental condition e.g. temperature, experienced by the host product providing a visual indication, e.g. a color change, readable externally of the RFID tag of the sensed environmental condition. The visual indicator can be chemically active, for example an acetylenic agent, and may be responsive to cumulative temperature excursions over time. The novel RFID tag 11 and tag inspection methods of the invention permit an efficacious harnessing of information about the condition exposure history of a specific inventory item including product identification and related data.

Abstract: A facility for the purpose of entertainment, education, or monitoring wherein there is provided an acoustic sensor (24) mounted on the outside of a toilet bowl (30) and a simple, inexpensive target (22) mounted to the inside of the toilet (28) thereby keeping the sensitive acoustic sensor and other electronics in a dryer and cleaner location. The sound of a urine stream contacting the target (22) propagates through the toilet (26) and is detected by the acoustic sensor (24). An analysis and feedback unit (32) monitors the sound of the urine stream contacting the target (22) and provides a message to the user indicating their success in hitting the target (22) with the urine stream.

Abstract: An enclosure constructed around an area at which hot work is to be performed at a facility containing flammable or combustible material. Hot work includes such things as welding, torch cutting, grinding and the like. Facilities include petroleum drilling and production platforms, oil tankers, petroleum and chemical plants, and petroleum tank farms. Gas detection monitoring apparatuses are used with the enclosure which will automatically simultaneously shutdown one or more enclosures.

Abstract: A light modulation system as described herein can be incorporated into a personal or portable electronic apparatus such as a cellular telephone, a digital music player, or the like. The light modulation system controls the activation of light elements, such as light emitting diodes, of the host electronic apparatus in response to one or more analog audio signals available at the host electronic apparatus. The analog audio signals may be obtained from any suitable analog audio path or source in the host electronic apparatus. The light modulation system is compact, inexpensive to implement, and need not rely on digital signal processors for operation.

Abstract: An appliance diagnostic display and interface system providing a centralized user interface for appliance diagnostic information and control of system self-tests is provided. This centralized user interface is provided via an intelligent thermostat that includes an LCD display. The intelligent thermostat interfaces, via wireless or wired communications, with the appliances installed in the home. The intelligent thermostat then generates and displays various user interface screens that allow particular appliances to be selected. Separate appliance specific screens are then generated that allow the user to access the diagnostic information in system test functionality provided by the individual appliance. Soft function keys provided on the intelligent thermostat allow multi-functional access to the features of the invention depending on which screen is currently being displayed.

Abstract: A radio frequency signature (88) on a cut sheet of print media (28) is detected by a radio frequency interrogating device (94) to determine whether the print media (28) is properly oriented. The leading edge (124) or trailing edge (126) of the print media (28) is detected by one or more print media sensors (86, 90). A print controller (24) can note the time (t1) and cause the radio frequency interrogating device (94) to detect the radio frequency signature (88) at a time (t2) when the print media has reached a predetermined point along the print media pathway (110). The position of the radio frequency signature (88) on the print media (28) can be calculated using the time differential (t2?t1), the velocity profile of the print media and the known separation between the print media (28) and the radio frequency signature (88). By comparing the computer position with the expected position, the orientation of the print media (28) can be determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sports hoarding having at least one contact sensor and at least one actuator with the actuator initiating an advertising message when the sensor produces a signal as a result of an impacting body.

Abstract: The method is for warning for alcohol fueled fires in vehicles such as racing vehicles. The method comprises providing a vehicle (44) with an engine (46) fueled by alcohol. Sensors (20, 22, 24) are mounted adjacent to the engine. The sensors sense a trigger temperature (54, 56, 58) of an alcohol-fueled fire (62) and send a signal to a central unit (12). The central unit activates a smoke generator (41) to generate a visible smoke (60) in response to the signal from the sensors.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a television system having an internal microphone for implementing a voice-messaging system. Using the microphone, the television system detects a message spoken by a user of the television system, and records the message to a memory. Some embodiments of the invention may also record metadata about the message. Embodiments of the invention alert an intended recipient of the message using the audio output or video output of the television system, and subsequently reproduce the message using the audio output of the television system. Other embodiments of the invention are described in the specification and the claims.

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: A blood donation device with a receptacle for a blood donation container and a control section at which utensils required by the operator can be accommodated and/or by means of which parameters of the donation process can be varied, detected and/or retrieved. Bending of the operator to the blood donation device is avoided by the fact that the control section is arranged in an elevated position with respect to the receptacle of the blood donation device.

Abstract: A vending machine has an input/output switching device between an image display device for displaying a still image and/or a moving image and a first image output device capable of outputting image data of a small data size in a predetermined signal form. This input/output switching device permits arbitrary connection of a second image output device capable of outputting image data of a large data size in a predetermined signal form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a use indicator apparatus having a power-sensing mechanism and an indicator. The indicator includes a first state and a second state wherein the indicator is maintained in the first state until a required amount of power is applied to the sensing mechanism. Upon reaching the required amount of power, indicator switches from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle mountable mobile advertising system for displaying a plurality of advertising messages. The advertising system is protected from inclement weather by a protective enclosure. The protective enclosure is provided with at least one message viewing window. The advertising display is adapted to change a displayed message based upon detected motion of the vehicle. When it is detected that the vehicle is in a traffic jam the messages being displayed change frequently. To facilitate the autonomous operation of the advertising system, the system is provided with a motion sensor. The system is also to be provided with programmable logic and memory so that a royalty stream may be developed for the messages displayed. The system is also adapted to transmit audio messages associated with displayed visual messages.

Abstract: RFID circuitry is used in an endoscopic light source unit to track cumulative light bulb use information. An inductively powered RFID tag is affixed to the light bulb assembly, and communicates wirelessly with an RF transceiver within the light source unit via a low-frequency modulation wave. The RFID tag includes memory which stores a value representing cumulative duration of use of the light bulb. The transceiver reads the value from the RFID tag and communicates the value to control circuitry in the light source unit, which tracks use of the light bulb within the light source unit. Based on such tracking, the transceiver periodically updates the value in the RFID tag via the wireless link. Cumulative bulb usage hours is displayed on the light source unit. The RFID tag also may store a custom password and/or other information.

Abstract: Provided is a method for designing, managing and executing emergency response plans. Specific plan and resources are defined and a defined plan is executed either automatically or manually according to pre-determined or “real-time” parameter definitions. An executed plan notifies, by various user-defined means, actively or pre-defined parties in a near simultaneous fashion of security communications, notifications, directives and/or information. One embodiment of the system includes a component that requires a notified party to acknowledge a particular notification event by responding with a personal identification number (PIN) or calling a specified telephone number and entering the PIN. The system enables parties to be organized into groups based upon member profiles. Individual parties can be assigned to sub-groups, enabling specifically designed communications to go to the parties of any particular sub-group.

Abstract: Monitoring for unauthorized RF energy emitted or transmitted in a particular zone or portion of a building, etc. Radio frequency energy is received in a region that encompasses a zone in which it is desired to monitor for unauthorized radio frequency energy. At least one characteristic of the received radio frequency energy is analyzed to determine whether unauthorized radio frequency energy is occurring in the zone. Unauthorized RF energy may be detected by analyzing at least one spectral characteristic of the received radio frequency energy and comparing the at least one spectral characteristic with data associated with authorized and/or unauthorized radio frequency energy. Alternatively, signal classification techniques can be applied to data derived from the received radio frequency energy to classify by type signals contained in the received radio frequency energy.

Abstract: A transmitter for use in a process control system for monitoring an industrial process includes a housing having a top and a bottom and a height extending therebetween. A parallelogram display is mounted to the housing. Sides of the parallelogram display are arranged at angles relative to the height of the housing.

Abstract: An analog instrument gauge display is provided that comprises a lens having a pointing indicia displayed thereon, a back plate having a pattern thereon, and a drive motor coupled to the lens and configured to rotate the lens and pointing indicia relative to the pattern on the back plate in response to receipt of a signal.

Abstract: A doorbell having interchangeable chimes and interchangeable decorative covers is displayed for sale to the retail public such that a customer may easily choose a specific chime sound and combine it with a specific decorative cover enabling the customer to buy a doorbell meeting the customer's aesthetic requirement. The interchangeable bases and covers may include complimentary attachment parts that allow any cover to be mounted to any of a plurality of bases of differing size and in different orientations.

Abstract: A display indicator is provided on a set-top appliance to indicate application layer connectivity between a client device and a server belonging to a hosted service. This connectivity optionally reflects synchronization state of a service related database on the appliance and its replica on the server. A second indicator on the appliance displays the completion status of an ongoing download.

Abstract: If a successive lighting operation inhibition mode is not set up, a pointer portion of a speed meter is lighted, and then a peripheral ring portion of the speed meter is lighted. On the other hand, if the successive lighting operation inhibition mode is set up, the peripheral ring portion and the pointer portion are lighted at once. Subsequently, if a sweep operation inhibition mode is not set up, a sweep operation of a meter pointer in the pointer portion is performed. Thereafter, a nameplate portion is lighted. On the other hand, if the sweep operation inhibition mode is set up, the nameplate portion is lighted instantly without performing the sweep operation.

Abstract: An indicator for a straddle type vehicle includes a dial plate and scale markings provided on the dial face. Each of the scale markings protrudes from a flat dial face of the dial plate and is provided with a slant face inclined relative to the flat dial face for reflecting external light.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a floor display system comprising or associated with a weight measuring device. An output of the weight measuring device may be processed by electronic logic to display corresponding information on an electronic display device of the floor display system. The information may relate to the weight of an object on the floor display system, in particular, for example, the weight of a person standing on the floor display system. The floor display system may further be capable of displaying arbitrary content including graphical images and verbal information, where the content is changeable on demand. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a floor display system with reflective properties.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a liquid into a body includes an external infusion device and a remote commander. The external infusion device includes a housing, a receiver, a processor and an indication device. The receiver is coupled to the housing and for receiving remotely generated commands. The processor is coupled to the housing and the receiver to receive remotely generated commands and to control the external infusion device in accordance with the commands. The indication device indicates when a command has been received and indicates when the command is being utilized to control the external infusion device so that the external infusion device is capable of being concealed from view when being remotely commanded. The remote commander includes a commander housing, a keypad for transmitting commands, and a transmitter for transmitting commands to the receiver of the external infusion device.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a visual indication of operational activity of a device, such as a selected data transfer state. A pattern generator provides one or more bitmasks, each comprising a selected multi-bit sequence of logical values. A switching circuit selectively activates a visual indicator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), to provide a different visual indication in relation to each bitmask. Preferably, a time-varying rate at which the visual indicator is activated in response to each bitmask is selected to be different from a rate, as perceived by a human observer, of activation of the indicator. The pattern generator is preferably implemented as a programming module in a memory space and executed by a processor. Alternatively, the pattern generator is implemented in hardware preferably through the use of an index table and shift register circuitry.

Abstract: One or more enclosures constructed about one or more objects at which hot work is to be performed at a facility containing flammable and/or combustible material. Hot work includes such things as welding, torch cutting, grinding and the like that produces heat, spark, slag or flame. The one or more enclosures are capable of being simultaneously and independently controlled and monitored by a single control and monitoring system.

Abstract: A hazard alarm includes: a detector for detecting a hazard parameter; trigger logic; and reset logic. The trigger logic triggers an alarm state when the measured parameter reaches a predetermined trigger threshold. The alarm state is maintained until a reset is successfully performed. The reset logic, upon a reset command, resets the alarm state if the measured parameter is below a predetermined reset threshold, and inhibits resetting of the alarm state if the measured parameter is above the predetermined reset threshold.

Abstract: A weather station (100) for indicating weather conditions, comprises a casing (110) having a screen (120) and an internal electronic operating circuit (90). The operating circuit (90) includes at least one sensor (70) for sensing an atmospheric parameter and a microprocessor (80) for ascertaining a weather condition based on the sensed atmospheric parameter and indicating the weather condition on the screen (120). The operating circuit (90) includes a memory (60) which stores several sets of images, each set representing a corresponding variation of the weather condition, for selection by the microprocessor (80) to indicate the weather condition in the variation as ascertained in an animated representation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for communication status management. A first status change request is received from a user, the first status change request including at least a first user status and a first duration. A first current user communication status is established based on the first status change request. The user is prompted based on the first duration. In a particular aspect, the first status change request includes a first user status message.

Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle is provided. The warning system has a sensor for detecting an obstruction near the vehicle, a control apparatus to produce a signal in response to the detected obstruction, and an alert device configured to direct a driver's attention to the obstruction.