Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for assigning priority to antennae are disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, reader antennae identify the location of an object by detecting a tag or other identifier associated with each object. Sensors can be provided to provide additional information regarding the environment of the objects or their surroundings. A priority order is assigned to the reader antennae based on the location and other characteristics of the objects and/or their environment. A polling sequence for reading the reader antennae is determined according to the priority order.

Abstract: A system and method provides updated personnel count information for offshore locations for daily use and use during emergencies that is coordinated with a cloud database. The system allows persons not at an offshore rig or installation to monitor the presence, excuse, or absence of personnel at fixed mustering stations and moveable mustering stations such as lifeboats and the launch status of particular lifeboats. The system provides simplified touch screen information that is intuitively available to obtain user profiles for persons missing, present and excused from being present at mustering stations as well as participation in drills or emergency situations.

Abstract: A system to facilitate management of surveillance devices, that are distributed over a monitored region, through a geographic information (GI) portal, having GI storage to store map data defining a geographic map of the monitored region. A GI manager unit (GIMU) to record, in the GI storage, asset position information with regarding locations for assets of interest within the monitored region. The GIMU obtains, from a remote surveillance device (SD) database, device-related records. The GIMU obtains, from a remote network (NW) database, network-related records. The SD and NW databases are maintained and managed separately from the GI database by one or more independent management units. A display presents a geographic map of the monitored region with device markers and network links illustrated thereon.

Abstract: Situational location dependent information is transmitted from a server data processing system to a receiving data processing system. The server data processing system communicates with the receiving data processing system in a manner by pushing content when appropriate. A candidate delivery event associated with a current positional attribute of the receiving data processing system is recognized and a situational location of the remote data processing system is determined. The candidate delivery event may be a location and/or direction change, device state change, or movement exceeding a movement tolerance. The situational location of the remote data processing system may be its location, direction, location and direction, proximity to a location, state change, or location and/or direction relative to a previous location and/or direction, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method, controller and system in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure facilitate reduced energy consumption in a motion sensing device having an inertial measurement unit (IMU), with a strap down integration unit, and an application processing unit (AP). The system and method include sensing acceleration values and rotational values at the IMU and converting the sensed acceleration and rotational values into velocity and orientation increments by strap down integration. The velocity and orientation increments are stored in a first buffer at the IMU between updates to the AP. When an update request is received at the IMU from the AP over an interrupt link, the buffer contents are transmitted over a serial link from the IMU to the AP.

Abstract: An animal tracking device removably attachable to an arrow and including an antenna, a controller, a battery for powering the controller, a housing for housing the antenna, controller, and battery, and an animal attachment component fixed to the housing. The controller may transmit wireless signals to a receiver via the antenna. The housing may have a first and second portion pivotally attached at a first joint. The first and second portions may also meet, but not attach with each other, at a second joint in a closed position. The first and second portions may pivot between the closed position and an open position about the first joint, may be naturally biased in the open position, and may be detachably attached in the closed position to the arrow shaft. The animal attachment component may attach to an animal shot by the arrow, forcing the housing away from the arrow.

Abstract: A method of enabling a wireless communication between a master unit and at least one sensor unit is executed within a frame, the sensor unit having an internal data sampling frequency and being adapted to store samples with corresponding sample sequence numbers. The sensor unit transmits an integrated value to the master unit. The master unit transmits, during a master unit portion of the frame, a data update request message comprising an initial sample sequence number from which integration by the at least one sensor unit has to be carried out. The sensor unit integrates the sample values from the initial sample sequence number to a current sample sequence number and then transmits the integrated sample value and the current sample sequence number. The master unit receives the integrated sample value and current sample sequence number and stores at least the current sample sequence number.

Abstract: A monument usable for locating stationary geographical positions and/or assets includes a housing, comprising a body and a cap; at least one permanent magnet mounted on or in the housing; and at least one electronic marker located on or in the housing. The magnet has a magnetic field of sufficient strength for its location to be readily identified from outside the housing using a portable magnetic locator and the electronic marker includes an electronic transceiver for receiving and/or transmitting electronic information unique to the geographical location and/or functional properties of the monument or an asset associated with the monument.

Abstract: A mobile RFID container, such as a case, cargo container, vehicle, etc., includes an RFID detector configured to conduct an RFID scan to generate scan data concerning the items carried in the mobile RFID container, and location determining circuitry for generating location data concerning the location of the mobile RFID container. A method for distributing RFID-tagged items using the mobile RFID container includes placing a plurality of RFID-tagged items in the mobile RFID container, conducting one or more RFID scans to generate scan data concerning the contents of the RFID container, and processing the scan data and location data to determine the location of the mobile RFID container at times when the contents of the RFID container have changed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for assessing an aspect relating to a locate and/or marking operation performed by a locate technician based on an electronic representation of the operation. The operation includes locating and/or identifying, using a physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of an underground facility within a dig area. A portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities. The method includes digitally representing, on a display device, the facility and/or the physical locate mark to generate an electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes determining a length associated with a portion of the digitally represented facility and/or physical locate mark in the electronic visual representation of the operation. The method further includes, based on the determined length, automatically assessing the aspect relating to the operation.

Abstract: A method for operating a driver assistance system of a vehicle is described, together with a corresponding device, a corresponding vehicle, and a corresponding computer program. The driver assistance system is configured to autonomously safely park the vehicle when activated. While the vehicle is traveling, an activation intent for the driver assistance system is detected, whereupon the driver assistance system is activated and the vehicle is autonomously safely parked with the aid of the activated driver assistance system.

Abstract: A locatable object includes a microprocessor for operating the object, and a memory for storing at least a first position and a second position. The locatable object also includes an instrument recovery system integrated into the object. The instrument recovery system further includes a receiver for determining the location of an object, and a communications device for communicating at least the second position to another system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for determining the location of a transmitter by jointly and collectively processing the full sampled signal data from a plurality of receivers to form a single solution.

Abstract: Cash drawers that are operated by wireless devices are disclosed. A cash drawer illustratively includes a communication interface that receives commands from a wireless device, and a controller that process the command received from the wireless device. The cash drawer may optionally include a reader that reads an identifier associated with the wireless device. The reader is illustratively an RFID reader and the identifier is an RFID tag associated with the wireless device. Alternatively, the reader is an NFC reader and the identifier is an NFC chip associated with the wireless device. In another embodiment, the cash drawer includes an identifier that is configured to be read by a wireless device. The identifier is illustratively either barcode, an RFID tag, or an NFC chip. The cash drawer may also include an indicator that identifies when the wireless device is authorized to operate the cash drawer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the locating and identifying of objects with radiofrequency communication by inductive coupling, without electrical contact, between a reader and a tag. The device includes an array of N fixed RFID markers of RFID tag type, with inductive antennas placed at known positions, N being an integer greater than 1 and an RFID tag reader provided with a fixed reading inductive antenna passing in proximity to the N markers. The position of the N markers with respect to the inductive reading antenna is such that the mutual inductance between the inductive antenna of any marker and the inductive reading antenna is zero when no object to be located is present in the vicinity of the array of markers, and nonzero when an RFID tag is present in the vicinity of the marker considered. A coupling is established in the presence of a mobile tag in proximity to a marker.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the location of a signal emitting tag. The apparatus includes signal detectors, control logic, and at least one light producing device. The control logic activates the light producing device in response to receiving data from the signal detectors. After activation, the light producing device illuminates the location of an individual that is near the point of origin of a signal that was detected by the signal detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the location of a signal emitting tag. The apparatus includes signal detectors, control logic, and at least one light producing device. The control logic activates the light producing device in response to receiving data from the signal detectors. After activation, the light producing device illuminates the location of an individual that is near the point of origin of a signal that was detected by the signal detectors.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting rogue radio frequency based devices includes a plurality of radio frequency based tags disposed at different locations within an area and operable to periodically broadcast information in a beacon, the information including each tag's unique identity information. A map of the area specifies identified radio frequency based tags and their respective locations within the area. A mobile device reads beacons in proximity to the radio frequency based tags and sends location update messages to a server that detects rogue radio frequency based devices within the area based on the location update messages and the map.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for configuring antennae of radio frequency identification reader systems. In one aspect of an embodiment, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader system, includes: a receiver; a radio frequency (RF) source for signal transmission; and a switch matrix coupled with the receiver and the radio frequency sources to selectively couple the receiver and the radio frequency source to a plurality of non-collocated antennae. When in a first mode, the switch matrix connects the radio frequency source to a first one of the antennae for signal transmission and the receiver to a second one of the antennae for signal reception; and when in a second mode, the switch matrix connects the first one of the antennae for signal reception and, in one example, the second one or another one of the antennae to the RF source for signal transmission.

Abstract: Manufacturing systems and methods are disclosed. In one example, a system includes a track to be positioned proximate a structure. The track has a length extending along an axis and a location indicator positioned along the length of the track. The location indicator provides a unique tag which identifies a location of the location indicator along the first axis.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and computer readable media for monitoring the health and fitness of an individual. An example method comprises correlating a tag and a sensor to the individual, receiving tag derived data indicative of a location for the individual, and receiving sensor derived data indicative of at least one of a health, a fitness, an operation level, or a performance level for the individual. The method further comprises associating the sensor-derived data with the location for the individual based on the location of the sensor.

Abstract: A tracking and emergency alert device is provided which allows a user in emergency to trigger an alert and automatically send it to all the people located in the neighborhood of the user in a community. Each device in the network is identified with a unique identification code. Upon receiving the emergency alert, the end-device carried by the people in the neighborhood, rings an alarm along with vibrations and blinking lights to indicate receipt of an emergency alert so that the user carrying the end-device can approach the location immediately for assistance. The device may also be used to track the movement of the user based on the location coordinate of the nearest wireless access point to which the device is connected at a particular time. Using the device, an emergency alarm can be raised within a second to alert all community around us to ensure security within fraction of seconds.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a location and an identity of a portable device are provided. The system includes apparatus for transmitting timing synchronization information, a plurality of stationary ultrasonic base stations and a plurality of portable devices. Each ultrasonic base station is configured to receive the timing synchronization information and to transmit a corresponding ultrasonic location code in a time period based on the received timing synchronization information. Each portable device is configured to: 1) receive the timing synchronization information, 2) detect the ultrasonic location codes from the ultrasonic base stations and 3) transmit an output signal including a portable device ID representative of the portable device and the detected ultrasonic location code. Each portable device is synchronized to detect the ultrasonic location code in the time period based on the received timing synchronization information.

Abstract: A methods and systems are provided that relate to providing location data so that a retailer can know whether an item is produced at a factory it is purported to be produced at. A website may be provided to the retailer and/or exposed to the consumer. The consumer may be able to view information about the location of the factory, pictures of the factory, data about the factory (e.g., wage information, carbon footprint, size of the factory, inspection data, social compliance data, regulatory violations if any, etc.). A first geolocation may be received from a microchip associated with an item. A second geolocation may be obtained from a label associated with the item. The first geolocation and the second geolocation may be compared to determine whether the item was manufactured at the same place from or in which it is being packaged, shipped, and/or invoiced.

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

Abstract: In some embodiments, a technique for logging an item encountered by a mobile device comprises automatically detecting an item in an uncontrolled environment, extracting an identity associated with the item, logging an encounter, wherein the encounter includes the identity, and deleting the encounter after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, wherein the encounter is not marked as relevant.

Abstract: A computer-implemented augmented reality method includes obtaining an image acquired by a computing device running an augmented reality application, identifying image characterizing data in the obtained image, the data identifying characteristic points in the image, comparing the image characterizing data with image characterizing data for a plurality of geo-coded images stored by a computer server system, identifying locations of items in the obtained image using the comparison, and providing, for display on the computing device at the identified locations, data for textual or graphical annotations that correspond to each of the items in the obtained image, and formatted to be displayed with the obtained image or a subsequently acquired image.

Abstract: Mobile devices may minimize the radiation exposure to users by controlling the distance between the user, specifically the groin area, and the mobile device to a minimum distance. The reduction in exposure is realized due to the operation of the Inverse Square Rule on electromagnetic signal from the mobile device recognizing there is a steep fall off of signal strength resultant from increased distance between the head of the user and the source of the signal. Embodiments alert the user to a mobile device in the users pocket is in a transmission mode and thus should be removed from the users pocket to maintain operational distance between the user and the device to reduce signal absorption of the users reproductive organs. Enabled mobile devices detect the transmission mode and the acceleration of the device in determining whether to alert the user. Embodiments influence the user to maintain a minimum distance via alerts, interruptions and warnings.

Abstract: A system and methods for communicating with a location system are disclosed. An electronic communication device is provided to a user that performs a communication through a device specific communication channel. A separate radio communication channel that is different from the device specific communication channel is provided. Location information is received at the electronic communication device from a location system through the separate radio communication channel. The location information is viewed on the electronic communication device.

Abstract: A system simultaneously tracks multiple objects. All or a subset of the objects includes a wireless receiver and a transmitter for providing an output. The system includes one or more wireless transmitters that send commands to the wireless receivers of the multiple objects instructing different subsets of the multiple objects to output (via their respective transmitter) at different times. The system also includes object sensors that receive output from the transmitters of the multiple objects and a computer system in communication with the object sensors. The computer system calculates locations of the multiple objects based on the sensed output from the multiple objects. In some embodiments, the system can also track an item based on proximity of that item to one or more of the objects. In such embodiments, the multiple objects each includes one or more local sensors.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes displaying on a mobile device, a real time view of a user's environment within a building, communicating wirelessly in the building with a location tracking system operable to identify a location of the mobile device relative to one or more elements in the real time view, and displaying a computer generated overlay on the real time view, the overlay including location information associated with the elements.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a radio identification arrangement is described comprising a signal emitter and a controller configured to detect whether the radio identification arrangement has received a radio signal which specifies an identification of the radio identification arrangement from a radio identification device or the radio identification arrangement has received a first indication signal from another radio identification arrangement and configured to control the signal emitter to emit a second indication signal if the radio identification arrangement has received a radio signal specifying the identification from a radio identification device or the radio identification arrangement has received a first indication signal from another radio identification arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for asset location using relay tags. A method for asset location via a relay tag as described herein includes receiving, at the relay tag, an asset message from an asset tag according to a wireless communication protocol, wherein the relay tag has a known location; producing, at the relay tag, a relay message using information contained in the asset message, wherein the relay message includes an indication of the relay tag from which the relay message is sent and an indication of the asset tag from which the asset message was received; and sending the relay message from the relay tag to a receiver using the wireless communication protocol.

Abstract: A method on a computing device for defining a buffer zone around a buried asset at an above-surface location is provided that solves the above-described problems. The method includes receiving and storing buried asset data points, wherein each buried asset data point comprises a geographical coordinate and a precision data value corresponding to the geographical coordinate, for a buried asset, wherein the buried asset data points correspond to signals that were detected and read from the buried asset at the above-surface location. The method further includes generating a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone by defining circles around geographical coordinates of the buried asset data points, wherein a size of each circle is based on the precision data value of the corresponding buried asset data point, and defining trapezoids that connect adjacent circles.

Abstract: A data center equipment location system includes both hardware and software to provide for location, monitoring, security and identification of servers and other equipment in equipment racks. The system provides a wired alternative to the wireless RFID tag system by using electronic ID tags connected to each piece of equipment, each electronic ID tag connected directly by wires to a equipment rack controller on the equipment rack. The equipment rack controllers then link over a local area network to a central control computer. The central control computer provides an operator interface, and runs a software application program that communicates with the equipment rack controllers. The software application program of the central control computer stores IDs of the equipment rack controllers and each of its connected electronic ID tags in a database.

Abstract: A fueling environment is equipped with leak detection probes and liquid level probes. Each of the probes is associated with a wireless transceiver. The wireless transceivers send probe data to a site communicator wireless transceiver. To ensure that the site communicator receives the probe data, repeaters are used within the fueling environment. The repeaters receive the probe data, and some period of time after the sensor transceivers stop transmitting, the repeaters retransmit the probe data to the site communicator. The site communicator discards duplicative information and processes the probe data as needed.

Abstract: Illustrated is a system and method to inductively receive electrical power. Additionally, the system and method includes a non-volatile memory that includes data relating to the system and method, the non-volatile memory supplied with the electrical power. Further, the system and method includes a document into which the coil and the non-volatile memory are embedded.

Abstract: A method on a mobile computing device for locating a buried asset is provided. The method includes receiving a data structure that represents a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone at an above-surface location, wherein the buffer zone corresponds to a particular buried asset sought by an operator of the device and iteratively executing the following steps: a) calculating an above-surface location of the device; b) determining whether the above-surface location of the device is located within the two dimensional area; c) if the above-surface location is not located within the two dimensional area, determining whether a locating function of a component coupled with the mobile computing device is enabled, and if so, disabling the locating function; d) if the above-surface location is located within the area, determining whether the locating function of the component is disabled, and if so, enabling the locating function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a strap device for a curtain or a flexible door, said straps having embedded RFID reader antenna modules and different MEMS and MOEMS sensors that make it possible to detect the direction of the objects passing through the gate and also detect the size of the objects so as to modulate the switching of the radiating elements of antennas on the basis of the position of the objects being read. The device also has embedded biosensors that measure in parallel the presence of toxic substances or materials. The device according to the invention has an LED or OLED and PHOLED display means embedded in the strap, more specifically, in a flexible material of the strap. The invention is particularly intended for the qualitative and quantitative traceability of materials passing through a logistical check gate. The device is intended for all places already having curtains with flexible straps, into which it is easily embedded. The device is suitable for all existing RFID readers.

Abstract: Methods for efficiently querying and identifying multiple items on a communication channel are disclosed. The methods preferably use radio frequency identification with interrogation devices and systems that identify radio frequency identification transponders. A depth-first tree traversal protocol algorithm, including commands and symbols, preferably is used to more efficiently interrogate a plurality of transponders in a short amount of time. The communication channel may be an RFID communication channel or a wired communication channel. The time required to obtain the identification numbers of the objects may be made deterministic. The objects to be identified may be clothing, luggage, furniture, computers, parcels, vehicles, warehouse inventory, components on an assembly line or documents.

Abstract: A method on a computing device for defining a buffer zone around a buried asset at an above-surface location is provided that solves the above-described problems. The method includes receiving and storing buried asset data points, wherein each buried asset data point comprises a geographical coordinate and a precision data value corresponding to the geographical coordinate, for a buried asset, wherein the buried asset data points correspond to signals that were detected and read from the buried asset at the above-surface location. The method further includes generating a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone by defining circles around geographical coordinates of the buried asset data points, wherein a size of each circle is based on the precision data value of the corresponding buried asset data point, and defining trapezoids that connect adjacent circles.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system for detecting and identifying lost dentures in a facility, includes readers deployed in fixed locations in the facility. Each of the readers is configured to transmit a first signal and to detect from a distance a second signal, which is generated at an RFID transponder embedded in a denture in response to receiving the first signal by backscattering a part of the first signal. The second signal contains information related to the denture, including an identification of the denture owner. The RFID system also includes a first server located within the facility. The first server is configured to communicate with the readers over a network in the facility and to control operations of the readers. Each of the readers sends the information related to the denture to the first server when it detects the second signal from the RFID transponder.

Abstract: This invention provides a smart badge having a processor connected to a viewable display where both the processor and the display are embedded in the smart badge. The embedded components may be powered by an embedded battery or by RF energy generated by a smart badge reader. The badge can be uploaded with a digital image of the badge holder and predetermined criteria uploaded into an embedded memory location in the smart badge. Such predetermined criteria may include the name and contact information of the badge holder as well as the buildings or secure areas the badge holder is authorized to access. The smart badge may also be capable of generating secure codes for the badge holder to use as pass codes for accessing computer networks. The smart badge may also contain embedded location sensors that when merged with maps stored in the smart badge's memory can assist the badge holder in determining location.

Abstract: A tracking device for an object comprising a body having at least one engagement member adapted to engage with the object, and a tracking arrangement chamber for housing a tracking arrangement arranged to track the object engaged with the body, wherein the tracking arrangement includes an antenna disposed adjacent to the body.

Abstract: A tracking system includes a network; a plurality of signal sources communicatively coupled to the network, the plurality of signal sources configured to transmit substantially identical signals; and an RFID tag configured to receive the substantially identical signals from the plurality of signal sources, determine points of intersection from hyperbola curves defining phase differences between the substantially identical signals, a point of intersection of three hyperbola curves defining a location of the user device. In some embodiments, the plurality of signal sources comprise a single transmitter and a predetermined plurality of substantially identical antennas coupled to the single transmitter by cables of a substantially same length.

Abstract: These teachings are suitable for use in conjunction with a process having access to both coverage information that maps the coverage area for each of a plurality of RFID-tag readers to physical locations within a given monitored facility and historical-read information for a population of RFID tags, and that uses that historical-read information and that coverage information to automatically determine the physical location of RFID tags. In particular, these teachings generally provide for accessing supplemental information regarding physical locations for at least some of those RFID tags and then comparing the automatically-determined physical location information with the supplemental information to thereby identify physical-location discrepancies. By one approach those physical-location discrepancies are used to adjust the automated process by which the automatically-determined physical location information is automatically determined to thereby improve accuracy of the automated process.

Abstract: A data center server location system includes both hardware and software to provide for location and identification of servers and other equipment in equipment racks. The system provides a wired alternative to the wireless RFID tag system by using electronic ID tags connected to each piece of equipment, each electronic ID tag connected directly by wires to a equipment rack controller on the equipment rack. The equipment rack controllers then link over a local area network to a central control computer. The central control computer provides an operator interface, and runs a software application program that communicates with the equipment rack controllers and stores relationship information to enable locating servers associated with each of the ID tags.

Abstract: Disclosed are an object locator system, a method and a program storage device. In the embodiments, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are on objects within a defined area and each RFID tag can be activated by an RF activation signal. When a request (e.g., a verbal or keyed-in request) to locate a specific object is received from a specific user, the required permission to locate the object is verified and, optionally, the identity of the specific user is authenticated. Once the required permission is verified and the identity of the specific user is authenticated, one of three RFID readers transmits an RF activation signal. RF response signals received back at the three RFID readers from the specific object's RFID tag are used to triangulate the position of the specific object. Once determined, the position is communicated (e.g., by map display, verbal message, or text message) to the specific user.

Abstract: A method on a computing device for defining a buffer zone around a buried asset at an above-surface location is provided that solves the above-described problems. The method includes receiving and storing buried asset data points, wherein each buried asset data point comprises a geographical coordinate and a precision data value corresponding to the geographical coordinate, for a buried asset, wherein the buried asset data points correspond to signals that were detected and read from the buried asset at the above-surface location. The method further includes generating a first data structure that represents a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone at the above-surface location, wherein the first data structure is generated by defining an area around each geographical coordinate, wherein a size of each area is based on the precision data values of the buried asset data points.

Abstract: A first mobile device includes a location processor, a communication processor, and a display, and a second mobile device includes a location processor and a communication processor. The first mobile device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the second mobile device, and the first mobile device is configured to display a superimposed icon representing a location of the second mobile device as viewed from the perspective of the first mobile device when the first mobile device is pointed in the direction of the second mobile device.