Abstract: The tracking and monitoring system for opencast mines of the present invention enables continuously tracking and monitoring vehicles and moveable equipment in opencast mines using ZigBee-enabled active RFID devices forming a dynamic wireless network among them and other static and mobile ZigBee devices placed at strategic locations. The present invention provides a tracking and monitoring system for opencast mines comprises in combination of ZigBee-compliant devices (programmable to operate as end devices, routers and coordinators by hardware specific embedded software) and wireless sensor network software having various application modules for opencast mines. Use of the system of the present invention would help in maintaining computerized record and analysing the performance of costly shovels and dumpers deployed in opencast mines. This would help in optimising the placement of dumpers with each shovel depending on the change in working and dumping places.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products and systems for providing video tracking. The method includes receiving a first signal from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. A location of the RFID tag is determined in response to the first signal. An image that includes the location of the RFID tag is recorded. The location of the RFID tag is marked on the image, resulting in a marked image.

Abstract: An integral locating system for child's drinkware accessories comprises a receiver with a speaker removably attached to a rear portion of each accessory. The speaker is activated by a remotely located transceiver preferably carried by or located adjacent to the parent or care provider. In such a manner, the parent or care provider can depress an activation button on the transceiver to locate the specific article. The article will alert in response period of seconds to allow the parent or care provider to locate it. The receiver unit is removable from the child's drinkware accessory to allow the article to be washed or sterilized. The receiver unit is placed in a central recharging station that accepts the different sized receivers for recharging.

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: A portable console includes at least one control and display unit, and at least one communication interface for communicating within a predefined range of functions with at least one household appliance. The range of functions includes a plurality of functional areas which are dependent on and limited by a distance of the console from the household appliance.

Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, a system and associated method to provide management of a plurality of electronic elements in a datacenter is disclosed. The system includes a datacenter management system coupled to a wireless network to receive information regarding a spatial location of a handheld device within the datacenter. The datacenter management system provides information to the handheld device related to each of the plurality of electronic elements. The datacenter management system includes a management processor to process information related to each of the plurality of electronic elements and a database to store information related to each of the plurality of electronic elements.

Abstract: A user device receives a captured image of an encoded identifier, analyzes the encoded identifier via the captured image, and extracts, based on the analysis, network access configuration data from the encoded identifier. The user device provides the network access configuration data to a network access control (NAC) device, and receives, based on the network access configuration data, access to the NAC device. The user device permits the NAC device to inspect the user device via the access to the NAC device, and receives, based on the inspection of the user device, access to a network.

Abstract: A method for capturing and monitoring at least one physiological parameter and movement within an area of at least one person are disclosed. The area is divided into cells having respective location identifiers. Each person is provided with a respective device for measuring at least one physiological parameter of the person. The physiological parameter is indicative of whether the person has a physical condition. Each device has a device identifier. The device is used to at least intermittently measure a physiological parameter of the person using the respective device to obtain a physiological parameter reading for each measurement. The physiological parameter reading is associated with the respective device identifier of the device by which, the respective location identifier of the cell in which, and a time at which the physiological parameter reading is obtained. The associated information is stored at a remote location. A system and a physiological parameter device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reverse RFID location system is based on set of RFID tags in which each tag stores data representing its position.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a mobile computing device provides assistance services for visitors at events which involve large crowds and long distances. The mobile computing device may be used to read a unique identifier for a visitor from an identification token for the visitor. The mobile computing device may then send visitor location data for the current location of the visitor to a remote command center. The mobile computing device may then receive leader location data from the remote command center. The leader location data may identify a last known location for a leader of a group of visitors that includes the visitor. After receiving the leader location data, the mobile computing device may compute directions from the current location of the visitor to the last known location of the leader, and the mobile computing device may display those directions on a map. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

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: Audible signals are created and emitted that provide a human user with improved sound localization cues to quickly and efficiently find the emitting device. The different audible signals have been observed to efficiently help a human locate emitting devices that are either in close proximity to the user or that are a large distance from the user. Additionally some examples emit audible signals that have been observed to efficiently help a human locate emitting devices that are located inside a sealed enclosure, such as a box. Some audible signals include audible noise processed by band-pass filters with spectral peaks at about 500 Hz, 4 kHz, and 8 Khz. Such audible signals are alternately emitted in time with audible signals having simultaneously occurring fundamental tone frequencies that each have harmonic components.

Abstract: A Real Time Locating System (RTLS) hygiene management and monitoring system for individuals and companies to manage and monitor the hygiene of their surroundings. In some embodiments of the invention, RTLS is used to monitor and manage cleanliness of rooms and surfaces and the location of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel. The invention provides improved efficiency and quality of hygiene services. For instance, the invention can enable prioritization of cleaning, improve efficient use of cleaning supplies and cleaning personnel, track short and long term cleaning operations, and provide insight into ineffective cleaning.

Abstract: In an exemplary method of locating a public facility, a public facility is provided at a fixed location and includes a facility locating module. A wireless signal is generated from the facility locating module. Software code accessible to the portable electronic device is provided. The software code causes the portable electronic device to detect the wireless signal and to generate a location indicating output from the portable electronic device to identify at least one of a location of the public facility, a distance to the public facility from the portable electronic device, and a direction from the portable electronic device to the public facility.

Abstract: A zone location system with ultrasound US transmitters S1, S2, S3 located in respective zones Z1, Z2, Z3 such as rooms of a building B. Preferably, the US transmitters are time-multiplexed so that each of them in turn transmits a US signal US with a unique ID code USID represented therein. The portable tag PT includes an ultrasound receiver USR arranged to receive the US signal. Based on the received US signal, the portable tag PT measures a strength of the received US signal. The portable tag PT also measures a parameter related to a movement of the portable tag PT, e.g. a Doppler shift based on the received US signal. Further, the portable tag extracts the USID. Then it transmits a wireless Radio Frequency signal RFS with its own ID PTID, the USID and first and second data values D1, D2 representing the signal strength and the movement related parameters.

Abstract: The present inventive concept includes a duct system and method for using same to map and locate ducts. A preferred embodiment of the duct system includes a duct, a plurality of electronic information modules and an oversheath at least partially covering the plurality of information modules and fixing the information modules to the duct. The plurality of information modules are configured to emit a positional signal to enable location of the information modules and associated duct(s) and/or mapping of the duct system.

Abstract: The present inventive concept includes a duct system and method for using same to map and locate ducts. A preferred embodiment of the duct system includes a duct, a plurality of electronic information modules and an oversheath at least partially covering the plurality of information modules and fixing the information modules to the duct. The plurality of information modules are configured to emit a positional signal to enable location of the information modules and associated duct(s) and/or mapping of the duct system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking and identifying luggage include an RFID or other wireless device that can be attached or inserted into a piece of luggage. The RFID device may have a unique identifier that is associated with personal identifying information of an owner of the RFID device. Such personal identifying information as well as other information regarding the owner's itinerary may be stored in a database. When RFID readers at airports and other locations scan an RFID device to determine its unique identifier, the database is updated to reflect a location of the RFID device on the piece of luggage. Upon request, the database provides information regarding the location of the RFID device and thus the piece of luggage.

Abstract: An electronic resistor or end of the line power module device that includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) transmitter attached to assist in locating hard to find end of the line devices on supervised alarm system circuitry or non-supervised AC/DC power circuits. Since the RFID transmitter may be found using an RFID verifier, finding an end of the line device may now be easily accomplished.

Abstract: Non-RFID-active units in a space are marked by affixing RFID tags. Two tags are affixed to each unit, each tag having a directional antenna. The antennas are oriented to define a per-unit reader location. Units are arranged in the space so the per-unit reader locations at least partially overlap to define a reader location. The units in the space can also be detected by an RFID reader located in the overlapping per-unit reader locations. A controller can compare a received list of tag identities corresponding to units expected to be in the container to the identities of the tags read to determine whether the expected units are in the container and disposed at positions and with orientations that cause the respective per-unit reader locations to at least partially overlap with the reader location.

Abstract: A geographic localization system and method, which is able to accurately calculate its current location anywhere in the world based on the processing of information received from at least one of several wireless sources available at the moment, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc and from available positioning means such as GPS.

Abstract: A method of processing vehicle crash data includes the steps of receiving vehicle data obtained at a vehicle during a vehicle crash, determining the identity of the vehicle, estimating the severity of the vehicle crash using the determined vehicle identity and the received vehicle data, and providing the estimated severity to an emergency responder.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a location determining system. The location determining system includes a reader array and a location determining engine server. The reader array includes three readers, where each reader includes a plurality of reader groups that receives a tag information signal transmitted from the tag, generates a PN code generated from inside, correlation and standard deviation of the correlation, and bypasses the tag information signal, in a case a ratio of correlation and standard deviation of the correlation is greater than a predetermined critical value. The location determining engine server determines a final location value relative to the tag, using the tag information signal having a time difference of tag information signals received from the three readers forming each reader group among the tag information signals bypassed by the plurality of reader groups smaller than a predetermined marginal time difference.

Abstract: A luggage tracking device, and a method of tracking luggage using the device, the device including a housing configured to be attached to a piece of luggage, a location unit provided in the housing to determine a current location of the device, a transmitter provided in the housing to transmit current location information, and a controller provided in the housing to control operations of the location unit and transmitter.

Abstract: A localization method for use in a tag communication system includes associating a supertag having a plurality of tags with an item, reading backscatter signals from the tags of the plurality of tags to provide a plurality of backscatter signals, estimating a signal parameter of the backscatter signals of the plurality of backscatter signals to provide a plurality of derived signal parameters, and localizing the item in accordance with the plurality of derived signal parameters. The backscatter signals are read by a tag reader having a single antenna and the item is localized in accordance with an antenna array technique performed upon the plurality of derived signal parameters. The backscatter signals are read with an antenna array to provide a further plurality of derived signal parameters for each tag of the plurality of tags, and the item is localized in accordance with the further pluralities of derived signal parameters.

Abstract: A system for monitoring residents of a health care facility including a plurality of tamper-resistant resident monitoring devices, each of the devices being uniquely associated with a resident of the facility, a multiplicity of device detectors operative to communicate with the monitoring devices and a computer subsystem operative to communicate with the plurality of tamper-resistant resident monitoring devices via the multiplicity of device detectors, and to thereby monitor the residents of the facility.

Abstract: An object locating system comprising a first transmitter-receiver unit including a first transmitter for selectively transmitting a first and/or a second search signal, a first receiver for receiving a third search signal and a first signaling element coupled to the first receiver for issuing a first alarm when the third search signal is received by the first receiver; a second transmitter-receiver unit including a second transmitter for selectively transmitting the first and/or the third search signal, a second receiver for receiving the second search signal and a second signaling element coupled to the second receiver for issuing a second alarm when the second search signal is received by the second receiver; a receiver unit including a third receiver for receiving the first search signal and a third signaling element coupled to the third receiver for issuing a third alarm when the first search signal is received by the third receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a position transducer, which is adapted to be fixed to the object. The position transducer includes a digital microcontroller, which includes a plurality of output pins, and which is operative to generate an alternating digital output at a selected frequency on at least one of the output pins. At least one transmit antenna is coupled directly to the at least one of the output pins, so that the at least one antenna transmits a magnetic field at the selected frequency responsively to the alternating digital output. A field sensor senses the magnetic field and generates a signal responsively thereto. A processor receives and processes the signal in order to determine coordinates of the position transducer.

Abstract: A system for locating a plurality of tools including a receiver; a proximity lighting system on the receiver; an input means on the receiver; a display monitor, where the monitor displays any input; a memory means within the receiver, where the memory means stores data; and a sensor on the receiver for receiving RF signals. An audio speaker is also provided on the receiver in order to emit sounds. A transmitter and a scanning code may be affixed to an object, where the transmitter emits a unique RF signal and the scanning code is associated with a unique ID for the object. The scanning code may be stored in the memory means of the receiver.

Abstract: A locator device and system including (a) a beacon, configured to be located via a wireless means; and (b) an adhesive means, adapted to adhere the beacon to a substantially flat surface, wherein the beacon is configured to be tracked by a mobile device running a mobile application adapted to locate the beacon via the wireless means.

Abstract: The device of this invention is for use in marking, locating and retrieving an object with respect to the user, and has particular usefulness for hunters and the like to assist in locating a hunted game that has fallen some distance from the hunter. The device is an object that can be fastened to or hung from a user, can be easily removed from its attachment, is hand-holdable in size, and light weight for being launched or thrown toward the location to be marked. Once places and after a reasonable time delay, the device can emit sound, light or electronic signals that can assist the user in finding the marked location. The device can be have other uses as an assist in returning to a located place after the device has been launched or placed.

Abstract: A system for managing underground assets with RFID tags provides for expanded virtual storage by wirelessly linking the field RFID tag reader to a centralized database through a unique series code in the RFID tag.

Abstract: An improved system and method for defining an event based upon an object location and a user-defined zone and managing the conveyance of object location event information among computing devices where object location events are defined in terms of a condition based upon a relationship between user-defined zone information and object location information. One or more location information sources are associated with an object to provide the object location information. One or more user-defined zones are defined on a map and one or more object location events are defined. The occurrence of an object location event produces object location event information that is conveyed to users based on user identification codes. Accessibility to object location information, zone information, and object location event information is based upon an object location information access code, a zone information access code, and an object location event information access code, respectively.

Abstract: A binder management system having a cabinet with shelves for removable storage of searchable binders. Each binder has a body with front and rear covers and a spine. Inside the body is a binder mechanism for removably retaining sheet media. Each binder has externally extending upper and tower ohmic contact members which ohmically engage conductive members mounted on the shelf surfaces near the front. Each binder has a binder identification circuit coupled to an LED mounted on the binder spine in a location visible when the binder rests on a shelf. When a binder identification signal from a host computer is presented to the shelf conductive members it is transferred by the binder contact members to the binder identification circuit. If the signal matches, the LED is activated to aid the user in finding the binder. An LED and an optional audible indicator are mounted on the shelves to further aid the user in finding the sought binder.

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: Devices and methods for locating accessories of an electronic device are provided. In one example, a method may include detecting parameters associated with disconnecting an accessory from the electronic device. The electronic device, or an associated device, may store the detected parameters so that the detected parameters are accessible if the accessory becomes lost. The electronic device may receive a request from a user of the electronic device for assistance in locating the accessory. In response to the request for assistance in locating the accessory, the electronic device may provide the stored parameters to the user of the electronic device to aid them in searching for their lost accessory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provide logic for managing positional information within a communication network. In one implementation, an information management apparatus includes a history information registration unit, a registration determination unit, and a base station information registration unit. The history information registration unit may be configured to register first and second history information within a storage unit. The registration determination unit may determine whether a difference value between time information associated with the first and second history information is less than a threshold value. The base station information registration unit may subsequently register at least position information associated with a communications apparatus and a base station, when the difference value is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radio communication apparatus capable of stopping useless transmission of a calling signal to a locator. A calling apparatus transmits, using a near field radio communication apparatus, a calling signal to a locator attached to an item and outputting a notification sound, the calling signal being used for calling the locator. The calling apparatus periodically stands by for reception of a response signal from the locator using one slot when performing consecutive transmission of the calling signal to the locator using a plurality of slots. The calling apparatus stops the consecutive transmission of the calling signal by being triggered upon reception of the response signal from the locator.

Abstract: A method for verifying a location of a user of a mobile device is disclosed. The method involves: receiving an indicia of a location of the mobile device based on an at-location element proximate to the mobile device; receiving a global positioning system (GPS) position associated with the mobile device; determining whether at least one security condition is satisfied based on the indicia of the location and the GPS position; and causing a next action to occur when the at least one security condition is satisfied, or not causing the next action to occur when the at least one security condition is not satisfied.

Abstract: A system and method for using an RFID read/write device to secure an RFID operable instrument or an RF communication is provided. The invention includes security databases in communication with a processor for storing and communicating security protocols to the RFID read/write device. The invention includes a method for restricting the unauthorized use of an RFID read/write device. The invention includes a subscription service for communicating user credentials to a certificate authority to obtain a counter security protocol. The invention also includes decrypting information stored on an RF operable device or transmitted via radio-frequency using counter security protocols.

Abstract: A system is provided for collecting defect data of components in a passenger cabin of a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a component identification device for identifying an affected component, and a malfunction selection device, connected to the component identification device, for selecting a malfunction of the identified component from a predefined quantity of component-specific malfunctions. The system includes, but is not limited to a locating device for acquiring a position of the affected component in the passenger cabin, with the aforesaid being connected to the component identification device. In this manner, by means of devices that are very simple to use, imprecise positioning information, component information and malfunction information can be avoided.

Abstract: Emergency broadcasting systems and methods are described herein. One system includes an anchor access point configured to detect an emergency event and send a message relating to the emergency event to a number of location tags located within a predetermined area of the anchor access point.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for locating devices having a given state by locating a device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds to queries from an RFID tag reader independently of the state of the device, and determining the state of the device using an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device. A system for locating devices having a given state comprises an RFID tag reader for locating a device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds independently of the state of the device, and an RFID tag reader for determining the state of the device by reading an RFID tag associated with the device that responds selectively in dependence upon the state of the device.

Abstract: Architecture that generates a notification when a user arrives at a location, but without exposing identity of the location. Moreover, the notification can be generated and transmitted at all times. The architecture comprises a reminder service that manages all reminder requests and approvals, a notification engine that notifies a requesting user when target user arrived at a specific location or one of a general category of location, and a user interface that allows the user to set reminders that are displayed when the target user arrives at the point of interest and approves other user reminder requests. The architecture can be run on a mobile phone, and manages user requests and user approvals for location based notifications, alerts a requesting user the target user arrived at one of previously-specified points of interest. Similarly, a general category of destination can be specified, rather than a specific point of interest.

Abstract: A computer-based system manages and communicates the identity, attributes, and current state of a geographic point of interest. The system includes a beacon device and a distributed data network. The beacon device includes a housing supporting control electronics, a display, and communication electronics. The beacon is placed at a visible location at the geographic point of interest and receives information concerning the geographical point of interest. The display visibly communicates the information while the communication electronics communicates the same information to the distributed data network. A user can query a location-based service and receive the same information from the distributed data network that is being communicated by the display, assuring communication of accurate and consistent information concerning the geographic point of interest.

Abstract: A system can be for use with a number of reference tags disposed at respective reference locations in a coverage area. The reference tags can be configured to form a wireless mesh network. A system can include a first tag configured to communicate with the reference tags. The first tag can operate in a sleep mode and includes a motion sensor. The first tag is woken out of the sleep mode on a first periodic basis to communicate with the reference tags. The first tag is woken out of the sleep mode at a second periodic basis in response to motion signal from the motion sensor. The second periodic basis is more frequent than the first periodic basis. The system can also include a positioning system configured to receive data related to the communication between the first tag and the reference tags. The positioning system can be configured to process the data to determine a location of the first tag.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system and a method for automatic distress alerting at sea. The method comprises detecting a distress situation by the sensors, sending a distress signal to the processor device, initiating an alarm for a pre-defined time, confirming the detected distress situation by a responsible officer, sending a distress alert package generated by the processor device through a main transmitter device to several satellites and to the terrestrial stations, informing nearest maritime search and rescue coordination centers after receiving the distress alert package and sending one or more rescue teams to a location based on a data provided in the distress alert package. If the alarm is detected to be false by the responsible officer then the distress alert is removed and alarm is activated if the responsible officer neither confirms nor denies the distress situation.

Abstract: A device includes a processing module and a radio section. The processing module obtains location information regarding the device and converts it into a location signal. The radio section converts the location signal into a location wireless signal and transmits it within a local coverage area. A handheld device may use the location wireless signal to determine its location within a building.

Abstract: A tag has a transmitter for transmitting first wireless signals, and a receiver for receiving second wireless signals from which the tag can determine its current physical location. A different embodiment includes a tag having a transmitter for transmitting wireless signals, and a reader having a receiver for receiving the wireless signals, the receiver in the reader being an ultra-sensitive receiver.

Abstract: Communication between a remote locator and a transponder is used to determine the relative position of the transponder. The transponder and locator each include a transmitter and a receiver. The locator transmits an inquiry in the form of a relatively powerful cyclically encoded signal with repetitive elements, uniquely associated with a target transponder. Periodically, each transponder correlates its coded ID against a possible inquiry signal, determining frequency, phase and framing in the process. Upon a match, the transponder transmits a synthesized response coherent with the received signal. The locator integrates multiple cyclical response elements, allowing low-power transmissions from the transponder. The locator correlates the integrated response, determines round-trip Doppler shift, time-of-flight, and then computes the distance and angle to the transponder. The transponder can be wearable, bionically implanted, or attached to, or embedded in, some object.