Abstract: A method for controlling wake-up of a sound wave-based wireless network and a wireless sensor network using the same are provided. A wireless device constituting the wireless sensor network is woken up by receiving a sound wave from an external device and receives data, or wakes up an external device by transmitting a sound wave and transmits data. Since wake-up is controlled by a sound wave through a microphone and a speaker which consume less power, a time that an RF transceiver spends staying in a reception standby state is minimized and power consumption at a wireless sensor node is minimized.

Abstract: Provided is an information-providing system whereby a variety of information can be provided using a sound to a portable terminal device used by a user.

Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.

Abstract: A device and/or method for allowing authorization of computing device association using human-perceptible signals includes forming an association between a computing device and a further computing device. The computing device computes a fingerprint of a common key derived during the forming of the association and emits a first audio stimuli based upon the computed fingerprint. The first audio stimuli is at least one octave number apart from a second audio stimuli of the further computing device emitted by the further computing device based upon the common key.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a function in a mobile device are disclosed. A media sound from a sound output device external to the mobile device is captured and a sound feature is extracted from the captured media sound. A function to be performed in the mobile device is determined by identifying at least one reference sound feature in a set of reference sound features based on the extracted sound feature, each reference sound feature in the set of reference sound features being associated with at least one of a plurality of media sounds and at least one of a plurality of functions. Further, the determined function is performed in the mobile device.

Abstract: A remote control device comprises a housing cover configured to mate with a touch-enabled surface configured to receive input gestures, and a battery holder disposed between the housing cover and the touch-enabled surface. A first plurality of magnets is disposed in the housing cover. A second plurality of magnets is disposed in the battery holder. The first plurality of magnets in the housing cover is attracted to the second plurality of magnets in a first position of the housing cover relative to the battery holder. The first plurality of magnets in the housing cover is repelled from the second plurality of magnets in a second position of the housing cover relative to the battery holder. The first position and the second position share a rotational axis normal to the touch-enabled surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device for communicating with external devices by audio, comprising a security function module, an audio communication processing module and an audio signal connection component, the audio communication processing module being connected to the security function module and the audio signal connection component respectively, wherein the audio signal connection component is configured to receive a first audio signal from the external devices and to output the first audio signal to the audio communication processing module; the audio communication processing module is configured to convert the first audio signal outputted from the audio signal connection component into a first digital signal and to send the first digital signal to the security function module; and/or the audio communication processing module is configured to convert a second digital signal outputted from the security function module into a second audio signal and to send the second audio signal to the audio signal conne

Abstract: Systems and methods for near-field communications with a mobile device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for near-field communication may comprise: detecting, by a source device located at a point-of-sale, the proximity of a receiving device; encoding purchase data on an audio signal with one or more ultrasonic frequencies; and transmitting the encoded purchase data to the receiving device, wherein the encoded purchase data is transmitted using a speaker of the source device.

Abstract: An acoustic detector comprises an acoustic sensor for receiving an acoustic signal. The acoustic signal selectively comprises a test sound with an encoded pattern indicative of the select mode. A controller is operatively associated with the acoustic sensor for analyzing the received acoustic signal to determine if the encoded pattern is present, changing a mode of operation if the encoded pattern is present, and selectively adjusting the operation of the acoustic detector based upon the received acoustic signal if mode is changed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a function of an acoustic detector includes storing a reference power spectrum of a reference acoustic signal, the reference power spectrum being associated with a mode of operation of the acoustic detector; receiving an acoustic sound signal, the acoustic sound signal including a tone and harmonic tones; generating a real-time acoustic power spectrum of the acoustic sound signal responsive to the receiving of the acoustic sound signal; and performing the mode of operation when a comparison of the real-time acoustic power spectrum with the reference acoustic power spectrum indicates that the acoustic sound signal is a control signal.

Abstract: A system for generating a control signal comprises a data propagator (9) for propagating acoustic sensor array data relating to a set of acoustic measurements at a set of sensor positions covering an aperture towards a set of propagated positions to obtain propagated data relating to the set of propagated positions. A control signal generator (2) is arranged for generating a control signal based on the propagated data. The control signal generator (2) comprises a data analyzer (1) for analyzing the propagated data in a spatial frequency domain. The data propagator (9) is arranged for propagating the sensor array data in real-time and the control signal generator (2) is arranged for generating the control signal in real-time.

Abstract: The various embodiments provide systems, devices, and methods which include an acoustic tag configured to transmit an acoustic signal through a contact medium that may be received by an acoustic modem, with the acoustic signal configured to transmit information. By modulating sound traveling through an acoustic connection between the fluid container and a pump, meter or valve, information such as an identifier of the fluid or container may be transmitted without risk of confusion with other fluid containers in the vicinity. In a medical embodiment, IV fluid and the IV drip tube provide a fluid and plastic acoustic connection to an IV pumping or metering device and an IV bag through which sound may be transmitted. The transmission of identification information through this physical connection may insure that the pumping or metering device only communicates with the IV bag coupled to the pump. Acoustic tags may be active or passive.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that enable a toy device to interact with a computing device through wireless transmissions. The toy device is configured to communicate with the computing device by transmitting an audio signal at a nearly-inaudible frequency. The toy device may encode commands in the audio signal that cause the computing device to generate visual or auditory outputs. The toy device is also configured to receive and process interactions from human users and/or computing devices. The interactions may be in the form of speech or physical manipulations of the toy device. The toy device may respond to the interactions by generating visual or auditory outputs. The toy device may also process the interaction, and, in response, transmit an audio signal to the computing device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed. The self-defense system may include or comprise a material sized to conform to an appendage, and a defense unit coupled with the material and positioned to initiate a defense event in response to an input.

Abstract: A card reader includes a control circuit, an audio transmission interface, and a conversion circuit. The control circuit is utilized to control data access of a smart card so as to read a first digital data from the smart card and write a second digital data to the smart card. The audio transmission interface is utilized to output a first analog audio signal and to receive a second analog audio signal. The conversion circuit is coupled to the control circuit and the audio transmission interface so as to convert the first digital data into the first analog audio signal and to convert the second analog audio signal into the second digital data.

Abstract: Methods of identifying patching connections in a communications system are provided in which an acoustic signal generator is used to transmit an acoustic signal that includes a unique identifier embedded therein over a patch cord from a first connector port to a second connector port. The acoustic signal is received at the second connector port. The unique identifier is extracted from the acoustic signal.

Abstract: A system for remote signature acquisition, includes a local computer located in a first position where a document is needs to be executed, a remote computer located at a second position, a camera connected to the local computer, a tablet connected to the remote computer, and a plotting instrument connected to the local computer. The remote computer is connected to the local computer via a network. The camera presents information of the document to the remote computer via the local computer and network for display at the second position. The tablet records the corresponding input thereon and converts the input to a digital signal which is capable of being transmitted to the local computer via the remote computer and network. The local computer directs the plotting instrument to inscribe the corresponding input on the document according to the digital signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for establishing a compliance zone and monitoring interactions therewith. The system includes a compliance zone designator and a wearable device. The compliance zone designator transmits an ultrasound signal to establish the compliance zone. The ultrasound signal may be encoded with information on the compliance zone. The compliance zone designator is configured for placement at a location in which the compliance zone is desired. The wearable device is separate from the compliance zone designator. The wearable device includes a compliance zone recognition component configured to recognize the compliance zone and identify one or more pre-defined interaction criteria for the compliance zone. When the wearable device is within the compliance zone, the compliance zone recognition component recognizes the compliance zone and identifies the interaction criteria of the compliance zone.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system and method includes a tag reader and radio frequency identification tag. The tag reader includes an ultrasonic transducer capable of transmitting tones at selected ultrasonic frequencies and a radio transmitter capable of transmitting signals at selected radio frequencies. The tag reader includes a radio receiver capable of receiving signals at selected radio frequencies. The tag reader determines if a received radio frequency signal is modulated at a selected ultrasonic frequency. The radio frequency identification tag includes an array of combination resonator/reflectors. Each combination resonator/reflector of the array includes an ultrasonic resonator coupled to a radio reflector. Each resonator/reflector of the array is tuned to a unique pair of selected ultrasonic frequencies and selected radio frequencies.

Abstract: An electronic appliance includes a microphone which detects a clapping sound, an edge signal extractor, an edge pulse generator and a judgment processing circuit. The judgment processing circuit generates a first gate having a first time width to detect whether or not a second clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a first predetermined time from a first time when the microphone detects a first clapping sound and the edge pulse generator generates the first edge pulse corresponding to the first clapping sound. Subsequently, the judgment processing circuit generates a second gate having a second time width to detect whether or not a third clapping sound has been generated after elapse of a second predetermined time from a second time when the edge pulse generator generates the second edge pulse corresponding to the second clapping sound.

Abstract: An electronic wildlife call has electronics and a housing. The electronics includes an electronic sound generator, memory containing at least one sound call, and at least one speaker connected with the sound generator. The housing contains the electronics and has an upper portion and a lower portion. Legs are coupled to the lower portion of the housing. The legs are movable between a deployed position and a stowed position, wherein when the legs are in the deployed position, the housing is elevated above the ground. The housing has a docking port for receiving a remote control. When the remote control is located in the docking port, the power supply in the remote control is recharged and calls are synced.

Abstract: A door announcement system for indicating the presence of a person or on animal outside a door includes at least one transmitting assembly sending an indicator signal when the at least one transmitting assembly is actuated. At least one receiving assembly engages an electrical outlet to provide power to the at least one receiving assembly. The at least one receiving assembly is in electrical communication with a lamp to turn the lamp on and off when the at least one receiving assembly receives the indicator signal.

Abstract: To enable detection and transmission of an ultrasonic signal with a high S/N ratio without any need for a component requiring high machining precision or high precision in mounting a component. In a dresser head 41, an ultrasonic sensor 21 detecting an ultrasonic wave is provided, and further provided are: a signal converting/transmitting circuit 23 converting a detected signal of the ultrasonic sensor 21 to a digital signal and subjecting the digital signal to radio modulation; and a signal transmission antenna 26 to which the signal resulting from the radio modulation by the signal converting/transmitting circuit 23 is applied. Further, near the dresser head 41, a signal reception antenna 34 receiving a signal emitted by the signal transmission antenna 26 and a signal reception head 35 demodulating the reception signal obtained by the signal reception antenna 26 are provided, and the demodulated signal is output as a digital signal or an analog signal in a predetermined signal format via a control part 31.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: Electronic devices and accessories such as headsets for electronic devices are provided. A microphone may be included in an accessory to capture sound for an associated electronic device. Buttons and other user interfaces may be included in the accessories. An accessory may have an audio plug that connects to a mating audio jack in an electronic device, thereby establishing a wired communications link between the accessory and the electronic device. The electronic device may include power supply circuitry for applying bias voltages to the accessory. The bias voltages may bias a microphone and may adjust settings in the accessory such as settings related to operating modes. User input information may be conveyed between the accessory and the electronic device using ultrasonic tone transmission. The electronic device may also gather input from the accessory using a voltage detector coupled to lines in the communications path.

Abstract: A tool activation system and method includes receiving an authorization code of a user to verify access rights of a user to activate the tool. In one example, the authorization code is receive from a smart card. The environment around the tool, which can be in a wellbore, for example, is checked. In response to the authorization code and the checking of the environment, activation of the tool is enabled.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a light-emitting element, an ultrasonic member, a signal processing unit, a light control unit, an indicator and an indicator control unit. The light-emitting element emits a light. The ultrasonic member emits an ultrasonic signal and receives the ultrasonic signal reflected from an object. The signal processing unit is communicated with the ultrasonic member for converting the reflected ultrasonic signal into a control signal. The light control unit is interconnected between the signal processing unit and the light-emitting element for controlling the light-emitting element to emit light in a selected operating mode in response to the control signal. The indicator control unit is interconnected between the signal processing unit and the indicator for controlling the indicator to assert a notification signal indicative of the operating mode in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A preventive defect detection and control process for a mass produced composite material parts automatically obtains representative parameters of backwall and intermediate echo signal results in each cell of a mesh predefined on the parts, stores the parameters in a database and statistically analyzes the stored parameters for detecting isolated and significant alterations in the parts manufacturing process generating porosity defects, detecting slow and permanent alterations in the parts manufacturing process generating porosity defects or detecting areas with a negligible defect generation probability in order to identify areas susceptible of inspection by sampling.

Abstract: A encoding/decoding method and device for a remote controller utilizing a baud rate to encrypt data for transmission. The encoding device includes an encoder encoding an identification code into an encrypted code; and an interpreter interpreting the un-encoded portion of the identification code and the encrypted code into a transmission signal. When the encrypted code is in a first base, the plain code corresponding to the encrypted code will be transmitted with a first baud rate; and when the encrypted code is in a second base, the plain code corresponding to the encrypted code will be transmitted with a second baud rate. The decoding device includes a receiver receiving the transmission signal; a interpreter connected to the receiver interpreting the transmission signal into a received signal; an encoder utilizing the same encoding algorithm as in the transmitter to generate a comparison code; and a processor comparing the received signal and the comparison code.

Abstract: A remote control for programming a hearing instrument includes a housing and a mechanism associated with the housing for mechanically generating an acoustical pulse for effecting control of a hearing instrument. The remote control is passive. A hearing instrument system includes a hearing instrument having a microphone and programming, and the remote control. The programming is configured to interpret the acoustical pulse generated by the mechanism to effect control of the hearing instrument.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice controlled reminder system, wherein a programmable device automatically reminds the intended receiver of a future event, without any extraordinary action on the part of the recipient, thus enabling the user to, via a telephone, leave a message on a recording unit, specifying a date for message delivery, wherein the message is stored in a microprocessor until the programmed date, whereupon when motion is detected by the motion detector, the microprocessor audibly announces the reminder message.

Abstract: A motion activated, voice control communications device interactive with voice mail systems and electronic mail systems and effective as a stand-alone unit. In general, when a motion detector detects motion in the vicinity of the device, a microprocessor receives input therefrom to initiate a software command to check for messages. If messages are present, the device provides an audible report stating the number of messages waiting and provides a list of voice commands by which the user may initiate the next action, which may include review, erase or skip message or end session. The presently described communications device can be used in conjunction with voice messaging platforms or electronic messaging systems via a personal computer.

Abstract: A speech-translating remote control includes a microphone operable to receive speech command, thereby outputting a speech signal; an audio transmitter operably connected to the microphone to transmit an audio input signal to a host system based on the speech signal; a signal receiver to receive a command signal transmitted by the host transmitter; and a signal transmitter operably connected to the signal receiver to transmit a control signal to an appliance based on the command signal.

Abstract: Voice control systems are used in diverse technical fields. In this case, the spoken words are detected by one or more microphones and then fed to a speech recognition system. In order to enable voice control even from a relatively great distance, the voice signal must be separated from interfering background signals. This can be effected by spatial separation using microphone arrays comprising two or more microphones. In this case, it is advantageous for the individual microphones of the microphone array to be distributed spatially over the greatest possible distance. In an individual consumer electronics appliance, however, the distances between the individual microphones are limited on account of the dimensions of the appliance.

Abstract: A method and system for the automatic detection of a sleeping person and for adjusting electrical power supplied to a number of electronic devices; it includes a unit for observing the behavior of a person in a predetermined area under surveillance and a unit for analyzing output data from the observing unit to determine whether the observed behavior is associated with predefined sleeping behaviors. Upon recognition that the observed behavior indicates the sleeping state of a person, the electrical power supplied to the plurality of electronic devices is selectively adjusted according to predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A remote control, particularly for wireless remote control of a closing device in a motor vehicle, has a first transmitter for outputting an optical signal, and a second transmitter for outputting a radio signal. The two transmitters are able to be activated for signal output by at least one actuation element. An input of the first transmitter and/or of the second transmitter is connected to a clock transmitter in order to output the optical signal and/or the radio signal in pulsed fashion at particular intervals of time in order to save energy. Also an associated remotely controllable device and a full remote control configuration are disclosed.

Abstract: Reliable and efficient activation and deactivation control of a number of electronic products (P1, P2, P3) is effected by activation of one of the products by emission of an activation command specific to the product and controlling performance and/or functionality of the product by speech commands. Emission of the activation command specific to the one product is accompanied by emission of a deactivation code causing deactivation of any other of the number of electronic products.

Abstract: In a vehicle (102) a method of detecting air bag (106) deployment includes detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) and developing a spectral content (502) of the increase. Further comparing the spectral content (502) to a template (134) and if spectral content (502) correlates to template (134), outputting an air bag deployment signal (138). An apparatus for detecting air bag deployment includes a means for detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) in a vehicle (102), a spectral content (502) of the acoustic energy level increase (150) and a template (134), where the spectral content (502) is compared to template. An air bag deployment signal (138) is outputted if the spectral content (502) correlates to the template (134).

Abstract: An acoustic signaling system comprises a transmitter, which has frequency stability to create sounds which can reliably be received and which is loud enough to be heard by a receiver. The receiver includes an electret microphone, a limiting amplifier which has high gain, high frequency roll off and produces a maximum output for any input above a minimum value and a Schmitt trigger circuit to square up the output of the limiting amplifier and function as a zero cross detector. A micro-controller measures the times of the zero crossings and performs the detection and decoding algorithms to determine what code is being received. Each code consists of an anonymous repeating sequence of tones, which are transmitted for a certain duration followed by a silence, which allows room echoes to decay. The system creates acoustic sound codes, which are pleasant, sounding, can reliably be received and convey sufficient information to activate toys or dolls.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for analyzing baby cries capable of diagnosing a cause of cry of a baby based on a cry from the baby. A microphone (1) picks up a cry from a baby as an audio signal. At a certain sampling frequency, an A/D converter (2) samples the audio signal received by the microphone (1) to A/D convert it. An audio analyzer (3) analyzes the audio signal samples by the A/D converter (2) and computes a characteristic quantity based on a frequency spectrum. A cause-of-cry assumption unit (4) assumes a cause of cry based on the characteristic quantity of the audio signal derived at the audio analyzer (3). Finally, an assumed result display (5) displays the assumed result from the cause-of-cry assumption unit (4).

Abstract: An apparatus has a plurality of power supplies coupled to a common output power bus and a single controller. To avoid ground loops, interference, high cost, and line-of-sight operation, sound waves are used to communicate between the controller and the power supplies. The sound waves are preferably of at least 18 KHz in frequency and preferably FSK modulated with control or data information.

Abstract: A system for supervision and control of objects or persons within a limited area, such as a building, comprising a plurality of electronic identification chips for placing on respective objects/persons to be supervised/controlled, each chip having stored therein a special ID code and being provided with respective transmitters and receivers for communication via ultrasound as well as audible sound, a plurality of stationary detectors which are interconnected in a network and arranged for both-way communication with the chips, and a central control unit in communication with the chips via the detectors. Each chip is continuously active in operation and is arranged to transmit its ID code at predetermined time intervals. At least one of the detectors or the control unit are being arranged to trigger an alarm unit if an incorrect code is received or an approved code is not received continuously at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: An alarm relay device including a microphone that produces a signal responsive to an audible alarm having a frequency. A first circuit coupled to the microphone produces a first detect signal when the signal is above a predetermined level. A second circuit coupled to the microphone and the first circuit receives power responsive to the first detect signal. The second circuit produces a second detect signal when the signal is within a predetermined range of the frequency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transaction verification is provided. An acoustic signature of a transaction executioner is captured and electronically saved as a digital signature file. The digital signature file is associated with the transaction and then sent to a central location for storage. The transaction may be verified by reproducing the acoustic signature file from the digital signature file and acoustically verified by parties interested in verifying the transaction.

Abstract: An electronic key or other missing object locator device is responsive to the impulse characteristics of received sounds to distinguish expected impulse-like triggering sounds such as humanly produced hand claps from other impulse-like sounds such as speech or music or non-impulse-like sounds. Errors may be counted whenever the received sounds do not correspond to the expected characteristics of the expected impulse-like triggering sounds. Whenever the expected number of triggering sounds having the expected impulse characteristics have been discriminated and detected, an audible alert is sounded, provided that the errors are not too many. The device of the invention is thereby able to distinguish expected hand claps (or other humanly produced sounds) from non-intended music, speech or other impulse-like or non-impulse-like triggering sounds, rendering it operable even in noisy environments. False alarms from mechanical wave energy are prevented.

Abstract: A voice activated control system responsive to spoken voice commands is integrated with an advanced central display/control unit having dedicated and reconfigurable push buttons to control individual vehicle accessories in a complementary fashion as well as in standalone modes. The two controllers share additional input and output resources including reconfigurable steering wheel switches and a heads-up display showing the current configuration of the steering wheel switches. Thus, a driver can control a plurality of adjustable parameters of a plurality of vehicle accessories with a convenient and easy to use interface which makes efficient use of hardware and reduces costs.

Abstract: A remote door locking/unlocking system includes both telephone receiver/DTMF decoder circuitry and a wireless radio frequency or infrared sensor for enabling the system to be actuated either by a portable short range transmitter or by any telephone. The telephone circuitry or handset may be removably installed in the door so that it can be used with a variety of different cellular or satellite communications systems. An alternative to DTMF and/or radio frequency or infrared activation, speech recognition could be used to interpret voice commands transmitted over the network or picked up by a microphone.

Abstract: A remote control device having buttons with a primary function of activating generation of a control signal by the remote and secondary function of activating generation of an audio sample. The audio sample is unrelated to the primary, functional signal generated by pressing that button. The remote control device may include several different sets of audio samples, each set being associated with a particular television program, a particular theme or genre, and/or a particular component. The selection of the particular sample played by pressing a button may be done by switching, at random, or by a combination of both. The remote control may (a) generate control signals in silence, or (b) generate control signals in conjunction with audio features, or (c) generate audio features without generation of control signals.

Abstract: In an electromotively driven garden appliance, for example a lawnmower or a lawn-aerator, the on-off switch is usually arranged on the handle-bar such that it can easily be accessed for operation. This on-off switch is connected via a cable to the motor circuit, the cable being guided along one branch of the handle-bar. According to the invention, in order to avoid damage to the cable and resultant unreliable contact-making when the handle-bar is folded down, the cable is replaced by a wireless connection, in particular by infrared radiation, radio or ultrasound. For this purpose, a transmitter is assigned to the electrical on-off switch and a receiver on the chassis is assigned to the motor circuit.

Abstract: A baby monitor that monitors an infant while keeping the infant in a safe sleeping position that consists of infant positioning blocks incorporating a battery powered audio pickup with a low power FM transmitter. Infant positioning blocks are popularly known as baby wedges.