Earth Or Water Medium Patents (Class 455/40)
  • Publication number: 20120156991
    Abstract: A fast data method is contemplated to speed data processing and/or transmission times associated with sensor devices desiring to report or otherwise communicate electronic data over wireless or wireline communications mediums to a processing entity. The fast data method may be achieved by scheduling transmission windows/intervals for the sensor devices and adjusting the scheduled intervals in a manner aimed at increasing processing/polling speeds and/or in a manner aimed at facilitating transmission of data built-up over time due to a prior inability to transmit the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: AVIDASPORTS, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Burton, Ryan Johnson, Matthew Shinew, Warren Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8160635
    Abstract: Disclosed is a communication network system, which includes a cluster and a base station. The cluster includes plural communication devices installed underwater and a wired connection connecting at least two of the plural communication devices. The base station performs acoustic communication with at least one of the plural communication devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takeshi Sato
  • Patent number: 8131213
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a tagging and identification device and system for tracking and monitoring sea vessels as they enter sea ports, estuaries and/or other channels. The tagging device of the present invention comprises a receiver, for receiving an underwater electromagnetic signal transmitted by an underwater beacon. An acoustic transmitter is provided for transmitting an identification signal to an acoustic receiver deployed nearby. The acoustic identification signal is transmitted after an electromagnetic trigger signal is received from the underwater beacon. The tagging and device may further comprise a memory device which can store data relating to position and time of the see vessel to which it is attached. The tagging and identification device of the present invention is covert, compact and is capable of extended active deployment without replenishment of batteries etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: William Luther Porter, Thomas Kurt Nielsen, Brendan Peter Hyland
  • Publication number: 20120007747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transmitting data from a device, such as is used in endoscopy or microsurgery, for example, to a receiving unit, wherein a magnetic dipole disposed in or on the device is rotationally driven, the data are generated by a change in the rotational frequency of the magnetic dipole, and the changing magnetic field of the magnetic dipole is received and analyzed by the receiving unit, wherein the rotational speed range in which the magnetic dipole can be driven is divided into partial ranges, each associated with a type of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Rayonex Schwingungstechnik GbmH
    Inventors: Volker Boike, Elmar Koch
  • Publication number: 20110300793
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20110300797
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20110300794
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20110300795
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20110300796
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8055193
    Abstract: An underwater remote sensing system comprising a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic signal reflected from an object and determining means for determining the location of the object, wherein at least one of the transmitter and receiver is underwater. The determining means may be operable to determine the location of the object using signals received at three or more receiver positions. To do this, three or more receiver antennas may be provided. Alternatively, a single receiver antenna may be provided and moved between three or more different measurement locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8045919
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: WFS Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 8046024
    Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-radio platform with longer-range and shorter-range radio modules and method are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a transmit power level is set for transmissions by a shorter-range radio module during a reception by a longer-range radio module to a lesser of a maximum allowed power level or a next requested power level when transmit step-down mode is enabled. The transmit power level is set to the next requested power level when the longer-range radio module is not transmitting. The shorter-range radio module refrains from transmitting when a transmit-kill mode is enabled during the reception by the longer-range radio module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Eran Sudak, Xingang Guo, Xue Yang
  • Patent number: 8036595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate wireless device communications and configuration. A detection component identifies N devices that are coupled together via a biological medium, N being an integer, wherein the medium includes direct or indirect touching to a device or devices. After biological contact, a configuration component initiates a configuration between a subset of the devices. Although configurations and/or other communications can be conducted through a medium such as the human body, the present invention can employ an initial touch to identify respective devices whereby other electronic configuration sequences commence without further device contact. Other aspects include chain touching between users and/or devices to facilitate contact between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew C. Glass, Christopher M. Dreher, Ellick H. Sung, Randall E. Aull, Doron J. Holan, Craig S. Ranta
  • Patent number: 8005424
    Abstract: The present invention provides a communication device and a communication method of an underwater vehicle, which use an electromagnetic field (electromagnetic wave), having a higher propagation speed than that of an acoustic wave, for communication between an underwater vehicle and a mother vessel or the like so as to allow real-time control of the underwater vehicle and the like and further to make the communication little sensitive to noise and the like. The communication device performs wireless communication between an underwater vehicle in water and an object on land or on water, and is configured to compress data to be transmitted and transmit/receive the compressed data by the use of a low-frequency electromagnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Taro Aoki, Katsuki Fujimoto, Osamu Numamoto
  • Publication number: 20110177779
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer system for providing wireless data transfer, electrical power transfer and navigation between a mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station that uses acoustic and electromagnetic carrier signals for wireless communication and navigation. An inductive connector is provided for power transfer between mobile subsea vehicle and a deployed subsea station without conductive contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Peter Hyland, Andrew Jaffrey
  • Publication number: 20110076940
    Abstract: The present invention provides an underwater wireless communications hotspot comprising an active zone which is circumscribed by a large closed loop antenna and within which wireless communication by means of electromagnetic signals can take place. The wireless communications hotspot of the present invention is suitable for data transfer between a communications node of the wireless hotspot and a receiver mounted on a mobile unit which is located inside the active zone of the hotspot. The wireless hotspot of the present invention provides a means for high bit rate data transfer from the communications node and the mobile unit, due to improved uniformity of coverage within the active zone of the hotspot and due to a reduction in the attenuation with distance compared to communications at positions outside the perimeter of a loop antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 7877059
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 7873316
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: WFS Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 7863907
    Abstract: Methods for making and systems employing pressure and temperature sensors are described. Embodiments include a capacitive element including a first conductor plate and a second conductor plate. Each plate includes a conductor layer formed on a substrate. In a pressure sensor embodiment, seal is positioned at or near the edges of the conductor plates, and a gas retained in a gap defined between the plates. In a temperature sensor embodiment, the gap defined between the plates is in fluid communication with the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Don M Coates
  • Patent number: 7853206
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: WFS Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20100311325
    Abstract: Systems and methods for wirelessly sending signals through the earth between transmitting and receiving antennas are disclosed, wherein the communicating antennas are of the types that generate significant far field radiation and may interact substantially through the emission and absorption of electromagnetic radiation in addition to magnetic coupling. Frequencies are typically chosen which may be much higher than those conventionally used for through-the-earth (TTE) communications. In many situations where TTE communication is desired, the electromagnetic coupling and associated magnetic coupling produced and utilized by these certain types of antennas provide greater effective communications ranges when compared with the ranges that are obtainable with antennas interacting predominately by magnetic coupling alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: MARSHALL RADIO TELEMETRY, INC.
    Inventor: David L. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7831205
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods and systems for wireless data transmission by magnetic induction. In one embodiment, a network of magnetic induction units is provided. The units may be configured to transmit a data signal by modulation of a time-varying magnetic field. One or more units may also be configured to receive a data signal received from another magnetic induction unit. In one specific implementation, a network of underground magnetic induction units is provided, each having a sensor connected thereto. Each of the units, or a subset of the units, may be configured to transmit its sensed data to an adjacent or nearby unit, which, in turn, may retransmit the original data, along with additional appended data, to another adjacent unit. The network data may thereby be relayed in a multi-hop fashion until it reaches a desired destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Nathan Jack, Krishna Shenai
  • Patent number: 7826794
    Abstract: An extended underwater electromagnetic transducer is provided with an electrically insulated transmission line typically connected to a transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line allows near-field communications with another transmitter or receiver or transceiver system. The transmission line provided is relatively long, the through water signal path length can be significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wireless Fibre Systems
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Hyland, Derek Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20100233955
    Abstract: Method for reducing air wave and/or magnetotelluric noise in controlled source electromagnetic surveying by either shielding the source (61) from the air interface, shielding the receivers from downward traveling electromagnetic energy, or by employing a second source (62) to preferentially cancel the air wave (and MT) part of the signal, or a combination of the preceding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Scott C. Hornbostel, Warren S. Ross, Leonard J. Srnka
  • Publication number: 20100233956
    Abstract: A method for wireless underground data transmission between a large number of mobile stations and a fixed network involves the mobile stations being stored in depersonalized form, advantageously in a loading station. Upon removal, the mobile stations are personalized using a personalization device associated with the mobile station, for example by inputting a code or by an RFID card arranged close by which makes contact with the mobile station without touching it, so that said mobile station can also be reached by means of a personalized user identifier in addition to the associated appliance-specific identifier. Following use, each mobile station is depersonalized using the personalization device associated with the mobile station when it is returned to the storage station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: LICANIA GMBH
    Inventor: Christoph Hunziker
  • Patent number: 7796943
    Abstract: A communications system including: a plurality of sub-surface portable transceivers each including: a digital data source, a modulator coupled to the digital data source, a power amplifier coupled to the modulator and a loop antenna inductively coupled to the power amplifier; and a base transceiver including: an electrically insulated ferrite core antenna for receiving magnetic signals, an electric di-pole antenna for receiving ambient noise, a noise canceller coupled to the insulated ferrite core antenna and electric dipole antenna and responsive to the electric-dipole antenna to filter noise from signals received via the insulated ferrite core antenna, a demodulator coupled to the noise canceller and a decoder coupled to the demodulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: David O. Levan
  • Publication number: 20100227552
    Abstract: The present invention provides an antenna for underwater radio communications. The antenna of the present invention comprises an elongate section submerged in water and a feed point for feeding electrical signals to the antenna located on the elongate section, the elongate section is attached to an underwater object at a first end thereof, and during deployment hangs downwards there from so that said elongate section is substantially vertical in orientation. A first portion of the elongate section comprises a flexible wire having an electrically conductive core, which is electrically insulated on an outer surface thereof. During operation the flexible wire radiates electromagnetic signals through the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Volanthen, Mark Rhodes, Brendan Peter Hyland
  • Publication number: 20100227551
    Abstract: The present invention provides a buoy supported antenna for underwater radio communications. The antenna of the present invention comprises an elongate section submerged in water and a feed point for feeding electrical signals to the antenna located on the elongate section, the elongate section is attached to an underwater object at a first end thereof, and during deployment is suspended by a buoy at a second end thereof so that the elongate section is substantially self supporting and vertical in orientation. At least a first portion of the elongate section comprises a flexible wire having an electrically conductive core, which is electrically insulated on an outer surface thereof. During operation the flexible wire radiates electromagnetic signals through the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Volanthen, Mark Rhodes, Brendan Peter Hyland
  • Patent number: 7769632
    Abstract: A system for selectively communicating promotional information to a person, includes a sensing system, a storage device, a controller, and a projection device. The sensing system measures a detectable feature associated with the person sensed by the sensing system and the storage device stores a plurality of promotional segments. The controller uses the measured detectable feature associated with the person for selecting one of the stored promotional segments and causing the projection device to project to the person at the predetermined location the selected promotional segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: PromoVu, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen G. Giraud, Paul J. Lingane
  • Patent number: 7761100
    Abstract: Described herein are one or more implementations for an electromagnetic (EM) position and orientation tracking system operating at an ultra-low frequency, which reduces the strength of eddy currents produced by nearby field-distorting electrically-conductive materials (“distorters”). This effectively reduces the overall distorting effect of distorters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventor: Peter Traneus Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100159828
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20100159827
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20100134319
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 7716053
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting messages among terminals with increasing uncertainty. According to one embodiment, players in a game exchange text messages via wireless computing devices. A first player selects from among a menu of fixed phrases and inserts words within the phrase to complete a message. When the message is received at a second wireless computing device, the message may be degraded by, for example, by removing one or more words or reducing a reliability rating. As the message is passed to third and subsequent wireless computer devices, the message can be further degraded. By degrading the message, the curiosity of a player can be peaked, thus resulting in more engaging game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sega Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Shimoda, Wataru Nakanishi, Taku Kihara, Daichi Katagiri, Makoto Osaki
  • Patent number: 7711322
    Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Wireless Fibre Systems
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Derek Wolfe, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 7684754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate wireless device communications and configuration. A detection component identifies N devices that are coupled together via a biological medium, N being an integer, wherein the medium includes direct or indirect touching to a device or devices. After biological contact, a configuration component initiates a configuration between a subset of the devices. Although configurations and/or other communications can be conducted through a medium such as the human body, the present invention can employ an initial touch to identify respective devices whereby other electronic configuration sequences commence without further device contact. Other aspects include chain touching between users and/or devices to facilitate contact between the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew C. Glass, Christopher M. Dreher, Ellick H. Sung, Randall E. Aull, Doron J. Holan, Craig S. Ranta
  • Patent number: 7613162
    Abstract: A mobile device, system, and method are disclosed for use in a wireless communication system during the mobile device's transition from a dual mode, in which a packet switched connection and circuit switched connection are used together, to a single mode in which packets are transferred. When the circuit switched connection is released, packet resources are allocated by converting timeslots used for circuit switched connection traffic into timeslots used for packet data traffic. Also included is a new alert signal within an existing message to the mobile device during the circuit switched connection release phase, before completion of the circuit switched connection release phase, in order to inform the mobile device that the converting step will occur after release of the circuit switched connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Rami Vaittinen, Antti O. Kangas
  • Publication number: 20090208219
    Abstract: A multimode wireless communications system that uses the three mechanisms of light, radio and acoustic carriers either in combination or through selection of the most appropriate carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brandan Hyland
  • Publication number: 20090181617
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes: a casing into which liquid is injected; two metal plates disposed so as to come into contact with the liquid within the casing; and a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit/receive an electric signal with the two metal plates as antennas, and with the liquid as a medium; with the antennas transmitting/receiving the electric signal to/from a functional module mounted into the casing so as to come into contact with the liquid; and with the functional module being mounted such that the liquid can flow from one of the two metal plates to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Yoshioka, Yoshinori Takagi, Ryuhei Sakanoue, Yoshihiro Wakita, Yoshiaki Oikawa, Takashi Tago, Yasushi Tatehira
  • Publication number: 20090110407
    Abstract: A dual wiring system with improved function expandability is provided. A base unit is mounted in a wall surface of a structure, and connected to both of an electric power line and an information line previously installed in the structure. Each of function units has at least one of functions for providing electric power from the electric power line, outputting information from the information line and inputting information into the information line when connected with the base unit. The base unit is detachably connected with one of the function units by use of a joining member, so that electric power is supplied from the base unit to the function unit through a power transmission means, and a signal transmission between the base unit and the function unit is obtained through a signal transmission means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamamoto, Takeshi Ueno, Kazufumi Oogi, Kenichi Yoneyama, Hideshi Hamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20080090518
    Abstract: The present invention provides a communication device and a communication method of an underwater vehicle, which use an electromagnetic field (electromagnetic wave), having a higher propagation speed than that of an acoustic wave, for communication between an underwater vehicle and a mother vessel or the like so as to allow real-time control of the underwater vehicle and the like and further to make the communication little sensitive to noise and the like. The communication device performs wireless communication between an underwater vehicle in water and an object on land or on water, and is configured to compress data to be transmitted and transmit/receive the compressed data by the use of a low-frequency electromagnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: JAPAN AGENCY FOR MARINE-EARTH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Taro Aoki, Katsuki Fujimoto, Osamu Numamoto
  • Publication number: 20080009242
    Abstract: A data communication system includes a transmitter. The transmitter transmits data in a digitally modulated electromagnetic or magnetic signal. A receiver is provided for receiving the digitally modulated electromagnetic or magnetic signal. At least one of the transmitter and receiver is below ground and has a magnetically coupled antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Rhodes, Brendan Hyland
  • Patent number: 7221908
    Abstract: A communication apparatus operating under a back scattering system involving processes of QPSK modulation is provided. The apparatus includes: a first signal channel for acquiring a first reflected wave by getting an incoming radio wave directly reflected without wave passage through any phase shifter; a second signal channel for acquiring a second reflected wave having a phase shifted by ?/2 relative to the phase of the first reflected wave through two-way wave passage through a first phase shifter alone; a third signal channel for acquiring a third reflected wave having a phase shifted by ? relative to the phase of the first reflected wave through two-way wave passage through the first and a second phase shifter; and a fourth signal channel for acquiring a fourth reflected wave having a phase shifted by 3?/2 relative to the phase of the first reflected wave through two-way wave passage through the first through a third phase shifter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kunio Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7149472
    Abstract: A through-the-earth communication system that includes a digital signal input device; a transmitter operating at a predetermined frequency sufficiently low to effectively penetrate useful distances through-the earth; a data compression circuit that is connected to an encoding processor; an amplifier that receives encoded output from the encoding processor for amplifying the output and transmitting the data to an antenna; and a receiver with an antenna, a band pass filter, a decoding processor, and a data decompressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: David Reagor, Jose Vasquez-Dominguez
  • Patent number: 7050831
    Abstract: A method and system for communication within an energy-transmission-limited environment. RF transceivers throughout the site are located site-wide such that areas within the site in which communications are desired are within range of at least one of the RF transceivers. At each location RF transceivers are connected to a control unit. The control unit provides power to the transceivers and allows bi-directional communication of audio/voice and/or digital information. The control units may be networked to each other using standard network type category-5 or equivalent cables and may communicate to one another via the network connection. The control units may also be networked via an alternating current powerline by using an alternating current modem. The transceiver of the present invention utilizes single sideband modulators to modulate voice and/or digital signals. The signals are demodulated and filtered at a receiving end of the transceiver. A comb filter attenuates noisy signals with drifting harmonics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Transtek, Inc.
    Inventors: Zvi H. Meiksin, T. Brad Petrus, Robert J. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 7043195
    Abstract: A communications system, including at least one base station (8) at the surface, at least one repeater station (6) below the surface, and at least one mobile station (4) below the surface, the stations (4, 6, 8) establishing a bidirectional communications path between the mobile station (4) and the base station (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization
    Inventors: John David Bunton, Graham Ross Daniels, Colin Eric Jacka
  • Patent number: 7043204
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effective through-the-earth communication involves a signal input device connected to a transmitter operating at a predetermined frequency sufficiently low to effectively penetrate useful distances through-the earth, and having an analog to digital converter receiving the signal input and passing the signal input to a data compression circuit that is connected to an encoding processor, the encoding processor output being provided to a digital to analog converter. An amplifier receives the analog output from the digital to analog converter for amplifying said analog output and outputting said analog output to an antenna. A receiver having an antenna receives the analog output passes the analog signal to a band pass filter whose output is connected to an analog to digital converter that provides a digital signal to a decoding processor whose output is connected to an data decompressor, the data decompressor providing a decompressed digital signal to a digital to analog converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David Reagor, Jose Vasquez-Dominguez
  • Patent number: 6766141
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and method for telemetry communication with oil-well monitoring and recording instruments located in the vicinity of the bottom of gas or oil recovery pipes. Such instruments are currently monitored using electrical cabling that is inserted into the pipes; cabling has a short life in this environment, and requires periodic replacement with the concomitant, costly shutdown of the well. Modulated reflectance, a wireless communication method that does not require signal transmission power from the telemetry package will provide a long-lived and reliable way to monitor down-hole conditions. Normal wireless technology is not practical since batteries and capacitors have to frequently be replaced or recharged, again with the well being removed from service. RF energy generated above ground can also be received, converted and stored down-hole without the use of wires, for actuating down-hole valves, as one example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Scott D. Briles, Daniel L. Neagley, Don M. Coates, Samuel M. Freund
  • Publication number: 20030092393
    Abstract: An automated system for periodically sampling water bodies, such as lakes, and delivering the test results to a remote computer using a communication system. In particular, the system has a variable buoyancy profiler with a dynamic buoyancy compensator responding approximately linear to a water pressure created by an external water body so as to actively or passively interact with an external force or pressure thereby moving the profiler to a target depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Anatoly Skirda, Viktor Slobodyan, Christopher Owen
  • Publication number: 20030054764
    Abstract: A method for conveying application data via carrierless ultra wideband wireless signals, and signals embodied in a carrierless ultra wideband waveform. Application data is encoded into wavelets that are transmitted as a carrierless ultra wideband waveform. The carrierless ultra wideband waveform is received by an antenna, and the application data is decoded from the wavelets included in the waveform. The waveforms of the signals include wavelets that have a predetermined shape that is used to modulate the data. The signals may convey, for example, Web pages and executable programs between mobile devices. The signals are low power and can penetrate obstructions making them favorable for use with a wireless node of a network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: John W. McCorkle, Martin Rofheart