16635results about "Anti-theft devices" patented technology

The present invention generally relates to systems, methods and applications utilizing the convergence of any combination of the following three technologies: wireless positioning or localization technology, wireless communications technology and sensor technology. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a remote device that includes a sensor for determining or measuring a desired parameter, a receiver for receiving position data from the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite system, a processor for determining whether or not alert conditions are present and a wireless transceiver for transmitting the measured parameter data and the position data to a central station, such as an application service provider (ASP). The ASP, in turn, may communicate the measured data, position data and notification of any alerts to an end user via an alert device. The present invention also relates to various applications and systems utilizing the capabilities of such a device.

A pocket-size RFID reader apparatus having a contactless interface and a slot for insertion of a contactless smart card fob, and having a biometric sensor, thereby providing two levels of personalization. The apparatus may have a wireless interface; and a slot for insertion of a wireless SD I/O device. The apparatus may have a slot for insertion of an external memory device. The apparatus may have a mechanical connection (contact) interface. The apparatus may also have an RF interface for reading an electronic immobilizer within the apparatus.

The Wireless Integrated Network Sensor Next Generation (WINS NG) nodes provide distributed network and Internet access to sensors, controls, and processors that are deeply embedded in equipment, facilities, and the environment. The WINS NG network is a new monitoring and control capability for applications in transportation, manufacturing, health care, environmental monitoring, and safety and security. The WINS NG nodes combine microsensor technology, low power distributed signal processing, low power computation, and low power, low cost wireless and/or wired networking capability in a compact system. The WINS NG networks provide sensing, local control, remote reconfigurability, and embedded intelligent systems in structures, materials, and environments.

This invention provides a system and method for identifying, locating, authorizing by proximity and communicating with equipment and personnel in a facility that generally employs a series of limited range transceivers for location determination and a distributed wireless data network for data transfer. The system employs unique RF transceiver tags on personnel and equipment that are each uniquely identified and registered with a facility control application that oversees activities in the facility. The tags are tracked by RF communication based upon their proximity to one or more fixed-base networked access points and relays (which transfer location data by RF back to access points) within four range zones. Location data on all tags is uploaded periodically to a location server that interfaces with the facility control server. Tag data is monitored by the facility control server to track, authorize and deauthorize certain data transfers, movements and activities in accordance with rules established for each tag (or type of tag) within the facility control server's application. Wireless networking (WiFi, for example), in combination with the RF-derived location information, allows the facility control server to correlate and transmit data to staff in conjunction with location and proximity. WiFi can transmit authorizations, deauthorizations and general data based upon triggers established by proximity and location. Likewise, data can be transmitted over WiFi from readers etc. from personnel and equipment located and identified by the system.

Arrangement for monitoring an asset including an interior sensor system arranged on the asset to obtain information about contents in the interior of the asset, a location determining system arranged on the asset to monitor the location of the asset and a communication system arranged on the asset and coupled to the interior sensor system and the location determining system. The communication system operatively transmits the information about the contents in the interior of the asset and the location of the asset to a remote facility. The interior sensor system may include at least one wave transmitter arranged to transmit waves into the interior of the asset and at least one wave receiver arranged to receive waves from the interior of the asset. A processor may be provided to compare waves received by the wave receiver(s) at different times or analyze the waves received by the wave receiver(s).

System and method for evaluating driver performance, comprising detecting operations of a vehicle using an on-board vehicle monitoring system, comparing the operations to predetermined criteria, identifying violations of the predetermined criteria, tracking violations that occur during an evaluation period, and, at the end of the evaluation period, calculating a grade associated with operation of the vehicle.

Device, system and method, in a vehicle communication system, to transmit wirelessly a message comprising the position, heading and speed of a vehicle or other moving object, wherein the transmission is repeated at regular intervals in a temporarily fixed time slot within a predetermined basic time interval. In a key embodiment the message duration is equal to or less than a predetermined time slot duration. Embodiments use generally the same time slot in a contiguous sequence of basic time intervals. Algorithms are described to resolve wireless interference within a time slot. Embodiments divide the basic time interval in multiple durations, “class regions,” for different message classes. Embodiments use different wireless bandwidth allocation algorithms for the class regions.

Applications of RFID technology include: RFID Tags on Automobiles in Parking Garages; RFID w/Toothbrushes; RFID Tags For Laundry Settings; RFID Tags Or Labels to Find a Mate; RFID To Identify The Value Of Coins; RFID Tags In The Doctors Office; RFID Tags Or Labels In Game Arcades; RFID With Prisoners; RFID Tags To Identify Soldiers; RFID Labels As Tags To Label Particular Components Of Aircraft or Other Structures; Car, Snowmobile, Boat, Etc. Ignition That Won't Start Without RFID Card; Car seats with RFID reader and memory; Air bags that adjust based on information on RFID; Car that keeps track of GPS info and knows whos driving based on RFID; RFID Smart Closet; Method of taking attendance; RFID on networked desks to monitor the location of individuals; Personal computer reads RFID to log you in and take you to favorite web page, load favorites list, etc.; RFID labels on Files; RFID address label versions of all label and sheet inventions; RFID sports tickets; Combination function invitation and RFID chip to allow admittance; Roll of tape with RFID built in; Schoolbus reads which kids getting on, keeps record; RFID on each car wheel; RFID key to operate common-area laundry; RFID to automatically adjust weights/treadmill settings in gym; RFID w/clothes measurements, save shelf space at store, get proper size; RFID keyring w/car information; Keep track of who's driving around neighborhood; RFID dental implant; RFID Thumbtack; RFID Doorstop; RFID identification of boats or ships at docks; RFID on cups w/specifics of favorite coffee drinks; RFID on bridges with RFID tanks on top of cars, to detect speeding; RFID on studs in a wall and RFID reader that acts as a stud finder; RFID tags or labels inside tires; RFID cards supplied with newspapers or magazines; RFID card that lights up a when the user reaches a particular location; RFID sports ticket w/automatic map generation to seat; RFID card to tell school cafeteria what lunch to prepare for particular student; student desk with slot to receive RFID card, desks on networks together, Central computing system can tell where any particular student is sitting at any given moment within the school; RFID readers on outdoor play equipment; Authentication of Expensive Items With RFID; Paintings or other art work with RFID label to be used to verify the number in a limited series; RFID on sports helmet or uniform; RFID chips in paint; RFID cards issued to airline passengers to identify type of drinks and meals for a particular passenger, etc.; Greeting Cards With RFID; Decorative Tiles With RFID Tags; RFID in Car Washes; and Adaptive Advertising Based on RFID Information.

A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

A near field communications enabled mobile communication is used to provide or receive information.

This application describes completely in many unique ways and detail all the devices to reduce a vehicle's speed and/or reduce a machines RPM's and/or stop any piece of equipment's as well as guide it if mobile through automated controls. First to slow it down, and guide it and/or control it if necessary (i.e., other pieces of equipment). Secondly it discusses how to stop any piece of equipment completely. And thirdly, the invention secures it in a safe stationary position either entirely or any number of specific moving parts. Many of these systems are initially here described to slow, reduce speed, steer, stop and/or secure equipment functions. However, they also can be used to increase a piece of equipment's functions. In other words their variations are completely capable to serve any remote or automated controls on a vehicle in the future to provide full robotics systems, e.g., for automated transportation systems, automated manufacturing, etc., either through individually isolated remote control systems and/or interfaced with other off-board systems through communication links, gateway computers, computer networks and the world wide web for inexpensive long distance monitoring and remote control. The invention focuses on the automobile industry but as has always been maintained throughout all these applications these devices and systems are designed to control every piece of equipment. The invention includes various accountable protocols and commercial developments to control speed, brake and steering for an automobile shut down to be performed through automation to a safe controlled secured deactivated state to be considered as a basis for a standard in aggressive vehicle remote control and/or to control and guide a vehicle and/or piece of equipment through many different automated systems.

A vehicle security monitoring system and method is provided for monitoring the security in detection zones near a vehicle. The system includes motion detectors positioned to detect motion of an object within security zones of a vehicle and cameras positioned to generate video images of the security zones. A display located onboard the vehicle displays images generated by a camera when the camera is activated. A controller controls activation of the camera and presentation of images on the display. The controller activates the camera and controls the display to output images captured by the camera when a moving object is detected IN THE security zone.

A conventional portable cellular phone modified such that the phone housing incorporates a digital cameras security alarm system and other functions. In another embodiment, the portable cellular phone is modified such that the phone housing incorporates a security alarm system, radio receiver and other functions.

Systems and methods are providing for interfacing an electronic device with a bicycle system. The electronic device can receive the output from sensors coupled to the bicycle and generate riding characteristics for display to the user. The electronic device can in addition receive communications from other electronic devices and provide the communications to the user. In some embodiments, the electronic device can be paired with the devices of one or more other cyclists so that the cyclists can share riding characteristics and other information. This can allow the cyclists to ride as a team and better assist each other.

A system comprises an equipment service vehicle and an off-board computer system. The equipment service vehicle further includes a power source, a power transmission link, a plurality of input devices, a plurality of output devices, and an on-board computer system. The on-board computer system further includes a plurality of microprocessor-based interface modules and a communication network. The plurality of interface modules are coupled to the power source by way of the power transmission link and are interconnected to each other by way of the communication network. Each of the plurality of interface modules is coupled to respective ones of the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices by way of respective dedicated communication links. The on-board computer system stores I/O status information for the plurality of input devices and the plurality of output devices. The on-board computer system transmits at least some of the I/O status information by way of a wireless radio-frequency communication link to the off-board computer system.

Monitoring apparatus and method including a processor, associated with a web site and capable of providing audio and video, which receives audio information recorded or obtained at a vehicle or premises. The processor, located remote from the vehicle or premises, receives a signal from a device located remote from the processor and the vehicle or premises. The audio information is transmitted to the device over the Internet and/or World Wide Web in response to the signal. Monitoring apparatus and method including a processor, associated with a web site, which receives video information recorded or obtained at a vehicle or premises. The processor, located remote from the vehicle or premises, receives a signal transmitted from a device located remote from the processor and the vehicle or premises. The video information is transmitted to the device on or over the Internet and/or World Wide Web in response to the signal.

A RFID method and system are provided for ensuring that personnel are properly outfitted with necessary equipment for performance of a particular task or procedure. RFID smart tags are configured with the required pieces of equipment, the smart tags containing information to identify their respective pieces of equipment. A RFID scanner is disposed at a location through which an individual passes prior to performance of the procedure. The scanner interrogates the smart tags and determines if the individual has all of the required pieces of equipment.