394results about "Beacon systems using electromagnetic waves" patented technology

A laser tracker system for measuring six degrees of freedom may include a main optics assembly structured to emit a first laser beam, a pattern projector assembly structured to emit a second laser beam shaped into a two-dimensional pattern, and a target. The target may include a retroreflector and a position sensor assembly. A center of symmetry of the retroreflector may be provided on a different plane than a plane of the position sensor assembly. A method of measuring orientation of a target may include illuminating the target with a laser beam comprising a two-dimensional pattern, recording a position of the two-dimensional pattern on a position sensor assembly to create a measured signature value of the two-dimensional pattern, and calculating an orientation of the target based on the measured signature value.

A system and method of encouraging compliance of hand hygiene in an environment where users move from zone to zone and are required to perform hand hygiene between the zones. Users carry a wearable zone sensor which detects zones, detects hand hygiene actions, logs time of changing zones, and hand hygiene actions. The wearable sensor can be integral with a wearable hand hygiene product dispenser and / or can operate in cooperation with a fixed dispenser configured to transmit hand hygiene actions to the wearable zone sensor. The wearable zone sensors are configured to be useable anonymously or to be associated with a user identifier, and to interface with a central computer via a docking station or communication interface to transfer data for later analysis.

A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.

A navigation system and a navigation method inside of a building using Visible Light Communications (VLC) are provided. The navigation system includes a map server, in which map information required to provide a navigation function is stored, for transferring the map information to each lamp, a plurality of lamps, installed in each zone inside of the building and having their respective identifiable and unique IDentifications (IDs), for receiving the map information required to provide the navigation function from the map server, and for generating a visible light signal in response to the received map information by using a VLC module, and a mobile terminal, equipped with a visible light Rx module, for being provided with the map information upon receiving the visible light signal generated from the lamp, and for displaying a map image in response to the provided map information.

An electronic video system incorporates the foot movements of a user into a video program. The system includes a receiver and a computer processor. The receiver is configured to wirelessly receive signals transmitted from footwear worn by a user. The signals correspond to a series of foot movements of the user. The computer processor is operatively connected to the receiver and is configured to run the video program, which utilizes the signals received by the receiver as input data. The processor processes the input data to recognize the series of foot movements of the user, and outputs video signals simulating the series of foot movements.

A system and method of encouraging compliance of hand hygiene in an environment where users move from zone to zone and are required to perform hand hygiene between the zones. Users carry a wearable zone sensor which detects zones, detects hand hygiene actions, logs time of changing zones, and hand hygiene actions. The wearable sensor can be integral with a wearable hand hygiene product dispenser and / or can operate in cooperation with a fixed dispenser configured to transmit hand hygiene actions to the wearable zone sensor. The wearable zone sensors are configured to be useable anonymously or to be associated with a user identifier, and to interface with a central computer via a docking station or communication interface to transfer data for later analysis.

A navigation system for navigating in low visibility environments includes a portable detection unit which uses position and orientation sensors and / or wireless location to track the position of the portable detection unit relative to some reference location, such as a fire truck. The relative position of the portable detection unit, and thus its user, is then output to a visual display for viewing by the user so that the user may see his / her position in a dark or smoky environment. The system may also include portable beacons which may be left at landmarks so that the relative positions of the landmarks may be seen on the visual display.

A method and apparatus for performing a navigation service in a mobile terminal is provided. Map information and an IDentification (ID) of an information spot, which is connected to a map server, are received from the information spot. A current position is determined. The map information and the current position are displayed A destination input by a user is received. An optimal path from the current position to the destination is calculated and displayed by using the map information. When the mobile terminal receives an ID of a general spot from the general spot, a current position of the mobile terminal is re-determined. When the re-determined current position is on the optimal path, the optimal path is updated and the updated optimal path from the re-determined current position to the destination is displayed.

A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and / or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Light sources are affixed at appropriate positions in a multilevel structure or in an obstructed environment. The light sources generate modulated light signals, such as controlled light-emitting diodes, which identify the positions of the light sources by their three-dimensional global positioning coordinates and / or equivalent representation that specifies their in situ locations in the environment. Mobile communication devices, upon receiving the light signals, can derive spatial positioning information and transmit such information to a remote location, such as an emergency response system.

An optically based location system and method of determining a location at a structure include a lighting infrastructure having lights at a structure. Each light is configured to illuminate and to transmit a respective relative or absolute terrestrial position through modulation of emitted light. An optical receiver is configured to detect the lights, to demodulate the position of detected lights, and to determine from the detection a position of the receiver. The receiver can have a conventional optical detector for determining a two-dimensional position of the receiver relative to a detected light, or can have a three-dimensional spot collimating lens and charged couple device optical detector for determining a three-dimensional position of the receiver relative to a detected light. The receiver and lights can be synchronized for converting a delay time into a distance measurement to calculate a distance between a light and the receiver.

Positions can be precisely and accurately fixed instantaneously within a three-dimensional workspace. A system of two or more transmitters each continuously sweep the workspace with two fanned laser beams which are preferably about 90 degrees apart on the rotational axis of the transmitter. A receiving instrument includes, preferably, two light detectors which detect the time at which each fanned laser beam is incident thereon. The light detectors also detect a synchronization pulse from each transmitter that is emitted once per revolution. Beams from different transmitters are differentiated by different rotational speeds and, therefore, different beam incidence cycles. Because three intersecting planes uniquely define a point in three-dimensional space, by detecting at least three of the fan beams from the transmitters, the receiving instrument can calculate its position in the workspace. A Quick Calc setup procedure allows the use to define a desired coordinate system within the workspace.

A system and method of encouraging compliance of hand hygiene in an environment where users move from zone to zone and are required to perform hand hygiene between the zones. Users carry a wearable zone sensor which detects zones, detects hand hygiene actions, logs time of changing zones, and hand hygiene actions. The wearable sensor can be integral with a wearable hand hygiene product dispenser and / or can operate in cooperation with a fixed dispenser configured to transmit hand hygiene actions to the wearable zone sensor. The wearable zone sensors are configured to be useable anonymously or to be associated with a user identifier, and to interface with a central computer via a docking station or communication interface to transfer data for later analysis.

The invention discloses an indoor positioning method, device and system based on visible light and a light source. The indoor positioning method based on the visible light comprises the steps that the light source is shot, and images which correspond to the visible light and are emitted from the light source are obtained, wherein the visible light is modulated and contains the identity information of the light source; light and dark strips in the images are obtained, wherein the light and dark strips in the images correspond to the identity information of the light source; the light and dark strips are identified to obtain the identity information of the light source; the position corresponding to the identify information of the light source in a map is sought, and the current position is obtained. According to the indoor positioning method, device and system based on the visible light and the light source, the problem that indoor positioning precision is low in the prior art is solved, and the effect of improving the positioning accuracy is achieved.

An excavator 3D integrated laser and radio positioning guidance system (Ex_3D_ILRPGS) comprising: a mobile radio positioning system receiver configured to obtain 2D horizontal coordinates of the excavator, a bucket-to-machine-body positioning system configured to obtain coordinates of the boom, the stick and the bucket of the excavator, a laser detector configured to receive at least one laser beam and configured to provide a local vertical coordinate with a substantially high accuracy, and an on-board navigational system configured to receive and to integrate the 2D horizontal coordinates of the excavator obtained by the mobile radio positioning system receiver, the coordinates of the boom, the stick and the bucket of the excavator obtained by the bucket-to-machine-body positioning system, and the local vertical coordinate obtained by the laser detector, and configured to guide the cutting edge of the bucket of the excavator with substantially high vertical accuracy.

A navigation system and a navigation method inside of a building using Visible Light Communications (VLC) are provided. The navigation system includes a map server, in which map information required to provide a navigation function is stored, for transferring the map information to each lamp, a plurality of lamps, installed in each zone inside of the building and having their respective identifiable and unique IDentifications (IDs), for receiving the map information required to provide the navigation function from the map server, and for generating a visible light signal in response to the received map information by using a VLC module, and a mobile terminal, equipped with a visible light Rx module, for being provided with the map information upon receiving the visible light signal generated from the lamp, and for displaying a map image in response to the provided map information.

A mobile device comprises a location-determining subsystem and a location assistance subsystem operatively coupled to the location-determining subsystem. The second location assistance subsystem wirelessly communicates with a second transceiver that is external to said mobile device to receive location information of the second transceiver. The location information is used by the first location-determining subsystem.

A system and method for monitoring location based service emitter infrastructure. Beacon data is stored, the beacon data transmitted by beacons in an area and detected by a client device that is moved along a path at the location. The beacon data along the path of the client device is analyzed to determine whether any of the detected beacons have failed.

The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.

Provided is an apparatus for determining the present position of a vehicle (1), by utilizing a visible-light communication system. The apparatus uses a visible-light communication beacon and video data representing an image photographed by one camera. The beacon emits a visible optical signal (310), thus transmitting position data. The visible-light communication beacon comprises a road-illuminating lamp (30) and a visible-light communication apparatus (31), both secured to a lamp post (3). The vehicle (1) has the camera and a vehicle position determination apparatus (10). The vehicle position determination apparatus (10) demodulates the visible optical signal (310), there restoring the position data, and calculates the present position of the vehicle (1) from the position data.

A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.

An LED light and communication system in communication with a broadband over power line communications system. The LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver. The optical transceiver includes a light support having a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector. The processor is constructed and arranged to generate a communication signal. The at least one optical transceiver is engaged to a clock, and the clock is in communication with the broadband over power line communications system.

An apparatus for determining the present position of a vehicle, by utilizing a visible-light communication system. The apparatus uses a visible-light communication beacon and video data representing an image photographed by one camera. The beacon emits a visible optical signal, thus transmitting position data. The visible-light communication beacon comprises a road-illuminating lamp and a visible-light communication apparatus, both secured to a lamp post. The vehicle has the camera and a vehicle position determination apparatus. The vehicle position determination apparatus demodulates the visible optical signal, there restoring the position data, and calculates the present position of the vehicle from the position data.

Optical positional tracking systems that may be used in virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) applications are described. Exemplary implementations comprise one or more receivers and one or more transmitters. Exemplary transmitters contains two orthogonal rotors that each emit a fan-shaped laser beam. Each beam is swept as the rotors are spun at constant speed. Exemplary optical receivers can be relatively small, and mounted at convenient locations on the VR display. These receivers consist of small optical detectors that may be mounted on head-mounted VR displays. Exemplary systems determine position by measuring the time at which each swept beam crosses each receiver / detector.

The objective of the present invention is to provide accurate position data of a cellular phone utilizing illuminative light based radio communication. In FIG. 1, an emergency light or guided light (illuminating device) (10) on for 24 hours, for example, emits a visible light (illuminative light) modulated based on information of its position. A cellular phone (20) having a visible light receiving unit (a camera, for example) may obtain position data by receiving and demodulating that visible light. When conducting emergency communication (emergency telephone number 110 or 119) with the obtained position data, the position data may be automatically added for data communication in addition to the information by voice.

A series of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems are delineated. One such RFID system comprises an RFID signpost, and a plurality of infrared transmitters, wherein each infrared transmitter of the plurality of infrared transmitters is arranged to cover, when transmitting, a distinct sector relative to the RFID signpost. Another RFID system comprises an RFID signpost having a transmitter for transmitting signals of a predefined type, and a receiver for receiving signals of the predefined type, wherein the transmitter for transmitting signals of the predefined type cannot transmit until a determination is made that the predefined type of signal is not present at the receiver. Still another RFID system comprises an RFID signpost including a transmitter having a continuous power dissipation rating, and a processor for controlling the transmitter such that peak pulse power of a transmission from the transmitter multiplied by its duty cycle does not exceed the continuous power dissipation rating for the transmitter.

A conferencing system with improved audio response, interface, and audio source tracking capabilities includes a low-profile base unit capable of capturing and processing audio and video information and of interfacing with other external devices, and a separate network interface device coupled to the low-profile base unit and capable of connecting to a network, producing audible sound, regulating power, and housing removable interface circuitry.

A measuring device is provided with a signal generator and a signal receiver, which is located at a measurable distance from the signal generator. The signal generator is designed for the emission of at least two signal beams covering in given relationship to each other an area and the signal receiver is designed for the time-resolved reception of the signal beams in such a manner that the generator-receiver distance can be determined from the time signature of the signal beam reception.