A monitoring system (100) for a pipeline system (110), may comprise: thickness sensors (230), vibration sensors (240), flow sensors (225), leak sensors (235) and/or other sensors (245) disposed on pipelines (110), controller processors (210) coupled to the sensors to receive and geo-tag sensor data, communication devices (260) for transmitting geo-tagged data, and a central facility (300) comprising: a communication device (360) receiving the geo-tagged data and servers (310) to analyze the data from the sensors (220) to determine, e.g., wall thickness, vibration producing events, media flow, and/or leaks, and to compare same to standardized exception data therefor; wherein when an exception exists, to generate and communicate an alert therefrom via a display (340), a human interface device (350) and/or the communication device (360) of the central facility.
G01M 3/00 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures
G01M 3/24 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic vibrations
G01H 1/00 - Measuring vibrations in solids by using direct conduction to the detector
G01M 7/00 - Vibration-testing of structures; Shock-testing of structures
G01M 5/00 - Investigating the elasticity of structures, e.g. deflection of bridges or aircraft wings
G01M 1/00 - Testing static or dynamic balance of machines or structures
2.
PIPELINE INTEGRITY MONITORING SYSTEM (PIMS) FOR OIL, GAS AND OTHER PIPELINES
A monitoring system for a pipeline system, may comprise: thickness sensors, vibration sensors, flow sensors, leak sensors and/or other sensors disposed on pipelines, controller processors coupled to the sensors to receive and geo-tag sensor data, communication devices for transmitting geo-tagged data, and a central facility comprising: a communication device receiving the geo-tagged data and servers to analyze the data from the sensors to determine, e.g., wall thickness, vibration producing events, media flow, and/or leaks, and to compare same to standardized exception data therefor; wherein when an exception exists, to generate and communicate an alert therefrom via a display, a human interface device and/or the communication device of the central facility.
A system (100) and method (800) for detecting and measuring rail and/or track defects may comprise: an array (120SA) of time-of-flight distance measuring sensors (120S) measuring distance to the rail head (226); wherein the distance measuring sensors (120S) are synchronized and the dimensional data therefrom is geo-tagged. A memory (144, 146, 174) stores geo- tagged distance measurement data. Distance measurement data is processed (800) to determine the dimensional data of the rail head (226) including at least the width and the height thereof, for detecting rail wear and rail defects. Rail wear, surface defects, rail structural defects, rail fractures and cracks, and/or a gap in a rail, can be measured and detected.
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
4.
REAL-TIME RAIL WEAR AND DEFECT MONITORING SYSTEM EMPLOYING DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES
A system (100) and method (800) for detecting and measuring rail and/or track defects may comprise: an array (120SA) of time-of-flight distance measuring sensors (120S) measuring distance to the rail head (226); wherein the distance measuring sensors (120S) are synchronized and the dimensional data therefrom is geo-tagged. A memory (144, 146, 174) stores geo- tagged distance measurement data. Distance measurement data is processed (800) to determine the dimensional data of the rail head (226) including at least the width and the height thereof, for detecting rail wear and rail defects. Rail wear, surface defects, rail structural defects, rail fractures and cracks, and/or a gap in a rail, can be measured and detected.
B61K 9/08 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
5.
REAL-TIME RAIL WEAR AND DEFECT MONITORING SYSTEM EMPLOYING DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES
A system and method for detecting and measuring rail and/or track defects may comprise: an array of time-of-flight distance measuring sensors measuring distance to the rail head; wherein the distance measuring sensors are synchronized and the dimensional data therefrom is geo-tagged. A memory stores geo-tagged distance measurement data. Distance measurement data is processed to determine the dimensional data of the rail head including at least the width and the height thereof, for detecting rail wear and rail defects. Rail wear, surface defects, rail structural defects, rail fractures and cracks, and/or a gap in a rail, can be measured and detected.
A system and method for monitoring a track and/or rail employs one or more distance measuring imagers mounted to a railcar and directed to image the track and/or rails wherein the images are geo-tagged with location data. Geo-tagged distance measurements are processed to determine at least track gauge and/or at least rail fastener integrity. The system and method may also determine other track and/or rail integrity issues including, e.g., rail profile, rail alignment, center point dip, cross level, rail cant, wheel wear, wheel integrity, rail wear, rail defects, and/or rail temperature. The system and method may also determine when inspection and/or maintenance of the track is indicated, and provide selected records of where and/or when such inspection and/or maintenance is indicated.
G06F 16/587 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using geographical or spatial information, e.g. location
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
H04W 4/18 - Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
B61L 27/40 - Handling position reports or trackside vehicle data
B61L 27/57 - Trackside diagnosis or maintenance, e.g. software upgrades for vehicles or vehicle trains, e.g. trackside supervision of train conditions
B61L 27/70 - Central railway traffic control systems; Trackside control; Communication systems specially adapted therefor - Details of trackside communication
7.
IMAGE-BASED MONITORING AND DETECTION OF TRACK/RAIL FAULTS
A system (100) and method (300-460) for monitoring a track (200) and/or rail (220) employs one or more imagers (120, 120A, 120S) mounted to a railcar (250) and directed to image the track (200) and/or rails (220) wherein the images are geo-tagged with location data. Geo-tagged images are processed to determine at least track gauge and/or at least rail fastener integrity. The system (100) and method (300-460) may also determine other track (200) and/or rail (220) integrity issues including, e.g., rail fastener integrity, rail profile, rail alignment, center point dip, cross level, rail cant, wheel wear, wheel integrity, rail wear, rail defects, and/or rail temperature. The system (100) and method (300-460) may also determine when inspection and/or maintenance of the track (200) is indicated, and provide selected records of where and/or when such inspection and/or maintenance is indicated.
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
8.
Image-based monitoring and detection of track/rail faults
A system and method for monitoring a track and/or rail employs one or more imagers mounted to a railcar and directed to image the track and/or rails wherein the images are geo-tagged with location data. Geo-tagged images are processed to determine at least track gauge and/or at least rail fastener integrity. The system and method may also determine other track and/or rail integrity issues including, e.g., rail fastener integrity, rail profile, rail alignment, center point dip, cross level, rail cant, wheel wear, wheel integrity, rail wear, rail defects, and/or rail temperature. The system and method may also determine when inspection and/or maintenance of the track is indicated, and provide selected records of where and/or when such inspection and/or maintenance is indicated.
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
G06F 16/587 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using geographical or spatial information, e.g. location
G06F 16/51 - Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
H04W 4/18 - Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
9.
Image-based monitoring and detection of track/rail faults
A system and method for monitoring a track and/or rail employs one or more imagers mounted to a railcar and directed to image the track and/or rails wherein the images are geo-tagged with location data. Geo-tagged images are processed to determine at least track gauge and/or at least rail fastener integrity. The system and method may also determine other track and/or rail integrity issues including, e.g., rail fastener integrity, rail profile, rail alignment, center point dip, cross level, rail cant, wheel wear, wheel integrity, rail wear, rail defects, and/or rail temperature. The system and method may also determine when inspection and/or maintenance of the track is indicated, and provide selected records of where and/or when such inspection and/or maintenance is indicated.
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61K 9/10 - Measuring installations for surveying permanent way for detecting cracks in rails or welds thereof
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
G06F 16/587 - Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually using geographical or spatial information, e.g. location
G06F 16/51 - Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systems; Trackside control; Communication systems specially adapted therefor
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
H04W 4/18 - Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
10.
SMART TERMINAL FACILITY AND METHOD SUITABLE FOR THE HANDLING OF CARGO CONTAINERS
A system and method for operating a terminal facility (100, 150, 170) handling containers (110) may comprise: a sensor set (200) sensing containers (110) entering and/or exiting the facility (100, 150, 170) for providing container identification data and location data to a relational database (190D); and container handling equipment (120, 130, 140) having a sensor set (200) for providing container identification data and location data to the database (190D) when a container (110) is grasped and/or released. Sensors (200) may sense when the equipment (120, 130, 140) grasps and/or releases a container (110) for storing a record thereof in the database, and/or geo-tagged identification data and location data relating to carriers that are to pick up and/or to deliver a container (110) is received and stored as records in the database. The relational database (190D) contains records representing the current location of each container (110) and each container handling equipment (120, 130, 140) substantially in real time and can estimate arrival time.
B66C 17/20 - Overhead travelling cranes comprising one or more substantially-horizontal girders the ends of which are directly supported by wheels or rollers running on tracks carried by spaced supports combined with auxiliary apparatus serving particular purposes for hoisting or lowering heavy load carriers, e.g. freight containers, railway wagons
G01C 21/00 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups
H04B 14/00 - Transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
11.
SMART TERMINAL FACILITY AND METHOD SUITABLE FOR THE HANDLING OF CARGO CONTAINERS
A system and method for operating a terminal facility (100, 150, 170) handling containers (110) may comprise: a sensor set (200) sensing containers (110) entering and/or exiting the facility (100, 150, 170) for providing container identification data and location data to a relational database (190D); and container handling equipment (120, 130, 140) having a sensor set (200) for providing container identification data and location data to the database (190D) when a container (110) is grasped and/or released. Sensors (200) may sense when the equipment (120, 130, 140) grasps and/or releases a container (110) for storing a record thereof in the database, and/or geo-tagged identification data and location data relating to carriers that are to pick up and/or to deliver a container (110) is received and stored as records in the database. The relational database (190D) contains records representing the current location of each container (110) and each container handling equipment (120, 130, 140) substantially in real time and can estimate arrival time.
B66C 17/20 - Overhead travelling cranes comprising one or more substantially-horizontal girders the ends of which are directly supported by wheels or rollers running on tracks carried by spaced supports combined with auxiliary apparatus serving particular purposes for hoisting or lowering heavy load carriers, e.g. freight containers, railway wagons
G01C 21/00 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups
H04B 14/00 - Transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
12.
Smart terminal facility and method suitable for the handling of cargo containers
A system and method for operating a terminal facility handling containers may comprise: a sensor set sensing containers entering and/or exiting the facility for providing container identification data and location data to a relational database; and container handling equipment having a sensor set for providing container identification data and location data to the database when a container is grasped and/or released. Sensors may sense when the equipment grasps and/or releases a container for storing a record thereof in the database, and/or geo-tagged identification data and location data relating to carriers that are to pick up and/or to deliver a container is received and stored as records in the database. The relational database contains records representing the current location of each container and each container handling equipment substantially in real time and can estimate arrival time.
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
H04W 4/02 - Services making use of location information
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A personnel tracking and monitoring system and method comprises sets of monitoring devices each including: an electronic device having a unique identifier, a locating device, and a wireless communication device communicating via a plurality of protocols. The unique identifier, the location data and time data are associated and are transmitted wirelessly to one or more monitoring stations which store same in a database. The electronic devices and/or one or more relay devices may be configured before arrival at the site and/or while en route. Data stored in the data base is compared with predetermined criteria and if any predetermined criteria is exceeded, an indication thereof is communicated to the monitoring stations and/or to the electronic device to which such indication relates.
G08B 21/04 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to non-activity, e.g. of elderly persons
G08B 21/02 - Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
G08B 13/196 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
H04W 4/90 - Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
G08B 25/10 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
G08B 25/01 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
A system (10) and method (100, 200) for conducting a tokenized electronic transaction may comprise: receiving (200, 210, 220) identifying biometric data for the user, generating (225, 265) a biometric template representative thereof, and destroying (230, 260) the identifying biometric data. The identifying biometric data is not stored permanently or transmitted, cannot be derived from the biometric template, and is destroyed (230, 260) so that only the biometric template remains. The biometric template is attached to a transaction token for completing the transaction (140) including: comparing (280) the token and attached biometric template with reference transaction data and with a reference biometric template. When the token matches the reference transaction data and the biometric template matches the reference biometric template, then the transaction is authorized and completed (140), and when the token and/or the biometric template does not match the reference therefor, then the transaction is rejected.
A system and method for conducting a tokenized electronic transaction may comprise: receiving identifying biometric data for the user, generating a biometric template representative thereof, and destroying the identifying biometric data. The identifying biometric data is not stored permanently, is not transmitted, cannot be derived from the biometric template, and is destroyed so that only the biometric template remains. The biometric template is attached to a transaction token for completing the transaction represented by the token including: comparing the token and attached biometric template with reference transaction data and with a reference biometric template. When the token matches the reference transaction data and the biometric template matches the reference biometric template, then the transaction is authorized and completed, and when the token and/or the biometric template does not match the reference therefor, then the transaction is rejected.
G06F 21/00 - Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists
H04L 9/06 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols the encryption apparatus using shift registers or memories for blockwise coding, e.g. D.E.S. systems
H04L 9/32 - Arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system
A positive train control system and method comprises a plurality of RFID devices embedded in a track way and having data representing location stored therein, and an RFID reader/detector mounted on a train for reading the location data from the embedded RFID devices. The location data is processed on the train and/or at a central facility for determining whether the train location and/or time is consistent with a train routing order. Messages, alerts and/or warnings may be generated for an alert device and/or for automated response, e.g., via a train control system.
B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systems; Trackside control; Communication systems specially adapted therefor
B61L 27/04 - Automatic systems, e.g. controlled by train; Change-over to manual control
B61L 3/12 - Devices along the route for controlling devices on the vehicle or vehicle train, e.g. to release brake, to operate a warning signal at selected places along the route, e.g. intermittent control controlling electrically using radio waves
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
17.
POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEM AND APPARATUS EMPLOYING RFID DEVICES
A positive train control system and method comprises a plurality of RFID devices (500) embedded in a track way (60) and having data representing location stored therein, and an RFID reader/detector (124) mounted on a train (50) for reading the location data from the embedded RFID devices (500). The location data is processed on the train (50) and/or at a central facility (70) for determining whether the train location and/or time is consistent with a train routing order. Messages, alerts and/or warnings may be generated for an alert device (210) and/or for automated response, e.g., via a train control system (220).
B61L 27/04 - Automatic systems, e.g. controlled by train; Change-over to manual control
B61L 23/14 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for controlling traffic in one direction only automatically operated
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
A positive train control system and method may comprise one or more switch monitors and/or one or more track monitors providing sensor data relative to one or more switches and/or one or more tracks, respectively, determining whether there is an anomaly of a switch or track, and when there is, providing a message, alert and/or warning, and/or initiating a train control action. Determination of an anomaly may be preformed on a train or at a remote location, e.g., a central facility.
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
B61L 23/14 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for controlling traffic in one direction only automatically operated
B61L 3/00 - Devices along the route for controlling devices on the vehicle or vehicle train, e.g. to release brake, to operate a warning signal
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
B61L 23/16 - Track circuits specially adapted for section blocking
B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systems; Trackside control; Communication systems specially adapted therefor
B61L 27/04 - Automatic systems, e.g. controlled by train; Change-over to manual control
19.
Positive train control system, apparatus and method
A positive train control may comprise a plurality of different sensors coupled to a processor that determines whether there is an anomaly of a track way, and if there is, provides an alert and/or a train control action. The plural sensors may include a visual imager, an infrared imager, a radar, a doppler radar, a laser sensor, a laser ranging device, an acoustic sensor, and/or an acoustic ranging device. Data from the plural sensors is geo-tagged and time tagged. Some embodiments of the train control employ track monitors, switch monitors and/or wayside monitors, and some employ locating devices such as GPS and inertial devices.
B61L 3/00 - Devices along the route for controlling devices on the vehicle or vehicle train, e.g. to release brake, to operate a warning signal
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 23/14 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for controlling traffic in one direction only automatically operated
B61L 23/16 - Track circuits specially adapted for section blocking
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systems; Trackside control; Communication systems specially adapted therefor
B61L 27/04 - Automatic systems, e.g. controlled by train; Change-over to manual control
20.
Farm product exchange system and method suitable for multiple small producers
A method for a product exchange for plural producers may comprise: configuring an electronic device to provide geo-tagged and time stamped image data, receiving registration data from a producer, receiving facility data and product data, and storing the received data in a relational database separate from the electronic device, and repeating the foregoing for a plurality of producers. The method may further comprise receiving registration data and qualifying data from a buyer who is provided product data and may make an offer therefor, or may comprise receiving a request for a supply, equipment or educational material and facilitating the ordering and delivery thereof.
A method (100, 1500, 1600, 1700) for a product exchange for plural producers may comprise: configuring (105) an electronic device (20, 30) to provide geo-tagged and time stamped image data, receiving (110-130) registration data from a producer, receiving (150-165) facility data and product data, and storing (140, 170) the received data in a relational database separate from the electronic device, and repeating the foregoing (105-170) for a plurality of producers. The method (100, 1500, 1600, 1700) may further comprise receiving (205-215, 225-230) registration data and qualifying data from a buyer who is provided product data and may make an offer therefor, or may comprise receiving (1615, 1640-1650) a request for a supply, equipment or educational material and facilitating the ordering and delivery thereof, or both.
A train control unit may comprise a probe attached to a first rail of a track way, and a sensor device attached to a second rail of the track way configured to determine the position of the probe, whereby the position of the first rail relative to the second rail may be determined. The train control unit is preferably independent of equipment controlling the position of the first and second rails. Some embodiments of the train control unit may be employed as a track monitor, a switch monitor and/or a wayside monitor.
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
B61L 23/14 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for controlling traffic in one direction only automatically operated
B61L 3/00 - Devices along the route for controlling devices on the vehicle or vehicle train, e.g. to release brake, to operate a warning signal
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
B61L 23/16 - Track circuits specially adapted for section blocking
B61L 27/00 - Central railway traffic control systems; Trackside control; Communication systems specially adapted therefor
B61L 27/04 - Automatic systems, e.g. controlled by train; Change-over to manual control
Protective headgear (10, 100) for use in dangerous and/or hazardous locations may comprise: a headgear shell (12); a locator device (162) on the headgear shell (12) for providing location data; a motion sensor (164) on the headgear shell (12) for providing motion data; a memory (152) on the headgear shell (12) and having a unique identifier stored therein and configured to store the location data and the motion data; a transmitter-receiver (170) for transmitting the location data, the motion data and the unique identifier to a remote database (360) and for receiving notification data therefrom; and a user interface (120, 130) responsive to the received notification data to provide a visual notification or an audible notification or a physical notification or a combination thereof.
Protective headgear for use in dangerous and/or hazardous locations may comprise: a headgear shell; a locator device on the headgear shell for providing location data; a motion sensor on the headgear shell for providing motion data; a memory on the headgear shell and having a unique identifier stored therein and configured to store the location data and the motion data; a transmitter-receiver for transmitting the location data, the motion data and the unique identifier to a remote database and for receiving notification data therefrom; and a user interface responsive to the received notification data to provide a visual notification or an audible notification or a physical notification or a combination thereof.
A positive train control may comprise a plurality of different sensors coupled to a processor that determines whether there is an object on a track way and/or an anomaly of a track way, and if there is, provides an alert and/or a train control action. The plural sensors may include a visual imager, an infrared imager, a radar, a doppler radar, a laser sensor, a laser ranging device, an acoustic sensor, and/or an acoustic ranging device. Data from the plural sensors is geo-tagged and time tagged. Some embodiments of the train control employ track monitors, switch monitors and/or wayside monitors, and some employ locating devices such as GPS and inertial devices.
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude, or attitude of land, water, air, or space vehicles, e.g. automatic pilot
B61L 23/14 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for controlling traffic in one direction only automatically operated
B61L 25/02 - Indicating or recording positions or identities of vehicles or vehicle trains
B61L 23/04 - Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or vehicle trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
B61L 3/00 - Devices along the route for controlling devices on the vehicle or vehicle train, e.g. to release brake, to operate a warning signal
B61L 15/00 - Indicators provided on the vehicle or vehicle train for signalling purposes
27.
Object monitoring, locating, and tracking system and method employing RFID devices
An RFID system and method utilizes an RFID device, wherein the RFID device senses a thing or condition interior to a closable container at or proximate the RFID device and transmits messages. The messages include information uniquely identifying the RFID device and information relating to the thing or condition sensed at or proximate the RFID device. Information in the received messages relating to the thing or condition sensed at or proximate the RFID device of messages are employed for determining whether the container is closed, is not closed, has been closed, or has been not closed, or any combination thereof, whereby an opening of and/or tampering with the container may be detected. Messages received from the RFID device, as well as an indication of a condition, may be relayed to a remote location.
A system for monitoring a container comprises an RFID device interior the container and a receiving device exterior the container. The RFID device transmits messages each including unique identifying information, and the receiving device exterior the container receives and stores and/or relays messages received from the RFID device interior the container. Ones of the messages transmitted by the RFID device when the container is closed are not received by the receiving device and ones of the messages transmitted by the RFID device when the container is not closed are received and stored by the receiving device, whereby the messages stored in the receiving device provide an indication of whether the container has or has not been opened. Messages may include power level codes and be transmitted at more than one power level, and may be processed for locating and/or tracking the container.
A method for monitoring a container having an RFID device interior comprises periodically transmitting messages including unique identifying information and receiving messages transmitted by the RFID device interior the container by a receiving device exterior the container. Some messages transmitted when the container is closed are not received by the receiving device, and some messages transmitted when the container is not closed are received. The method comprises storing and/or relaying the received messages and determining from the number of messages received from the RFID device that are stored and/or relayed whether the container has or has not been opened. The method may also comprise transmitting the messages at two or more power levels and selecting messages that are at the lowest power level that produces at least two corresponding stored and/or relayed messages for determining the location of the RFID device.
An RFID monitoring arrangement comprises a first RFID device and a second RFID device for monitoring the first RFID device. The first RFID device transmits at least two messages each including unique identifying information and a power level code, wherein the transmitter power level corresponds to the power level represented by the power level code in each transmitted message. The second RFID device receives messages transmitted by the first RFID device and processes the identifying information and the power level code to provide an indication of a condition. Messages received from said first RFID device, the indication of a condition, or both the messages received from said first RFID device and the indication of a condition, may be relayed to a remote location.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Voting equipment comprising electronic voting machines and systems consisting primarily of voting machines, computers and related software for use in conducting elections and recording and tabulating votes, electronic election systems consisting primarily of voting machines, computers and related software for use in conducting elections and recording and tabulating votes, voting monitoring and tabulating systems consisting primarily of voting machines, computers and related software for use in conducting elections and recording and tabulating votes, voting machines, scanners and systems consisting primarily of electronic voting terminals and related software for reading, recording and outputting votes for use with optically-readable ballots, voting machines, scanners and systems consisting primarily of electronic voting terminals and related software for reading, recording and outputting votes for use with paper ballots, books and documentation therefor, namely instruction operation and maintenance manuals sold or provided therewith, and computer software for operating the above identified machines, computers, scanners and systems
