text:
Hot tags Anthropology and Sociology Archaeology Dinosaurs Evolution Palaeontology
Science subject and location tags
Articles, documents and multimedia from ABC Science
RSS | MapSpacecraft
Virgin Galactic spaceship crashes
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
StarStuff Podcast Investigation continues into tragic Virgin Galactic crash. Also; first stage engine malfunction a possible cause of Antares rocket failure, and China completes its first return mission to the Moon.
Nova blast shines in brilliant detail
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
StarStuff Podcast Astronomers get an unprecedented view of the fireball from an exploding star. Also China takes another step in its plans to send taikonauts to the Moon, and Antares rocket explodes seconds after launch.
Antares rocket fails in spectacular fireball
Wednesday, 29 October 2014
Rocket explosion An unmanned Antares rocket has exploded seconds after lift-off from a commercial launch pad in Virginia, marking the first accident since NASA turned to private operators to deliver cargo to the International Space Station.
Have we finally found dark matter?
Wednesday, 22 October 2014
StarStuff Podcast New X-ray data suggests the possible detection of proposed dark matter particles called axions. Also; plasma bombs and tornadoes detected on the Sun, and secret space shuttle lands after 22 months in orbit.
The first stars almost within reach
Wednesday, 8 October 2014
StarStuff Podcast Astronomers move a step closer to seeing the first stars to shine in the universe. Also; new satellite data reveals Earth's ocean abyss in unprecedented detail, and the last lunar eclipse for 2014.
Water older than the solar system
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
StarStuff Podcast Up to half the water on Earth may be older than the Sun. Also; gravitational wave discovery claims turn to dust, and meteor strikes may not be random.
Mars orbit gets more crowded
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
StarStuff Podcast Two new missions arrive at the Red Planet. Also; size doesn't matter if you're a black hole! And strength of electromagnetism hasn't changed in 10 billion years.
Martian rush hour: two spacecraft arrive this week
Monday, 22 September 2014
The US spacecraft "MAVEN" is going into orbit around the red planet today, while India's first mission to Mars arrives on Wednesday.
The lonely landscape of Rosetta's comet
Friday, 19 September 2014
It may look like a lonely mountain, but this landscape is out of our world - it's one of the closest 'colour' images ever taken of the surface of a comet.
Rosetta's comet landing site selected
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
StarStuff Podcast Rosetta mission managers choose a site for the historic first landing on the comet. Also; NASA's Curiosity rover arrives at its final destination at the Martian peak Mount Sharp, and a new Australian telecommunications satellite launches into orbit.
Galactic cannibalism in progress
Friday, 12 September 2014
This photo of the globular cluster Messier 54 may look tranquil but astronomers believe it's the site of an act of galactic cannibalism.
Finding our place in the universe
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
StarStuff Podcast Astronomers discover we belong to a galactic supercluster which they've named Laniakea. Also; a new study suggests Jupiter's ice moon Europa has plate tectonics, and NASA's IRIS mission to study the Sun.
Sunrise on Earth captured from the space station
Friday, 5 September 2014
This photo of the Sun rising over the ocean was taken by NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman from the International Space Station this week.
Scientists peer into the Sun's core
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
StarStuff Podcast Astronomers detect neutrino particles generated in the core of the Sun. Also; bubble around solar system formed as cluster of nearby supernovae exploded about ten million years ago, and birth of a massive galaxy seen for the first time.
Two white dwarfs may fuel supernovae
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
StarStuff Podcast Astronomers discover fusion of two white dwarfs may cause thermonuclear supernovae. Also; five potential target sites selected for Rosetta's historic mission to land on a comet, and New Horizons passes the orbit of Neptune on its way to our first close encounter with Pluto.


text:
The loss prevention system is a system to prevent articles from becoming lost, misplaced, or stolen. The articles are tagged with, or contain, an identifying device such as an RFID tag or a wireless network interface. The identifying device allows the articles to be monitored by a monitor. The monitor periodically interrogates each identifying device with a transmitted RF signal, and generates an alarm signal if an interrogated identifying device does not reply or is out of range. The identifying devices can be acquired by the monitor and associated with an alias that can be used to associate the identifying device with its associated article.
1. A monitor for a loss prevention system, comprising:
an RF communication circuit adapted for communication with at least one radio frequency identification tag;
a control circuit having a microprocessor and a memory, the control circuit being electrically connected to the RF communication circuit;
an alarm electrically connected to the microprocessor; and
a computer readable program code stored in the memory and executing under control of the microprocessor, the program code having;
means for acquiring the identification tag by storing a unique identifier associated with the identification tag in the memory and associating the identifier with an alias:
means for dropping the identification tag by deleting the unique identifier associated with the identification tag from the memory;
means for operating the RF communication circuit to interrogate the identification tag;
means for causing the alarm to activate when the identification tag is out of range of the RF communication circuit; and
means for dropping the identification tag by deleting the unique identifier associated with the identification tag from the memory;
wherein said means for operating systematically polls each at least one identification tag, and said means for dropping deletes the unique identifier upon subsequent polling when the identification tag is determined out of range.
2. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
3. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
transmitting means for broadcasting an RF signal to the radio frequency identification tag; and
receiving means for receiving an RF signal from the radio frequency identification tag.
4. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
5. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
6. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
7. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
8. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
9. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
10. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
11. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
12. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
13. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
14. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
15. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
16. The monitor for a loss prevention system according to
17. A loss prevention system, comprising:
(a) a monitor having:
(i) a control circuit including a microprocessor and a memory;
(ii) a radio frequency communication circuit connected to the control circuit, including a transmitter and a receiver;
(iii) program code stored in the control circuit memory and executing under control of the microprocessor, the program code including:
(A) means for causing an interrogation signal to be transmitted by the transmitter;
(B) means for acquiring an identification tag number from a response to the interrogation signal, including storing the acquired tag number and associating an alias with the acquired tag number;
(C) means for repetitively transmitting the interrogation signal, and for tracking responses to the interrogation signal, including comparing responses to the acquired tag number;
(D) means for generating an alarm when the tracked responses fail to include the acquired tag number; and
(E) means for dropping the acquired identification tag number from memory;
wherein said means for dropping deletes the acquired tag number upon the repetitive tracking when subsequent tracked responses fails to include the acquired tag number; and
(b) at least one radio frequency identification tag adapted for attachment to an article to be tracked, the tag having:
(i) a memory having a unique identification number stored therein; and
(ii) transponder means for receiving the interrogation signal transmitted by the monitor and transmitting the unique identification number in response to the interrogation signal.
18. The loss prevention system according to
19. The loss prevention system according to
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a system for monitoring personal possessions. More specifically, the present invention is a loss prevention system wherein a monitor continuously and automatically surveils electronically tagged personal possessions and sounds an alarm when one or more tagged possessions is removed from proximity to the monitor.
2. Description of the Related Art
The loss of personal possessions is a problem that has spawned numerous and diverse solutions. Small articles, such as a cell phone or pager, television remote controller, briefcase, umbrella, and other articles too numerous to count may be easily lost if carelessly misplaced or accidentally left behind.
One solution to the problem is illustrated by the many "finder" systems that have been devised, wherein an alarm tag is fastened to an article and sounds when commanded by a signal, such as a radio signal, from an alarm control station. When the article is lost, a signal is broadcast from a base station to activate the alarm tag and sound the alarm. The article may then be found by following the sound of the alarm tag.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,297,737, issued on Oct. 21, 2001 to D. Irvin, discloses an object locating system. The system includes a locating unit that comprises a wireless communication interface for transmitting signals to one or more locating tags. When a tagged item is misplaced, a signal is transmitted from the locating unit. When the tag receives the signal, an alarm is sounded. Additionally, the tag sends a response that is received by the locating unit to give an indication that the tagged item is nearby, even if the audio alarm cannot be heard. The system is bi-directional so that a tagged item can be used to find the locating unit itself in the event that the locating unit is misplaced.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0034887, published on Feb. 20, 2003, discloses an article locator system that employs a tracking transceiver and a handheld locator device. The tracking transceiver is attached to the article to be tracked and sends a response when interrogated by the handheld locator device. The handheld locator device determines the distance and/or direction to the tracking transceiver.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0126010, published on Sep. 12, 2002, discloses an object locator system employing radio frequency (RF) signaling.
While article finder systems can be a great help in finding lost articles, or even in keeping track of pets and children, the above described article finder systems are typically used in reaction to a loss and not in a manner to prevent the loss. Typical of the article finder systems is the need to manually initiate an action to find the lost article. Additionally, the article finder tags require a power source such as a battery to continuously power a receiver and to power an alarm or transmitter. The article finder tags cease to function when their battery dies, rendering them useless.
Instead of locating an article after it is lost, it is preferable in many circumstances to prevent the loss of the article. Thus, a loss prevention system that signals when an article is removed from a given area, or that signals when an article is left behind, is desirable to help in preventing the article from becoming lost.
European Patent Application 1,288,878, published on Mar. 5, 2003, discloses a security apparatus comprising a base station that interacts with an RFID security tag. The base station comprises an RF transmitter, receiver, and antenna, along with a control unit. The control unit sends a monitoring signal that is received by the RFID tag. The RFID tag is inductively powered by the monitoring signal and responds with an identity signal. Because of the limited range of the monitoring signal and the identity signal, removal of the RFID security tag from proximity to the base station causes the identity signal not to be received by the base station. Thus, when the base station sends a monitoring signal but no identity signal is received in response, an alarm is sounded. In this manner, the security apparatus functions to sound an alarm when a tagged item is removed from proximity to the base station.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,577,238, issued on Jun. 10, 2003 to H. Whitesmith et al., discloses a system for monitoring the position of one or more RFID tags. The system has a detector that incorporates circuitry for detecting changes in the range of an RFID tag from the detector and for triggering an alarm if the range exceeds a predetermined threshold or if the RFID tag cannot be detected by the detector. Range may be determined by measuring the time of a returned radio signal from a tag, by measuring the strength of a returned radio signal from a tag, or by detecting changes in a periodic interval at which a signal is transmitted by a tag.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0080036, published on Jun. 27, 2002, discloses a system for tracking possessions. The system includes a plurality of child units, each having a transceiver for receiving a control signal and sending a locator signal. The system also includes a parent unit that has a transceiver for communicating with the child units and a processor for monitoring the child units. The system incorporates a GPS receiver in both the parent and child units so that the parent unit can determine the position of, and relative direction and distance to, a child unit.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0145520, published on Oct. 10, 2002, discloses an object tracking system for tracking the removal of objects from a location and the replacement of the objects at the location. The system includes an RFID tag attached to each of the objects to be tracked. A storage unit has a plurality of receptacles configured to receive objects replaced at the location. Each receptacle has an associated antenna for activating the RFID tag of an object placed in the receptacle.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,163, issued on Feb. 22, 1994 to C. Perez et al., discloses a child position monitoring and locating device that monitors the position of a child by detecting the signal strength of a radio frequency carrier from a transmitter attached to the child. If the radio signal is too weak, an alarm notifies the adult that the child is too far away.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,748,087, issued on May 5, 1998 to T. Ingargiola et al., discloses a remote personal security alarm system.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0063003, published on Apr. 3, 2003, discloses a proximity monitoring communication system wherein an alarm is triggered in a master communication device in a local area network when a slave device in the local area network has strayed from the proximity of the local area network.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a loss prevention system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The loss prevention system of the present invention functions to prevent articles from becoming lost, misplaced, or stolen. The articles are tagged with an RFID tag, and tracked by a monitor. The monitor periodically interrogates each RFID tag with a transmitted RF signal, and generates an alarm signal if an interrogated tag does not reply or is out of range.
The monitor may be a small and portable device, carried or worn by a person. Thus, a person can affix a tag to commonly carried items, such as a camera, keys, a briefcase, wallet, laptop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), and others. With the monitor also carried, worn, or clipped to the person's belt, an alarm will be sounded if any of the tagged items are left behind or removed from the vicinity of the person. Alternatively, the monitor could be placed in a fixed location, or built into a storage cabinet or shelf or the like, to monitor valuables.
The tags are passive, semi-passive, or active RFID tags that respond, when interrogated by the monitor, with a unique identification code. The passive tags contain no power source, deriving power inductively from the RF signal transmitted by the monitor. The range of a passive tag varies from a few inches to a few meters, depending on the monitor power output, the sensitivity of the monitor's receiving antenna, the operating frequency, the antenna designs of both the monitor and the tag, and other factors. Semi-passive tags include a battery or power source to power a transmitter in response to the RF signal transmitted by the monitor, allowing the tag to send its reply over a longer distance. Active tags employ a battery or power supply that powers the tag's receiver, transmitter, and other circuitry, allowing a more sensitive receiver and providing a transmitter with higher power to give the active tag a maximum range. Thus, passive, semi-passive, or active RFID tags may be employed individually or in combination to provide for short, medium, or long usable range with a given monitor or to alleviate technological limitations.
The monitor stores an identification code for each tag that is to be monitored. Each tag may be stored along with a name or an alias to identify the tag to the user, so that if a tagged item is removed from the vicinity of the monitor, the tag's name or alias can be displayed along with the alarm in order to help to identify the item. Each tag may also have a specified sensitivity that defines the distance threshold beyond which the alarm is sounded. In addition to the maximum physical range for each type of tag, a tag's distance from the monitor may be determined or approximated based on the received tag signal strength, time delay in receiving the tag's response to interrogation, or by other methods. Thus, a different distance threshold may be set, for example, for a tagged wallet versus a tagged briefcase so that the wallet tag will trigger an alarm if the wallet falls from the user's pocket, while the briefcase tag will not cause an alarm until the user has left the briefcase a significant distance behind.
The monitor employs a microcontroller to operate the monitor transceiver, to manage the tags, and to drive a user interface. The microcontroller allows the user to interactively add or remove the tag identification codes from the monitor memory, and to activate and deactivate stored tags.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a loss prevention system that sounds an alarm when an electronically tagged article is removed from a predefined area.
It is another object of the invention to provide a loss prevention system that monitors tagged articles to sound an alarm when a tagged article is removed from the vicinity of a system monitor.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a loss prevention system wherein RFID tags can be easily added to or removed from the system.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a loss prevention system wherein RFID tags can be easily activated and deactivated.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a loss prevention system wherein RFID tags can be assigned a sensitivity level so that an alarm is sounded when the tag is at a distance from the monitor that is less than the tag's maximum functional distance.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
The present invention is a loss prevention system for monitoring tagged articles and issuing an alarm when a tagged article is removed from proximity to a monitor. Illustrated in
The monitor 10 periodically interrogates the tags 100, sending an RF signal that is received by the tags 100. When interrogated, the tags 100 send a response to the monitor 10, the response including a unique identification code. The monitor 10 verifies that each tag 100 responds to the interrogation. If a known tag 100 does not respond to the interrogation, the monitor 10 sounds an alarm. Thus, given a finite distance that the monitor 10 can transmit its interrogation signal, as well as a (typically shorter) finite range that the tag 100 can transmit its response, when a tag 100 is removed a sufficient distance away from the monitor 10, the monitor 10 will no longer receive the tag's response and will therefore sound an alarm for the tag 100.
Turning to
The monitor's RF circuitry 20 includes a modulator 24 and transmitter 22, along with an RF regulator 26, a modulation adjustment circuit 28, and oscillator and timing 30 circuits to generate, encode, and transmit the interrogation signal. Additionally, the RF circuitry 20 includes receiver, filtering, demodulating, and anti-collision circuitry 32 to receive the responses from the tags 100 and to resolve collisions when two or more tags 100 reply at the same time. An antenna 34 is connected to transmitter 22 and receiver 32.
The monitor's control circuitry 40 includes a microprocessor 42 and memory 44, including random access and read only memory (RAM/ROM) 48, and an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 46. The control circuitry 40 may also include I/O circuitry 50, and analog-to digital and digital-to-analog converters (ADC/DAC) 52. The monitor's control circuitry 40 is best implemented with a micro-controller device wherein the above-described circuitry is combined within a single integrated circuit or device. Microcomputer program code is stored in the memory 44, and controls the operation of the monitor 10.
An alarm 62, connected to the microcontroller, provides an audible, visual, or tactile alarm signal. The alarm 62 may be a speaker or buzzer or other sound source, a light source, a vibrator, or a combination of these. A battery or power supply 60 provides power for the monitor 10.
The microcomputer program code controls the operation of the monitor's RF circuitry 20, directing the RF circuitry 20 to send an interrogation signal to the tags 100 and processing replies from the tags 100. Additionally, the microcomputer program code performs management of the tag identification codes, and performs user interface functions related to setup and operation of the monitor 10.
Turning now to
A passive tag 100A, illustrated in
A semi-passive tag 100B, illustrated in
In an active tag 100C, illustrated in
Using either the passive tags 100A, semi-passive tags 100B, or active tags 100C, the monitor 10 can track various articles within a close range (using a passive tag 100), a medium range (using a semi-passive tag 100B), and a relatively longer range (using an active tag 100C). Thus, a user might, for example, tag a tagged wallet with a passive tag 100A and a briefcase with an active tag 100C so that the wallet's passive tag 100A triggers an alarm if the wallet falls from the user's pocket, while the briefcase's active tag 100C will not cause an alarm until the user has left the briefcase a significant distance behind. Depending on cost/performance tradeoffs made during design of the monitor 10, the present invention may use a low cost and low sensitivity version of a monitor 10 and require semi-passive tags 100B or active tags 100C, whereas a higher cost, more sensitive monitor 10 could function exclusively with less costly passive tags 100A.
A user operates the monitor 10 to learn, or "acquire" one or more tags 100 that the user attaches to various articles that are to be monitored by the loss prevention system. A tag 100 is acquired when the monitor 10 interrogates the tag 100, receives an identification code in reply from the tag 100, and records the identification code in memory 44.
With the tags 100 acquired, the user may place the monitor 10 into a monitoring mode. In the monitoring mode, tags 100 are interrogated by the monitor 10, and each tag 100 within range of the monitor 10 sends a reply that includes the identification code. The monitor 10 receives each reply, and compares the received identification code to the codes stored in memory 44. If a reply is not received for each of the stored identification codes, then an alarm is sounded.
The user may also operate the monitor 10 to "drop" one or more tags 100 that have been acquired, erasing the tag's identification code from memory 44 or otherwise flagging the tag in memory and thus disabling any alarm when the tag's identification code is not found in subsequent polling.
The microcomputer code operates the display 54 and input device 56 to interact with the user, and controls the operation of the monitor 10 to perform monitoring of the tags 100.
Turning now to
The software checks whether the user wants to enter new tags at step 408, and if so the user is directed to the acquire tag routine at step 410, and queried as to entering a second new tag at steps 412 and 414. If the user does not want to acquire new tag ID numbers, the user is directed to the monitor tag routing at step 428.
If the user selects monitor tags at step 416, the user may confirm the selection at step 418, in which case the software enters the monitor tag routine, as reflected at step 428; otherwise, the user is queried whether he wishes to drop ID tags from the monitor at steps 420 and 422. If the user wants to eliminate ID tags, the software is directed to the drop tag routine at step 424, or if not, the software enters the user setup routine, as reflected at step 426.
Turning to
Turning now to
On entry into a tag acquisition mode at step 600, the microcomputer code enables the acquire mode at step 602 and turns off the transmitter 22 and the receiver 32 until the user is ready to proceed and acquire a tag 100 at step 604. The user is prompted to acquire a tag 100 at step 606, whereupon the user places a tag 100 to be acquired in the near vicinity of the monitor 10, in a manner as discussed above. If the user selects to proceed and acquire a tag 100 at step 608, the microcontroller 40 powers on the monitor's transmitter 22 and receiver 32 to interrogate a tag 100 that is in the near vicinity of the monitor as described above at step 610, otherwise the routine ends at step 628. If the monitor's receiver 32 receives a reply from a tag 100, the identification code is extracted from the reply at step 612, or if no tag is read, the software re-enters the acquire tag routine at step 604. The microcomputer code compares the received identification code against those already stored in memory 44 at steps 614 and 616, and if the identification code is not present in the memory 44, the identification code is stored at step 618, or if already stored in memory at 626, the user is prompted whether to acquire another tag at step 624.
With the identification code for the acquired tag 100 stored in memory, the user may choose to associate an alias or a name to the identification code to identify the article that the tag 100 will be affixed to at step 620. If the user chooses to rename the tag 100, the user enters an alias that is then stored in memory 44 along with the identification code at step 622. Once a tag 100 has been acquired, the user may elect to acquire additional tags at step 624, or to return the monitor 10 to a main menu or a main operating mode.
Once the monitor 10 has acquired one or more tags 100, the monitor 10 may be placed in a monitoring mode. Turning now to
As tags 100 that are within range of the transmitter 22 respond to the interrogation, the identification codes from the various tags 100 are received, at step 710. When an identification code is received, the microcomputer code compares the received identification code with identification codes stored in memory 44 at step 712. When a received identification code matches a code in the memory 44, the identification code in memory is marked as "present" at step 714, indicating that the corresponding tag 100 answered the interrogation, and the counter of remaining tags is decremented at step 716.
Once the timeout interval has elapsed, the microcomputer code determines if all of the acquired tags 100 have responded. If one or more acquired tags 100 have not responded, then at step 718 each of the non-responding tags 100 is subjected to a threshold test to determine if an alarm is to be set. The threshold test determines if a tag 100 has failed to respond to a predetermined number of consecutive interrogations, or has failed to respond to interrogations for a predetermined time interval. The threshold test insures that no false alarm is issued for a tag 100 that, although within range of the monitor 10, for some reason fails to respond to a single or small number of interrogations. The threshold test may also identify tags 100 that are prone to occasionally missed replies, which may indicate a failing or incorrectly functioning tag 100, such as where a tag 100 consistently misses replies but below the threshold level required for an alarm.
If the threshold is exceeded for a tag 100, an alarm is set at step 720. In addition to the alarm, the monitor 10 may display a message to indicate to the user which of the tagged articles is associated with the alarm.
After the interrogation cycle is completed, the transmitter 22 is turned off, step 722, and following a short time delay, step 724, the interrogation cycle is repeated, step 706.
Tags 100 may be dropped from the monitor 10, for example when the user no longer wants to monitor a particular tagged article, or when the user removes a tag 100 from an article to dispose of the article, thus having a surplus tag 100. When a tag 100 is dropped, its identification code is removed from the monitor's memory 44 so that the tag 100 is no longer known to the monitor 10. A tag 100 may be dropped by selecting its identification code, or its alias, from a list displayed by the monitor 10, and entering a "drop" command. Alternatively, a tag 100 may be dropped by a process similar to the acquisition process, wherein the monitor 10 is placed into a "drop" mode and the tag 100 to be dropped is placed in the near vicinity of the monitor 10.
Turning now to
With an understanding of an RFID embodiment of the loss prevention system, it can be appreciated that the system may be implemented with alternative technologies. What is important is that the monitor 10 has the ability to determine when a tag 100 has moved beyond a limited range of communication with the monitor 10. An ideal alternative technology is the Bluetooth wireless personal area network (WPAN) based on the IEEE standard 802.15.1.
The personal area network is for devices within or moving into a "personal operating space" (POS) of a person; typical range of operation is from one to ten meters. It is based on the Bluetooth PAN technology, but is a lower power, low cost wireless technology that can be used in cell phones, pagers, computers, bio-monitoring devices, as well as printers, sensors, displays, and more.
In a WPAN implementation of the monitor 10, shown in
Turning now to
It can now be appreciated that a WPAN piconet mirrors the architecture of the RFID loss prevention system described above, with the single master (TBD) filling the role of the monitor 10, and at least one slave (TBD) filling the role of the tag 100. Thus, software installed on a monitor that incorporates a WPAN wireless network interface will perform functions that are similar to those described above, including acquisition, monitoring, and dropping of WPAN slave devices, along with user interface functions related to setup and operation of the monitor 10.
Additionally, with a WPAN implementation of the loss prevention system, multiple monitors can communicate with one another in a scatternet topology, allowing WPAN tags 100D to be "handed off" from one monitor 10 to another. This allows monitored articles to be easily passed from one individual to another, where each individual is carrying a monitor 10 that can, by communication and coordination with the other individual's monitor 10, coordinate the transfer of monitoring responsibility. Additionally, monitored articles can be easily moved from one monitored environment, such as an individual's home or office where the articles are monitored by a fixed monitor, to another environment, such as a mobile environment, in which the articles are monitored by a portable monitor 10.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Vince McMahonVincent Kennedy McMahon
- Birthdate: 08/24/1945 (age 69)
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 248 Ib
Vince McMahon is credited with being the greate...
Read More »-- Ric Flair joins Steve Austin, Triple H, John Cena, Vince McMahon and Shawn Michaels at tomorrow's WWE presentation in Las Vegas.
-- For those who may have missed it late last night here on the website, Ken Shamrock wrote the following on Twitter last night…
@WWE @VinceMcMahon - Vince lets chat. Thank you. Ken— KEN SHAMROCK (@ShamrockKen) January 7, 2014


text:
Hello DWIL!
I have been lurking for a long time and putting what I have learned to use. I have my BGPs on and I have read the sticky. As will all first posts, this will probably be long.
Growing up my Dad was in the ARMY so we moved a lot and I never really spent holidays with my folks grandparents. Even when he retired we didn't live near family. So it was the 4 of us. Which we were all ok with. My parents are great in that they do not expect us to spend holidays with them at all. If we can, great! If not, they get that DH and I have our own lives. My ILs, well FIL, is a whole other ball of wax. This man presses my buttons (on purpose!) and thinks it is hilarious. He is also under the impression that we are going to drive 4 hours to see them for every holiday. No. Not happening. DH agrees.
I had to deal with hurt feeeeeeeeeeeeelings over Christmas last year because since we did Thanksgiving at IL, we did Christmas at my folks. This was because I was pregnant with our first LO and this was going to be the end of traveling to all corners of hte state to see people. Our parents live 4 hours from us, my parents live 4 hours one way, his 4 hours the other way. This is great for preventing drop in visits.
It came to my attention that my FIL was telling people I was out to ruin his holiday that Thanksgiving was his and I was ruining it because I wasn't going to come up. DH and I had this convo:
Me: Really? What is he? 5?
DH: He is just used to BIL and I coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Me: Ok. Times change. You have a family now. We really should be starting our own traditions. I do not want to participate in Thanksgiving with your Dad.
DH: Why? What happened?
Me: 1. (I really did say one) He refuses to take care of himself and his diabetes. So his blood sugar gets all wacky and he is a jackass. (he doesn't eat the way he should and won't exercise. So he eats crap, shoots up with insulin and feels like crap. Because he feels like crap, he treats people like crap.)
2. I don't feel safe there. He is always picking on me and it has got to stop. I am tired of having to either tell him shut it or have you talk to him. Him saying this is the way I am deal with it doesn't work for me. IF that is how it is, I am not going to down there any more. If I don't go soon to be born LO doesn't go.
DH: I'm sorry. I agree that we need to do our own thing for the holidays.
Me: Awesome!
I sent an email to my folks and the ILs three weeks ago. It said:
Good afternoon!
I know it's early, but I want to get us thinking about DD first holidays. DH and I are going to stay in town, but are willing to host Thanksgiving Dinner. Christmas will be the same, we will be staying home, but will make dinner. You are more than welcome to come celebrate with us.
Mel and DH
My mom replied:
Sounds great. We will contact you closer for hotel reccomendations. Love you.
Crickets from the ILs.
Part of the reason for staying home is that gas is expensive and I am a SAHM. We have no travel budget this year. We spent it to go to a wedding in the ILs town. While we were in ILs town FIL said he would pay for us to come home for the holidays. I told him: you are paying for me to go to my own house? Cue CBF from FIL. DH backed me up and said we emailed you our plans. FIL then said he knew money was tight and that was why we weren't coming. I was seeing red, DH must have confided to him.
DH took over and said it doesn't matter why you think we aren't coming. What you need to understand is that we aren't going to continue to drive all over hte state to see people. (I piped in: the road goes both ways!)
Now, they have come to see DD, however, it is always for a few hours then they jet off to visit other people. Now, I just plan that they are only here for a few hours and don't block out the whole weekend for them.
My DH is pretty good most of the time and we did address that his father does not need to know where sit financially. He agrees, and apologized for his slip up. However, I feel that he has a unicorn for his dad.
Ladies, am I over reacting about the holidays? I feel that it is entitlement to expect me to drive my child all over the state just so you can see her. DH agrees, but he feels like shouldn't be so set and just go with the flow.
As always there is more background, but I'm just getting ready to dig in to be the bigger bitch and if I'm over reaching I'm ready to hear it.


text:
Scenic it is!
Some of the highlights include the Red Canyon, a very convincing precursor of the Bryce Canyon. Further east the Kiva Koffeehouse establishment is tucked away not far beyond the town of Escalante itself in the schism of red stone along the Escalante River. Yet farther east is the vertigo causing Hogback Outlook with a 360 degree view of Calf Creek and the surroundings. The road here is climbing on an edge of a hill with terrifying vertical drops on both sides into the ravines of creek canyons. Later on comes the key outpost of Boulder and the tough decision which way to go – continue further on the scenic byway or turn into the desolate cow country of the Burr Trail. While shorter visually on the map the Burr (named after a cowboy hero of the previous century) Trail is a slower road with a possible impasse if the ferry at the Glen Canyon is out of commission. Route 12 has no problems of this nature and after a battery recharger in the form of classical espresso in Boulder coffee house one continues on to the greatest view point ever in the area. Homestead Overlook is just minutes away from the eastern outskirts of Boulder but well placed high up on the ridge of its namesake mountain. From here one can finally realise what Escalante Grand Staircase actually is. From right to left a superb row of descending plateaus reveals itself in front of the eyes of the beholder. If he were a giant he would have been able to step down all the way from the Table Cliff Plateau to the Colorado taking one level at a time. Clear weather is indispensible to appreciate the benefits of the next lookout. The Lard Hollow Overlook presides over beautiful expanse of land chiselled by the Capitol Reef Park and framed by the Henry Mountains at the back. This high-altitude view is a great way to stimulate the appetite and crank up the anticipation for the next set of industrially-looking natural wonders coming along the route 24 to Hanksville.
- Eco-Tourism
- National/State Park
- Desert
Veteran's Memorial Park
As it turned out it was Memorial Day 2014 when I was in Escalante looking for a park to eat breakfast. At the Grand Staircase visitor center, a ranger informed me of a park in town.
The park did not fit our needs because, although they have a covered pavilion and picnic tables, they do not allow camp stoves so we could not make breakfast. However, the park turns out to be a memorial park for veterans from Escalante and Boulder.
I took the time to pay my respects. I was amazed at the number of people that served in every war from these two small communities. Most of interest is groups of the same last names. Many members of the same families served in different wars.
Thank you for your service.
- National/State Park
- Desert
- Historical Travel
Visit the Heritage Center
A rather new building to explain a very old tale. This place is at the north of town right by the entrance sign. It will be one of the first things you see entering from that direction. This tells the short history of the town. With artifacts, a short video, an replica wagon, old photos, and other minutia from a time not really so long ago you can get a sense of the people who first settled here.
This is place not too far down the highway from the Hole in the Rock road. This is so named because a group of pioneers from Panguitch (by Bryce Canyon) were on their way to the area around the San Juan River in the 4 corners area. They had heard there was a short cut across the Colorado River near Escalante, and came this way to find it. They were among the first to cross the desert southeast of town following the 50 mile ridge of Straight Cliffs. However when they reached the Colorado River canyon there was no way for wagons and oxen to get down the cliffs. So they spent 6 weeks making a "hole in the rock". This amazing feat of determination is also commemorated here. If you find yourself in Bluff, near Monument Valley, you'll be able to see the town they settled once they arrived and visit the reconstructed fort.
The "hole in the rock" is now only partially viewable as it was inundated by the rising waters of Lake Powell.
- Road Trip
- Historical Travel
Take a Historic District tour
Now, this tour won't be of any place fancy, nothing like that exists in Escalante. However, the town has put together a brochure listing all 200+ structures which were built around the 1900's and continue to survive. This has now been designated into an National Historic District. Some of these are nothing more than an old cow barn or shed. Others are the original homes and stores. We picked up the brochure at the gas station, though I saw it in a few other stores as well and would probably be available at the city hall. It is also available for view on the town website. It was good for an hour or so and gave us an whole different perspective of town.
The plaque on the old Tithing Office states: L.D.S. Tithing Office. This structure, the second oldest building in Escalante, was erected in 1884 of native stone by Mormon Pioneers under the direction of Bishop Andrew P. Schow, Edwin Twitchell, and Thomas Heaps. The stone mason was Morgan Richards. It was used to receive and house the tithing of the people, which was paid in kind and consisted chiefly of produce from the farms and gardens, potatoes, and perishable foods were stored in the basement. The building is now used as a D.U.P. (Daughters of the Utah Pioneers) relic hall.
- Road Trip
- Historical Travel
Visit the CCC camp
Off to the north of town are the remains of the old Civilian Conservation Camp. During the 1930's this organization was formed to provide work and to perform helpful and needed civic projects. In Escalante the CCC built the road between Escalante and Boulder. It is wild country between the two, and the only way to Boulder until that time was via mule train, which left Boulder cut off during the winter.
The road they built is known as the Hell's Backbone Road and can now be driven in a passenger car, though it is still dirt, it is maintained and usually in good condition.
At the camp old cabins and chimneys remain.
- Historical Travel
- Road Trip
Watch Local Artists at Work
This place I stopped late at night was more than interesting. Keven Peterson owns Tribal Sounds, and makes Indian looking drums, but especially hydro wheels. The wheels work on the theory of gravity and Keven spends pain staking time calculating that gravity before building a wheel. He was educated as an engineer. He came out here some 25 years ago, and decided the everyday work world was lacking. So he formulated his talent into something to make a living over time. Keven is reknowned for making drums of all sizes and some other Indian symbols around the US. He also has gained a reputation for the hydro wheels.
Those hydro wheels are getting big. They get bigger than a man, and after spending maybe a couple of months building one (for orders only), he sells for high price. The best and biggest was around $30,000. The designs he does and the intricate detail blew me away.
That is why I am dedicating so much time to explain if you get to this area, look him up and see his works. Buying is also a recommendation. There are some lesser costly items. I am not promoting him, but do admire the fine work he does at his pace
- Arts and Culture
- Architecture
Kodachrome Basin State Park
The last time I was here (over 20 years ago), there were no facilities, just a campground that was parking spaces among the brush. Today, it's Kodachrome Basin State Park with hours and fees listed.
We found it to be an exciting place. We're down among the spires. Where we walk, and drive is relatively flat, but the cliff tower above, there Grovenor Arch and a variety of spires. Below is the description the state park gives of itself.
Geologists believe Kodachrome Basin State Park was once similar to Yellowstone National Park with hot springs and geysers, which eventually filled up with sediment and solidified. Through time, the Entrada sandstone surrounding the solidified geysers eroded, leaving large sand pipes. Sixty-seven sand pipes ranging from two to 52 meters have been identified in the park. Massive sandstone chimneys, change from gray and white to shades of red depending on the day's mood. Numerous rocks and coves offer solitude, quiet and unique desert beauty.
- Camping
- National/State Park
- Hiking and Walking
Hole in the Rock Road
Hole in the Rock Road was created by a Mormon Expedition heading to the east side of Glen Canyon. It gets it's name from the 'hole' they had to cut into the canyon leading down to the Colorado River. Today, you can drive to the cut and look down upon Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The road traverses the eastern side of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Moument.
There are numerous stops along the way, some identified on the maps and some, a result of recent activities. Dance Hall Rock is where the Expedition spent time and held a dance. Numerous trails lead from the road into Escalante Canyon and sights of arches and wonderous formations. We didn't actually make it to the end, the 'hole'.
As we were driving along, we passed through a sand pit on the open 'slick rock'. Our tires spun as I tried to shift down (we were going uphill), and the truck just dug itself into the rock. Yup, the rock, not the sand. Beneath the sand, the road is solid rock, sandstone to be precise. As the tire spun, it turn the stone into sand. We ended up 6" into solid rock. It was hot and the sun had another 4 hours before it set behind the Kaparowitz Plateau (I never got to the Kaparowitz).
We decided to take a break. Broke out the tarp, covered the camper to provide some more shade and enjoyed an afternoon of reading, taking short hikes and checking out the local vegetation. After the sun went behind the hills, we used an ax to chip out the truck. Had a wonderful evening under the stars, listening to the sounds of night. I the morning, we turned towards town and passed the BLM Ranger, heading out the road for the day.
Take water, camping equipment and some small tools. You'll enjoy the time you spend.
- Camping
- Hiking and Walking
- Road Trip
Hike the Escalante River
You can hike the entire Escalante River from town to the Colorado River (Lake Powell). Jim did. He planned for 2 years, watched the weather for over 3 months and set out. You see, it takes almost a week to do the entire length and any rain in the mountains can send a 'flash flood' down the river. Once you're in the deep canyons, you'll never see the rain storms in the mountains, it may never rain on you, but you'll find no place to hide when the wall of water comes ripping down the canyon.
You can take a couple of hours to hike up or down the River. We did it from Calf Creek Recreation Area (BLM). You can see the mountains and know if it's cloudy or clear. You can be back before the weather changes and you'll see country that has been undisturbed for years.
- Camping
- National/State Park
- Hiking and Walking
Hell's Backbone
Just a drive in the Mountains. Not quite! The forest roads lead north from Escalante into Dixie National Forest. You'll want to take your time as you go and get out occasionally to get a closer look at the canyons or the forest. As you go, you'll come around turns in the road that look like what you just passed through, until at one turn, you'll see the sky open and the ground drop away. Before you is Hell's Backbone. You may have been alone on your drive, but here, you'll find a traffic jam. Well -----, at least one other car.
Hell's Backbone is a point studded ridge that drops several hundred if not a 1000 or more feet down, on both sides . An on top of that, literally on top, there is a one lane bridge. The ridge is not wide enough to walk on and a road has been built across it. The posts, are sunk into the step slopes on both sides. I'm surprized that it hasn't splay out on both sides and sent the bridge to the bottom in pieces.
{I'll find a picture and post it as soon as I can}
- Road Trip
Calf Creek Falls (BLM)
The only way to see Calf Creek Falls and Canyon is to take a walk. If you liked Zion National Park , you'll thrill to this. What I liked best was that Calf Creek Canyon is a wonder that is scaled to human size. It's wall rise dramatically upwards, leaving a sliver of sky, so overwhelming because it's narrow and you have to walk, nor drive the 1 plus mile to the end. You'll feel the light breeze against your cheek. The coolness as you near the creek and the warmth of the air in the canyon.
As you approach the end, the trilling of water will awaken your ears and the smell of moisture and the life it generates will alert your nose to the coming change. Sit and relax along the wide sandy beach beneath the falls and enjoy the sounds and smells all around. I don't recommend swimming, but put your toe in the water. It's around 40 degree F. It comes from up on the mountains from among the snow packs and the cool rock in the earth. I've known several people who tried to reach the bottom of the pool. None of them ever has reached the bottom. Of course, the water has been falling from the lip, several hundred feet above for centuries, digging out the sandstone and creating the beach you're standing on.
- National/State Park
- Hiking and Walking
- Family Travel
Drive Hwy 12 over the...
Drive Hwy 12 over the unbelievably narrow Hogsback, stop by an Anasazi Village, and then drive across the scenic heights of Boulder Mountain
You might not want to drive the Hogsback if you are scared of heights. We drove south across the Hogsback (heading downhill to Escalante). One minute you are driving across mountains at 9000 feet, next you seem to be driving on a very long and winding narrow ribbon of road (can't call it two lanes wide) with really no shoulders and from the car you can't see land beyond one or two feet on either side of the road. No U-turns recommended! Incredible views.
- 1
Instant Answers: Escalante
Get an instant answer from local experts and frequent travelers
- Save money, Book now!
- Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
- Great room rates
- Expedia.com
Sponsored Links


text:
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Review: Vogue 8928 | The Yellow Pencil Skirt!
40 comments :
I love that skirt and those shoes are to die for!!! I have never ordered from ShoeMint. Do they require you to buy a pair of shoes every month or can you just order when you want? I know that some of the online shoe clubs require a certain number of purchases.ReplyDelete
Gorgeous skirt. It looks like a skirt I was eyeing on-line yesterday that was a couple thousand!ReplyDelete
Great skirt and you are always Fabulous. I commented about your redbook feature previously as I spotted you the minute I got my Sept issue in the mail.ReplyDelete
I've been following your blog for quite some time, although I'm not much of a poster. I saw your picture in Redbook (before viewing this post)and I was so excited! It was like I know someone famous! :) Congratulations!ReplyDelete
Great adaption. Sexy yet demure. And AWESOME-HOT DOG! about featured in Red Book.ReplyDelete
The yellow is very hot and the perfect fall yellow. Do you think the pattern is still worth the buy?ReplyDelete
Once again, you hit it out of the park with your fabric selection--WOW! I see what you mean about the wrap skirt not being, er, practical! I think this skirt looks great on you. Great work!ReplyDelete
Love the outfit and color scheme and congrats on appearing in the article.ReplyDelete
Very cute look! the color of the skirt is awesome. I have this pattern so thank you for preparing me for the trickery. I actually like your version even better.ReplyDelete
I like your version of this skirt so much better than the pattern pic. when I looked at this pattern last night. The front opening looked too risky for me so I skipped right by it.ReplyDelete
Love this! You look stunning and it is a glorious shade of yellow. Well done, and thanks for posting it. Rachel UKReplyDelete
Wow, awesome skirt. Love the color and love it with the black leather peplum top. It adds just the right amount of edginess.ReplyDelete
I had my eye on that skirt as well, so I'm happy you reviewed it.ReplyDelete
What you did worked out great but I don't know if I want to try it know.
Congrats on the Redbook feature.
LOVE it!! So glad you reviewed this because I'd have NO clue what to do to fix it from flashing my hooha (smh). :)ReplyDelete
Such a classy yet sexy outfit!
A few years back I came across your blog through Monica M's blog.ReplyDelete
So I have always enjoyed your talent. Imagine my surprise when I see you in my Redbook, you look great! I'm so happy for you.
About Me
- Erica B.
- Welcome to my DIY Style blog! How many times have you seen clothes in an upscale department store or a posh boutique and cringed at the sight of the price tag? I've done it many times and have said to myself, "I could make that"! While reading my fashion sewing blog, you'll share with me in my adventures in taking "boring" patterns from drab to fab by creating "inspired" looks pulled straight from those boutiques, the runway and fashion magazines. Also my adventure in learning to tailor and couture sewing techniques.
Popular Posts!
I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th. Ours was pretty uneventful. It rained all day long. But my husband did manage to get a clear ...
I've been needing a new white blazer in my wardrobe for a while now. I'd made Simplicity 2250 three years ago, and I nearly wor...
I found the most perfect and quickest shorts pattern ever! After a project like my white blazer, I needed a simple, palate cleansing pro...
So, my spring sewing is off to a great start. My plan for March is to be a beast in the sewing room! Now, let's hope the mojo holds...
Every year, I like to make at least one substantial coat. Last year, it was my beloved cashmere pea coat . So this year, I decided it w...
Blog Archive
- ► 2015 ( 39 )
- ► 2014 ( 77 )
- What I'm Wearing | Good-bye LBD and Hello to the L...
- I Love the Clothes I Make!
- Review: Vogue 8879 | The 'Not-so-plain' White T-sh...
- Review: Vogue 8928 | The Yellow Pencil Skirt!
- Review: New Look 6208 | Retro-Style Open-Back Taff...
- Review: Vogue 1305 | The 'End of Summer' White Max...
- Review: McCall's 6702 | Open-back Linen Shirt
- ▼ August ( 7 )
- ► 2012 ( 107 )
- ► 2011 ( 101 )
- ► 2010 ( 65 )
- ► 2009 ( 75 )
- ► 2008 ( 128 )
- ► 2007 ( 160 )
- ► 2006 ( 142 )
- This blog contains affiliate links, which means I receive compensation if you make a purchase using these links.


text:
Oldman: They are sort of polar opposites, Haydon and Smiley.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, his mettle in polar extremes far outstrips his writing ability.
Trafalgar Square was chilly today, good preparation for Prince Harry's polar trek.
1550s, from Middle French polaire (16c.) or directly from Medieval Latin polaris "of or pertaining to the poles," from Latin polus "an end of an axis" (see pole (n.2)). Meaning "directly opposite in character or tendency" is attested from 1832. Polar bear first recorded 1781.
polar po·lar (pō'lər)
Of or relating to a pole.
Having poles. Used of certain nerve cells having one or more processes.