Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for an assistive device and associated method for interacting with at least one electronic device. In one example embodiment, the assistive device can include at least one communication interface, a memory, and at least one processing unit. The memory can store a whitelist of the at least one electronic device; and a gesture-to-command map of input signals in linked association with commands, including a selection command and a control command. The processing unit can be configured for sustaining an electronic communication connection to a target electronic device; receiving an input signal generated from user manipulation of a physical interface; searching the gesture-to-command map based on the input signal to determine a command; and using the at least one communication interface to transmit the command to the at least one electronic device thereby allowing the user to use the same assistive device for selecting and/or controlling at least one electronic device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for an assistive device and associated method for interacting with at least one electronic device. In one example embodiment, the assistive device can include at least one communication interface, a memory, and at least one processing unit. The memory can store a whitelist of the at least one electronic device; and a gesture-to-command map of input signals in linked association with commands, including a selection command and a control command. The processing unit can be configured for sustaining an electronic communication connection to a target electronic device; receiving an input signal generated from user manipulation of a physical interface; searching the gesture-to-command map based on the input signal to determine a command; and using the at least one communication interface to transmit the command to the at least one electronic device thereby allowing the user to use the same assistive device for selecting and/or controlling at least one electronic device.

Abstract: Superhard nanocomposite coatings which are applicable to coating contact surfaces on substrates in a variety of industrial processes are disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the superhard nanocomposite coating includes a refractory metal silicon nitride coating layer having silicon in a concentration of from about 6 atomic percent to about 12 atomic percent.