Abstract: A system for management and support of a workplace includes: an input unit to acquire environmental factor information from environmental sensors in a workplace and physiological internal state information from biosensors attached to workers; a database including a first storage category to store physiological internal state information of a worker in association with environmental factor information with respect to each worker and a second storage category to store physiological internal state information of a worker in association with environmental factor information with respect to a worker regarded as experienced; a computing unit to compare physiological internal state information of a particular worker at the current time with information about the particular worker stored in the first storage category and information stored in the second storage category, judge the physiological internal state of the particular worker, and determine alert content; and an output unit to generate an alert to a worker.

Abstract: An alert peripheral device that provides sensory notification to a user of the device includes: a power subsystem; a communication mechanism by which notification signals is received from a first user equipment (UE) that generates and transmits the notification signals in response to detection of specific events at the first UE; and a response notification mechanism that provides a sensory response of the peripheral device following receipt of a notification of a detected event (NDE) signal. The device further includes an embedded controller coupled to each of the other components and which includes firmware that when executed on the embedded controller configures the embedded controller to: establish a communication link between the communication mechanism and the first UE; and in response to detecting a receipt of the NDE signal from the first UE, trigger the response notification mechanism to exhibit the sensory response.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method, computer system, and computer program product for utilizing home automation technology and networked devices to wake up users is provided. The present invention may include targeting a user with one or more sensory effects, based on a plurality of user configuration data from one or more remote devices, wherein the remote devices are devices connected with a home automation network capable of producing one or more sensory effects; and determining whether the user has acknowledged wakefulness.

Abstract: An alert peripheral device that provides sensory notification to a user of the device includes: a power subsystem; a communication mechanism by which notification signals is received from a first user equipment (UE) that generates and transmits the notification signals in response to detection of specific events at the first UE; and a response notification mechanism that provides a sensory response of the peripheral device following receipt of a notification of a detected event (NDE) signal. The device further includes an embedded controller coupled to each of the other components and which includes firmware that when executed on the embedded controller configures the embedded controller to: establish a communication link between the communication mechanism and the first UE; and in response to detecting a receipt of the NDE signal from the first UE, trigger the response notification mechanism to exhibit the sensory response.

Abstract: Optics over a light source, such as, but not limited to, an LED on a circuit board. The optic does not entirely encapsulate the LED but rather includes an inner surface such that an air gap exists between the optic and the LED. The optic may include a lens and may conform to the shape of the circuit board.

Abstract: A notification device that includes a housing, a processing unit in the housing, and a control panel and a visual display on the housing. The processing unit causes the display to visually display a dosage amount, receives a first medication taken command from the control panel, causes the display to visually display a time of day that the first medication taken command is received, receives a second medication taken command from the control panel, causes the display to visually replace the time of day that the first medication taken command is received with a time of day that the second medication taken command is received, causes the display to visually display a number of times that medication taken commands are received from the control panel within a specified time period, and causes the display to visually display a number of total medication taken within the specified time period.

Abstract: A hydration level measurement system and method comprising a technology embedded scale that rewards individuals for drinking an appropriate amount of liquid throughout the day. In an example embodiment, a reusable water bottle is equipped with an RFID tag and assigned to an individual so that the user's hydration level may be tracked. The RFID tag logs the individual's access as well as “before-filling” and “after-filling” weights of the bottle when placed on the scale. A computer screen acknowledges the bottle's owner, and then indicates the increased weight and how many points will be awarded to the user using an ounces-to-points conversion. Data may be transferred from the scale computer to a web server and aggregated at the server from multiple scales for multiple “hydration challenges.” A web application receives and processes user requests to display data related to each hydration challenge such as the current scores of the participants.

Abstract: An alert peripheral device that provides sensory notification to a user of the device includes: a power subsystem; a communication mechanism by which notification signals is received from a first user equipment (UE) that generates and transmits the notification signals in response to detection of specific events at the first UE; and a response notification mechanism that provides a sensory response of the peripheral device following receipt of a notification of a detected event (NDE) signal. The device further includes an embedded controller coupled to each of the other components and which includes firmware that when executed on the embedded controller configures the embedded controller to: establish a communication link between the communication mechanism and the first UE; and in response to detecting a receipt of the NDE signal from the first UE, trigger the response notification mechanism to exhibit the sensory response.

Abstract: A sleep management application on a computing device having a processor and a storage medium executes code that establishes to a server that maintains data pertaining to the computing device or to a user, retrieves data from the remote server, and generates a custom interface to configure a feature of the computing device. The custom interface is used to program a sleep management setting. In one implementation, a method uses the sleep management application to provide an alarm function using external data from a remote server. The sleep management application can receive the external data from the remote server and analyze the external data to identify elements that pertain to the sleep management application. Then, the sleep management application can generate a control signal based on the elements, and modify a setting governing an operation of the alarm function in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: A communication device locks input of the communication device and executes an alarm if a current time reaches a set alarm time. When the alarm is executed, an unlock input set is generated for unlocking the input and an alarm disable button set is generated for disabling the alarm. If an unlock input set is the same as the generated unlock keypad set, the locked input is unlocking. If the alarm disable button set input by the user is the same as the generated alarm disable button set, the communication device disables the alarm.

Abstract: A display device includes a dial, an alarm setting member, and a warning unit. The alarm setting member includes an A/D converter, a recognition module, a storage module, and an analysis module. With rotation of the dial, a variation voltage is generated. The A/D converter converts variable voltage from analog to digital form. In contrast, the alarm time is decreased. The storage module stores the adjusted alarm time. The analysis module compares the current time with the preset alarm time and outputs a driving signal to the warning unit in the event of a match.

Abstract: A device adapted to be releasable attached to a blister including at least one piece of medicament. The device includes apparatus for releasable attachment to the blister, a sensor arrangement including at least one first sensor arranged to register the sound of the dispense of a piece of medicament, a time system arranged to register the time and/or date of the dispensing of said piece of medicament and a memory for storing data, such as time and/or date data, related to the dispense of the piece of medicament.

Abstract: A method of operating a security system includes sensing a security breach, and providing an indication to a user that an alarm signal will be issued in response to the sensing of the security breach. The indication perceptibly changes with time.

Abstract: A reminder device includes a controller, a switch, and an annunciator. When a user closes the switch, the controller turns on the annunciator for a fixed period of time. The annunciator may be a light source such as a flashing LED or an audio indicator. The signal from the annunciator communicates to a user that a particular task, such as taking a pill or locking a car door, has been completed and need not be further verified.

Abstract: An interactive timing system for use with a play system includes a base unit configured for mounting at a base location on the play system and a plurality of remote units each configured for mounting at a location on the play system remote from the base station. The base unit comprises a timer and a switch for activating the timer. Each remote unit comprises an indicator and a manually-activated input for controlling the indicator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for simulating an operating television for the purpose of deterring potential intruders by providing the appearance that one or more occupants are at home. Realistic simulation of a television is accomplished via perceived random combinations, amplitudes, colors, and durations of television program scene modes, these scene modes comprised of fades, swells, flicks, static periods, and low frequency noise. Color shifts, both subtle and dramatic, effectively emulate true television output. Efficient, reliable, and inexpensive super-bright LEDs serve as light sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for counting the number of days that a wearer of contact lenses has used a particular pair of disposable contact lenses. In a preferred embodiment, a digital contact case is provided which comprises a body having two cups for contact lens storage and two reed switches, two caps for covering the cups, each cup having a magnet mounted thereon that closes one of the reed switches when one of the caps is snapped onto one of the cups. Each time both caps are snapped onto the cups, both reed switches are closed and a signal is sent to a microprocessor which increments by one the count of the number of days of contact lens use on a digital display. When the count reaches the number of days recommended by the contact lens manufacturer, the old pair of contact lenses is thrown away, a new pair is placed in the cups and the counter is reset by pressing a reset button.

Abstract: A time out device for disciplining a child has (i) a flexible sheet, (ii) a sensor for detecting and signaling whether the child is on the sheet, and (iii) a control section. The control section has a timer, control means for operating the timer in response to signals received from the sensor, input means by which a user may input or select a desired duration for a time out period and signaling means for indicating to a user when a desired time out period has elapsed.

Abstract: A home system includes a server having a first wireless communication port, and a plurality of devices, such as sensors. Each one of the devices includes a corresponding second wireless communication port. One or more of the devices is a timer/reminder sensor device associated with an object of interest. The timer/reminder sensor device includes a timer mechanism having a time input and an output. The timer mechanism is associated with the object and is adapted to input a time interval from the time input, time for the time interval and then responsively output to the output. The timer mechanism communicates the time input and the output of the timer mechanism between the second wireless communication port of the timer/reminder sensor device and the first wireless communication port of the server.

Abstract: A handheld computing device includes a notification lamp, a melody circuit coupled to the notification lamp for providing a first type notification, an electronic switch coupled to the notification lamp for providing a second type notification, and a notification controller coupled to the melody circuit and the electronic switch for selecting between the notification types. The power consumption of the second type notification is less than that of the first type notification.

Abstract: A method for controlling inventory of a time sensitive medical product includes providing packaging for the medical product, setting an expiration date for the medical product; and displaying the expiration date with the medical product in a visible manner on or within the packaging or on or within the medical product. A warning period is set for warning of an upcoming expiration for the medical product in advance of the expiration date and elapsed time is monitored with the packaging or with the medical product after setting the expiration date for the medical product. A warning indicator is displayed on or within the packaging or on or within the medical product of the upcoming expiration for the medical product upon commencement of the warning period.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a time sensitive medical product includes a medical product; a packaging containing the medical product; and at least one label associated with the packaging or the medical product. The at least one label includes at least one permanent region having permanent indicia; at least one transformable region having time sensitive indicia wherein the time sensitive indicia is non-detectable in a first state and detectable in a second state; a micro-controller operatively connected to at least one of the at least one permanent region and the at least one transformable region, wherein the micro-controller monitors elapsed time and causes the at least one transformable region to change from the first state to the second state thereby revealing the time sensitive indicia in the second state; and a power source operatively connected to the micro-controller.

Abstract: A method and device for displaying the condition of an information-processing device is provided. The device includes a time unit, a register unit, a display unit and a detecting mechanism. The method is to detect the condition of the information-processing device with the detecting mechanism; to store the condition information in the register unit; to display the condition through the display unit, and to update the condition information periodically by signals from the time unit.

Abstract: A system for waking a person includes an input that receives an alarm time information and an aroma selection from a person, an alarm that generates an audible signal when activated, an aroma station that generates an olfactory signal when activated, an activator that receives a snooze input from the person, and a controller coupled to the activator and the aroma station, where the controller activates the audible signal in response to the alarm time information, and activates the aroma station in response to the snooze input and according to the aroma selection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning a following vehicle when a vehicle in front applies its brakes are provided. At least one brake light of a vehicle illuminates during a braking process as the braking value increases in conformity with a present value of the braking value. After the value drops below the maximum value, the illumination continues for a retention time that is a function of the braking process, and after the conclusion of the retention time fades during a period of time that is a function of the braking process.

Abstract: An apparatus controlling activation of a home automation system to prevent electric home appliances from being simultaneously activated. The activation control apparatus has an activation control unit receiving an activation instruction for a first electric home appliance from a user, and activating the first electric home appliance, after at least one other electric home appliance is activated and lapse of a predetermined delay time, thus preventing simultaneous activation of the electric home appliances by sequentially activating the electric home appliances. The activation control unit has a user interface terminal and a gateway processor.

Abstract: A traffic signal includes a micro-controller in communication with a switching system. The micro-controller executes a process for controlling a signal indicator according to a selected signal cycle. First and second actuators communicate with the corresponding first and second input terminals of the micro-controller. The first actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a first signal cycle. The second actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a second signal cycle.

Abstract: Waking/alerting people with a random offset time added to a pre-programmed wake-up/alert time, the improved method and apparatus disclosed in the present invention maximizes time confusion and uncertainty to provide an extra urgency to get up and/or get ready. In an embodiment, an alarm clock chooses a random time offset of D minutes without the user's knowledge. The alarm sounds D minutes before the preset wake-up time while displaying the current time plus D minutes. Thus, even though a user realizes that the alarm has sounded earlier than the preset time, he does not know exactly how many minutes earlier. Alternatively, the alarm could sound D minutes after the preset wake-up time. Again, the user does not know how much offset has been inserted by the clock. This uncertainty forces the user to assume the worst-case and get up quickly.

Abstract: Waking/alerting people with a random offset time added to a pre-programmed wake-up/alert time, the improved method and apparatus disclosed in the present invention maximizes time confusion and uncertainty to provide an extra urgency to get up and/or get ready. In an embodiment, an alarm clock chooses a random time offset of D minutes without the user's knowledge. The alarm sounds D minutes before the preset wake-up time while displaying the current time plus D minutes. Thus, even though a user realizes that the alarm has sounded earlier than the preset time, he does not know exactly how many minutes earlier. Alternatively, the alarm could sound D minutes after the preset wake-up time. Again, the user does not know how much offset has been inserted by the clock. This uncertainty forces the user to assume the worst-case and get up quickly.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a silent alarm is provided for tactilely alerting a user. The system includes a timekeeping device having a timekeeping mechanism for tracking real time, an input mechanism operatively connected to the timekeeping mechanism for setting an alarm time, a processor operatively connected to the timekeeping mechanism that monitors the real time and the alarm time, and a wireless data transmitter operatively connected to the processor, such that the wireless data transmitter transmits a signal at a predetermined radio frequency when the real time corresponds to the alarm time. The system also includes a silent alarm signaling device secured to a user, wherein said silent alarm signaling device includes a wireless data receiver, a processor operatively connected to the wireless data receiver, and a signaling mechanism operatively controlled by the processor.

Abstract: A pace setting device including a central unit having an internal processor capable of generating an adjustable pulsed signal. The central unit includes a power source. A speaker is provided that is in communication with the internal processor of the central unit to allow the user to hear the pulsed signal. The speaker is positionable with respect to an ear of a user.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the delivery of a speech having selected time limits for specific speech types, includes a housing having a control panel, a clock display, and an array of different colored light emitting elements that are activated corresponding to specific speech time limit intervals. A timing circuit generates a signal to a control circuit that corresponds to a specific speech type, wherein the control circuit generates event marker signals that correspond to the lapse of a series of sequential selected time periods in the control circuit. The event marker signals provide for the sequential indication of the light emitting elements that allows for minimal distraction to the speaker to monitor their speech timing while allowing the speaker to wind up the speech in a smooth and timely manner.

Abstract: A medication reminder device having a cap unit with a timer dial for selecting a period between alarm signals and a start and reset button with a light, the cap unit having internal electronics with a power supply to generate an alarm signal that is preferably visible, using the button light; audio, using a sound generating circuit; and physical, using a vibrator mechanism; the cap unit being connected to a compact container with a compartment for storage of pills, the compact container having an adaptor cap for connecting the assembled device to a standard prescription container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drink dispensing device, particularly to a device designed for dispensing of particular amounts of water or alternative fluids to an individual, and most particularly to a device which includes a timing function for prompting consumption at programmed intervals.

Abstract: A communication abnormality detecting/coping device and a vacuum pump remote monitor control device are provided, which are capable of detecting the presence/absence of an abnormality in data communication and reducing an influence of the abnormality on a system device when detecting the abnormality. An operation acknowledge message 51 is transmitted to a system device (30) from a turbo-molecular pump control device (20) in Step 1. A reply message (53) indicative of the reception of the operation acknowledgement message 51 by the system device (30) is transmitted to the turbo-molecular pump control device (20) in Step 3. In Step 5, an elapsed period of from a time at which the operation acknowledgement message (51) is transmitted to a time at which a reply message (53) is received is measured, and if the elapsed period exceeds the preset period, the abnormality in the communication system is warned in Step 6.