Acceleration Patents (Class 340/669)
  • Patent number: 11968601
    Abstract: A method includes, generating a schedule for an asset tag, the schedule defining: a unicast trigger time for transmission of a unicast trigger to the asset tag; a transmit time succeeding receipt of the multicast trigger; and a wake window intersecting the transmit time and the receipt of the multiact trigger. The method also includes transmitting the schedule from a node network to the asset tag and configuring the asset tag based on the schedule. The method also includes, at the node network, broadcasting the unicast trigger and, at an asset tag: entering a wake mode; receiving the unicast trigger; transmitting a ranging signal; and entering the sleep mode. The method further includes, at the node network: deriving location of the asset tag based on instance of the ranging signal received by nodes in the node network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: ZaiNar, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Feldman, Phillip B. Hess, Philip Adam Kratz, Srdjan Miocinovic, Jonathan Shiao-En Lu
  • Patent number: 11884224
    Abstract: Provided is a method for preventing improper reuse of a traveling battery mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle includes a battery module, an electronic control unit, and an impact detection sensor. The battery module includes battery cells that are stacked together. The electronic control unit is capable of controlling a voltage of each of the battery cells of the battery module, using an auxiliary battery as a drive power supply. The impact detection sensor is configured to detect a magnitude of an impact to be applied to the vehicle. The method for preventing reuse of the traveling battery includes causing the electronic control unit to perform low-voltage-control exclusively on one of the battery cells that is selected in advance in a case where the magnitude of the impact detected by the impact detection sensor is a predetermined value or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tsukasa Murakami
  • Patent number: 11861426
    Abstract: A service may be provided that reads sensors, and that communicates information based on the sensor readings to applications. In one example, an operating system provides a sensor interface that allows programs that run on a machine to read the values of sensors (such as an accelerometer, light meter, etc.). A service may use the interface to read the value of sensors, and may receive subscriptions to sensor values from other programs. The service may then generate messages that contain the sensor value, and may provide these messages to programs that have subscribed to the messages. The messages may contain raw sensor data. Or, the messages may contain information that is derived from the sensor data and/or from other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Inventors: Gregory H. Parks, Steven P. Dodge, Zheng Wang
  • Patent number: 11743972
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for generating and collecting data with a view to determining the state of a structure (100). The system comprises a system (1) for acquiring vibration signals and a communication gateway system (2, 2?) configured to receive a signal (TL21, TL21rvl) from the gateway system (2, 2?), using a first protocol, and when the signal (TL21rvl) comprises a wake-up instruction, send the gateway system (2, 2?) an activity instruction request signal (TW12) using a second protocol, receive, from the gateway system (2, 2?), using the second protocol, an activity instruction signal (TW21) comprising an acquisition instruction, trigger a vibration signal acquisition operation and generate vibration data (Dvib) on the basis of the vibration signals acquired; and transmit, using the second protocol, the vibration data (Dvib) to the gateway system (2, 2?). The invention also relates to the acquisition system and to the corresponding gateway system, and to a corresponding method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: SERCEL
    Inventors: Jérôme Laine, Hervé Delacourt, Nicolas Audonnet
  • Patent number: 11701058
    Abstract: A personal impact monitoring system is described herein comprising a monitoring station that receives impact events sent from personal impact monitors using a monitoring station receiver. The impact events which specify impact parameters associated with the impact events are stored in a data storage location associated with the monitoring station. Software operating on the operating station is configured to receive the impact events from the data storage location and to perform calculations based on the impact events to identify notable impact events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: i1 SENSORTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence V. Calcano, David Thomas Brown, Christopher C. Genau, David Ernest Snyder, James M. Stearns, Brian Michael Ronald, Jesse David Harper, John F. Harris
  • Patent number: 11497964
    Abstract: Sports equipment and/or areas of play are provided, comprising a sports equipment or area of play and a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Canary Medical Switzerland AG
    Inventors: William L. Hunter, Olivia F. Hunter, Douglas R. Holberg
  • Patent number: 11474886
    Abstract: A service may be provided that reads sensors, and that communicates information based on the sensor readings to applications. In one example, an operating system provides a sensor interface that allows programs that run on a machine to read the values of sensors (such as an accelerometer, light meter, etc.). A service may use the interface to read the value of sensors, and may receive subscriptions to sensor values from other programs. The service may then generate messages that contain the sensor value, and may provide these messages to programs that have subscribed to the messages. The messages may contain raw sensor data. Or, the messages may contain information that is derived from the sensor data and/or from other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory H. Parks, Steven P. Dodge, Zheng Wang
  • Patent number: 11353948
    Abstract: A method for the adaptation of a user interface based on the proximity of a plurality of computing devices connected to a network. The method includes determining, at a first client or a server, a proximity of a second client being within a predetermined range of the first client. The first client or the server determines the proximity of a second client being within a predetermined range by receiving a notification from the server, receiving a unique identifier from the second client, sensors of the first or the second client, or by determining that the location of the first client is within a predefined distance from the location of the second client. The method includes receiving, by the first client or the server, recommendations data associated with client data of the second client. The method includes adapting a user interface of the first client based on the recommendation data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Q Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcus Allen Thomas
  • Patent number: 11268528
    Abstract: A fan system includes a motor, a rotatable hub, and a plurality of fan blades. The motor is coupled with the hub by a hollow drive shaft, such that the drive system of the fan system is gearless. The motor is controlled by a PFC-based control module, which is in communication with sensors that are configured to sense parameters associated with operation of the fan system. The control module is configured to react in certain ways to certain conditions detected by the sensors, such that the fan system uses feedback-based control algorithms. A remote control panel is in communication with the control module. The remote control panel is operable to display fault conditions detected by the sensors. Blade retainers prevent fan blades from falling when a fan blade breaks free from the hub. Pins prevent the hub from falling when the hub breaks free from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: DELTA T, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Oleson, J. Carey Smith, Richard W. Fizer, Richard M. Aynsley, Elios Klemo
  • Patent number: 11231705
    Abstract: Methods for data monitoring with changeable routing of input channels are disclosed. An example method includes a data collector communicatively coupled to a plurality of input channels and a data acquisition circuit to interpret the detection values, each corresponding to an input channel. Sensor data is acquired from a first route of input channels and stored together with specifications for the sensors that correspond to the input channels. The sensor data is evaluated with respect to an alarm threshold level and an alarm state set when the alarm threshold level is exceeded. A response circuit changes a routing of the input channels for data collection from a first routing to an alternate routing of input channels, wherein the alternate routing of input channels comprise the first input channel and a group of input channels related to the first input channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Strong Force IoT Portfolio 2016, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Howard Cella, Gerald William Duffy, Jr., Jeffrey P. McGuckin, Mehul Desai
  • Patent number: 11129308
    Abstract: A server with a vibration sensing function includes a cooling fan (10), a vibration sensing module (20) and a computing module (30). The vibration sensing module (20) is disposed in the server and is physically coupled to the cooling fan (10). The vibration sensing module (20) obtains a monitoring value that is updated continuously by detecting a vibration of the cooling fan (10). When the vibration sensing module (20) confirms that the monitoring value matches a threshold value, the vibration sensing module (20) outputs a warning message. The computing module (30) receives the monitoring values and the warning message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: ABLECOM TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Hsun-Hui Cheng
  • Patent number: 11048240
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (5) and a safety method for a production station (2) for vehicle body parts (4), and for a conveying means (18) moving into and out of the production station (2) for transporting the workpieces into and out of the production station (2). The production station (2) and the conveying means (18) each have their own controller (13, 21) and their own security circuit (22, 23), wherein the security device (5) connects the security circuits (22, 23) of the production station (2) and of the conveying means (18) located in the production station (2). The security device (5) influences and thereby changes a protection region (29) of a protection device (27) of an intrinsically secure conveying means (18) when moving in and out and within the production station (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: KUKA Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Zimmermann, Luca Leocata
  • Patent number: 10993185
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing power consumption of a portable terminal are provided. More particularly, an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption generated in an idle state in order to solve a power consumption problem in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a state determination unit which is configured independently from an application processor for controlling applications and which wakes up when entering an idle mode to allow the application processor to sleep, and thereafter determines a state of the portable terminal, and if it is determined that the portable terminal escapes from the idle mode, allows the application processor to wake up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hee-Jun Song, Kwang-Choon Kim, Nam-Woo Kim, Sung Kwon, Yu-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 10960283
    Abstract: A system that wirelessly integrates actual game equipment with a computer and the internet to allow players remotely located from one another to play a competitive real or simulated game of golf. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing techniques. The system includes smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle, and a golf club motion sensing devices, all containing circuits, contact and or noncontact motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry to wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. The computer displays player information and visually simulates and controls a game between one or more local players or via the internet having similar equipment and remotely located from each other. Standard golf clubs may be retrofitted with the sensors and associated circuitry to convert such clubs into “smart clubs” for use with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventors: Wilbert Quinc Murdock, Philip Alister Williams
  • Patent number: 10946938
    Abstract: A coupling system for fluid transfer between a bow area of an elongated vessel and a hydrocarbon delivery installation at open sea. The system includes a support frame for suspending the system to the vessel and a fluid receiving tube segment fixed to the support frame comprising a coupling device arranged at a first end of the tube segment and that establishes a leakage free coupling with a hose valve. The system further includes a remotely controlled drive system that simultaneously exerts a transverse force generating pendulum movements of the coupling device in the transverse plane, a longitudinal force generating pendulum movements of the coupling device in a longitudinal plane, and a rotational force generating rotational movement of at least part of the coupling device iteratively adjusting the rotational position of the at least part of the coupling device by regulating the rotational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: MacGregor Norway AS
    Inventors: Rolf Albrigtsen, Lars Aaness, Stig André Nygaard, Jon Høvik
  • Patent number: 10929207
    Abstract: A notification control device includes a surrounding situation determination unit that determines a situation around a user, an impact detection unit that detects an impact on an electronic device possessed by the user, a drop determination unit that determines whether or not the impact occurs by drop of the electronic device, a notification method selection unit that selects a notification method in accordance with the situation around the user in a case where the impact occurs by the drop, and a notification control unit that controls a notification unit configured to notify the user of information such that the notification is performed by the notification method selected by the notification method selection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: JVCKENWOOD Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Uemoto, Toru Kaiwa, Masaki Takei, Aki Hamada
  • Patent number: 10820099
    Abstract: A device and method controlling a speaker to emit a sound to protect a microphone is provided. An example device: determines, using a motion detector, when a drop is occurring. The example device, in response to determining that a drop is occurring: controls a speaker of the example device to emit a sound according to one or more predetermined drop parameters, the sound to apply an acoustic pressure at a membrane of the MEMS microphone of the example device to reduce a deflection thereof that results due to one or more of the drop and an impact which ends the drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Haim Caspo, Amihay Fink, Avihu Cohen, Yaakov Moseri, Hadi Shvartz, Evgeny Bialik
  • Patent number: 10737165
    Abstract: A system that wirelessly integrates actual golf equipment, game apparatus, or gaming tool, with a computer and the internet to allow players remotely located from one another to play a competitive real or simulated game. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic golfing or sports techniques. The system includes any sports implement or smart golf clubs, a golf ball receptacle and a golf club motion sensing devices, all containing circuits and contact and or noncontact motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry to wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. The computer display screen displays player information and visually simulates and controls a game between one or more local computer players or via the internet having similar equipment and remotely located from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventors: Wilbert Quincy Murdock, Philip Alister Williams
  • Patent number: 10282155
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a processor and a detection mechanism operable to detect one or more characteristics relating to how a user handles the electronic device. The processor is operably coupled to the detection mechanism and operable in accordance with stored operating instructions to: determine, based on the detected characteristics, which limb of the user possesses the portable electronic device; and control at least one function of the portable electronic device taking into account which limb of the user possesses the electronic device (e.g., which limb of the user is holding or secured to the electronic device). According to one embodiment, the processor may further determine a reference position for the portable electronic device (e.g., a position of the device at rest) and compare one or more of the detected characteristics to the reference position to determine which limb of the user possesses the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P Alberth, Jr., Rachid Mohsen Alameh, Timothy A. Dickinson, Robert A. Zurek
  • Patent number: 10204504
    Abstract: An electronic device including a signal processing circuit, an acceleration sensor, and an edge sensor is provided. The electronic device has a device body. The signal processing circuit operates in a sleep mode. The acceleration sensor senses an acceleration variation of the device body to generate an acceleration sensing signal. The acceleration sensor determines whether the acceleration sensing signal is continuously lower than an acceleration threshold for a preset length of time to wake up the signal processing circuit. When the acceleration sensor wakes up the signal processing circuit, the signal processor enables the edge sensor. The edge sensor senses a deformation variation of the device body to generate at least one deformation sensing signal. The signal processing circuit analyzes the deformation sensing signal to determine whether a drop event of the device body occurs. In addition, a drop warning method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Chao-Hung Lin, Chin-Yu Wang, Ming-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 10165104
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile terminal including: a wireless communication unit that receives an event associated with an application; an output unit that outputs alerting information on the event; a display unit to which an alerting image that receives a first touch for activating the application is output; and a controller that, when the alerting image receives a second touch, controls the output unit in such a manner that an alerting mode for reception of the event associated with the application is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Taehoon Cho
  • Patent number: 10156582
    Abstract: The present disclosure is for a bicycle pedaling frequency sensor comprising a signal acquisition unit, a data transmission unit, and/or a data conversion unit. Pedaling frequency is obtained by recording and converting periodical changes of acceleration and/or of angular velocity in real time. This can be achieved by further incorporating a two axis, a three axis acceleration sensors, and/or gyroscope sensors. The pedaling frequency sensor communicates wirelessly with a computing terminal. It is powered and housed within the cavity of a shell, wherein the shell's outer surface is in thread fit with an inner surface of an expansion component. The expansion component allows the sensor to be inserted into and secured within hollow spaces on a bicycle's pedals and/or cranks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: ShenZhen QianHai Livall IOT Technology CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenneth Liu
  • Patent number: 10114034
    Abstract: A door assembly includes a door panel connected to a door frame and pivotable about a pivot axis, a door latch coupled to the door panel and operable to selectively inhibit movement of the door from a closed position to an open position, and a sensor coupled to the door latch and operable to detect acceleration of the door and output acceleration data corresponding to the acceleration of the door panel in a first direction. A controller is coupled to the door latch and the sensor. The controller is operable to analyze the acceleration data to determine the cause of the acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Hogan, Howell H. Chiles
  • Patent number: 10071820
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting inclement weather in the vicinity of an aircraft engine are described. Vibration levels of the engine are monitored. Upon detection of an increase in the vibration levels beyond a threshold, an alert mode is triggered. At least one predetermined performance parameter is monitored while in the alert mode, and inclement weather is detected when the at least one predetermined performance parameter meets at least one inclement weather condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Ninad Joshi, Andrea Lindsay Henning, Faran Hafeez
  • Patent number: 10038751
    Abstract: A sensor system (200) comprises a plurality of sensors (110) and a system server (120), all of said plurality of sensors (110) being of a same accelerometer-based sensor type. Each of said plurality of sensors is adapted for attachment to a respective movable structure (112) in a building. Each of said plurality of sensors (110) is individually configured to detect a respective basic movement (114) of said movable structure (112), wherein said basic movement is indicative of a human behavioral action (116) in said building. Each of said plurality of sensors (110) is arranged to detect its basic movement and communicate with said system server in response to detecting the basic movement. The system server (120) is configured to receive a detection signal (118) from any of said plurality of sensors (110), determine an activity pattern (124) based on said detection signal, determine an appropriate function (126) based on said activity pattern and, execute said function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Doro AB
    Inventor: Xavier Corbin
  • Patent number: 9974026
    Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal control method and a terminal, and relates to the field of electronic devices. The method includes when a magnetic field sensed by a Hall device of a terminal in a standby state is less than or equal to a first preset threshold, activating a sensor of the terminal, where the Hall device is configured to sense a magnetic field generated by a magnet in a protective case of the terminal. The method also includes obtaining, by using detection data of the sensor, whether the terminal is obstructed, and maintaining the standby state of the terminal when it is obtained that the terminal is obstructed. The method and the terminal provided in the present invention are applied to the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lei Chen
  • Patent number: 9965177
    Abstract: A method executes software including a view hierarchy with a plurality of views which displays one or more views of the view hierarchy. The method executes software elements associated with a particular view, wherein each particular view includes event recognizers. Each event recognizer has an event definition based on sub-events, and an event handler that specifies an action for a target, and is configured to send the action to the target in response to an event recognition. The method detects a sequence of sub-events, and identifies one of the views of the view hierarchy as a hit view that establishes which views in the hierarchy are actively involved views. The method delivers a respective sub-event to event recognizers for each actively involved view, wherein each event recognizer for actively involved views in the view hierarchy processes the respective sub-event prior to processing a next sub-event in the sequence of sub-events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Bradford Allen Moore, Joshua H. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 9878214
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9878228
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9868034
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9808678
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9782637
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9764201
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9757624
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 9367085
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a processor and a detection mechanism operable to detect one or more characteristics relating to how a user handles the electronic device. The processor is operably coupled to the detection mechanism and operable in accordance with stored operating instructions to: determine, based on the detected characteristics, which limb of the user possesses the portable electronic device; and control at least one function of the portable electronic device taking into account which limb of the user possesses the electronic device (e.g., which limb of the user is holding or secured to the electronic device). According to one embodiment, the processor may further determine a reference position for the portable electronic device (e.g., a position of the device at rest) and compare one or more of the detected characteristics to the reference position to determine which limb of the user possesses the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: William P. Alberth, Jr., Rachid M. Alameh, Timothy A. Dickinson, Robert A. Zurek
  • Patent number: 9204796
    Abstract: A system includes one or more sensors to detect activities of a mobile object; and a processor coupled to the sensor and the wireless transceiver to classify sequences of motions into groups of similar postures each represented by a model and to apply the models to identify an activity of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Empire IP LLC
    Inventor: Bao Tran
  • Patent number: 9189044
    Abstract: A motion sensing apparatus provided. The apparatus includes a sensing module and a processing module, wherein the sensing module includes at least two outputs, the processing module includes at least two signal ports, each signal port of the processing module is connected with one of the outputs of the sensing module respectively, and the sensing module outputs sensing signals from different outputs according to sensed different motions, and the processing module performs corresponding processes according to the sensing signals received from different signal ports. The apparatus simplifies a hardware circuit to some extent, saves the cost, and reduces the consumption of electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventor: Chunkang Liang
  • Patent number: 9167375
    Abstract: A device for detecting a carrying case using orientation signatures, and method therefor, is provided. The device includes: at least one orientation sensor; a memory storing one or more carrying-case insertion signatures; and, a processor configured to: receive output from the at least one orientation sensor as a function of time; and place the device in a carrying case mode when a time-dependent pattern in the output matches the one or more carrying-case insertion signatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Ryan Alexander Geris, Krzysztof Zawada, Peter Mankowski, Hussein Bahadur Nagji
  • Patent number: 9153994
    Abstract: A handheld device includes an electronic instrument and a capacitive power supply for storing and delivering power to the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply includes at least one capacitor, and an electronic circuit operable to boost a voltage from the capacitor to a higher voltage for use by the electronic instrument. The capacitive power supply can be rapidly recharged. Some configurations include an accelerometer which permits the handheld device to detect movement and perform various operations responsive to detected movement. A dual charging station is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Welch Allyn, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wood, Jon R. Salvati, Michael Curry, Michael T. McMahon, Steven R. Slawson
  • Patent number: 9136070
    Abstract: A high security switch for use with an alarm includes a switch assembly for mounting to a fixed structural member. The switch assembly includes a pressure sensitive switch; a magnetic attractive movable body; a cavity having a first end and second end, the cavity confining, directing, limiting and defining the travel of the movable body; and a biasing element near the first end of the cavity to position the moveable body adjacent the first end of the cavity. The switch also includes an actuating element coupled to a movable structural member. In response to moving the actuating element away from the switch assembly the moveable body is magnetically acted upon by the biasing and moved from the second end to the first end of the cavity. The electrical state of the pressure sensitive switch is changed and an alarm activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventors: Jennifer Oetjen, Randall Woods
  • Patent number: 9135802
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an attitude of a device are disclosed. The system includes a processing system including at least a sensor processor and an application processor, which are distinct. The system further includes a memory system including one or more computer-readable media. The computer-readable media contains instructions that, if executed by the processing system, cause the system to perform operations. The operations include executing an application using the application processor, and receiving raw sensor readings from one or more sensors, using the sensor processor. The operations also include determining, using the sensor processor, a processed sensor metric comprising attitude data, and transmitting the processed sensor metric to the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Guanfeng Li, Edward Y. Chang
  • Patent number: 9095184
    Abstract: A step-counting shoe comprises a power generation device, a pedometer device, and a display device. When the step-counting shoe is applied with a force, the power generation device produces electrical energy by electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric effect without external power supply, so as to generate power for the pedometer device and the display device automatically during the user walking. Additionally, the present invention provides a variety of types of power generation devices, so a suitable power generation device can be adopted depending on the power demand, thickness of step-counting shoe, and/or costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Shen-Ko Tseng
  • Patent number: 9041545
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus that senses the intensity of sounds and the velocity of objects. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that may prevent an audio signal from reaching a user, make a warning noise, or otherwise alert the user when a object is noisy and/or approaching the user at a threatening rate. More specifically, the present invention takes data from the surrounding area and compares it to one or more thresholds to determine an object's threat level. The present invention relates to one or more speakers, and includes, generally, one or more microphones to receive and measure the intensity of surrounding noises and one or more range sensors to detect distance, velocity, and acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Eric Allen Zelepugas
  • Patent number: 9026396
    Abstract: An impact sensing device including a plurality of accelerometers orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and attachable at a body location, each capable of producing a signal indicative of an impact. An integrated circuit is configured to determine the magnitude and direction of the impact based on the signals and operative to activate an indicator when the magnitude exceeds a selected threshold based on the direction of the impact. A head injury coefficient is determined based on the magnitude and a duration of the impact, and the threshold level of acceleration is expressed in terms of a head injury coefficient value. The head injury coefficient value is determined by empirically correlating a head injury coefficient measured at the body location and a head injury coefficient measured at the center of mass of a human head resulting from an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Battle Sports Sicence, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Evans, Christopher W. Circo
  • Publication number: 20150116120
    Abstract: A motion monitoring device includes a detection section attached to a test subject, and adapted to detect a motion of the test subject, a determination section adapted to determine whether or not displacement information of the test subject obtained based on a detection data from the detection section exceeds a threshold value, and an announcement section adapted to make an announcement to the test subject based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Jun WATANABE
  • Patent number: 9007229
    Abstract: User devices are used to access various forms of electronic content. Sensors in the user device or information about environmental data associated with the device, such as weather at the locale of the user device, may be used to determine the occurrence of physical events. Recommendations such as offers for sale of extended warranties, warranty replacement, and so forth may be provided based at least in part on the physical events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Wakim
  • Patent number: 9000934
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus, methods, and systems for assessing the life span of a product and/or system—particularly with respect to end-of-life conditions which are defined by a customer, owner, operator, or other person(s) associated with the product and/or system—and communicating the assessment to said customer, owner, operator, or other person(s). According to one aspect, end-of-life conditions are defined in terms of product life (e.g., anything that relates to how well and how long the product/system operates) and/or economic life (e.g., anything that relates to the cost of deriving a benefit from the product/system). In one particular example, the products or systems relate to lighting systems, particularly those utilizing LED (or other solid-state) light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Musco Corporation
    Inventors: Myron Gordin, Timothy D. McGill
  • Patent number: 8981941
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a matter extracting unit extracting a predetermined matter from text information, an action pattern specifying unit specifying one or multiple action patterns associated with the predetermined matter, an action extracting unit extracting each of the action patterns associated with the predetermined matter, from sensor information, and a state analyzing unit generating state information indicating a state related to the matter, based on each of the action patterns extracted from the sensor information, using a contribution level indicating a degree of contribution of each of the action patterns to the predetermined matter, for a combination of the predetermined matter and each of the action patterns associated with the predetermined matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seiichi Takamura, Yasuharu Asano
  • Patent number: 8981952
    Abstract: A sensor includes a housing and a mass, suspended in the housing. The motion of the mass emulates dynamic behavior of a brain of the wearer along a plurality of axes. At least one sensing element is coupled to generate sensor data based on the motion of the mass, in response to an impact to a protective helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: THL Holding Company, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Howard, Richard Cutler
  • Patent number: 8976036
    Abstract: An activity monitor which can be pre-programmed at the factory, the doctor's office or the pharmacist, or that can be programmed by the user. The activity monitor is affixed to a medicine bottle or container and activity associated with the bottle or container, such as movement, opening, volume changes, etc. are monitored in view to the schedule. If the schedule indicates that a dose of medicine should be taken at a particular time, but the monitored activity does not determine that the medicine has been taken, an alert signal will be issued to alert the user that it is time to take the medicine. In addition, if the monitored activity indicates that the medicine bottle has been opened prior to a scheduled time, then a tamper alert can be triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Sam Johnson