Abstract: A wireless communication system for exchanging messages between a patient support apparatus and a headwall unit includes a syncing function wherein certain settings that are present in the headwall unit before a communication link is established with the patient support apparatus are synced with values for those settings that come from the patient support apparatus after the communication link is initially established. Similarly, certain settings that are present in the patient support apparatus before the communication link is established are synced with values for those settings that come from the headwall unit after the communication link is initially established. The syncing function thereby ensures that, upon the initial establishment of the communication link, the patient support apparatus settings will match the headwall settings, and vice versa.

Abstract: A dialysis machine is provided with modules which are separated relative to the other. Communications links are established between the modules. In the event of interference and a drop in quality on one communications link communications are routed via the other communications link. The communications link may be over domestic wiring. A communications method is also described for use in such a medical machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving and storing mail or perishable products includes a body with a first internal cavity for mail and a second controlled temperature internal cavity for containing perishable products, a temperature conditioning device, a movable closure element allowing or preventing access to the internal cavities; a user interface device for the input and output of audio and video signals and a network interface device for placing the user interface device in communication with a remote device, and an electronic control unit which controls and manages the user interface device, the network interface device and the movable closure element. The electronic control unit generates at least one random alphanumeric code sent to the remote device, which sends an unlock signal based on the code to the electronic control unit to unlock the movable closure element and allow access to the first internal cavity or the second internal cavity.

Abstract: A speech recognition engine is provided voice data indicative of at least a brand of a target appliance. The speech recognition engine uses the voice data indicative of at least a brand of the target appliance to identify within a library of codesets at least one codeset that is cross-referenced to the brand of the target appliance. The at least one codeset so identified is then caused to be provisioned to the controlling device for use in commanding functional operations of the target appliance.

Abstract: An estimation device includes processing circuitry configured to acquire time-series data of a pupil diameter during work of a subject of work performance estimation, smooth the time-series data of the pupil diameter of the subject by a first time window, smooth the time-series data of the pupil diameter by a second time window that is a time window larger than the first time window, calculate a difference between time-series data of the pupil diameter smoothed by the first time window and time-series data of the pupil diameter smoothed by the second time window, and estimate a level of work performance of the subject based on a magnitude of the difference between the time-series data of the pupil diameter smoothed by the first time window and the time-series data of the pupil diameter smoothed by the second time window, and output a result of the estimation.

Abstract: The disclosed wearable device systems include several features for alerting and guiding persons who are approaching other persons in order to promote social distancing. Sensor data from wearable devices that are disposed in an article of apparel are used to determine the presence of a human person within a detection zone around the article of apparel. The detection zone is created based on sound waves generated by sonar-based proximity detectors mounted on the article of apparel. The system could be used to warn a person who breaches the user's detection zone to maintain a safe distance.

Abstract: A load control system may include devices for performing communications for controlling an amount of power provided to an electrical load. The devices may include load control devices that may communicate by transmitting digital messages. A user device having an adjustable wireless communication range may be used for discovering devices, configuring devices, and/or diagnosing devices in the load control system. The user device may detect whether devices are within an established wireless communication range of one another for performing communications. The user device may detect digital messages transmitted from a device and/or digital messages received at a device to determine whether the digital messages are correctly communicated in the load control system. The user device may provide an indication to a user indicating whether a digital message is correctly transmitted or received by a device in the load control system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method conducted by a movable barrier gateway device is disclosed for controlling a movable barrier, comprising receiving, by a communication interface, a remote command from a remote control device to move the movable barrier, the remote command sent over a network, delaying transmission of a signal to a movable barrier controller to move the movable barrier, by a processor, for a predetermined time period after the remote command is received, detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period by a barrier movement detector, and ignoring the remote command by the processor in response to detecting movement of the movable barrier within the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A monitoring system can be configured to monitor activities or actions occurring in clinical settings, such as hospitals. The monitoring system can improve patient safety. The system can use visual and/or other tracking methods. The system can detect and/or identify people in a clinical setting. The system can also track activities of the people, for example, to improve adherence to hygiene protocols.

Abstract: Technologies for an emergency evacuation system include a system operator and one or more emergency lighting units located in a building. Each emergency lighting unit further includes a processor, communication circuitry configured to communicate with the system operator, and a light indicator configured to be illuminated to indicate an exit of the building.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for food safety mapping. The method includes acquiring, via a wireless receiver, an encoded unique identifier from a label positioned proximate to a food item. The encoded unique identifier is saved in a food item record of a database. Current food temperature data for the food item is acquired via a temperature sensor and saved in the food item record.

Abstract: A remote coding setting method is to be implemented by a receiver of a ceiling fan, and includes steps of: (A) when receiving a setting signal during a predetermined time period, obtaining a code length of the setting signal; (B) retrieving, from pre-stored coding data, a piece of coding format information that corresponds to the code length; (C) setting a fan coding format based on the piece of coding format information; and (D) when receiving a control signal after the predetermined time period, decoding the control signal based on the fan coding format, and controlling operation of the ceiling fan based on a result of the decoding.

Abstract: A system and method provide feedback to a user, such as a visually impaired user, to guide the user to an object in the field of view of a camera mounted on a frame worn on the head of the user. A processor identifies at least one object and a body part of the user in the field of view of the camera and tracks relative positions of the body part relative to the identified object. The processor also generates and communicates at least one control signal for guiding the body part of the user to the identified object to a user feedback device worn on or adjacent the body part of the user. The feedback device receives the control signal(s) and converts the control signal(s) into at least one of sounds or haptic feedback that guides the body part to the identified object.

Abstract: A signal control device is provided with: an information acquisition unit which acquires first sensor data from a sensor that is capable of detecting a vehicle present in a display direction of a lamp; a determination unit which determines, on the basis of the first sensor data, whether or not there is a following vehicle behind the vehicle detected by the sensor, the following vehicle being unable to see the display state of the lamp due to the presence of the preceding vehicle; and a lamp control unit which, in the case when it is determined that there is a following vehicle unable to see the display state of the lamp, changes the display pattern of the lamp so as to enable the following vehicle to negotiate the intersection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor unit includes an outer housing including a top plate and a base member that together define an interior space, the top plate being configured to directly receive and support the leg of the piece of furniture, a load cell provided within the interior space configured to measure forces imposed by the leg on the top plate, the load cell including a planar metal plate having a deformable element to which the top plate is mounted and a sensor element mounted to the planar metal plate at a location at which the deformable element extends from the remainder of the planar metal plate, and an internal platform provided within the interior space and associated with the base member that supports the planar metal plate of the load cell in a manner in which the deformable element of the planar metal plate is free to deform when a force is imposed by the leg on the top plate.

Abstract: A wearable device and related systems and methods are provided. The device and related systems and method can identify an abnormal condition from data, determine a current condition of a user of the wearable device using the data, monitor the current condition for a change, and transmit one or more of various levels of notifications to a registered device, related devices, or an emergency response provider based on the determination of the current condition and any changes to the current condition.

Abstract: This operation handle structure of a device includes a grip (41A, 51A) capable of operating a device (1) and grasped by an operator; and a vibration device (46, 56) that transmits vibration to the grip (41A, 51A) and informs the operator of information. The vibration device (46, 56) is located on a side of an end portion (37e) of the grip (41A, 51A). The vibration device (46, 56) is provided with an actuator (71) and an eccentric weight (72) and is located in a hollow portion (37c) inside the grip (41A, 51A).

Abstract: The embodiments set forth a technique for coordinating notifications across computing devices placed onto a wireless charging apparatus. According to some embodiments, the technique can involve the wireless charging apparatus (1) receiving, from a first computing device, first information that includes (i) a first unique identifier (ID) associated with the first computing device, and (ii) one or more unique IDs that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device known to the first computing device. Subsequently, the wireless charging apparatus can receive, from a second computing device, second information that at least includes a second unique ID associated with the second computing device. Finally, the wireless charging apparatus can, in response to determining that the second unique ID is included in the one or more unique IDs, and cause both the first and second computing devices to display respective notifications in a coordinated manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the validity of an infrared signal of a remote-control device. An infrared signal comprising pulses representing data corresponding to a function of a controllable target device is received from a remote-control device. The received infrared signal is passed through a capacitor of the apparatus such that, for each pulse of the infrared signal, the capacitor is charged and subsequently discharged. The capacitor discharge time associated with each pulse of the infrared signal is measured by a processor of the apparatus to establish a discharge sequence. The processor of the apparatus compares the established discharge sequence with a plurality of pre-determined valid discharge patterns and determine the validity of the received infrared signal based on the outcome of the comparison of the established discharge sequence with the plurality of pre-determined discharge patterns.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking the location of an asset may utilize wireless asset beacons broadcasting asset information/data and powered asset beacons secured relative to movable powered assets. The powered asset beacons may be configured to receive signals transmitted from the asset beacons and to ascertain a relative location between the asset beacon and the powered asset to determine an estimated location of the asset. Moreover, the asset beacons may be selectively activated based on the occurrence of a trigger event, such that the asset beacons do not wireless transmit information/data when it is desirable to limit wireless data transmissions.