Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for educating and reducing stress for patients with childhood illnesses or trauma is disclosed, which uses an interactive location-aware toy and a distributed sensor network in a healthcare facility. Patients are educated and calmed by providing location-specific education and stress reduction techniques. The system's implementation logic can be used to coordinate care for patients, track a patient's progress in completing a custom care treatment plan, and create reminders about appointments, medication adherence, or the like. Healthcare providers can better assist and track the progress of the patient's completion of the custom care treatment plan.

Abstract: A device, method, and system for converting printed Braille dots to speech. A Braille image of the printed Braille dots is captured by a digital camera mounted on a 3D ring case. Data processing and one or more image recognition operations are performed by a microprocessor to match the Braille image to a textural character corresponding to the Braille image. The textural character is converted to an audio waveform. The audio waveform is transmitted to a speaker. The speaker generates a sound representative of a spoken word corresponding to the textural character.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for surgical training with low cost, reusable materials and a highly customizable virtual environment for skill-building. According to various embodiments, a surgical training tool is usable in conjunction with a support structure configured to at least partially constrain the tool movement. Meanwhile, the tool is tracked in real-time with off-tool detectors to generate a tool path driving a virtual rendering of the surgical training tool in an operative environment. The virtual rendering may be visually observable via a display device and may include a customizable and/or selectable operative environment with one or more structures that can be operated on by the virtual surgical training tool. By tracking the virtual tool interaction with the virtual structures, a task path may be established for documenting and/or objectively assessing the performance of one or more operative tasks.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for assessing the learning experience of the person by monitoring the mental state of the person. The method involves measuring the brain signal, skin conductance using GSR device, and heart rate variability using the pulse oximeter. These physiological signals are measured when the person is performing an activity such as the modified Stroop test. Once the activity is performed, an offline questionnaire is also filled by the person. Based on the comparison of the offline questionnaire and the physiological signals, a model is generated. This model is used to assess the learning experience of the person. According to another embodiment, a method is also provided for maintaining the steady flow state of a person while performing any activity.

Abstract: A system for treatment and/or psychology intervention of attention deficit disorders in a user in need thereof. The system uses a head mounted display equipped with an eye tracking device. The system is configured to display a scene that includes a principal object and at least one secondary object, then use the eye tracking device to determine whether the user's gaze is directed to one of the objects. If the user's gaze is directed to one of the secondary objects beyond a threshold criterion, that secondary object is removed from the scene. If the user's gaze is directed to the principal object beyond a threshold criterion, a previously removed secondary object is reintroduced into the scene. The principal object is a desired object of the user's attention, while the secondary object(s) may be potentially or known distracting objects. Corresponding software and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular building block easy to assemble comprises a base plate, basic parts, and electronic individual components. First protrusions are disposed on the base plate and the basic parts, and slots are formed in the basic parts and the electronic individual components. First conductive pins and conductive metal sheets are disposed inside the basic parts. Control panels, electronic devices and conductive contacts are disposed inside the electronic individual components. The invention designs the base plate, basic parts and electronic individual components of original electronic building blocks as individual modules.

Abstract: A medical tool insertion simulation apparatus. The medical tool insertion simulation apparatus may comprise a syringe having an injection end, and an elongated member protruding from the injection end of the syringe. The elongated member may be configured to decrease a length of protrusion of the elongated member from the injection end of the syringe. The elongated member may be configured to receive at least one first sensor configured to indicate position information relating to the elongated member. At least one computer-readable storage medium encoded with executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method for simulating medical tool insertion. A medical tool insertion simulation system.

Abstract: An electronic AED training device with a user programming system which uses manual input controls and audio output programming controls for programming the desired features of the AED training device. The audio output programming controls comprise an audio-based output menu providing voice prompts describing the features of the menu item. The manual input controls include manual buttons in electronic communication with the user programming system. One manual button operates selection of a menu item within the programming system and a second manual button selects a training option available within the menu item.

Abstract: A system for assisting a rescuer in providing resuscitative treatment to a victim is described. The system includes a motion sensor configured to generate motion sensor signals that are indicative of motion of the chest of the victim during chest compressions, an input device configured to receive user input indicative of a type of chest compressions, an output device, and a processor, a memory, and associated circuitry, the processor communicatively coupled to the motion sensor, the input device, and the output device and is configured to receive the motion sensor signals and the user input indicative of the type of chest compressions, determine chest compression feedback for the rescuer based on the motion sensor signals, and control the output device to selectively provide the chest compression feedback for the rescuer based at least in part on the type of chest compressions indicated by the user input.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided directed to decreasing visceral fat in subjects. Visceral fat is directly linked to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk. The methods describe a calorie restricted diet of specific percentages of food elements to be consumed within a specific time period each day. Calorie restriction and nutrient percentages take into consideration average daily normal activity of subjects as well as baseline health metrics including estimated amount of visceral fat. Remarkable results are obtained since visceral fat is targeted for reduction, thereby markedly reducing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Abstract: Certain embodiments may be directed to a system and method for proctoring an exam, and more particularly, for online automated exam proctoring. A method may include checking a test-taker's computing device for compatibility, and for content that provide unauthorized aid to the test-taker during a testing session. The method may also include taking a photo of the test-taker, recording the test-taker by performing a room pan while analyzing the surrounds of the test-taker for unauthorized objects, and validating the identity of the test-taker by way of at least one of presenting challenge questions, obtaining voice biometrics, or obtaining keystroke biometrics. The method may further include recording the test-taker's audio or video and desktop feed, determining if the test-taker is exhibiting questionable behavior, and suspending the testing session if it is determined that the test-taker is exhibiting questionable behavior.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to improving an athlete's ability to synchronize the movement of their body in time. Certain embodiments provide a feedback system that allows an athlete (or another individual, such as a trainer) to comprehend and optimize the timing of one or more components or features of an athletic movement. Image data, such as video, of an athlete performing physical activity may be utilized (alone or in combination with non-image data) may be used to generate and emit real-time feedback signals to provide an indication of tempo to the athlete. Still further aspects relate to using image and/or other sensor data to detect improper timing and/or movements of an athlete, and in response generating real-time feedback signals.

Abstract: An artificial eye system comprising: a display unit for displaying an image of an eye thereon, the display unit comprising a light cell adapted to selectively emit light and detect light; and a controller for controlling the display unit, the controller for: operating the display unit to concurrently detect light through the light cell and display an actual image of the eye; determining a next mage of the eye to be displayed on the display unit as a function of the detected light; and operating the display unit to display the next image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated and direct network positioning are disclosed herein. The system can include memory that can include a content library database and a structure sub-database. The system can include at least one server. The at least one server can: receive a data packet previously unassociated with the hierarchy in the structure sub-database; identify one of the plurality of positions within the hierarchy for the data packet; receive user information; present a series of assessment data packets to the user; receive a response from the user subsequent to presentation of each of the assessment data packets; evaluate the received responses; adjust a location of the user within the hierarchy based on the evaluating of the received responses; and present a content data packet to the user.

Abstract: For each sound of a model performance, performance information designating a sound generation timing and sound are supplied, and for each of a plurality of phrases into which the model performance is divided, intensity information indicative of an intensity of sound for the phrase is supplied. In accordance with a progression of a performance time and for each phrase of the model performance, the intensity information is acquired ahead of a start timing when a performance of the phrase is to be started, and the intensity of sound common to sounds in the phrase is presented based on the acquired intensity information. The intensity of the sound is presented in a visual or audible manner. In this way, a human player can know, through a visual display and/or an audible sound, an intensity of a key depression operation for each phrase of the model performance before starting the phrase. As a result, the human player can practice the performance while being aware of the intensity of sound for each phrase.

Abstract: A surgical simulator comprising a haptic arm capable of simulating forces generated during surgery from interactions between a surgical tool and tissue operated upon. The simulator further comprises a visual display capable of depicting a three-dimensional image of the simulated surgical tool and a physics-based computer model of the tissue. The haptic arm controls the movement and orientation of the simulated tool in the three-dimensional image, and provides haptic feedback forces to simulate forces experienced during surgery. Methods for simulating surgery and training users of the simulator are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments may be directed to a system and method for proctoring an exam, and more particularly, for online automated exam proctoring. A method may include checking a test-taker's computing device for compatibility, and for content that provide unauthorized aid to the test-taker during a testing session. The method may also include taking a photo of the test-taker, recording the test-taker by performing a room pan while analyzing the surrounds of the test-taker for unauthorized objects, and validating the identity of the test-taker by way of at least one of presenting challenge questions, obtaining voice biometrics, or obtaining keystroke biometrics. The method may further include recording the test-taker's audio or video and desktop feed, determining if the test-taker is exhibiting questionable behavior, and suspending the testing session if it is determined that the test-taker is exhibiting questionable behavior.

Abstract: An apparatus comprised of flexible gores that are serially connected to each other at their lateral adjoining edges. These gores have a hole in their polar region and a drawstring runs through the gores' holes such that, when the drawstring is pulled, the drawstring pulls the gores' polar regions together and a radial three dimensional shape forms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for defining and using an optimal burst boundary threshold to assess the reliability of a manual/automatic writing score are presented. Keystroke data, including inter-key interval data, such as inter-word interval data, may be gathered from writings. Clustering analyses may be performed on the inter-key interval data to determine an optimal number of bursts for the writings. An optimal burst boundary may be determined from the optimal number of bursts. Other burst-related measures and statistics, including the average and maximum burst lengths, may be determined from the writings based on the optimal burst boundary threshold. A score may be received for each of the writings. A validation indication metric may be generated for each of the writings based on the received score and the optimal burst boundary threshold. The resulting measures and statistics may be used or applied in different ways and provide personalized feedback as learning analytics.

Abstract: There is provided a lung simulation apparatus for simulating a state of a living mammalian lung, the lung simulation apparatus comprising, a housing having a shape defined by an apex, an open base and a lateral surface that tapers from the open base to the apex; an elastic membrane covering the open base of the housing; an inflatable sac disposed within the housing, the sac being in substantial conformance with the shape of the housing and approximating the shape of the living mammalian lung, when in an inflated state; an internal space for containing fluid, the internal space being defined as the space between the housing and the inflatable sac and the space between the elastic membrane and the inflatable sac, wherein the space for containing fluid substantially complies with the anatomical dimensions of an intrapleural space of the living mammalian lung when the inflatable sac is in the inflated state. There is also provided a method of making the lung simulation apparatus.