Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for measuring power output, as in an athletic activity such as cycling. One embodiment relates to a force sensing device configured to be mounted on the bottom surface of a shoe as part of a mechanical linkage through which force is exerted. For cycling, the force sensor is mounted on the bottom surface of a cycling shoe and fitted with a cleat that interlockingly engages a bicycle pedal. To measure both positive and negative pressures on the pedal, the force sensor is pre-stressed with a compressive load to an intermediate point in its dynamic range. Strains that further compress or decompress the force sensor can thus be measured. The computing module mathematically converts the measured pressures, positive and negative, to a measurement of total power exerted by the rider. In addition, the computing module may utilize cyclical regularities in the signal to compute the rider's cadence (pedal revolutions per unit of time).

Abstract: A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.

Abstract: A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.

Abstract: A massager (12) includes an inductively chargeable battery (48), avoiding the need to deal with batteries and cords while providing a pleasant exothermic warmth. Different embodiments of sealing and skinning (13) make the massager (12) hygienically safe and fluid- and water-resistant. Sophisticated controls (50) provide the massager with the ability to respond to direct-mounted user controls (20, 22), wireless communication controls such as remote controls (30) and a plethora of other protocol-compatible devices, systems and media. A mating base (14) supports the massager (12) for inductive charging in a stable, aesthetically pleasant and safe relationship.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for measuring power output, as in an athletic activity such as cycling. One embodiment relates to a force sensing device configured to be mounted on the bottom surface of a shoe as part of a mechanical linkage through which force is exerted. For cycling, the force sensor is mounted on the bottom surface of a cycling shoe and fitted with a cleat that interlockingly engages a bicycle pedal. To measure both positive and negative pressures on the pedal, the force sensor is pre-stressed with a compressive load to an intermediate point in its dynamic range. Strains that further compress or decompress the force sensor can thus be measured. The computing module mathematically converts the measured pressures, positive and negative, to a measurement of total power exerted by the rider. In addition, the computing module may utilize cyclical regularities in the signal to compute the rider's cadence (pedal revolutions per unit of time).

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information includes string motion monitoring, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove or a video motion capture system, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output. The system is adaptable to instruction for any instrument.

Abstract: A lighting system adapted to mount on a motorcycle or bicycle helmet. The lighting system includes a one or more accelerometers coupled to the helmet and a processor adapted to process the signals from the accelerometers. The accelerometers may be mounted to the helmet, or the motorcycle or bicycle. The lighting system further includes a light mounted on the helmet that is responsive to the processed signal such that the light illuminates as result of a deceleration force. The system may also include filtering software to remove helmet motion artifact and other noise from the signal. Remote wheel speed indicators may also be used in conjunction with or in place of the accelerometers. Mounting tabs may also be included to releasably attach the lighting unit to the helmet.

Abstract: A system for correcting problems in a vehicle maintenance system that includes a local computer in communication via a network with a remote computer. The remote computer can transmit a diagnostic to the local computer with the local computer returning diagnostic data from running the diagnostic. The remote computer can contain a decision algorithm that uses the diagnostic data to determine a correction for the problem and send the correction to the local computer. The system can also include a database at the remote computer where the database can contain histories of previous alignment system problems. The database can also contain service histories for particular maintenance system as well as solutions to past problems. Finally the database can also contain component information for all maintenance systems in the field.

Abstract: A solution to the read-modify-write problem for mixed tri-state chip processors by implementing a simple hardware change. This change could easily be built into microcontrollers and other chip processors to once and for all solve the problem. The present invention uses at least one logic gate to route data from the output of the data register back to itself instead of from the input pin during reads; the correct value stays in the output register at all times.

Abstract: An apparatus having at least one earpiece, a circuit and a power supply. The earpiece having a speaker and a microphone. The microphone receiving external sound energy and converting the external sound energy to electrical sound signals. The circuit receiving the electrical sound signals and attenuating the electrical sound signals utilizing a plurality of attenuation values. The circuit provides the attenuated sound signals to the speaker. The power supply provides power to the circuit.

Abstract: A system and method of enhancing guitar instruction based on Tablature Plus encoding of playing techniques within a MIDI file or other data structure, that may be rendered on an associated player application that provides multimedia output of the piece being played including a number of playing techniques. The system hardware for encoding the information comprises a pickup head for registering string motion, and optionally a hand motion and finger positioning sensor, such as a data glove, for simultaneously registering the actions of the guitarist while playing the piece. The software comprises algorithms for determining note pitch and duration, and for extracting playing techniques from the data being collected. Multimedia player software is also described which renders a visual and audio output for the Tablature Plus encoded file, wherein the encoded playing techniques are represented within the display output.

Abstract: A system for correcting problems in a vehicle maintenance system that includes a local computer in communication via a network with a remote computer. The remote computer can transmit a diagnostic to the local computer with the local computer returning diagnostic data from running the diagnostic. The remote computer can contain a decision algorithm that uses the diagnostic data to determine a correction for the problem and send the correction to the local computer. The system can also include a database at the remote computer where the database can contain histories of previous alignment system problems. The database can also contain service histories for particular maintenance system as well as solutions to past problems. Finally the database can also contain component information for all maintenance systems in the field.

Abstract: A premise system that is reliable, easy to install and easy to maintain, that provides data to a computing platform detailing the energy usage of the consumer, allowing the utility company to dynamically adjust rates and output levels so as to increase cost savings. An energy management system according to the invention is designed as a network of devices installed in the home or small office to efficiently make use of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) units and other appliances. Module devices installed on the network may communicate and transmit energy usage data to a central server, for example, located at the utility company. The utility company monitors the usage data as the data is periodically received and is able to generate messages that initiate energy saving programs specific to each premise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of each eye of a human operator (12) with respect to a fixed reference point or with respect to each other by using electro-oculogram signals produced by eye movement. Human operator (12) wears sensor assembly (10) which includes a plurality of sensors (14) which are arranged to monitor right and left, as well as horizontal and vertical eye movement. The sensed electro-oculogram signals are processed by a microprocessor (60) into separate positional signals representing upward movement, downward movement, movement to the left, movement to the right, convergence, and divergence. These positional signals are used to control three dimensional imagery on a computer, video game, or other apparatus to be controlled, or for strabismus measurement and diagnosis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of each eye of a human operator (12) with respect to a fixed reference point or with respect to each other by using electro-oculogram signals produced by eye movement. Human operator (12) wears sensor assembly (10) which includes a plurality of sensors (14) which are arranged to monitor right and left, as well as horizontal and vertical eye movement. The sensed electro-oculogram signals are processed by a microprocessor (60) into separate positional signals representing upward movement, downward movement, movement to the left, movement to the right, convergence, and divergence. These positional signals are used to control three dimensional imagery on a computer, video game, or other apparatus to be controlled, or for strabismus measurement and diagnosis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of each eye of a human operator (12) with respect to a fixed reference point or with respect to each other by using electro-oculogram signals produced by eye movement. Human operator (12) wears sensor assembly (10) which includes a plurality of sensors (14) which are arranged to monitor right and left, as well as horizontal and vertical eye movement. The sensed electro-oculogram signals are processed by a microprocessor (60) into separate positional signals representing upward movement, downward movement, movement to the left, movement to the right, convergence, and divergence. These positional signals are used to control three dimensional imagery on a computer, video game, or other apparatus to be controlled, or for strabismus measurement and diagnosis.