Abstract: A system and method for authenticating sound verbalized or otherwise generated by a live source within a monitored setting for voice-controlled or sound-controlled automation of a responsive process. One or more classifiers each generate a decision value according to values of predetermined signal features extracted from a received digital stream, and a sound type classification is computed according to an aggregate score of a predetermined number of decision values. The actuation of the responsive process is authenticated when the system discriminately indicates the captured sound signals to be verbalized or generated by a live source. The responsive process is thereby suppressed when the sound is instead determined to be reproduced or otherwise previously transduced, for example by a transmission or recording.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for identification of a combination of sensors suitable for achieving a set of output requirements, enabling assembly thereof. An arrangement of sensors is assembled according to an optimized sensor set, generated to define at least one sensor channel having a threshold value for at least one quality criterion. The sensor sets are generated by down-selection of the sensor channels from a previously tested set of available channels to a subset mapping to a set of required output states. Assignment of a threshold value for each sensor channel is based on a mapping of the value to a target value of a performance metric.

Abstract: A system and method for authenticating sound verbalized or otherwise generated by a live source within a monitored setting for voice-controlled or sound-controlled automation of a responsive process. One or more classifiers each generate a decision value according to values of predetermined signal features extracted from a received digital stream, and a sound type classification is computed according to an aggregate score of a predetermined number of decision values. The actuation of the responsive process is authenticated when the system discriminately indicates the captured sound signals to be verbalized or generated by a live source. The responsive process is thereby suppressed when the sound is instead determined to be reproduced or otherwise previously transduced, for example by a transmission or recording.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting the presence of animate users, such as people, within a monitored environment, based on audio events. A transducer captures sound signals generated within the monitored environment, which a capture channel converts to form a digital stream. A feature extractor detects predetermined signal features of the digital stream over predetermined extraction periods, and an event classifier uses values of these features to generate a series of detection events reflective of likely sources of sounds in the captured sound signals. Then, an event buffer maintains an aggregate count of detection events generated by the event classifier, and a status generator generates the user presence indicator according to the aggregate count of detection events. A response system triggers one of more functions responsive to one or user presence indicators, thereby responding to the presence or absence of the animate users.

Abstract: A system authenticates sound verbalized or otherwise generated by a live source within a monitored setting for voice-controlled or sound-controlled automation of a responsive process. One or more classifiers each generate a decision value according to values of predetermined signal features extracted from a captured digital stream, and a sound type classification is computed according to an aggregate score of a predetermined number of decision values. The actuation of the responsive process is authenticated when the system discriminately indicates the captured sound signals to be verbalized or generated by a live source. The responsive process is thereby suppressed when the sound is instead determined to be reproduced or otherwise previously transduced, for example by a transmission or recording.

Abstract: A user, such as a clinician or the patient, uses a control device to manipulate at least one neurostimulation parameter. A mapping system uses a calibrated map to map the directional output of the control device to values of at least one stimulation parameter to allow the user to intuitively control the value of the parameter. In some embodiments, where a stimulation device is used to deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for example, the user manipulates a parameter to effect the location and/or strength of paresthesia experienced by the patient. In exemplary embodiments, the parameter values are combinations of electrodes, and the mapping system selects electrode combinations based on the output of the control device such that a direction of movement of paresthesia experienced by the patient corresponds to a direction of manipulation of a directional controller of the control device. The mapping system may calibrate the map based on patient paresthesia information received from a user.

Abstract: A distributed system comprises a programming device and a remotely located server. During a programming session, the programming device transmits programs and rating information associated with the programs to the server. The server presents the rating information to a clinician to assist the clinician in selecting from among programs tested during the programming session. The programming device may also transmit patient information and device configuration information to the server for storage with selected programs and rating information within a database as part of a patient record. Programs and information received from a plurality of programming devices and for a plurality of patients may be stored in the database and analyzed by the server to provide responses to user queries made by clinicians via programming devices.

Abstract: A system and method whereby acoustic signals can be classified and identified as to nature and location of the original signal. The system and method determine from an arbitrary set of signals a signature or other characterizing feature and distinguish signals associated with a plurality of conditions by means of dictionaries comprising atoms of signals.

Abstract: A biocompatible valve (200) includes a valve mechanism (250, 230a, 230b), which is mounted and is longitudinally displaceable within a valve mount (210) affixed to a recipient patient. A valve annulus (250) defines an orifice (240) in which a closing mechanism (230a, 230b) is received. Upon a transition from an open position to a closed position of the closing mechanism (230a, 230b), hydraulic shock is introduced into the fluid passing through the valve. The present invention provides a dampening mechanism (280) to mitigate the shock and to dissipate its energy. Various embodiments allow for high order frequency response through relationships between dampening mechanism components.

Abstract: A system of independently oriented sighting devices includes a first sighting device (120) and a second sighting device (110). Upon aligning a line of sight of the first sighting device (12) with a target object (130), the first sighting device transmits a reference signal over a communications link (140). The second sighting device (110) determines its orientation in space relative to the orientation of the first sighting device (120) from characteristics of the reference signal. Thus, absolute coordinates of the target object (130) need not be known by the second sighting device (110) nor is it required that they be transmitted by the first sighting device (120). The user (115) of the second sighting device is directed to rotate the second sighting device (110) towards the target object (130) via feedback through guidance indicators located in a viewing port (250) thereof.

Abstract: A programming device used to program an implantable neurostimulator (INS) presents battery longevity information to a user to assist the user in selecting a program for the INS. The programming device directs the INS to deliver neurostimulation therapy according to a plurality of programs during a programming session. Each of the programs includes parameters that define the neurostimulation delivered according to that program. For example, each program may include as parameters a voltage or current pulse amplitude, a pulse width, a pulse rate, and a duty cycle. The program may also identify as parameters the electrodes selected from a set coupled to the INS and their polarities, e.g., anode or cathode, for delivery of neurostimulation according to that program.

Abstract: A system and method for determining from an arbitrary set of signals a signature or other characterizing feature and for distinguishing signals associated with a plurality of conditions.

Abstract: A user, such as a clinician or the patient, uses a control device to manipulate at least one neurostimulation parameter. A mapping system uses a calibrated map to map the directional output of the control device to values of at least one stimulation parameter to allow the user to intuitively control the value of the parameter. In some embodiments, where a stimulation device is used to deliver spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for example, the user manipulates a parameter to effect the location and/or strength of paresthesia experienced by the patient. In exemplary embodiments, the parameter values are combinations of electrodes, and the mapping system selects electrode combinations based on the output of the control device such that a direction of movement of paresthesia experienced by the patient corresponds to a direction of manipulation of a directional controller of the control device. The mapping system may calibrate the map based on patient paresthesia information received from a user.