Abstract: A control device which allows an operator/user to follow the user's anatomical movement by following natural hand rotation, includes two independent detection sensors or sensor portions embedded in two different parts of the device, one in a fixed part and one in a mobile or rotative part, with resistance to mutual disturbance between the two. The device includes a knob portion rotatable about an axis of rotation, at least one sensor configured to sense a rotational position of the knob in relation to the axis of rotation, circuitry adapted to at least provide electrical power to the rotative knob portion, circuitry adapted to transmit the sensed rotational position of the knob, and a base portion rotatably coupled to the knob portion.

Abstract: In one example, an electronic system includes, a user interface comprising an input device, a first actuator and a second actuator, the first and second actuators dually actuated by the input device, and a controller, including a comparator, a programmable device, and executable instructions residing in non-transitory memory thereon to, receive first and second output signals from the first and second actuators, respectively, convert the first and second output signals to first and second real-time logic states at the comparator, input the first and second real-time logic states from the comparator to the programmable device, and determine a fault status of the first and second actuators based on the first and second logic states input to a state machine of the programmable device, wherein the first and second logic states input to the state machine include the real-time logic states and historical logic states stored at the controller.

Abstract: A control device which allows an operator/user to follow the user's anatomical movement by following natural hand rotation, includes two independent detection sensors or sensor portions embedded in two different parts of the device, one in a fixed part and one in a mobile or rotative part, with resistance to mutual disturbance between the two. The device includes a knob portion rotatable about an axis of rotation, at least one sensor configured to sense a rotational position of the knob in relation to the axis of rotation, circuitry adapted to at least provide electrical power to the rotative knob portion, circuitry adapted to transmit the sensed rotational position of the knob, and a base portion rotatably coupled to the knob portion.

Abstract: In one example, an electronic system includes, a user interface comprising an input device, a first actuator and a second actuator, the first and second actuators dually actuated by the input device, and a controller, including a comparator, a programmable device, and executable instructions residing in non-transitory memory thereon to, receive first and second output signals from the first and second actuators, respectively, convert the first and second output signals to first and second real-time logic states at the comparator, input the first and second real-time logic states from the comparator to the programmable device, and determine a fault status of the first and second actuators based on the first and second logic states input to a state machine of the programmable device, wherein the first and second logic states input to the state machine include the real-time logic states and historical logic states stored at the controller.

Abstract: A user input device is provided. The user input device includes: a body; one or more sensors operative to detect a contact pressure arrangement applied to the body; and a controller in electronic communication with the one or more sensors. The controller is operative to: determine that the contact pressure arrangement corresponds to a pinching action; and manipulate a control signal based at least in part on the contact pressure arrangement.

Abstract: A user input device is provided. The user input device includes: a body; one or more sensors operative to detect a contact pressure arrangement applied to the body; and a controller in electronic communication with the one or more sensors. The controller is operative to: determine that the contact pressure arrangement corresponds to a pinching action; and manipulate a control signal based at least in part on the contact pressure arrangement.

Abstract: Provided is a system where users performing a coordinated process are localized in a complex environment based upon audio input. Audio commands are detected and executed based on system user vocalization. Available commands are limited by user status, location, process type and process progress. Command execution is limited by the presence and locations of system users, non-users, or extraneous equipment.

Abstract: Provided is a system where users performing a coordinated process are localized in a complex environment based upon audio input. Audio commands are detected and executed based on system user vocalization. Available commands are limited by user status, location, process type and process progress. Command execution is limited by the presence and locations of system users, non-users, or extraneous equipment.

Abstract: Method and system for generating a control signal for operating a medical device using an input device located in a determined environment, wherein the input device comprises an input sensor for generating instructions for the medical device. The method comprises identifying the orientation or location of the input device in the determined environment generating a parameter linked to the identified location or orientation of the input device in the determined environment; using the identified orientation of the medical device or the identified location of the input device to identify a relative orientation of the input device with respect to the medical device; generating a parameter linked to said relative orientation of the input device with respect to the medical device; using the input device to generate an input signal relating to an instruction for the medical device; and using the input signal in combination with the parameter to obtain the control signal for the medical device.