Abstract: A device is configured to perform a method that detects a trigger marker for an action corresponding to a segment of a multimedia signal. A fingerprint is generated based on the segment of the multimedia signal at a trigger time point. The generated fingerprint is stored in a database and communicated to the device. During playback of the multimedia signal, fingerprints of segments of the multimedia signal are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, one or more associated actions for the segment are retrieved by the device. The trigger time point may be determined as a time point near or at the segment of the multimedia signal with the matched fingerprint. In this way, trigger markers for actions may be enabled without modifying the multimedia signal.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus (52) for determining whether a subject has entered or exited a building, wherein the apparatus (52) is configured to obtain air pressure measurements from an air pressure sensor (58; 60) associated with the subject, wherein the air pressure measurements comprise a first plurality of air pressure measurement samples; determine one or more of: a first autocorrelation signal for the first plurality of air pressure measurement samples at a first time lag; a distribution of air pressures for the first plurality of air pressure measurement samples; a distribution of air pressure differences for the first plurality of air pressure measurement samples, wherein each air pressure difference is the difference between the value of a first air pressure measurement sample in the first plurality of air pressure measurement samples and the value of an air pressure measurement sample in the first plurality of air pressure measurement samples that is a second time lag befo

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring a subject There is provided a method of monitoring a subject, the method comprising obtaining measurements of a physiological characteristic of the subject over a period of time; obtaining information on a desired trend for the physiological characteristic of the subject; analysing the measurements of the physiological characteristic in a first time interval to determine a global trend having a global upper trend line for the physiological characteristic based on maxima in the measurements in the first time interval and a global lower trend line for the physiological characteristic based on minima in the measurements in the first time interval; analysing the measurements of the physiological characteristic in a second time interval to determine a local trend for the physiological characteristic, wherein the second time interval is shorter than the first time interval; determining whether feedback to the subject is required based on the global trend, the local trend and the

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fall detection apparatus (12) is presented that detects when a suspected fall event has occurred based on receipt of arm direction information. The fall detection apparatus provides further discrimination of when events involving a subject are suspected fall events, which helps to reduce false alarm rates and encourage continual use of the apparatus.

Abstract: Presented are concepts for monitoring the liquid or food consumption of a person. Once such concept employs the step of detecting a change in weight of the person resultant from usage of a toilet. A value representative of at least one of liquid consumption and food consumption of the person may then be determined based on the detected change in weight of the person.

Abstract: A fall risk of a user is determined by collecting measurements of the motion of the user. A value for a parameter related to the gait of the user is estimated from the measurements. The fall risk for the user is determined from a comparison of the estimated value with a normal value for the parameter determined from motion of the user in which the user is at their normal risk of falling.

Abstract: A device is configured to perform a method that detects a trigger marker for an action corresponding to a segment of a multimedia signal. A fingerprint is generated based on the segment of the multimedia signal at a trigger time point. The generated fingerprint is stored in a database and communicated to the device. During playback of the multimedia signal, fingerprints of segments of the multimedia signal are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, one or more associated actions for the segment are retrieved by the device. The trigger time point may be determined as a time point near or at the segment of the multimedia signal with the matched fingerprint. In this way, trigger markers for actions may be enabled without modifying the multimedia signal.

Abstract: Techniques are described herein for monitoring activities of organisms, including sleep. In various embodiments, logic (116) may receive, from a first sensor (106) adapted to detect activity in a first area (104), signal(s) indicating activity of an organism. Based on these signal(s), the logic may identify (504) a first time at which the organism transitions into a first state. The logic may later receive (508), from a second sensor (110, 114) adapted to detect activity in a second area (108, 112), signal(s) indicative of activity in the second area. Based on these subsequent signal(s), the logic may identify (510) a second time that is after the first time, determine (512) whether the first sensor provided signal(s) indicative of activity in the first area within another time interval preceding the second time, and selectively store (514) an indication of transition of the organism into a second state based on the determination.

Abstract: According to an aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method of determining a fall risk of a subject, the method comprising receiving a first data set indicative of movement of the subject; receiving a second data set indicative of context information of the subject; selecting a part of the first data set based on the second data set; and determining a fall risk based on the selected part of the first data set.

Abstract: There is provided a device and a method of operating the device for determining whether the device is immersed in a fluid. An acceleration signal for the device is acquired (302) and a pressure within the device is detected (304). It is determined whether the device is immersed in a fluid based on a comparison of the acquired acceleration signal with the detected pressure (306).

Abstract: A device is configured to perform a method that detects a trigger marker for an action corresponding to a segment of a multimedia signal. A fingerprint is generated based on the segment of the multimedia signal at a trigger time point. The generated fingerprint is stored in a database and communicated to the device. During playback of the multimedia signal, fingerprints of segments of the multimedia signal are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, one or more associated actions for the segment are retrieved by the device. The trigger time point may be determined as a time point near or at the segment of the multimedia signal with the matched fingerprint. In this way, trigger markers for actions may be enabled without modifying the multimedia signal.

Abstract: There is provided a method, apparatus and system for method for tailoring at least one subsequent communication to a user. Data acquired on the user in connection with a plurality of communications to the user is processed to determine a value for one or more characteristics indicative of a state of the user in connection with each communication. At least one communication parameter is varied in respect of each communication. The values for the one or more characteristics indicative of the state of the user that are determined in connection with each communication are compared to identify one or more communication parameters that are most suitable for the user. One or more communication parameters are set for the at least one subsequent communication to the user according to the one or more identified communication parameters. The subsequent communication to the user is enabled based on the set one or more communication parameters.

Abstract: In a personal emergency response system (PERS), a subscriber wears a personal help button (PHB) (10) with a call button (12). A speakerphone console (30) detects a signal transmitted by the PHB when the call button is pressed and establishes a telephone call with a PERS center (8). The PHB, speakerphone console, or combination thereof also performs a check-in process including: detecting (50) a check-in time and outputting (52) a request to perform a check-in action and detecting (54) whether the check-in action is performed. The check-in action is logged (56) if it is detected. A remedial action (60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72) is performed if the check-in action is not detected. The check-in action may be a designated motion of the PHB detected by gesture recognition algorithm performed by the PHB that analyzes sensor data generated by a motion sensor (22) of the PHB.

Abstract: The invention provides a health device for automatically administering skin pressure-based therapies to a user. The device comprises one or more actuator members, each comprising a smart shape-changing material of a class which is disposed to change shape in response to a change in temperature or to the application of an electrical stimulus. The actuator members are controlled by a controller to apply pressure to one or more points on a user's skin.

Abstract: A device is configured to perform a method that detects a trigger marker for an action corresponding to a segment of a multimedia signal. A fingerprint is generated based on the segment of the multimedia signal at a trigger time point. The generated fingerprint is stored in a database and communicated to the device. During playback of the multimedia signal, fingerprints of segments of the multimedia signal are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, one or more associated actions for the segment are retrieved by the device. The trigger time point may be determined as a time point near or at the segment of the multimedia signal with the matched fingerprint. In this way, trigger markers for actions may be enabled without modifying the multimedia signal.

Abstract: A device is configured to perform a method that detects a trigger marker for an action corresponding to a segment of a multimedia signal. A fingerprint is generated based on the segment of the multimedia signal at a trigger time point. The generated fingerprint is stored in a database and communicated to the device. During playback of the multimedia signal, fingerprints of segments of the multimedia signal are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, one or more associated actions for the segment are retrieved by the device. The trigger time point may be determined as a time point near or at the segment of the multimedia signal with the matched fingerprint. In this way, trigger markers for actions may be enabled without modifying the multimedia signal.

Abstract: In a personal emergency response system (PERS), a personal help button (PHB) (10) includes a call button (12), a motion sensor (22), and a transmitter or transceiver (24) for transmitting a wireless call signal responsive to pressing the call button. An electronic processor (28) performs a compliance monitoring process (42) at successive compliance check times, each including: acquiring motion sensor data over a compliance data acquisition time interval; determining whether the PHB has moved since the last compliance check time; and assessing compliance based at least in part on the determination of whether the PHB has moved. The determining may include determining an orientation change of the PHB since the last check time. Alternatively, compliance may be monitored by detecting and logging wake-up interrupt events that cause the motion sensor to switch from a low-power mode to an operational mode.

Abstract: An occupancy detection system uses at least two sensors which are mounted spaced apart in an area to be monitored. A test metric is formed which based on a combination of distances for the at least two sensors. The evolution of the test metric over time enables determination of whether there is a single occupant or multiple occupants in the area to be monitored.

Abstract: Presented is a system and method for monitoring activities of daily living, ADLs, of a person within an environment. The system comprises an ADL inference unit adapted to receive a sensor output signal representative of a detected value of a property of at least one of: the person; and the environment, and to generate an inferred ADL output signal representative of the inferred ADL of the person. A monitor unit is adapted to generate a monitor signal dependent on at least one of: the received sensor output signal; and the inferred ADL output signal.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a processor configured to acquire a time-stamped series of environmental property measurements from at least one sensor of a device and compare the time-stamped series of environmental property measurements acquired from the at least one sensor of the device to one or more time-stamped series of corresponding environmental property measurements acquired from at least one sensor that is separate from the device. The processor is also configured to determine contextual information for the device based on the comparison of the time-stamped series of environmental property measurements.