Abstract: Systems and methods of indicating to a line worker when there is a defective zipper profile extruded onto a generally flat plastic web while moving in a feed direction in a re-sealable container production line. The system includes a sensor for detecting the defective zipper profile and a web distortion device that actuates in response to the sensor detecting the defect. The web distortion device keeps the web bunched together while it spools onto a roll support device located downstream thereby making it readily apparent to a line worker that the bunched segment contains the defective segment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial input in a first modality from a first user at a virtual-reality (VR) headset, determining intents corresponding to the initial input by an intent-understanding module, generating candidate continuation-inputs in respective candidate modalities based on the intents, wherein the candidate modalities are different from the first modality, and presenting suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate continuation-inputs at the VR headset.

Abstract: A method includes detecting a user input comprising an incomplete three-dimensional (3D) gesture performed by one or more hands of a first user by a virtual-reality (VR) headset, selecting candidate 3D gestures from pre-defined 3D gestures based on a personalized gesture-recognition model, wherein each of the candidate 3D gestures is associated with a confidence score representing a likelihood the first user intended to input the respective candidate 3D gesture, and presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate 3D gestures at the VR headset.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial input in a first modality from a first user from a client system associated with the first user, determining one or more intents corresponding to the initial input by an intent-understanding module, generating one or more candidate continuation-inputs based on the one or more intents, where the one or more candidate continuation-inputs are in one or more candidate modalities, respectively, and wherein the candidate modalities are different from the first modality, and sending instructions for presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate continuation-inputs to the client system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial input in a first modality from a first user from a client system associated with the first user, determining one or more intents corresponding to the initial input by an intent-understanding module, generating one or more candidate continuation-inputs based on the one or more intents, where the one or more candidate continuation-inputs are in one or more candidate modalities, respectively, and wherein the candidate modalities are different from the first modality, and sending instructions for presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate continuation-inputs to the client system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a user input comprising an incomplete three-dimensional (3D) gesture performed by one or more hands of a first user by a virtual-reality (VR) headset, selecting candidate 3D gestures from pre-defined 3D gestures based on a personalized gesture-recognition model, wherein each of the candidate 3D gestures is associated with a confidence score representing a likelihood the first user intended to input the respective candidate 3D gesture, and presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate 3D gestures at the VR headset.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial input in a first modality from a first user from a client system associated with the first user, determining one or more intents corresponding to the initial input by an intent-understanding module, generating one or more candidate continuation-inputs based on the one or more intents, where the one or more candidate continuation-inputs are in one or more candidate modalities, respectively, and wherein the candidate modalities are different from the first modality, and sending instructions for presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate continuation-inputs to the client system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial input in a first modality from a first user from a client system associated with the first user, determining one or more intents corresponding to the initial input by an intent-understanding module, generating one or more candidate continuation-inputs based on the one or more intents, where the one or more candidate continuation-inputs are in one or more candidate modalities, respectively, and wherein the candidate modalities are different from the first modality, and sending instructions for presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate continuation-inputs to the client system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a user input comprising an incomplete gesture performed by one or more hands of a first user by a client system associated with the first user; selecting one or more candidate gestures from a plurality of pre-defined gestures by the client system based on a personalized gesture-recognition model, wherein each of the candidate gestures is associated with a confidence score representing a likelihood the first user intended to input the respective candidate gesture, and presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate gestures at the client system.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for a mobility cane for the visually impaired to help aid pedestrian identification and provide walking assistance are described. The disclosed embodiments describe, amongst other things, a mobility cane whose shaft length may be illuminated and/or may utilize sensor information to determine illumination patterns. The cane may be a stand-alone device, or may be used in conjunction with a smart mobile device (e.g. smart phone).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial input in a first modality from a first user at a client system, determining intents and slots corresponding to the initial input, wherein the slots are conditioned on the intents, generating one or more candidate continuation-inputs based on the intents and slots, where the one or more candidate continuation-inputs are in one or more candidate modalities, respectively, wherein the candidate modalities are different from the first modality, and wherein each of the candidate continuation-inputs references entities represented by the slots, and presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate continuation-inputs at the client system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an initial input in a first modality from a first user from a client system associated with the first user, determining one or more intents corresponding to the initial input by an intent-understanding module, generating one or more candidate continuation-inputs based on the one or more intents, where the one or more candidate continuation-inputs are in one or more candidate modalities, respectively, and wherein the candidate modalities are different from the first modality, and sending instructions for presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate continuation-inputs to the client system.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting and guiding a person with visual and/or hearing impairment. In various embodiments there is a computer-guided, motorized walking stick. Preferably, at least one wheel at the distal end of the stick, and in contact with the ground, can be steered or pivoted over a range of angles, and thus establish a desired direction. In yet other embodiments there are one or more powered wheels that further drive the walking stick in the desired direction. Various algorithms are disclosed for providing instructions to the computer controller by way of various input devices. Still further embodiments include various types of sensors that provide data to the computer with regards to objects proximate to the walking stick.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving one or more inputs associated with proactive triggers associated with a first user, determining whether the first user is eligible to receive proactive suggestions based on one or more proactive policies, generating one or more proactive suggestions based on the one or more inputs and user context data associated with the first user, selecting one or more of the proactive suggestions based on task history data associated with the first user, and sending instructions for presenting proactive content to the first user to a client system associated the first user, wherein the proactive content comprises the selected proactive suggestions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a user input comprising an incomplete gesture performed by one or more hands of a first user by a client system associated with the first user; selecting one or more candidate gestures from a plurality of pre-defined gestures by the client system based on a personalized gesture-recognition model, wherein each of the candidate gestures is associated with a confidence score representing a likelihood the first user intended to input the respective candidate gesture, and presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate gestures at the client system.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for a mobility cane for the visually impaired to help aid pedestrian identification and provide walking assistance are described. The disclosed embodiments describe, amongst other things, a mobility cane whose shaft length may be illuminated and/or may utilize sensor information to determine illumination patterns. The cane may be a stand-alone device, or may be used in conjunction with a smart mobile device (e.g. smart phone).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a user input from a client system associated with a first user, wherein the user input comprises an incomplete gesture performed by the first user, calculating one or more confidence scores by an intent-understanding module for one or more intents corresponding to the incomplete gesture, determining the calculated confidence scores associated with each of the intents are below a threshold score, selecting candidate gestures from a plurality of pre-defined gestures based on a personalized gesture-recognition model responsive to determining that the calculated confidence scores for each of the intents are below the threshold score, wherein each of the candidate gestures is associated with a confidence score representing a likelihood the first user intended to input the respective candidate gesture, and sending instructions for presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate gestures to the client system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a user input from a client system associated with a first user, wherein the user input comprises an incomplete gesture performed by the first user, calculating one or more confidence scores by an intent-understanding module for one or more intents corresponding to the incomplete gesture, determining the calculated confidence scores associated with each of the intents are below a threshold score, selecting candidate gestures from a plurality of pre-defined gestures based on a personalized gesture-recognition model responsive to determining that the calculated confidence scores for each of the intents are below the threshold score, wherein each of the candidate gestures is associated with a confidence score representing a likelihood the first user intended to input the respective candidate gesture, and sending instructions for presenting one or more suggested inputs corresponding to one or more of the candidate gestures to the client system.

Abstract: An improved container lid comprising an integral lid retaining channel which is configured to accept and be press fit onto the circumferential rim of a container, such as, for instance, a coffee cup is disclosed in preferred and various alternate embodiments. The improved container lid of the invention may comprise any material suitable for container lids such as paper, waxed paper, plastic, or other materials known in the art. The improved container lid of the invention is adapted to be retained upon, for example, a lip of a beverage container while the beverage container is in use. Thus, the improved container lid of the invention prevents accidental loss of the container lid and may be used in an open or closed position.

Abstract: An expandable electrode pad having a flexible and stretchable base member that may be either expanded or compressed to provide proper positioning for a plurality of electrode distal contacts. Portions of the base member may have perforations that allow one or more sections of the base member to be separated and positioned a greater, non-stretchable distance away from the remaining strip of distal contacts. Additionally, the circuit body may comprise a distal cut zone that provides for freedom of movement of the plurality of distal contacts and a proximal perforated zone that eliminates lead wire entanglements while also allowing for the tearing of perforations between adjacent conductive circuits when a greater reach is required for the proper placement of a distal contact.