Abstract: System and method that provides tactical feedback through a speaker of a handheld electronic device having a full alphabetic keyboard upon activation of a navigation tool. The audible feedback produced by the speaker is capable of being modified based on upon the location, speed, and other characteristics of the movement of a cursor on the display of a handheld electronic device. The sound produced by the speaker can originate from an audio file stored or otherwise available on the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: A display component implements a text entry system for a device, such as a cell phone or other handheld device, has various layers that mimic characteristics of a conventional keyboard. A keyboard is displayed on a dynamic touch screen display. When a key is pressed by a user, the surface area of the key on the display depresses, thereby mimicking a conventional keyboard that would typically be used with a desktop or laptop computer. The display component is comprised of various layers or panels. One layer is a compressible touch sensitive or touch screen layer. Adjacent to this layer is a compressible display layer. Another layer is a deformable or cushion layer for supporting a specific weight, such as the weight of user fingers or hands. Adjacent to the deformable layer is a lower touch sensitive layer which has a coordinate system.

Abstract: A device for use in a process that involves accessing an epidural space includes an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end, a sensor located at the distal end of the elongated member, a handle coupled to the proximal end of the elongated member, and an indicator coupled to the sensor, wherein the indicator is configured to provide a sensory indication for assisting a user to identify a desired entry path to access an epidural space, wherein the indicator is configured to provide the sensory indication based at least in part on a signal received from the sensor.

Abstract: A method for displaying information includes detecting an input to a surface of a display, the input commanding a predetermined operation; determining a type of operation commanded based on the input; performing a command corresponding to the type of operation; and notifying a user of the type of operation by emitting a sound or vibration pattern associated with the type of operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the creation of vehicle sound fonts, for utilizing the vehicle sound fonts to augment the engine sounds of a vehicle, and for establishing a network for sharing and controlling the playback of vehicle sound fonts and other media. The systems install in automobiles and play simulated engine sounds of other recorded vehicles in a controlled manner synchronized with the engine spark frequency of the playback vehicle. Automobiles with these systems may network together to share media and to coordinate playback in a synchronized manner among all vehicles of the network.

Abstract: For two or more devices, each device having one or more portions, a system includes, but is not limited to: one or more obtaining information modules configured to direct obtaining physical status information regarding one or more portions for each of the two or more devices, including information regarding one or more spatial aspects of the one or more portions of the device, one or more determining advisory modules configured to direct determining user advisory information regarding the one or more users based upon the physical status information for each of the two or more devices and based upon the user status information regarding the one or more users., and one or more determining advisory modules configured to direct determining user advisory information regarding the one or more users based upon the physical status information for each of the two or more devices and based upon the user status information regarding the one or more users.

Abstract: An exemplary outdoor lighting apparatus includes a lighting device and a bird expeller. The lighting device includes a supporting pole, a housing and a light emitting unit. The housing is fixed on the top of the supporting pole. The light emitting unit is received in the housing. The bird expeller includes a sensing unit and an expelling signal generating unit. The sensing unit is configured for sensing a bird that is getting close by or in contact with the lighting device, generating a trigger signal and sending the trigger signal to the expelling signal generating unit. The expelling signal generating unit is configured for generating an expelling signal to expel the bird in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: Upon reception of content information (step S1), a control unit decides a different notification sound in accordance with an identifier attached to the received content information (step S4). The control unit causes a reproduction unit (5) to reproduce the decided notification sound. Thus, the user can guess the content of the received content information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an audible alarm system that utilizes air-conveying ductwork to transport the audible alarm signal from the point of origination to a distant location. This system is low cost and improves the safety of individuals and reduces the potential loss of property by providing early and better hazard communication.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection and alerting of the presence of carbon monoxide having a system 50 including, a CO detector component 51, a processing component 52, and a power supply component 53 for powering the CO detector and processing components 51, 52; the CO detector component supplies an electrical output signal 53 proportional to a measured level of CO; the processing component performs analog to digital conversion of the electrical output signal 53, generates a first digital audio signal by performing analog to digital conversion of a first analog audio signal 54, generates a second digital audio signal relative to the electrical output signal 53; generates a third digital audio signal by combining the first and second digital audio signals; and generates a second analog audio signal 55 by performing digital to analog conversion of the third digital audio signal.

Abstract: A control system processes commands received from a user. The control system may control one or more devices within a vehicle. A switch allows the control system to choose one of multiple input channels. The method that receives the data selects a channel through a process that minimizes data losses. The switching occurs upon a user request, when the control system does not recognize an input, or when an interference masks a user request.

Abstract: A vehicle traveling through an environmental media such as air experiences drag. The drag is actively modulated by energy beams which may either increase or decrease the drag. The energy beams may provide either a chemical, acoustic or electromagnetic energy at a transition region between turbulent and laminar flows or at the leading edge of a laminar flow or in the direction of a crosswind in order to facilitate the respective increase or decrease in drag. Where the energy beams are acoustic or ultrasonic, some or all of the beams may be used to generate an audible signal, in a directional manner, outside the vehicle.

Abstract: A self-contained motion sensitive audio module includes a sensor circuit coupled to a pyroelectric infrared sensor with two sensing elements configured for reliably sensing passersby. The module also includes a power supply, a timing circuit, an audio circuit, a speaker and optionally an LED. The sensor circuit produces an amplified trigger signal when a passerby is sensed. The sensor circuit includes an amplifier to amplify the trigger signal. The timing circuit produces an activation signal upon receiving a trigger signal from the sensor circuit. In playback mode, the audio circuit produces an audible sign message output upon receiving an activation signal from the timing circuit. The module may be attached to the back side of a sign with apertures for receiving the sensor, speaker and optionally an LED.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and system for correct positioning of a plurality of edge guides of a media source assembly. The system senses the proximity of documents with the plurality of edge guides by employing one or more sensors. Based on the sensed proximity, the one or more sensors provide notifications to the user through one or more indicators.

Abstract: The invention is an ultrasonic whistle that screws onto the valve stem of a vehicle tire. A variety of alternative embodiments utilize a housing that screws onto the valve stem with variations as to how air travels across the whistle. As the vehicle's tires rotate, wind passes across the whistle, which in turn produces sound that is audible to animals and in turn alerts animals of the oncoming traffic.

Abstract: An electronically controlled lock with a single throw acting as a passage lock and also as a deadbolt lock is provided by the invention. The lock is equipped with an electronic activation device on its exterior housing and a door lever on its internal housing. A user unlocks the door from outside by touching an electronic key against the electronic activation device. After the door is unlocked, the throw acts as a passage lock. The door can be locked internally by moving the door lever from a horizontal position upwardly to a vertical position.

Abstract: A flexible audio output device includes control circuits couplable to a communications system and an audio announcement system. The communications system can transmit function specifying parameters to the device. Various forms of directional audio, or verbal messages can be emitted in accordance with received parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, processing apparatus, and computer readable recording medium for restricting input in association with a database. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of restricting input in association with a database, including searching a database for information that includes inputted data; and restricting input of subsequent data that is not included in the information in the database that includes the inputted data, wherein the inputted data includes at least one grapheme. According to the present invention, input of incorrect information that is probable to be inputted is restricted when the information is inputted through an input interface of a terminal, and the restriction is applied to Korean characters, English letters, special characters, numerals and the like, whereby input of correct information is induced from all aspects of characters.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a finger biometric sensor and an audio output transducer. The electronic device may further include a controller cooperating with the finger biometric sensor for determining at least one biometric characteristic of a user's finger. The controller may also cooperate with the finger biometric sensor for causing the audio output transducer to generate at least one musical tone changing based upon movement of a user's finger relative to the finger biometric sensor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an alarm system comprises transmitting a sound alert signal, receiving the transmitted sound alert signal, comparing the received sound alert signal with a reference signal having parameters dependent upon equivalent parameters of the transmitted sound alert signal, and outputting a signal indicating whether or not the equivalent parameters of the received sound alert signal have a predetermined relationship with said parameters of the transmitted sound alert signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide improved detection of series fault conditions are described. The systems provide an increased range of response possibilities upon detection of such conditions. Solid-state temperature sensors are utilized and may be connected to a printed circuit board integrated with supply wire terminals, thus providing electronic circuitry controlling the response to over-temperature events while simultaneously keeping the temperature sensors in close proximity with the location of potential over-heating events. Electronic sensors in accordance with implementations of the present invention detect overheating conditions at temperatures more quickly because of the close proximity of the sensors to locations of potential overheating, thereby improving the safety of electrical wiring devices and fixtures. Additionally, the threshold temperature for response can more easily be selected or controlled to be at a variety of temperatures to improve safety.

Abstract: The use of pressure-sensitive controls is disclosed in which controls respond differently to different pressure applied by a stylus on a digitizer. Users interacting with displayed controls may modify the speed, increment, or other property of the control by pressing harder or softer. Devices that allow for the input of location and pressure information may use embodiments of the invention, including computers with pressure sensitive mice or digitizer tablets, PDAs, or tablet computers. Controls that may use pressure to augment their behavior include scrollbars, spinner controls, resize handles, buttons, drop down menus and so forth.

Abstract: Described herein is a novelty item and method for creating a novelty item that delivers a personalized message at the same time that at least a first sensory action occurs. The personalized message can be audio or visual and the sensory action can be audible, physical, visual or olfactory. The invention further provides a message can be rerecorded numerous times until a satisfactory message has been recorded. The invention further provides means for disabling the recording mechanism after satisfactory vocals are recorded.

Abstract: A mount system for a monitor extends and retracts the monitor. The mount system includes a first arm pivotably coupled to a second arm so that that the monitor extends and retracts in a substantially straight line. One or more motors may be incorporated into the mount system to adjust the viewing angle of the monitor through a remote control.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) configured to receive power from a multiple phase power source provides power for other devices in formats not previously available from PDUs. The PDU receives power in multiple phases and then separates the power into individual phases. The individual phases are then electrically coupled to separate output terminals. The output terminals then provide power to other devices in a format other than the original multiple phase format while maintaining safety features.

Abstract: A home appliance system and an operation method thereof are disclosed. The home appliance outputs product information as a predetermined sound and transmits the sound through a connected communication network, thereby making it easier for a service center at a remote place to check a status of the home appliance. Further, the home appliance system and operation method thereof prevents noise or signal error generated in the procedure of converting product information into a signal of a predetermined frequency band in order to output the product information as a sound, thus enabling stable signal conversion and improving the accuracy of information transmission using the output of sound.

Abstract: The travel situation of a vehicle is detected by sensors and a sensor section 110 recognizes the moving state of the vehicle and outputs event signals. A processing section 180 has a sound emission control section that acquires a MIDI message to be used for notifying the travel situation by means of a MIDI sound source generating section. At the same time, it recognizes the priority level of the event signal to be used for notification in terms of urgency or significance and defines the parameter value of the MIDI message so as to bring the localized sound image of the sound to be emitted from a speaker located substantially at the center relative to a driver according to the priority level. Then, it has a sound emitting section 150 emit the sound.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting alert events and responsively playing out audio-clips. The audio-clips may comprise data representing a sound recording. Playing out the audio-clips occurs in an order defined by a sequence. The audio-clips and the sequence are maintained in data storage. A processor executes program logic to detect a first alert event and responsively play out at least a first audio-clip of the sequence, and to detect a next alert event and responsively play out at least a next alert event of the sequence. After playing out all audio-clips in the sequence, play out of the audio-clips may then continue with the first audio-clip of the sequence.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for providing positional audio cues for an vehicle warning system. In one embodiment, a sensor disposed in a vehicle detects a warning event and generates a corresponding signal. In response to receiving the signal, a controller uses a positional audio algorithm to generate an audible warning via an audio system associated with the vehicle. The audible warning uniquely identifies the warning event and provides a location cue indicating the location of the warning event. In embodiments of the present invention, a sensor coupled with the controller may detect the proximity of and external object with reference to the vehicle and generate a corresponding signal. In embodiments of the present invention, the audible warnings may comprise steering cues indicating a desired direction, or a wrong direction, to a destination in response to input from a vehicle navigation system.

Abstract: The present invention is a door chime. The door chime has a decorative cover connected to a sound module including sound controls. The decorative cover is shiftable relative to the sound module from a first position in which the decorative chime will be displayed during normal use, to a second position to allow access to the sound controls in the second position. The connection between the sound module and the decorative cover allows for either a sliding connection or a rotating connection depending on the desired configuration. The power module for the door chime is interchangeable between a battery powered and hard wired module.

Abstract: An actuator is provided that includes: a diaphragm that vibrates to generate sound; a housing that is attached to an outer edge of the diaphragm to support the diaphragm; an accommodating space that is formed inside the diaphragm and the housing, and an axis of which extends in a thickness direction of the diaphragm in the middle of the diaphragm; a coil that is wound around the axis, is attached to a face of the diaphragm facing the accommodating space, and is disposed in the accommodating space; a movable body that is disposed in a radial inside space of the coil or on an extension of the space, within the accommodating space; and a spring that supports the movable body such that the movable body is movable in the axial direction within the accommodating space.

Abstract: An audible reminder device for providing an audible message to a user, particularly a user having impaired memory and reasoning capacity. The audible reminder device has a housing with two oppositely facing outer surfaces. On one outer surface, there is a playback button that is large and prominent with respect to the housing surface and there are no other user operable components on that surface. The playback button can also be of a contrasting color to the housing. On the other outer surface, there is an activation button that enables a person to erase any current stored message and record a new message. The playback button is simple and easy to recognize and when pushed, repeats the same message until that message is erased and a new message recorded.

Abstract: An external hard drive enclosure (EHDE 10) that is in the form of a decorative enclosure (20) for an external hard drive (86), and an electrical circuit (12) that interfaces with an external computer (84). The decorative enclosure can be configured as a vehicle, and includes a lower panel (22) having a cavity (32) that allows the hard drive (86) to be easily inserted into and removed from the vehicle. The EHDE (10) operates with the electrical circuit (12) that includes a pair of white LED head lights (DS1,DS2), at least one blue LED (DS3) that illuminates the interior of the vehicle, and a pair of red LED tail lights (DS4,DS5). The red tail lights (DS4,DS5) are synchronized to illuminate only when the computer (84) is accessing the external hard drive (86).

Abstract: A selective input system and associated method is provided which tracks the motion of a pointing device over a region or area. The pointing device can be a touchpad, a mouse, a pen, or any device capable of providing two or three-dimensional location. The region or area is preferably augmented with a printed or actual keyboard/pad. Alternatively, a representation of the location of the pointing device over a virtual keyboard/pad can be dynamically shown on an associated display. The system identifies selections of items or characters by detecting parameters of motion of the pointing device, such as length of motion, a change in direction, a change in velocity, and or a lack of motion at locations that correspond to features on the keyboard/pad. The input system is preferably coupled to a text disambiguation system such as a T9® or Sloppytype™ system, to improve the accuracy and usability of the input system.

Abstract: The invention is an improved audible signaling device with a speaker, a sound chamber, and associated circuitry. The device creates a loud, audible fundamental frequency, and harmonic frequencies that are relatively equal in amplitude to the amplitude of the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A wireless door chime system has an activation unit. A receiving unit is in wireless communication with the activation unit. The receiving unit has a plurality of sound files loaded therein. A user can view the plurality of sound files and select a sound file to play when the activation unit sends a signal to the receiving unit.

Abstract: A sound guiding apparatus enabling a user to intuitively understand traveling route information from a sound includes a position detecting unit that detects a current position of a user; a determining unit that determines a traveling direction based on the detected current position and a destination of the user; a sound generating unit that generates a sound based on the determined traveling direction; and a sound output unit that outputs the generated sound.

Abstract: An audio signal system for a vehicle remote locking mechanism provides an audio signal that is more intricate than a simple, sounding of the vehicle's horn or beep tone. Preferably, the audio signal may be varied among many possible sounds by the operator. More preferably, the system includes a digital audio source with a signal amplifier and loudspeaker. Most preferably, the digital audio source is programmable with recorded sounds that can be transferred from a remote bank of digital sounds, for example by being downloaded from an internet website.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system can have a transmitter transmitting a signal, a receiver receiving the signal, and a control device in communication with the receiver and controlling at least one operation of the vehicle. A selected operation may be executable by the signal. The vehicle remote control system includes a microphone that can determine an ambient noise volume and an ambient noise frequency in an area around the vehicle and is in communication with the control device. Furthermore, the vehicle remote control system includes a speaker that is able to generate an answer signal to confirm that the selected operation was executed. The speaker is in communication with the control device which generates an answer signal as a function of ambient noise volume and the ambient noise frequency in the area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the performance of an application comprises a computer system having one or more speakers and means for running an application, the computer system being configured to perform the steps of determining an output of an application that requires monitoring, assigning an audible sound to the output, running the application and allowing the application to reach a state of equilibrium, determining a baseline for the output when the application is in the state of equilibrium, monitoring the output to detect a change relative to the baseline, emitting the audible sound assigned to the output through at least one of the one or more speakers when the detected change varies from the baseline by a predetermined amount, and adjusting configurable parameters of the audible sound to indicate the existence of the detected change, the magnitude of the detected change relative to the baseline, and the degree of deviation from the baseline.

Abstract: A method for image capturing with an audible countdown includes: providing a handheld device (1), which comprises an image capture button (12), a speaker (13), a camera (14) and a memory (15) that stores multiple audible countdown signals; pressing the image capture button; selecting an audible countdown signal from the memory; playing the selected audible countdown signal through the speaker; and capturing an image through the camera after the selected audible countdown signal is finished playing.

Abstract: A feedback device 1 including an interface 2 for receiving a first signal 3 from a point of sale console 4. A processor 5 is responsive to signal 3 for selectively defining a second signal, in the form of an inaudible ultrasonic transmission 6. An output, in the form of an ultrasonic transducer 7, is responsive to processor 5 for propagating transmission 6 to provide only in a predetermined spatially defined transmission zone 8 an audible signal 9 indicative of signal 3. Signal 9 is substantially inaudible outside of zone 8.

Abstract: A directional acoustic device configured for producing a directional output along an acoustic axis, including at least one transducer configured to create at least two wave trains which are directed along differing pathways by at least one wave guide, and so disposed that in directions more than ninety degrees off the acoustic axis the SPL of the output is greatly diminished by cancellation effects between the wave trains; improvement over previous gradient and quarter-wave pipe directional systems being enabled.

Abstract: A sound generator and method of projecting sound that includes a piezoelectric buzzer secured to a tensioned, flexible surface of an inflatable object, the surface being under tension in response to variations of pressure within the object. The sound generator includes a sound source and a piezoelectric buzzer electrically connected with each other so that the sound source generates signals, the piezoelectric buzzer converts the signals into sounds and the tensioned, flexible surface amplifies the sounds.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a concomitant method for boosting the audio signal generated by at least one notification appliance in a supervised emergency voice evacuation system.

Abstract: Parametric sound reproduction in high-intensity audio signaling, for example in hailing and warning at relatively large distances, is disclosed in one example by producing a primary audio signal in the audio frequency range, and producing a secondary audio signal in the audio frequency range by modulation of the primary audio signal, wherein the primary signal is chosen to enable an improved effect, for example one of directional reproduction, exploiting greater sensitivity of human hearing, exploiting an efficient or maximum intensity frequency range of a transducer used to reproduce the audio signals, and another parameter effecting distance, intelligibility, or intensity of an audio signal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for aurally indicating progress. In one embodiment, a node count module determines a node threshold. A discovery module searches for a plurality of nodes over a communications channel wherein each node is autonomously connected to the communications channel. In addition, the discovery module receives a reply from a node. The node count module may direct an indicator module to modify an aural indicator in response to the node count exceeding the node threshold. The indicator module further emits the aural indicator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling an alarm using motion recognition in a portable terminal. In the method, motion input of the portable terminal is sensed in an alarm mode. It is checked whether the motion is a predetermined motion in a motion database. If the motion is the predetermined motion, a re-alarm time corresponding to the motion is set.

Abstract: A system for providing auditory feedback to visually impaired users when defining visual models. As the visually impaired user creates a visual model, the system detects when an object is placed in such a way that it overlaps with at least one previously placed object. In response to detection of an overlap, the system causes an auditory warning signal to be produced, indicating to the visually impaired user that object is overlapping a previously placed object. The disclosed system operates to create an invisible object within the user interface to cause a warning to be output, or modifies the object whose placement caused the object overlap to include the overlap warning. The user interface focus is then changed or reset to be on the invisible object or the object that caused the overlap to occur, enabling the user to conveniently fix the overlap condition.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system has a radiation source having an adjustable angular orientation and an emitter that provides an alignment signal and is coupled to the radiation source. A two dimensional radiation image detection device has a receiver that records an image according to radiation emitted from the radiation source, a first sensor coupled in a fixed position relative to the receiver that detects the alignment signal from the emitter and provides a first response signal and a second sensor coupled in a fixed position relative to the receiver that detects the alignment signal from the emitter and provides a second response signal. A control logic processor is in communication with the first and second sensors for receiving the first and second response signals and further in communication with at least one indicator for indicating the alignment of the image detection device relative to the radiation source.