Abstract: Systems and methods to provide a portable alert device are disclosed herein. The system may include a key component that includes a connector extending from a first side and a base component. The key component is shaped with a first indent and a second indent on opposite sides. The base component includes: a back piece shaped with a first ledge and a second ledge opposite the first ledge that extend out of an interior of the back piece; a front piece that joins with the back piece to enclose a portion of the key component so that the first ledge is positioned within the first indent and the second ledge is positioned with the second indent, the first ledge within the first indent and the second ledge within the second indent prevent the key component from entirely disengaging with the base component; a transceiver; and alert components.

Abstract: A flexible electronic device for sensing folding includes a processor that senses folding of the electronic device based on an angle sensed through a sensor circuit, determines, based on the folding history of the electronic device, the possibility that the durability of the folding area will degrade and controls output of a durability notification in response to determining that there is a possibility that the durability of the folding area will degrade.

Abstract: An information transmission system includes a bell, a transmitter, a manual actuator that is manually operated by an operator and actuates the bell, and a controller having a sensor and a memory, wherein the controller analyzes operation information of actuation of the bell actuated by the manual actuator based on an output from the sensor and stores the operation information to the memory, and wherein the transmitter determines operator information corresponding to the operator in the operation information recorded in the memory when the operator rings the bell, and sends the determined operator information.

Abstract: A window for a display device includes: a film having flexibility; and at least one coating layer disposed on the film. As tensile stress acting on the film increases, the film is elastically deformed in a first range of strains of the film and plastically deformed in a second range of strains of the film greater than the first range, the first and second ranges being defined by a relationship between the tensile stress and a strain of the film in accordance with the tensile stress. The film has a yield strain in a third range from about 1.9% to about 2.25%, and the yield strain is defined as the strain of the film when a yield stress of the relationship in the first range is applied to the film.

Abstract: Techniques for using beam-formed acoustic notifications for pedestrian notification are described. Computing device(s) can receive sensor data associated with an object in an environment of a vehicle. The computing device(s) can determine first data for emitting a first beam of acoustic energy via speaker(s) of an acoustic array associated with the vehicle, and second data for emitting a second beam of acoustic energy via speakers of the acoustic array. The computing device(s) can cause the speaker(s) to emit the first beam in a direction of the object at a first time and the second beam in the direction of the object at a second time. Directions of propagation of the first beam and the second beam are offset so that the object can localize the source the acoustic notification, thereby localizing the vehicle in the environment.

Abstract: A system and method that enables individual travelers, including pedestrians or individuals on smaller conveyances, to communicate their location and direction of travel to signal light controllers at an intersection, enables traffic networks to receive this communication and output the detected data to the corresponding intersection traffic-signal controller to allow for individuals not in standard motor vehicles to be detected by traffic detection systems and to allow for priority of traveler flow either independent of vehicle use, or based on specifics of the vehicle used. The system also provides feedback to the traveler to provide information about the actions of the system or to alter the movement of the traveler.

Abstract: A system and method that enables individual travelers, including pedestrians or individuals on smaller conveyances, to communicate their location and direction of travel to signal light controllers at an intersection, enables traffic networks to receive this communication and output the detected data to the corresponding intersection traffic-signal controller to allow for individuals not in standard motor vehicles to be detected by traffic detection systems and to allow for priority of traveler flow either independent of vehicle use, or based on specifics of the vehicle used.

Abstract: A system includes an audio transducer. The audio output of the transducer may be directed at an operator. The directionality of the audio output may ensure privacy in audio delivery. Further, the directionality of the audio output may reduce the potential for other nearby individuals to be disturbed by the audio output. A directed audio system may control the content of the audio output. The content of the audio output may be configured for applications in individual operator workspaces, multiple-operator common spaces, shared-use spaces or a combination thereof. The directed audio system may customize the audio output in accord with a stored audio profile for the operator.

Abstract: A vehicle proximity notification device for notifying a vehicle approach using a first speaker and a second speaker provided in the vehicle includes a sound source that outputs a signal that corresponds to a sound for notifying an approach of the vehicle and that is input to the first speaker and the second speaker; and an information processor that changes a phase of at least one signal out of a signal input to the first speaker and a signal input to the second speaker in accordance with a speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A busway crossing warning system includes an approach tag reader, a crossing controller and a bus signal device. The approach tag reader is located in a bus lane on a road at a distance from an entrance of an intersection in a direction prior to a bus approaching the intersection, the bus being equipped with an identification tag. The approach tag reader detects the bus with the identification tag when the bus drives over the approach tag reader and sends out an approach signal to the crossing controller indicating the bus is approaching the intersection. The crossing controller activates bus signal device after receiving the approach signal to inform the bus is detected.

Abstract: A system is provided that converts an input into one or more haptic effects using frequency shifting. The system receives an input signal. The system further performs a fast Fourier transform of the input signal. The system further shifts one or more frequencies of the transformed input signal to one or more frequencies within a shift-to frequency range. The system further performs an inverse fast Fourier transform of the frequency-shifted signal, where the inversely transformed signal forms a haptic signal. The system further generates the one or more haptic effects based on the haptic signal.

Abstract: A bus lane prioritization system and method uses an approach magnetometer to detect a bus or other vehicle in a bus lane approaching an intersection, and an island exit magnetometer to detect when the vehicle has cleared the intersection. When the vehicle is approaching the intersection, the system signals a traffic light controller to control at least one traffic light to allow the vehicle in the bus lane to traverse the intersection without delay or with minimal delay, thereby prioritizing the bus lane. An optional crossing gate may also be used to prevent traffic from a perpendicular roadway from entering the intersection. When the vehicle clears the intersection, the system informs the traffic light controller that it is no longer necessary to configure the at least one traffic light to prioritize the bus lane, and optionally controls the crossing gate in a manner synchronized to the at least one traffic light.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a multi-purpose automotive sound device for alerting pedestrians. The vehicle includes front and rear wheels, side mirrors, a sound device, and a controller. The sound device operates in a first mode and a second mode to generate an audio signal. The sound device is disposed adjacent to the front wheel and one of the side mirrors. The controller activates the sound device in the first mode or the second mode based on a state of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an audio communication system include receiving from a first user, by a microphone of a first voice-controlled device of a plurality of voice-controlled devices in an audio communication system, a first audio message and an audio command to provide the audio message to a second user. An identity of the second user associated with a user profile based on the audio command is determined. The first audio message is provided to a second voice-controlled device of the plurality of voice-controlled devices to output the audio message at a speaker of the voice-controlled device to the second user that is proximity to the second voice-controlled device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for power amplifiers that can operate under a wide range of supply voltages are disclosed herein. In certain implementations, a method of adjusting a parameter of a power amplifier is provided. The method includes detecting a value of a supply voltage provided to the power amplifier. The method further includes selecting a first value from a plurality of values for a first parameter of the power amplifier based on the detected value of the supply voltage. The method further includes adjusting the first parameter of the power amplifier to the first value.

Abstract: A technology for delivering an audible notification from a process control system in a control room environment, where the delivery is made by one or more first speakers having a first coverage for audible notifications and one or more second speakers having a second coverage for audible notifications. A determination if the location of an operator is covered by the first coverage is made. The audible notification is delivered by the one or more first speakers if it is determined that the location of the operator is covered by the first coverage. The audible notification is delivered by the one or more second speakers if it is determined that the location of the operator is not covered by the first coverage.

Abstract: A method and an electronic device are provided for operating a security function. The method includes receiving a request for activation of a security function, confirming whether a security indicator is set, and when the security indicator is set, applying the security indicator to a security function screen image, based on activation of the security function, and outputting the security function screen image to a display of the electronic device.

Abstract: Biofeedback is used to alter subsequent speech of one or more participants engaged in a discussion. Biofeedback signals can range from simplistic (beeps, flashes, vibrations, etc.) to more complicated images, videos, and music. In one aspect, feedback signals can be rendered to the participant(s) based on the extent to which the discussion relates to one or more goals. Signals can be rendered in any suitable manner, including a visual image rendered by a virtual reality headset or other device, an electronically generated auditory sound, other tactilely perceptible vibrations or other movements, preferably in substantially near real-time.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for calibrating an array of receivers (rj), each receiver being configured for receiving a signal transmitted by at least one transmitter (si), and echoes of the transmitted signal as reflected by one or more reflective surfaces (w), said method comprising the following steps: sorting said echoes, by assigning each echo to a reflective surface or to a combination of reflective surfaces (w) calibrating said array of receivers (rj) based on said sorting.

Abstract: A vehicle approach alert device includes: a microcomputer having a memory that stores approach alert sound data, and a signal generator that generates an approach alert sound voltage waveform signal based on the approach alert sound data. The vehicle approach alert device alerts approach of a vehicle by outputting a vehicle approach alert sound from a sound outputting body according to the approach alert sound voltage waveform signal. The microcomputer further includes: an obtaining device that obtains a sound outputting body temperature; and a sound pressure correcting device that corrects a voltage level of the approach alert sound voltage waveform signal to be larger as the sound outputting body temperature increases.

Abstract: In a robot system, a signal output unit outputs, depending on a processing result of an image processing unit, an entry preparation signal indicating an entry preparation state, and an entry permission signal for permitting a person to enter a predetermined section in a case where the person has been requested to enter the predetermined section. The entry preparation signal is outputted when the stopping of the operation of the robot is detected, and thereafter, when the person requests to enter the predetermined section, an instruction to stop the operation of the robot, or an instruction to stop the operation of the robot as well as an instruction to stop a portion of the robot system which is necessary to enable the person to enter therein, are outputted, and the entry permission signal is outputted.

Abstract: An apparatus, a processor-readable medium, and a method are provided that are configured to cause a haptic effect and an audio effect to be output substantially concurrently. The haptic effect has a frequency and the audio effect has a frequency different from the frequency of the haptic effect. At least one of the frequency of the haptic effect and the frequency of the audio effect is varied while maintaining substantially constant an average energy of the haptic effect. Varying the frequency of the audio effect can cause a perceived frequency of the haptic effect to change.

Abstract: In a multi-speaker audio system for, e.g., a home entertainment system or other entertainment system, each networked-speaker (wired or wireless) is activated or deactivated as appropriate such that audio play follows a user as the user moves around the home.

Abstract: An operation-sound generator which can output an operation-sound similar to a hit-sound of a mechanical relay with sound pressure in which a driver is recognizable is provided. A microcomputer supplies a plurality of first pulse sequences to the buzzer at intervals during a lighting period of turning on the direction indicator lamp or the hazard lamp, each of the first pulse sequences having a pulse number differing from each other, a same pulse width, and a same duty, in an order gradually reducing the pulse number. The pulse number of each of the first pulse sequences is set so that the output of each of the first pulse sequences is finished before stationary vibration of the buzzer is performed. Furthermore, after the output of the first pulse sequence is finished, the microcomputer starts the output of next the first pulse sequence before the vibration of the buzzer is stopped.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle horn includes a current delivery circuit and a control circuit that controls the current delivery circuit in response to a horn activation signal received from a horn pad switch. The control circuit includes a control module that generates a horn termination signal if a duration of the horn activation signal exceeds a predetermined duration. The horn termination signal is configured to cause the current delivery circuit to prevent delivery of current to the horn to deactivate the horn. The control circuit further includes a bypass circuit configured to cause the current delivery circuit to deliver current to the horn to activate the horn responsive to the horn activation signal in the absence of the horn termination signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which relate to mitigating the detrimental effects of interference to electronic devices from mobile telephones utilizing any form of time-domain multiplexing technology. A wireless transmitter inside the mobile telephone broadcasts a warning transmission which can be received by affected devices. Once the warning transmission is received by an affected device, the device activates a blanking circuit comprising an actuator and a switch or switches. The switches open for the duration of the interference so that the user does not receive undesired output such as: noise through a speaker, noise through a microphone, or other interference with electrical signals.

Abstract: A system is provided that encodes one or more dynamic haptic effects. The system defines a dynamic haptic effect as including a plurality of key frames, where each key frame includes an interpolant value and a corresponding haptic effect. An interpolant value is a value that specifies where an interpolation occurs. The system generates a haptic effect file, and stores the dynamic haptic effect within the haptic effect file.

Abstract: A vehicle presence notification apparatus notifying a presence of a vehicle includes an alarm device and a dynamic speaker. The alarm device includes an alarm generator generating an alarm sound and an acoustic tube through which the alarm sound is emitted outside of the vehicle. The dynamic speaker generates a notification sound with audible frequency. The dynamic speaker is fixed to the acoustic tube and emits the notification sound inside of the acoustic tube, such that the notification sound is generated outside of the vehicle through the acoustic tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for transmitting/broadcasting messages/content (e.g., audio) by routing such messages to an intended audience/recipient(s), and optionally applying audio preferences to broadcast characteristics. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may receive a message/broadcast in a queue, and identify a set of intended recipients of the broadcast (e.g., based on the content therein). Once the intended recipients have been identified, a set of locations of the intended recipients may be determined. Based on the locations, at least one output device is selected (e.g., based on proximity of the output device(s) to the intended recipients). Thereafter, the broadcast may be transmitted to the intended recipients via the selected output device(s), while any associated audio preferences are applied. In one embodiment, if an intended recipient is listening to other content, such content may be muted and/or paused so that the transmitted broadcast may be heard.

Abstract: A cabinet lock for protecting merchandise within a merchandise display cabinet having an inner door and an outer door. The cabinet lock includes a strike plate affixed to the inner door and a lock housing affixed to the outer door such that the cabinet is in a locked configuration that prevents access to the merchandise when the lock housing is operably engaged to the strike plate. A programmable electronic key communicates a security code with the cabinet lock and transfers electrical power to the cabinet lock to operate a lock mechanism between the locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. An indicator is provided for indicating whether the cabinet lock is in the locked configuration or the unlocked configuration. The indicator includes a first segment and a second segment that can be energized to visually indicate the status of the cabinet lock.

Abstract: An electric whistle has a power circuit, an inductor, an electric switch, a buzzer, a tone-set resistor and a sound IC. The sound IC generates an audio control signal to activate the electric switch. When the electric switch is activated, the inductor produces an induction voltage to activate the buzzer. The oscillation frequency of the audio control signal is determined by the single tone-set resistor without a capacitor. Therefore, few passive devices are used. The electric whistle of the present invention is compact and portable.

Abstract: A non-speaking reminding device used in getting off a public transportation mainly comprises a mark section disposed on a displayed object which is convenient to carry at an apparent place. The mark section disposes a popular and easy understanding signified pattern. Preferably, the mark section can further combine a miniature illuminant or a sound resource. Therefore, the subject reminding device visually reminds other people without speaking that the user is going to get off a vehicle, which renders other people able to displace their positions automatically and create an unobstructed passage for the user to pass and get off the vehicle quickly.

Abstract: Audible signals are created and emitted that provide a human user with improved sound localization cues to quickly and efficiently find the emitting device. Different emitted audible signals are sequentially emitted in response to receiving an activation signal. The different audible signals have been observed to efficiently help a human locate emitting devices that are 1) inside a sealed enclosure, such as a box; 2) in close proximity to the user; and 3) that is a large distance from the user.

Abstract: In further development of U.S. Pat. No. 6,310,540 B1, an audible signal device including a microprocessor or microcontroller and a sounder element, or a microprocessor or microcontroller in conjunction with electronic circuitry such as discrete components, inductors, or IC's with a sounder element where the resulting sound pressure level is controlled by changing the drive signal's frequency, size, shape, and/or duty cycle.

Abstract: A call signal generating device, whose pair of output terminals is connected to a telephone set, includes a rectifier rectifying an inputted high frequency signal and maintaining an output polarity in one of two polarities; and a polarity reverser generating a call signal by periodically reversing the output polarity of the rectifier and supplying it to the telephone set via the pair of output terminals.

Abstract: Content reproducing apparatus and method of a mobile terminal are disclosed. During the reproduction of content, vibration pattern corresponding to content is detect or generated. The vibration pattern is synchronized with an audio signal during the reproduction of content.

Abstract: A decorative doorbell device is provided that includes a base unit attachable to a door and an ornamental housing unit rotatably lockable to the base unit. A doorbell ringer may be attached to the ornamental housing unit with a wireless activator so that a sound-producing unit is remotely activated by the wireless activator. The ornamental housing unit may be formed in the shape of a football helmet and decorated with a particular team's logo and colors on in any other desired ornamentation and shape.

Abstract: A process instrument includes a transducer, a two wire interface, a microprocessor, a digital to analog converter, a first control circuit, and a second control circuit. A current passing through the two wire interface indicates a condition of the transducer. The microprocessor is interfaced with the transducer. The digital to analog converter receives a signal from the microprocessor indicating a current value. The first control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and adapted to control the current passing through the two wire interface to the current value. The second control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and supplies current to a secondary load.

Abstract: A non-invasive motion and respiration monitor receives impulses from a subject's movement, heartbeat, and respiration. The raw signal is biased and digitized, and a signal processor applies a Fast Fourier Transform to the signal. The transformed signal is filtered to isolate the component representing heart rate from the component representing respiration. An Inverse Fast Fourier Transform is then applied to the component signals, which are sent to a processor. The processor is programmed to detect irregularities in the respiration and heart rate. If severe irregularities or complete cessation is detected in either signal, a mechanical stimulator is actuated to try to stimulate the subject, and an alarm is sounded to alert a caregiver such as a parent or nurse.

Abstract: There is provided a linear vibrator including: a housing having an internal space formed therein; a magnetic field unit including a yoke disposed in the internal space and having a magnet and a magnet insertion part formed therein, and interacting with a coil to which power is applied to linearly move in the internal space, the magnet insertion part determining an insertion position of the magnet; and an elastic member disposed in a space between the housing and the magnetic field unit and elastically supporting linear movement of the magnetic field unit.

Abstract: A display device and a method for controlling the same are provided, in which a flexible display panel is provided, and a plurality of strain gauges are arranged on at least one surface of the flexible display panel to sense bending deformation of the flexible display panel.

Abstract: A method and system for exciting a dynamic tactile interface having a plurality of electrodes includes identifying an area within an image that is capable of tactile feedback and identifying a first subset of the plurality of electrodes in the dynamic tactile interface that correspond to the plurality of areas. A voltage is applied to each of the electrodes of to the plurality of electrodes to create a desired state for each electrode corresponding to the areas capable of tactile feedback. The dynamic tactile interface can be implemented as part of a viewable display type of device, or as a device without any viewable display.

Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus regarding collection, dissemination and display of information concerning paintball loaders and markers are disclosed. A loader includes a heads-up display, electronic devices for gathering, storing and disseminating information, and an antenna for sending and receiving data. Wireless voice communications among paintball players is possible via associated headsets.

Abstract: Audible signals are created and emitted that provide a human user with improved sound localization cues to quickly and efficiently find the emitting device. Different emitted audible signals are sequentially emitted in response to receiving an activation signal. The different audible signals have been observed to efficiently help a human locate emitting devices that are 1) inside a sealed enclosure, such as a box; 2) in close proximity to the user; and 3) that is a large distance from the user.

Abstract: A vibration frequency adjusting system and method measures energy of a vibration generated by a vibrator of an electronic device, and converts the vibration energy to a level of electric charge. The system and method further compares the level of electric charge with preset electric charge thresholds, and adjusts the level of electric charge to a preset level of electric charge according to the comparison. Then, the system and method converts the adjusted preset level of electric charge to a voltage, and outputs the voltage to vibrator, so as to adjust the frequency of the vibration according to the voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention includes a method of wireless communication. The method comprises receiving a sonic signal and determining a sequence of sonic tones from a received sonic signal. The receiving includes receiving the sonic signal at an electronic device using a microphone. The sonic signal includes a sequence of sonic tones. The receiving results in the received sonic signal. The sequence of sonic tones contains predefined timing. The timing includes the duration of each sonic tone and a set of intervals between successive sonic tones.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include at least one driven wheel and a drive assembly adapted to selectively drive the rotation of the at least one driven wheel. The drive assembly may include at least one electric motor, a battery assembly including at least one battery and adapted to provide a plurality of voltages to the at least one electric motor, and at least one user input device positioned to receive inputs from a child sitting on the at least one seat, and adapted to select among the plurality of voltages and to apply that selected voltage to the at least one electric motor; and an electronics system adapted to detect the applied voltage to the at least one electric motor and to generate at least one of an audio output and a visual output based, at least in part, on the applied voltage.

Abstract: To output sounds generated by multiple objects disposed in a virtual space in as easy a manner as possible while giving live feelings, a storage unit (202) of a game machine (201) stores information on objects of a first type and a second type which move in the virtual space. A basic sound acquiring unit (203) acquires basic sound information corresponding to the total number of the objects. An imitation sound acquiring unit (204) acquires imitation sound information imitating a sound generated by an object of the first type from its position in the virtual space. A mixing output unit (205) mixes and outputs the basic sound information and the imitation sound information. An input receiving unit (206) receives an instruction input from the user.

Abstract: A rescue device is disclosed for rescuing a child from a life threatening situation. The device includes a container for the reception therein of the child. A cover cooperates with the container such that when the child has been placed within the container, the container and the cover cooperate together to define a safe enclosure for the evacuation of the child from the life threatening situation.

Abstract: A retractable post assembly with alarm function is disclosed. The retractable post assembly includes: a stationary post being a column member; a moveable post being a column member and moveably sleeved with the stationary post; and an alarm device, such as an air whistle, an electrically-controlled buzzer unit, and an electrically-controlled alarm lamp unit, installed in the retractable post assembly at a proper location. When the moveable post is making a relative movement with respect to the stationary post, the alarm device senses the movement and raises an alarm accordingly.