Abstract: Provided is a mobile device including: an audio output unit; an audio source unit which provides music information to the audio output unit; an adjustment unit which adjusts the audio volume of the audio output unit; an announcement information generation unit which provides announcement information to the audio output unit; and a control unit which forcibly selects a predetermined audio volume regardless of the adjustment made by the adjustment unit when announcing information by the announcement information generation unit from the audio output unit.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for methods, instructions, and applications for a user-guidance system. In some examples, the system may include sensors to measure current weight distribution of a user of the user-guidance system and to transmit resulting measured weight distribution data, a guidance apparatus to calculate a subsequent user movement based on at least the measured weight distribution data and to transmit resulting user movement instructions, and an actuator to produce actuating signals, based on at least the user movement instructions, that provide instructions for the subsequent user movement.

Abstract: A method for visual indication of the function of wireless receivers where a wireless signal is transmitted to a group of receivers, and where each receiver intermittently flashes a visual indicator when a wireless signal is received, whereby the intermittence and flashing of the visual indicators of the receivers are synchronized.

Abstract: A control unit detects presence of a person and a direction of his/her face based on image information inputted from an imaging device, and determines that a warning need be provided to notify the person of vehicle approach if the person is detected but his/her face is not detected. The control unit checks a determination result as to whether the warning should be provided to a warning sound output device. The warning sound output device generates warning sound in response to the determination result indicating that sound warning is needed.

Abstract: A game is provided on one or more portable computing device in which a virtual object travels through views of the game displayed on the interfaces of the one or more portable computing devices. Haptic effects corresponding to the travel of the virtual object through the views are provided on the individual portable computing devices. The haptic effects may be determined based on one or more parameters of the travel of the virtual object, one or more parameters of objects and/or features with which the virtual object interacts, and/or other parameters. The haptic effects may include haptic effects to be provided on portable computing devices that are not currently displaying the virtual object corresponding to the haptic effects.

Abstract: Provided is a system controller device intended for use by persons having limited or no use of their hands. The device includes a first air sensor configured to provide a first electromagnetic signal representative of an air pressure or an air-flow, or a combination thereof, a second orientation sensor configured to provide a second electromagnetic signal representative of a relative orientation or a change of orientation, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor, a third linear position sensor configured to provide a third electromagnetic signal representative of a relative position or change of position, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor along a linear carriage, and a signal processor configured to combine said first, said second and said third electromagnetic signals to provide an event message.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a device and a method for providing a haptic motion feedback to user interacting with a simulated three-dimensional (“3D”) environment. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a belt assembly, coupled to the base. The belt assembly includes a housing having an opening and a belt adapted to rotate within the housing for conveying a motion of an object moving in the simulated 3D environment. To indicate a horizontal component of object's motion, in one embodiment, the base is rotated, thus causing the belt assembly to rotate around its central axis. To indicate a vertical component of the object's motion, in one embodiment, the belt assembly is tilted. Optionally, the belt may include a plurality of protrusions and/or indentations on its surface for indicating to the user distances covered by the object within the simulated 3D environment.

Abstract: An apparatus for instantaneously translating sign language in to voice and video is introduced. The present invention uses accelerometer sensors to compute the position and movement of each finger, thereby instantaneously determining the posture of the hand. The location of fingers with respect to body is accurately determined by placing RFID tags at different parts of the body while a single RFID reader is placed on the index finger. Data from accelerometer sensors and RFID reader are multiplexed and sent wirelessly via a controller to a laptop processor where ultimate conversion of sign language to text/voice is achieved. Further, various characteristics of sign language comprising hand position, hand posture, hand orientation and hand movement are detected based on the accelerometer data and RFID data.

Abstract: A computerized method for inputting numbers 0-9 using a communication device, the communication device includes an input unit defining a touch sensitive circular guideway thereon configured for inputting the numbers 0-9. The circular guideway is divided into a plurality of identical segments. A movement distance of a slide action applied on the circular guideway along a predetermined direction from a predetermined starting point on the circular guideway is detected. An inputted number is determined according to the movement distance of the slide action and a length of each of the segments, when the slide action on the circular guideway is completed.

Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.

Abstract: An electronic device for analyzing signal content derived from audible events, the device aiding the hearing impaired by annunciating events of interest including dangerous events. The device detects the presence of an event of interest by comparing characteristics of detected acoustic events with pre-determined reference characteristics, provides non-audible annunciators to indicate the presence of an event of interest, the type of event, and the direction from which the event is detected.

Abstract: A game controller includes a magnetic field generation unit to be attached to a tongue of a first user, and a control signal output device to be provided outside a mouth of a second user for outputting a game control signal according to a position of the magnetic field generation unit in the mouth when the tongue of the first user to which the magnetic field generation unit is attached is inserted into the mouth of the second user, wherein the control signal output device measures a magnetic field intensity of the magnetic field generation unit, calculates the position of the magnetic field generation unit in the mouth according to magnetic field intensities measured by the magnetic field sensors, generates a game control signal according to the calculated position, and transmits the generated game control signal to the game apparatus.

Abstract: Systems, components, and methods are described for obstacle detection by visually impaired users. A system can include a support element, such as a mobility cane, and one or more object sensors such as sonar, lidar, RF, or radar sensors. A system can also include a control system. A user interface may be included. The user interface may be attached or connected to the control system and/or support element. The object sensors may be oriented in multiple, separate directions.

Abstract: A haptic feedback system for a robotic catheter system including a robotic catheter manipulator assembly including one or more removably mounted robotic catheter device cartridges and robotic sheath device cartridges, with each cartridge being generally linearly movable relative to the robotic catheter manipulator assembly. The haptic feedback system may include a user interface device for controlling an operation associated with the catheter and/or sheath device cartridges, and a control system for evaluating a predetermined and/or a measured operational parameter of the haptic feedback system. The user interface device may provide haptic feedback to a user based on the evaluation by the control system.

Abstract: An electronic system has a controller device, at least one controller responsive device operating in response to the controller device, and at least one status indicating device arranged to provide a control status output. The response mode of operation of the controller responsive device is predetermined dependent upon the control status output of a predetermined one or more of the status indicating devices, the control status output being one of a predetermined plurality of different output modes.

Abstract: A system which uses movement of a human body to control a function of a terminal comprises: a detecting device for detecting variation of the movement of the human body depending on an intention of a user so as to transmit a detection signal; and a terminal for storing a reference signal according to at least one class of movement and a control signal corresponding to the reference signal, for searching for a reference signal the same as the detection signal received from the detecting device, and for processing a function based on the control signal corresponding to the reference signal when the reference signal the same as the detection signal is identified. Thereby, a user not only controls the terminal or a driving device, but also performs authentication processing using simple movement of his/her body without any hand operation. A corresponding method for controlling a function using movement of the human body is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for associating sounds with different keypresses, involving receiving an input of a first keypress from a keyboard including a plurality of keys, wherein the keyboard is associated with a computing device, determining whether a key corresponding to the first keypress is one of a plurality of significant elements, wherein the plurality of significant elements is a subset of the plurality of keys, determining a first sound event associated with the key, when the key is one of the plurality of significant elements, and outputting a first sound associated with the first sound event.

Abstract: A security system and method of operation thereof are provided in which users of the security system are each assigned a preferred language. A user interface of the security system communicates information to particular users in their assigned preferred languages.

Abstract: A system includes a controller and an RFID sensor, an RFID sensor reader having a detection region, and a transceiver connected to the controller. The system may be secured to or contained within a wearable glove. The RFID sensor is configured to transmit an RFID sensor signal to the RFID sensor reader when the RFID sensor is within the detection region. The RFID sensor reader is configured to transmit an RFID sensor reader signal to the controller after receiving the RFID sensor signal. The controller is configured to transmit a signal to the transceiver after receiving the RFID sensor reader signal. The signal may include input from a motion sensor and/or an orientation sensor connected to the controller. The transceiver may transmit the signal to a remote processor via an antenna. The signal may be used for gesture recognition, information coding, and/or information processing.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vibrotactile mobile device which induces a tactile sense at various positions in an interface method of operating the mobile device so that a user may intuitively interact with the mobile device while seeing a program execution status, and to a method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device. The method of driving the vibrotactile mobile device includes: providing a user interface for inputting a command signal on a screen operated in accordance with a program; calculating a target vibration position and a direction and a speed of a vibration flow with time so as to recognize a trajectory of the command signal displayed on the screen and supply a vibration stimulus corresponding to the trajectory of the command signal; and driving the vibration module by controlling a supply of power to be applied to vibration modules based on the calculated result.

Abstract: The change of the status of a traffic light at a crosswalk is controlled based on an impaired individual's location with respect to the crosswalk. An appropriate alert indicating the status of the traffic light is determined based at least on the location of the impaired individual. The type of impairment may also be used in determining the appropriate alert. The appropriate alert is generated to inform the impaired individual of the status of the traffic light.

Abstract: An alarm system and method for warning of emergencies are provided. The method predefines a sign language list, and stores the sign language list in a storage device of a terminal device connected to at least one video camera. The method can control the video camera to capture sign images of a person when the person warns of an emergency using sign language, and combine the sign images to create a combined image. In addition, the method analyzes each of the sign images of the combined image to generate a group of sign numbers according to the sign language list stored in the storage device, generates a sign event according to the group of sign numbers, and responds to the sign event using a corresponding alarm.

Abstract: A method of tracking movement, position, or both of a tongue of a subject. The method includes positioning a tracer unit on the tongue of the subject in a non-obstructively manner; positioning a sensor system in proximity to the tongue carrying the tracer unit; calibrating the sensor system relative to the tracer unit; and detecting the position of the tracer unit. An assistive system/apparatus can track movement, position, or both of the tongue. The system/apparatus includes the tracer unit; the sensor system for detecting position of the tracer unit and adapted for non-obstructive placement proximal the sensor system; and a control system for transmitting to a processing system.

Abstract: A system and method for prosthetic/orthotic (PO) device and/or PO system communication. PO devices of the present invention preferably employ common communication modules that allow for wireless communication between PO devices and other devices, such as remote controls and data transfer devices. The present invention also provides for a methodology of determinant and non-interfering simultaneous communication between multiple PO devices of a PO system.

Abstract: A listening system that eases the acknowledgement of ‘alarm signals’, as e.g. issued by alarm indicators, in the environment of a user in difficult listening situations. The listening system is adapted to issue specific ALARM mode signals to the user corresponding to said external alarm signals, when said listening system is in an ALARM mode. An advantage of the present system is that a user is able to take notice of alarms from normal indicators even in case of a hearing impairment and/or when located in a noisy environment. The system may e.g. be used for the hearing instruments, ear protection devices, earphones, headsets or combinations thereof.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an X-ray system includes a handheld X-ray interface device. The handheld X-ray interface device includes a wireless interface for communicating with an imaging system and a tracking device configured to provide a location and/or to track movement of the handheld X-ray interface device relative to the imaging system, wherein the location or tracked movement of the handheld X-ray interface device is communicated to the imaging system as an input for at least one control function of the imaging system.

Abstract: A traffic control system utilizes geometric or mathematical designs and/or secondary lights for traffic signals so as to allow red/green color blind individuals to determine whether the signal is for stop or go.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented to remotely dial wireless communications devices. A device is equipped with a microphone and a plurality of logic units to analyze incoming acoustic signals in the form of Morse code. Acoustic signals may comprise tapping sounds, or voice patterns to create the “dits” and “dahs” associated with Morse code. Background noise can be eliminated using digital signal processing (DSP). The device can be used in a variety of environments where phone numbers and addresses need to be dialed from a distance or in emergency situations.

Abstract: An edge signal extractor generates an edge signal according to a sound wave generated for controlling the electronic appliance. According to the edge signal, an edge pulse generator generates an edge pulse. If a predetermined number of such edge signals are generated, a controller displays, on a display of the electronic appliance, one of menu images associated with control operations of the electronic appliance in an active state. The controller alternately displays, in an active state, the menu images on the display at predetermined intervals. When the edge pulse is generated, the controller carries out the control operation associated with the presently displayed menu image with respect to an electronic appliance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for guiding the blind, visually impaired, and low vision riders to a specific transportation device (mobile landmark) on a transit system. The network for guiding individuals through a transportation system involves at least one transmitter displaced on a transportation vehicle which identifies the specific identity of said transportation device by transmitting an identity signal that is recognized by interface of handheld apparatus.

Abstract: An assistive apparatus and method for remote control of an appliance by a subject are provided. The apparatus can comprise a tracer unit affixed to the tongue of the subject such that a change in position of the tongue changes position of the tracer; at least one sensor for detecting a position of the tracer unit; and a transmitter for transmitting a sensor signal to an appliance based on the detected position of the tracer unit, wherein the sensor signal effects control of the appliance. A method for tracking movement, position, or both of a tongue in a subject using the assistive apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A rescue device which attaches to the frame of a self-contained breathing apparatus carried on the back of emergency workers such as firemen, hazardous-waste cleanup crews, and other individuals entering into hostile environments. The rescue device is adapted to connect to the frame of existing self-contained breathing apparatus frames or racks. In one form, the rescue device has a top and bottom frame which connects to the SCBA tank at the top and bottom locations. The frames project around the body of the SCBA tank and extend out to position rolling elements for providing the transportation needs. The frames are connected to the tank of an SCBA by way of a quick-release linkage system. The frames have at the rolling elements ends wheel forks which contain wheels having axles. In another embodiment a skid plate is attached to the ends of the frames in conjunction with the protruding wheels or by itself without rolling elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, a computer program product, and a device that are responsive to detected mental states of a user to perform selection processes to execute a task. The method includes providing a hierarchical multi-level decision tree structure comprised of internal nodes and leaf nodes, where the decision tree structure represents a task. The method further includes navigating, using information derived from detected mental states of the user, through levels of the decision tree structure to reach a leaf node to accomplish the task. The step of navigating includes selecting, using the information derived from the detected mental states of the user, between attribute values associated with internal nodes of the decision tree structure. As non-limiting examples, the device may be a communication device, and the task may be a name dialing or a command/control task.

Abstract: An input device, such as a joystick, provides proportional input signals related to a position of an actuating member along an actuation surface and also includes a switch that provides an additional signal when the actuating member is moved in a direction perpendicular to the actuation surface.

Abstract: A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.

Abstract: An alarm system and method for warning of emergencies are provided. The method predefines a sign language list, and stores the sign language list in a storage device of a terminal device connected to at least one video camera. The method can control the video camera to capture sign images of a person when the person warns of an emergency using sign language, and combine the sign images to create a combined image. In addition, the method analyzes each of the sign images of the combined image to generate a group of sign numbers according to the sign language list stored in the storage device, generates a sign event according to the group of sign numbers, and responds to the sign event using a corresponding alarm.

Abstract: A guiding device includes: a fixed guiding device consisting of a marking (130, 211,311) containing an electroconductive material, on a pre-defined path that can be used by a visually impaired person, parallel to the path, characterised in that the quantity and/or distribution of the conductive material is uniform over the marking parallel to the path over a distance of at least one metre and is variable close to events on the path; and a mobile guiding device to be used together with the fixed guiding device and characterised in that it includes a stick (201, 301), a sensor (202, 302) consisting of an electroconductive material positioned at the distal end of the stick, and an element (203 to 210, 303 to 305) for warning the user whenever the sensor detects an event.

Abstract: Provided is a system controller device intended for use by persons having limited or no use of their hands. The device includes a first air sensor configured to provide a first electromagnetic signal representative of an air pressure or an air-flow, or a combination thereof, a second orientation sensor configured to provide a second electromagnetic signal representative of a relative orientation or a change of orientation, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor, a third linear position sensor configured to provide a third electromagnetic signal representative of a relative position or change of position, or a combination thereof, of said first sensor along a linear carriage, and a signal processor configured to combine said first, said second and said third electromagnetic signals to provide an event message.