Abstract: Described is using the human body as an input mechanism to a computing device. A sensor set is coupled to part of a human body. The sensor set detects mechanical (e.g., bio-acoustic) energy transmitted through the body as a result of an action/performed by the body, such as a user finger tap or flick. The sensor output data (e.g., signals) are processed to determine what action was taken. For example, the gesture may be a finger tap, and the output data may indicate which finger was tapped, what surface the finger was tapped on, or where on the body the finger was tapped.

Abstract: A system and method provide for reducing the snoring of a person sleeping on an adjustable bed. The system comprises a device configured with at least a microphone and a speaker, the device configured to monitor for a noise consistent with snoring. The system further comprises a control unit communicably coupled to the device and configured to actuate at least one motor of the adjustable bed to adjust at least a portion of the adjustable bed, wherein the control unit is further configured to actuate the at least one motor in response to the device detecting a noise consistent with snoring.

Abstract: An operation assisting system. When an operator manipulates an operation instrument to perform an operation for a joint surgery including a hip replacement, the operation assisting system provides the operator with information on the orientation of a bone such as a pelvis and an appropriate direction of the operation instrument relative to the bone to assist the operator so as to complete the operation in an easy and accurate manner, which ensures a high degree of operation accuracy and reduces the cost of the system.

Abstract: A sensor device has an insole, a sensor body abutting the insole, pressure sensors operably mounted on the sensor body for generating a pressure data signal, and an accelerometer mounted on the insole for generating a movement data signal indicating the measuring movement of the insole. A transmitter is used for transmitting the pressure data signal and the movement data signal to a reporting device having a receiver for receiving the pressure data signal and the movement data signal. The reporting device further has a processor and a computer-readable medium for storing the pressure data signal and the movement data signal.

Abstract: In a sleep posture alerting method or an apparatus therefor, the sleep posture of a person is detected and the person is automatically alerted by an alerting device when the sleep posture is out of a predetermined body posture range. The detection of the sleep posture or at least the alerting of the person, when his/her body posture is out of the predefined body posture range, is deactivated during a sleep-in time period.

Abstract: A system and method are described herein for a sensor device which biomechanically detects in real-time a user's movement state and posture and then provides real-time feedback to the user based on the user's real-time posture. The feedback is provided through immediate sensory feedback through the sensor device (e.g., a sound or vibration) as well as through an avatar within an associated application with which the sensor device communicates.

Abstract: Methods, systems and non-transitory computer readable mediums that store instructions executable by one or more processors to perform a method for detecting a fallen person are presented. The present technique includes identifying a reference plane and a reference line in a designated space monitored using one or more range-controlled radars. These radars are coupled to one or more antennas configured to define fields of the range-controlled radars to one or more portions of the designated space, where at least one portion corresponds to the reference plane. The range-controlled radars detect presence of one or more parameters corresponding to a subject disposed in the designated space. The parameters, for example, include one or more physiological parameters and one or more motion parameters. The range-controlled radars then identify the subject as the fallen person if the one or more physiological parameters corresponding to the subject are detected proximate the reference plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that can be used in individual weight control protocols that is capable of detecting in real time information with regard to number of bites taken, time between bites, and so forth. The weight control device can detect bites through motion detection via a sensor worn on the wrist or hand of a user. The device can include notification capabilities that can alert a user as to excessive eating speed, excessive amounts of food intake, and the like so as to provide immediate feedback for purposes of weight control.

Abstract: An assessment device is provided which allows for measurement of a position of interest, e.g., a body part, while a subject is in a functional position, such as may be required for the demands of an activity of interest without also requiring a lengthy setup time, tethered connection to other equipment external to the subject or tedious manual measurements. Moreover, an indicator such as an alarm or other output may be provided for receiving immediate, real time feedback, such as when a functional activity falls outside a tolerance or threshold.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled hazardous condition detection system with volatile and non-volatile memory containing a sensor package, the sensor package containing sensors exposed to the ambient environment, and an alarm element coupled to the sensor package through a microprocessor where the microprocessor includes a memory storage device containing a plurality of alarm thresholds stored therein, each of the plurality of alarm thresholds being associated with a predetermined set of levels in the ambient environment where the microprocessor receives periodic readings from the sensor package, the microprocessor conditions the received readings by removing a selected amount of noise and attenuation therefrom, selects and employs an optimized alarm threshold from a plurality of stored alarm thresholds and activates the alarm element upon detecting a threshold levels in the ambient environment greater than the selected alarm threshold.

Abstract: An electronic device with an alert system is disclosed. The electronic device includes a global positioning system (GPS) module and a central processing unit (CPU). The GPS module is capable of determining two velocities on two locations. The CPU is capable of computing a rate of change in velocity derived by dividing a change in velocity between the two locations into the time elapsed between the two locations. The CPU sends an alert message when the rate of change in velocity is beyond a preset value.

Abstract: A wearable computer determines unnatural movements of a head-mounted display (HMD) and triggers a locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the wearable computer receives movement data from one or more sensors and determines that the movement of the HMD is unnatural. In one embodiment, the wearable computer receives movement data from one or more sensors and determines that the HMD is being worn by an unauthorized user. In response to determining an unnatural movement and/or an unauthorized user wearing the HMD, the wearable computer triggers a locking mechanism, which can beneficially provide security measures for the wearable computer.

Abstract: Sensory indication modules intimately associated with a surface for detection of angle relative to true vertical and acceleration, and include feedback indicators for communicating localized information in relation to the detected angle and acceleration. Further included is a control module for communicating command and control instructions with the sensory indication modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing a sensor enhanced employee safety evaluation system. Systems that monitor and assess employee lifting behavior are employed at the workplace of an insured entity. Data from the lift monitoring systems are processed to obtain a safety evaluation. Based on the safety evaluation, the insurance provider can adjust the terms of the insurance policy to accurately reflect the risks associated with the insured entity. Feedback based on the safety evaluation is also provided to the insured entity and the employees of the insured entity to promote improvements in safe behavior.

Abstract: A posture sensing alert apparatus is provided. The posture sensing alert apparatus comprises an attachment element, a detecting element, a processing element and an alert element. The attachment element is adapted to attach on a human body. The detecting element is disposed on the attachment element and is adapted to sense a posture change from the human body. The processing element is disposed on the attachment element and connects to the detecting element. The processing element is adapted to output a signal to the alert element in response to the posture change for a predetermined period so that the alert element is adapted to output an alert accordingly.

Abstract: A wheelchair alarm system and method for preventing falls for patients at risk by recognizing the gesture of a patient attempting to stand. The wheelchair alarm system uses an array of proximity sensors and pressure sensors to create a map of the patient's sitting position, and then uses gesture recognition algorithms to determine when a patient is attempting to stand up. The wheelchair alarm system responds with light and voice alarms that can encourage the patient to remain seated and/or to make use of the system's integrated nurse-call function. The wheelchair alarm system can be seamlessly integrated into existing hospital WiFi networks, sending messages to the nurse call system as well as providing the patient's location.

Abstract: In a system for protecting a user from injury sustained during sleep, a sensing device is operated to automatically monitor orientation or posture of a user during sleep of the user. A signal is transmitted from the sensing device to a control unit, which is operated to activate an appliance so that the appliance generates an alert signal upon detection by the sensing device and control unit of an undesirable orientation or posture of the user.

Abstract: A path planning device includes: an initial position and posture path acquiring unit which acquires an initial position and posture path including a plurality of nodes connecting present position and posture of a control target to target position and posture and which configures a rigid body corresponding to the control target in each node in the position and posture path; an interference detector which detects interference with the control target by an obstruction; an external force calculator which calculates an external force for each rigid body; and a multi rigid body system dynamics simulation unit which performs a multi rigid body system dynamics simulation on a plurality of equations of rigid body motion and which acquires positions and postures of the control target at times corresponding to the nodes in the position and posture path.

Abstract: Apparatus for detection of human falls, comprises: an acceleration detector, for detecting vibration events, typically placed on a floor, a microphone, located in association with the acceleration detector for detection of corresponding sound events, and a classification unit to classify concurrent events from the microphone and the acceleration detector, thereby to determine whether a human fall is indicated. If the event appears to be a human fall, then an alarm is raised.

Abstract: One system embodiment includes providing a number of sensors for monitoring an individual in performing a number of tasks from a list of tasks to be completed, the number of tasks each including, an associated number of steps to be completed by the individual, monitoring the performance of a task from the list by using at least one of the number of sensors, providing the individual with a number of step instruction prompts associated with the steps of the task, and obtaining task performance information corresponding to the performance of the task by the individual. The task performance information includes step prompt information including the number of step instruction prompts provided during performance of the task, sensor data from the at least one of the number of sensors, and adjusting the list of tasks to be completed based on the task performance information of the task.

Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed for providing a sensor enhanced employee safety evaluation system. Systems that monitor and assess employee lifting behavior are employed at the workplace of an insured entity. Data from the lift monitoring systems are processed to obtain a safety evaluation. Based on the safety evaluation, the insurance provider can adjust the terms of the insurance policy to accurately reflect the risks associated with the insured entity. Feedback based on the safety evaluation is also provided to the insured entity and the employees of the insured entity to promote improvements in safe behavior.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting if a person has fallen down is provided. The system includes at least two sensors which remotely detect energy in at least two zones. The output of the sensors are analyzed and compared to characteristics which are determined to be representative of a fall. If the sensor outputs match the particular characteristics, the system concludes that a fall has occurred and outputs this result. An alarm may be generated if the system detects a fall.

Abstract: A device for determining a posture pattern of an animal comprises a housing configured and adapted to be attached to a part of the animal; the housing comprises a posture sensor operative to sense an orientation of the part of the animal indicating the posture of the animal; and an interface unit operative to output the orientation information.

Abstract: Method and device for fall prevention and detection, specifically for the elderly care based on digital image analysis using an intelligent optical sensor. The fall detection is divided into two main steps; finding the person on the floor, and examining the way in which the person ended up on the floor. When the first step indicates that the person is on the floor, data for a time period of a few seconds before and after the indication is analyzed in the second step. If this indicates a fall, a countdown state is initiated in order to reduce the risk of false alarms, before sending an alarm. The fall prevention is also divided into two main steps: identifying a person entering a bed; and identifying the person leaving the bed to end up standing beside it.

Abstract: A sleepiness level determination device includes: a detector processing a face image of an user and for detecting an eye image of the user based on the face image; a characteristic value calculating unit calculating a characteristic value regarding the eye based on the eye image; a sleepiness level determining unit determining a sleepiness level based on the characteristic value; and a reliability calculating unit calculating reliability of the sleepiness level based on the characteristic value.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide a position sensing component that carries a gravity sensor sized and configured to provide a position dependent output indicative of the relative sleep position of the individual. The position sensing component can take the form of a strap sized and configured to be worn about the neck, or be integrated into a therapeutic oral appliance sized and configured to be worn within an oral cavity of the individual. The position sensing component is worn by the individual during sleep. The systems and methods compare the position dependent output with one or more benchmark conditions that correlate to a desired sleep position, and generate an alarm output when the individual is not in a desired sleep position, to thereby influence or alter the individual's sleep position to return the individual to a sleep position that correlates to a desired sleep position.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the activity of a user to prevent deep vein thrombosis when working. The device comprises a carrier (20) for positioning on or adjacent a user, a motion sensor (10) mounted on the carrier (20) and adapted to detect the user performing a predefined motion, processor adapted to filter the motion detected to remove background motion not attributable to the desired exercise and to reset a timer (12) when the predefined motion is detected. An alarm (14) is operated by the processor should the time period elapse without the exercise pattern being detected. The components are all contained in the carrier (20) which is preferably a small container that can be attached to a user's trousers or around the limb of a wearer. Failure to undertake the required motion will cause the alarm (14) to be activated, thus notifying the wearer of the omission.

Abstract: One aspect relates to adjusting a positional state of an individual to a physiological aspect of the individual at least partially in response to detecting a radiant kinetic energy from the individual. Another aspect relates to indicating to configure an individual at least partially in response to a determining at least one physiologically-indicating body temperature of the individual derived at least partially based on a detecting a radiant kinetic energy from the individual.

Abstract: A radar system for monitoring a premises in a home or building. The radar system includes transmitter and receiver antennae and a signal processor that processes a reflected signal. Doppler analysis of the reflected signal determines the activity and location of a subject's upper torso, and the subject's presence within the monitored premises.

Abstract: A head gatch alarm system reduces medical risk for aspirational pneumonia when an angle of the head gatch section is outside a predetermined range. The system includes an inclinometer and a pump. The inclinometer is attached to the head gatch section for sensing an angle of the head gatch section. The inclinometer includes an RF receiver and RF transmitter for sending and receiving signals to a pump. An alarm or other means for alerting a medical professional is in communication with the inclinometer or the pump. The pump includes an RF transmitter and RF receiver for two way RF communication between the pump and the inclinometer. In operation, the alarm is triggered and the pump is turned off when the head gatch section is positioned outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: The vision protection method and system thereof is provided to ensure a viewer to rest his/her eyes after viewing on an electronic device for a certain period, wherein the eyesight protection method includes the steps of detecting one of more working parameters of the viewer in responsive to a preset working threshold in a working mode of the electronic device during the viewer is working on a current work displaying by the electronic device; switching the working mode of the electronic device to a resting mode; and switching the electronic device from the resting mode back to the working mode to resume the display of the current work of the electronic device. Therefore, the viewer is enforced to rest his/her eyes after every certain period.

Abstract: A personal security apparatus includes a transmitting device having an event detector initiating different signals which indicate different event types. A transceiver receives the signals from the transmitting device and interprets each signal as corresponding to a particular event type. The transceiver sends respective event type alert signals to a remote monitoring device. The remote monitoring device provides a plurality of respective event type indicators for each of the event type alert signals received.

Abstract: An apparatus used for reducing the incidence of aspiration in patients using a two-axis inclinometer is disclosed. The apparatus uses a two-axis inclinometer that is attached in the region of the patient's upper body to measure the absolute angular elevation of the patient's upper body, which is then transmitted to a display or other output device. In one embodiment, the instrument can be mounted to the head of a bed in a plurality of orientations and accurately measure the absolute angular elevation of the patient's upper body. In other embodiments the absolute angular elevation of the patient's upper body information is processed and transmitted to the nurses' station or to a data recorder. The disclosure also relates to a method for measuring the physical orientation of a patient, using such two-axis inclinometer apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for automatically controlling power of a video appliance. The apparatus for automatically controlling power of a video appliance includes an image input unit for capturing a viewer's posture, a posture detection unit for detecting posture information from the image captured by the image input unit, a horizontal-level calculation unit for calculating a horizontal level by using the posture information detected by the posture detection unit and comparing the calculated horizontal level with a preset reference horizontal level, an alert-sound output unit for outputting an alert sound corresponding to the horizontal level compared by the horizontal-level calculation unit; and a power-signal transceiver unit for outputting a power-off signal to the video appliance corresponding to the horizontal level compared by the horizontal-level calculation unit.

Abstract: A trainable back bend monitor system for use by individuals that will monitor and sense bending as it occurs and where a threshold level of bending can be set so that the individual will be warned when that predetermined threshold, unique to that individual, has been reached so that the individual can then be warned or signaled to stop bending thereby avoiding bending conditions that can lead to bodily strain that can cause lower back pain.

Abstract: A movement monitor includes a sensor pad for sensing when a weight is placed on the sensor pad and when the weight is removed from the sensor pad. A sleeve encloses the sensor pad. A control flap is formed in the sleeve for enclosing an alarm circuit coupled to the sensor pad.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system that displays an indicator of patient posture state that changes according to posture state data. The posture state data may be transmitted from a medical device, for example, in or near real-time. In some examples, the disclosure relates to a method comprising receiving posture state data for a patient from a medical device; and presenting an indicator indicative of two or more of posture states based on the received posture state data, wherein each posture state of the two or more posture states is determined based on different detection criteria.

Abstract: A lack of patient movement monitor and method. The monitor and method patient support includes a plurality of sensors located beneath a patient support to determine movement of a patient. An alarm is activated when patient movement over time is determined to be lacking.

Abstract: A monitoring system for use with a leg hole device includes a sensor for monitoring a state of at least one leg of a child engaged with the leg hole device, a control system, and a user interface. A state of presence or absence of at least one leg may be monitored.

Abstract: A radar fall detector system. The radar fall detector system includes transmitter and receiver antennae and a signal processor that processes a reflected signal. Doppler analysis of the reflected signal determines a subject's activity and condition, and its distance to a floor.

Abstract: Sensory indication modules intimately associated with a surface for detection of angle relative to true vertical and acceleration, and include feedback indicators for communicating localized information in relation to the detected angle and acceleration. Further included is a control module for communicating command and control instructions with the sensory indication modules.

Abstract: A sensing and analyzing device for determining when physical limits of a patient have been exceeded by the patient during exercise is provided. The device may comprise a sensing unit, analyzing unit and a warning unit. The sensing unit may be attached to critical locations on a body of the patient. The sensing unit may be operative to sense pressure. The analyzing unit may be attached to a convenient location on the patient's body. The analyzing unit may be operative to receive pressure data from the sensing unit to determine whether the patient has exceeded the physical limits of the patient. The warning unit may communicate with the analyzing unit and be activated by the analyzing unit when the physical limit of the patient has been exceeded for notifying the patient when the patient's physical limits have been exceeded.

Abstract: The gait monitor system and method provides various basic gait parameters including step count, cadence, and step duration, in addition to its ability to distinguish between normal, limping and shuffling gait modes, as well as determine falls. Moreover, this gait monitor may be provided with additional sensors, e.g. beam break at the beginning and end of a corridor to estimate average walking velocity (with the distance between the beams known or determined); this enables the calculation of additional gait characteristics such as average step length and average stride length. These parameters can additionally be used to detect various gait anomalies and other diagnostic information.

Abstract: A method of improving the rate of detection of attempts at fraud when a person passes through a controlled space based on the use of different sets of parameters issuing from at least two different sensor systems, some sets of parameters being based on correlations of measurements issuing from various sensor systems. Learning is carried out so as to characterize various types of fraud to permit identification of attempts at fraud by correlation between measurements obtained and characterizations of each type of fraud for each set of parameters.

Abstract: A novel back training device is disclosed. The back training device includes a control box; a detector mounted to the control box, for detecting when a person bends at the waist; and an alert means, operatively connected to the detector for alerting the person when the person bends at the waist.

Abstract: A device for continuously monitoring an elevation, ?, from horizontal of a backrest against which a backbody of an individual may lean, to provide an automatic notification in the event the elevation, ?, falls below a prescribed value.

Abstract: A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining subject status information associated with one or more postural aspects regarding one or more subjects of two or more postural influencers, determining subject advisory information regarding the one or more subjects based at least in part upon the subject status information and the postural influencer status information., and determining subject advisory information regarding the one or more subjects based at least in part upon the subject status information and the postural influencer status information. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system includes, but is not limited to: one or more obtaining information modules for obtaining subject status information associated with one or more postural aspects regarding one or more subjects of two or more postural influencers, one or more obtaining information modules for obtaining postural influencer status information regarding one or more spatial aspects regarding the two or more postural influencers of the one or more subjects., and one or more determining advisory modules for determining subject advisory information regarding the one or more subjects based at least in part upon the subject status information and the postural influencer status information. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

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: Apparatus for monitoring movement of a person's eye, e.g., to monitor drowsiness. The system includes a frame that is worn on a person's head, an array of emitters on the frame for directing light towards the person's eye, and an array of sensors on the frame for detecting light from the array of emitters. The sensors detect light that is reflected off of respective portions of the eye or its eyelid, thereby producing output signals indicating when the respective portions of the eye is covered by the eyelid. The emitters project a reference frame towards the eye, and a camera on the frame monitors movement of the eye relative to the reference frame. This movement may be correlated with the signals from the array of sensors and/or with signals from other sensors on the frame to monitor the person's level of drowsiness.