Abstract: A method includes, but is not limited to: for each of one or more instances, determining subject advisory information regarding one or more subjects associated with the instance based at least in part upon postural influencer status information including information involving one or more spatial aspects for each of two or more postural influencers of the one or more subjects, and generating one or more directions based at least in part upon each of the subject advisory information associated with each of the more than one instances. 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: An apparatus ensuring that an expecting mother does not lie on her back by alerting an expecting mother upon such an event. An adjustable and flexible belt is provided which includes one or more sensors positioned at or near the center of the belt to determine when an expecting woman wearing the belt is sleeping on her back and an alarm that is activated by the sensor to alert a sleeping mother when she is lying on her back.

Abstract: A push plate assembly sends a signal to a receiver. The push plate includes a housing, a push plate, a signal generator, a biasing member, a first latch element, a second latch element, and a button. The push plate is movably mounted to the housing. The signal generator includes a switch. The switch is in electrical communication with circuitry through which a signal is transmitted. The biasing member is disposed between the push plate and the signal generator. The biasing member biases the push plate away from the signal generator. The first latch element is connected to the push plate. The second latch element is disposed in the housing. The first latch element and the second latch element engage with one another to limit the movement of the push plate away from the signal generator as the biasing member acts on the push plate.

Abstract: Fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus including a generally flattened hemispherical housing and a turret-like user interface having a user operated control panel for controlling operation of the fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus and providing fetal wellbeing information to an expectant mother. Fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus including a fetal motor activity sensor including a base plate with a base plate topside and a base plate underside with an elongated planar strain gauge film element defining a nominal measurement plane in a non-flexed state, and having a variable electrical property proportional to resilient elastic flexion in a transverse direction to the measurement plane on application of a bending moment and a fetal motor activity determination module for processing time varying information for determining fetal motor activity. Two-ply pad for use with the fetal wellbeing monitoring apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides method for break reminder and a display device. The display device includes a display unit; a clock counter; a distance estimator configured for detecting if the display device being used by a user, calculating distance between the user and a front of the display device, and generating a tracking signal if the distance is less than a predetermined distance; and a central processing unit configured for waiting for the tracking signal, resetting a worked time and a rested time when the tracking signal is received, signaling the clock counter to track the worked time, detecting if the worked time is less than a first predetermined time, and signaling the display unit to output the message prompt when the worked time is equal to or greater than the first predetermined time, thereby the present invention can prevent the user of the display device from fatigue.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a predetermined position of a user wearing a disposable absorbent article are given. The methods and systems may include detecting that the user of the disposable absorbent article is in the predetermined position, wherein the predetermined position is determined to be a potentially life-threatening position. In response to determining that the user is in the predetermined position, an operation of a transmitter located on the disposable absorbent article is controlled. Movement, location and/or various biometrics of the user may also be monitored.

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: Systems, methods, and devices for using body-worn RFID tags related instrumentation located in the premises where a monitored person is located to prevent or detect specific types of movements of the person, such as falls from which the person has not recovered, wandering, bed egress, attempted room egress, and medication errors. The body-worn RFID tags may include an upper body RFID tag located in a wrist band and a lower body RFID tag located in a sock worn by the monitored person. The RFID instrumentation located in the premises may include one or more antennas located in the floor, door, bed frame, and mattress. The systems may also activate response actions upon detecting specified movements, such as sending an alert message to a patient monitoring system, activating an alarm, activating an camera, and/or playing a recorded message to the person.

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 portable alarm transmitter for compliance monitoring detects whether a user is wearing the device. If not, a special alarm signal is sent to the monitoring service provider so that remedial actions can be taken. The alarm transmitter comprises a motion sensor, and an algorithm thereby for detecting whether the alarm device is being worn by the user. The alarm transmitter distinguish between non-compliance (e.g. user has taken off the alarm device) versus other “activities of daily living (ADL) that may appear to be non-compliance events (e.g. sleeping) by incorporating user stimulus and user response.

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: A system and method for stimulating user motility is provided. According to the invention a monitoring system (10, 12, 14) receives information associated with a user (15) of a computer (14), and a display (16) associated with the computer (14) having the display (16) coupled to the monitoring system (10, 12, 14). The computer generates a feedback (30, 32, 34, 36) to the user (15) based upon the received information.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking a user's posture. The system and method include an environmental module for determining the user's physical environment, a biomechanical module for determining at least a user's posture in the user's physical environment, and an output module for outputting to the user an indication of at least the user's posture relative to at least a target correct posture. The physical environment can include a computer workstation environment, a manufacturing environment, a gaming environment, and/or a keypadding environment.

Abstract: A system, a method and an apparatus for autonomous monitoring, detecting and tracking of movement and orientation of a body or portion of a body. The apparatus comprises a device configured to monitor the translational and/or rotational movement of the body; and an altimeter configured to measure changes in height of the body. An alert condition is determined based on the translational and/or rotational movement of the body and changes in height of the body or portion of the body. The alert condition may comprise a hard fall event, a soft fall event, a susceptibility to a fall, or a near fall event.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide a tracking apparatus (100) and method that are operable to efficiently track an animal. The tracking apparatus (100) is operable to be worn by an animal, determine its current geographic location, and transmit information relating to its current geographic location to an external device such as a portable navigation unit (200). The navigation unit (200) is operable to display a representation of the geographic location of the tracking apparatus (100) for consideration by a user.

Abstract: A wireless sensor-based lameness evaluation system detects and analyzes patterns of vertical head and pelvic motion of a four-legged animal in correlation with at least one limb movement. The system includes a plurality of motion sensors attached to the head, pelvis (or along the center of the back), and at least one limb of the animal. A processing system in receives the motion data and processes the motion data to detect and quantify forelimb and/or hindlimb lameness in the animal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, devices, and systems to monitor activity. One method to monitor activity includes monitoring activity of an individual including detecting a sensor activated by an individual during the individual's daily activities. The embodiment also includes comparing the sensor activation to a predetermined sensor activation timeframe, determining whether to initiate an alert based upon the comparison, and checking for at least one other sensor activation to confirm whether an alert should be initiated.

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 moving body segment and its distance to a floor.

Abstract: A vehicle speed V is compared with a threshold Vth; when V is less than Vth, TLC is set to an initial value t0; when V is not less than Vth, TLC is set shorter with increase in V. Then TLC is compared with a predetermined value t th, and when TLC is less than t th, TLC is replaced by t th being a lower limit. This improves compatibility between a reduction in an occurrence frequency of needless warnings and a guarantee of a deviation margin time.

Abstract: Method and device for fall prevention and detection, specially 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. The first step is further divided into algorithms investigating the percentage share of the body on the floor, the inclination of the body and the apparent length of the person. The second step includes algorithms examining the velocity and acceleration of the person. 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 analysed in the second step. If this indicates fall, a countdown state is initiated in order to reduce the risk of false alarms, before sending an alarm.

Abstract: A system for position matching of a patient for medical imaging includes a set of RFID tags configured to locate a patient position. A set of RFID interrogators are located to receive RFID position information from the set of RFID tags. A medical imaging system is positioned to produce a medical image of the patient, where the medical imaging system includes a computer. A patient position calculator receives the RFID position information and calculates a patient position for transmission to the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the formation of pressure sores on the skin of an individual is provided. The apparatus includes an inclination sensor for detecting a change in inclination of an object holding the individual. A microprocessor is in communication with the inclination sensor and generates an indication signal at the end of a timing cycle. The microprocessor resets the timing cycle based upon input from the inclination sensor. An indicator is in communication with the microprocessor and alerts the individual of the need to relieve pressure on certain areas of the skin of the individual upon receiving the indication signal.

Abstract: A vehicle speed V is compared with a threshold Vth; when V is less than Vth, TLC is set to an initial value t0; when V is not less than Vth, TLC is set shorter with increase in V. Then TLC is compared with a predetermined value t th, and when TLC is less than t th, TLC is replaced by t th being a lower limit. This improves compatibility between a reduction in an occurrence frequency of needless warnings and a guarantee of a deviation margin time.

Abstract: A system for producing information about the posture of a user applying pressure to a seat component is provided. A sensor structure with array of sensors is connected with the seat component, with the sensors in a predetermined pattern configured to provide output signals related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component. The output of the sensors in circuit communication with a processor to provide signals to the processor related to predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component, and the processor provides output related to the predetermined posture modes of the user applying pressure to the seat component.

Abstract: A method may include providing an output comprising a presentation format to an end user. The output may be provided for user-based interaction. An interactive response from the end user may be measured in response to the presentation format of the output, where the interactive response may be indicative of at least one physiological condition regarding the end user.

Abstract: A clothing arrangement or device having a sensor element for detecting a left position, which includes a housing, at least one position sensor, a chip (IC) having an integrated evaluation circuit, and a current-supply and charge unit, the position sensor being a monoaxial acceleration sensor, the current-supply and charge unit including two high-capacity capacitors, a coil and a diode, and the sensor element being coupled to an external receiver unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a clothing arrangement or device to avoid the supine hypotensive syndrome in pregnant women.

Abstract: The present application discloses a a baby health monitoring device comprising a skin temperature sensor connected to a microprocessor for mathematically converting the sensed temperature to corrected skin temperature; a movement sensor; a display screen for indicating condition of baby; and a means for communicating with a computer.

Abstract: An RFID device includes a first, relatively permanent portion and a second alterable or inactivatable portion. Upon the occurrence of some predetermined event, the second portion and/or its coupling to the first portion is physically altered, inactivating it. The first portion may itself be an antennaless RFID device that may be read at short range, and the second portion may be an antenna that, when coupled to the first portion, substantially increases the range at which the first portion may be read. The second portion may be configured to be altered or inactivated by any of a variety of predetermined events, such as involving physical, chemical or electrical forces, performed either on the RFID device, or upon an object to which the RFID device is coupled.

Abstract: A driver fatigue assessment device may include; a look information generator to generate look information regarding at least one of a driver's direction of a look and a locus at which a driver is looking; a visual stimulator to provide a visual stimulus within a driver's field of view at a first position and then move the location thereof to a second position; a change determination unit to determine whether the look information has changed in response to the movement of the visual stimulus; and a fatigue decision unit to assess driver fatigue based upon an output of the change determination unit.

Abstract: A person under supervision wears a sensor consisting of at least one accelerometer (31) and a magnetometer (41), oriented in his vertical direction. A fall event is picked up when a significant and rapid oscillation of the acceleration signal coincides with a shift in the ambient magnetic field between two levels (between t=4000 and t=5000). Additional criteria that may also make use of the magnetometer enable the diagnosis to be made, and it is easier and safer to establish this than with accelerometers alone.

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: A system for predicting fall risk for a resident is provided. The system includes a fall risk prediction subsystem, configured to predict a fall risk likelihood for a resident based on data measurements collected from one or more sensors. One or more of the sensors comprise range control radar (RCR) sensors. The fall risk prediction subsystem further includes a fall analysis component configured to analyze the data measurements from one or more of the sensors and a fall risk assessment component configured to predict the fall risk likelihood for the resident based on the analysis.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the activity of a user to prevent deep vein thrombosis when travelling on transportation vehicles. 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: Systems and methods for monitoring baby's or partially disabled patient's level of thermal comfort during his/her rest in bed are provided. Preferably, the system comprises: a sensor of infrared (IR) radiation coupled to electric circuitry, the circuitry includes a transmitter of radio signal, and, as a separate unit, a receiver of this radio signal. The transmitter includes a circuit containing an alarm with an adjustable threshold that turns the alarm on whenever the heat flux radiated by the body of a patient or a baby rises above user-adjustable upper threshold value, or falls below lower threshold value. The system may be combined with a standard, advanced or video baby monitor.

Abstract: A human identification apparatus, which can judge for identification of human images even in temporally-distant frames or frames shot with different cameras, judges whether or not persons represented by human images respectively included in different image sequences are the same person, and includes: a walking posture detecting unit which detects first and second walking sequences, each sequence being an image sequence indicating a walking state of respective first and second persons respectively included in the different image sequences; and a walking state estimating unit which estimates a transition state of a walking posture in the periodic walking movement of the first person at a time or in a position different from a time or a position of the walking sequence of the first person; and a judging unit which verifies whether or not the estimated transition state of the walking posture of the first person matches the transition state of the walking posture of the second person, and judges that the first per

Abstract: A monitoring system for physically challenged clients can have a base hub unit, one or more sensor units, one or more repeater units, and a mobile unit for a client to wear in a residential setting. In an institutional setting, a mobile repeater can be used for monitoring outside premises. A three-axis accelerometer can be used to detect falls and to monitor for other life activities, such as sleeping.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking a user's posture. The system and method include an environmental module for determining the user's physical environment, a biomechanical module for determining at least a user's posture in the user's physical environment, and an output module for outputting to the user an indication of at least the user's posture relative to at least a target correct posture. The physical environment can include a computer workstation environment, a manufacturing environment, a gaming environment, and/or a keypadding environment.

Abstract: A posture device that is worn on the body of a wearer includes a tilt sensor that is initially calibrated to a set value. A microprocessor monitors the tilt angle during wearing of the device and, if the tilt angle deviates from the set value over a predetermined time period, then a vibrator is actuated to remind the wearer to maintain good posture.

Abstract: A device and method to detect force and provide feedback to a runner or jogger so that the person can judge whether to adjust his or her stride in order to lessen the impact on his or her body. The device includes a housing, a power supply, a piezo sensor, a controller, and an output generator. The piezo sensor is accommodated within a user's shoe and is connected to the controller, and the controller, output generator and power supply are accommodated within the housing. The controller is connected to the output generator so that it is set to generate a signal to the output generator when a threshold level of force signal is received from the piezo sensor. The sensor signals the controller when force from an impact is applied to the piezo sensor and the controller signals the output generator when one or more signals indicating threshold levels of force have been reached, and the output generator generates a perceivable signal in response to the controller's one or more signals.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a method for establishing a membership of subscribing members for alerting each to the loss of a registered person within a subscribing member. The method commences by establishing a membership of one or more subscribing members. The next step is to provide each subscribing member with access to a registration station capable of receiving registration information for a person to be registered and issuing a registered person indicator, and an alert station where a custodian of the registered person can enter the registered person indicator for issuing an alert that the registered person is lost. Finally, the method includes the step of creating a database interconnected to each of the subscribing member's registration station and alert station via a computer network.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for tracking a user's posture. The system and method include an environmental module for determining the user's physical environment, a biomechanical module for determining at least a user's posture in the user's physical environment, and an output module for outputting to the user an indication of at least the user's posture relative to at least a target correct posture. The physical environment can include a computer workstation environment, a manufacturing environment, a gaming environment, and/or a keypadding environment.

Abstract: A vehicle operator condition monitoring system is provided. In one embodiment, the vehicle condition monitoring system includes a physical condition monitoring unit such as a camera, a data processing system, a navigation system, and a communication system. The physical condition monitoring unit is mounted in a vehicle to monitor at least one physical trait of a vehicle operator. The data processing system is coupled to the physical condition monitoring unit to compare data acquired by the physical condition monitoring unit with rules indicating types of action to be taken. The navigation system is functionally coupled to the data processing system allowing the data processing system to determine the location of the vehicle and the communications system is functionally coupled to the data processing system to allow the data processing system to contact an appropriate entity should the physical condition of the vehicle operator warrant such contact.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of warning signs intended to alert one of presence of an animal and intruder deterrence. More specifically, the invention integrates an adjustable motion detector, a warning sign, a light source aimed at the warning sign, an audio announcement and a replica of an animal or other image with another light source for its illumination. The motion detector senses the presence of a person and sends an activation signals to the audio and light sources. The first light source illuminates the warning sign, while the second light source illuminates the replica of an animal or other warning image, adding a sense of a realistic warning to a casual passer-by and a threat to the intruder.

Abstract: A postural awareness apparatus includes a pad, signal means for producing a signal, detection means for determining a weight applied to the pad and activating the signal means when the weight exceeds a predetermined weight, means for producing an output when the detection means determines the weight, and means for recording the output.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for detection of a human body fall event. The fall detection system (100, 200) includes a monitoring unit (102, 202), including a plurality of accelerometers (106, 206), a processor (108, 208) and a wireless transmitter (110, 210). The plurality of accelerometers (106, 206) provide acceleration measurements to the processor (108, 208), the measurements describing the current acceleration of the person wearing the monitoring unit (102, 202) in all directions. The processor (108, 208) receives the acceleration measurements and compares the acceleration measurements to a value range to determine if the wearer is currently experiencing a fall event. The processor (108, 208) generates a signal in response to the detection of a fall event and the transmitter (110, 210) transmits the signal to a remote signal receiver (104, 204).

Abstract: A low-cost system for detecting a drowsy condition of a driver of a vehicle includes a video imaging camera located in the vehicle and oriented to generate images of a driver of the vehicle. The system also includes a processor for processing the images acquired by the video imaging camera. The processor monitors an eye and determines whether the eye is in an open position or a closed state. The processor further determines a time proportion of eye closure as the proportion of a time interval that the eye is in the closed position, and determines a driver drowsiness condition when the time proportion of eye closure exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method of controlling at least one device by incidental sound produced by a living creature and including: attaching a sound-maker to a living creature so that the natural movements of the living creature will cause the sound-maker to emit a sound; receiving the sound by at least one device; and responding by some physical response to the sound, by the at least one device.

Abstract: Presented in one embodiment is a waist chain comprising a plurality of links; a plurality of coupling members which connect the plurality of links, thereby forming a chain with two ends; and at least one end connection member which is connectable to both ends of the chain such that the chain becomes continuous. The waist chain is positioned tightly around the waist of a person such that as the person's weight increases, the waist chain becomes increasingly tight. Presented in another embodiment is a waist chain comprising a plurality of links; a plurality of coupling members which connect the plurality of links, thereby forming a chain with two ends; at least one end connection member which is connectable to both ends of the chain such that the chain becomes continuous and at least one end link which is connectable to one or both ends of the chain and to the end connection member. The end connection member is a hollow cylinder comprising a side wall.