Abstract: Touch or proximity sensors are integrated into control devices such as knobs, dials or wheels incorporated in a user control panel. A control output processor detects whether any of the sensors are outputting signals indicating that a control device is being touched (or nearly touched) by a user. The control output processor causes an associated display area to be highlighted or otherwise modified on a display screen to indicate to the user which control device is being touched. This feature allows for “no-look” interaction with control panels, and keeps the user's eyes focused on the relevant displays where the control devices produce effects. This allows users to preview and verify that the correct control device is being manipulated prior to taking any (potentially erroneous) control actions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method for operating a haptic device including driving a haptic device using a control signal, measuring a frequency related to the operation of the haptic device and comparing the measured frequency with a target frequency. A control signal is adjusted based on the comparison to drive the haptic device to the target frequency.

Abstract: The Psychophysiological Touch Screen Stress Analyzer is capable of capturing information on how a person emotionally reacts to a series of verbal, visual, or written stimulus when the person touches the touch screen computer monitor in response to the stimulus.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant purse includes a bag having a front surface, a rear surface, two opposing side edges, a lower surface and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. The open top is selectively enclosed with a foldable flap having a Hall-effect switch that changes states whenever the flap is opened. Extending from the bottom surface of the bag are a plurality of feet each having a pressure-sensitive switch therein. The pressure-sensitive switches and the Hall-effect switch are electrically connected to an alarm circuit including both audible and visual alarms. A strap is connected to a pair of detection switches that engage whenever a predetermined amount of force is applied to the strap. Accordingly, if the purse is moved, snatched or opened, the alarm is activated to alert those nearby of a potential theft.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method, apparatus, and a system for sensing a force are provided. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to detect an impact force. The plurality of sensors may be arranged into a housing, such as a sports helmet. The apparatus also includes a controller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The controller is adapted to: receive a signal from at least one of the plurality of sensors; determine whether a value of the signal exceeds a threshold; perform a responsive action in response to a determination that the value of signal exceeds the threshold. The responsive action comprises providing a warning, performing a logging function, and/or performing a counteraction.

Abstract: A method of conveying information to/from an impact sensor. The method includes the steps of producing a signal representative of an impact detected by the impact sensor; and altering a conveying of the signal on a single signal line if the impact has a characteristic that violates a preselected value.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts to the current operating environment of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method comprising providing a plurality of alert devices in an electronic device, determining an operating environment of the electronic device using a sensor of the electronic device, and actuating at least one of the plurality of alert devices that corresponds to the determined operating environment.

Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has multiple modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm. The frame includes a plurality of barriers. An alert light is coupled to one of the barriers.

Abstract: Tamper-proof alarm components for detecting theft, for example, of copper, air conditioning component(s), and/or an air conditioning unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using tamper-proof alarm components are also disclosed.

Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad for location on or adjacent a device such that a user must stand on the floor pad in order to normally use the device. The floor pad has at least one switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected on the floor pad and a closed position when the switch is activated by weight pressure detected on the floor pad. A transmitter is provided for transmitting a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A warning device is activated when the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for counteracting a suicide attempt of a person trying to hang himself from a cord extended over the top edge of a door which door has an inside upper surface facing the interior of the room, the apparatus including an elongated pressure sensor mountable on that inside upper surface of the door, the sensor having an exposed surface facing away from the inside surface of the door, that exposed surface being responsive to a force applied thereagainst by a segment of a cord when it is draped over the top of the door and hanging downward adjacent the inside surface, and the apparatus being adapted to forward an alarm signal indicating the sensing of the force by the cord, and an electrical controller to forward an alarm signal indicating that the sensor has sensed the downward force.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visually indicating an engagement status of a submerged subsea connector are provided. An example of a system includes a measurement device positioned to provide a signal indicating positive engagement of a locking mechanism for a submerged subsea connector, and a visual engagement status indicator assembly including a visual engagement status indicator positioned on an outside portion of a surrounding frame to provide a visual indication corresponding to an engagement status of the locking mechanism provided by the measurement device. A power supply assembly is configured to interface with portions of an adjacent cathodic protection system to provide supply power or voltage multiplication to the visual engagement status indicator.

Abstract: Packaging installation with a metering apparatus and method for monitoring damage in a packaging installation in which packs (19) which are to be filled can be charged with the contents in each case by means of a metering apparatus (01) designed according to one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein —the vibrations of the wall of the dispensing container (02) are measured at least during operation of the stirrer (06) and/or of the metering screw (05), —the measured values are evaluated by the vibration evaluator (10), —deviations in the vibration behavior are detected and compared with limit values stored in the vibration evaluator (10), —when the limit values are exceeded, this indicates with sufficient probability, that the stirrer (06) or the metering screw (05) is in contact with the dispensing container (02), —an alarm is triggered by means of the vibration evaluator (10).

Abstract: A compression testing assembly for compression testing of a test material includes a testing stage with a first surface and a second surface. The test material is disposed between the first and second surfaces. The assembly also includes a thickness detector that automatically detects a thickness of the test material. Moreover, the assembly includes an actuator that moves at least one of the first and second surfaces toward the other of the first and second surfaces to compress the test material to a predetermined percentage of the detected thickness of the test material. Additionally, the assembly includes a load detector that detects a compression load of the test material and that detects a change in the compression load over time.

Abstract: A device includes both a fingerprint sensor (112) and a piezo structure (114). The fingerprint sensor senses fingerprint data identifying a pattern of a fingerprint of a user. The fingerprint data for the user can be collected and analyzed in various manners in order to authenticate the sensed fingerprint. The piezo structure can be used in various manners, such as to collect data used to facilitate authenticating the sensed fingerprint data, to provide feedback to the user regarding when the fingerprint authentication process is complete, and/or to cause different types of vibration in order to facilitate sensing fingerprint data. Various additional feedback can also be provided to the user, using the piezo structure or other feedback mechanisms, such as feedback to notify the user to increase or decrease an amount of pressure he or she is applying to the fingerprint sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stand-alone therapeutical training device which is peculiar in that the stand-alone therapeutical training device comprising a shallow housing having at least a top surface and a bottom surface, said housing comprising at least one force sensor, said force sensor measuring the force applied to said top surface of said housing and generating a response signal, at least one user feedback unit, a controller placed inside said housing configured for controlling said user feedback unit and that the controller controls the user feedback unit proportionally to said response signal from said force sensor. Hereby can be archived a simple stand-alone therapeutically training device enabling the patient and/or the physiotherapist to evaluate the force or weight applied by the user on the upper surface of the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method that may include receiving, at one or more sensors in communication with a mobile computing device positioned within a device receptacle portion of a device, the device receptacle portion being configured to substantially enclose and protect the mobile computing device during physical activity, sensor data. The method may include determining, by a processor of the mobile computing device, motion data regarding a movement of the protective device. The method may include estimating a behavior of a user based in part upon the motion data. The method may include generating a response to the behavior including at least one of graphic, audio, tactile, or video output. The method may include providing, through a wireless communications path, the response to a second device in wireless communication with the mobile computing device.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a moving object impact detector is disclosed. A controller may receive input indicative of movement of an impact element from a first position to a second position. The controller may also receive an activation signal corresponding to the movement of the impact element. The controller may further receive input indicative of instructions to correlate the activation signal with the movement of the impact element. The controller may selectively set the activation signal as a reference signal for the detector, with the reference signal being indicative of an impact the moving object impact detector is set to detect.

Abstract: Vibratory feedback systems and methods are disclosed. A vibratory feedback system includes a shoe adapted to be secured to a user's foot, a plurality of force sensors and vibration actuators mounted on the shoe, and a microprocessor affixed to the shoe. The force sensors are configured to sense forces exerted by the user's foot. The vibration actuators are configured to provide vibrations to the user's foot. The microprocessor is coupled to receive data from the plurality of force sensors, and is programmed to actuate the plurality of vibration actuators to provide a first characteristic vibration to the user's foot based on the sensed forces. A method of improving the gait of a user includes enabling the user to ambulate with the vibratory feedback system secured to the user's foot, and providing a first characteristic vibration to the user's foot based on the sensed forces using the vibratory feedback system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the holding torque of a brake in a material handling system is disclosed. The material handling system may include a bridge, a trolley, and a hoist, each driven along a different axis by a motor. A brake is operatively coupled to the motor to prevent unwanted motion of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to each motor which controls operation of the motor and its corresponding brake. The motor controller generates a torque command to the motor while keeping the brake set. The initial torque command is less than the holding torque of the brake. The torque command is incremented until motion is detected on the motor. The torque value when motion is detected is stored in the motor controller and displayed to an operator.

Abstract: Touch or proximity sensors are integrated into control devices such as knobs, dials or wheels incorporated in a user control panel. A control output processor detects whether any of the sensors are outputting signals indicating that a control device is being touched (or nearly touched) by a user. The control output processor causes an associated display area to be highlighted or otherwise modified on a display screen to indicate to the user which control device is being touched. This feature allows for “no-look” interaction with control panels, and keeps the user's eyes focused on the relevant displays where the control devices produce effects. This allows users to preview and verify that the correct control device is being manipulated prior to taking any (potentially erroneous) control actions.

Abstract: A seat has an occupant detecting function and is installed in a vehicle. The seat includes a seating portion, a capacitance sensor, a controller, and a supporting member. The seating portion is adapted to support buttocks and thighs of an occupant of the vehicle. The seating portion includes a seat cushion therein. The capacitance sensor is attached to the seating portion. The controller is installed to the seating portion and configured to apply a voltage to the sensor and to detect a value of an electric current, which passes through the sensor because of the voltage. The supporting member supports the controller from a lower side thereof in a vertical direction, such that the controller is rotatable about the supporting member when the seating portion is pressed by the occupant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for visually indicating an engagement status of a submerged subsea connector are provided. An example of a system includes a measurement device positioned to provide a signal indicating positive engagement of a locking mechanism for a submerged subsea connector, and a visual engagement status indicator assembly including a visual engagement status indicator positioned on an outside portion of a surrounding frame to provide a visual indication corresponding to an engagement status of the locking mechanism provided by the measurement device. A power supply assembly is configured to interface with portions of an adjacent cathodic protection system to provide supply power or voltage multiplication to the visual engagement status indicator.

Abstract: A locating and tracking system is provided. The locating and tracking system includes plural pressure sensing modules, each of which includes at least one pressure sensing unit detecting a pressure source and generating a signal; a data processing unit connected with the at least one pressure sensing unit, and processing the signal to generate a module information; a storage unit connected with the data processing unit, and storing the module information and an user information; a communication unit connected with the data processing unit, transmitting the module information, and receiving an outer information; and a power managing unit managing a power needed by the at least one pressure sensing unit, the data processing unit, the storage unit and the communication unit; a bottom board configured on a floor, and bearing the mentioned units; and a top board covering the mentioned units, and transferring the pressure source to the pressure sensing unit.

Abstract: A billiard cue stroke simulator includes a wireless acceleration sensing device and a computing system. The wireless acceleration sensing device measures acceleration of a billiard cue along two or more axes of a coordinate system during a stroke of the billiard cue and generates acceleration data including the acceleration data. Additionally, the wireless acceleration sensing device transmits a wireless communication signal including the acceleration data to the computing system. The computing system generates image data indicating movement of the billiard cue during the stroke of the billiard cue based on the acceleration data and displays the image data. In this way, the billiard cue stroke simulator simulates the stroke of the billiard cue.

Abstract: A system and method for safing vehicle sensors includes two safety systems, each with a primary sensor for monitoring vehicle motion and activating its corresponding safety system in response to certain vehicle motions. Each sensor may act as a safing sensor for the other in the event that activation of a safety system is indicated by the primary sensor. Each sensor may also monitor the other prior to such an event, to detect a sensor malfunction before that sensor is needed to active a safety system.

Abstract: A patient table system for medical applications is provided. The table system comprises: a table top; at least one sensor configured to measure information representative of a pressure exerted by a patient on the table top when the patient is in a lying position; and a safety detector configured to compare the measured information with reference data of the table top mechanical resistance and to provide an alert depending on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: An automatically operating injection device with an occlusion alarm unit and a method for determining an injection occlusion are disclosed. The method includes generating a plurality of evaluation forces based on a series of force measurements and based on an evaluation time period; determining whether an occlusion exists based on either an evaluation of the plurality of evaluation forces or whether one or more of the series of force measurements exceeds a force threshold; and providing an injection occlusion alarm if an occlusion is determined to exist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for detecting the passing of individuals in the form of a mat including: a printed circuit board (104), one of the surfaces which supports a plurality of contactors designed to change state under the pressure exerted by a foot or a wheel, and at least one of the surfaces of which supports at least one electronic component (112) not subject to any pressure from said foot: and for the or each surface supporting at least one electronic component (112), a protective layer (106) attached to said surface and incompressible under the weight of individuals/trolleys, the or each electronic component (112) being recessed in a hole (110) in said incompressible protective layer (106).

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for monitoring and displaying occupancy of a seating area, such as a theater. In a seating area there are chairs for use by patrons. There is a system and method for determining and communicating occupancy information to a display corresponding to the chairs in the seating area. On each chair there is affixed a wireless sensing device that detects when a patron has sat in the chair. When a patron sits in the chair, the wireless sensing device sends an occupied signal to an occupancy monitoring computer system. The occupancy monitoring system changes the status of the corresponding chair to occupied and updates the output on the display available for viewing by all patrons. When the occupied state of the chair changes, the wireless sensing device updates the occupancy status at the occupancy monitoring system.

Abstract: An early warning device for use with an ultrasonic probe includes a service lifetime acquisition unit configured to acquire service lifetimes of individual parts of the ultrasonic probe, a total working time acquisition unit configured to acquire total working times of the individual parts of the ultrasonic probe, a calculation unit configured to calculate existing service lifetime percents depending on the service lifetimes and the total working times, and a judgment and warning unit configured to determine whether any of the existing service lifetime percents is less than a threshold value, and to issue a warning if the existing service lifetime is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A strain measurement device to assess the integrity of a structural repair to a surface comprises a detector, a processor, and a memory module coupled to the processor. The memory module comprises logic instructions stored in a computer readable medium which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to use the detector to obtain a first strain measurement from an external strain indicator, use the detector to obtain a second strain measurement from the measurement sensor after at least one stress test is applied to the structural repair, and generate a signal when a difference between the first strain measurement and the second strain measurement exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic virtual running/walking coach that notifies a person as to how hard the person's feet have been impacting a surface, notifies the person as to whether the person's feet are impacting a surface at a proper relative distance from the body and/or at a proper side-to-side angle, and/or notifies the person as to how much cushioning life remains in a pair of shoes. When the notifications are provided to the person during the running/walking activity, the person can respond by taking immediate actions to adjust the foot placement relative to the body and/or adjust the level of foot impact to an acceptable level by varying the speed, step distance, and/or posture while running/walking and/or by selecting among different available surfaces on which to run/walk.

Abstract: An object is set to move back and forth between a first position and a second position in a cylinder. A measurement point between the first position and the second position is preset. A counted period indicating a duration that the object moves from the first position to the first measurement point is obtained. Then a movement behavior parameter is obtained according to the counted period. Whether the movement behavior parameter of the object matches a specified condition is determined. If matching occurs, a warning message is generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the performance of a caregiver are disclosed. The systems may be configured to monitor the movement of each subject in a network of subjects. One such system includes a plurality of strips adhered in spaced-apart relation on a mattress pad, upon which a subject is positioned. One or more transmitter is provided coupled to the plurality of strips. A processor is connected to the one or more transmitter. The processor is provided with operating software to record and report caregiver activity or both caregiver activity and subject activity.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a hardened case configured to be removably coupled to an object and at least one sensor configured to detect a movement, shock, or impact associated with the object. The apparatus also includes a control unit disposed within the hardened case and communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The control unit is configured to compare a value of the movement, shock, or impact to a threshold amount, and when the value of the movement, shock, or impact exceeds the threshold amount, transmit information associated with the movement, shock, or impact to an external device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that allow an electronic device to autonomously adapt one or more user alerts to the current operating environment of the electronic device. For example, some embodiments may include a method comprising providing a plurality of alert devices in an electronic device, determining an operating environment of the electronic device using a sensor of the electronic device, and actuating at least one of the plurality of alert devices that corresponds to the determined operating environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for head impact injury prediction. A computer implemented method is provided for event based injury predictions. The computer implemented method receives an indication of sensor data related to an impact of a user. The received sensor data is compared to previously stored sensor data in a data store. Each instance of the previously stored sensor data is associated with a medical diagnosis. If the received sensor data matches any of the previously stored sensor data based on the comparison, then an injury risk indicator is generated based on at least one of the medical diagnosis associated with the matching previously stored sensor data or an impact history of the user. The generated indicator is presented.

Abstract: A torque warning hand tool includes a main body with one drive head, and a torque detector, a control display device and a warning unit disposed on the main body and electrically connected to each other. The control display device is used to set a preset value and receive a torque value from the torque detector to compare the torque value with the preset value. The warning unit has a first, a second and a third warning modes respectively corresponding to three colored light sources. After compared, according to the warning mode in which the torque value falls, the control display device drives the different colored light sources to emit corresponding colors for an operator to identify the torque extent applied to the hand tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting crack formation in a hoisting member, comprising the steps of measuring a stress under load at two points of the hoisting member, comparing the measured stresses and generating a warning signal when the measured stresses differ too much from each other. The invention also relates to a device for detecting crack formation in a hoisting member, comprising means arranged at two points of the hoisting member for measuring a stress under load, means connected to the measuring means for comparing the measured stresses, and means connected to the comparing means for generating a warning signal when the measured stresses differ too much from each other. Finally, the invention relates to a hoisting frame, comprising a number of hoisting members which are mounted thereon close to its corners, and crack detection devices connected thereto.

Abstract: A control system of a patient support surface calculates a surface performance index as a function of pressure and shear. The control system also receives information from an electronic medical record (EMR) corresponding to a person's susceptibility of developing at least one of a pressure ulcer and a superficial lesion and adjusts at least one of a component and a characteristic of the person support surface based on the information.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for selectively driving a piezo transducer to operate as a pressure pattern detector or an alarm generator. In one embodiment, there is provided a device that includes: a piezo transducer; a comparator coupled to the transducer and a reference voltage; and a pressure pattern recognition circuit coupled to a comparator output of the comparator. The pressure pattern recognition circuit may be configured to: (i) determine whether the pressure pattern satisfies a predetermined condition; and (ii) in response to the pressure pattern satisfying the predetermined condition, generate an output signal.

Abstract: An interior tire power generation apparatus includes a piezoelectric section having an inorganic piezoelectric body of a perovskite type oxide represented by General Formula (PX) below; a pair of electrodes for extracting an electric charge generated in the piezoelectric section when strained by an external force exerted on the tire; and an energy storage unit for storing the extracted electric charge. (Bix, A1-x) (By, C1-y)O3 ??(PX) where, A is an A-site element, other than Pb, with an average ionic valence of 2, B is a B-site element with an average ionic valence of 3, C is a B-site element with an average ionic valence of greater than 3, and each of A, B, and C is one or a plurality of types of metal elements. O is oxygen. B and C are of different compositions. 0.6?x?1.0, x-0.2?y?x.

Abstract: A person support apparatus includes a frame and a support surface cooperating with the frame to support a person. The person support apparatus also has a sensor coupled to one of the frame and the support surface. The sensor detects at least one characteristic associated with the person. A controller is coupled to the sensor. In response to at least one of a condition of the frame, a condition of the support surface, a position of the person, or a condition of the person, the controller operates to control the sensor by at least one of changing a gain of the sensor and changing a manner in which a signal from the sensor is filtered. In some instances, the controller turns the sensor off.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that efficiently stop and latch a door are presented. A first bracket component is attached to a door frame and has an overhang portion, comprising a holder component, that extends into the doorway to act as a door stop. A second bracket component, comprising an extended portion, is desirably adjusted in position in relation to the holder component and attached to the door such that the extended portion has a desired amount of overlap on the holder component, wherein the amount of overlap corresponds to an amount of latching force in accordance with the force profile associated with the extended portion based at least in part on shape of the extended portion. An operation device is attached to the first bracket component and/or second bracket component and the door latching holds the door in the desired position to facilitate operations of the operation component.

Abstract: A bed includes a frame, a controller coupled to the frame, and a patient position detection system coupled to the frame and coupled to the controller. The patient position detection system has multiple modes of operation of varying sensitivities for determining whether a person supported on the frame has moved by a sufficient amount to activate an alarm. The frame includes a plurality of barriers. An alert light is coupled to one of the barriers.

Abstract: A printer, a printer control method and control program, a POS terminal device, and a cash drawer drive device detect when a non-standard cash drawer is connected, and prevents a non-recoverable overcurrent protection device from operating (such as a fuse blowing) by preventing an overcurrent from flowing to the cash drawer. A printer 10 that can be connected to and drive a cash drawer 20 has a cash drawer drive circuit unit 12 that supplies drive current for driving a lock release coil 21 to open/close the cash drawer 20, a coil resistance detection unit 14 that detects the resistance of the lock release coil 21, and a drive switching unit 15 that connects the cash drawer drive circuit unit 12 or connects the coil resistance detection unit 14 to the lock release coil 21.

Abstract: The Psychophysiological Touch Screen Stress Analyzer is capable of capturing information on how a person emotionally reacts to a series of verbal, visual, or written stimulus when the person touches the touch screen computer monitor in response to the stimulus.

Abstract: An impact detector includes a weight having a circular periphery, a case in which the weight is contained, an interior of which defines a transition path that connects an initial position and an impact detection position, and a restriction portion projecting from the interior of the case into the transition path. The weight moves through the transition path to the impact detection position with a circumferential surface of the weight in contact with the interior of the case when the case receives an impact in a predetermined direction, and the restriction portion restricts movement of the weight toward the impact detection position when the case receives impact in a direction other than the predetermined direction.