Abstract: The patient monitoring system comprises at least one load cell element (12) mounted in relation to a support surface, the load cell element (12) determining movement of a person on a support surface. The movement is determined based on a reference (31) measured using the load cell element (12) when the person is positioned on the support surface in a reference position and the subsequent load changes determined using the load cell element in relation to the reference. If the load change exceeds a pre-defined threshold, an alarm (18) is activated. The user is able to set the threshold value of the alarm system according to the physical condition of the patient. For example, in some cases it is necessary to he notified about any movements and in others only major movements are of interest. The patient monitoring system is able to provide a flexible means of monitoring of a patient by a nurse or carer.

Abstract: A bed exit and patient detection system especially adapted for use in the general medical or surgical floor area of a hospital or other healthcare facility as part of a vital signs monitoring and remote warning system includes a plurality of pressure sensors disposed in the patient's bed in a series of rectangular strips or zones that run laterally across the bed in the area of the patient's mid-back, hips and mid-legs, respectively. Each zone contains a plurality of sensors, arranged symmetrically about the centerline of the bed, with the corresponding sensors on opposite sides of the centerline in each zone being connected in parallel. The sensors are connected to a processor with multiple input channels that continuously monitors the sensor states to determine, from the pattern of sensor states observed, whether the patient is in bed, out of bed or is actively attempting to exit the bed at the sides or foot of the bed.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus includes a situation change detecting unit that detects a change in external situation and transmits an external situation change detection signal, and a control unit that receives the external situation change detection signal, thereby reads out a predetermined function and/or setting stored in a storing unit, and changes the functions and/or setting.

Abstract: A sensor device wherein when a first sensor detects a detection object, the first sensor changes its output voltage level, and when the processor unit detects the change of the output voltage level of the first sensor as an interrupt signal, the drive voltage level of the first sensor is switched from the first signal level to the second signal level which is different from the first signal level and the drive voltage level of the second sensor is switched from the second signal level to the first signal level which is different from the second signal level.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, an order-picking system includes a picking cart having a radio frequency (RF) antenna arranged above an object-stacking surface of the picking cart. The order-picking system further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader coupled to the RF antenna. The RFID tag reader is configured to identify a first RFID tag attached to a first tagged object placed on the picking cart and further configured to eliminate identification of a second RFID tag attached to a second tagged object located outside a perimeter of the object-stacking surface of the picking cart.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates the construction of a waterproof sensor assembly having, for example, a sensor main body arranged in a vehicle seat, a sensor terminal, a sensor terminal protection portion, a first packing having a hollow ring shape, a second packing having a hollow ring shape, a connector casing having a hollow ring shaped opening, and a connector cover for covering the opening connector casing opening. The sensor terminal protection portion has a hollow ring shape and is integrated with a periphery of the sensor main body. The sensor terminal is integrated with the sensor terminal protection portion such that the sensor terminal protrudes from an inner periphery of the sensor terminal protection portion toward an inside of the sensor terminal protection portion. The arrangement of the first and second packing and the connector case and cover provide a high performance waterproof sealing of the sensor and parts thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for an alarm (2) intended for beds (3) and similar locations that, e.g., old people, demented or handicapped persons are arranged to stay on and that is formed of a sensor (7) distributed on the bed and coupled to a monitoring unit (6) that is arranged to provide alarming. The sensor (7) is arranged to co-operate with a radio receiver (9), positioned remotely from the sensor (7), via radio communication, and is formed of a unit that is arranged to measure the difference of the capacitance of a medium in a compressed and in a free state, respectively. The sensor (7) is formed of a compressible plastic core having a conductive gel applied on at least one side thereof and that is covered, on each side, by an electrode each.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.

Abstract: A scrap metal recycling monitoring system, wherein a container, identified and of a known tare weight is associated with a scale while scrap metal is placed therein. The scale continuously monitors the weight of the container, and can be polled, or automatically produces an auditable data stream revealing the change in weight of the container over time as it is associated with the scale. A camera records the container while it is on the scale and also produces auditable image data. As containers near capacity, a notice is automatically generated to coordinate dispatch activities of persons transporting containers.

Abstract: A force-measuring device (100) with at least one housing (20) has an interior space and at least one force-measuring cell (110) installed therein. At least one parameter characterizing an existing high-frequency electromagnetic field is determined by a sensor (50) arranged in the interior space or a sensor arranged outside of the housing, the sensor being adapted for detecting high-frequency electromagnetic fields. After an electromagnetic field is detected and compared to a threshold value, a response action of the force-measuring device is triggered if the detected parameter value exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentiating between people and other objects on vehicle seats, by recording and evaluating the pressure distribution caused on the seat by said people and objects, the mean deviation of the signal at a certain position in relation to the mean signal of the adjacent region enabling the differentiation between people and other objects to be made. The invention is advantageous in that only few criteria are required and the criteria are not bound to any specific sensor structures (metrical, discrete etc.). Furthermore, where required, the individual criteria need only be combined in a simple manner.

Abstract: A child cushion monitor apparatus provided in two embodiments, a seat insert and a pillow, each providing for detection of occupancy. Each embodiment further provides for temperature sensing and display. Each embodiment is also flexibly coupled to a vibration sensor to detect vibration of a nearby device, auto or otherwise. The keychain provides for function and remote monitoring of the embodiments of the apparatus. Both the seat insert and pillow provide visual display of operable functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A load warning system for use with a vehicle having a load-support portion, a frame, and a vehicle-support portion movably coupled to the frame. The system has an engagement portion mountable to the vehicle-support portion or the frame and is movable therewith as a unit. A load indicator is mountable to the other one of the vehicle-support portion or the frame, and is spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position. The load indicator moves to a second position and engages the engagement portion when the frame moves a selected distance in response to the load applied to the load-support portion. The load indicator provides a signal upon being moved to the second position. A warning indicator is coupled to the load indicator and provides an improper load warning to a user in response to the signal from the load indicator.

Abstract: A patient monitor pressure pad having a time sensor and alarm circuit that produces an audible or visible alarm output to alert facility care staff that the effective life of the pressure pad is nearing its end.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for monitoring the waste output of one or more individuals. Embodiments provide a waste receptacle equipped with one or more cameras capable of imaging the contents of the waste receptacle and optionally a scale that is capable of measuring the weight of the waste receptacle or the weight of the contents of the waste receptacle. The waste receptacle optionally communicates wirelessly with a base station that is able to store images of the contents of the waste receptacle and communicate automatically with remote caregivers. Algorithms are provided that are capable of providing a signal to a caregiver to alert the caregiver if the waste receptacle is not in use.

Abstract: An alerting element for use with occupant seating to alert a seat occupant with a haptic and/or audible sensation. The alerting element being suitable for use with any type of seat, including vehicle seats. The alerting element optionally including a striking element for striking a structural component of the seat, and thereby, generating an alerting sensation.

Abstract: A clothes treating system having a laundry storage device and a clothes treating method are disclosed. The clothes treating system includes a laundry storage device having a plurality of storage boxes to sort and store laundry according to a laundry type, and a clothes treating apparatus to perform a washing course upon receiving washing information, related to laundry sorted and stored in each storage box, from the laundry storage device. The clothes treating method includes sorting and introducing clothing into a plurality of storage boxes according to a clothing type, transmitting washing information of the laundry sorted and stored in the respective storage boxes to a clothes treating apparatus, and performing a washing course according to the transmitted washing information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring one or more humans while maintaining the privacy of those individuals. The system includes one or more activity pickups that create one or more respective information outputs. A computer system monitors one or more of the information outputs and processes the information outputs to determine when one or more types of inactivity of the human in an area exceeds one or more thresholds of inactivity. Alarms and/or indications activate when one or more of the thresholds of inactivity is exceeded. Various types of thresholds of inactivity are disclosed.

Abstract: Confirming security of personal items belonging to a shopper during a point of sale transaction includes sensing, via a processor responsive to executable code, a signal of a weight sensor indicative of a weight of the personal items belonging to the shopper placed upon an interface of a security monitor of a point of sale checkout device and, in response to sensing a change in the signal of the weight sensor indicative of a removal of the personal items belonging to the shopper during the point of sale transaction, activating an alarm. An alarm is also activated in response to sensing a continued state of the signal of the weight sensor following the point of sale transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically reordering parts are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a tray adapted to support parts, and a resilient member operatively engaged with the tray that flexes according to the weight of parts stored on the tray. A switch generates a signal when the amount of parts on the tray is less than a predefined amount. A central processing unit coupled to the switch receives the signal generated by the switch and automatically reorders parts based on the received signal from the switch.

Abstract: A patient support surface comprises a cover defining an interior region, a modifiable support layer situated in the interior region and having at least one air bladder, and a sensor layer situated in the interior region and having at least one sensor configured to detect a physiological parameter of a patient atop the patient support surface.

Abstract: A pressure sensor portion includes a plurality of pressure sensors arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns inside a pressure-sensor-equipped carpet. The pressure sensor portion senses a pressure applied to the surface thereof and outputs a pressure value to a control portion. In an initial learning mode, a storage portion stores, as an initial value, the pressure value output from the pressure sensor portion. In a sensing operation mode, the control portion outputs to a modem portion a data signal indicating that an abnormal event is sensed, when the pressure value output from the pressure sensor portion is larger than the initial value stored in the storage portion by at least a prescribed threshold value. The modem portion superimposes the data signal received from the control portion on a power carrier wave (with a frequency of 50-60 Hz) and outputs the data signal to a power supply plug.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking users and providing services are provided. The system comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, a storage unit, at least one service providing unit having a service, and a signal processing unit. The pressure sensors detect pressure applied thereon at a specific time point, and correspondingly generate sensed signals. The signal processing unit receives the sensed signals from the pressure sensors, and stores the sensed signals to the storage unit. The signal processing unit calculates a current state of an object according to the sensed signals and historical sensed signals and historical states of the object in the storage unit, and determines one of the at least one service providing unit according to the current state to activate service thereof.

Abstract: A label for a product includes an electronic display for displaying label information. The digital label includes an operating system program with an applications interface to allow development of custom applications by manufacturers, retailers, and users of the product. The digital label also includes a communications interface enable communication with external devices, such as other computer systems. The processor in the digital label can process, display, and transmit information.

Abstract: A simulation system includes a two-dimensional electrical grid installed in a floor or floor mat. Signals from boot mounted transmitters can be sensed via the grid to track boot locations in real-time during training exercises.

Abstract: A system for signaling that a person is in an vehicle is provided and includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed, a first buckle receiver, including a first signal issuing unit, a first buckle to be removably inserted into the buckle receiver and to thereby cause the first signal issuing unit to issue an installation signal to the processing unit, a second buckle receiver, including a second signal issuing unit, a second buckle to be removably inserted into the second buckle receiver and to thereby cause the second signal issuing unit to issue an occupation signal to the processing unit, and an alarm unit.

Abstract: A door alarm system is provided which activates an alarm when a door (such as the door to the patient's room, a bathroom door within the patient room, etc.) is closed with something (such as a sheet, cord or the like) over the top of door.

Abstract: A safety device with two conveying systems in the sheet feeder of a machine, capable of processing a sheet-shaped material. An objective of the invention is to construct a generic sheet feeder for large-format machines so that only stacks with a specified maximum weight can reach the processing stage. The present invention encompasses a weighing device (22, 28) located in the sheet feeder (1), which determines the weight of the stack (4), is positioned on the stack carrier (3) and is connected with a regulating and controlling device (19) controlling the driving mechanism (8). At least one permissible total weight is stored in the regulating and controlling device (19). The regulating and controlling device (19) compares the weight of the stack with said stored permissible total weight and the driving mechanism (8) is activated only if the weight of the stack does not exceed the permissible total weight.

Abstract: A child restraint system with a child seat monitoring system and a method for monitoring a child seat are provided. The child restraint system is adapted to be mounted within a vehicle. The child restraint system includes a child seat having a carrier portion and a handle coupled to the carrier portion. The child restraint system further includes a temperature sensor disposed on the handle for generating a first signal indicative of a temperature in a predetermined region of the child seat.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A method for a service process by at least one agent for the benefit of a plurality of customers forming a line, the process performed by a central integrated system for digital signage and customer call-forward from a line in a service area. The method includes entering by one of the plurality of customers into the service area and joining by the one of the plurality of customers in the line. The method also includes calling by the at least one agent of the one of the plurality of customers and indicating by the system of the availability of the at least one agent. Next, the one of the plurality of customers approaches the at least one agent, the at least one agent provides service to the one of the plurality of customers and the one of the plurality of customers exits the service area, wherein the digital signage and customer call-forward process are integrated and seamless for the plurality of customers.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a patient on a hospital bed includes load cells and a controller for detecting patient movement on, exit from, and impending exit from the hospital bed, including movement across or outside a virtual boundary or region located on the bed. The controller is configured to detect changes in the distribution of patient weight among the load cells. The controller is also configured to accommodate the installation or removal of medical equipment or other tare weights on the bed, head incline adjustment, and bed frame deformation or other changes in the system causing redistribution of weight among the load cells, while minimizing false alarms. A caregiver may select between various patient monitoring modes and remotely monitor patient movement relative to a reference load cell distribution, impending patient exit from the bed and patient exit from the bed. Pressures in an air mattress may be controlled based on signals from the load cells.

Abstract: A passenger detection system for detecting a sitting of a passenger on a seat of a vehicle has a capacitive passenger detection electrode which is embedded in the seat to detect the sitting, a surface unit attached to an upper surface of the seat, a driving unit which applies a voltage between the passenger detection electrode and a vehicle GND, and a detection unit for detecting a capacitance between the passenger detection electrode and the vehicle GND. At least a covering portion of the surface unit is rendered electrically conductive. The passenger detection electrode is covered with the covering portion. Thus, a sitting of the seat can be substantially detected by the passenger detection system.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for sensing force information at a plurality of points on a continuous surface, and detecting contextual information about an object on the surface based on the distribution of force on the surface. For example, a plurality of sensors may be included below different points on such a substantially continuous surface, where the sensors are operable to sense force information. Then, a processor connected to the sensors may determine a location of the object relative to the surface, based on the force information from the sensors.

Abstract: An event sensing component includes a housing, wherein the housing includes a first tube that is provided along an entire length of the housing, and a second tube that is provided along the entire length of the housing. The housing also includes a first connector provided at one end of the first tube and configured to couple with a first bypass tube that is attached at another end to another traffic sensing component. The housing further includes a second connector provided at one end of the second tube and configured to couple with a second bypass tube that is attached at another end to the another traffic sensing component.

Abstract: A device for establishing and/or monitoring a predetermined fill level in a container is provided, to indicate the fill level in a container and exhibiting a best possible, optimum fit for an application, which device includes: a mechanical oscillatory structure placed at the height of the predetermined fill level, which structure exhibits a membrane and two mutually separated oscillation bars formed thereon, an electromechanical transducer, which in operation excites the oscillatory structure to oscillate with oscillations, such that the oscillation bars execute oscillations perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, a receiver- and evaluation-unit, which uses the oscillations to establish and/or monitor whether the predetermined fill level has been reached, or not, in which the oscillation bars exhibit a shape in which a mass moment of inertia of a liquid quantity, which the oscillation bars move with them in the immersed state in the liquid, is as large as possible and greater than 0.

Abstract: A technique for recording the front image of vehicles which violate the regulation in the axle weight is desired. In general, the weight of the leading axle cannot be excessively heavy, so that the over weight axle is a second or more rear side axle. And the distance between an axle weight detector and a vehicle detector for taking a vehicle image is normally below 8 meters. Under these conditions, when the over weight axle is detected, the over axle weight vehicle is guessed to be a vehicle being presently detected, a vehicle to be detected next, or next to the next. From the images of those vehicles, vehicles having no possibility to violate the axle weight regulation are eliminated based on a license plate read from the vehicle image or the measured vehicle height. The images being not eliminated are stored as over axle weight vehicle images.

Abstract: A child restraint system for transporting a child within an automotive vehicle includes a weight sensor for determining the weight of the child and compares the child's weight to a recommended weight range. The weight sensor is disposed within a cushion that lines a shell and provides an electrical signal to a control unit. The control unit processes the electrical signal and provides an alert signal when the weight is not within the recommended range. Also, the child restraint system may include a second sensor for sensing a condition that depends upon the child's weight such as directional orientation or angular orientation of the child restraint system, or location or tension of a vehicle seat belt or tether that secures the child restraint system within the vehicle, or the location or tension of a harness for restraining the child occupant within the child restraint system.

Abstract: There is provided herein a sensor/monitor combination designed to reduce the risk of pressure ulcer occurrence in immobile patients, wherein the level of patient activity is tracked to determine whether or not that patient has exhibited sufficient activity to merit eliminating a scheduled assisted relocation to a new position. The instant device senses the time since a patient last relocated into a different sitting or lying position. If the patient has not moved during some predetermined time period, the nursing staff will be notified by the invention that it is time to manually reposition the patient. If the patient has significantly changed position during the predetermined time period and, thus, allowed previously compressed tissues to reoxygenate, the invention will not signal that a move is necessary, thereby eliminating the need in some cases to rouse the patient from an otherwise healing sleep.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system including: plural wireless measuring units, each of which, when receiving a radio signal, uses the signal as an energy source to measure a physical quantity, and generates and sends a radio signal having an attribute reflecting the measured physical quantity; a transmitter; a receiver; a storage unit which stores position data of the wireless measuring units in accordance with their identification data; a calculation unit which calculates physical quantities based on the received radio signals; a recognition unit which recognizes a distribution of the calculated physical quantities with reference to position data stored in accordance with identification data specified by the received radio signals; an identifying unit which identifies a state of an object on the surface based on the distribution of the recognized physical quantities; and a control unit which performs a control depending on the state of the identified object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic floor display system with an alerting feature to encourage persons standing near or on the floor display system to look down and observe its display.

Abstract: A gaming method and apparatus enabling a casino to track the average amount that a player bets at a gaming table, the total amount of player bets at a gaming table (handle) and the players win/loss experience, by measuring and recording into an electronic file each players bet at each betting station of each table a player frequents. The exact amount of each players bet will be measured by the total chip weight of the relevant bet via assigning a specific weight to each chip denomination wherein no two groups of chips in which a total number chips are different from one another have the same total weight, even though their monetary value may be the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing when a person is disposed on or arises from a support that flexes or sags when a person is disposed thereon. Such supports include beds, supports for a mattress or a seat, such as a sling-type seat found on wheelchairs. In one embodiment, an assembly is positioned beneath the support and includes a sensor. The sensor indicates when tension on the assembly exceeds a certain amount which is indicative of sagging of the support. The assembly may be adjustable in length to maintain proper tension in the absence of sag. The sensor may be a switch that includes a plunger which operates against the bias of a biasing member which either completes or interrupts an electrical circuit in response to tension placed on the assembly due to sagging of the support. In another embodiment, the assembly may be at least partially elastic. In yet another embodiment, a strain gauge may be employed to detect stretching of the assembly due to sagging of the support.

Abstract: A weighing section includes a plurality of weighing members and a power supply mechanism. The weighing members weigh an object while moving. The power supply mechanism includes a fixed section, a rotatable section moving along the movement of the weighing members, a primary coil provided on the fixed section, and a secondary coil provided on the rotatable section. The power supply mechanism supplies power to the primary coil, retrieves an induced electromotive force from the secondary coil, and supplies power to the weighing members.

Abstract: A system for classifying an occupant located on a vehicle seat comprising a controller configured to receive signals from a plurality of sensors for detecting the vertical forces on the seat. The controller is configured to determine whether the detected vertical forces are indicative of the weight of the seat and the weight of the occupant located on the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A support surface includes a cover defining an interior region, a mattress core located in the interior region, and a force sensor located in the interior region.

Abstract: An apparatus for occupant detection in a vehicle, including a dielectric substrate with a reference plane, and a plurality of electrodes forming a capacitive array on said dielectric substrate and coupled to said reference plane. Each of the plurality of electrodes being formed of a conductive polymer thick film ink. The plurality of electrodes and the reference plane are connected to a controller that detects a change in capacitance between the plurality of electrodes and the reference plane, and identifies the presence and type of occupant in the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a locking storage device in which objects are deposited for the later removal thereof. The inventive device consists of: at least one safe-deposit box (2) which is intended to house the object and which comprises a door (3) and a lock (4), a code input device (9a, 9b), and a control unit (11) which is designed to authorise an object to be deposited therein and subsequently removed therefrom following the entry of a removal code. The device also comprises a weight sensor (14a, 14b) which supports the weight of the safe-deposit box. The aforementioned control unit is designed to determine the weight of the object contained in the safe-deposit box (2) once an object has been deposited therein, to determine the variation in the weight of the safe-deposit box when an object is being removed and to emit an alarm signal when the object has been removed if said variation does not correspond to the weight of the object.

Abstract: A radio terminal device realizing reduced power consumption and prompt detection of detection object by using a first sensor and a second sensor whose ON/OFF states are opposite and whose operations are synchronized. When the first sensor detects a detection object, the first output voltage level is changed. When a processor detects the change of the output voltage level as an interrupt signal, the drive voltage level of the first sensor is switched to low and the drive voltage level of the second sensor is switched to high. Moreover, when the second sensor detects a detection object, the output voltage level of the second sensor is changed. When the processor detects the change of the output voltage level as an interrupt signal, the drive voltage level of the second sensor is switched to low and the drive voltage level of the first circuit is switched to high.