Abstract: Various aspects include approaches for proximity-based control in audio devices. In particular implementations, an audio system includes: a set of audio devices, each including: an electrode for detecting an electrical waveform, wherein the electrode comprises at least one of a capacitive electrode or an inductive electrode; and a controller coupled to the electrode, where the controller in a first one of the audio devices is configured to instruct the electrode in the first audio device to transmit an electrical waveform that is detectable by the electrode in a second one of the audio devices for indicating physical proximity of the first audio device to the second audio device, and in response to detecting the electrical waveform, the controller in the second audio device initiates a proximity-based action.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a door of an elevator car within an elevator system including: detecting a first plurality of accelerations along an X-axis of the elevator system during a first time period; detecting a second plurality of accelerations along a Y-axis of the elevator system during the first time period; determining an absolute value of the first plurality of accelerations; determining an absolute value of the second plurality of accelerations; determining a first summation of the absolute value of the first plurality of accelerations and the absolute value of the second plurality of accelerations; and determining whether the door of the elevator car is in motion during the first time period by determining whether a maximum value of the first summation is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A method for alerting a driver includes detecting an object in a spatial environment adjacent to a vehicle and identifying a set of output devices located within a cabin of the vehicle. Each one of the set of output devices may be located at a different location of the cabin. The method also includes selecting an output device of the set of output devices based on a location of the object in relation to the vehicle and generating a notification via the selected output device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a radio and method for automatically adjusting, in response to ambient noise, the volume setting of a radio. The radio comprises a microphone for receiving ambient audio and generating a microphone signal; a codec for receiving the microphone signal and generating a processor signal representative of the ambient audio; and processor circuitry operable to receive the processor signal, determine an ambient audio level in response to the processor signal, and determine an adjusted radio volume to generate a radio volume control signal, wherein the adjusted radio volume is determined by calculating a difference between a baseline volume level and ambient audio level and adding a current volume level setting, wherein the codec is also operable to receive the radio volume control signal and generate an output signal to adjust the radio volume setting to maintain a net difference between the adjusted radio volume and ambient audio.

Abstract: A battery powered do-it-yourself (DIY) security and safety monitor that is removably mounted by a self-centering magnet mount onto a ferromagnetic wall plate. The monitor has numerous sensors that report anomalies to the owner's smart device or a pay-for-use monitoring service through cellular communication. There is a smart hub incorporated directly to the various sensors or to the sensors through the main system microprocessor to allow communication and control of the various sensors and modules (if applicable) via the owner's smart device. The monitor may be hard wired into the premises if required by code, or it may be battery powered by long lasting Lithium batteries.

Abstract: An alert system with at least one microphone, an output device, and a processor in communication with the at least one microphone via a microphone communication link and with the output device via an output device communication link. The processor is configured to receive over the microphone communication link captured sound data based on a sound captured by the at least one microphone, determine whether the captured sound data corresponds to a first alert sound of a plurality of alert sound data, and in response to determining that the captured sound data corresponds to the first alert sound, determine an output alert profile for the first alert sound. The processor sends, to the output device, instructions to perform the output alert profile and the output device may be configured to perform the output alert profile upon receiving the instructions.

Abstract: A method for creating a dynamic element in content performed by a dynamic element management system is disclosed. The method includes receiving a content request for the dynamic element from a client device, the content request comprising a uniform resource locator (URL) of an external data source from which to retrieve content for the dynamic element; identifying the data source based on the URL; forwarding the content request to the identified data source; receiving metadata corresponding to the content hosted by the data source; and forwarding the metadata to the client device for display in a dynamic element placeholder on the client device.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a sensor, an output unit, and a controller. The sensor senses a person. The output unit outputs a notification sound. The controller controls a volume of the notification sound. The controller controls the output unit to reduce the volume of the notification sound.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle remote park-assist communication counters. An example vehicle includes an autonomy unit for remote parking, a communication module, and a controller. The controller is to implement a counter into remote parking communication between the communication module and a mobile device and, when the counter exceeds a threshold, monitor for a reset vehicle event and a reset mobile event. The controller also is to reset the counter responsive to detecting at least one of the reset vehicle event and the reset mobile event.

Abstract: A portable electronic device used for monitoring and alerting about the presence of an object includes an enclosure having a portability mechanism and an electronic circuit having a motion detection sensor, a bipolar junction transistor, an alert generator, a Bluetooth® module and a power source coupled to the motion detection sensor, the bipolar junction transistor, the alert generator and the Bluetooth® module. The motion detection sensor is configured to detect movement of the object across an area in front of the sensor and generate a timed output signal. The bipolar junction transistor is communicatively coupled to the motion detection sensor and configured to activate a control signal in response to the timed output signal. The alert generator and the Bluetooth® module are communicatively coupled to the bipolar junction transistor and configured to produce an alert and a Bluetooth® signal respectively in response to the control signal.

Abstract: The method includes automatically, without user input and without regard to whether a digital assistant application has been separately invoked by a user, determining that the electronic device is in a vehicle. In some implementations, determining that the electronic device is in a vehicle comprises detecting that the electronic device is in communication with the vehicle (e.g., via a wired or wireless communication techniques and/or protocols). The method also includes, responsive to the determining, invoking a listening mode of a virtual assistant implemented by the electronic device. In some implementations, the method also includes limiting the ability of a user to view visual output presented by the electronic device, provide typed input to the electronic device, and the like.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a storage device, for beep detection and interpretation is disclosed. In one aspect, a monitoring system is disclosed that includes a processor and a storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to perform operations. The operations may include obtaining sound data of audio sounds detected by a microphone that is located at the property, determining whether the sound data includes data representing one or more audio tones generated by a device, based on determining that the obtained sound data includes one or more audio tones generated by a device, generating an audio fingerprint of the sound data, determining, using the generated audio fingerprint, a state of the device that generated the one or more audio tones, and performing an operation based on the state of the device that generated the one or more audio tones.

Abstract: A multi-function thermostat for a building includes a touch-sensitive display, a communications interface, and a processing circuit. The touch-sensitive display is configured to present information to a user and receive input from the user. The communications interface is configured to receive weather information from a weather server and building emergency information from at least one of a building management system and a building device. The processing circuit configured to cause the touch-sensitive display to display emergency response directions when the weather information indicates emergency weather conditions or the building emergency information indicates a building emergency.

Abstract: An apparatus for answering a phone call when a recipient of the phone call decides that it is inappropriate to talk, the apparatus including control means for sending a dedicated command, opening a voice conversation with a caller, putting the apparatus in a message mode and so answering the phone call, and typing a text message; a microphone that is muted after sending the dedicated command for the whole period that the apparatus is in the message mode; an earphone device for listening to the caller; a text-to-speech injection apparatus including a text-to-speech translation apparatus and a database of words for synthesizing the text message into a speech message and transmitting the speech message to the caller during the voice conversation; and a voice-message injection module for sending an alert voice message to the caller saying that the recipient is not talking, but is substituted by the text-to-speech injection apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and devices may be used to remotely hushing an event notification by receiving, from a sensor of the electronic device, an indication that a measured level has surpassed a notification threshold. In response to the indication, generating an advertising packet including an event notification for broadcast over a low power wireless point-to-point communication protocol and communicating the advertising packet including the event notification over the low power wireless point-to-point communication protocol.

Abstract: A throw-and-catch based toy with free fall sensing, impact sensing, and speaker output which includes a system, method and device for detecting a pre-determined motion from an accelerometer, comparing a sensed accelerometer information to a pre-determined accelerometer signature information, producing a sound based on the comparison of sensed accelerometer information to a pre-determined accelerometer signature information.

Abstract: A system for pairing a smoke detector based audio system with a device for wireless audio. The system has a smoke detector circuit with an integrated audio system. The device is paired to the smoke detector circuit using a communications protocol and used to output audio from a speaker. The system has an alarm circuit and an alarm speaker, that can be separate from the audio speaker. The alarm circuit is connected to one or more detection device for determining hazardous conditions. If a hazardous condition is detected, the audio from the device is overridden and alarm audio is output to warn of the hazardous condition.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a user device, information regarding a sensed condition in a structure. The sensed condition is sensed by a sensory node. The method also includes providing, by the user device, a notification identifying the sensed condition to a user of the user device, and receiving, by the user device, information regarding navigable pathways of the structure. The method further includes determining, by the user device, a location of the user device, and identifying, by the user device, a first evacuation route based at least in part on the information regarding the sensed condition, the information regarding navigable pathways of the structure, and the location of the user device. The method also includes displaying, by the user device, the first evacuation route.

Abstract: A vehicle approach alert device that outputs an approach report sound from a sounding body includes: a memory part in which data of the approach report sound is memorized; a signal generator that generates a voltage waveform signal of the approach report sound based on the data of the approach report sound; a calculator that calculates a temperature of the sounding body; and a correct part that corrects the approach report sound based on the temperature of the sounding body. The calculator acquires information about a temperature detected by a temperature sensor located at a position different from the sounding body in the vehicle, and estimates the temperature of the sounding body based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Methods and software for managing vehicle priority proximate to a potential travel-priority conflict zone, such as a roadway intersection, where travel conflicts, such as crossing traffic, can arise. Coordination involves forming an ad-hoc network in a region containing the conflict zone using, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and developing a dynamic traffic control plan based on information about vehicles approaching the conflict zone. Instructions based on the dynamic traffic control plan are communicated to devices aboard vehicles in the ad-hoc network, which display one or more virtual traffic signals to the operators of the vehicles and/or control the vehicles (for example, in autonomous vehicles) in accordance with the dynamic traffic control plan, which may account for a priority level associated with one or more of the vehicles.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits are provided for mitigating single point failure of at least one device in an analyte monitoring system.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a costume coordinated, motion activated sound generation system, including apparatuses and methods, for generating pre-defined audio in connection with a costume worn by a user and the type, extent, and rate of movements by the user. According to an example embodiment, the system comprises an electronic controller having a memory for storing pre-defined audio data associated with the type, forcefulness, and rate of a user's movements and having an audio interface and speaker for generating audio from such audio data. The system also comprises one or more accelerometers or sensors for enabling detection of the type, extent, and/or rate of user movements. Based in part on the type, forcefulness, and rate of such movements, the system retrieves audio data corresponding thereto from memory and causes playback thereof, creating the illusion that the character, person, or thing being played by the user while in costume produced the sounds.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes at least one detector having a housing that carries at least one ambient condition sensor. Control circuits carried by the housing are coupled to the at least one ambient condition sensor. A separate audio input transducer carried by the housing is coupled to the control circuits, wherein the control circuits include signal processing circuits coupled to the separate audio input transducer. The signal processing circuits cancel predetermined audio received from the separate audio input transducer and output a processed speech signal that is coupled to speech recognition circuitry. The speech recognition circuitry recognizes selected speech to implement predetermined functions.

Abstract: A doorbell device is provided. The doorbell device includes a user interface, a control circuit, a power switching circuit, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a charge/discharge control circuit. The user interface includes a button. The control circuit is coupled to the user interface and generates a power control signal according to a state of the button. The power switching circuit is coupled to the control circuit and outputs a first voltage signal at a first node to supply power to the control circuit according to the power control signal. The first capacitor is coupled to the first node. The charge/discharge control circuit is coupled between the first node and the second capacitor and controls whether the second capacitor is charged or discharged according to the first voltage signal.

Abstract: Methods and software for managing vehicle priority proximate to a potential travel-priority conflict zone, such as a roadway intersection, where travel conflicts, such as crossing traffic, can arise. Coordination involves forming an ad-hoc network in a region containing the conflict zone using, for example, vehicle-to-vehicle communications and developing a dynamic traffic control plan based on information about vehicles approaching the conflict zone. Instructions based on the dynamic traffic control plan are communicated to devices aboard vehicles in the ad-hoc network, which display one or more virtual traffic signals to the operators of the vehicles and/or control the vehicles (for example, in autonomous vehicles) in accordance with the dynamic traffic control plan, which may account for a priority level associated with one or more of the vehicles.

Abstract: From a panorama moving image storage unit storing a panorama moving image, a panorama moving image is read and sequentially acquired. A display range, of the acquired panorama moving image, which is to be displayed on a display device is set in accordance with an operation made by a user. A sound to be output in synchronization with display of the image on the display device is generated based on the display range. Control of sequentially displaying the display range of the acquired panorama moving image on the display device is performed. Control of outputting the generated sound from the speaker in synchronization with the display of the image on the display device is performed.

Abstract: An emergency lighting system initiated by the wireless or wired alarm signal of a smoke detector or other alarm device. Once the alarm signal has been received the emergency lighting system will cause any light connected to the system to either be turned on providing light for any persons present, or alternatively, the emergency lighting system will pulse the light as a visual warning indicator to those present. The lighting system causes connected light(s) to pulse during a daytime light condition or when there is sufficient ambient light in the room. At night, or when the room is dark, the lighting system will turn on the light(s) to provide light for any persons present; lighting the area for a safer egress out of the building. The emergency lighting system is a device that can be installed in a light bulb socket or built in to a wall plate light switch. Also, the emergency lighting system could be built in to lighting fixtures by a manufacturer.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for real time sound effect modulation based on attitude variations. The system may include one or more position sensors installed on a moving object, with the position sensors reporting positional data associated with the moving object. A memory may contain predetermined criteria for altering characteristics of a sound associated with the moving object, and a database may contain sound examples. A processor may receive the positional data from the position sensors and determine positional changes based on the data. The processor may fetch sound examples from the database and fetch predetermined criteria from the memory. The processor may modulate the sound examples based on positional changes according to the predefined criteria to produce modulated sound examples. The processor may aggregate the modulated sound examples to produce an aggregated modulated sound example. Speakers on the moving object may emit the aggregated modulated sound example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for providing energy system status information. A status indication device may be mounted near an entry door for determining when an individual is about to leave an area. When the status indication device determines that an individual is about to leave an area, it displays an energy status to the individual, so that the individual can decide whether to place energy-consuming devices in a conservation mode of operation.

Abstract: A failure detection device for a vehicle speaker includes a signal generator, an amplifier, a coupling capacitor, a supply circuit, a detection circuit, and a determination section. The signal generator generates a sound signal corresponding to sound outputted from the speaker. The amplifier amplifies the sound signal. The capacitor supplies the amplified sound signal to the speaker. The supply circuit supplies a direct-current test current to the speaker so that the test current does not flow through the capacitor by applying a test voltage to the speaker. The test voltage is higher than a voltage of the sound signal. The detection circuit detects a terminal voltage of the speaker. The determination section determines whether at least one of an open-circuit and a short-circuit occurs in the speaker based on the terminal voltage during application of the sound signal to the speaker.

Abstract: An emergency locating communications device that includes an emergency locator beacon that transmits emergency signals at 406 MHz and a SEND commercial satellite transmitter and receiver is provided. The communications device can be identified for both 406 MHz originator and SEND capable emergency locator device to an emergency services provider by sending a first message to the emergency services provider including a unique identity number of the 406 MHz transmitter of the device and. sending a second message to the emergency services providing including an International Mobile Equipment Identity number of the SEND transmitter of the device. The second message further includes at least a portion of the unique identity number of the 406 MHz transmitter of said device such that the emergency services provider can process the first and second messages to identify both the 406 MHz transmitter and the SEND transmitter of said emergency locator device.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a car using a car key, a selected function is received from a function menu displayed on an operation interface of a display device of the car key. System data about the car is acquired from a management unit of the car, and devices of the car are controlled using the management unit, according to the selected function. The system data about the car or status of the devices of the car is displayed on the operation interface of the display device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a touchscreen keypad and one or more devices that generate a tactile response to a user of the apparatus when a key in the keypad is pressed. In order accomplish a simple construction requiring a minimum of space, the one or more devices that generate that tactile response may include at least one piezoelectric element configured to generate vibration which is forwarded to the user in response to a key of the touchscreen keypad being pressed.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods involve a handheld illuminated module to communicate safety information from a spotter to a driver during a vehicle maneuver. In an illustrative example, the spotter operates the module at a position from which to monitor a region in the vehicle's path. The spotter communicates to the driver that the path is clear by depressing a switch on the module. When depressed, the module switch indicates a “safe” mode that (1) illuminates the module, for example, with a green color, and (2) communicates to a vehicle safety module (VSM) on-board the vehicle. In response to the message, the VSM may transition from a warning mode to a safe mode and emit corresponding visual and/or audio signals to the driver. If the spotter releases the switch, the module illumination changes, and the VSM reverts to warning mode in which it prompts the driver to stop the vehicle.

Abstract: The present application provides a system, method and non-transitory computer readable medium that provides a means of using a vehicle horn as an inexpensive user input interface to serve the function of a simple push button switch for an in-vehicle device or system. The use of the vehicle horn as a user input interface to an in-vehicle device or system is novel. The description of example embodiments illustrates application details that take advantage of the properties of the vehicle horn sound to allow efficient processing that can be implemented on a low cost processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for indicating the presence of a mobile device within a passenger cabin are provided. A method for indicating the presence of a mobile device within a passenger cabin of a vehicle includes linking a vehicle computing device with the mobile device, determining whether a vehicle ignition is off and whether a vehicle lock has been actuated. The method further includes generating an audible mobile device search signal that is played through a cabin and waiting to receive a response from the mobile device as to whether the mobile device detected the audible mobile device search signal. The method further includes determining whether the mobile device is within the passenger cabin based on whether a response was received from the mobile device and generating a first audible indication when the mobile device is within the passenger cabin.

Abstract: A flag that includes a motion detector or timer is described. When the flag detects motion or after a certain length of time, the flag will play a noise, such as a wind chime, sounds of nature, or a song, such as a national anthem, or organization song. The flag includes a motion detector or timer, a battery pack, circuitry to direct the playing of the noise, and a speaker. Alternatively, the flag includes a Bluetooth-enabled receiving device that will play a noise when a signal is received from a Bluetooth-enabled transmitting device.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for facilitating oilfield operations utilizing auditory data. In one embodiment, the present invention generates one or more auditory mapping structures whereby oilfield data may be mapped to sounds. The present invention provides at least one computer generated selection tool through which the user may select one or more portions of displayed oilfield data for auditory enhancement. Once the user has indicated an area of interest using the selection tool, the present invention may identify the oilfield data displayed within the outlined area of interest, identify auditory data associated with the displayed oilfield data utilizing one or more auditory mapping structures, and emit at least a portion of the identified auditory data to enhance the user's understanding of the displayed oilfield data.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs.

Abstract: A communication unit periodically transmits a request signal toward a prescribed range. When a transmitter exists in the range where the request signal can be received, it sends identification information in a responsive manner. A comparison ECU compares the identification information provided from the communication unit with a predetermined value, and if both of them match with each other, notifies a matching notification to a power source management ECU. On receipt of the matching notification from the comparison ECU, the power source management ECU notifies a lighting-up request for providing an instruction for lighting-up of a light-emitting unit to a body ECU. Upon receipt of the lighting-up request, the body ECU activates a lighting-up command LON. As a result, the light-emitting unit is lit up and notifies a user of the position of a charging port.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for monitoring an input audio signal from an onboard microphone of a mobile device while a host processor of the mobile device is in a standby mode. Additionally, a predetermined audio pattern may be identified in the input audio signal and a device location session may be triggered with respect to the mobile device based on the predetermined audio pattern. In one example, an output audio signal is generated during the device location session.

Abstract: Systems and methods are adapted for ensuring that the sound level of an audible signal, or audio alert, generated by a bedside medical device is appropriate to a hospital environment in which the device is operating. The disclosed systems and methods increase the likelihood that a device annunciates alerts at an audio level that is perceivable by a clinician while minimizing the nuisance to the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.

Abstract: A first controller can provide system state information and a second controller can receive the system state information. The second controller can be programmed to control the state of a component. The state of the component can be based on information programmed in the second controller and the system state information. The component can include an off state and an operating state indicated by a signal from the second controller.

Abstract: A signaling device that indicates actuation of a remotely located mousetrap comprises a base that supports the trap, a power supply, and a mounted electrical interface switch. The switch is held open by a non-conductive interrupter positioned between the switch contacts and connected to the bail of the trap. The bail dislodges the interrupter and closes its switch when the trap is actuated, producing a visual flashing light at the users location. The signaling device can be tested by a test actuator switch located at the users location. A tether clips the signaling device to the trap.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method for remote monitoring of one or more alarms, an audio signal is received. The received audio signal is processed using an audio recognition technique to identify an alarm that generated the audio signal. A user is caused to be notified that the identified alarm has been triggered.

Abstract: A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an interior component, movably attached to an exterior component. Rotation of the exterior component causes an actuation piece to activate a circuit provided to either the interior or exterior component. Activation of the circuit causes sound to be played from a speaker provided to either the interior or exterior component. Also included is a hollow portion provided to the interior component, of sufficient diameter to fit a bottle top therein. Also, the apparatus includes a grip, provided on the hollow portion and operable to fixedly engage the bottle top at least when the exterior component is rotated. Rotation of the exterior component relative to the interior component causes engagement of the interior component by the exterior component, such that the interior component is caused to rotate in concert with the exterior component, further causing rotation of the bottle top which the grip fixedly engages.

Abstract: Provided is a home appliance that outputs an operating sound, if a predetermined operating sound output condition is satisfied, the home appliance including: a storage unit that stores at least one sound; a manipulation unit through which a sound to be set as the operating sound is selected from among the at least one sound from a user; a sound output unit that outputs the operating sound; and a controller that controls the sound output unit to output the sound selected by the user to the operating sound, if the operating sound output condition is satisfied. The user directly inputs sounds to the home appliance and selects an operating sound from among the sounds so that the home appliance capable of providing various operating sounds according to a user's taste can be provided.

Abstract: A container having an internally directed audible output actuated by removal of a stopper is described. The container includes a hollow body with an open mouth and a base that includes a speaker and control electronics. A sensor is provided that is configured to detect presence of the stopper in the open mouth of the container. In one embodiment the sensor is comprised of a normally open electrical circuit formed by a pair of opposing arrays of electrical traces disposed within the mouth. In another embodiment, the sensor comprises an infrared light source and sensor that detects an amount of internally reflected infrared light within walls of the body. In yet another embodiment, the sensor comprises a device which detects the presence and/or absence of a magnetic field. Upon detection of removal of the stopper, an audible output is produced by the speaker into the container body and is perceivable by nearby users.