Abstract: A remote tracking and communication device comprising a housing which encloses a processor, a memory, a position locator, a first transmitter, and a second transmitter. Each of the latter components are electronically coupled to the processor. Both the first and second transmitters are adapted to send and receive wireless voice and data signals in a digital format. The device further comprises a first battery, which is removably affixed to the housing and electronically coupled to each component within the housing, a speaker and a microphone electronically coupled to the first transmitter, and a button electronically coupled to the processor. When pressed, the button is adapted to activate voice communications with a call center using the first transmitter.

Abstract: A multifunctional power bank includes a box for installing different component modules, an electric power unit and a sound producing unit, both installed in the box, and an interface disposed on the box and connected to an external electronic device, wherein the sound producing unit is connected to the electric power unit, and the interface is connected to the electric power unit. When the power bank is connected to the electronic device through the interface, the electric power unit can exchange electric power with the electronic device, and the sound producing unit can issue a warning to users.

Abstract: A monitoring and notification system detects and informs vehicle occupants of sirens. The system may adjust radio, phone, or other device settings in the vehicle in conjunction with the notification. The notification may take an audible or visual form, and the monitoring system may perform its analysis across multiple types of sirens. In addition, the system may adapt its processing based on location to take into account locally expected siren formats.

Abstract: Audibly identifying an event includes enabling selection of a first sound based upon an identifier. The identifier enables identification of an entity related to the event. A notification of an occurrence of the event is received. The notification includes the identifier. An intended recipient is alerted of the event by playing, in response to the notification, at least a portion of the first sound and at least a portion of a second sound that is related to the event.

Abstract: An acoustic occupancy sensor includes and acoustic transmitter, acoustic receiver, variable bandpass filter and a controller. The acoustic transmitter transmits acoustic signals into a defined region and the acoustic receiver receives acoustic signals from the defined region. The received acoustic signal is converted to an electrical signal. A pre-amplifier amplifies the electrical signal and the electrical signal is digitized. The digitized electrical signal is demodulated by a demodulator to remove the carrier signal. The digitized electrical signal is filtered by a bandpass filter that sweeps up along a range of frequencies and down along a range of frequencies. The amplitudes of the filtered signals are averaged and analyzed to determine the presence or absence of an occupant within the defined region.

Abstract: Verbal warning labels and other audible warning systems for use with different devices, containers, products and other things in various environments are disclosed herein. An audible warning system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a device having a standardized textual warning associated therewith, and a sound playback system operably coupled to the device. The sound playback device can be configured to audibly output a verbal warning corresponding to the textual warning. The verbal warning can be provided by at least one of a manufacturer, supplier, distributor or retail vendor of the device, and the verbal warning can supplement or replace the standardized textual warning.

Abstract: An alarm clock, a system and a method wake a user. The alarm clock may have a transmitter which sends a signal to an ear piece which may be worn in and/or on an ear of a user. The earpiece may emit an alert in response to the wireless signal to alert the user to a specified time without disturbing other individuals. The earpiece may have a vibrating module which may emit vibrations into the ear after receiving the signal. The earpiece may have a speaker which may emit an audible alert.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signaling system for use in a system for monitoring and/or controlling a stack of power cells. The stack of power cells is series connected, i.e. the negative terminal of one power cell is connected to the positive electrode of the adjacent power cell. A monitoring device is associated with each power cell to monitor characteristics of the power cell (temperature, voltage). Every monitoring device is powered by the power cell it is associated. The monitoring device monitors the status of the cell (e.g. it measures the difference of potential between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of that cell but it may also measure the temperature of the power cell, the pH of the electrolyte if the power cell Ci is a battery, etc. and communicates information on the status of the cell to other monitoring devices. The monitoring devices are daisy chained.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically provide an audio sub-channel for a reading service to a visually impaired user. An audio service system includes a control module and a transmit module. The control module is operable to identify an audio sub-channel for a reading service available for reception within a broadcast area of a television content provider. The control module is further operable to identify a set of commands for a television tuner instructing the television tuner to tune to the audio sub-channel. The transmit module is operable to transmit the set of commands to the television tuner so the visually impaired user can listen to the audio sub-channel for the reading service.

Abstract: Electronic devices that include batteries can be adapted to provide one or more indications of a low battery condition. An electronic device such as a controller can include a battery and can be adapted to determine a first low battery condition. A first indication can be provided in response to the first low battery condition. In some cases, a second battery condition can be determined and a second indication can be provided in response to the second battery condition. The indications provided to the user can be made progressively more noticeable over time, until the battery is replaced.

Abstract: An audible playback device that allows an athlete, such as a runner, to conveniently listen to audible content and receive athletic performance information. A single device may be employed to both playback audible content and provide monitored performance information to a user. The performance information may be provided to a user audibly, so that the user does not need to move the monitoring device's user interface to a viewable position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method thereof wherein a portable computer system or personal digital assistant generates a visual signal in response to an occurrence of a programmed event. For example, the portable computer system can use a light emitting diode to visually signal an alarm at a specified time. The visual signal can be varied in order to indicate the type of event associated with the alarm. In one implementation, the visual signal blinks at a particular rate depending on the type of event. In another implementation, the visual signal blinks a prescribed number of times or according to a particular pattern depending on the type of event. When enabled, the visual signal is generated in lieu of an audible signal, thus providing to the user a silent alarm that does not disturb other people in proximity, such as in a meeting, a theater, or some other gathering.

Abstract: A flexible audio output device includes control circuits couplable to a communications system and an audio announcement system. The communications system can transmit function specifying parameters to the device. Various forms of directional audio, or verbal messages can be emitted in accordance with received parameters.

Abstract: System and methods of detecting and measuring periodontal disease comprising filling a periodontal pocket with a fluid capable of propagating sound waves, transmitting a sound wave into the periodontal pocket, sensing the return sound wave from the periodontal pocket, and determining the depth of the pocket by measuring the time it takes the at least one transmitted sound wave to traverse the periodontal pocket and return. A peak discrimination analysis algorithm is also provided.

Abstract: A voice alarm system, coupled to a fire monitoring system responds to received wireless signals. The signals can be emitted by a portable wireless control unit that can be carried or worn by first responders.

Abstract: The pitch of tones within tonal patterns emitted by ambient condition detector units and systems in the alarm or testing state is not always optimum to be heard by a wide range of users. An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern whereby a user can select at least one pitch tone emitted within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output.

Abstract: A communication apparatus with an anti-theft mode is provided. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes an input unit and a CPU. The input unit is for generating an operational signal in response to an operational input. The CPU is for receiving an anti-theft mode signal and setting the communication apparatus in an anti-theft mode, and disabling communication functions of the communication apparatus when the operational signal received from the input unit is a communication operational signal and the communication apparatus is in the anti-theft mode.

Abstract: A verbal language based output system includes data defining a geometrical region, such as a building, configuration data relative to various detectors in the region, and a plurality of event inputs associated with the detectors. Verbal language generation software, in response to the data and the event inputs, produces verbal descriptions of developing events. Such verbal descriptions can be audibly output for use by personnel needing to enter the region to address the events.

Abstract: A system for electronic dispensing of medication and methods of increased exposure of users to such system is provided. Medication dispensing while in transit and related transit amenities is provided. Advertising on such devices and electronic coupon clipping and administration is also provided.

Abstract: A RFID-enabled recommendation system and related method utilizing information from RFID tags of products (e.g., foodstuffs) to generate recommendations regarding said products. In accordance with one aspect, a server generates recommendations based on product-specific information sent from a RFID tag.

Abstract: A locator of personal articles being monitored to prevent loss or misplacement. The locator emits a location cue. The location cue may be emitted at the monitored article, or if in the form of a verbal message, may be generated at the person who is monitoring the personal article. Location cues emitted at the monitored article may be audible, visible, or olfactory. The locator may comprise two separate cooperating devices including a querying device and a cue emitting device, or may comprise only one device, such as for emitting the verbal message. The sole device may comprise a location cue emitter kept with the monitored article, such as for emitting an audible cue, a visible cue, or an olfactory cue.

Abstract: A door bell notification and personal protection system includes a warning notification module adapted to recognize at least one of a door bell notification from a door bell ringer or emergency transmission signal from a wireless transmitter and thereafter provide a recognition signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is adapted to retrieve dog barking sounds stored in a memory and provide the dog barking sounds to at least one of an amplifier or radio frequency transmitter after the microprocessor receives the recognition signal from the warning notification module. Dog barking sounds can be broadcasted using the wireless transmitter. A delay module can enable processing with a delay time after first receipt of the recognition signal. A random module can enable random retrieval of various dog barking sounds from memory for processing. A time out module can disable operation of the microprocessor at a set time after recognition signal receipt.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting alert events and responsively playing out audio-clips. The audio-clips may comprise data representing a sound recording. Playing out the audio-clips occurs in an order defined by a sequence. The audio-clips and the sequence are maintained in data storage. A processor executes program logic to detect a first alert event and responsively play out at least a first audio-clip of the sequence, and to detect a next alert event and responsively play out at least a next alert event of the sequence. After playing out all audio-clips in the sequence, play out of the audio-clips may then continue with the first audio-clip of the sequence.

Abstract: An intelligent medical vigilance system that observes and analyzes, and, only in the event of a clinically significant negative condition, notifies and reports the event to the care staff utilizing the hospital's existing nurse call system. The device includes a bedside unit connected to a pad or coverlet with a sensor array (placed under the patient) and also to an existing hospital nurse call system via an interface. Within the physical bedside unit are a signal processor and an alarm processor that measure data and evaluate whether a clinically significant event is occurring. The bedside unit is a wall-mounted unit with a display that becomes active when an alarm condition is enabled. The sensing pad or coverlet is a thin, piezoelectric film, or other similar sensing technology, with an array of sensors sheathed in soft padding and is not directly in contact with the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A security alarm system suitable for bicycles or other mobile articles, which may be attached to said article to be protected. This anti-theft device is equipped with a security cable and a siren and two LED's. Said cable may be spooled thru the major components of the article. Having several options of attachment said alarm is suitable on many different articles, such as construction equipment, motorcycles, children's toys, barbeques etcetera. The security siren alarm system is simple to operate yet provides a sophisticated security unit. This system uses a low current drain design in the arming/timing circuit to provide long battery life. The security cable provides ample length to attach a number of parts together even more than one bicycle. Should this cable be cut or somehow removed the attached alarm will sound off for up to three hours.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discretely alerting an operator or operators of a state of alarm or for conveying sensory or other signal data to operator or operators is described. Such method and device functions to transmit signals in the ultrasonic band to an operator and utilizes a transducer to covertly transfer the signal to said operator.

Abstract: A warning signal included in a wireless signal received, and the warning signal is displayed in the form of a warning information message. The warning information displaying method includes receiving a wireless signal through one channel among channels including a warning broadcasting channel, changing the current channel to the warning broadcasting channel when the current channel is not the warning broadcasting channel at predetermined intervals, receiving the wireless signal through the warning broadcasting channel, reading warning information corresponding to a warning signal if the wireless signal includes the warning signal, and visibly or audibly outputting the warning information.

Abstract: An engine of a hybrid electric vehicle is started following a determination that the vehicle is not moving, the ignition system is in a run state, a door is open, and the engine is not running to alert a driver that the vehicle is in a drive state.

Abstract: An alarm suspend system utilizes an alarm trigger responsive to physiological parameters and corresponding limits on those parameters. The parameters are associated with both fast and slow treatment times corresponding to length of time it takes for a person to respond to medical treatment for out-of-limit parameter measurements. Audible and visual alarms respond to the alarm trigger. An alarm silence button is pressed to silence the audible alarm for a predetermined suspend time. The audible alarm is activated after the suspend time has lapsed. Longer suspend times are associated with slow treatment parameters and shorter suspend times are associated with fast treatment parameters.

Abstract: The travel situation of a vehicle is detected by sensors and a sensor section 110 recognizes the moving state of the vehicle and outputs event signals. A processing section 180 has a sound emission control section that acquires a MIDI message to be used for notifying the travel situation by means of a MIDI sound source generating section. At the same time, it recognizes the priority level of the event signal to be used for notification in terms of urgency or significance and defines the parameter value of the MIDI message so as to bring the localized sound image of the sound to be emitted from a speaker located substantially at the center relative to a driver according to the priority level. Then, it has a sound emitting section 150 emit the sound.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting alert events and responsively playing out audio-clips. The audio-clips may comprise data representing a sound recording. Playing out the audio-clips occurs in an order defined by a sequence. The audio-clips and the sequence are maintained in data storage. A processor executes program logic to detect a first alert event and responsively play out at least a first audio-clip of the sequence, and to detect a next alert event and responsively play out at least a next alert event of the sequence. After playing out all audio-clips in the sequence, play out of the audio-clips may then continue with the first audio-clip of the sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a system and method for controlling the output level of an enunciator on a portable electronic device. In the system, an enunciator management system for an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: an enunciator having a first enunciation level and a lower, second enunciation level; a sensor; a monitoring circuit connected to the sensor providing a trigger signal that registers a notable activation of the sensor; memory to store data relating to the first and the second enunciation levels for the enunciator and adjustment information for the enunciator for an application operating on the device; and an enunciator management module to initiate the enunciator at the first enunciation level and selectively activate the enunciator at the lower, second enunciation level depending on the adjustment information and the trigger signal from the monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A method for providing an emergency vehicle alert to an occupant of a second vehicle includes: receiving an alert signal at a receiver device on the second vehicle from the emergency vehicle; and, responsive to the received alert signal, automatically warning the occupant of the second vehicle that the emergency vehicle may be approaching and/or is in a vicinity of the second vehicle.

Abstract: A plurality of directional sounders located in a region being monitored can be synchronously and sequentially activated in various patterns to establish an audibly defined exit route from the region. Emitted audio, from a respective sounder, can be different than the audio emitted by other activated sounders to provide a path and direction for evacuation to individuals in the vicinity of the exit route.

Abstract: Another example of an audible product information device for placing proximate and associated consumer product includes a housing and electrical components in the housing configured to operate in a playback mode, a record more, and a standby mode. The electrical components include a controller, a record playback device for storing and playing an audible product information message, a speaker for audibly outputting the audible product information message, battery contact terminals in electrical communication with the record/playback device, an activation switch for starting a playback of the product information message, and a recording switch for starting a recording of the product information message. A method for providing an audible product information message to a consumer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a door chime. The door chime has a decorative cover connected to a sound module including sound controls. The decorative cover is shiftable relative to the sound module from a first position in which the decorative chime will be displayed during normal use, to a second position to allow access to the sound controls in the second position. The connection between the sound module and the decorative cover allows for either a sliding connection or a rotating connection depending on the desired configuration. The power module for the door chime is interchangeable between a battery powered and hard wired module.

Abstract: An information apparatus switches a display at a predetermined area which includes at least a part of a portion where an electromagnetic-wave emitting unit used for data communications with a data storage device is disposed, according to data communication processing with the data storage device, and emits sound generated according to the processing at corresponding timing.

Abstract: A method and system for warning an operator of a vehicle of a vehicular task that is being performed beyond a pre-determined time for execution of the task involving incrementally increasing audio and visual warnings as the task continues to be performed past the pre-determined time.

Abstract: An alerting system (202) for a communication device (100) is provided. The alerting system is designed to operate in a plurality of operating modes. The alerting system includes a transducer (204) and an electromechanical switch (106). The transducer transforms electrical impulses into vibrations. The electromechanical switch couples the transducer to a first component (206) of the communication device in a first operating mode. Further, the electromechanical switch couples the transducers to a second component (208) of the communication device in a second operating mode.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern comprising at least two distinctly different pitch tones in one embodiment of the invention. Another embodiment comprises a detector whereby a user can select a pitch tone to be output within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output to indicate the type of ambient condition sensed and/or the location of the detector sensing the ambient condition.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method secure a device and/or a removable attachment of the device with an optical sensor. Additionally, the apparatus, the system and the method attach and/or secure the device and/or the removable attachment to a structural element. A base, a spring and/or a screw connect the device to an alarm box, a power source and/or the structural element. The alarm box and/or the power source communicate with the optical sensor and/or the device via a cable to secure the device and/or the attachment of the device. A programmable logical device controls a voltage from the power source and transmits the voltage to the device. A first LED and/or a second LED indicate that the voltage is provided to the device and that the removable attachment is secured. The optical sensor has a photo emitter and/or a photo receiver to secure the device and/or the removable attachment of the device to a structural element.

Abstract: An emergency/hazard warning system which provides a warning of a dangerous roadside condition to oncoming traffic by means of an elevated flare, reflector, emergency light, or other safety signal, but which also meets an essential safety need by utilizing a position-responsive switch or other means for energizing a battery powered audible alarm. The battery powered audible alarm is energized when a predetermined perimeter around the roadside dangerous condition is breached. This provides a system for warning those individuals involved in a roadside dangerous condition, such as a disabled vehicle, road work, and the like, that the perimeter has been breached so that evasive action can be taken to prevent personal injury or property damage. Either a single unit can be deployed to established the required perimeter or multiple units may be daisy chained together with a retractable cord to provide a more comprehensive barrier. The emergency/hazard warning system is light weight and compact.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system can have a transmitter transmitting a signal, a receiver receiving the signal, and a control device in communication with the receiver and controlling at least one operation of the vehicle. A selected operation may be executable by the signal. The vehicle remote control system includes a microphone that can determine an ambient noise volume and an ambient noise frequency in an area around the vehicle and is in communication with the control device. Furthermore, the vehicle remote control system includes a speaker that is able to generate an answer signal to confirm that the selected operation was executed. The speaker is in communication with the control device which generates an answer signal as a function of ambient noise volume and the ambient noise frequency in the area surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A monitor with reminder sounds is disclosed. The device includes at least a monitor, at least a button and an audio player. The button is disposed on the monitor for adjusting status of the monitor. The audio player is also arranged on the monitor and is connected with the button. When pressing the button, the audio player receives a signal and makes a sound. The monitor further includes a detection module that is used to check output image signals of the monitor. When detecting errors of output image signals of the monitor, the detection module sends a detection signal to the audio player so as to make the audio player generate a sound. Thus the user is reminded that whether the button is pressed precisely. Furthermore, the device also informs the user is that the monitor is in abnormal status. Therefore, the present invention provides users more convenience of use.

Abstract: A system having a support that supports a child seat and a controller that outputs motion, sound, and/or image signals to be experienced by a child in the child. An actuator connected to the support moves the support responsive to the motion signal, and the corresponding sounds and image signal may be synchronized therewith. A recorder may be used to record motions and sounds from an actual vehicle. A method includes providing a support for the child seat, and producing a motion signal substantially corresponding to the motions experienced by the child in the child seat in the vehicle. The method further includes moving the support responsive to the motion signal for simulating the motions experienced by the child in the child seat when in the vehicle.

Abstract: A feedback device 1 including an interface 2 for receiving a first signal 3 from a point of sale console 4. A processor 5 is responsive to signal 3 for selectively defining a second signal, in the form of an inaudible ultrasonic transmission 6. An output, in the form of an ultrasonic transducer 7, is responsive to processor 5 for propagating transmission 6 to provide only in a predetermined spatially defined transmission zone 8 an audible signal 9 indicative of signal 3. Signal 9 is substantially inaudible outside of zone 8.

Abstract: A system for providing audio-based information pertaining to a situation communicated to a first responder en route to the situation. The information may include real-time and current data of the on-going situation (e.g., a building fire). The information may be relayed to the first responder by a dispatch center, or other intermediary, or come directly from monitoring instrumentation at a location of the situation. Also, background and/or preplanned information about the location may be provided to the first responder via a handset or other device. The responder may request certain information via the handset or device in a vehicle en route with voice requests or button activation. Visual displays of information on the instrumentation may be converted to audio- or speech-based displays for the responder.

Abstract: Provided are a pointing apparatus capable of providing haptic feedback, and a haptic interaction system and method using the same. The pointing apparatus includes a wireless communication unit, a controller, and a haptic stimulator. The wireless communication unit receives an event including haptic output information through wireless communication with the outside. The controller generates a control signal for reproducing a haptic pattern corresponding to the haptic output information. The haptic stimulator reproduces the haptic pattern by means of the control signal. Thus, it is possible to increase the performance and usability of a user interface of a user terminal including a touch screen.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing auditory feedback in a personal virtual assistant (PVA) is presented. A user communication is received at the PVA. A determination is made whether an event sound is required in response to the receiving a user communication and upon determination that an event sound is required, an event sound is provided to the user and upon determination that an event sound is not required an event sound is not provided to the user. A response to the communication received from the user is determined and is transmitted to the user.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method including detecting a select hazardous condition by at least one triggering alarm unit of a plurality of interconnected hazardous condition alarm units. An actuatable latch in the triggering alarm unit is switched from an unlatched state to a latched state. An audible alert is generated in all of the interconnected alarm units. A test switch is actuated to identify the triggering alarm unit. Actuating the test switch disables the audible alert in each alarm unit having an actuatable latch in the unlatched state. A reset switch is actuated in only one of the alarm units to reset the actuatable latch in each of the alarm units to the unlatched state.