Abstract: Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistant are provided. An example process includes detecting input representing motion of an electronic device and sampling an audio input with a microphone of the electronic device. The example process further includes determining, based on the audio input and the input representing motion of the electronic device, whether to initiate a virtual assistant session. In accordance with a determination to initiate the virtual assistant session, the example process includes initiating the virtual assistant session. In accordance with a determination not to initiate the virtual assistant session, the example process includes forgoing initiating the virtual assistant session.

Abstract: A detonator which includes a housing which has a passage with an inlet and an outlet and which is of reducing cross sectional area from the inlet to the outlet and wherein the inlet is configured to be exposed to an end of a shock tube, and a fusible link is located at the outlet.

Abstract: Typically, high NREM stage N3 sleep detection accuracy is achieved using a frontal electrode referenced to an electrode at a distant location on the head (e.g., the mastoid, or the earlobe). For comfort and design considerations it is more convenient to have active and reference electrodes closely positioned on the frontal region of the head. This configuration, however, significantly attenuates the signal, which degrades sleep stage detection (e.g., N3) performance. The present disclosure describes a deep neural network (DNN) based solution developed to detect sleep using frontal electrodes only. N3 detection is enhanced through post-processing of the soft DNN outputs. Detection of slow-waves and sleep micro-arousals is accomplished using frequency domain thresholds. Volume modulation uses a high-frequency/low-frequency spectral ratio extracted from the frontal signal.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool includes a tool holder, a motor for rotational and/or percussive driving of the tool holder, and a magnetic field sensor disposed in a vicinity of the motor, where a magnetic field of the motor that is created by driving the tool holder by the motor is detectable by the magnetic field sensor. The hand-held power tool further includes a control device where the control device determines a load state of the motor in dependence on a detected magnetic field of the motor and differentiates between an idle mode of the hand-held power tool and a load mode of the hand-held power tool based on the determined load state of the motor.

Abstract: An analog electronic watch includes watch's internal time, and controls rotation of a group of indicators based on the watch's internal time. A terminal appliance stops the rotation of the group of indicators, generates an image of the indicators and the dial plate with an imaging unit, detects current display positions of the group of indicators in identification areas as part of the image of the indicators and the dial plate, generates current display time information based on the current display positions, and generates display time correction information based on a difference between the current display time information and the watch's internal time information. The analog electronic watch corrects the display positions of the group of indicators based on the display time correction information. There are provided an analog electronic watch system and an analog electronic watch that can reduce a time required for display time correction.

Abstract: A current sensor including a housing, the housing including a first module adapted to be clamped around a wire part of a power cable; a second module having a processing unit and a communication unit; the first module further including a device to measure the current through the wire of said power cable and to send the measured current to the processing unit through a first communication link. The processing unit includes a first time tracker; where the processing unit further includes software/hardware to increment the first time tracker if the measured current is above a first predetermined threshold and in that the communication unit includes a GSM module adapted to wirelessly transmit the value of the first time tracker.

Abstract: Systems and processes for operating an intelligent automated assistant are provided. An example process includes detecting input representing motion of an electronic device and sampling an audio input with a microphone of the electronic device. The example process further includes determining, based on the audio input and the input representing motion of the electronic device, whether to initiate a virtual assistant session. In accordance with a determination to initiate the virtual assistant session, the example process includes initiating the virtual assistant session. In accordance with a determination not to initiate the virtual assistant session, the example process includes forgoing initiating the virtual assistant session.

Abstract: A electronic device according to various example embodiments may include: a display, a memory storing identification information of a plurality of electronic devices, and a processor, configured to: obtain an image including a watch face, select a first electronic device matching the watch face among the plurality of electronic devices by comparing one or more characteristics of the watch face in the obtained image to the plurality of electronic devices, and display, on the display, an image including the watch face and the selected first electronic device.

Abstract: An air flow hour meter is provided. The air flow hour meter includes a passage configured to receive a pressurized fluid flow therethrough. An obstruction in the passage can be positioned in the fluid flow. A sensor in communication with the fluid flow can be configured to measure a pressure differential of the fluid flow between a first point and a second point of the passage. A microprocessor can be configured to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor, and a timer can be configured to activate when the signal-to-noise ratio falls below a predetermined limit and otherwise deactivate.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for controlling access to an electronic media source is disclosed. An access control system receives achievement goals and degree of access information. Assessment information is also received by the access control system from one or more input data sources. The access control system determines whether the achievement goals are met based on the received assessment information and forwards an access signal to the electronic media source based on the access determination. The access signal, including a grant signal, is forwarded when the achievement goals are met.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece enables a simple construction, and an electronic device has the electronic timepiece. A wristwatch 1 has a button A 6; a mode setting unit 32 that sets the operating mode of the wristwatch 1 based on an input operation of the button A 6. Based on the continuous input time that the button A 6 is operated continuously, the mode setting unit 32 changes the operating mode between a timekeeping mode that receives satellite signals from one or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information contained in a received satellite signal; and a positioning mode that receives satellite signals from three or more GPS satellites and adjusts the internal time information based on time information and positioning information contained in the received satellite signals.

Abstract: A system and a method for managing an alarm clock are disclosed. The method includes the follow steps: activating a periodic alarm clock setting; receiving an activation command of the periodic alarm clock setting; deactivating the periodic alarm clock setting according to the activation command and displaying a reactivation setting interface; receiving a reactivation time of the periodic alarm clock setting inputted by a user from the reactivation setting interface; and reactivating the periodic alarm clock setting automatically at the reactivation time of the periodic alarm clock setting.

Abstract: While in a first mode, a smartwatch can power down a majority of the smartwatch components to save power. In order to change modes, the watch may use a two-step method. The method for changing modes of the smartwatch includes detecting a movement of the smartwatch with a first sensor, such as an accelerometer, located in the smartwatch based on the movement indicating a command request. After the movement is detected, the smartwatch may power on a second sensor located in the smartwatch to detect a second event, such as an audio signal, with the second sensor. Finally, if the second sensor indicates a command request, then the method includes changing the mode the smartwatch. Based on either input provided to the smartwatch or a lack of input, the smartwatch can adapt a threshold at which the movement would trigger a command request.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a communication unit that performs communication with an external apparatus; a timekeeping unit that performs timekeeping of time; and a control unit, after completion of a connection with the external apparatus using the communication unit, updates time of the timekeeping unit using time information when being in a state where time can be set by obtaining the time information from the external apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided a medical device having a reminder function, the medical device comprising a reminder generator for issuing a reminder to a user to perform a predetermined action with the medical device; and a controller for selecting the reminder from a plurality of available reminders and for controlling the reminder generator to issue the selected reminder in accordance with a reminding schedule; wherein the controller is configured to maintain a measure of the effectiveness of each of said available reminders and to select the reminder from the plurality of available reminders based on said measures.

Abstract: A device for a motor-driven appliance includes a communication unit, a date/time information acquisition unit, and a control unit. The communication unit performs communication with an external appliance having a date/time information indicating a current date and time. The date/time information acquisition unit acquires the date/time information from the external appliance via the communication unit. The control unit performs control based on the date/time information acquired by the date/time information acquisition unit.

Abstract: A wristwatch includes a bezel, a series connected photovoltaic cell, a rechargeable battery, and an electronic device. The bezel defines an internal volume, which houses the photovoltaic cell, the rechargeable battery, and the electronic device.

Abstract: A chair timer is disclosed adapted to aid a user seated in a chair equipped with such a chair timer in the reduction of serious health issues associated with prolonged sitting, and crowd management and/or seating management. In various embodiments associated systems and methods of the chair timer are included. In one embodiment, the chair timer includes a sensor to detect movement, a microcontroller to communicate with one or more sensors and other components of the chair timer, a power supply, a switch to control the time and other settings, an alert device by which the user is altered to the passage of a certain amount of time, and additional user-operable control settings and switches by which the device is controlled, and by which control may be accessed and controlled via a website, smart phone, PDA, or the like, through wired or wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Zigbee, WiFi, or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for encoding a stove usage time includes a circuit, a temperature switch, an input device, and an output device. The circuit includes a processor and an internal timer. The temperature switch is communicatively linked to the circuit. The input device is electrically connected to the circuit and transmits a status request to the processor in response to receiving a user input. The internal timer increments an accumulated time of the internal timer by a usage time. The usage time is based on a duration the temperature switch detects temperatures higher than the minimum threshold. The processor accesses the incremented accumulated time of the internal timer and stores the accumulated time in a memory. The processor reads the incremented accumulated time from the memory, encodes the incremented accumulated time into an encoded value, and causes the output device to produce the encoded value in response to the status request.

Abstract: A sleep management application on a computing device having a processor and a storage medium executes code that establishes to a server that maintains data pertaining to the computing device or to a user, retrieves data from the remote server, and generates a custom interface to configure a feature of the computing device. The custom interface is used to program a sleep management setting. In one implementation, a method uses the sleep management application to provide an alarm function using external data from a remote server. The sleep management application can receive the external data from the remote server and analyze the external data to identify elements that pertain to the sleep management application. Then, the sleep management application can generate a control signal based on the elements, and modify a setting governing an operation of the alarm function in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: The operating time of various equipment is measured with a sensor and a timer. The sensor detects something associated with operation of the equipment, such as air pressure at the exhaust of a pneumatic tool or a changing magnetic field near the rotor of an electric motor connected to a piece of rotating equipment. The sensor is activated when it detects the activity associated with the equipment, and the battery powered timer advances when the sensor is activated.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for timing athletic events. A radio-based starter unit and a radio based timer unit communicate wirelessly via radio. Push buttons/switches and lights and a speaker in the units provide an intuitive, easy to use interface. Handshaking occurs between the starter unit and the timer unit, and lights indicate that the event is ready to start. Real time clocks in the units are synchronized. Upon detection of race or other event start, such as from a starter's pistol, information indicative of the race start time is transmitted from the start unit to the timer unit. A camera in communication with the timer unit provides video frames, and the timer unit encodes and inserts elapsed time information in the video frames, which are then output from the timer unit for review and analysis on a computer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for temporarily disabling alarms by suspending alarms on computing devices for given days or for a specific period of time. The alarms will automatically be re-enabled after the specific period or after the specified days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that can be used in individual weight control protocols that is capable of detecting in real time information with regard to number of bites taken, time between bites, and so forth. The weight control device can detect bites through motion detection via a sensor worn on the wrist or hand of a user. The device can include notification capabilities that can alert a user as to excessive eating speed, excessive amounts of food intake, and the like so as to provide immediate feedback for purposes of weight control.

Abstract: An alarm clock includes a main body having a clock dial, an alarm module, a camera module, a storage member and a processor. The alarm module is attached to the main body and for sending out an alarm signal at a preset time. The camera module is rotatably mounted on the main body and for capturing a first image of a predetermined area within a viewing range thereof prior to sending out the alarm signal, and a second image after the alarm signal is sent out. The storage member is configured for storing the first image and the second image. The processor is configured for comparing the second image with the first image to determine if a person is located in the viewing range, and controlling the alarm module and the camera module to operate based on the determined result. An operating method of the alarm clock is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide, among other things, a control system for a game clock and a method of controlling a game clock or timer. The control system includes a stationary transmitter adapted to transmit an energizing signal and a portable signaling device having a transmitter for transmitting a clock signal when energized by the energizing signal. In some cases the transmitter is coupled to an actuator adapted to enable and disable transmission by the transmitter. The transmitter is adapted to transmit the clock signal when enabled by the actuator and energized by the first signal from the stationary transmitter. The control system can further include a stationary receiver that receives the clock signal and forwards it to a control circuit adapted to couple to and operate a game clock according to the clock signal.

Abstract: A timing module for use in a detonating system which includes discriminating and validating arrangements which sense and validate at least one characteristic of at least one parameter produced by at least one shock tube event and an electronic timer which executes a timing interval in response thereto.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, a kit and an apparatus for prompting a user of an urination event. The present invention includes a portable incontinence prompting apparatus having a timer mechanism for timing an interval disposed within a housing and a time interval selection mechanism in communication with the timer mechanism for selecting a preset time interval. The apparatus includes a prompting mechanism in communication with the timer mechanism for issuing a prompting signal in response to a signal from the timer timing mechanism.

Abstract: A timing system which illuminates an elongate timing region so that RFID transponders illuminated in the region transmit identification signals that are used to generate timing information associated with competitors. A panel antenna is preferably provided on the ground to create the elongate timing region and the system preferably operates at UHF. The RFID tag preferably uses a notch antenna and may be incorporated into a credit card.

Abstract: Provided, among other things, is an outing record device comprising, in a compact, wall-mountable device: controller with associated memory; display(s) for displaying a outing time and an outing duration time; a receiver suitable for hanging an Object; and a trigger responsive to the removal from and placement on the receiver of an object, wherein the controller records the times of removal and placement, calculates a last outing time and duration, and makes available for display on the display(s) the outing time and duration. Methods of use, for example, are also provided.

Abstract: A clock object is provides, which includes a clock time and a monotonic time that are readable by the electronic device. The monotonic time is incremented every read of the monotonic time from the clock object. The clock object can also include an indication of a level of trust of the clock time.

Abstract: An athletic performance measurement system determines the reaction time, performance time and response time for an athlete to perform an event. A timing processor is in communication with two spaced-apart switches and when the athlete activates the first switch, it sets in motion a system for randomly activating a transducer that alerts the athlete to start the test. The athlete manipulates the first switch in response to detecting the activated transducer while the device measures the time it takes for this activity, thereby defining the athlete's reaction time. Then, the athlete manipulates the spaced apart second switch while the system monitors the time it takes to perform this task, thereby defining the athlete's performance time. The total response time is then calculated by adding the reaction time to the performance time. A testing protocol for performing a plurality of timed tests and averaging the scores is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating a local clock domain within an operation includes steps of: receiving a clock frequency measurement for a slow portion of logic within the operation; generating a local signal to indicate commencement of the operation and to function as a clock gating signal; latching the clock gating signal to a selected cycle; generating clock domain controls based on the clock gating signal such that the operation times its commencement on the selected cycle; and propagating the clock gating signal in ungated latches for a number of cycles, such that a second operation is restricted from being launched until the operation completes.

Abstract: A method for adjusting an alarm activation time of an alarm clock includes: selecting a revised alarm activation time; broadcasting the revised alarm activation time to the alarm clock as a text message; and confirming the revised alarm activation time. A computer program product and alarm clock are disclosed.

Abstract: A clock device is provided for generating a real-time clock. The clock device includes a frequency generator, a measuring module, a setting module and a timing module. The frequency generator generates a frequency signal. The measuring module is coupled to the frequency generator for measuring the frequency signal and generating a measuring frequency value. The setting module is coupled to the measuring module for generating an error setting value corresponding to the measuring frequency value. The timing module is coupled to the frequency generator and the setting module for compensating the frequency signal according to the error setting value and generating the real-time clock.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification transponder includes a power supply and a dynamic memory array that stores data. When power from the power supply ceases, the data in the dynamic memory array is validly maintained for a predetermined period of time. The dynamic memory array is responsive to an interrogating signal for selectively updating the data. A radio frequency identification transponder includes a signal processor that extracts an identifier from the interrogation signal and is responsive to the identifier and the stored data to determine whether some or all of the identifier is stored in the dynamic memory array.

Abstract: A vehicle technician time clock tool comprises a computer-implemented interface to a database, wherein the database contains vehicle service task-related information and time-related information, the vehicle service task-related information and time-related information pertaining to at least one vehicle technician, and a computer-implemented graphical user display (GUI), wherein the GUI displays in real time at least some of the vehicle service task-related information, at least some of the time-related information, and at least one calculation based on at least some of the time-related information.

Abstract: A diet watch includes a housing with an adjustable wristband attached thereto, at least one accelerometer disposed within the housing, a microcontroller disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the accelerometer and a feedback device operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer provides a signal indicative of an orientation of a user's hand in space. The microcontroller uses the signal from the at least one accelerometer to determine that a bite was taken by the user and starting a timer to countdown a preset time interval. The feedback device provides an indication to the user that another bite of food may be taken after the preset time interval has elapsed.

Abstract: An electromechanical timer includes a case (1), an electric motor (3) and a unidirectional transmission device (4) disposed in the case. The electric motor is engaged with the unidirectional transmission device, the unidirectional transmission device is connected with a ratchet (5) setting voltages, and the ratchet is fixed with a handle (2). Voltages corresponding to the handle at different rotating positions are collected by a voltage acquisition unit. The voltage acquisition unit outputs the voltages to a control unit. The control unit is connected with the electric motor. The unidirectional transmission device and the ratchet setting voltages realize the random timing at any position.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling and limiting the amount of time that a television, computer game, or other electrical appliance can be utilized. The apparatus is inserted in the electrical cord leading to the electrical appliance and is programmable to limit the amount of time that electricity flows through the electrical cord tot he electrical appliance. The plug end of the electrical cord of the appliance is locked into the apparatus to prevent the electrical appliance from being unplugged from the apparatus and plugged into an electrical wall outlet.

Abstract: A racing device for a racing dog that utilizes a muzzle with a front end, that is worn on the face of the racing dog while racing, and a transceiver, that is placed on the front end of the muzzle and emits a signal. There is a receiving station, located at the finish line of a race, that receives the emitted signal from the transceiver, indicating when the transceiver crosses the finish line. There is also a timer, used in combination with the receiving station, that indicates what time the transceiver crosses the finish line. The invention includes GPS, RF and laser technologies and also includes an embodiment for a racing horse.

Abstract: A timer is enclosed in a pressure tight enclosure which is attached to or is part of the motor rotor. Rotation of the rotor is sensed and the timer is turned on when the rotor is turning and is turned off when the rotor is idle. The version usable in motors of the progressing cavity type can power the timer, and provide timer control.

Abstract: A sports annunciation system is remotely controlled by players in unofficiated games. Players start and stop game timers by wireless communication to a base unit using a switching device on their person. The system audibly announces time-in, time-out, remaining time and key game events. The device simulates time control and announcements found in officiated games.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for automatically determining a time for a device connected to a network, the method comprising: obtaining time samples from a plurality of different electronic devices on the network; normalizing the time samples; selecting a time for the device in accordance with an algorithm that utilizes the time samples; and resetting a clock in accordance with the selected time.

Abstract: A data word is used to represent the total amount of time duration or predefined events a device has experienced during its lifetime. The data word is incremented count by count while the device is powered on and each updated data word is backed up to a non-volatile memory. A two-version redundancy scheme is employed to ensure failsafe backup and restoration of the data word. At any time at least one valid version of the data word exists in the non-volatile memory. In another aspect, a partitioned memory configuration is implemented to backup the data word and its associated error correction code to the non-volatile memory. In this way the non-volatile memory is able to store a range of counts whose maximum number far exceeds the memory's endurance limit.

Abstract: A novel technique for distinguishing fuel-operated engine idling and working periods by monitoring the different values of the engine alternating-current alternator frequencies for distinguishing engine idling and working, and, where desired, total engine operating run time.

Abstract: A remote control apparatus includes various operation keys and is connected to a plurality of electronic appliances through buses. If a timepiece reset mode is set on a side of the remote control apparatus and then a desired electronic appliance is selected, a protocol is established between the remote control apparatus and the desired electronic appliance. A command key for reset command input is activated after establishing a protocol. If a command key is operated, a reset command for the timepiece is transmitted to the desired electronic appliance to thereby reset a timepiece circuit provided in the desired electronic appliance. Because the protocol has been established at a time that the command key is operated, the timepiece circuit is reset immediately after operating the command key.

Abstract: A timing device utilized for determining overall response of a vehicle to initial starting activities. The vehicle is comprised of an engine, a transbrake, a transbrake button and delay box for engaging and disengaging the transbrake, a drive shaft, a throttle stop mechanism, and an acceleration pedal. The timing device is in an operative relationship with the vehicle and produces electrical signals in response to various events that occur prior to and during a drag race. The timing device calculates an elapsed time between various pairs of the electrical signals produced. The device displays the elapsed times to the driver or user in an alphanumeric format.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for use with an electrical appliance to record and display the electrical appliance's actual accumulated operating time and record and display the number of times the electrical appliance has been energized since the time the monitoring apparatus was installed or last reset. The monitoring apparatus may include a current detector, a time recorder, and a counter for detecting and recording operation time and number of start-ups.

Abstract: A curfew timer apparatus for selectively disconnecting a signal line from an appliance. The apparatus includes a base and a timer coupled to the base. The timer is preferably a seven day timer configured to disconnect the signal line from the appliance during said preselected time periods and prevent usage of the appliance. The apparatus also lockable cover coupled to the base to protect and reduce the likelihood of tampering with the switch, the timer, the coupling means, and the connecting means. The base includes a flange surrounding an outer periphery of the base. The flange is configured to extend below a bottom surface of the base to abut a wall surrounding the wall outlet to reduce further the tampering risk. The apparatus further includes a three way switch for selectively continuously disconnecting the signal line from the appliance, continuously connecting the signal line to the appliance, or connecting the signal line to the appliance through the timer.