Abstract: Some implementations include methods for communicating features of images to visually impaired users. An image to be displayed on a touch sensitive screen of a computing device may include one or more objects. Each of the one or more objects may be associated with a bounding box. A contact with the image may be detected via the touch sensitive screen. The contact may be determined to be within a bounding box associated with a first object of the one or more objects. Responsive to detecting the contact to be within the bounding box associated with the first object, a caption of the first object may be caused to become audible and the touch sensitive screen may be caused to vibrate based on a vibration pattern unique to the first object.

Abstract: An electronic device with a camera obtains, with the camera, one or more images of a scene. The electronic device detects a respective feature within the scene. In accordance with a determination that a first mode is active on the device, the electronic device provides a first audible description of the scene. The first audible description provides information indicating a size and/or position of the respective feature relative to a first set of divisions applied to the one or more images of the scene. In accordance with a determination that the first mode is not active on the device, the electronic device provides a second audible description of the plurality of objects. The second audible description is distinct from the first audible description and does not include the information indicating the size and/or position of the respective feature relative to the first set of divisions.

Abstract: A method of personalizing one or more parameters of a processing algorithm for use in a hearing aid of a specific user comprises Performing a predictive test for estimating a hearing ability of the user when listening to signals having different characteristics; Analyzing results of said predictive test for said user and providing a hearing ability measure for said user; Selecting a specific processing algorithm of said hearing aid, Selecting a cost-benefit function related to said user's hearing ability in dependence of said different characteristics for said algorithm; and Determining, for said user, one or more personalized parameters of said processing algorithm in dependence of said hearing ability measure and said cost-benefit function.

Abstract: A method includes receiving sensor data relating to an environment from a plurality of mobility deices, determining locations of one or more points of accessibility within the environment based on the sensor data, creating an environment map based on the sensor data, and transmitting the environment map to a mobility device. The environment map includes the one or more points of accessibility.

Abstract: A method for providing sign language is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by an electronic device, a natural language information input from at least one source for conversion into sign language. The natural language information input includes at least one sentence. The method further includes predicting, by the electronic device, an emphasis score for each word of the at least one sentence based on acoustic components. The method further includes rephrasing, by the electronic device, the at least one sentence based on the emphasis score of each of the words. The method further includes converting, by the electronic device, the at least one rephrased sentence into the sign language. The method further includes delivering, by the electronic device, the sign language.

Abstract: The present invention discloses completely digitized, smart, interactive and connected system (100) for braille learning. The invention also provides platform for consuming coupled audio-braille tactile lessons that include voice and braille data input or output serving as educational tool for visually challenged. The smart interactive system comprises a braille keyboard (117), a digital braille 10 slate (116), a proximity touch sensor (120) for input, a large braille display (110) and standard braille display (108), a vibration motor (119) and a speaker (113) for haptic and audio data output. The digital braille slate (116) gives both mechanical tactile feedback and audio feedback via speaker (115) as each braille dots are pressed using the stylus (306). The system (100) is connected to the internet 15 allowing for remote software and content updates and upload of data on usage metrics.

Abstract: An interactive braille display system includes a processor and a display unit in electronic communication with the processor. The display unit includes a braille cell unit and an interactive unit in physical contact with the braille cell unit. The interactive unit includes a surface layer for displaying braille information and sensing tactile contact by a user. The interactive unit also includes a subsurface layer in physical communication with the surface layer, the subsurface layer including electrodes for detecting a capacitance change caused by the tactile contact by the user. The capacitance change corresponds to a position of the tactile contact by the user.

Abstract: A system is configured to replay a selected conversation with a selected agent. The selected conversation may be selected from a plurality of previously conducted conversations with other agents. The selected agent may be selected from a plurality of available agents. The system determines various tasks, named entities, and user preferences from the selected conversation. During a replay of the selected conversation with the selected agent, the system generates responses to messages received from the selected agent based on the determined tasks, named entities, and user preferences. The system also allows a user to select whether the replayed conversation should be conducted in a passive mode or in an active mode. In a passive mode, the system generally conducts the replayed conversation autonomously whereas, in an active mode, the system requests user input before sending a response to the selected agent.

Abstract: This application relates to an information output device using a unit block module. Due to the use of the unit block module, apparatus of various sizes may be simply constructed and/or designed, durability and user convenience may be improved, waterproof properties are provided, power consumption is minimized, and an operation error of a driving module may be minimized. And, when a pin is driven down, the pin may be driven down more easily by the attraction of a magnetic material and a magnetic member.

Abstract: A haptic device including a magnet, a rigid and conductive material arranged with respect to the magnet so as to create a gap between the magnet and the rigid and conductive material is disclosed. The haptic device is configured such that a magnetic field is generated in the gap by the magnet. The haptic device also includes a plurality of coils each connected to a respective one of a plurality of protruding elements where each of the plurality of coils are configured to be positioned within the gap. Each of the plurality of protruding elements are configured to produce a respective contact with an object when the respective coil is energized. In some embodiments, the object is a hand of a user.

Abstract: A display panel for the blind and a display device are provided in the embodiments of the disclosure. The display panel for the blind includes: a back plate; and a plurality of display units provided on the back plate, each comprising: supports provided on the back plate; and an elastic film layer provided on top of the supports and spaced apart from the back plate; the elastic film layer, the supports and the back plate cooperate with one another to define an accommodation cavity thereamong of a respective one of the plurality of display units, and the respective one of the plurality display units is configured to deform in a condition that it is energized so as to drive the accommodation cavity to change its shape and in turn to squeeze the elastic film layer to project outwards; the display device comprises the display panel for the blind as above and a housing configured to receive the display panel.

Abstract: A braille terminal (2) which extends in a transverse direction (6) and which has a plurality of cells (26), wherein each cell (26) has a plurality of pins (28) that can be felt by a user and are arranged in a plurality of columns (32) and a plurality of rows (30), and wherein the cell (26) is designed to represent an individual character, wherein a respective pin (28) can be actuated in each case individually by means of a piezoelectric bending transducer (54), and the piezoelectric bending transducers (54) are secured on a plurality of printed circuit boards (52) has a plurality of modules (4) which are juxtaposed in the transverse direction (6) and which each have a module housing (12), wherein a plurality of cells (26) are integrated in the module (4).

Abstract: The invention proposes a glove-like device which has a carrier structure, a camera and a switching arrangement. The camera is designed to record an image or series of images when it receives a contact signal. The carrier structure is designed, in the manner of a glove or of a cuff, to be readily fastened on a user's hand and/or wrist such that, in a state in which it has been drawn over the hand, at least some parts of the carrier structure enclose the user's hand. The camera and the switching arrangement are fastened on the carrier structure. The switching arrangement has an actuable component which is specifically arranged, and designed, such that it can be actuated by virtue of the user's thumb executing an actuating movement in the direction of a finger of the same hand and/or in the direction of a finger joint of the same hand, and which thus activates the contact signal and passes the latter on to the camera.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a control method of a wearable device execution module and a wearable device. The control method includes detecting at least one touch position and determining a set consisting of the detected at least one touch position as a current touch position set, the at least one touch position being a position at a predetermined touch sensing area; determining an execution module corresponding to the current touch position set as a current execution module based on a correspondence between predetermined touch position sets and execution modules and generating a control command; and transmitting the control command to the current execution module so that the current execution module executes the control command.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program in which: an adaptive feedback profile is stored; user feedback signals are produced according to the adaptive feedback profile; contextual information is determined; context of the apparatus is detected based on the contextual information; and the adaptive feedback profile is adapted according to the detected context.

Abstract: An alert notification device includes a plurality of devices working together as a whole configured to capture sound events in a restricted surrounding environment being monitored by a user with hearing disability, wherein the alert notification device includes a portable output device configured to execute an alert notification application that analyses at least one match indicator signal received by output device itself, a source signal captured by a resource or a third-party application executed in output device, and, based on an alert notification profile selected by the user using the alert notification application itself and produces, by means of portable output device's own resources, an alert notification signal that is seasonally and visually adapted for the user.

Abstract: A wearable item, such as an electronic device, is disclosed. The wearable item includes a flexible strap and actuators within the flexible strap. The actuators are configured to dynamically form protrusions along the flexible strap. The protrusions present tactilely-perceptible information, such as braille characters or other symbols.

Abstract: Techniques for detection of document similarity are provided. The computer-implemented method can comprise identifying, by an electronic device operatively coupled to a processing unit, a first pragmatic association of a first segment in a first document portion, the first pragmatic association indicating meaning of the first segment specific to a context of the first segment in the first document portion. The computer-implemented method can also comprise generating a first intermediate document portion from the first document portion by using the first pragmatic association to replace the first segment. The computer-implemented method can further comprise determining a similarity degree between the first document portion and a second document portion by comparing the first intermediate document portion with the second document portion.

Abstract: A computing system comprising one or more electronic computing devices receives data from a hearing-assistance device. The computing system determines, based on the data received from the hearing-assistance device, a cognitive benefit measure for a wearer of the hearing-assistance device. The cognitive benefit measure being an indication of a change of a cognitive benefit of the wearer of the hearing-assistance device attributable to use of the hearing-assistance device by the wearer of the hearing-assistance device. The computing device outputs an indication of the cognitive benefit measure.

Abstract: A haptic output device is configured to generate a deformation-based haptic effect and a vibration-based haptic effect. The haptic output device includes a shape memory material configured to change a shape thereof when heated and generate the deformation-based haptic effect, and a cooling device configured to cool the shape memory material and generate the vibration-based haptic effect.

Abstract: An assistive apparatus, and a method of providing an accessibility switch output by the assistive apparatus, is described. The assistive apparatus may include an accelerometer to be worn in an ear canal of a user, and a display having a graphical user interface. The accelerometer may generate an input signal representing an input command made by the user, and more particularly, the generated input command may represent one or more hums transmitted from vocal cords of the user to the accelerometer in the ear canal via bone conduction. The assistive apparatus may provide an accessibility switch output in response to the input signals representing the input command. For example, the accessibility switch output may cause a selection of a user interface element of the graphical user interface. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Structured web pages are accessed and parsed to obtain implicit annotation for natural language understanding tasks. Search queries that hit these structured web pages are automatically mined for information that is used to semantically annotate the queries. The automatically annotated queries may be used for automatically building statistical unsupervised slot filling models without using a semantic annotation guideline. For example, tags that are located on a structured web page that are associated with the search query may be used to annotate the query. The mined search queries may be filtered to create a set of queries that is in a form of a natural language query and/or remove queries that are difficult to parse. A natural language model may be trained using the resulting mined queries. Some queries may be set aside for testing and the model may be adapted using in-domain sentences that are not annotated.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device includes a memory cell array, a voltage generator, and a control circuit. The voltage generator generates word-line voltages to be applied to the memory cell array. The control circuit generates control signals that control the voltage generator in response to a command and an address. The control circuit includes a hacking detection circuit. The hacking detection circuit disables an operation of the nonvolatile memory device when a hacking is detected, wherein the hacking is detected when an access sequence of the command and the address does not match a standard sequence of the nonvolatile memory device a consecutive number of times.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for supporting a person at a site, venue, or location where the person may have a requirement. The method and system include storing a requirement code in a handheld device, and storing the requirement code and at least one characteristic relating to the requirement code in a requirement certification database. The requirement code is transmitted from the handheld device to a sensor at the site, and action data is received by a facility of the site from the requirement certification database. The action data is indicative of an action to be performed by the facility, dependent on the requirement code and the at least one characteristic, such that the facility adapts its function to a requirement of the person having the requirement.

Abstract: A system for improving brain function includes a brain-function-improving content storage unit that subdivides content for judging the degree of activation of human brain function into multiple classified regions and levels, and stores the subdivided content; a content selection unit that selects the content stored in the brain-function-improving content storage unit for each region according to a predetermined classification method; and an achievement determination unit that determines achievement of a user based on scores acquired through feedback provided by the user for the content selected by the content selection unit. The system may have the effect of protecting subdivided inherent functions of the brain, preventing disorders caused by accidents or diseases, recovering the inherent functions and disorders through analytic diagnosis and repeated study, and training and improving the cognitive ability of significantly impaired portions of brain function by subdividing the inherent functions of the brain.

Abstract: A user can provide input to an electronic device by performing a specific motion or gesture that can be detected by the device. At least one imaging or detection element captures information including the motion or gesture, such that one or more dwell points can be determined in two or three dimensions of space. The dwell points can correspond to any point where the motion pauses for at least a minimum amount of time, such as at an endpoint or a point where the motion significantly changes or reverses direction. The set of dwell points, and the order in which those dwell points occur, can be compared against a set of gestures to attempt to match a gesture associated with a particular input. Such an approach is useful for devices with image capture elements or other components that are not able to accurately capture motion or determine movements, etc.

Abstract: Technologies for generating a text message from user-selectable icons include a wearable computing device that determines a context associated with the wearable computing device. The wearable computing device determines user-selectable icons from predetermined user-selectable icons based on the context associated with the wearable computing device. Each of the user-selectable icons may have one or more textual meanings associated therewith for text message generation. The determined user-selectable icons may be displayed on a display of the wearable computing device.

Abstract: A method using a spatial-temporal software game for both teaching math concepts to a child and for scoring the child's proficiency in these math concepts. These scores are compared with the child's performance on a language-based test of the math concepts. If the child's score on the language-based test is lower than what is reflected by the child's game scores, instruction is given the child using stories and flashcards related to the spatial-temporal software games so that the child will relate vocabulary terms with the math concepts and characters in the temporal-spatial software game.

Abstract: Identification of user intents may be provided. A plurality of network applications may be identified, and an ontology associated with each of the plurality of applications may be defined. If a phrase received from a user is associated with at least one of the defined ontologies, an action associated with the network application may be executed.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: Support structures for positioning sensors on a physiologic tunnel for measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters of the body and to produce an action according to the measured value of the parameters. The support structure includes a sensor fitted on the support structures using a special geometry for acquiring continuous and undisturbed data on the physiology of the body. Signals are transmitted to a remote station by wireless transmission such as by electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared, sound and the like or by being reported locally by audio or visual transmission. The physical and chemical parameters include brain function, metabolic function, hydrodynamic function, hydration status, levels of chemical compounds in the blood, and the like. The support structure includes patches, clips, eyeglasses, head mounted gear and the like, containing passive or active sensors positioned at the end of the tunnel with sensing systems positioned on and accessing a physiologic tunnel.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a brace support having at least one strap for providing corrective orientation of a joint and unloading of the joint, and an electrical stimulation system for providing an electrical signal to a user's musculature at or proximate to the joint. The electrical stimulation system provides at least one electrical pulse to the musculature in supplement to the corrective orientation of the joint to induce contraction of the musculature. The electrical stimulation system may include at least one electrode for generating the electrical pulse, and a sensor module for determining movement and orientation of a user's limb for selectively activating the at least one electrode according to predefined criteria and feedback from the sensor module.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in order to provide navigational instructions in a manner that does not require the user to view the navigational instructions. In the context of a method, user input is received that is representative of an estimation by the user of a navigational instruction. The method also determines whether the estimation by the user matches the navigational instruction. Further, the method causes feedback to be generated at least in an instance in which the estimation by the user fails to match the navigational instruction. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for bistably actuating an actuator includes applying positive pressure in an actuator fluid supply that is fluidly connected to an actuator chamber by means of an actuator fluid supply connection, wherein a working positive pressure is generated in the actuator chamber, whereby an actuator element fluidly connected to the actuator chamber is brought from a resting position to an actuation position, pressure-tight sealing of the actuator fluid supply connection, so that the working positive pressure in the actuator chamber is maintained and the actuator element remains in the actuation position.

Abstract: A leg locomotion device includes a frame having a leg coupler configured to mount the frame to a user's leg, the frame also includes two frame components movable relative to one another in response to movement of the user's leg, an energy harvesting device coupled to the frame and configured to harvest energy from the movement of the two frame components during a first portion of a stride, an energy storage device coupled to the energy harvesting device, the energy storage device configured to store harvested energy over more than one stride, and an assist device coupled to the frame, coupled to the energy storage device to receive energy therefrom, and configured to move the frame components relative to one another to selectively assist with movement of the user's leg during a second portion of the stride.

Abstract: A system and method for providing voice prompts that identify task selections from a list of task selections in a vehicle, where the user employs an input device, such as a scroll wheel, to activate a particular task and where the speed of the voice prompt increases and decreases depending on how fast the user rotates the scroll wheel.

Abstract: Improvements in a method for creating an intelligent routing and criteria-based matching system, so that people may be matched for conferencing to each other by pre-determined matching of their characteristics and their requirements. The invention makes it possible to connect individuals who may or may not have been known to each other previously, and who may be routed to each other based on being good fits to collaborate in the stated business or social setting or other reason for dealing with another person in a video conference meeting. The invention makes it possible for suppliers of services over the video conference medium to be connected to individuals who want these services. The system takes into account the business rules and preferences of all individuals involved, so that intelligent business service collaboration may take place between parties based on pre-set criteria.

Abstract: In one embodiment, multiple cameras are logically associated in a guest registry with a mobile device. One of the cameras may be internal to the mobile device, and one of the cameras may be external to the mobile device. A network device accesses the guest registry in response to a request from the mobile device. The request may be a request for a conference call, or the request may be a request for service. A conference call is initiated in response to the request. The network device receives video data from the multiple cameras associated with the mobile device and establishes a multiple party conference call including the multiple cameras and an external device.

Abstract: Modulating a voice signal is provided. The voice signal corresponding to a voice communication is received from a sending voice communication device via a network. Voice signal features corresponding to the voice communication are extracted. A set of voice signal filters are selected to modulate the extracted voice signal features corresponding to the voice communication to an average voice signal associated with a geographic area where the voice communication is destined for. The voice signal features corresponding to the voice communication are modulated by applying the selected set of voice signal filters to generate the average voice signal associated with the geographic area where the voice communication is destined for.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention relate to method for image-based retrieval of an image or text, comprising capturing a digital image; matching the digital image against digitally-stored documents; and retrieving one or more of the digitally-stored documents that match the digital image. Other embodiments relate to a device for image-based retrieval and rendering, comprising an image capturing device for capturing digital image; a device for processing the digital image to match it against digitally-stored documents; a device for retrieving a digitally-stored document that matches the digital image; and a device for rendering the selected retrieved image.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for recognizing sign language using an electromyogram sensor and a gyro sensor. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving a gyro measurement signal and an electromyogram measurement signal from the gyro sensor and the electromyogram sensor which are attached to the body of a subject, (b) determining to which of groups clustered with similar fingerspelling motions the gyro measurement signal belongs, (c) acquiring a Gaussian model for the electromyogram measurement signal, and (d) comparing the acquired Gaussian model with Gaussian candidate models for candidate fingerspelling motions which belong to the group determined in step (b), and recognizing the candidate fingerspelling motion corresponding to the Gaussian candidate model that is most similar to the acquired Gaussian model as the fingerspelling motion of the subject.

Abstract: A workflow design system provides user interface controls that allow a workflow author to focus on the steps of the workflow before deciding on how to control the flow of the workflow. With the system, an author can change the control flow of a workflow without re-ordering the sequence of steps within the workflow. The workflow design system allows the author to define a sequence of steps and then drag a control block over these steps to capture them within the control block. The author can also later remove the control block without affecting the sequence of steps if his needs change. In addition, the system presents error-handling workflows side-by-side with the main workflow, so that the author can modify the main workflow and notice the effects and any corresponding changes for error handling workflows at the same time.

Abstract: A printing apparatus includes an image data generating device to generate image data based on a touch detection signal supplied from a written character inputting area of a touch panel inputting device, a blank space detecting device to detect and identify line data and blank space data based on the image data, an alignment processing device to delete the blank space data from the image data and to align the remaining line data end to end in a tape conveying direction of a print receiving tape, a printing data generating device to generate printing data by executing a size conversion of the line data aligned end to end so as to match the line data to a tape width, and a printing processing device to execute a printing process on the print receiving tape based on the printing data.

Abstract: A system for examining intrusions of a physical environment into a reach envelope of a vehicle traveling along a length of track. The system includes a test skid including a chassis with front and rear wheel assemblies each adapted for rollably engaging the track. The test skid may further include a laser measuring scanner supported on an upper surface of the chassis and adapted for scanning a vertical plane orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the chassis to measure a plurality of distances between the laser measuring scanner and surfaces of the physical environment when the test skid moved along the track. The system also includes a test controller executing an examination program to determine a real world envelope based on the measured distances from the laser measuring scanner and to determine intrusions by comparing a reach envelope for the vehicle with the determined real world envelope.

Abstract: An interactive cooking preparation device is presented. The user places ingredients that the user wishes to use in a recipe. The interactive cooking preparation device detects the ingredients placed by the user in the detection area of the interactive cooking preparation device using sensors. The detection results in a set of ingredient identifiers that correspond to the placed ingredients. A recipes database is then searched for the detected set of ingredient identifiers. The database search results in one or more suggested recipes. The suggested recipes are displayed to the user on a display device that is included in the interactive cooking preparation device. The user then selects one of the suggested recipes.

Abstract: A method of facilitating the identification of portable consumer articles at a point of purchase display, the method including the steps of: providing a plurality of portable consumer articles each with tactilely sensible information thereon that identifies at least one of: a) a general nature of the article and/or its contents; and b) a provider of the article; and displaying the plurality of articles at the point of purchase display in a manner that allows potential consumers to lift and handle each of the plurality of articles so as to thereby readily determine through tactile sensing of the information at least one of: a) the general nature of the handled article and/or its contents; and b) the provider of the handled article.

Abstract: A method to playback media of a feature of a hearing aid may include establishing a communication link between a computing device and a hearing assistance device; obtaining, over the communications link, a parameter of a feature of the hearing assistance device; querying from the computing device, using the obtained parameter as an input, a storage device external to the computing device for media associated with the feature; receiving the media associated with the feature from the storage device external to the computing device; and presenting the media received in response to the query to a user of the computing device.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems of communicating colors to and from colorblind people using a colorblind spectrum based on the light reflections of the colors and a coding system to indicate the colors.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for facilitating tactile identification of a document attribute. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a document. The document has a set of document attributes. The apparatus also includes a fluid incorporated within the document at a designated location associated with a document attribute in the set of document attributes. The fluid changes rigidity in the presence of an electric field to facilitate tactile identification of the document attribute.

Abstract: A device comprised of a plurality of evenly spaced tactile actuators arranged in the form of a generally C-shaped structure and worn snug around the neck by a subject to apply tactile stimuli to the subject's neck skin. An electronic controller operated by a computer program controls the actuators of the device based on signals received from an external source. The device impresses sequences of tactile stimuli around the subject's neck to provide intelligible information, cues and warnings or certain game-related sensations.